Equanimity

Few occasions made a lasting impression. I mean, the few special and memorable times I happened to be with Engr. Miguel M. Manaloto, Jr., (may his soul rest in peace), showed to me the character of the person that he, in his lifetime, lived. While I have attempted to hack my own life, my impression of him served well as a true-to-life model.

The first time I met the man we dearly called Kuya Mike, was in a dry and breezy Sunday afternoon, almost four decades ago. This was in the house of my eventual parents-in-law. He drove a vintage military jeep, painted with my favorite light blue color. His vehicle was not flashy but its whine indicated the kind of thorough care the owner lavished it with. That setting, somehow, betrayed his passion for that which was more functional than luxurious. The other professionals whom I knew to be belonging to his level of success chauffeured fancy vehicles. Function was, to him, as it became mine too, to be regarded with premium.

At a much later time, Kuya Mike and I had a discussion on function. As I reminded him of my earlier impression of him, our minds were engaged by a very well publicized event involving high government officials. It was about the top echelon of a government agency tasked with education, who, amidst the claim of low budget, bought several expensive vehicles for their use. "They could have very well acquired more functional and cheaper cars and spend the rest of the money on", kuya sighed. They, who were supposed to be epitome of function, demonstrated what was unquestionably luxurious.

When I was introduced to kuya that fateful breezy Sunday afternoon, he gave me a tight and very warm handshake, as if we were long time friends. I was a young man with no accomplishments to speak of, but he treated me with dignity. He could not hide his regional, (read it as Capangpangan) accent, but it was a pleasure listening to some experiential tales he wove in funny package. That Sunday encounter with Kuya Mike showed to me how to win respect from complete strangers.

In my talk with kuya during a sojourn to a foreign shore, the arrogance of our high government officers became an engaging subject. Despite the fact that at the back of my mind, I considered him a considerate individual, I assumed the devil's advocate. My proposition was realistic. I argued that it was necessary to be over-bearing and arrogant at times, if only to command attention. His face contorted. Obviously, he did not like what I said. There was, to him, no plausible rationale to justify any arrogant behavior of otherwise public servants.

Another occasion allowed me a glimpse into the meaning of equanimity. Kuya unconsciously showed it. That incident took place when he and friends were asked to go to Manila following the election of a senator. I knew kuya spent precious time, gave so much effort and expended some personal money to advance the political interest of the senator. Each time the candidate came to Cebu, kuya did what could be done for the politician. They exchanged many phone calls even in the wee hours of the night.

But, in Manila, the senator was suddenly and inexplicably unreachable.It might not have been a viable political design but it surely was a senator's cruel way telling kuya his help was no longer needed. Kuya was left stranded in the flux of disjointed thoughts. Even the phone number thru which their many conversations were carried on was not in service. When I questioned the kind of treatment kuya was accorded, the latter smiled. His words were "when I help, I do not expect a favor in return".

God has taken kuyaI am certain Engr. Manaloto deserves to be with Him up there. God speed. Kuya!