During the Gulf War in 1991 a news item appeared one morning: "Every time there is an incoming Iraqi Scud attack and sirens wail in Saudi Arabia, Filipinos would be seen dashing up to rooftops to get a clear view of US Patriot missiles intercepting the Iraqi missiles. Observers are amazed at the bravery of the Filipinos".
The item reminded me of my own days during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. I was nearly seven years old and I enjoyed most of my war experiences. The time, we always waited for a chance to watch a "dog fight". While the old folks were hiding in fox holes and other safe places, we children would find the best vintage view of a "dog fight".
At night we enjoyed following the path of the tracer bullets across the skies. We enjoyed too, the 'takbuhan' and the 'taguan sa tabing ilog' whenever there was 'putukan'.Sleeping along riversides and among mature banana plants was fiesta to us children.
I think it is this Filipino brand of mentality that keeps Filipinos alive and even happy, come what may. Filipinos are the only people on earth who laughs at anything... be it a funny face, a corny joke, or someone meeting simple accident, Filipinos enjoy immensely. More often he laughs at himself or his own misfortune or disappointment.
Where on earth will you hear laughing and joke sessions during a wake but in the Philippines?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment