Old Folks

I’m beginning to like Singapore. In spite of all the shit I read on Temasek Review, I think the government takes care of its citizens. Sometimes, it can get a little blah, especially if you’re used to the hustle and bustle of Manila. Life on campus is quiet—you can, literally, hear a pin drop. The headlines in the newspapers are not newsworthy at all (I don’t understand why it’s a big deal that a boy will sell a dog he adopted), but I guess that’s just the Filipino in me—always looking for the next big scandal and expose.

Singapore’s good. Everything’s organized and people generally lead a good life. Except for the elderly.

I noticed that many cleaners are really old folks. The taxi driver who brought me to Changi at 4AM seemed like 60 years old. The McDo crew are old as well. My Singaporean friend N assured me that these people are working just so they can be independent of their kids. But still....

This guy cleans our apartment. I see him working, even during the sweltering afternoons. After work, he brings a monobloc chair on our second floor to just chill, take a nap, or just stare into space. Uncle, the space cadet.