SIOPAO VERSUS DONUT

It was almost 11am and there's Kirby, my nephew; Rowel, my brother and myself sitting inside a small canteen beside the ENT clinic in Bauang for Rowel's check up for his frequent sneezing. 'Tho we came early, there were other two who came earlier than us so I decided to bring both to a nearby barber shop while we wait for our turn. As their reward for having consented to a haircut of my choice, we proceeded to Dunkin' Donuts for a 9-piece variety of classic donuts. Kirby took the chance to purchase the 3 Transformer collectibles from the store. We left the store, him very happy with his Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee and Drift collectibles.

While waiting for the doctor, we sat down at the canteen for our 8-oz Pepsi while we munch our donuts. There's an old man, about early 50's, a woman, maybe late 40's and another little boy, about 4-5 years old who man the canteen. When we started eating, the young boy started crying. The woman asked the girl who dropped by at the store to go to 7-11 convenience store to buy siopao for the boy. When she came back, I'm done with my Bavarian creme and heard the woman shouting at the boy. She said that should he woke up early, he should have taken breakfast and now he's pale and weak. She insisted to have him take a bite of the siopao and eat. She let him choose between pepsi or cobra for a drink. He chose cobra in strawberry flavor. While the boy was trying to eat, the woman kept on yelling at the little boy, telling him the consequences of staying up late, of playing outside the house under the sun, of not eating sufficiently, etc etc. I can see the boy taking small bites of his siopao. I thought he didn't like much what was there for his snacks. He look small for his age, his arms almost as small as my encircled thumb and pointfinger. And he looks very weak. I couldn't help but to ask the woman if his son was sick. The woman said he's not a son, he's a nephew. She showed me a picture of him when he was "chubby and not like now" look. The boy was so cute in the picture, full bodied and happy.

Still cringing during every bite of his siopao, I offered him our donut. I could see his face lighten up a bit. I showed him what's left in the box- 2 chocolate flavored donuts, 1 candy filled and one Boston creme. He chose the colorful candy filled donut. The aunt instructed him to say thank you. Just after he took his share, he immediately grabbed a bite, chewed and swallowed and followed by another bite. I thought he must have liked the donut than the siopao. After his second bite, I was then told that it's Rowel's turn to see the doctor. I went inside the clinic to hear what the doctor might say of my brother's condition having totally forgotten about the boy. We went home a bit exhausted but remembering what happened this morning, I thought I am lucky. I am lucky and happy that I am given the chance to make someone happy today. 

You see, everyday we get the chance to do good to someone and when we do and act upon that chance, no matter how they look or what the circumstance maybe, no matter how young or old these people maybe, or no matter if someone sees or no one ever get to see, indeed, "doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure" and I can testify that doing good to someone brings happiness and joy and meaning to our existence. May we continue to share our helping hands and bring joy to our lives, for this is what it meant to live! 

LOST AND FOUND

Found this Nokia cellphone under the chair where Knycole was sitting while we watched the movie Transformer: Age of Extinction. It was ringing few minutes after the movie started. I was honestly pissed off and ready to bash anyone I caught using his/her cellphone while the movie was on going. Every minute, it'll ring, and my daughter was so curious where the sound was coming from. After 5 minutes, she figured out where the sound was coming from and it's from under her chair. She took it out but I told her to put it off so we concentrate with the movie. I opened the cellphone when we got home. Checked the inbox and found 78 messages, one of which, the latest was addressed "ma". I thought it must be a student who just lost a cellphone. I called the person using the newly found phone. She said the owner was her husband. She thanked me for contacting her and made appointments to see me the next day. I informed her that the phone is going low batt so I used my own phone to text her the next day but the next day, I was busy so I have to inform her of my schedule. After 2 days, she texted she'll drop by at my house to collect this Nokia Xpressmusic phone. I waited til almost 5pm and a couple in red polo shirts came walking towards my apartment. I went down to meet them and handed over the phone when they reached the gate. The woman was very grateful, introduced herself and gave me a shakehand. She said her name was Melinda. Her boyfriend shoke hand with me as well and told me his name but I've forgotten. They were thankful and assured them it's ok. The guy said he was busy with the movie he didn't notice his phone fell off. I thought they're lucky. Tho the phone maybe a bit old, it's still a good find. But to give back something lost and see them happy and hear them say thank you is a fulfillment. Such a beautiful day to have made someone happy. And oh, did I say I'm happy, too? 

