To tell you all the truth, I never, ever, ever liked him when he was still alive…I never hated his guts either. I simply never took interest (or I felt there wasn’t really any reason for me to) in what he did, nor his music, nor his life…
The Neverland scandal didn’t arouse my curiousity. To me it was just another celebrity who’s so famous that everything about whatever crap he might have done or might have been accused of doing had been blown out of proportion. I mean, honestly, an accused pedophile’s trial won’t cause that much of sensation would it? How many pedophiles’ trials actually made it on international media?
I didn’t treat the news of his death that much of a big deal either. I mean, sorry to be rude, but people die do they? I mean death is a sad thing, but he never affected my life in such a big way (not directly at least).
But what moved me what his memorial. Lots of people spoke about him. Him, not only being Michael Jackson, the artist, but Michael Jackson, the human being, Michael Jackson, the humanitarian, Michael Jackson, the friend, Micheal Jackson, the father. For me, that really was something and at that time, when I was watching the whole thing on TV, I saw him in a different life, probably more REAL that when he was alive.
The last time hubby and I came home to the Philippines, we decided to pass by the Adoration Chapel in our Parish Church before going to the mall. Just when we were about to leave, an old lady quietly approached us and handed us a crumpled letter, asking us to open and read it. It was basically a solicitation letter, stating the old lady’s medical condition and asking from financial assistance to whoever can afford it.
My husband and I gave her 50 bucks. We were thinking that she is old, and she really looks frail, and if ever she does not use it for medicine, she would probably use it for food. For us, whether or not she is telling the truth, our conscience are clear. She smiled, thanked us and left.
On the last day of our vacation, just before we leave for the airport, I had to pass by the drugstore to purchase some baby vitamins for a friend here in Kuwait. I saw the same lady at the counter. She was counting her 5 peso and 10 peso coins and the pharmacist was patiently waiting for her to finish. I got curious, so I greeted her. She remembered me and thanked me again since she said that was the biggest amount that anybody can give her. She didn’t ask me to give her more money, nor did she imply anything with regards to that…It was actually a short conversation. The pharmacist handed her only one small tablet, which made me ask him “Just one tablet?!”, “That’s all she can afford ma’am…”
I don’t remember how much I gave to the pharmacist, I think it was more or less 500 bucks, and instructed him to give her more of those tablets within that amount and to give the change to the old lady. I didn’t wait, I left after that, but it was one of the happiest moments of my life…And if I had more with me, I would have given more…
Imagine being deprived of food, clothing, shelter and safe drinking water and all other common necessities…
Extreme poverty. A terrifying thought isn’t it?
Children being forced to work at a very young age, just so they can have something to eat, not being able to get a chance to have proper education. Mothers who cannot give anything else to their children but sugar water. Families who live in the street, with nothing but cardboard boxes or hugs plastic bags to protect themselves from the rain. People with serious illnesses or the elderly, like that old lady, not being able to get proper medical attention because they cannot afford it at all.
Do you remember the last time u did something for these people?
Ladies and gents, I am not-so-proud to announce that my knowledge of mah home-country’s “current events” had dropped to the level of “pathetic”.
Reason No. 1. We have not subscribed to any of the Filipino channels due to the fact that I, myself, had thought that it’s would be a waste (I don’t like watching TV AT ALL). I would probably (again, I would have to stress), PROBABLY watch the news, but that’s it;
Reason No. 2. I don’t read Filipino magazines & newspapers (online or printed). I simply had no interest to just start reading (I confess I’d rather read other things); and
Reason No. 3. I dun have any close Filipino acquaintances (neighbors or friends), except for Mr. Systems Analyst, with whom I get most of my “what’s happenin” info from. And most of the time, I get really embarrassed for being such an ignorant idiot coz the conversation usually starts with “Have you heard about…?” and of course, me answering, “Wozzat?” or “No.” and him giving me the which-hell-hole-have-you-been-in look. (more…)
Mana was the band leader and guitarist of the famous Japanese visual kei band called Malice Mizer. Mana rarely smiles and speaks in public and answers interview questions by whispering to a band-mate who would then relate the answer. Mana is also a fashion designer and a model.
