Umbrella Man

Do you bring an umbrella? Do you have one in your bag?

Why do most Filipinos do not bring umbrellas? 
 
I know asking that question while we are in the midst of a super hot summer sounds ridiculous. Weather analysts predict that temperature will even reach 40 degrees.

Just recently, I had the funny experience of using my umbrella, in the middle of the day, for the first time, due to the scorching summer heat. To think, that I already experienced a relatively same temperature abroad.

I saw a lot of persons, even ladies, braving the heat bareskinned. But many of them were sweating profusely, fanning themselves with their hands or grimacing in discomfort.

Aside from the obvious relief from heat, I also protected my skin from unhealthy exposure to the sun's rays. It wouldn't hurt too if my brown complexion would not get darker.

Here in our country, most are uncomfortable bringing an umbrella even with a rain imminent. Either they are plain lazy or too vain to think an umbrella could ruin their sense of fashion.

I am proud to say, I am neither. But if you are, I would like to share a worse breed. I had known one person who carries one but do not use it because it might get wet when it rains. Totally absurd!

Granted, it is bothersome to carry one. This is especially true when it already rained and your umbrella is wet. But I think its worth it if you avoid catching cold or fever.

Perhaps it is a subtle manifestation of our penchant for unpreparedness and reliance to the "bahala na" mentality.

I hope you start bringing one. You'll never know if it'll become too hot or too wet out there.