UNSUNG VANGUARDS (Part I)

They’re the people we take for granted -- the same people, without whom, we simply can’t exist, or at least, function normally. More often than not, they’re dubbed the little people -- the little people who make big a difference. We dare call them vanguards because despite their roles in society, life is simply inconceivable without them. Yes, they’re that important. Take a peep as we celebrate the 50 unsung vanguards of today’s society.

GRAVE DIGGER

Who knows what he faces in the still of the dark night? To a new-age junkie, the possibilities are endless -- as so many restless souls always come to the surface and surf around for answers to unresolved deaths. To the average citizen, the mere thought of spending most of one;s day in a cemetery is a bit off. Only for the strange.

The absolutely unfeeling, on the other hand, couldnÕt give two hoots either way.

Still, a job is a job is a job. Beats sleeping on the street.

NEWSPAPER BOY

So you think it’s the ultimate hassle to get out of bed at around 6:30 a.m. to start your day. Poor little business executive!

How about blinking to life much earlier rushing to get your share of papers to deliver throughout a particular route, huffing and puffing on a rusty bicycle for a good two hours before heading off to a whole day of school? Pretty impressive.

Sure, this tiny man may not be able to fix up a glitch in the stock market (although he may be able to someday). Do keep in mind that, without him, your morning ritual may just be all about coffee.

MAILMAN

E-mail can’t do it all. Sometimes the age-old, hand-written letter is still the way. And without the mailman, how can we ever get our mail? Our parcel? He’s a medium to the message.

AMBULANCE DRIVER

Sometimes to save a life, it boils down to an ambulance driver’s route choice, driving skill, and wheel maneuvering. In those critical moments, he’s that important. It’s a risky and perhaps even nerve-wracking job - because like doctors and nurses, they have the task and gift of saving.

BOUNCER

They’re not buffed for no reason. They ensure your safety - especially when you’re drunk and about to go insane. They protect you from gang wars, self-humiliation, and most of all, abuse. Partying should be fun. And they make sure that is exactly what you get.

MESSENGER

It’s all about efficiency. How many other things could we accomplish if only we didn’t have to deliver documents to Manila, gifts to Quezon City, and invitations to Pasig? These are errands we can rid ourselves of if we had our friendly messenger who’s kind enough to do it for us. They labor in heat to make sure your urgent stuff are sent urgently. That’s a pretty tough one.

MARKET VENDOR

They brave through the stinky palengke halls everyday to be able to make a buck and of course, to be able to sell you some food. Making the market your office is no joke. But it’s an honest, decent job. And we applaud them for that.

POLICEMAN

Don’t let the shiny .45 calibers fool you! Our armed forces can very well do without them. They’re all fit, able, and proudly sporting waistlines no more than 41 inches! Watch out, Steven Seagal – don’t even attempt to mess with them.

Kidding aside, doing away with full support and trust for our country’s policemen has been a social ill for quite a while. Let’s do away with negativity and give our men in blue a little more incentive to prove us wrong. Surely, there exists some kind of conscience in a good majority of them.

SALESLADY

Some are really irritating. But most of them are generally willing to serve. Selling is all about serving. And good that they extend a warm smile - despite the fact that, customers, well, they’re more irritating, actually.

CAR WASH BOY

He’ll squeegee your windshield back to good health, give your tires a good kick to make sure they’re good to go, and check that your car’s not in dire need of Pedialyte. And if you really tend to epitomize lethargy, he just might run and grab you a cup of coffee, a tuna sandwich, and - God willing - some raunchy porn mag from under the counter.

(To be continued…)