Mother and nephew feverish

Tina, the main breadwinner and mainstay of a poor extended family in Kalayaan, Laguna, Philippines, and her young nephew Ken-Ken are ill but without antibiotics already prescribed, and unable to afford them.

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• At 09:57   GMT+08,   from     the Yahoo    Messenger       computer program, I sent a text message to Tina’s cellphone.
• Tina replied: she was still sick with tonsillitis.
• Eight-year-old Ken-Ken was also ill with wounds and a fever.
• They needed 1,800 pesos to buy antibiotics  but  could  not  afford them.

---

Bern:

Hi Tina, good morning. I've just re-installed Yahoo Messenger. This is just a test message to see if I can text you. I'm hoping it will work. Bern.

Tina:

Good a.m. Bern, I’m glad that I received the text from your  Yahoo.

Please help me; I have fever because of tonsillitis.

I need to buy antibiotics costing 1,200 [but] I cannot afford to buy [them].

Also antibiotic for Ken’s wounds; it was inflammation and infected; he have fever too.

Bern:

Tina, I'm glad you received the text but I'm [financially and emotionally] exhausted… To make matters worse, Ross has just mis-called me [from Manila, needing help ASAP ].

I'm appalled to hear not only that you're still sick but also that Ken has wounds. I wonder how he got them and wonder if the fever is a result.

I promised to ring Ross [a Manila householder facing possible eviction] so I should do it now.

Also I promised to help a friend do  some work, starting about now. But I'll stay in touch.

An hour later Tina texted again: “I hope you received my text: Ken’s antibiotic costs 600.”

Regrettably there was nothing more to be done. I was without sufficient funds to help until Wednesday.

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Hunger and illness stalk families; mother pleads for help

At 10:38 a.m., local time, Tina sent me a text message: Sorry if I give you much [cause to be] worried, I hope you understand my situation, [after] 2 to 3 days without vit[amins] d kids get cough & flue; dat [is] why I need to buy it, pls help me; I don't have allowance here now.

At 2:41 p.m. she texted again: Pls help me, I really felt dizzy & hungry coz till now I didn't eat break[fast] ... *

Nearly four hours later, at 6:34 p.m., Tina emailed me from the CBK Company office where she was undergoing 3 months of unpaid on-the-job training.

Hello Bern,
Bern good p.m., I hope you are in good condition, sorry if I give you so much [cause to be] worried, because you're the only person who can understand my situation and can help me.

Bern, sorry If I mention to you my personal and financial problem, I really don't know what to do. I don't know what I can do tomorrow, when and where I can get my allowance [for] going here in work tomorrow.

Pls help me; on December 30 was holiday, Rizal day, our National Hero day, that [is] why the Cebuana [pawnbroker and remittance agent] possible will be close[d].

Pls help me on my ring**, I don't want to [have] lost it, just only for 1,800 for the interest [I] need to pay, and also vitamins of the kids to avoid flue and cold: when the kids stop taking Vitamins in 2 to 3 days they were sick, it will be more expensive if they were sick; I need 1,200 for Ceelin (Vitamin C) Clusivol (for appetite) supply of the 7 kids, also Bern our allowance for food, I will [need to have] left food at home for little Bern and Josephine and other kids, also my allowance here for transportation and food too, pls.

Help me for 5,000 [pesos] pls, understand my situation, pls kept in touch.

[To] tell you the truth I felt dizzy, and so much hungry because I did not eat breakfast and lunch till this moment; [it's] 4:20pm right now; I'm worried for the food at home too.

Love

[Tina]

* Some text was lost in transmission.

** The ring was awarded to mark Tina's graduation from high school as the Salutatarian and Commander of the Cadet Army Training battalion.

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Family lacks food; jobless father desperate

Today, at 11:10 a.m., Philippine time, Jason, an unemployed father of two daughters, sent me a text message from San Isidro, Laguna, in the South of Luzon Island, saying last night he could not sleep; he had a very painful boil "and there is also no food; I don't know what to do now."

