simple joys

philippines ranks as the 17th happiest country in the world. after other south american countries if i'm not mistaken. if there was one thing i admire about the filipinos, it's their ability to create and endure laughter amidst the desperation- desperation to get by their poverty-stricken lives, desperation to see some reforms enacted by the government, even desperation to drive the president out of the palace.
the admiration comes from being a witness to their ability to act as if their problems were not there. as life was just plain fun, with nothing to worry about.

these people resort to the overabundance of unintelligible, shallow (and stupid) comedy shows available in the boob tube. stupid as they may be, this seems to be only one of the few effective ways that they can escape from the harsh, unjust world they live in. after several hours of indulgence, they engage in personal conversations, making chismis, talking about each other's lives. the who's who, the who shagged who, the who beat who and more. and then they laugh at them. it's funny how they can find something to laugh about in even the smallest of things. things which might not even be funny. they chuckle, giggle, and laugh their hearts out. apparently, this becomes an automatic response for these people. they don't wake up each day thinking, what should i laugh about. it just comes automatic. just like how business people think about their businesses the moment they open their eyes.

call them escapists. but if it's the only free means to survive, then by all means, let them be.

call them desperate. but if that's how life treats them, then, let them be.

call them shallow. but if that's the only way they can find meaning in life, then, just let them be.

at least the simple joys of life are enough for them to live out their lives.