Last year and this year have been full of funerals.
Mostly older relatives.
But a cousin my age is not doing well. I fear to say, death may be upon him.
Long story short, he misused medications without the guidance of a Doctor. It's just out of ignorance and belief that his dad knows best (his dad is a quack doctor and knows nothing).
The result is a younger man than I whose kidneys have failed and is on dialysis.
To make matters worse, the loss of kidneys has affected other parts of his body. He's bedridden and suffers from poor circulation and he's almost totally blind.
For an artist to be blind is a terrible fate to contemplate. I really felt for him.
I can only look on as he struggled like that. It is hard to watch it.
I have full command of my faculties, strong and capable.
There he is, just struggling to survive. Just lying there. In darkness.
Unable to read his comic book collection.
His mom suggested they sell them to buy medication.
I thought it might kill his will to fight completely if that vanishes --I just said it might help to have them around so he can read them if his eyes get better. But I think we all know they won't.
Very sad. And very tragic.
Tonight, I breathe in air, I drink water.
Taste good food. We are lucky.
Lucky to be alive and to be just looking at the internet reading other people's posts.
We're not hungry, wanting or sick...
We are well. And I hope to be that way for a long time.
Because I love life. I want to live a long time.
Death stared at me today.
I have to tell it. not today. Not tomorrow.
And if I and our generation should be lucky and we push hard enough for medical life extensions, maybe not for a long time.
Maybe not ever.
There's so much to see, enjoy and people to talk with and share love...
Let us tell death...
Not today. Not tonight.
I got miles to go before I sleep.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
the Year in Review
Hello Everyone,
Hope your Christmas holidays have been good so far.
It's been a busy year for our family. Here's a rundown:
In early Feb, I flew out to the Philippines stopping by California on the way to see my sister's family. Ken, Jerry and the kids were all a delight to be with once again. Always treasure these times with them. Definitely the higlight of my stay was going to the Discovery Science Center in Orange with the whole family. That was a rare treat so thanks to Jerry and Ken for that. I got to lie in a bed of nails which was on display there. Got to try most of the science exhibits and it was a good time all around.
So on to the Philippines.
Good to be back with Mom and Dad. This was a year I would spend the majority of the year here in the Philippines with them as you will see.
Wonderful to see family and friends again. By now, it really feels normal to be back every year. I no longer feel like just a returning visitor.
This trip was also different for I flew with David, a good friend of mine from San Antonio who expressed interest in visiting the Philippines. And so, I volunteered to introduce him to the country.
We went to Morong to watch baby turtles being released into the waters (to return after 25 years to the same beach hopefully).
This was also a time of many trips.
This being a year where I promised myself I'd visit an Asian country, I booked a trip to Taipei, Taiwan along with David. We talked about visiting Asia well before this trip even came about. That was a wonderful trip and very educational. It's a rare thing to go and see another first world and an even rarer opportunity to learn so much. That was a good 4 days and I must say, even if the rest of the year turned bad on me, I'd forever have the trip to Taipei as a highlight.
Lots of other trips ensued in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, my buddy David has moved out of the room he was renting with us and into his own place. We took him on a majority of our family gatherings to get him used to life in the Philippines. He's made a good circle of friends around him and was pursuing a Filipina lady or two. This is where we parted ways and from here, he traveled by himself and back to America I heard.
I too, went back to the USA. But not before one last trial.
Mom got sick with what we thought was a stomach flu. It was bad enough for us to bring her to the hospital. And so, a day before I took off for the USA, I kept vigil that night at the hospital. Those who keep tabs on my facebook account will see the picture I took of me and Mom at the hospital.
Of my return to the US, it's been a blur.
My brother fetched me at the airport as always accompanied by his eldest child. He's the one who always fetches me and brings me to the airport. We've switched roles since he first came here.
I was eager to get back to normal now that I have returned (having flown through Los Angeles in a hurry to attend a convention in Texas).
Things were not well at the office, though. And about those times, I felt like an unwelcome tick.
In all my month long stay, it is with my San Antonio friends that I felt the most welcome.
And so, just over a month in the US, I was flying back on a fast flight to the Philippines through Beijing (where I had the worst Chinese food ever at that airport).
(Mom got sick again so I had to fly back fast)
On my home front, the year has been spent working of course. It's not really a vacation when I go to the Philippines or anywhere for that matter. I just change locations but I still work.