I was very sorry to hear that and really wished I knew what to do.

Evidently the family has been barely surviving for months. Jason had previously confided that over the last half-year he has sometimes gone without eating himself for two or three days.

I had no remedy or comfort to offer. My repeated efforts to help the family have been leading me into financial difficulties.

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Mother takes daughter to hospital; funds unavailable

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Text messages, 10:00 a.m. to 10:13 a.m, GMT + 08

From 10 a.m. onwards, from Kalayaan in the Philippines, Tina sent several text messages requesting help.

She was preparing to go to the Laguna Provincial Hospital in the town of Santa Cruz with her 4-year-old daughter Bernadeth - Joe ("Little Bern") who had a high fever, wounds on the head and face and white fluid exuding from the right ear.

I was really sorry, I replied. "I'm financially and emotionally exhausted."

Tina replied that she understood, but needed to give first aid to Little Bern. Last night the child had hardly slept because of an itch and around 1 a.m. she had become feverish.

The situation was more difficult because Bernadeth's kindergarten had selected her to appear on a float in a parade next Friday celebrating Nutrition Month, together with her cousin Zedric. The float would need to be decorated and the children dressed in traditional Filipino clothes; but money for this was also lacking.

Furthermore, the Philippine Training Authority (TESDA) had requested Tina to have her roadside diner prepared to receive an additional 50 customers for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea today, so at 3 a.m. she had traveled to a market to purchase provisions.

Now she had been notified that the extra trainees would not arrive until tomorrow.

A hospital doctor will almost certainly order pathology tests for Little Bern, for which there is no money available, and if that is achieved he or she will write prescriptions for an antibiotic and other medications, for which, again, money is unavailable.

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Son fears for absent father's welfare

Philippine Army seeks guerrillas around father's home town

At 09:54am this morning, Philippine time, Jason contacted me from an internet cafe in San Isidro, Laguna using the Yahoo Messenger program.

He was sad and worried, having received text messages yesterday from Susan, a woman friend of his father Melchior.

Susan said for the past week Melchior had been absent from his home in the hilltop village of San Antonio, Laguna, and staying in the town of Majayjay, Laguna.'Last night', Jason said, 'I can't sleep thinking about my father: what happened there?'

I wondered why Melchior went to Majayjay. 'That's my problem Bern' Jason said: 'why he went... I ask Susan why but she can't answer; that's why I'm thinking and worried.'

Jason had no idea about his father's situation. 'I don't know what he['s] doing there; I ask Susan if my father have work there; say nothing...'

He wanted to accompany Susan to Majayjay this morning. 'She know where he is. That's why I want to go in San Antonio now; to [be] clear about my father['s] situation and why he went there but... '

Jason was worried because he suspected Susan had many friends in the communist New People's Army.

There were many NPA guerrillas around San Antonio, and many Philippine Army troops trying to find them: 'And my father every day is in the mountain' [as part of his charcoal-making and rice growing activities].

I did not see that Jason's father had done anything that should cause him to be afraid of the NPA or the army but Jason repeated: 'I'm very worried Bern; that's why I want to go with Susan in Majayjay now.'

Majayjay was far from San Isidro. Jason had a motorcycle, 'but I don't have money for transportation, or for the gasoline; I need 500 PHP [to go] with Susan; I think it is enough to go there to see my father.'

I was sad about that but my own life had become quite difficult and I lacked the financial resources to help.

'Also: last night Tina wanted money to take two children to the Laguna Provincial Hospital but I couldn't help.

'Michael planned to take Mel to the Philippine General Hospital Out-Patients Department this morning. I fear they'll need money for pathology tests and prescriptions but that's a big problem for me too.'

Jason was downcast and repeatedly apologetic: 'I know your situation Bern... sorry for sharing this to you ... I try what I can do now; I'm sad and worried about my father; I want to see him... don't think about what I'm sharing.'

