I Hate Beggars

I am amongst a multitude of commoners. I subtly blend in as they pace by, minding their own business, moving on with their normal jobs and what not; when suddenly, a perfectly healthy young Badjao girl in her 20’s confidently holding an infant in her arms, insensitively ignoring the heat piercing through the poor baby’s delicate skin, looks around, as if charting for her next prey. She calmly locks her eyes on her next target – me.

beggars know their “Target Market”. These expert con artists change their indifferent lazy faces in a heartbeat when they see a potential church-going victim. In my case, a rich-looking mestizo whom they thought is capable of compassion and sparing loose change.

The Meryl Streep wannabe looked at me with a generic melancholy face, as if that healthy body had not eaten for a week. She pokes me several times, miming “I’m hungry” in a premeditated loop. Such raw talent. “Sorry, you second-rate actor. The most I can commend you with is ‘Best in Costume’”.

I stared at her with extreme prejudice and scorn. “Fuck off.” I said.

Go ahead. Judge me.

Pushing the Envelope

I’m sure at one time you have been approached by one of these lazy bastards who forcibly shove an envelope up your ass while you enjoy your meal at a food chain. If you may observe, they don’t just go up to anyone. They only prey on those who look wealthy and have large orders at their table.

My friend Arlyn Baqui wrote a post about this when she told the bum to go look for a job instead of asking around. To her dismay, she was only answered “Igna’g dili lagi ko ganahan mo trabaho!” (I told you I don’t like to work!”)

At one time I was at McDonald’s DV Soria, I overheard this young girl in her late teens. Surprisingly, she speaks English profoundly and uses it to lure unsuspecting customers, table after table, selling overpriced pens.

“2 for P150. To help me with my education.” Good one. Peraps the “Cancer stricken mother in the hospital” scheme is too outdated for her. “When you get to my table, you’ll see.” I thought as I devoured my breakfast meal.

“Good morning sir. I’m selling pens; 2 for P150, to help me with my education.” At last. She ventured into the valley of death.

“Sit down.” I insisted calmly, stabbing her with my American accent like a laser ninja sword. She sat in front of me, still confident and full of conceit. “Tell me about these pens you’re selling.”

She went on and on about her ugly pens, which at that moment I found out that it has a hidden rolled up calendar in it. I would like to meet the stupid idiot who thought of inventing this novelty crap.

“Stop right there.” I said. “Now, if you would’ve had applied for a job at Concentrix right now, you would’ve been passed the initial interview.”

“You work in a call center?”

“I used to.”

“That explains the accent.”

“It’s either I take that as an insult or you’re really not as smart as you talk.”

“Are you going to buy my pens?”

“I am not going to buy your stupid pens. They are ugly and overpriced.”

She stood up with contempt written on her face. “My point is…” I attempted to stop her from leaving just yet. “Instead of scamming people with your useless products, you could actually get a real job.”

“I have a job. This is my job.” She proudly confronted me.

“My dear, that is not a real job. That is an embarrassment. You are an embarrassment to society.” We were starting to get attention from other customers. Humiliated, she walked away and hid all her pens. I suddenly had an epiphany of what a major asshole I might have been. I know I am right and have a point, but I still am an asshole for belittling the poor girl.

“Hey!” I called her. “Here’s 50 bucks. Keep your stupid pens. Get a decent breakfast.”

She took my money, thanked me and went out quietly.

Is Sharing a Mandate?

The Bible (and as I have researched, the Quor’an as well) however tells us otherwise.

Hebrews 13:16 ESV

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

1 Timothy 6:18 ESV

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

Luke 3:11 ESV

And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

Luke 6:38 ESV

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Isaiah 58:7 ESV

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

I can go on and on with a whole bunch of verses but it will only make us miserable and cringe under a potty seat. On the first verse, I specifically underlined the word “sacrifices”. I need not be preachy and have to expound on it for I know that if you took the time in reading this, you are either bored, obsessive compulsive, or an intellectual.

In my unsolicited opinion however, the human side in me says we have to teach these people a hard valuable lesson – not to exploit gullible people; and not to mess with borderline radicals.

My Bible based conscience says that’s not for us to do. It’s not for us to condemn. It’s not for us to judge. Our human nature tells us to love only those who love us but we all know that the Bible commands us to love our enemies; give our other cheek if the other is being smacked. Now to those of you who still claim that you are so-called Christians (however big you say your position in your “church” is) but literally contradicts its teachings, here’s to you: eat shit.

Yes, the path of the righteous is narrow. So if I say I’m walking in that path right now is like saying I’m trying to start my motorcycle with a tankful of diesel. At least I’m not a hypocrite.

Compassion in a Plastic Bag

Let me wrap this article up with this incident.

A few years ago, after a theater practice, I cruised my motorcycle along Velez Street, in front of De Calsada. I saw this very old man carrying a basket filled with chicharon and balot. You might have recognized this old man as he limply but patiently walks to and from the streets of Cagayan de Oro.

This very old man, who I believe to be in his 70’s, has a somewhat bent body and crooked toes. No excuses, he never begged.

I stopped and called him. This wasn’t the first time I pretended to buy his soggy chicharon. I bought 3 packs. I was about to leave but I know from that tired, rugged face that he still hasn’t eaten his dinner. It was already past 9.

I looked at the Jolibee meal hanging from my side mirror which was intended for my son. If I give this to him, my son will surely be disappointed.

“Imo na ni ‘nong.” I reluctantly handed him my son’s dinner.

“Ayaw lang. Wala na unya’y imo.” I was surprised with his decline.

“Sige na.” I insisted. “Wala paman ka nanihapon siguro.”

“Sige lang. Manihapon ra ko unya.”

“Sige na. Mag palit ra ko’g lain ugma.” I handed it to him.

He sheepishly took the meal, smiling. I have never seen a smile as grateful as his. It was priceless. All for a lousy burger steak. He was happy. I was happy. My son was disappointed. But I know someone up there was happy.

#photo #beggars #cloydwinstanley #cloydphoenix #cagayandeoro #writersfromcagayandeoro