WHAT INSPIRES ME

October 10, 2015

I read a commentary by a foreign journalist in the newspaper this week that Eastern Visayas is the poorest region in the country.  I am not at all sure if he was referring to the situation after typhoon Yolanda, or if he has any idea of the region’s economic status before.  But I would like to believe, in order not to offend my friends, relatives and neighbours, that he was referring to the after.

As I was growing up in Cebu and coming here in Leyte every summer, I already felt that this place where my maternal grandmother had her origins (and where majority of her maternal and paternal relatives have been living for hundreds of years) was special.  For one whose life (mental aptitude, attitudes, principles, philosophies, physical build, warts and all) is heavily influenced by my most beloved Nanay, second to Cebu, I consider Leyte (aside from Bohol and Butuan) my blood and spiritual hometown.  Every other family on the neighbourhood is a relative by blood and marriage, so that everybody seems to look alike and are basically talking on the same plane when planning events to organize or attend.

What moved me in giving up a stable career in the Metro and living in a fifth class rural municipality is the thought that I believe I am called upon to make a difference.  Living in Cebu, I felt happiest during the Christmas season, shopping for and wrapping gifts for my 40+ godchildren.  During the last few years, I realized, unless I become dirt poor, why limit that to the children, when the whole family needs more?

I admit, I am materialistic too.  I believe, like every other normal woman, in the powers of retail therapy.  I really enjoy shopping, not for expensive, branded clothes, bags, shoes and gadgets, but for groceries.  I love to eat, but I love to shop for food more.  In fact, my ultimate fantasy is something very mundane—to win an unlimited, get-all-you-can supermarket shopping spree.  (The second though, is also a get-all-you-can shopping spree, but at a Bookstore).

When it felt like payday may still be far away, I felt sad and prayed that it would come soon.  Thankfully, GOD answered my prayer and mom and I got to visit the supermarket.  This should be my secret, but it itches, coming out of every pore in my body.  I actually feel happiest grocery-shopping, because mom and I not only shop for our necessities, but for at least 4 or 5 other families around us, both relatives and friends.  The minute we arrive home, we immediately get super busy repacking and sending out the repacked goodies to the corresponding beneficiaries.

Before, it was just the godchildren (some of whose parents can very well afford more than the gifts we gave, and some who really do not need what we gave).  Now, it makes me happy to know that what we have given was truly needed and appreciated.  What truly inspires me is not all the aesthetics in life, but the thought that every payday, yes, at least twice a month, we are recreating Christmas at home.