Jason's hour online was running out. I hoped his father had family cellphone numbers in his possession, and someone kind enough to allow him a text; and that Jason still had some cellphone credit. 'Texts to me via Yahoo are OK', I said. They would be much cheaper than SMS messages to my cellphone.

An hour and 20 minutes later, Jason sent me a text: 'Bern, I'm not yet go to Majayjay, can't borrow money for d transport, or for gasoline. All my [friends and relations] are "don't have." I'm sad.'

I was sorry to hear that. 'I'll think about the problem', I replied, 'but money is a big problem [for me too] now. I suppose Susan is also short of money.'

'I don't know what to do now Bern...' Jason said. I want to see my father but I can't do nothing.'

'Maybe you're worrying too much', I responded. 'There's an old saying, though: "No news is good news." I trust something will turn up.'

Hunger allows no choice

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All I have is a voice
To undo the folded lie,
The romantic lie in the brain
Of the sensual man-in-the-street
And the lie of Authority
Whose buildings grope the sky:
There is no such thing as the State
And no one exists alone;
Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or die.

- W. H. Auden: excerpt from "September 1, 1939", in Another Time, published by Random House. Copyright © 1940 W. H. Auden, renewed by The Estate of W. H. Auden.

Children hungry; sick restaurateur pleads for help

At 09:33 this morning (GMT+8), from the rural town of Kalayaan in the Philippines, Tina sent me an SMS text: "Bern, how are you? I'm not OK, I lay on bed, have fever tonsilitis, eatery close[d]; don't have capital coz payday [of credit customers] will be Thursday. Kids was hunger. Don't have yet skol [school] supply; please help."

After a 23-minute delay I finally responded: "This is distressing for me also, Tina. I'm greatly stressed financially and emotionally. I'm so sorry I don't have an answer for you now. I really need to think."

The interchange continued until 10:22:

Tina: I just serve noodles for d kids dis morning, they are asking for rice and ulam [meat and vegetables], specially Ken-Ken, Little Bern, Zedric, Kian and Renzed asking for milk. What should I do? I don't have money to buy, I'm so sorry.

Bern: I wrestle with those problems in my head but most regrettably don't have answers now. This is a crisis for me also.

Tina: I'm worried coz I'm sick, I have training tomorrow, I have prescription but I don't have money to buy medicine, d most important to me was d food for d kids and school supply . . .

Bern: I understand. I'm making this crisis known to others but don't really expect help. I don't know what else I can do.

In the afternoon Tina texted me again: "Bern, I'm very sorry to tell you, it's 3 p.m. right now, d kids was crying asking for food, dey just eat noodles in breakfast, not yet lunch, we did not eat since dis a.m., pls help us."

The time was actually 3:48 p.m.; or 5:48 in Brisbane, Australia.

"I'm so sorry, Tina", I replied. "I'm deeply in debt. Even if I had money to send, the money change offices are closed now. This distresses me but I must tell you straight."

The situation is disturbing and distressing not only for the extended family with 7 children, but also for myself. It's probably the first time ever that I've offered them no hope whatsoever.

Plea for help

At 2:27 this morning, Tina sent me a text from the rural town of Kalayaan in the Philippines.

Tina could not sleep because the extended household in which she lives has many problems.

For the school year about to begin, supplies are needed for 5 children, at a cost 1,000 pesos each, for a total of 5,000 pesos.

A cardiologist has ordered an echocardiographic heart examination for Tina's asthmatic nephew Kian, 18 months old, who has breathing difficulties; but the family has no money to pay the 2,500 peso fee.

Last Tuesday the family removed Kian from the hospital where he had been receiving oxygen treatment. They could no longer afford his upkeep there. Oxygen is unavailable at home.

The roadside diner selling meals which Tina and the family have been striving mightily to maintain needs 2,000 pesos for the immediate purchase of stock to continue.

Tina didn't know what to do and said "Please help."

Tina also enquired how I was and hoped I was OK.

The arriving message roused me from a fitful sleep. It was depressing and I had little chance of sleeping properly afterwards. Not knowing what to do, I took a tablet to help me relax and did nothing.

