In the heart of downtown Tacloban, amidst the bustling streets and the sound of footsteps rushing to work, Tatay Norbing, 60, carefully sets up his small workstation on the sidewalk. With a wooden toolbox in one hand and a stool in the other, he prepares for another day of repairing shoes—a trade he has mastered for over 30 years.
His hands, rough and calloused from decades of work, tell the story of a man who has built a life with his own two hands. But before he became a well-respected shoe repairman, Tatay Norbing worked for many years under the blazing sun as a construction worker. The work was backbreaking, and as years went by, he came to realize that he needed something more sustainable---a way to feed his family yet with less strain on his body.
Determined to find a better path, he learned shoe repair and key duplication, skills that soon became his lifelong source of income.
Every Stitch Counts
His work may seem simple, but for many people, his services are essential. For 30 years, Tatay Norbing has been keeping people’s shoes strong and sturdy, helping them walk through life’s everyday struggles. Despite the years that have passed, his passion for his craft remains unwavering. “Asya ini it nabuhi tak pamilya,” he says, looking back at the decades of hard work that allowed him to raise six children and build a modest life in Cabalawan, Tacloban City.
Whether a simple sole replacement or a complex needlework, every day Tatay Norbing makes sure that every single pair of shoes is repaired properly for this reason so that his clients can walk with confidence every day. This dedication to quality work has made him a go-to craftsman in the city, and many of his customer as he calls “suki” return to him when shoes need repairs.
However, income is never quite stable for him. On good days when customers come one after another, he could earn around ₱500 to ₱700. On slow days, he would hardly make ₱300. Nonetheless, he appreciates whatever comes his way because he knows that every peso goes to the sustenance of his family. He also pays a ₱10 sidewalk ticket fee every day which makes him able to keep using his small space.
Challenges on the Streets
While Tatay Norbing has built a steady livelihood, his work is not without its challenges. As a sidewalk vendor, he faces the constant threat of being evicted through street clearance. There are those times when authorities would clear the area, forcing small vendors like him to pack up and leave usual spots. Nevertheless, he chooses to wait patiently and keeps his hopes high as he tries to adapt under any circumstances just so that he can continue working.
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