The difficult truth

Life has a way of shaking us and letting us see reality.

Days ago, I went to LBC to send money to pay for something I purchased online. This isn't usually the case. With online sellers, they usually ask you to deposit in their bank account or pay via Gcash- not sending money via courier. Anyway, I was filling out the form and then a lady approached the counter. She was quite young and carried her little boy in one arm. She said "Papadala po ng pera." The LBC girl said "magkano po?"

"One hundred."

I couldn't help but stop and take a peek at the lady. She really had a crumpled hundred-peso bill on her hand. I looked away immediately because I didn't want to embarras her. I forgot to relay this incident to my parents.

Then today, Dad asked me to send some office documents via LBC. Again I was filling out the form when an elder lady stood beside me to claim three hundred pesos. She had her ID, an authorization letter and the ID of another person. She explained to the LBC girl that she was claiming the money on behalf of the person who wrote the letter. They didn't allow her. They said 'Tawagan niyo nalang po yung nagpadala na ipapalit sa pangalan niyo yung pera. Kailangan po kasi yung mismong pinadalhan ang magc-claim." Imagine the hassle she had to go through to get 300 bucks?

I wanted to assist her but as I listened, the LBC people explained that it's their policy so I just left. When we got home I told everyone at home about what happened at LBC earlier and last time.

Me: "Grabe kanina nung nagpapadala ako, yung katabi ko nagcclaim ng 300 pesos. Tapos dati yung isa namang magpapadala ng 100 pesos. Grabe talaga."

Dad: : "Talaga! Ganun talaga ang katotohanan, manigas ka." (he said in a factual but casual tone) (Mom amused at my disbelief tone while telling them about it.)

Me: Hindi nga ako nanigas eh, nanlambot ako. Imagine 100? 300? Tapos ayaw pa ibigay sa kanya.

There's my wake up call. I've been spending so much time lusting on expensive things. I'm not saying I'll stop wanting them. That's not gonna happen soon.

I guess what I'm saying is I'll do my best to help people in need. It's great to reward ourselves, buy our wants and experience whatever luxuries but it means so much more if along with those luxuries, we work on socially relevant things. If we can spend a few thousands on clothes, bags and shoes, or even 800 pesos on a pair of Brazilian slippers, I'm sure we can share a little more to others.