Finally, at 08:14, Philippine time, I texted Tina: "It was distressing to receive your text in the early hours this morning. I'm in debt. I didn't know about school expenses. I wonder how Kian is now."

There has been no reply.

Sick toddler needs heart examined; funds unavailable

Between 06:46 and 06:57 (GMT+8) this morning, Tina sent text messages to my mobile phone and home computer. She was worried, having previously sent texts which I had not received.

The condition of Tina's asthmatic nephew Kian, 18 months old, had improved as a result of his receiving oxygen treatment during his two-day stay in the private Malaya Doctors Hospital in Santa Cruz, Laguna. He had been referred from the local government hospital because it lacked a heart specialist.

The cardiologist had wanted the boy to remain in hospital and undergo an echocardiographic examination "to find the diagnosis." The family could no longer afford to keep him there, however, so [with funds from me] they had paid the hospital bill of 4,500 pesos and taken him home.

The study would have cost an additional 2,500 pesos.

I replied requesting clarification.

I also expressed my distress that there was still no diagnosis and alarm at the prospect of immediate further expense which I also could not afford.

"Many times I've begged Filipinos to register with [the charitable websites] betterplace.org and kiva.org but that has not happened", I said.

There was no response from Tina. Probably she was extremely busy helping to prepare breakfast for the extended family and perhaps customers, and preparing to leave for the food technology training course she was required to attend.

Almost half an hour later I said "Tina, I would appreciate a response if you're not too busy and have enough credit load"; but I did not hear from her again.

It remains to be seen how Kian will fare at home without oxygen equipment to remedy his breathing difficulties and without a final diagnosis.

Picture: Wikipedia

Dog-bite victim receives another anti-rabies injection

Lin-Lin's health and appetite improve but costs remain a severe problem

SMS texting session via Yahoo Messenger from 13:52 to 14:34, Philippine time

At 13:52 today, Philippine time, Jason texted me that his daughter Lin-Lin had received an [anti-rabies] injection at the Laguna Provincial Hospital and was scheduled to receive another two, the next at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13.

He was very concerned about the cost: 1,700 pesos for each injection.

"News about the cost alarms me greatly," I responded. "I prefer not to think about it now."

I hoped Lin-Lin wasn't too upset by the injection and was OK.

"She's OK now, Bern, happy and energetic", Jason replied; "she [has] improved now but she needs 2 more injections."

I'm here now in Jollibee," he added, "but [after] every inject[ion] she [is] requesting me to eat [at] Jollibee."

The dialogue continued:

Bern: I'm very glad to hear Lin-Lin has improved. I understand that she needs more injections. I hope you've improved [in health] too.

Jason: I'm OK, Bern, happy; specially Lin-Lin, she eat Jollibee. Thank you; you're always there for me, to support [us]. Thank you very much Bern.

Bern: I'm very glad of that [happiness] Jason. I'm aware of added expenses on Wednesday but don't want to think about it too much right now.

Jason: Thank you Bern. God bless. Love, Jason and family.

Father goes without food for 2 or 3 days at a time

Rabies treatment for daughter scheduled to continue; asthmatic boy, 18 months old, lacks oxygen

Chat session with Jason using Yahoo Messenger from an Internet cafe, 17:01 to 18:29, Philippine time

To my surprise, Jason greeted me online this afternoon, thanking me for the money he had received at 9:30 a.m.

We discussed mainly

• Jason's health;
• the health of his daughter Lin-Lin;
• confusion about Jason's nephew, Kian, and Tina's nephew, also named Kian,
• the latter's health crisis, the paternal obligations of Kian's father, and his income;
• the prices of cell phone calls and text messages;
• Internet cafe computer usage; and
• Jason's wish to see me via web cam.

After exchanging pleasantries I mentioned Jason's online picture gallery (dating from 2008 when he was employed in an Internet cafe) and various matters including Lin-Lin's medical appointment next day.

