CONTEMPLATE
Easterly waves continue to bring rain over CDO these past few days, enough to cool the
atmosphere, eliminate the dust, wet the grass and calm my spirit. Earlier today, I noticed myself doing something I used to as a child - looking up to the skies, watching the clouds
gather and theorizing which place was actually experiencing rain. Rain cloud movement always
amuses me. Many years of employment deprived me of that amusement. It feels good that today,
I no longer have to worry about heavy downpours and storm signals that used to hurry me home
from work, beating the floods
that would rush in, traffic that intensified to a riotous level or turbulence in the sky
that would lead to panic-stricken passengers. The sky was completely gray and unperturbed
this afternoon with winds enough to make leaves fall from the trees. How wonderful!
Evidently, it is raining right now. The A/C can take a break tonite...rain serves as a
sedative for pooped bodies like mine is. It is music sent from above to relax the mind.
Strange however, our place in the boondock is dry but very foggy and cold.
Talking of the boondock, our domestic assistant (who is from up there) had to dash back
to her place a couple of days ago, as her two-year old daughter lost two fingers while
playing with a machete (what they call a cyclone, shaped like a quarter moon). Don't ask
me what she was doing with that cyclone machete!! Practically every adult in that area
carries a machete, as most of them are coconut climbers. The adults in her household are
obviously culpable. Geez! Where did they leave their brains?
Today, she appears in the
pm and informs me that she will be working only til end of this month. Hmmm...nope, if she
gotta go, she gotta go - now!
Alas, I am back to being a triple "c" = Chlorox, Cucina, Cancel! And
it is a pure "ouch" for my limbs and muscles.
But the "ouch" is not the point I am driving at. It is what I saw today through the eyes of my now "ex" eighteen year-old domestic assistant. You see, it is the attitude and the "
lil worlds" that we, Filipinos maintain.
When she started three months ago, I saw someone who wanted an opportunity, not only with
matters concerning the pesos she may earn, but the opportunity to gain dignity and educate
herself with experience to eventually improve her life and that of her daughter and family.
Unfortunately, I was wrong. So now, I wonder...what is it that these people want?
Many belong to her category, that of being carefree, laid-back and unconcerned, a mediocre
attitude. In tagalog, it would probably be "sa walang bahala" (to no concern).
The few fortunate ones who actually cherish the moment, clutch and grab any other
bigger or better opportunity. They see the advantage and therefore make so much more progress in life.
The majority, who belong to the poor and less fortunate, miss out on these opportunities for
lack of passion, ambition, intuition and self-respect which some
call "hope". (Don't tell me it's lack of education or opportunity! Everyone
dreams of better things in life, no matter where one comes from.) The annoying part of any
story is regret. When they realize their inadequacy, they either point a finger of
accusation, or maintain foolish pride, which, as I have observed, is very Filipino.
"Huwag mo ako idamay" or "huwag lang ako" (Don't involve me or just not me).
We love to blame others for our own shortcomings.
When shall we learn to put things in
their proper perspective and take that much needed responsibility? I feel terrible knowing that I tried to impart words of
wisdom (whew!) but to no avail.
Right now, she is probably back, cuddling her two year-old daughter...maybe, it is where she is really suppose to be. But I sure hope she wakes up to
the reality that the future of this little two year old is in her hands - today.
I truly wonder if she really meant it when she said "Thank you". Now I have my doubts.
On another tone, I guess Brother Eddie got a message from up above. I did not hear any
announcement today of his intention to run. Thank the good Spirit!!! In contrast, FPJ, "Da
King", continues to be talked about everywhere despite his being an invisible man. I wonder
how he'll turn out to be if seated in the Palace with those hungry wolves around
him. Will a tagalog version of Hollow Man be in the making?
On the lighter and better side: Through the assistance of a HS classmate, I met a group
of new friends in the USA, who call themselves "BASAK
", (Bayanihan ang
Sasaklolo sa Bayan) who have generously donated some cash and a box containing some used clothing,
shoes, toys and school materials for my dear neighbors in the boondocks. I sent out an e-mail
soliciting support for a project I want to start and hope to continue as long as I can.
"Teddy Bear" and I are hosting a Christmas party where we will distribute these items, and by
Saturday, start the repair of their little 
bumped by some PCSO van.
To top it all, "Teddy Bear" and his daringness disobeyed the law and
made a turn in a No-U Turn zone. Can you imagine my red face and teary eyes?
Yup, another basis for the "cold front"! Well, why cry over spilled milk...
let the dare-devil handle the repair.
produce of my lemon tree - it was the size of a softball. I can't wait to be up in
my boondock! Yuletide carols being sang by a choir....
