You are often asked time and again by friends, family members and sometimes acquaintances, “How are you”? I guess that is the standard greeting and the standard answer is, “I’m okay”. Physically, we might look good to other people but what if you answer, “I’m not good” or “I’m sick”. What would you think would be the reaction of your friend when you say that? Some would just probably smile awkwardly and just go on while others who have genuine concern for you will ask further what is wrong.
I am guilty of this, saying okay when I am not. You are afraid sometimes that other people would think ill of you if you share your woes to the world in general. Some would just shake their heads and allow you to rant.
Just received so many messages from friends and relatives on Facebook when I posted that flood waters reached our garage. So grateful for all the concerns and regards to us. Yes, of course you are happy when you are remembered this way.
A friend (a former boss actually) posted this response on an opinion page at one of our national dailies which asked, “Is resilience bad for us as a nation”?
“Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. There is no doubt that resilience is a useful trait, especially in the face of traumatic events such as this flooding. But, if we don’t seek solutions to the problems and hold people accountable, then, what we are seeing is the dark side of resiliency”.
I agree. Filipinos are known for being resilient, we have that innate toughness when we encounter difficulties. As long as we can endure a certain situation, we don’t complain. As they say in Tagalog, “inaapakan ka na, pinapabayaan mo lang”. “Inaapakan ka na at binabastos ka na, naka ngiti ka pa rin”.
A lot of people are asking on their wall, “Where is the president”? I asked the same question yesterday and my friends responded enthusiastically. I understand he was in Davao when the flood hit Metro Manila and nearby provinces (as of now, some are still under water). Supposedly, he and his cohorts would do an aerial view of the damages but it was postponed. He didn’t show his face and true to their FAKE advocacy, he sent his assistant and a look-alike (an impostor) if you please to visit the evacuation site in Marikina City. This is the only time I observed that the president is a “no-show” in such calamities. Before, the government is always at the scene when calamities strike us, helping, coordinating works for the welfare of the people. Oh my gosh, they elected an impostor, he is just being true to himself. He is against drugs right? But how come an almost P7 billion worth of Shabu entered the Philippines last week through customs and until now, they are silent as a mouse? No condemnation on what happened, no words that he will punish those responsible for the allowed shipment. An irate friend shouted out that maybe he is busy distributing that huge amount of drugs to help those affected by the flood.
Did I say the Philippines is okay? IT IS NOT.
Dreams And Escapes 