ON A WEDNESDAY 7/2/2014

It was a sunny Wednesday. Scheduled to accompany mom to buy her meds with her ENT doctor and meet the owner of the cellphone Knycole found at CSI cinema last night while we watched the movie Transformers: Age of Extinction. And a trip to Baguio after my morning appointments. 

Our 2-hour travel on a Mitsubishi Montero sport was such a comfort. 'Tho I lack the necessary sleep for the night, headache didn't bother visit me as we were busy chatting, laughing and eating inside the car. It was past 2pm when we arrived at a friend's house. We immediately unloaded our groceries, started cutting vegetables for our sinigang na sugpo and marinated the porkchops and finished cooking and frying in no time. Rice was ready and while we prepare for our late lunch, I gathered all the ingredients for our macaroni salad and had them mixed and done in minutes. Lunch with 2 boys with amazing appetites is contagious. We finished off 2 big plates of rice, a kilo of porkchop and a big bowl of sinigang. Post lunch, boys wanted to sip some vodka and mixed them with lemon, crushed ice and cranberry juice, served with boy bawang, guapples dipped in vinegar, grapes sliced in half, apples and bananas combined, a bowl of macaroni salad and a big bag of Marty's chicaron. There's 6 of us who filled in the 6-seater dining table while we listen to love songs played on the radio. We kept on munching and them, drinking while we chat and laugh and giggle. I guess, a can of Del Monte pineapple juice isn't a good partner for all those foods, or it is just psychological because I was craving for coke with lots of ice in it the whole time

It was past 7pm when we decided to go back home to San Fernando. While we passed through Legarda Road, one of them chided if we can still go on for another hour of karaoke. So instead of going home straight to La Union, we right turned to a street that led to Session Road but couldn't find any karaoke bar in the most famous road in the city of Pines. We ended up in our favorite hangout- at Will's Cafe. We enjoyed list'ning to the singers for their acoustic night. Requested 6 (?) songs which the singers graciously and perfectly sang for us.

I thought that we will only hang out for a cup of hot choco and them some coffee but we ended with a plate of tortilla, a serving of crispy pata and a fruit platter.  And yes, 5 bottles of San Mig Light for my friends. That made me decide to cancel my hot choco and order coke instead. My cravings for coke was satisfied but I didn't even finish half of it. I was so full! There's no more space left in my tummy!

Nine quarter when we left the place. We were noisy inside the car, trying to keep the night, and our driver, alive. As adults, we talked of topics that affected us through the years, topics that made us who we are right now, topics that molded us into a better us and topics that persistently bug us but nevertheless became our strength. During that long drive, 4 of us felt the need to find a bathroom but couldn't find any. Our driver decided to park the car at a shoulder road, found a dark place and peed on the wall. Needless to say, another girlfriend had to do it due to urgency. Forgive the older people. There's those that can't do bladder control anymore (hahaha).

Safely home now at 11pm and still couldn't sleep due to a bloated stomach. I must have eaten too much! Now I have to stay up late a little more to let those foods get digested. Well, all in all, I had fun. I may be tired but yes, I enjoyed and I learned. I learned that we are humans capable of making mistakes but can be changed if we wanted to. I relearned that faith in God is an ingredient on how to overcome trials. I learned that we need a list'ning ear and an understanding heart to be able to help others. Lastly, I learned that GOOD FRIENDS ARE GOD-GIVEN! Let us learn to choose our friends and keep those who made a difference in our lives.

WORK IT IS!

Water is scarce. Heat of the sun is slowing down most of our activities. Most of the time, I find myself sitting on the couch, legs up, electric fan on me while the TV is on or while I browse on the iPad. 

At 5 or 6am, I have to wake up, check if there's water that comes out from the faucet and immediately fill out all 6 containers, do the laundry, take a bath and refill. Sometimes, I have to wake my daughters up early so they could "avail" of the ample supply for their baths.  

