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MY MOST HUMILIATING ACT I first known him in early 90's as an arrogant terminal "barker" for jeepneys bound to my hometown. My afternoon encounters with him led me to keep a deeply rooted hate that I vowed revenge when the right time comes. I was a naive high school girl who needed to commute everyday because my dad exiled me to another town to attend the laboratory high school of a certain state university. Transportation was then very difficult, and since I was a HS student, Mr. Jeepney Barker would always asked me to wait for a vancant in an extension ( its a piece of wood placed in between the iron bars @ the entrance of the jeep) because I was not paying the same fare as the adult passengers. Often, I had to wait for the last trip (6:00 pm) in order to ride because during rush hours passengers were too many. During rainy days, I soaked to death before I can get in to the jeep. I had to grit my teeth and considered My Jeepney Barker as Hitler who joined with my dad to punish me with faults that I had never committed. I graduated high school, packed my bags and moved to Miagao, Iloilo to continue my college.After four years, I graduated,moved to Cebu City, worked in a marketing company for 2 years and went back again to my hometown as a struggling public school teacher.My routine of commuting in a public jeepney had reunited me with Mr. Jeepney Barker. This time, he was promoted into a Jeepney Driver and he was not young anymore. Almost everyday, I had to take into his jeep in going to the same town where the school I was serving was located. I did not know if it was really my luck that whenever I came out to the jeepney stop, it was his turn to pick passengers. During those years, I had never given him a smile. I gave him the strictest look that I could project. I noticed that he was also hesitant towards me. I knew based on his familiar stares that he remembered me. The only difference was, I was not wearing my high school uniform anymore, instead,I was already wearing the dignified uniform of a public school teacher. One mid day, I went home because I forgot my reports which were due to be submitted. I was cramming and jittering for I needed to beat the time. The "luck" had winked to me again. I had to take his jeep which was scheduled during that time. I was the only passenger in that unholy hour. Often, it will take several minutes or even hours before the jeep will be filled.I was really annoyed but I kept my composure. Suddenly, he started the engine and off we went to the highway. It was a relief and I did not care to ask why we left without waiting for more passengers. When we were near our place, I pulled a bigger bill from my wallet and gave it to him. I did not wait for a change because I was considering his lost on having me as his lone passenger. He stopped right in front of our house and when I was running out, he waved the bill to me. I was irritated and I asked him how much more he wanted. My voice was a little bit high and rude. I was very sarcastic. He looked at me and he answered humbly, "ma'am, I was waving the money because I wanted to return it and I wanted to ask you if you want me to wait for you so that you can come back to school immediately?"..... Oh, my Gracious God!!! I was so embarrased and I felt a ton of ice was poured upon me. I was so humiliated....When I looked at him again, I saw a tired, poor old man whose arrogance had been erased by the traces of life's difficulties. I forgot my reports and I forgot that I was in a hurry. I apologized and asked him to get into our house to eat his lunch. He did not refuse and he admitted that he was really starving. My tears kept on coming down while I was gathering my reports from our study room.I did not even know what to say while I was requesting our helper to serve him his lunch.I was so ashamed with myself. Until now, I can not forget that moment. Manong Carlos had taught me a very good lesson of humility and forgiveness. I am always thankful and I owe him a lot. He is still driving and despite his retiring age, his expertise with the stirring wheel is beyond questions. He is very dedicated to his work. He is very patient and happy in doing his job. My confidence and trust to him is too much because everyday, he is making it sure that his little passenger comes and leaves school safely. He had also solved the mystery of my commuting activities that he wanted to ask before.He takes care of the car and the house very well. Manong Carlos is already my family whom I entrusted not only the material possessions I gained but my most precious one--- MY . 
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Thank you also for dropping by. Good Day
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amazing story!...i was a little bit teary while reading this...simply touches me and i always have a big heart to the "manongs" who has simple wish and joy...GOD Bless Them Always  and ilike your stories ...simple and beautiful! God bless you too.
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amazing story!...i was a little bit teary while reading this...simply touches me and i always have a big heart to the "manongs" who has simple wish and joy...GOD Bless Them Always and ilike your stories ...simple and beautiful!
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Dei, I am very grateful that when I asked Manong Carlos to work for me before I left, he happily accepted. He is indeed a very big help for me in managing the things I left in the Philippines.
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Young, I assure you that through these experiences I become a more sensitive person. It is because I open myself to be taught by anybody that I met along the way.
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