Manong Alvin, an older cousin, was with me then. Upon returning home, he told my father about it. My father sternly instructed me to go back to the store and apologise to the China man. Realising my lack of respect, I approached the man and said "Pasensya." He just tapped me at the back.
Another story which might have happened earlier was when our family went to Luneta for a night out. One of our houseboys told me that there was a Black man in the park. When the Black man walked past us, I shouted "Negro!". As expected, I got a reprimand from my old man.
These are just few stories of how I have insulted people from other race. In the West, you would have already been labeled as a 'racist'. In countries like the UK and the USA, a mixed culture society is not unusual. And because it's a diverse environment, a sense of co-existence tempered with respect is highly called for.
This was realized by St Martin de Porres, who in his lifetime, treated people fairly regardless of their status, complexion, etc. It has been said that Martin and his sister were disowned by their Spanish father because of the color of their skin - their mother had a black complexion.
Until now, racism and discrimination have been challenging our societies and have often been perceived as hindrance to progress. As we honor St Martin this 3rd of November, let it be our goal to treat others with love and respect regardless of our race, sexual orientation, or belief.
I couldn't forget this saint of charity because the award I received during my Elementary graduation in Letran was named "De Porres Award". There have been stories that he was seen in Manila (through bilocation) though he never left his convent in Lima, Peru.
I pray to him every Tuesday asking for health of mind and body as well as the courage to rise up from my wrong notion of other people.
Congratulations to my beloved mother, the Honorable Aida Samaniego-Albano, for being elected as Kagawad in the recent Barangay elections.
Birthday blessings to Gabby Albano Axibal, my niece and god daughter, on the 5th and to Nicola, my sister, on the 8th.
