I DON’T have a problem being crazy.
It is people who try to peg me with a fixed image that are having a problem.
They are having a hard time thinking—granted that they have brains big enough to think and ponder about these things.
But for sure, they can’t deal with the fact that I am so many things at different times; and sometimes, even self-contradictory at the same time.
***
On social media, I am the award-winning writer in one post, and a sexy provocateur and HIV testing advocate at the next breath.
I am the coffee drinker in the morning, and a tuba drinker the following day.
I am philosophically sophisticated in one post, and a ‘bardagulan’ expert in the next.
I do not see a problem with that.
***
In my hometown, I walk around in slippers, shorts, and often in my most tattered of shirts.
I just like the idea, the smell, and the texture of my well-worn shirts.
And then, there are days when I go around the public market—dry goods, wet and meat sections, wearing haute couture for a fashion shoot.
That really wakes up the whole town.
Especially when I parade in a dress with my glam (makeup artists) and tech (camera crew) team.
***
When the photos are posted on social media, people Oh, and Ah, and ask, what is it for?
Is it a film project?
And I say it is not; that it’s just a photo shoot.
Is it a photo shoot to promote Dumangas?
And we wish it is; but it’s not.
It’s totally self-funded!
***
And they press asking, So what is it for?
And I say, For fun.
And I add, So I can spend some of my money.
What’s the use of being a millionaire if you can’t spend money crazily like that?
***
“Crazy rich Ilonggo” is now part of my image, my brand.
That’s why I built a treehouse that is now over a quarter of a million pesos in construction cost.
That is why I have a P60,000-twin dipping pools built on the side of my hill.
Why build a pool that you can’t even swim in?
And I say, There are swimming pools in two nearby resorts; people can go there if they want to swim.
***
My dipping pools, well, they are for me and my friends to cool our feet.
Only for select, and invited people; or people who can afford to book them in advance.
***
People urge me to develop my farm property into some sort of an inland resort…
So I can get some money out of it, some return of investment.
And I say, what do I need monetary ROIs for?
Of course, I’m joking like a crazy rich Ilonggo.
But seriously, the joy of having built something crazy is enough a return of investment for me.
Believe me, there is a different joy for having 3,000 pairs of shoes that are bought, not stolen.
***
Many people have money.
But if they’re not enjoying their money meaningfully, of what use is that money?
Most people make more money when they have some money.
That’s why they forget to appreciate their family, their friends, nature, the whole wide world.
***
But somehow, I can understand them.
I spent something like $5,000 (but who’s counting really?) for my tour of Peru in June.
Well, that’s about the total cost of my treehouse and dipping pools, and the clearing of my mountain property.
I can really understand that some people would rather have a house in their hometown than see the wonderful and iconic Machu Picchu in Peru.
***
Part of me agrees with developing real property, but a greater part of me also argues for travel and seeing the world.
At my age, thank God that I can do both.
***
Now, if some people are too poor to wrap their head around that, that’s their problem. Haha.
***
Many people think that I am vastly wealthy.
And I can only say, “in experience, and in love.”
Like most people, I eat humbly; sometimes, just once a day.
I pay P20 for my coffee.
What I can’t understand are poor high school students spending P50 for iced salted caramel.
Or paying P10 for an ebike ride that is like a 3-minute walk.
Oh God, bless their parents!/PN
