BIG shirt, chubby cheeks, loose pants, double chin -- that’s how I see myself.
Growing up, I am the biggest kid in the room. The typical tall and big guy who makes everyone laugh until their jaws drop and make the room loud and fun. My classmates label me as the clown of the room, and I have been living with that image. Although I know, I will never be the prince charming, good-looking classmate.
I never really care about how I look; plain shirt and pants, and I am good to go. Finding a shirt size that fits me is quite hard because searching for 3XL shirts feels like looking for a treasure chest.
I never buy shirts in the Philippines unless it is a need for the club. It is frustrating in my part to look and find for my size, so I’d rather not spend my money. Every summer, I work part-time in Japan and save money to buy shirts because it is much easier finding my size there.
Although I already accept the fact that I am obese and will be forever obese. But deep down inside, I want to wear trendy clothes without thinking if the size would fit me or not.
I want to try clothes without hearing the sales lady telling me “ay sir wala baya mi dagko nga size ana,” or “sir, di baya na maigo sa imo,” funny it may sound but it hurts deep inside.
A friend of mine who wants to help me with my weight loss convinced me to try their program. To be honest, I am not that interested in it. I only signed up for two weeks to stop her from convincing me every day.
It was fun, and people in the program are approachable and super friendly. But I have to stop because I don’t have money to continue for the program.
During the first month, I monitored what I ate a day and tried my best to prevent from eating junk food and oily viand. Weeks have passed I see changes in my body, my super tight uniform isn’t that tight anymore, my friends also observe my weight, and I keep hearing compliments which were fulfilling in my part.
Three months have passed; my weight dropped for almost 40 pounds. I was happy with the result and was more motivated to continue. I always monitor my progress and documented it for myself.
I added exercise and cardio together with my diet. For the following months, without even knowing my old shirts are now too big for me. I never realized that the day would come wherein I need to buy new set clothes and finally wear what I want with confidence and a happy heart. (Rolando Lameda Jr., AdDU Mass Communication intern)