Sunrise and Silver Scales

The pre-dawn chill nipped at Leo's bare feet as he walked towards the beach. The sky was a canvas of bruised purple and orange, slowly yielding to the rising sun. Catanduanes, his island home, was waking up. His family's nipa hut, perched precariously on the edge of a small fishing village, was still dark. Inside, his parents and younger siblings slept, their breaths shallow and rhythmic.

Leo's stomach growled, a constant reminder of their meager existence. His father, like many local fishermen, often came back empty-handed. The sea, once generous, seemed to have turned its back on them. Today, he had 5,000 PHP, a small fortune saved from odd jobs – helping fix nets, cleaning boats, and even a brief stint as a construction helper in Virac. This was his chance, his leap of faith.

He walked past the weathered fishing boats, their hulls scarred by the relentless waves. The fishermen were already preparing their gear, their faces etched with worry. He observed them closely. The catch was dwindling, but the demand for fresh fish in the neighboring barangays remained strong. That was his opportunity.

He approached Mang Tomas, a seasoned fisherman known for his skill. "Mang Tomas, good morning. How's the sea today?"

"Leo, hijo, it's rough. Not much to catch, but some 'hasa-hasa' and maybe a few 'tulingan' if we're lucky."

Leo negotiated. "Mang Tomas, how much for all the 'hasa-hasa' you catch today? I'll buy it all."

Mang Tomas squinted, surprised. "You? What will you do with so much fish?"

"I'll resell them in the other barangays, Mang Tomas. I'll give you a fair price."

After some haggling, they settled on 150 PHP per kilo of 'hasa-hasa' and 180 PHP per kilo of 'tulingan'. Leo knew he was paying slightly more than the usual price, but he needed to secure the fish.

He spent the morning helping Mang Tomas and other fishermen pull in their nets. By noon, he had secured 10 kilos of 'hasa-hasa' and 5 kilos of 'tulingan'.

Expenses (Morning):

Purchase of 'hasa-hasa' (10 kg x 150 PHP): 1,500 PHP Purchase of 'tulingan' (5 kg x 180 PHP): 900 PHP Food (rice and dried fish): 50 PHP Bamboo basket and ice (for transport): 100 PHP

Total Expenses (Morning): 2,550 PHP

He carefully packed the fish in the bamboo basket, layering them with ice to keep them fresh. He then rented a 'habal-habal' (motorcycle taxi) for 200 PHP to transport the fish to Barangay San Isidro, a few kilometers away.

Expenses (Transportation):

Habal-habal rental: 200 PHP

Total Expenses (Cumulative): 2,750 PHP

In San Isidro, he set up a makeshift stall under a large acacia tree. He called out to passersby, showcasing the fresh fish. He sold the 'hasa-hasa' for 250 PHP per kilo and the 'tulingan' for 300 PHP per kilo.

Income:

Sale of 'hasa-hasa' (10 kg x 250 PHP): 2,500 PHP Sale of 'tulingan' (5 kg x 300 PHP): 1,500 PHP

Total Income: 4,000 PHP

Calculations:

Total Income: 4,000 PHP Total Expenses: 2,750 PHP Daily Profit: 4,000 PHP - 2,750 PHP = 1,250 PHP

Updated Capital:

Initial Capital: 5,000 PHP Daily Profit: 1,250 PHP Remaining Capital: 5,000 PHP - 2,750 PHP + 4,000 PHP = 6,250 PHP

Leo carefully counted his earnings. 1,250 PHP. A significant sum for one day's work. He made a mental note of his expenses and income, knowing that meticulous record-keeping was crucial.

As the sun began to set, he returned home, a small smile playing on his lips. He bought some rice and vegetables for his family, a rare treat. He shared his success with his parents, their faces lighting up with hope. He knew this was just the beginning. He had identified an opportunity, executed a simple business plan, and managed his finances. Tomorrow, he would do it again, learning and adapting, one silver scale at a time.