It is during this second trip that we now attended several funerals.
Come to think of it, 2013 is a year of charity work for me... and lots of trips to see ailing relatives. I am thankful we spent that time together and enjoyed each other's company while they were alive.
Our last challenge was this past week where Mom was again hospitalized but for different reasons; it was a stomach ailment this time which led to some bleeding. Thankfully, we brought her to the hospital on time.
And so, despite all the hospitalizations and harships our family had, we are thankful that Mom is still with us and is now back to her old self.
This year was capped by a most wonderful trip out to Hong Kong.
I could not imagine I'd be visiting 2 countries in the same year but it happened. My friend who was going away to Australia some months back told me he planned to go and a bunch of them including my cousin. I did not have the cash at the time (expenses with Mom) and even if I did, I held them in reserve just in case. But my friend was very nice and said he'd front the money if I really wanted to go. It's great to know that of all the years I've been lending out and giving money to others, that it got paid forward to me.
This happened not just with Hong Kong, but with another event also having to do with me needing the cash fast.
During those times, I felt like George Bailey of "It's a Wonderful Life". Very blessed and very lucky to know such wonderful people.
And so this Christmas time, I sit here and am very thankful to have known all of you in my life. My career as an author and artist may not be going great and just treading water, but I am thankful I have all of you in my life. Very thankful.
In that respect, I can consider myself someone who is rich in friends and loved ones.
So a Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year!
P.S., Hong Kong was a blast!
Hope your Christmas holidays have been good so far.
It's been a busy year for our family. Here's a rundown:
In early Feb, I flew out to the Philippines stopping by California on the way to see my sister's family. Ken, Jerry and the kids were all a delight to be with once again. Always treasure these times with them. Definitely the higlight of my stay was going to the Discovery Science Center in Orange with the whole family. That was a rare treat so thanks to Jerry and Ken for that. I got to lie in a bed of nails which was on display there. Got to try most of the science exhibits and it was a good time all around.
So on to the Philippines.
Good to be back with Mom and Dad. This was a year I would spend the majority of the year here in the Philippines with them as you will see.
Wonderful to see family and friends again. By now, it really feels normal to be back every year. I no longer feel like just a returning visitor.
This trip was also different for I flew with David, a good friend of mine from San Antonio who expressed interest in visiting the Philippines. And so, I volunteered to introduce him to the country.
We went to Morong to watch baby turtles being released into the waters (to return after 25 years to the same beach hopefully).
This was also a time of many trips.
This being a year where I promised myself I'd visit an Asian country, I booked a trip to Taipei, Taiwan along with David. We talked about visiting Asia well before this trip even came about. That was a wonderful trip and very educational. It's a rare thing to go and see another first world and an even rarer opportunity to learn so much. That was a good 4 days and I must say, even if the rest of the year turned bad on me, I'd forever have the trip to Taipei as a highlight.
Lots of other trips ensued in the Philippines.
Meanwhile, my buddy David has moved out of the room he was renting with us and into his own place. We took him on a majority of our family gatherings to get him used to life in the Philippines. He's made a good circle of friends around him and was pursuing a Filipina lady or two. This is where we parted ways and from here, he traveled by himself and back to America I heard.
I too, went back to the USA. But not before one last trial.
Mom got sick with what we thought was a stomach flu. It was bad enough for us to bring her to the hospital. And so, a day before I took off for the USA, I kept vigil that night at the hospital. Those who keep tabs on my facebook account will see the picture I took of me and Mom at the hospital.
Of my return to the US, it's been a blur.
My brother fetched me at the airport as always accompanied by his eldest child. He's the one who always fetches me and brings me to the airport. We've switched roles since he first came here.
I was eager to get back to normal now that I have returned (having flown through Los Angeles in a hurry to attend a convention in Texas).
Things were not well at the office, though. And about those times, I felt like an unwelcome tick.
In all my month long stay, it is with my San Antonio friends that I felt the most welcome.
And so, just over a month in the US, I was flying back on a fast flight to the Philippines through Beijing (where I had the worst Chinese food ever at that airport).
(Mom got sick again so I had to fly back fast)
On my home front, the year has been spent working of course. It's not really a vacation when I go to the Philippines or anywhere for that matter. I just change locations but I still work.
It is during this second trip that we now attended several funerals.
