My name is Christian Briando Riego and I grew up in Subic Bay Children’s Home.
Subic Bay Children’s Home is my Home. It wasn’t just a home that was filled with the traditional warmth and familiarity, often associate with the Word, but also, it was a roof above my head, a place of structure, and, in it’s own way, a foundation upon which I begun to build my life.
I came in the Children’s Home when I was Seven years old along with my 3 siblings.
Well, the story of my life is, when I was just 6 yrs old, my father had a tragic tricycle accident and it was the time that our mother cannot give us enough food, so she decided to give us to Subic Bay Children’s Home, so that we we can have a beautiful, successful, and meaningful life.
Life inside those wall was a rhythm of bells and routines, but within that rhythm, there were moments of real connection. That feeling, and the small spark of belonging kept me going.
Not everyday was easy, there were some days that I feel invisible, lost in the crowd, days when I ached for a family, for someone to say, “I am here, and I see you.” but despite of those days , there was always something..,a shared laugh, a helping hand, a quiet moment of understanding.
It reminded me that I wasn’t completely alone.
Today, I am proud to say that I am now a skilled worker, and finishing carpentry and many more. I am aslov teaching the younger boys whom the DSWD took from us and I was so affected that I cannot get enough sleep thinking of them.
My story is a living testament of the fact that even when life began in a place of loss, it can blossom into something beautiful, and meaningful life. This story written not just with ink, but it came from the bottom of my heart.