Tag Archives: beggars

The Road to Diamond, Day 62: The Dinner Show

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Posted by on in children, collaborating, Community, distraction issues, Education, Personal Values, Social, Spiritual, Striving

January 29, 2025, Manila- The six children gathered outside the small cafe, with two of them standing at the window, and all but demanding that those of us inside reach in our pockets and give to the cause. The owner sent a young lady out to tell them, nicely, to leave. That lasted for three minutes, and we all sensed they were merely hiding around the corner. The group came back, a second time, and were nearly as aggressive. This time, the owner sent a brusque male employee, whose message was that the police were on their way. The group left, going across the street to stand in front of a student dormitory.

Winter brings desperation, even in a relatively warm place like the Philippines. This is the dry season, though that will soon end. There have been reports of young men on motorcycles, harassing those going in and out of the U.S. Embassy and VA Clinic that is near the Embassy, though not the one I would use, were I to decide to move here. I am sure the police are responding, and besides, I have no plans to be anywhere near that area, this time around.

I take precautions with my belongings, when out on the street. Kids, and others, don’t see anything easily taken, because I don’t make it obvious, and thieves need to move quickly. I also don’t let myself be surrounded by any group of people, of any age. The kids yesterday, in San Gregorio, were respectful and had a documented, registered cause. The group outside the cafe, this evening, have done this before and when young adults pass them by, they don’t try anything foolish.

So, the dinner show was not all that entertaining. I was alone, and calmly had my rather modest meal. Food from street stalls, which is what the beggars themselves eat, is actually as plentiful as what was offered in the cafe, and I have eaten it myself, more than once. It is also a whole lot cheaper.

Why don’t I just put coins in cups? Multiply the group of six by the number of those watching from a distance, and you will have your answer. Baha’u’llah teaches that “the most despicable among men are those who sit idly and beg.” It is important to redirect children towards meaningful activity, and away from such idleness.

Expanding Home, Day 11: Observations On A Tight Neighbourhood

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Posted by on in Assistance, children, collaborating, Community, Entertainment, Inspiration, Personal Values, Social, Striving, Travel

October 20, 2023, Paranaque- The lady busily puttered about the courtyard and small garden, seemingly unaware of anything other than what was in front of her. To me, watching from a third story window, with appreciation of her diligent work in the afternoon heat, it was reassuring. The people of this largely commercial neighbourhood still had residences scattered among the businesses, and they took care of these, with dignity and a goodly amount of pride. A humble, dignified, graceful woman was, at that point in time, the most beautiful person on Earth.

Four small boys scampered about, in and out of the parking lot, around the four restaurants, three car rental agencies, a bar and the hotel where I am staying. They split themselves up, each one stationed in front of a restaurant, steering clear of the hotel-and of the bar, where the bouncer would have gladly given them a forceful heave-ho. Some realities are understood, intuitively, even by the desperate- especially by the desperate. I sat in Pablo’s, enjoying the pipes of a group of four men who were engaged in karaoke. I was invited to join in, on the English-language songs, but spared them my croaking voice. Listening to their many tunes, in English and in Tagalog, was a splendid way to while away the evening-for me, and for the little one outside, whose nose was pressed to the window. The food was also good.

I do not give money to beggars, no matter how old or young. A few years ago, as you may recall, I tried supporting a man who I thought was an honest entrepreneur, only to have him rebuff my suggestions and up his monetary demands. Lesson learned, and cord cut. The kids are engaging, and appealing-but I know where the money ends up, and it’s not in their pockets. The minder, if he or she could even be called that, waits at a gathering point, collection bag in hand.

Here in the Manila Airport Hotel, there is a constant buzz of guests, hotel staff, cafe workers, travel agents, masseuses and car rental agents. Lines form at the hotel desk and at the cafe counter-and are diligently honoured. No one in the Philippines seems to vaunt self over those in front of the line. I have been in places where that is not the case, but in this country, there is a fair amount of decorum-even on the busy streets, few are they who throw their weight around in traffic-and they are put in their places very quickly, either by the police or by other drivers.

I like this tight little neighbourhood, and will miss it, at least a bit, when I transfer to Santa Ana, nearer to Manila Proper, next week.