Come to think of it, 2013 is a year of charity work for me... and lots of trips to see ailing relatives. I am thankful we spent that time together and enjoyed each other's company while they were alive.
Our last challenge was this past week where Mom was again hospitalized but for different reasons; it was a stomach ailment this time which led to some bleeding. Thankfully, we brought her to the hospital on time.
And so, despite all the hospitalizations and harships our family had, we are thankful that Mom is still with us and is now back to her old self.
This year was capped by a most wonderful trip out to Hong Kong.
I could not imagine I'd be visiting 2 countries in the same year but it happened. My friend who was going away to Australia some months back told me he planned to go and a bunch of them including my cousin. I did not have the cash at the time (expenses with Mom) and even if I did, I held them in reserve just in case. But my friend was very nice and said he'd front the money if I really wanted to go. It's great to know that of all the years I've been lending out and giving money to others, that it got paid forward to me.
This happened not just with Hong Kong, but with another event also having to do with me needing the cash fast.
During those times, I felt like George Bailey of "It's a Wonderful Life". Very blessed and very lucky to know such wonderful people.
And so this Christmas time, I sit here and am very thankful to have known all of you in my life. My career as an author and artist may not be going great and just treading water, but I am thankful I have all of you in my life. Very thankful.
In that respect, I can consider myself someone who is rich in friends and loved ones.
So a Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year!
P.S., Hong Kong was a blast!
Monday, December 9, 2013
A Well Ordered society even under less than ideal circumstances.
Living out here in the third world... You get exposed to all the facets of life. And you are living in such close proximity to others. Even when I lived in tight quarters in Texas, I barely see anyone outside the apartment complex. This area where I live in is teeming with humanity. You will always see people outside your door. I get to witness more of general life, it's joys and sorrows. Baptisms, funerals and everything in between. Life in all a grand parade just outside your door.
That's a REAL community with real people and relationships. People from all walks of life, vendors and craftsmen always building someone nearby. We even have a couple of nutty people wandering around. In this situation, we have the entire community to deal with them such that they don't turn out to be too much of a nuisance to any one person. I suppose it works because even though the nutty people visit you, you can just say hi and humor them for a bit and then they move on. And when everyone shares in this, somehow, it's not much of a burden. They also obviously go home to someone who cares for them.
And because life is so open, nobody has time to hide away in their own house and occupy themselves with negative activities like hoarding, obsessions or even keeping children prisoners in the basement or some horrible thing like that. Out here, something like that IS unheard of. When people get old or sick, there's always someone to take care of them even with an imperfect social safety net. Even then, the Philippines at least has Phil-health which is really Medicaid for everyone, not just seniors. Anyone who contributes is enrolled into the system. The advantages of living in a real community, indeed. There is plenty to learn from.
That's a REAL community with real people and relationships. People from all walks of life, vendors and craftsmen always building someone nearby. We even have a couple of nutty people wandering around. In this situation, we have the entire community to deal with them such that they don't turn out to be too much of a nuisance to any one person. I suppose it works because even though the nutty people visit you, you can just say hi and humor them for a bit and then they move on. And when everyone shares in this, somehow, it's not much of a burden. They also obviously go home to someone who cares for them.
And because life is so open, nobody has time to hide away in their own house and occupy themselves with negative activities like hoarding, obsessions or even keeping children prisoners in the basement or some horrible thing like that. Out here, something like that IS unheard of. When people get old or sick, there's always someone to take care of them even with an imperfect social safety net. Even then, the Philippines at least has Phil-health which is really Medicaid for everyone, not just seniors. Anyone who contributes is enrolled into the system. The advantages of living in a real community, indeed. There is plenty to learn from.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
The Mortal Coil
Today was a day spent visiting deceased relatives. One a burial, the other a wake.
Both are aunts. One passed away way too young at 55.
The other was 82.
Reminds one of the brief lives we all have sometimes. Cherish close friends and family. Do not waste the best parts of your life on all the wrong people. Save your best hours for those you love.
Take time to tell them how much you love them. More importantly, show them how you care by spending many happy hours in their company.
Until they make genetic engineering possible for the rest of us, this is the only life we will ever have. My 2 poor aunties will never see the dawn of medical immortality. Perhaps with the right diet and lifestyle and more importantly, our active participation with the sciences, we might just yet see it.
For now, do not waste time and never wait till tomorrow.
