Strange Homo Sapiens

Not really disappointed but more dismayed. Who would not be? Here I am, trying to be a serious responsible citizen wanting to contribute something worthy to humanity but was discouraged by the response of my fellow homo sapiens. Their preference is so strange I decided to take a break.

I am a member of this photo sharing website where one can post and share pictures, complete with titles, description and tags. Other interesting features are views, and comment/s from viewers; but what I like most, is that it automatically organize the pictures in a lot of ways- by the date the picture was taken, by sets, or according to tags. It’s so easy to keep track of the pictures.

So, this one photo sharing website was very entertaining to me. I was so caught up with it that I took pictures about anything my eyes deemed strange, cute, or worth showing; but my eyes do not discriminate. Everything under the sun - be it a stray dogs, cat on the rooftop, frogs in my backyard, the birds, the rain, are considered great candidates for best pictures.

I quickly downloaded all photographs that I have gathered, diligently describing each of them and lovingly admiring them as if it was a great piece of art.

What tickles me is seeing the number of photo viewers appearing quickly- just a few minutes after downloading the pictures. I smiled knowing that people are there, they noticed, and I supposed they like my taste. So, I was clicking here and there around the website, checking which of my pictures are interesting, the which one got the highest number of views, which picture listed as favorites or have been commented upon. I was flabbergasted. My mouth gaped in wonder and it took time before it voluntarily shut up. It was the least that I expected.

I took pains shooting the bark of trees despite the colony of ants circling and crawling on my feet; it took me hours watching for the bird to come out again from hiding deep into the bushes. Oh, ..they were so quick to fly as soon they suspect people are spying on them. I am horrified with the sight of frogs but I bravely braced my fear, took a step closer to the hopping frog I found on my doorstep- just to get a better shot. Then there's the scorpion inside my shoe. Normal reaction would be to run to get something to smash it but I ran to get my camera instead. But none of these arouse the interest my fellow earthlings. They prefer the silly things that I posted among with the other pictures. These were pictures of legs, lips, tongue, tattoos on the chest, lingerie, undies. These were the pictures that are appealing to them, the most frequently viewed, listed as favorites and deemed interesting my whomever rated it.

Now, I’m taking a break from posting photos on the web.

The Rain and the Salapao Man

I was sitting by my little terrace this morning watching the damp earth. So peaceful and so quiet..Very few cars passing by and even the roasters crow less. The only sound that is perceptible to the ear is that of the big droplets of rain hitting the roofs.…The rain has been continuously pouring in since last week ..

I silently watched around hoping and wishing for something and nothing. Suddenly the honking of a vehicle caught my attention.. It’s a motorcycle with an attached cart carrying food items. It was the guy selling cold drinks, milkshakes, breads, and buns. He usually passes this way to sell food to children who loves the sweet colorful milkshakes and salapao – a steamed meat-filled bun.

I saw the milkshake guy slowly passed by and after a while came back . I could see his face- gloomy like the weather. He was muttering something…Of course, I heard nothing, but there was no mistake the expression on his face – frustration, sadness, despair…Who would buy his food at this kind of weather? Even at this time- a few hours close to midday- the children are still curling up in bed, or watching tv or playing, munching something inside the comfort and warmth of their homes.

Needless to say, I was saddened by the sight. I knew it has been a bad business since the rain started last week and it will be for the whole rainy season. I wish I could buy all his salapao and all the milkshake and tell him to go home.

A letter of Advice to A Friend

Hi, Andrea, how are you?.. I wanted to call you back last night but I didn’t have load on my cell phone. ..I went to sleep last night thinking about what you've said to me. I told you, I thought I know you well..

Just take it easy Andrea. If you only knew all my life story, you might have wondered why and how I’ve survived.

You're even lucky .You have youth, you have alents, you have the looks and lots of opportunities. You are physically blessed compared to most girls I knew .

You are better, you have the brains, you have big ambitions...in short you are holding all the aces in your hands..But, you have to play it well. The way I see it, (I hope you wont take it negatively), you are in a hurry to get all what you want in one setting. Your priorities are also messed up. Know the immediate and long term priorities and know that the most important one isn’t necessary the first thing that you will or have to attend to. For example, your first priority is your daughter --I presumed, but you can’t give her your attention at this moment. That’s only an example..How I wish I know the best order of priorities that will work best for you but we are different person with different mindset. Take care Andrea and please don’t ever think of taking your own life..

Remember your daughter, Queenie and your son, Roland, are still young. Though you aren’t always with them but being their mother, they need you, and I'm sure they loved you. So, please look forward to the day that you and your kids will be together---happy, healthy and living comfortably.

It might be corny sometimes but I say prayer works and it will make you strong. God Bless.

JPS