Light at the end of the tunnel

"Christmas in August!," exclaimed may businessmen as they saw the Philippine peso begin to regain strength, after a long season of drought. Finally, they see light at what they hope is the end of the tunnel that has entrapped us and our country for so long a time. The peso’s recovery could be the breakthrough that will bring us back to the road of economic recovery.

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The big question now is whether the strengthening of the peso vis-a-vis the American dollar can be sustained. The same question can be asked of the Philippine stock market which, during the past few days, has been showing signs of life. It all depends on confidence and faith. If the business community can regain its confidence on the nation’s ability to bounce back, then our long-awaited economic resurrection could come sooner than expected.

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The government, though, must demonstrate teamwork. The executive and legislative branches must work together, with a sense of urgency, to attain the goals spelled out by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address. And every agency of government, and every citizen, must be inspired and energized to do their role in rebuilding the shattered ramparts of our nation.

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The role of the Senate and the House of Representatives in bringing us back to the road of recovery cannot be overemphasized. There are pieces of legislation, like the anti-money laundering bill, that must be passed at the soonest possible time. Bigtime investors, both here and abroad, will be watching how Congress will play its role in luring them back to invest their money in the Philippines.

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It was a sight to see: some 200 senior citizens trooping to the UCPB headquarters in Makati Avenue last Saturday, August 10, to attend the first-ever UCPB Health Convention. The 200, all of them members of the UCPB Jose Rizal Club, were there, despite the bad weather, to listen to lectures on physical fitness, emergency care procedures, proper diet and nutrition, common eye diseases of the elderly, and cardio-vascular risk factors.

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UCPB President Lorenzo V. Tan beamed with satisfaction as many of those who attended the unique convention approached him to thank him for the event, a first by any bank. And he and UCPB marketing head Rosario Tan, who conceptualized the formation of the UCPB Jose Rizal Club, had an added bonus for the convention delegates: the presence of medical doctors to provide free medical advice to the senior citizens.

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It might be hard to associate the name "Jose Rizal Club" with a bank, but it was developed as a privilege club for UCPB depositors who are 55 years old and above. Its thrust was to create special products and services for that particular market segment made up of senior citizens. And among the special perks for the club members are preferential interest rates on deposits and money market placements, free annual physical examination, and even free ambulance service during an emergency situation.

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The UCPB Jose Rizal Club is actually a unique marketing promo, but it seems to be doing wonders for the bank. As of now, the club’s membership is 800 nationwide, and it is growing. Call it a gimmick, but it is attracting oldies to bank with UCPB.

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Let me thank a civic-spirited lady who, through the years, has been lending a helping hand to the Good Samaritan Foundation. She wishes to be identified as TGFHA-LV. Last Wednesday, she sent P10,000 which will be used to help some indigent youngsters become self-reliant, despite their disability or their poverty. Thanks a million, and God bless!

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In the meantime, the Good Samaritan Foundation turned over the amount of P5,000 to nine-year-old Brian Carl Lucasan of Cavite City, a boy who inherited a sickness from his mother. The money will be used for medicines that will hopefully cure him of his ailment. Also disbursed by the Good Samaritan Foundation was the amount of P2,500 for the right-arm casting of Ronald Jay Cruz, whose parents cannot afford the cost of the medical treatment.

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Rafael Osumo, who is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, sent to me an account of how he was interviewed by a US Embassy consul when he applied for a visa to the United States. He thinks that it was his way of answering the consul’s questions that enabled him to get the visa. The questioning went this way:

"So, you are going to the US?"

"Yes, I was invited to go there."

"What do you mean, you don’t want to go to the US?"

"My work is in publication and printing. We had an American visitor last month who liked my work and invited me to the US so that I can hone my skills. But if I have a choice, I would rather train in Germany."

"Why is that?"

"Because, sir, with all due respect, the US is still in the Middle Ages compared to Germany when it comes to printing."

The consul gave me a dagger look after my answer but I looked back. Then he thumbed through my papers. After five minutes, which seemed like eternity, he asked me another question.

"Can you guarantee you will come back?"

"My son will be one-year old on July 6. I won’t exchange attending my son’s first birthday for any gold and silver in the United States."

He thumbed through my papers another time, then he told me to come back on Thursday. When he said that, I knew I got the visa.

When I came back to collect my visa that Thursday, the late Rene Requistas was in front of me in the line. He told me they are going to Guam for a show. When he was on the window, the embassy officer asked him why he did not collect the visa yesterday. Rene Requistas smiled at the officer and said: "There was brownout yesterday, sir, no traffic light!" Those of us who heard the conversation laughed our guts out.

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Among the students at a well-known college was a young man who used crutches. A homely sort of fellow, he had a talent for friendliness and optimism. He won many scholastic honors and the respect of his classmates.

One day, a classmate asked the cause of his deformity.

"Infantile paralysis" was the brief reply.

"But tell me," said the friend, "with a misfortune like that, how can you face the world so confidently?"

"Oh," he replied, smiling, "the disease never touched my heart."

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Thoughts for Today: We lose the joy of living in the present when we worry about the future. So let the Lord take care of tomorrow and give your best today.

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A heart who seeks God early in the morning will find joy, peace and security even in the midst of a stormy day. Smile, it’s gonna be a great day!

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My e-mail addresses: <[email protected]> and <[email protected]>