Yesterday, when I checked out our containers, there's only about 5 gallons left. Not enough for a bedtime bath and for washing the dishes. I thought we can let the dishes stay for the night on the sink and had them washed the next day when water comes. But I couldn't sacrifice going to bed without taking a shower. I then checked on the kids who would run around the compound and wait for residents to call them for their services. These kids live outside our compound, they are poor kids who get money from our neighbors who would ask them to do stuff like buying coke or beers at lunchtime or early evening, having the garbage thrown, by scrubbing the floors, or by fetching water. I found myself asking these kids buy a litro of coke in between meals for snacks in the middle of the day and give them 10pesos for their service. 

Last night, I found them near the gate of a neighbor playing. I waved my hands hoping they could see me with the lights on at my veranda. After few seconds, they saw me and came to my house running. I asked them if they wanted to fetch water for us. Without second thought, they agreed. I lived at the second floor of a 2-story house. To fetch water from a deep well about 10meters away and bring them to the second floor will take strength and these kids were of small built but very willing to do the job. I handed them 2 small pails and they went ahead. After few minutes, they came back with water in the pails 3/4 full. The biggest of them lifted one pail and the other pail was shared by the 2 smaller ones. They came back and forth 4 times, filling 2 big buckets, just enough for a bath of 3 persons. After their 4th, I said it's enough and asked Knycole to hand them over 50pesos. I'm done with my quick shower and was inside the room when Knycole knocked on the door and informed me they didn't leave yet. I said "give them additional 10 so it'll be 20 each". After giving them extra 10, they asked for bread. They must have seen the loaf bread on the table when they passed through the kitchen and poured the water in the bins inside the bathroom. Without hesitation, I asked Knycole to spread on peanut butter on a pair of loaf bread and served them a glassful of coke so they could eat while resting. I could hear them laugh and told stories while snacking. After 10minutes, the youngest came to the living room and asked me where to put the glasses. I instructed him to lay the glasses on the sink. I asked their names but as of writing time, I have forgotten. They left happy and full.

After they left, I told my nephew, Kirby who sat beside me to always be thankful for his mom who work too hard so he could have a better life. He didn't get to experience what these kids have to experience. He has a good life, a comfortable life because he has a mom who's willing to sacrifice and work hard so he could enjoy the best of what life has to offer. He smiled and said, "opo". 

In few days, rainy season will be here. There'll be much water and there's no need for me to ask for these kids' services. No, not for fetching water. But I'm sure they will still be seen around waiting for my neighbors' call for help. There'll be days when they'd be working, days when they'd be vacant, days when they'd be just playing around. But you see, these kids go to school, too. They just don't play around and work. They have goals. They have dreams. And they knew hard work. They knew the value of money and they are, in my own opinion lucky to experience life. I believe the hard work they do will be their inspiration to work harder, to study harder and to dream bigger. I was once like them- working for neighbors to have money to buy my own toys and other needs. I learned that working is the only way to get by, that by studying hard, dreams can be reached. To us who love work, let us celebrate that we are able, that we can, that we do. More work, please! 

BANKING AND CURIOSITY

Was at BDO bank to do some transactions when a woman in her mid-50's who's seated beside me started talking to me. She's wearing a white blouse, a blue denim shorts and a slip on. She's holding a class A Coach shoulder bag, a gold ring on her left 4th finger and a white Guess wrist watch on her left arm. With her were 3 young girls and 2 teenage boys. I believe she's opening a bank account. Bank staff busy with paperworks. She said that her previous transactions are done at Cebuana Lhuillier branches but when the ---refused to let her do transactions of withdrawing more than 50,000pesos, she then decided to open a bank account. I smiled at her but said nothing. When the staff checked on her application, she must have missed out some info and was asked several questions like who's sending the money, what was the occupation of the sender, where did the money come from, how many times will she receive money. According to the woman, her daughter, a domestic helper in Singapore is sending her money once a month and that she prefer to receive it here because they can dispense any amount sent to her. The staff asked if how much will she withdraw. She said, "well, I want to withdraw everything today because my family will go to Pampanga tonight". The staff said she need to have at least a thousand pesos in her account to keep it active. The woman agreed. The staff then removed 6 1000 pesos from a bundle of 20 1000's and gave it to the woman together with 2 thick bundles of 500 pesos amounting to 50,000 each. The woman concluded that she's taking home 114,000 pesos. The staff gave a positive affirmation. She then left the counter and did my own transaction. There were questions in my mind when I left the bank. I was an ICU nurse who've worked in a government hospital in Saudi Arabia. Most of my colleagues get a minimum salary of 42k to a maximum of 90k from the ministry. I was wondering if domestic helpers working in Singapore are getting much more than a nurse who work in Saudi Arabia. 

