Tricia is a twenty-one year old girl who lives in an underdeveloped area with her sick father, Ronald, in Malate, Manila. Their house is small, made of wood and iron patchwork. They were simply fortunate that no powerful typhoons had struck their area thus far. Tricia only finished high school and was unable to attend college due to a lack of money. Sometimes, she found herself alone in her room, thinking about her life. Nothing hurts more when you're crying at night without making a noise and losing your breath with those silent screams of hurt.
Luckily, she is also supported by her handsome lover, Efron, who works as an elementary school teacher and always brings her food after work every day.
Tricia used to sell fish at the market, but it didn't work out, so she had to find another job. She applied to several fast-food restaurants and businesses, but they all required a college diploma.
The overwhelming rejection, failures, and discrimination made her depressed. When she got home, she was shocked to see Efron feeding her father and sitting next to him, and her face got an odd expression as she noticed he was still dressed in his uniform.
Tricia hustled and tapped on his shoulder. "Hey Efron, you should go home now. I've been abusing your kindness too much."
Efron swiveled his head around and put the food on the table before explaining. "I'm glad you're already here, Tricia. The door to your house was open, so I went in right away. I saw your father sitting here and he was looking at the food I brought, so I know he's hungry!"
Tricia put her pink handbag on the table and sat next to Efron, who noticed the sadness on her face. He took the plate and fed Tricia's father again. "How was your day? Do you already have a job?"
Tricia breathed heavily and fought back her tears. "Well, I failed the interview because they discovered I only had a high school diploma, and didn't waste any more time getting to know me better. How sad... this country is full of judgmental people!"
Efron just continued to feed Tricia's father while they talked. "Don't you want to be a call center agent? They accept high school graduates as well," he suggests. "With your educational background, you have a better chance of being hired in a call center, not to mention the salary, perks, and bonuses they offer if you get hired."
Tricia's scarlet lips turned down in a disapproving frown.
"Call center is not really my thing, Efron. My mind doesn't work at night; I doubt that my interviewer will only mock my English speaking skills," she replied with a long face.
Efrom felt his mouth grimace but worked not to show his disappointment too strongly. "I have no single shred of doubt to you, Tricia. But it seems to me that you are picky in choosing work. You will starve to death if you do not change your perspective. Remember, your father depends on you as well."
"Well, maybe the companies I applied to were not meant for me," Tricia said as she opened her handbag and fixed her ruffled hair in the mirror. "I am so beautiful. What a shame, they should at least base the interview on my physical appearance. If only I could sell my body to them, I would have done it!"
Efron did not hold his tongue and spoke angrily.
"Tricia, find another way to earn money except for prostitution. Although it can give you instant money and gratification, it will do more harm than good in the long run, I swear!"