I am Mae German. 34 years old. Born in Mangatarem, province of Pangasinan. I was taught and trained by 
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Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop Leave a Mark. A Good One.
Some-Kinda-Blog-Stop Leave a Mark. A Good One. | Leave a Mark. A Good One. |
| Friday, 15 May 2009 | |
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"Aren't you going to take a break?" Tony, the Vietnamese guy that I've met at the park where I was jogging last time, asked. I said hi when I saw him fixing his roller blades. Ate dropped me off at the park around 6 in the evening today so I can run. The weather was good. "No," I said politely. Taking a break was not in my plan. I just wanted to run and do some brisk walking 'round the 1-mile lake. I think I did 4 rounds today. And I did a lot of stretching before and after. I feel good. I know he wanted to talk but my mind was wandering somewhere else. I just ran. Slowed down at some area where there were some geese and goslings. Goslings are cute and funny. They have actually made me laugh today. Kagigil! If I could only pick one and play with it for a while, I would! Along with these, the sunset kept me entertained while I was doing my rounds. I guess Tony couldn't help it. He joined me in one of my rounds. I had to brisk walk instead of run so I can talk. "So, did you tell your family that you met a stranger in the park? I bet they will tell you not to talk to strangers," he said. Hmmm.. was I wearing my I-don't-talk-to-stranger shirt today? Does this guy still think that I am a minor? "Hey! I can take care of myself around strangers. And you seem to be a nice guy. I am sure they're alright if I talk to anyone," I snapped. Still walking fast as he was on his roller blades. "I just thought they'd be the type of Filipinos who doesn't want to be friends with other nationality. Some are like that. If you're not a Filipino and you don't speak in Filipino, then you're out," he said, as if ranting. I knew, based from our talk last time, that he had a not-so-good experience with his ex-girlfriend. I understood what he meant. He felt he was a victim of discrimination (by some Filipinos). But just by saying those words against some Filipinos, he should realize that he, himself, is already discriminating some of our "lahi"? (I learned that from the broadway show, Avenue Q!-- Everyone's a Little Bit Racist) Absurd, her ex-girlfriend was, when she refused to introduce him to her Filipino friends, just because he can't speak nor understand Tagalog. Uhh.. Isn't it just polite to speak in English when you think someone in your group would feel left out because he/she doesn't speak your language or at least be kind enough to translate for your guests to understand why you're laughing like hyena? Tower of Babel! Hello?! "Did you know that I have cousins who were married to a British and an American?" I asked. He stopped. "We are open-minded, ya'h know," I said that with a smile. I think he came to his senses. We talked about other things like his work and again, the places he's been to. He's working for... man! I wasn't paying attention! and he's been there for nine years. He has traveled out of the country 8 times in 2008 and he's traveled more this year. He still wanted to talk but I wanted to run another round. I felt guilty dropping him just like that. I don't think he's got a lot of friends around here. Well, I think a lot of people doesn't have much time for that anyway. Poor guy. Whoever his Pinay ex-girlfriend was, I hate her for leaving this kind of mark to the rest of us-- Filipinos. I wanted him to meet my SIL so I could show him how nice most of us are but we parted ways before my ride came. In fact, I wish he could meet a lot of nice Filipinos. Now I think I'm going to like the role that I'm going to play in that park. Speaking of making a difference, eh? This is going to be fun. Although I have my wall built high, he has let me jump over his side of the fence. I can do this! Uhh.. that is, if I will be given another chance. He said he'd be in Indonesia next week. Be nice to people, Pinoys! Puleeez! The golden rule was taught to us in kindergarten! |
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