I couldn’t sleep. I knew I had to tell the story. This one’s about a coin and a song–pretty unremarkable things, really. There isn’t anything unusual about the coin, except that I found it 7 years too late. Yesterday, I was cleaning and reorganizing my closet yet again when I found an old trinket box that a good friend had given to me a long time ago. I even forgot I had it. When he gave it to me, the only thing that was inside was a friendship bracelet. Nothing too fancy–just the kind made by twisting and knotting together different color strings. Exactly the kind that costs almost next to nothing but is priceless on its own. Now I had that bracelet locked somewhere years ago–because I didn’t want it to become too faded and worn out–so I was seriously considering throwing the tiny box into a much larger “OUT” box. In fact, I did. But the thud that the trinket box made against some of my old stuff caught my attention.
Like a kid hoping to find a genie trapped inside an old bottle–or at least like one who found out that she made it on Santa’s nice list on Christmas morning–I was vigorously shaking the small box close to my ear. Nothing. It didn’t make a sound but I was too bored that I was certain something had to be inside. I lifted the lid. My eyes had to agree with my ears. There was nothing inside, but the years had aged the box so much so that I could make out something at the bottom. The bottom was covered in blue felt, and a circular image was embossed on it. Feeling very Indiana Jones, I took a tweezer and peeled the paper out of the way. That’s when I found the P1 coin–the old one that’s big and heavy, the kind only coin collectors would have. For me, though, it wasn’t the coin itself that was interesting, but the three words engraved into its surface. (No, not the three words that you have in mind.) CRASH AND BURN. And on the other side was “Love,____”
Now, when I don’t know something, I have trouble going to sleep. Since my sister’s iPod was right next to my bed, I figured it would help me sleep. Four or five songs into the playlist, I realized that the song I was listening to was Crash and Burn (Actually, I didn’t catch the first chorus. I’m that bad at songs unless it’s my favorite artists.’) Only then did I truly understand. It’s amazing how the brain can retrieve conversations and detailed images that you have somehow forgotten. And I admit I can induce selective amnesia when it’s truly necessary. Now I remember that he gave it to me after I went through a circus of a breakup.
Lesson learned. The moral of the story is that when you’re trying to send a message, make sure it won’t take the other person 7 years to discover it. Seriously, my problem is that when I’m with a prince, I still wonder about frogs and other ponds.
Interesting Monday, though–or Tuesday morning, now, actually. It seems that he found me on Facebook, too, and I’m looking at him–and his beautiful wife and baby. This is the part where you say, “Aw…*sniff*” Too bad I can’t sell the coin. LOL.
Sigh of relief. Princess was saved from PBB Double Up’s first eviction last night. After Melai, who’s so lovable and a natural comic, Princess is my favorite Pinoy Big Brother Housemate. She’s bubbly, loyal, outspoken, smart, very pretty, and Bisaya! And is it just me or does she also remind you of these cute Bratz dolls with the almond eyes and lush lips? I find them so adorable, and so is Princess Lieza Manzon. You go, gurl!
PBB's Princess looks like the Bratz character Jade
Watching the news a couple of nights ago, I realized once again that I come from a country of resilient, resourceful people. With many of the classrooms still under waist-deep water to remind us of typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma), teachers in Laguna came up with creative solutions to push through with their lessons. Billiard halls, garages, and even their own backyards and homes were cleaned and transformed into makeshift classrooms.
Photo courtesy of http://travelpod.files.wordpress.com
As cities remain flooded, the traditional banca (rowboat) has taken to the streets. Alongside it are pedicabs (bicycles with a passenger cab) attached to inflated tire interiors to make them work the way pedal boats do.
Just last week, farmers attempting to salvage their crops headed for the fields, which seemed to look more like the Pacific Ocean, on board bamboo rafts and boats. Finding their crops completely submerged, they made like pearl divers and did the harvesting while holding their breath underwater.
Photo courtesy of http://www/crs.org/philippines
While these scenes should have left me feeling sorry–if not horrified–for my country, I felt a surge of pride instead. True, we are a country of workers who leave the humble comforts of our homes to clean yours. Yes, many of us spend some time away from their families to help you care for yours, in exchange for a chance to experience “the good life” where “the grass is greener.” Even those who have managed to stay make their living providing customer care for companies overseas. Still, I’m glad that despite the derogatory remarks directed at Filipinos from time to time, our desire to rise above adversities coming our way is fueled like never before. If there’s one thing Pinoy-bashing has done for us, it’s to help us keep our focus on our goals–no matter how difficult.
Photo courtesy of http://justsayknow.paidtoblog.com
I reserve judgment on those who take pleasure in posting hate comments not just on Filipinos but on other ethnicities as well. I couldn’t care less about the motivations behind these convictions. Rather than exchanging hostilities, I choose to celebrate the good in Pinoy culture, as having the bad side with the good is universal and not at all limited to a single person or nation. I laud the common Juan for his creativity and positive outlook. After all, there are very few people who can smile and wave at the news camera as they sit huddled on a rescue raft with only the clothes on their back to call their own.
