Earlier today, I was forced to park in Eastwood Mall rather than my usual spot. I dont like doing so; I dont mind the distance, its the cost that drives me nuts. But seeing as how I had no choice, I did it anyway. Once I was inside, I decided to try and get my car washed, since it resembled a desert more than a vehicle. When I parked, I asked around for the carwash service, and waited while the manong arrived to take my order. I knew already the carwash was gonna be costly, but I decided to get it anyway to put some added value to my decision to park in the mall. After a few minutes a man approached my car, sweaty and out of breath, but still composed and with a smile. I asked him, Magkano ba boss? Ano mga options? And with a smile, he began to run down, in detail, all the possible options of the carwash service and the costs, along with his recommendation on what needed to be done since my car already looked like a relic from Fallout. Here he is, a man, a mere carwash guy, whos so dedicated to his job that he actually was able to deliver a sales pitch that not even the ones dressed in suits just 2 floors above, selling condos, could do. I was astounded. But more importantly, I was empathic. The man, easily in his late 50s or early 60s, had the look of a man who would do anything and everything LEGAL to provide for his family. It reminded me of my own dad. A man who during the highs and lows of our family would not be ashamed to be the COO of a shipping company, or to be a gun parts cleaner and modifier to provide for us. A man I am not even half of being. Not even close. I asked him if mine was going to be the first car he washed today, and he said that I was already the second, but he didnt have any cars to wash the previous day. Said straight and with no paawa effect. With dignity. With pride on his job. Something that I thought only existed in its purest form in the Japanese people. When he outlined exactly what he would do if I get the carwash + wax + silicone + tire black + glass protector option, I knew that despite it costing 390 bucks, Id take it. Id take it if it meant that my purchase would further his standing in his work, or if it would provide him with extra revenue for his family. All the while I thought, this cant be right, he hasnt even asked for any extras. And then it came out. Ser, kung maluwag lang po sa kalooban niyo, ang dumi kasi ng kotse niyo talaga eh, pandagdag sopdrinks lang para di naman bumababa sugar level ko kaka kudkod ng kotse niyo. Biro lang ser ha. That joke, both a jab at my dirty car and a simple cry for help, a crack on his otherwise solid and impenetrable facade of professionalism and dignity, was what finally sold me to the carwash. My car ended up looking great, and I probably made a hardworking man happy with his job. And it seems like the gods approve of my good deed, for after days of raining and ruining my attempts at washing my car, not a drop of rain fell on my drive home. Sometimes, the day is just something to remember.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:41:04 +0000