21/09/2023
‼️CAUTION LONG POST‼️
I just want to express my appreciation to Concrete Jungle Reptile Farm PH and bro Tomy for giving me the opportunity to station a booth, interacting with guests, introducing, educating and giving about reptilesand their care, giving some of them to their new owners, and giving me something new to experience in an event. Here are some of them and my takeaways (both good and bad points):
1. It is such a joy to see guests handle the reptiles for the first time, especially children. Some were afraid at first, and some totally hesitated. That is okay since we cannot force everyone to like reptiles. However, we will not stop educating people about them. To be honest, having that fear is okay. This fear makes you cautious and more careful. But it doesn't mean that you should give in to that fear. Take it from these very brave guests, young and old, from some of these photos.
2. Teaching guests our passion is enjoyable, and them being happy puts a smile on my face. However, doing that almost straight all day for 3 days is a gruelling task. I also chose to do this with limited breaks because I want to. This is something I look forward to in those three days, and I want to make the most of it by limiting the time for my breaks (of course without pushing myself too much). But be prepared for sore legs and feet for a couple of days (mine have abs already 🤣). Also, I should prepare plenty of water for next time.
3. I get to interact with guests (young and old, local and foreign) and educate them about the reptiles that we have. I am actually quite introverted and don't like to interact much. I was surprised that I suddenly got out of that zone and just bursted words out of my mouth. Well, it just goes to show how much I love reptiles and sharing them with other people.
4. Since you are stationed in the booth, you get little to no time to wander around. There were times that I was able to wander and check around, but only for a couple of minutes. Not because I was not allowed to do so, but I know in my mind that I have a job to do and a lot of people to entertain. Although it is not that bad I was not able to walk around, and at least I did not overspend my money on other stuff hihi 🤣
5. No words can express how happy and grateful I am for the benefits I got on this job. I got free lunch for all the days I was able to man the booth and two beautiful snakes at the end of the event. I did not join the raffle since bro Tomy said he'd give me something I like that they brought at the end of the event, and he did. I got a pair that is worthy to be included in one of my breeding projects in the future. I did not get paid in cash, but I got something more that is worth the effort.
I really hope you'd let me do this again, bro Tomy in future events (assuming no conflicts in the schedule of my classes). If ever you'll invite more people like me, I hope they get to experience the joy I did. See you again in future events!!
Credit all Photos to Concrete Jungle & Bro Tomy