CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Driving my way from a Christmas party to our house, I had three sets of carollers along EDSA (a major highway in the Philippines where all kinds of vehicles pass by from dusk till dawn). Did I budge an inch to give these 'not-so-kids-anymore' for some loose change. Yes, I did.

Stopping by a convenience store, a 'park-your-car-boy' handed me a small envelope stating the name of his baranggay while uttering the magic words, "namamasko lang po para sa konting salo-salo". Did I budge an inch to slip in some crisp P20 bill. Yes, I did.

Finally reaching the gate of our neighborhood, a group of baranggay tanods (it's what their vests say), handed me again a small envelope stating "maligayang pasko from your friendly baranggay blank blank)". In the wee hours of the morning they are still giving away envelopes. Times must be really hard. I wanted to tell them I don't belong to your baranggay. The guards on our gate asked them politely not to solicit. But for the third time, I slipped a hundred bucks and said my merry chritmas.

This is the time of the year when it seems there's a license to 'beg', that you're a scrooge if you don't give them anything.

As I lay down to sleep, I realized I shouldn't have. Never mind being seen as a scrooge. At least I did not became a part of their 'begging spree'.