For the victims of the recent disaster in Mindanao it would be difficult to be thankful this holiday season. But we who have been spared must be thankful and may want to help them in order to alleviate their suffering as well as warm their hearts. Help! Look into your closets, your refs, storage cabinets, pantries – there must be a few things you do not and cannot use anymore. Collect them. There must be a place – the church, village administration office, schools, government, NGOs – within your neighborhood where you can drop them off. Do your bit in making someone happy and you will be happy as well.
In the course of our continuing research for materials newsworthy enough for this weekly column, we have come across a group of hard working men and women, big and small establishments and organizations, we are very thankful for. They have made our job much easier and very pleasant. A few examples:
The positive feedback from regular readers, some of whom give us valuable tips to help us find rare and interesting food items and their sources.
The management of various supermarkets, department stores, wet markets and small suppliers for responding to our constructive (apologies for the negatives) comments, in the course trying to improve their services.
The selling staff who, most often, would go the extra mile to look for specific items in their bodega, graciously accommodating our requests with a smile.
The cashiers who would have loose change as against those who would ask, “May 25 cents ba kayo?”
The baggers who will escort us to the car without any indication they are expecting a tip.
The stores, restaurants, cake shops and other food outlets who religiously honor senior citizens’ cards, giving due discounts.
Last but not least, our marketing (palengke)/ kitchen assistant who helps us find the best food bargains and who constantly toils chopping, etc., and stays, nearly forever, in front of a hot stove to serve us delicious meals.
To all of them and others we may have missed among the above, Merry Christmas!
E-mail comments and questions to ldcastillo327@yahoo.com.ph.