Tale of two Arlenes

Ben ­­­Contreras

THIS is a tale of two Arlenes. One could be a product of one’s imagination or if true, being kept in the dark. She allegedly shed tears not knowing what the other side of midnight really is. To feed on their innocence or vulnerability is deception.

The other is a real person who has no more tears to shed and have learned to accept the sad and painful truth of being rejected. She finds solace for being provided for (?) well and comfortably and getting involved in a few projects albeit controversial.

One Arlene could have been used to provide a telenovela like sympathy as if the concern is an underdog or helpless individual. Knowing our trait, tears easily flow and cheap to come by.

Another is one popular in Chinese songs, “the tears have all but gone dry.” This reminds me of what Robert dela Serna posted a while ago. “In an environment of system, either he quits the scene when his values are compromised or he lets go and is swallowed by the system.” The answer is clear where she went. But again, that’s entirely her choice for she has nowhere to go. But she is not alone, of course. Many around her have allowed themselves to be swallowed by the system. Honestly, I feel sad about it for some of them are my friends.

They are poles apart. One is the less learned who could easily understand the sanctity of marriage and could do what a mother and two children did to avenge a philandering husband, hang themselves by the bridge. The other is not only learned but belongs to a well-to-do family. And having lived a life of the so-called “Alta sociedad” may find philandering husband common, if not acceptable. Thus, a wife from this echelon of our society may either leave him or learn to live with it. A few would choose to give their philandering husbands a dose of their own medicine.

Tell the first Arlene the truth about the victims of insatiable lust for women. And if she continues to cry, then I shall cry with her. Tell the other Arlene nothing more than she already knows. It would matter at all, not anymore.

• •

I am concerned of what a radio commentator/reporter said or to that effect: “Sa panahon ipatuman ang order, ang tubag wala pay order. Karon nga naa nay order, wala ang magpatuman sa order. Unsa ni, dula nga ‘tago-tago’?”

Of course, it is. That’s how politics works in the country. Lawmakers make more loopholes than laws to protect themselves in the future. Common excuses often heard, “Wala pa namo madawat” when in fact “nadawat na.” “Wala diri si pulano” when in fact “naa ra sa sulod sa iyang ofisina.”

The big issue today has drawn legal opinions as varied as their political leanings. In a perceived three cornered fight, supporters are in quandary as tp who to defend and criticize. It all depends where the wind blows. At one moment, one attacks the other and the third sides with the attackers. But when the attacker gets hit back by the other to the advantage of the third, they join force to take advantage in strengthening their position. Whew, it makes one at sea.

But I love to watch them talk no matter how intelligent or base. It’s a free country, you know.