Reality Bites

Yesterday I forgot to bring my wallet so our day became like a chapter in the series of unfortunate events. Even though my husband and I go to work together he also couldn’t do something about it because I’m the treasurer at home.

We were in Guadalupe market when we realized that we couldn’t afford to buy dinner (because I left my wallet) and since it’s already close to payday so it's also the time when people become really tight to their budget, whew!

Now here comes the first reality. Why do most of the salary men receive their compensation on the 15th and 30th of the month? Why can’t those capitalists give their money at least a day before the date so these meager salary men don’t have to wait for a very long queue in the supermarket? Anyway, the payroll has been made ahead of time and each company is also following the same cliché of cut off dates.

Secondly, (also yesterday) we realized that our baby’s water is running out so we had to buy one. So we went to the nearest store (still in Guadalupe market) and asked the cashier the price of the 6-liter bottled water (with green labels). Without any hesitation she said, “P77.75.” My husband and I were both astounded and left the store immediately whispering, “Too much overpricing.” It's sad to know that safe drinking water has become too expensive and it's even sadder many people don't have access to it.

Lastly, just this morning while on our way to office, the jeepney driver stopped in a gasoline station for a refill. The poor guy loaded three liters only (I think you knew why he can’t afford to have a full tank). This gas company ranked no. 1 in Top 7000 corporations last 2007 and 2008 and consistently stays among the first five in the whole country along with the other behemoths. But why is it that all top corporations employ contractual employees only? Will they lose a portion of their earnings if they make them permanent workers and give them some social benefits?

Really, reality bites. We are all part of a world where the strong keeps on surviving yet the stronger keeps on dominating. Anyway it’s given. What’s important is that at the end of the day we still remain grateful of what God has given us. Like what I always say, a simple smile, hug or kiss from someone you love can make all these blues away.