(A satire by Sir Rene Calalang, KCR)
This was once a very popular organization. Whenever they had a gathering, there was always a major press coverage from different newspapers and magazines.
The president of this organization was Mr. Pah See Khat – a wealthy businessman. It was a well known fact that he was bribing the writers, reporters and photographers from different newspapers and magazines in order to get good media mileage for the association’s activities.
It was also a well known fact that the president was using the association for his personal glory – which he needed for his business.
They just celebrated our Independence Day. It was a joyous, well attended celebration. The hall was brightly lighted with lights of different colours - which also served as decorations. Pictures of our heroes, past and present, were hung on all four walls. A very popular band provided the music for all ages. The guests were in competition as to who were the best dancers, the best dressed and who wore the most jewelry.
The leaders of this group were very fond of awards and medals. All kinds of medals were displayed on their chests. Looking at them, they have more medals than General Douglas McArthur was ever seen wearing in any kind of function – big or small. (In the many pictures I have seen, regardless of the size of the event, I never saw General McArthur wore all his medals).
Unexpectedly, a prominent leader of a powerful political party arrived – even without an invitation. It could be said that he was here because election is fast approaching and he needed the support of the voters.
The leader politician knew our many weaknesses. He brought with him a hired sexy actress (popular politician plus a sexy actress – this is a very potent combination to attract the attention of many of our people). Also with him was a hired press photographer.
A big crowd gave them a big, rousing welcome. Many pushed and elbowed each other in order to shake the hands of the unexpected visitors. Many also shoved and nudged each other in order to be included in the pictures being shot by the paid press photographer - whenever the politician was shaking hands or being mobbed by the crowds.
There were two guests who were seated on the table close to the stage who were not bothered by the commotion. They were Diego, the Nosy; and Ambo, the Philosopher.
“Here we go again,” said Ambo, the Philosopher.
“What do you mean?” asked Diego, the Nosy.
“A sexy actress and a known politician just came and we all got confused,” continued Ambo, the Philosopher.”
“I agree,” said Diego, the Nosy.
“We never change.”
“What a shame.”
The president and one of the vice presidents of the association who were sitting on the centre of the head table stood up and gave their chairs to the unexpected guests. Others in the executive were very confused as they don’t know what to serve them.
The prominent politician was looking around. The president knew he was looking for somebody to talk to.
The president approached the politician. In a corner, they conferred with each other and talked very softly. They split up and the president called the other members of the executive.
“Sir is in a hurry. He won’t be here very long,” the president said to his fellow executives.
“Why?”
“He said, he has other appointments.”
“We have to change our schedule in order to accommodate him,” one member of the executives suggested.
“You are right,” agreed the president.
The leader politician was not originally included in the program. But he was a well known politician; and therefore, must speak. He was inserted in the program.
The speech of the impromptu guest speaker was one to be admired. He praised our greatness. He reminded the audience that we have to sustain and defend our independence - with our lives, if necessary (if we are really free). He reminded everyone that "we have to continue what we are doing, so that our country will continue to prosper" – even if in truth we are being left behind by our neighboring countries and that we are sinking deeper into the helpless world of poverty.
The politician concluded his speech by shouting “MABUHAY” in English accent. The crowd stood up and gave him a rousing ovation.
What happened didn’t not escape the attention of Ambo, the Philosopher and Diego, the Nosy.
“Many among us got so excited when in front of prominent people, or famous actors and actresses. But think about it, they don’t even know us. Instead, the politicians should be approaching us because they needed our votes. The actors and actresses should thank us because we are the one who pay for them by watching their movies and shows. Without us, they will neither be rich nor famous."
“Tell me about it. You got good reasons.”
“Not only that I am rationale, but I know I am right. Me, do you see me get excited because of them ? No way. Even if they go to my place, whatever food I have, that’s what they will eat. Whatever drink I have, that’s what they will drink. I am not a fool who will borrow money or work rigorously just to make them happy. And when we are finished serving them, do you think they will still remember us? I am not so sure."
“I really admire your reasoning.”
There was a part in the program where awards will be given to some selected guests. The awards were supposed to be presented by a hardworking civic leader.
Once again the leaders consulted each other.
“Maybe we should change this part of the program,” the president suggested.
“Why?” one of the member of the executive asked.
“It’s a shame if we don’t give the actress a role in the program.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Let’s make her the presenter.”
The other members of the executives looked at each other. They nodded their heads in agreement. “We agree with you”, said one the vice presidents
The part of the program where awards were supposed to be given came. The hardworking civic leader lost his role. There was a loud ovation when the actress was introduced as the presenter. Some male audience whistled loudly when the sexy actress stood up and walked towards the stage, who deliberately walked sexier.
In a moment, everybody was on the stage. The emcee called the awardees one by one. Each and everyone happily accepted his or her award.
The last award presentation attracted plenty of attention as it was very different from the rest because of the size of the trophy, which was much bigger and the “Certificate of Recognition” that accompanied it.
“Who is he?” asked Ambo, the Philosopher.
“He is the son of one of the vice presidents.
“What is the award for?”
“Education award.”
“What did he accomplish?”
“He graduated from college.”
“He just finished college and he was given that big award. How about those who graduated from university and were on the dean’s list.”
“It’s too bad for them because they don’t know anybody and have no connection in this association.”
The president announced that there will be a group picture taking.
Ambo, the Philosopher was amazed because of the big number of executives.
They were now in front of the stage. Positioned in the centre are the president, the leader politician and the sexy actress. The presence of the three made those besides them noticeable.
“Who is he?” asked Ambo, the Philosopher - while pointing to a man who was wearing an expensive Barong Tagalog.
“He is the president of this association,” answered Diego, the Nosy.
“Who is he?” again, asked Ambo, the Philosopher - while pointing to a man who was always staying close to the president.
“Ah, him. He is the first vice president. His name is Mr. Yah Bang.”
“What does he do in the association?”
“Nothing. If there is a picture taking, he is always positioned at the back of the president.”
“Who is he?” again, asked Ambo, the Philosopher- while pointing to another man who was besides the president.”
“Ah, him. He is the second vice president. His name is Mr. Bang Yah.”
“What does he do in the association?”
“Nothing. If there is a picture taking, he is always positioned at the right side of the president.”
“Who is he?” again, asked Ambo, the Philosopher - while pointing to another man who is on the other side of the president.”
“Ah, him. He is the third vice president. His name is Mr. Bang Hay.”
“What does he do in the association?”
“Nothing. If there is a picture taking, he is always positioned at the left side of the president.”
There was a group who seemed to be hesitant in joining the picture taking. There were ten in the group and they were being persuaded to join the picture taking. They finally joined. They positioned themselves at the back. The few who were not very tall were asked to sit in the front; but they insisted to be in the back, even though they could hardly be seen.
“Who are they?” again, asked Ambo, the Philosopher.
“Ah, them. They are the volunteers. They are those who, when working just keep on working. But more often than not they are not included in the pictures. They are those who never complain when working. They are happy when the work is done and the affair is successful.”
“This kind of people must have a difficult life.”
“Not really, because they are happy. They are what we call “The Unsung Heroes.”
What happened in tonight's affair happened again in future events. And again. Again and again. The volunteers tonight are now tired. Their number became less and less until everyone was gone.
What’s left now are the many members of the executive body - who do nothing. Slowly, and in time, the organization started to disappear.
THE END
No comments:
Post a Comment