Swiss Side Story

"Thanks sa yo kasi kahit sa maikling panahon naging kaibigan tayo. Iiwanan na niya ako so wala ng saysay buhay ko sisirain ko nalang ng tuluyan, mamatay din naman ako Madz aagahan ko nalang para di ko maramdaman yung sakit. Mali yung gagawin ko but it's the only way para di ko maramdaman yung sakit. I'm really sorry Maddie, no one can stop me sa gagawin ko ngayon. Diyos nalang yung bahala sa akin. This is my last text, again thank you very much."

I was on my way home one pre-Asean Summit evening trying to negotiate my way between three and a half cars on a two-lane street along Escario when I received a series of messages from Sam. I don't usually text and drive but this was another interesting bit of negotiation that kept me from being bored on the road.

I've never met Sam, yet I am thankful she considers me her friend. She was introduced to me by another friend who thought I can perform miracles like raising the dead or turn water into wine. As a favor, my friend wanted me to make the first move to "entertain" Sam because she's not from Cebu and she supposedly needs a friend.

I'm from Cebu. Where is that? It's in the middle of the Philippines and the center of the universe. But you don't look like you're from Cebu. I was born and raised in Cebu. I am Cebuana.

Wherever I go this classic conversation doesn't go any further than a minute. I am very protective of where I live and I don't like people asking a lot of questions about Cebu. They just have to experience living in Cebu to feel the hometh (home and warmth) of it.

As for touristy stuff, the only authentic spot to pose is right by Magellan's Cross. Gossip, not legend, tells us that Magellan's Cross is kept in a structure to keep it from growing because Magellan planted it when he landed in Cebu centuries ago. The grills around the structure just keep the termites away. Seriously, close your eyes and touch the cross. Open your heart and look inside your own cross. How does it look? What is it made of? Is it growing? What does it mean to you?

Well, I am not trying to sell Cebu to foreign investors so I told my friend I'll wait for Sam to call me if she's interested to get together. I cannot force myself to enter a person's life if permission is not granted. Since I'm fueled by Shell, I went the extra mile just to reach out to someone who's uncertain about life.

So what did I say to someone who wanted to commit suicide?

Think of your favorite color and all the beautiful memories associated with it. Look inside your heart for that little spark of hope left (from a break-up or traumatic event) and use that spark to love yourself. Ask yourself if this is the ultimate scene in the story of your life. If you feel at peace with yourself, close your eyes and enjoy your last breath!

Imagine the Swiss side of life. Precision. Picture perfect scenery. Not a ripple on the lakes. Majestic snow-capped mountains and the cool crisp air. And almost no one in sight. Peaceful kaayo... to the point of boredom.

Suicide isn't that bad as most of people think. Suicide is taking a chance. It takes real courage to commit to it and see what happens. If by any chance you come back to life (physically), what a blessing indeed! It means you still have mileage left in your vehicle (body) and you just have to find your bearings and drive towards your destination. Getting lost is one of the perks!

Now we can calmly watch our beloved Cebu City commit suicide over the Asean Summit entertainment. Welcome, delegates! Our gypsies are on leave; please pick your own pockets.

On the third day, I received a message from Sam "Good morning, Madz!" Life is indeed better after death.