UNSUNG VANGUARDS (Part II)

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. Here are more of the unsung vanguards of today’s society.

GARDENER

Sure, there are times you’d like to kill the culprit who starts up the boisterous lawn mower at 7 a.m. ruining your blissful REM session. It’s a small price to pay. Or would you rather be confronted with a horrific forest in your backyard?!

He takes the harsh sun a good 10 hours a day - furthering his chances at skin cancer - to groom your greens into a tropical wonderland as you sit in your lazy boy watching those silly noontime shows, keeping your hands ands knees vainly soil-free. All dirt aside, this miracle worker leaves your garden as, um, squeaky clean as it can get - sparing you the hassle of bonding with the very earth that sustains you.

CABLE GUY

No cable guy, no cable. No cable, no life. Can you believe it? There’s a freaking war happening in Afghanistan and you didn’t even know about it!

WINDOW WASHER

Definitely not a task for those with vertigo. Window washing’s an easy task. But not if what they have to clean is a 45-storey building. That’s a bit, um, scary. But just so you have a nice view and a tidy building, they climb into that "we-doubt-if-it’s-sturdy" platform and make your windows spot free.

FARMER

They sow. They reap. But not for themselves. For other people. Without farmers, where will we get our rice, vegetable, and other fresh produce? This is a cliche, but the song’s true, "Magtanim ay ‘di biro."

FLIGHT ATTENDANT

They only wish for your safety. Even if some of them are real jerks and bitches sometimes - especially if you ask for extra sugar for your coffee. But they’re trained to risk their lives for passengers - to put themselves last. And that’s noble.

NURSE

It’s bad enough that the nurturing nurse is surrounded by illness day in and day out. Imagine having to deal with a bitchy grandmother who’ll have no other way but hers? Or a spoiled kid who refuses to take medicine or eat at mealtime?

Patience is a true virtue in this case. And, more often than not - amidst having to wipe crap-clad asses clean and bathe disease-stricken folk - you will not catch this professional without a smile.

ROOM SERVICE STAFF

Hotels are hotels for one reason. They have room service. If you are to enjoy the lap of luxury, might as well go all out. Call the butler in, please.

WAITER

Restaurant owners can’t function without them. Restaurant diners can’t be without them - even if it’s buffet or even self-service. And please, don’t scream at them if the food’s bad. Because it’s not their fault.

MECHANIC

The great "tinkerer". Imagine being able to fix your busted bedroom light by playing around with the toaster socket? Baffling? For sure. Yet he gets the job done - somehow. His ways are, more often than not, highly unconventional. You tend to wonder if he’s one of those extra-terrestrials that heal with the power of suggestion. Whatever the case, this guy’s seemingly "supernatural" gift spares you the hassle of splitting headaches - not to mention possible electrocution.