Mang Sabio

Seated everyday on a make-shift stump at the rear of the Sta. Cruz Church is Mang Sabio, a familiar personage in Plaza Lacson, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Mang Sabio is already 75 years old, hard of hearing, handless, and worse of all, blind.

Despite his condition, Mang Sabio is a prodigious musician. He owns a silindro (a harmonica), and he plays it well, holding the instrument with his two handless arms and pushing it right and left on his mouth. On his left foot is an empty can of sardines which he taps to the ground in rythmic harmony with the tune of his silindro. While playing, Mang Sabio waits for the pedestrians to throw some coins in his empty can of Bonna milk (the one he's holding)*.

Obviously, Mang Sabio couldn't hear what he is playing. But nevertheless, to all the people listening, he makes some nice tunes. Mang Sabio reminds me of Beethoven, the great composer, who became deaf and as a consequence never heard most of his compositions. Only, Mang Sabio has the silindro and an empty sardines can, while Beethoven had a full symphony orchestra.

One time, goaded by enthusiasm, I happened to ask Mang Sabio a few details about his life. But since he was nearly deaf, he could not understand what I was asking him. I also couldn't hear much of what he was saying, what with all the traffic and pedestrian noise around us. It was a most difficult interview.

However, from what I gathered from his brief answers, I was able to get a few details: that he was living in Cavite, alone, and commutes by bus everyday. He told me the konduktor helps him board and alight the bus. Apparently, all the bus konduktors of the Sta. Cruz-Cavite line knew him and never charged him of fare.

Many years ago, Mang Sabio was serving in the military and was a victim of dynamite in Mindanao, thrown by one of the rebels. He lost both his eyes and his hands, and severely damaged his ears. His face was also deeply disfigured (especially the right side). Yet he survived.

I wanted to ask more questions but he couldn't understand me (of course), and then he abruptly played the harmonica again--leaving me and my questions in the air. Meantime, I searched my wallet for some money. I found 50 and gave it to him. Next time I promise to give him some more. I always pray to God to help him.

Now you know a little bit about Mang Sabio and how he is determined to survive in this cruel world we live in, despite his terrible condition. If you think that you are unfortunate because you didn't have the money to buy new shoes, or cellphone this Christmas--just think of how fortunate you still are compared to people like Mang Sabio.

Just remember that what we have right now are once among the things others have hoped for. And after all, we are still fortunate to have our two hands, sight, and hearing.


Mang Sabio, in a classic "ala Piolo" pose...naks..

*If you happen to pass by Sta. Cruz (near Plaza Lacson), kindly extend any help (food,money) to Mang Sabio. Don't mind the people who will tell you that you tolerate begging or that this was part of syndicate. The important thing is that we help our more unfortunate fellowmen.