I trusted they would have no problems keeping the appointment and Jason hoped that would be so. "Please try to learn all you can from the doctor tomorrow," I said. "Don't be too shy to ask questions! And ask about your own health, too, if you have a chance! Explain that you've been under great stress!"

Jason's health

Towards the end of the interchange, discussion of Jason's health produced cryptic but distressing revelations. Despite concern for his privacy, I relate them here:

Jason: Bern, tomorrow I think I need to [have a] check-up too b-coz I'm anemic and can't eat many.

Bern: Yes, I'm not at all surprised. I hope you do get checked.

Jason: I have ulcer Bern.

Bern: Ulcer? Where? You need to get that treated! I hope the same doctor can treat you and Lin-Lin in the same consultation.

Jason: I can't say in English Bern: in my sikmura, in Tagalog.

Bern: Well just make sure you tell the doctor.
. . .

Jason: I get that [ulcer] Bern when I'm no eat, no food.

Bern: Oh. That's understandable.

Jason: No eat in 2 to 3 days.

Bern: But when was the last time that happened? And how often has it been happening?

Jason: No food in 2 to 3 days.

Bern: You really need to tell the doctor that. Have you been eating recently?

Jason: I think Bern it's time to [make it] know[n to] the doctor: and need to check-up.

Bern: Yes, certainly, you must tell him everything!

Jason: I keep that a month ago; I think [it lasted] 4 to 6 month[s]. I can't tell anyone Bern, only [to] you can [I] say that.

. . .

Jason: Bern sorry for sharing this to you; don't think about me.

Bern: There's no need to apologise! I appreciate that have shared it: but please share it with the doctor too.

Jason: Thank you Bern.

Lin-Lin's health

Bern: How is Lin-Lin now?

Jason: She's improved; she can play now, and eat more; tomorrow she['s] requesting me again to eat Jollibee, and buy sleeper [slippers; i.e. casual footwear].

Bern: I'm glad to hear she's improved. I hope you can afford Jollibee and slippers. I see Jollibee and McDonalds are offering half-size servings of rice now, because of the shortage.

Jason: I think I budget the money for that and for the food.

Bern: I trust you to budget wisely. I'm almost certain that more ant-rabies injections will be required, perhaps a month from now. . . . I need to check that.

Jason: Thank you for that, Bern, please. . . She need more 3 anti-rabies, not anti-tetanus.

Bern: I see. That's what I would have anticipated. I suppose at least the anti-rabies prophylaxis is a good insurance for the future, even though it's unpleasant for Lin-Lin.

Jason: Yes, Bern, I clarify that tomorrow.

Bern: Good.

Confusion about Jason's nephew, Kian, Tina's nephew, also named Kian; and the latter's health crisis

Jason: May I ask, Bern, about Tina's saying Kian [was] in hospital yesterday?

Bern: There was confusion! She was referring to Liza's son, 18 months old, suffering from asthma and fever. Tina said he was suffering severely from lack of oxygen.

Jason: Oh, but she said Kian [Jason's sister Anagel also has a son named Kian].

Bern: That's his name, isn't it?

Jason: I don't know his name Bern.

Bern: Tina was worried that without a nebulizer and medication he might not survive the night. He was having severe breathing difficulties.

Jason: But Bern, Liza's husband work in Kalayaan also: in NPC [the National Power Corporation].

Bern: I wish I knew more about that. From what I hear, the workers are all very poorly paid.

Jason: I don't know . . . but in my opinion his father [has an] obligation.

Bern: I think many Filipino fathers are unable to meet their obligations.

Tina and Liza signed Kian out of the hospital. They had to sign a waiver, saying they would take responsibility if something went really wrong with Kian.

Tina said the one nebulizer in the hospital was being shared by several patients so they would have to wait for that one. The doctor wrote a prescription for them to buy one, plus medications.

But they had no money to buy those things, so Kian had difficulty breathing.

I trust Kian's health has improved today. It was a bit better last night [after I sent money for medications] but I need to check again.

