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Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Flavier: The parable of the best horse
By Senator Juan Flavier
THE three horse rig drivers (cochero) controlled the whole transportation system of the barrio with their three horse drawn rigs (kalesa).
Passenger jeepneys refused to ply the four-kilometer stretch in part because of the very rugged and muddy road. The main reason was the waist deep river between the barrio and the town proper. With heavy rainfall, the water swelled to neck-deep or even higher.
On normal days, only the kalesa could traverse the river. But it took well-trained horses. Ones not afraid to wade through flowing water as high as their backs.
It was only natural that the three rig drivers claimed their respective horses to be the best.
Whenever they happened to be together in the waiting section in town or congregated in the barrio, their one recurring debate was the special abilities of their horses.
The first cochero would not be outdone even if he was patently making up his account. "Mine is the best in speed. Once I raced my horse against a train. The metal horse could not keep up with my living horse."
The two others guffawed more in mock than appreciation.
The second cochero said, "My horse is better and faster. So fast that the typhoon could not catch up. While we raced with the typhoon, we remained dry. But just a few meters back, other horses running along were dripping wet."
This time, it was the turn of the first and third drivers to burst in laughter.
"Talagang mahangin ka (You are really full of hot air)," the first cochero exclaimed.
Finally, the third cochero recounted, "Mine is the best. Imagine, one time I had a fainting spell and lost consciousness. On his own initiative, my horse called for a doctor."
"That sounds too good to be true (hindi kapanipaniwala)!" exclaimed the second cochero. "I suppose your life was saved by the doctor?"
"No," replied the third cochero with a naughty smile. "My horse called for a veterinary doctor."
(March 16, 2005 issue)
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