The sea has never been far from the life of Rex, an 11-year-old fisherman’s son. As the eldest of three siblings, Rex understands his role as the kuya (older brother). Ever since he was younger, he knows his responsibility. That is, to study hard and guide his siblings.
His family lives a simple life in a small coastal community in Maasim, Sarangani Province. On some Saturdays, Rex accompanies his father to fish from four o’clock in the afternoon until nine in the evening aboard their small boat. In scorching heat and in cold sea breeze; in harsh waves and in calm waters, the two bank on courage and perseverance as they attempt to navigate Sarangani Bay in hopes of filling their empty boat with fishes to fill their empty stomachs. The rest of the family is running empty on patience.
On those Saturdays, the sea gifts them with a handful catch of bolinao, a very small fish. Rex helps his father sell these at the port for about P400 to P1,000 – enough to buy packs of rice for a family of five. On school days, Rex leaves his father preparing their boat and waits again for him during the late hours of the night.
Once, Rex shared stories of the storms that nearly drowned his dreams. He said there were times he could not go to school or attend the Catch-up Clubs (CuC) sessions because of their living situation. The money his father earns from fishing was never enough. Even when his mother accepted laundry services for their neighbors, their combined income never sufficed to sustain his and his siblings’ needs. At times, there was nothing to fill their hunger. Other times, “walay lung-agon pagka-buntag” (no food to cook in the morning.) Most of the times, the pot was empty.
And yet, no crashing waves or howling winds could extinguish the passion for learning that Rex found in Catch-up Clubs. Before, he struggled to recognize letter sounds. But now, he can confidently read stories with comprehension. He finally graduated from the program in March 2025. Rex persisted despite the situation of their family. He shared that his favorite CuCs game was racing to draw on the blackboard, something that deeply connects to his ambition.
“Gusto nako mag-Engineering pagdako, para makapatindog og balay,” he shared with pride as their half-concrete, half-woven bamboo home stood firm behind him. (I want to be an engineer when I grow up, so I can build houses.) Whatever dreams he has, these are all vividly sketched in his mind, and he knows exactly which direction to sail to reach them.
Parental support means everything to him. When his parents found out that Rex joined CuCs, they were elated, especially after understanding that because of the program, their eldest child can finally read.
“Magtarong lang gid daw og eskuwela, para makagraduate,” Rex recalled his parents’ reminders after witnessing him complete the reading remediation program. (I just have to study well, so I can graduate.)
He also shared his experience in CuCs, especially how learning and playing became lighter and happier because of his friends, one of whom is Rico. Of all the stories their teacher read in their sessions, his favorite was about two best friends because it reflected his bond with Rico.
They read together, always side by side, listening to lessons together. It made the whole program feel like smooth sailing. This is why for him, the most unforgettable part of CuCs was playing and learning at the same time. For Rex, learning to read was more than simply pronouncing words; it meant understanding them.
One thing Rex is certain of is that his dream to finish school will never be washed away, and his boats of dreams will not remain stranded on the shore. They will sail. They will not sink. They will weather the storms.
This is something he will let drift with hope and fix his eyes upon: riding with the waves, overcoming them all, because his boat is not just for himself, it carries his loved ones and their dreams too. In his heart, he knows he is more than the sea itself.