Do not wait till you're dying to make peace.
Be happy today and resolve most of your conflicts in life.
Cherish your loved ones. You never know when they'll go away forever.
Good night, and good luck!
Both are aunts. One passed away way too young at 55.
The other was 82.
Reminds one of the brief lives we all have sometimes. Cherish close friends and family. Do not waste the best parts of your life on all the wrong people. Save your best hours for those you love.
Take time to tell them how much you love them. More importantly, show them how you care by spending many happy hours in their company.
Until they make genetic engineering possible for the rest of us, this is the only life we will ever have. My 2 poor aunties will never see the dawn of medical immortality. Perhaps with the right diet and lifestyle and more importantly, our active participation with the sciences, we might just yet see it.
For now, do not waste time and never wait till tomorrow.
Do not wait till you're dying to make peace.
Be happy today and resolve most of your conflicts in life.
Cherish your loved ones. You never know when they'll go away forever.
Good night, and good luck!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
Signs and Detours in Life
The past 3 months have been really instructional for me.
August was full of disappointments and challenges. Now that I have time to look back, I can see that that's a clear sign that I really ought to not live in an apartment anymore.
It's a slight detour that I am glad to be past now.
Upon my return to the US, I will redouble my efforts to look for a good RV home to call my own.
The signs were all there, I just wasn't looking. Now with hindsight, I can now tell the RV gods have given me all the signs that can be given.
First, I have to take care of my folks and be with them for a while. When they are OK again, then it is time to resume the dream. That was the emergency that pulled me out of apartment living. Here, overseas, owning a stick and brick isn't so bad. There's less hassles and less headaches. I get to taste true freedom for once. When I get back to the USA, then I will resume my RV hunt.
To those on the road enjoying their homes, salud!
Take care and may your travels be safe.
August was full of disappointments and challenges. Now that I have time to look back, I can see that that's a clear sign that I really ought to not live in an apartment anymore.
It's a slight detour that I am glad to be past now.
Upon my return to the US, I will redouble my efforts to look for a good RV home to call my own.
The signs were all there, I just wasn't looking. Now with hindsight, I can now tell the RV gods have given me all the signs that can be given.
First, I have to take care of my folks and be with them for a while. When they are OK again, then it is time to resume the dream. That was the emergency that pulled me out of apartment living. Here, overseas, owning a stick and brick isn't so bad. There's less hassles and less headaches. I get to taste true freedom for once. When I get back to the USA, then I will resume my RV hunt.
To those on the road enjoying their homes, salud!
Take care and may your travels be safe.
Monday, October 14, 2013
The miniature ecosystem of an auto garage
I just spent a whole day at an auto garage. My transmission failed just as I was paying the toll booth.
So here I am at a little repair shop at the freeway exit servicing vehicles that mostly break down while in transit. Here in the Philippines, every highway exit has one, it seems. The last time I broke down, I spent a long day at another small garage... at another exit along the freeway.
This is not your high end dealership service center.
This is a bunch of guys squatting on the sandy ground using the most basic of tools to get the job done. With just one 2 ton alligator jack and a few metal pipes and a lot of wood blocks, I have seen them drop engines and transmission boxes.
It always is fascinating to see mechanics at work. In the high end garages, they don't allow you to loiter around and watch. Here, you're welcome to chat and hang around and you implicitly agree not to hold them responsible for accidents. In short, you look out for yourself.
This open yard with half finished cars mingling with real shiny lookers can look very pedestrian to some... boring and depressing for others. But for me, every car, had a story. This is a gold mine of information and experiences. So, as soon as me and my Dad pulled up, my ears were open and my eyes were alert; and the learning began!
Each car and every man had a story to tell.
It begins with the usual banter: how dealership hotshots don't know what they're doing and usually overcharge for bad work.
The head guy used to roll in the cash when he worked at the US base. After a stint there, he got pirated by a Saudi man and worked in the Middle East where he made even more cash. So how is he now in this rinky dink place? He was way too generous with his money, he says, but he has put a lot of relatives through school. With the end of his Middle East assignment, and a few more turns of bad luck, he was back to square one. It can really happen to anyone. He's stoic about it. He works hard and you can tell. We even talked about his limp. As usual, we all are experts when we consult Dr. Google MD.
