In the deep bushes in the world of Abakahan (Abaca farm) comes the different sound of insects in chorale fashion. Each insect has a unique sound. Accompanying the sound of insects are the murmurs of the water from the falls connecting the twin Mountains in San Isidro, a small town in the province of Catanduanes in eastern Philippines. For the people of San Isidro like Es, an abaca stripper, the sounds have become a natural music in the bushes of Abakahan. But if there are pleasant sounds in the Abakahan, there is also the sound that is really pestering him-- the pesky mosquito.
This mosquito is continuously hovering and merrily zinging around Es’ ears. But at this time, it doesn’t catch the attention of Es. He is so focused at stripping all the abaca that he gathered so that in the afternoon, he could dry it up and sell it to support the school expenses of his siblings - Nene and Totoy. At the same time, he also needs to buy rice, cooking oil and salt. In the world of Abakahan, a simple dream is having meals and at least finishing high school education.
The pesky mosquito seems to look for the right timing to strike at Es. With Es’ mind glued somewhere else, the mosquito is positioned for a safe landing. In just a few seconds, the insect landed unnoticed and it planted its needle-form mouth into the bare body of Es. It seems that the pesky mosquito is having a good time. But only for a while. When Es starts to notice the sucking feeling on his skin, the mosquito will be swatted to death!
But this insect is really lucky. Es’ mind is wandering in dreamland. Es thought he was being lifted from the ground and his surroundings were turning rainbow colored. Slowly, the grassy abakahan has turned into a paradise-like atmosphere. “H
beautiful it is to smell the fragrant flowers in the garden.” He did not hear the annoying sound of the insect as his attention went to the gushing sound of water from a stream. Overjoyed, Es playfully swinged over every branch of the trees. His swings grew faster and stronger until he touched the clouds.
On top of the clouds, Es is welcomed with a bountiful banquet, with the delight of every human being in attendance. The occasion is filled with merry-making. Expensive food and wines were lined-up on a huge table. While everyone partakes with the food, songs were played in the air “Halleluiah, halleluiah!” All of a sudden, the occasion was interrupted by a booming voice. “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please,” the host said. “We are moving to the highlight of the event-- the coronation of Es as the prince of Abakahan. Es is being feted for his industry and humility. All eyes are trained on him and everyone shouted in unison” Long live Es, the prince of Abakahan.
What? Es is now a prince of Abakahan? And who will not beam with pride in this kind of recognition! Es is savoring the sumptuous foods and the pomp and glory of being crowned the prince of Abakahan. Everyone is surprised. Who can imagine that Es, the abaca stripper, who is unwashed, is the star of the night?
That heaven-like happiness was already within his reach and he could almost savor the fruit of this triumph, when suddenly, Es was slowly taken back into the calvary of realities on earth. Es started to feel the sucking sensation on his body. Every blood sucked from Es is like a nightmare that erases the rainbow-like life. Little by little, the banquet of happiness faded away. The sumptuous foods are being replaced with rice and salt. The soothing music went back to the ripping sound of splitting abaca. The beautiful garden went back to the usual grassy, insect -infected abakahan. They vanished altogether from his vision while the biting realities have awakened his senses. As he returned to his real world, Es stared at the blood-filled pesky mosquito. Already bloated, the insect could not move nor fly. Es was enraged, a swift sound followed. “PAK!” and the hand that passes judgment swatted to death the greedy mosquito. The notorious insect is finally erased in the world of Abakahan.
The death of the pesky mosquito comes with the coming to his senses of Es, the simple “parahagot” (Bicolano term for the stripper of abaca) ” in the world of Abakahan.
But Es is aware that the one he swatted is just one of the many insects in Abakahan that thrive in sucking the blood of others.
Es, be wary for others that will come to the Abakahan which could not be killed by a single swat
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of “pak.” I am referring to the blood-suckers in our society. The poor are their usual prey. They have no contentment Es. They will suck you for the last drop of your blood. The poor can no longer cope with the spiraling prices of goods, oil, electricity and water, yet, they have no qualms in squeezing taxes from the poor in the form of Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT), eroding further the purchasing power of the poor. They are the well-fed mosquitoes in a society of hunger. Their greed is being fed by too much profit at the expense of the exploited workers, oppressed farmers, and the demolished urban poor. At least the mosquitoes could leave when they are already satisfied, but the corrupt and greedy-powers-that-be would not let go until they are removed from their most coveted positions.
Es, do not fall into the trap of the illusion that is staring at you now. You might be hoodwinked by the grandeur of the slogan “Ramdam ang kaunlaran. (The progress is being felt)” If caught unaware, you might also be dancing to their music that is coming in the form of mythical figures on TV, like Joaquin Bordado, Darna and Dyesebel (favorite Filipino soap opera) or treated to the gladiator-type fight of Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
If you are not aware of this Es, you might wake up one day that you lost your senses and can no longer feel the attack of the blood-sucking mosquito in our society. So, next time you encounter a mosquito, be very wise to identify the particular species.
Don’t despair Es. Look around you. Your are not alone. Many of your kind have been awakened. They carry the sentiments of the many sectors like the growing ranks of farmers, peasants, fisher folks and indigenous people.
Lastly, Es, don’t put your guard down. Once you blink, these mosquitoes will stage a comeback attack on your body. They have no conscience
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