Meeting persons and re-experiencing the world again

For the past weeks, my only partner in a chit-chat is my computer.
It was all procedural, methodological and quite a techie. I must admit that I laughed in many occassion by just conversing with my computer. The yaya couldn't get hold of her amazement why I would be laughing with a mechanical device which glued me for days now.
Until one day, I had a breather for life to get out.
It was raining and I loathed the damp world outside because its screwing my thoughts to disasters and its anent issues about mismanagement to fully assist victims of flood.
I might as well say that a day-long rain in Iligan means flood to this city's villages. That means homes inundated by water or worst, be flashed away.
Inside the jeep, I was so quiet and was so glued to unfamiliar faces seated together and whose knees are almost touching one against the other.
Then suddenly, an old woman next to me blabbered so many things. She got my attention and I was keenly listening to her, although I have not uttered any word in response. Then a realization crept thru me. I have been a recluse for some weeks to evade the peoples woes.

Passenger: "Uh, what time is it? My watch is too advance. Maybe your cellphone has the right time. This world has become so technologically advanced... and those who can't afford couldn't enjoy these computers and gadgets. You know why? Its corruption. There are many government people corrupting our resources and the peoples money. This is the reason why others are enjoying technology while many others lagged behind. Did you hear reports over radio? The tuition fees for students will be increased too. My children... Tsk Tsk Tsk.... Poor children. I was so lucky that I was not born in this generation. I hope I could provide what they need. Things are getting expensive. This government is so hopeless. Sigh!

Her eyes were so distant. Then the jeep halted in a gasoline station. I told her "I'll go down ahead." The woman replied, "yeah, you should be careful because you are still too young."

I flipped the umbrella. I didn't look back at her but my mind was stucked with what she said. I walked past toward the Sentro sa Magbalantay to see some friends I have not seen for months or years. I also enjoyed the short conversation we had, some reflections about works and about unshared feelings on development workers' world. I see talents, I see writers who doesn't have the time to write what they actually felt or their actual contributions to community development.

The office I was actually in is a resource center. There where colorful trinkets-- replica of our cultures and arts sold at a low price. You can also have some alternative products here from massage oil to bocayo (coco candy) that are locally made.You can also enjoy coffee here with wifi.

Minutes later, I went to Iliganon, a restaurant with cool accoustic music. The group that I am supposed to meet to discuss some conflicts was already gone. So, after having a mouthful of chicken siopao and 8oz bottle of coke, I took a jeep way back home. But just as we reached the old Gaisano department store, a family embarked to ride the jeep I was in.

The woman was furious to her husband and children.

Old woman: "Why didn't you brought your ID with you? That is the only proof of who you are? Are you afraid to tell the world who you are? I myself would not forget to put my ID inside this wallet even if it has only 10 centavos inside. How many times do I have to tell you that. Your ID will prove that you are a decent person. See? These children are so annoying. My daughter was so angry at me why I didn't pick up the cellphone. I know the attitude of my children. They may be good or they may be bad but still they came from my womb and that is something I learned to accept. I also learned to accept that I have a husband that I could have killed long time ago, if only I was not afraid of God. YOu. You all do not have fear in God. You don't have a conscience. Only then that you are about to die would you believe in God. I even have accepted that God has given me a man I could have killed for being so unhelpful."

I stared the man who sat infront of me. He stared me back with a look that was full of questions and regrets.

I reached home; saw Brian just finished brushing his teeth and was preparing to leave to Cagayan de Oro for work.
"I have many five peso coins... but I won't give it to you..." he said smiling.
"Uh, what do you think? I am going to sing in a karaoke center of the city? Put that hook off. I have so much of this day," I replied.

I put on Obsessed, an American movie, in the DVD player. I chatted with my homemates about the trinkets I bought and if they are interested on it.

Brian planted a kiss on my forehead and reminded me to buy vitamin C for everyone in the house. At least, a minor effort to fight swine flu virus that take its tool of victims in the city of Davao. Oh, that danger to health is just an 8-hour travel away from us.

I took my seat. I'd better watch the movie and relax. My son Lexi, in on the internet's youtube again. Glued to Mickey Mouse.