The old Samson. It seems every garage team has a man with exceptional strength. At times, this is obvious as you see a bear of a man lumbering around the yard. Sometimes, it's not. As I watched them strain to put on a really tight belt, I saw a young dude straining with his upper body to wrestle the thing into one of the belt shafts. A pudgy old man got impatient, shooed him away and just used his wrists to turn that shaft and get the belt in. God, the strength in that old fat dude! You would not even expect it but there he was using just his wrists when the younger more fit looking man used his whole body to no avail.
Another mechanic used to be a truck driver. He was hauling 1,400 kilos of fish to the markets of Manila when an even bigger truck slammed his back and sent his mid-sized truck careening on its side. The driver of the 36 wheeled behemoth was partially asleep. So, the fish went flying. As he and his companions struggled out of the smashed cab in a daze, he saw people jumping the freeway fences with pails, buckets and large pans. In a semi-shocked stupor at finding himself still alive, he watched as the scavengers snatched the fish. They all ran when the highway patrol came by and took over. He said only 800 kilos remained. Highway patrol shared with him even more scavenger stories. They would pick up anything --car parts, tires, everything that's easy and fast to get before the patrol comes and puts a stop to it. There are even stories of the scavengers picking at people's jewelry and cel phones as they were stuck in wrecked cars!
The things you hear when people tell you their life stories.
The economies of scale
Just a day here, and I got to experience another miniature economic system at play. Here we were stimulating their local economy because we were there with our car.
Here in this small ecosystem, my cash goes to support the small canteen nearby where we had lunch. The mechanics regularly eat there. Right away, there's another bunch of guys already dependent on the steady stream bought by their neighbors and whatever client chooses to stay and watch their cars being fixed. My short one day also stimulated the economies of other stores nearby where I bought snacks, drinks and ice cream. (It was a hot day.) 7-11 hotdogs taste really awesome when you're hot and tired. Having that outlet there was a life saver.
In the garage is another example of an economic ladder. We were the only car owners there making sure the car got treated well. In this instance, we need not bother. The mechanic was honest with us, it turns out. But as a fan of science, I was also there to learn. Dad was also a fan of watching mechanics at work. Very few people do this, but Dad and I love to share. So we buy snacks and drinks for everyone as they fixed the car.
And when you spend a long time in a garage, you get to eventually know the stories behind all the other cars in the lot; where they came from and what part of the freeway they stalled at and how far they had to be towed to this spot.
It's similar to being in a hospital emergency waiting room: "what happened to you?"
I saw 4 other clients' cars scattered all over the yard. There, on one corner is the mechanic's pet project; an unfinished automobile he hopes to fix up and probably sell one day. But right now, it looks like a piece of junk with no seats, glass or anything else. Then there's another car which looks like it's been there for ages. Dogs live in it and people use it as a storage bin.
The big fish customer just left his vehicle there some days ago. It's a 2010 model and very top of the line. It's a "just get it done- I don't care- send me the bill" kind of job. As guys who can only dream of plunking down the cash for such a model, me and the mechanic agreed that had we the money to own such a beauty, we would not be so reckless as to not give it oil. That was the high end SUV's problem. Engine quit for lack of oil. Isn't that sad? I told the mechanic if he had a car like that, he'd probably make it last 20 years with constant maintenance. (it's a regular thing here--cars lasting a long time)
Another client there was what they called a "cheap overhaul". Meaning, he was stingy with the money needed; but he wants top of the line work.
Now that I know the stories behind every car in their lot... it pays not to be the annoying customer. Yes, they will use your car as a snack table.
Tne fourth client's brother in law came by for his car. All their vehicle needed was a drive belt which they had to go to Manila to get. Apparently, Hyundai parts are so specialized you cannot get them where we were (80 Km outside of Manila).
To get our transmission fixed, the mechanic called yet another member of this small food chain: the parts man. This is a guy who the mechanic sends out on a parts run to locate the components he needs for real cheap. So he hops on his motorcycle and off he goes to find the best and cheapest part. It bears mentioning that since this is a small operation, I did not bother to ask where he'll find a pristine transmission box. We're probably talking about guys who know... guys. That can be anywhere from a junk dealer to someone who just stripped that off of another car... somewhere...
The small world of economics goes on. The car accessory vendor came by and hawked his wares. I bought a shammy and a cel phone charger for $5 for the pair which I thought was ok (he initially wanted $10 for both).