Cell phone talk and text prices

Jason said he would text me tomorrow. I thanked him, saying I was sure to be online some time the next day: a text via Yahoo would be cheaper.

Yes, said Jason, only 2 pesos and 50 centavos. The price of a text to my cellphone, however, would be "30 pesos [for] one text only. "

I was shocked. "I was thinking about 12 or 15 pesos! Maybe the price has risen. That's close to one Australian dollar!"

The cost would be 15 pesos, Jason replied, "if your message is short."

"The telco Optus has greatly increased the price of phone calls," I said, "so I've cut down greatly on my cellphone calls to the Philippines."

Jason thought that cellular phone calls within the Philippines cost 60 pesos for 5 minutes.

I thought "That explains why Filipinos use many text messages instead."

We agreed that it would be much better to text each other via Yahoo.

Internet prices

Bern: I read online that Internet cafe prices have become quite cheap, at least in some places, because of the competition.

Jason: Yes, Bern, also here in Pagsanjan.

Bern: Cheap Internet prices are good for customers, like you, but not so good for the workers in the cafes!

Jason: Yes.

Bern: Maybe if you start working in an Internet cafe again, you'd like to see the prices higher! So you can get better wages!

Web cam

Jason: Bern you have cam in your computer? I want to see you; I miss you very much; long time ago can't see.

Bern: Oh, I have one [web cam], but it's not attached! And now I've found the software CD for it! So I should be able to have it running next time you come online! I won't try to install it immediately, but I will do so very soon.

Jason: Yes Bern please . . . I'm very happy for that.

Bern: I'm not much to look at.

Jason: It's OK Bern; the important [thing is that] I saw you.

Bern: OK, so I'll get the camera installed and figure out how to operate it.

Jason: Put the disc [in] Bern and then choose the same [model]; what cam you have; and then install it.

Bern: Yes, but I prefer not to do it immediately. My old computer is likely to become overloaded.

Jason: Yes, I think next time Bern. I have no time.

Farewell

"Bern, thank you again, in time,' Jason said; "God bless you Bern; love, Jason and family. Bye for now Bern; miss you."

"Good night Jason," I replied, "and best wishes to you and all your family!"

Tina pleads without success for money to expand business and pay electricity bill

At 7:29 this morning, Philippine time, Tina sent me a cellphone text message saying she did not have to attend vocational training (mandated by governments) today because it's Labor Day. She was staying at her shop-house "to face the problems of the eatery."

According to Tina's sister Liza, a group of 10 or 15 persons had asked, yesterday, to be permanent customers. Tina needed my advice.

I responded with thanks for the news, adding that I'd be at home again about an hour later and able to text her via the Yahoo Messenger program [at much lower cost].

At 8:49 I texted again: "Hi Tina. It's good to hear that 10 or 15 people want to be permanent customers but I fear they'll want credit. That's a real problem, I think."

The message session that ensued, extremely stressful for both of us, was spread over 2 1/2 hours.

The good news was that the new customers would pay cash.

The diner staff would need to have two meals prepared early for them, however, always on time: breakfast at 6 a.m. and lunch at 11. Dinner would need to be ready at 6 p.m.

"The problem is, I don't have enough capital."

Although the lack of finance was predictable, I responded with alarm: "Oh! The problem for me is that I don't have any capital at all, I'm deeply in debt! That's one reason I've been urging people for a long time to register, if at all possible, with www.kiva.org and www.betterplace.org, ASAP."

The prospective customers were construction workers, Tina said, working with cables. They liked the food Liza was cooking and it was cheaper than elsewhere. Tina's "Bernadeth-Joe Eatery" was charging 25 pesos for a serving of food whereas competitors were charging 30. The cablers were waiting for Tina's answer at lunch time, to see if she would agree with their proposal.

The lack of immediate capital was the great problem. I asked: "Have you estimated how much extra you need?"

I also added that a friend had kept insisting to me that Tina should raise her prices. "Considering the very long hours and hard efforts you and your staff expend," I said, "you really need to make a reasonable % profit. Please do try to calculate that."

