MANILA, Philippines - Two Sundays ago while on a business trip to Subic, my son called me up at 2 a.m. and asked me to come home pronto. Robbers bore a huge hole in my ceiling and ransacked my inner sanctum. My initial reaction was severe panic. I hurriedly checked out of the hotel and hit the road. The over two-hour trip back to the Makati was wrought with anxiety. I kept making a mental computation of what the robbers took away. My worst fears were validated when I arrived at the scene of the crime. My bedroom was a disaster area with all my stuff strewn on the floor in total disarray. The robbers took my cash, watches (some of which I’ve kept since my teen years), cell phones, computers, etc. Anything of value was fair game including a picture frame with my daughter’s picture. What I can’t figure is why they even took my car keys. Now I’ll have to wait for a month to get a replacement key and pay P22,500.
The robbers were led by my ex-helper whose sisters and mother I have sheltered and fed for three years. Now I know better that the saying “You don’t bite the hand that feeds you” is fiction. On the positive side, the experience was a revelation about friends who care and go out of their way to help. Sonny Parsons was one. Upon learning of the crime, he immediately came and took over the investigation. He even gave chase to one of the robbers and in the process injuring his ribcage and knees in a fall. In my book, I will eternally be grateful for what he did.
To date, the depression of losing my mementos and belongings I’ve cherished through the years still lingers. There is also the nagging feeling of being violated.
Although New Year’s Eve is still far away, I decided to make my resolution now change some habits.
FROM NOW ON:
If I buy a designer bag or watch, I’ll make it a point to use it immediately instead of keeping it in my closet and saving it for special occasions (like a robbery?).
Not to deprive myself of some luxuries like traveling on Business Class and staying at better hotels when budget can afford. For the past decade, I’ve been denying myself the comforts of travel so I can save money for the future (future of the robbers?).
I will clean my bedroom myself.
Never to keep cash at home and just withdraw from an ATM when necessary.
Keep my jewelry in a bank safety deposit box.
Just buy stuff I NEED not WANT (Most of the stuff that got stolen are WANT items).
Not to get attached too much to personal belongings.
Just like the John Lennon song Starting Over, I am, with whatever I have left.
My biggest expense now is having my ceiling grilled with steel bars and electrified. The next robber who enters will get fried (Heaven forbid).
PS, as I was writing this piece, my close friend radio personality “Long Tall Howard” informed me carnappers stole his Toyota FX right in front of his house.