"MAIS......MAIS....."

This little compound we live in is composed of less than 20 houses, mostly bungalows, duplexes and 2-story buildings. The compound, 'tho private has an access to the public who might want a short cut from the Diversion Road to the street at the back going to the National Highway. Most of those who use this "secret passage" are the vendors who sell fish, vegetables, mais (corn) and pandesal. Everyday, at 6am I can hear the pandesal vendor shouting "pandesal" in his bicycle, and between 8-9am and 1-2pm, men and women or even teenage kids with a basket they carry on their head or arms shout "mais....mais...". Mais is sold for 5 pieces for 25 pesos, 5pesos more expensive than that in the market. It's the season for corn so there's more than one in the area who do sell the native, sticky mais everyday. At times that I crave for mais, I would wait for someone who would come to my doorstep to sell me the best corn on the cob for either snacks or breakfast. Knycole has preference over those sellers. She knew who sells the best mais while I buy from the first available vendor who would come to the compound. 

Most of the time, I pity these vendors. It's summer time and the heat under the sun all throughout the day plus the heavy load they carry to sell their products were such a challenge for a business like this. As I look at them, a thought came to my mind: maybe if they've finished college, they won't be on the streets selling mais. Or if they were born to a rich family, they would never experience such a difficult life. And there's more "ors" and "ifs" in my mind as I ponder their situation. On the other side, I admire the hard work they do. I knew it isn't easy and I also knew that given the chance, they wouldn't be on the streets walking and enduring the heat of the sun carrying a basketful of mais everyday. But then again, no matter how hard it is for them to do their work, these vendor deserve one thing- respect! They maybe doing an odd job and earning a meager income but the job they do is, in Filipino, MARANGAL NA TRABAHO! 

RESPECT, DEAR, RESPECT!

Went home from a dinner hosted by my friend at one of the villas in Thunderbird Resort. When my oldest daughter opened the door for me, she immediately told me that a friend, Kassan is staying for the night because they'll go for an early morning jog tomorrow. Kassan is a member of our Church. Her parents are both leaders in the church. She live a few meters from our apartment. I saw her sitting on the couch as I entered the house. She didn't say anything, as if I didn't exist when I arrived. Kids were all sitting on the sofa, including my nephew Kirby as they watched "How to train your Dragon'. I started telling stories of the dinner I had. Only Kryztl gave me feedbacks. After few minutes, I had my shower and prepared the bedroom for our sleep. Knycole insisted they will take the foam outside so they could sleep in the living room. I contested. I can take the foam on the floor with Kirby and them-  kryztl, knycole and kassan on our 60x75 bed inside the room. Knycole said kassan is so shy she might want to sleep in the living room rather than staying with us in the bedroom. I said it's ok no problem. Knycole insisted and started to raise her voice and told me i cannot understand. Should they have told me, I should have understood! But nobody told me what's going on so what is it that i should understand? She got more irritated with my questions and tried to defend her friend in my expense. I then raised my voiced and told them whatever it is she's going through, tho it's not my right to know, they should at least have told me so I can extend more understanding and compassion. But the kids were so protective of their friends that I have to be dealt with as if I owe them something, i have to tell them then, that  between their friend and me, I deserve more honor and respect than protecting the interest of their friends. I have to tell them i need to talk to them  in the morning. They then took the foam and pillows to the living room. I instructed further that they should prepare their things they needed so they will not disturb me early tomorrow. I locked the door for them to know I am serious. How that. I wanted to tell the kids the importance of respecting their mothers first before protecting their friends. After all, I DESERVE IT!