Blessing in Disguise

One day during the Spring and Autumn Period, Confucius brought his disciples to the State of Qi to promote his school of thought of King Jing.

Confucius: I have no interest in what he has to say. But he has renowned and it will be useful if I can retain his services!

King Jing: I hope you can remain here to help me manage Qi. I shall bestow this piece of land on you.

Confucius: Thank you for your good intensions, Your Excellency, but I must take my leave.

Later...

Disciple: Why don't you accept King Jing's invitation?

Confucius: I believe in just rewards for meritocratic service. I was advocating "benevolence" to the king today and he tried to reward me even before implementing it. He does not understand me at all!

Disciple: We must not receive rewards without merit. I understand now!

wu gong bu shou lu
Refuse a reward when one has done nothing to deserve it.

-CHINESE PROVERBS BOOK-

During my first semester in my SGOV class (West Negros University), we are required to attend one of the sessions in the Hall of Justice and City Council in the New Government Center.

I had with me, Nang Helen-an excellent interpreter of my deaf yet very pretty classmate, Krisbee (yes, our school is accepting special). As usual, the council's meeting was postponed due to incoming highlight of Masskara Festival in Bacolod-they always had their alibis, most of the politicians are like that.

The first stop - no reflection paper about a certain resolution, no name of presiding officer, etc.

Well, after the confirmation of the next meeting, we proceed to our next stop, Araneta Street. My bad! Climbing high stairs is as exhausting as getting 6 examinations in a row!

Wrong timing, all of the judges went to Manila for an important discussion except for Hon. Drilon, again, a deep sighhhh...the secretary won't let us in, since we are students, she reasoned out that they are handling minor rape cases and very sensitive family disputes.

The case therefore, is purely confidential.

Second stop - again, no reaction paper, no procedures to discussed, we are totally eggy (zero)!

Since, 888 China Town is just a stone throw away, we decided to take a stroll. The very moment we stepped in, a lady with her formal attire, approached us. Let me tell you first that Nang Helen is 56-year old.

Lady: Ma'am, can you come with me? I'm a first-timer. I'll just show you my demo.

Nang Helen: Okay.

Robele: Nang, what's that?

Nang Helen: She'll have her demo, let's just watch her.

Robele: All right.

A man nearby (he's wearing formal attire, too, I guess, the lady's partner) showed us a catalogue of "something".

Man: Ma'am, you'll get this! (he pointed out a photo of a high-tech dispenser).

Nang Helen: (Amazed...)

Robele: Uh, tu-od. (So amazed!)

We walk towards their booth (a size of a 30 sq. meter room). Here's her demonstration.

She showed us that high-tech dispenser, of how the pork meat separates the unhealthy fat from the cold water.

Yes, she's boiling the meat and still the water is cold (remind you this…it is plugged it) She does make use of cabbage, too. She's just soaking her bare hands and the water amazingly isn't hot! Very safe, really!

Then at the corner, we saw Japan made cooking stuff (like a stove), another employee this time, made her demo with us, she plugged in, and she boiled the water. It boiled but the surface isn't hot, too.

She had put a paper on the place where the water is boiled, even her hand! But it's so safe. As high-tech as that!

Later on, they noticed how stunned are we. The lady listed our names, our address, cell phone numbers as well as our email adds.

Lady: Ma'am. do you have credit card?

Nang Helen: Yes, I do.

Lady: Ma'am, just wait in a while.

I was watching the lady; she brought with her an LCD and that high-tech dispenser!

Lady: Ma'am, this is yours for free. We just want you to take this for promotion of our products. You may encourage your neighbor, too. Do you have a permanent address?

Nang Helen: No, I'm just staying with my friend.

Lady: May we just have your ID as an exchange?

Nang Helen: (kind of terrified) Oh no, I don't have an ID. I'm sorry, we're going.

I was perplexed. But why no?

Lady: You, ma'am (pointing to me). Have you brought your ID?

Robele: (silent)

Lady: (talking to Nang Helen), I’ll just give her (to me) the items for free. Really. Just for promotion of our products.

Robele: (checking my wallet if there's my Id...silent...Nang Helen was actually kicking me, as a sign of saying..NO)

Nang Helen: No. we're sorry. We're going now.

We both stand up and take few steps.

The man said.

Man: Ma'am, don't you like it? It is all for free!!!

We hurriedly walked away. Well, yes, I am puzzled.

Nang Helen: Believe me! It is illegal. My elder sister had been a victim of that.
Most of the time, they're inviting people, who they assume has credit card, the oldies (remember I mentioned she's 56). The truth is, they let you get those expensive products now and eventually you have to pay it. Just think, only mad person will do that! It is a trick!

Robele: Oh, I'm glad, we immediately walked away. I'm kind of hungry.

I did treat her fried rice mixed with vegetables and sausages and bottled mineral water - our lunch.

In our SGOV class...(after a brief explanation of our valid excuse)

PhD. G. said: "Make it (the two sessions) as a requirement for YOURSELF. I just wanted you to experience it personally."

Yay!!!

I got 1.4

As what the disciple said: “We must not receive rewards without merit. I understand now!”