With all the people whose small economies we help stimulate just by being present there waiting for our cars to be fixed, I had a vision of the garage clients being large whales passing by and tons of fish come swimming up and taking advantage of the free food that comes when a huge creature eats its fill.
It was a good day. Eventually, the parts man took too long and we knew this job won't be done till the next day. So, we left our partially dismantled car with the mechanics and went home.
Trust me
So... as we were bidding the car people farewell till the morrow, one of the mechanics asked if we can drop off his kids at an intersection he knew we'd be passing by! I suppose the kids looked street smart and we have built a rapport of some sort already? But geez! To send your kids home with a stranger (well, one of your customers).
We just said "yeah, sure" without a second thought. I suppose our other car is some kind of collateral just in case? I guess... some folks trust you. As we trusted them that first night. I mean, we left our car in their garage... without receipts or any paperwork at all. You just trust they haven't packed it off to be sold somewhere when you come back. And so it was still there the next day when we arrived. The kids have never been in a car with power windows. They seem really taken with them and they did what all kids do: push the buttons to play with them. Puts things in proper perspective once again.
So here I am, tired but learned so much about a part of the province we usually blow by on our way to somewhere else... just a small patch we did not know existed till today.
Since I just got a short story done, I reckon it's a good time to have your car in the shop for repairs. A day well spent, my head sunburned, and a new experience well earned.
So here I am at a little repair shop at the freeway exit servicing vehicles that mostly break down while in transit. Here in the Philippines, every highway exit has one, it seems. The last time I broke down, I spent a long day at another small garage... at another exit along the freeway.
This is not your high end dealership service center.
This is a bunch of guys squatting on the sandy ground using the most basic of tools to get the job done. With just one 2 ton alligator jack and a few metal pipes and a lot of wood blocks, I have seen them drop engines and transmission boxes.
It always is fascinating to see mechanics at work. In the high end garages, they don't allow you to loiter around and watch. Here, you're welcome to chat and hang around and you implicitly agree not to hold them responsible for accidents. In short, you look out for yourself.
This open yard with half finished cars mingling with real shiny lookers can look very pedestrian to some... boring and depressing for others. But for me, every car, had a story. This is a gold mine of information and experiences. So, as soon as me and my Dad pulled up, my ears were open and my eyes were alert; and the learning began!
Each car and every man had a story to tell.
It begins with the usual banter: how dealership hotshots don't know what they're doing and usually overcharge for bad work.
The head guy used to roll in the cash when he worked at the US base. After a stint there, he got pirated by a Saudi man and worked in the Middle East where he made even more cash. So how is he now in this rinky dink place? He was way too generous with his money, he says, but he has put a lot of relatives through school. With the end of his Middle East assignment, and a few more turns of bad luck, he was back to square one. It can really happen to anyone. He's stoic about it. He works hard and you can tell. We even talked about his limp. As usual, we all are experts when we consult Dr. Google MD.
The old Samson. It seems every garage team has a man with exceptional strength. At times, this is obvious as you see a bear of a man lumbering around the yard. Sometimes, it's not. As I watched them strain to put on a really tight belt, I saw a young dude straining with his upper body to wrestle the thing into one of the belt shafts. A pudgy old man got impatient, shooed him away and just used his wrists to turn that shaft and get the belt in. God, the strength in that old fat dude! You would not even expect it but there he was using just his wrists when the younger more fit looking man used his whole body to no avail.
Another mechanic used to be a truck driver. He was hauling 1,400 kilos of fish to the markets of Manila when an even bigger truck slammed his back and sent his mid-sized truck careening on its side. The driver of the 36 wheeled behemoth was partially asleep. So, the fish went flying. As he and his companions struggled out of the smashed cab in a daze, he saw people jumping the freeway fences with pails, buckets and large pans. In a semi-shocked stupor at finding himself still alive, he watched as the scavengers snatched the fish. They all ran when the highway patrol came by and took over. He said only 800 kilos remained. Highway patrol shared with him even more scavenger stories. They would pick up anything --car parts, tires, everything that's easy and fast to get before the patrol comes and puts a stop to it. There are even stories of the scavengers picking at people's jewelry and cel phones as they were stuck in wrecked cars!
The things you hear when people tell you their life stories.
The economies of scale
Just a day here, and I got to experience another miniature economic system at play. Here we were stimulating their local economy because we were there with our car.
