|
Sunday, March 02, 2003
Covington: Hey Joe
By Gary Covington
ALMOST every evening for the past year, in a so far futile attempt to lose weight, I've gone for a brisk evening walk around the subdivisions of Buhangin.
It could be a pleasant experience. Buhangin is a hilly area so there are ups to bring on a sweat and downs to take it easy on. There are some satisfying views. From the heights of Panorama subdivision it's possible to see across the Gulf of Davao to the islands of Samal and Talikud, the
evening colors intensified by a setting sun.
Look the other way from the rear of Robinson's so far undeveloped
subdivision and there is a view up the Davao river valley towards Mandug, a scene in some ways the Philippines in microcosm; the winding river, great expanses of banana, rice paddy -- lawn-like from a distance -- and nipa huts glowing yellow.
Yes, it could be a very pleasant walk indeed if only I didn't invariably
attract a chorus of shouts and jeers. The kindest is 'Hey Joe', the more
usual '_ _ _ _ off Joe' or '_ _ _ _ you Joe'. I've yet to hear a straightforward 'Good Evening'.
It might be thought that after twelve months of marching around the same
subdivisions -- middle class with a wealth of flashy houses and RUVs --
that the locals would have become accustomed to the sight of me. Not a
chance; it's still great fun to shout at a passing pedestrian even though he be a complete stranger.
The worst offenders are the students of what was formerly called the Davao Merchant Marine Academy at the top of the long hill that leads to Tigatto. Now, these are not kids, these are young men in their late teens or early twenties who are studying to be officers in the merchant marine.
Once they have obtained their certificates they will sail off to the far
corners of the world; each one a representative, an unofficial ambassador to the Philippines. When they dock at Liverpool or Los Angeles are they going to disembark to start shouting 'Hey Joe' to the tough wharfies? I think not.
Of course it's not only me who suffers this indignity but anyone with a
Caucasian appearance whether he be American or Serbo-Croat. And it's not
only the spotty adolescents and kids who shout; it's adults too who bawl
from passing jeepneys, trucks and coaches and who should know better.
So what are the reasons behind these insulting displays of ignorance?
Professionals in the teaching trade point out that social standards are on the decline, that parents no longer set an example nor do they discipline their children for fear of a do-gooder jumping up to cry child-beater or worse.
Or perhaps it's just because these mouthy morons have a serious inferiority complex. Not only do they need to be noticed, they need to be seen to be noticed because they are never, never alone when they shout.
Meanwhile I'll keep on taking exercise and keep on pretending not to notice the jeers and shouts but it's like a toothache. Always there. Nagging.
Annoying. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