Here in this small ecosystem, my cash goes to support the small canteen nearby where we had lunch. The mechanics regularly eat there. Right away, there's another bunch of guys already dependent on the steady stream bought by their neighbors and whatever client chooses to stay and watch their cars being fixed. My short one day also stimulated the economies of other stores nearby where I bought snacks, drinks and ice cream. (It was a hot day.) 7-11 hotdogs taste really awesome when you're hot and tired. Having that outlet there was a life saver.
In the garage is another example of an economic ladder. We were the only car owners there making sure the car got treated well. In this instance, we need not bother. The mechanic was honest with us, it turns out. But as a fan of science, I was also there to learn. Dad was also a fan of watching mechanics at work. Very few people do this, but Dad and I love to share. So we buy snacks and drinks for everyone as they fixed the car.
And when you spend a long time in a garage, you get to eventually know the stories behind all the other cars in the lot; where they came from and what part of the freeway they stalled at and how far they had to be towed to this spot.
It's similar to being in a hospital emergency waiting room: "what happened to you?"
I saw 4 other clients' cars scattered all over the yard. There, on one corner is the mechanic's pet project; an unfinished automobile he hopes to fix up and probably sell one day. But right now, it looks like a piece of junk with no seats, glass or anything else. Then there's another car which looks like it's been there for ages. Dogs live in it and people use it as a storage bin.
The big fish customer just left his vehicle there some days ago. It's a 2010 model and very top of the line. It's a "just get it done- I don't care- send me the bill" kind of job. As guys who can only dream of plunking down the cash for such a model, me and the mechanic agreed that had we the money to own such a beauty, we would not be so reckless as to not give it oil. That was the high end SUV's problem. Engine quit for lack of oil. Isn't that sad? I told the mechanic if he had a car like that, he'd probably make it last 20 years with constant maintenance. (it's a regular thing here--cars lasting a long time)
Another client there was what they called a "cheap overhaul". Meaning, he was stingy with the money needed; but he wants top of the line work.
Now that I know the stories behind every car in their lot... it pays not to be the annoying customer. Yes, they will use your car as a snack table.
Tne fourth client's brother in law came by for his car. All their vehicle needed was a drive belt which they had to go to Manila to get. Apparently, Hyundai parts are so specialized you cannot get them where we were (80 Km outside of Manila).
To get our transmission fixed, the mechanic called yet another member of this small food chain: the parts man. This is a guy who the mechanic sends out on a parts run to locate the components he needs for real cheap. So he hops on his motorcycle and off he goes to find the best and cheapest part. It bears mentioning that since this is a small operation, I did not bother to ask where he'll find a pristine transmission box. We're probably talking about guys who know... guys. That can be anywhere from a junk dealer to someone who just stripped that off of another car... somewhere...
The small world of economics goes on. The car accessory vendor came by and hawked his wares. I bought a shammy and a cel phone charger for $5 for the pair which I thought was ok (he initially wanted $10 for both).
With all the people whose small economies we help stimulate just by being present there waiting for our cars to be fixed, I had a vision of the garage clients being large whales passing by and tons of fish come swimming up and taking advantage of the free food that comes when a huge creature eats its fill.
It was a good day. Eventually, the parts man took too long and we knew this job won't be done till the next day. So, we left our partially dismantled car with the mechanics and went home.
Trust me
So... as we were bidding the car people farewell till the morrow, one of the mechanics asked if we can drop off his kids at an intersection he knew we'd be passing by! I suppose the kids looked street smart and we have built a rapport of some sort already? But geez! To send your kids home with a stranger (well, one of your customers).
We just said "yeah, sure" without a second thought. I suppose our other car is some kind of collateral just in case? I guess... some folks trust you. As we trusted them that first night. I mean, we left our car in their garage... without receipts or any paperwork at all. You just trust they haven't packed it off to be sold somewhere when you come back. And so it was still there the next day when we arrived. The kids have never been in a car with power windows. They seem really taken with them and they did what all kids do: push the buttons to play with them. Puts things in proper perspective once again.
So here I am, tired but learned so much about a part of the province we usually blow by on our way to somewhere else... just a small patch we did not know existed till today.
Since I just got a short story done, I reckon it's a good time to have your car in the shop for repairs. A day well spent, my head sunburned, and a new experience well earned.
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