Instead of responding directly, Tina outlined staffing arrangements: she would need to wake up early, herself, at 3 a.m., then (after she had been shopping in the market) her sister Liza would be in charge of the cooking, with the help of their co-worker Josephine. The other sister, Laurice, would care for the 7 kids, with the help of Tina and Liza's mother.

I said "It's going to be an even longer day for you, with insufficient rest and greater strain on your health."

"No problem, Bern," Tina responded. "I can make it, for the sake of the kids; also I can have time management with the help of my family."

She added that "my problem really is capital"; to which I replied that "I really do worry about capital too."

Tina had been enjoying herself in the business training; it was useful and she was learning a lot.

She had been encouraging her classmates to eat in the Bernadeth-Joe Eatery at lunch time. "But I'm sad coz when we arrive at 12, no leaf food [left]. Coz lack of stock, get already by d [power station security] guards" (who are also customers).

The news that for the second time Tina had been embarrassed upon arrival with her classmates at lunch time to find most of the food already eaten was alarming to me. "Oh, my God!" I replied. "The problems continue! What am I to do? I did so urge you to register for a business loan from kiva.org or help from betterplace. I really do wish my Filipino friends would make strong efforts to do that. I really wonder why they seem reluctant. Are the difficulties too great?"

Instead of responding to this, at 10:23 a.m. Tina came straight to the point: "I need additional 1 sack rice, cost 2K, [plus] 1,500 [for] every meal, so 6,500 total, my problem to my elec[tricity] 2,500, due date May 6, Wed[nesday]. Sorry about this."

The dialogue continued as follows:

Bern (10:26): Oh, my God! Calculations need to be made and money set aside daily for the electricity bill. Your income must cover that. Are you saying you need 6,500 + 2,500? Nightmares!

Tina (10:34): Yes, Bern, you're right: that [is] da total, 9,000, sorry.

Bern (10:40): I just don't know what to say. I am stunned. Will this nightmare never end? You really need to compare total buying prices and selling prices and include labour [in your calculations].

Tina (10:45): I'm starting to make an order of ulam 30 pesos per order, like other eatery did! I'm try[ing] my best to get low price of stock in d market, that [is] why I do [it] early in d morning.

Bern (10:48): I understand. Hard as it may be, I think you need some account records too, including the cost of everything, even jeepney rides, etc, also total income.

Tina (11:04): Bern, sorry to tell you, I need your advice and decision, coz it's 11 a.m. right now, any time dey will be here, asking their request. I will do d record of expenses and income.

Bern (11:06): I'm all too conscious of that. My debt is far too high, I don't know how I'm ever going to get out of it.

Bern (11:09): I'm so sorry Tina, but with great sadness, I really think the answer must be no. As my banker and doctor have been warning me, I should not continue.

Tina (11:10): I'm hoping that if I can support d demands of orders, in cash, we can survive every expenses for d kids, and save some money.

Bern (11:12): What worries me is that in all the time I've been helping, it's never happened yet. And my debt keeps increasing. I must start repaying them.

Tina (11:25): Right now, if 10 to 15 person came I can serve, almost 15 guards already get their foods in credit, I understand your situation, please help me too, I just want to survive coz of d kids. The adult[s] work hard to help me.

Bern (11:26): I'm still wondering how on earth I can survive.

That was the end of our messaging session. Two and a half hours later, however, in a last-ditch effort, Tina sent a text to my mobile phone:

Tina (14:04*): Gud p.m., I understand your situation, but dis is my chance to have cash customer[s]; they will start to eat breakfast tomorrow a.m.; pls help me, for d sake of my family and child.

I did not respond. The situation left me deeply perturbed, however, and still wrestling with the decision.

* Philippine time, GMT+8.

Catcher in the rye

In Chapter 22 of J D Salinger's celebrated (1951) novel The Catcher in the Rye, Phoebe Caulfield asks her sixteen-year-old brother Holden what he wants to   do with  his life. Holden responds with this image:

“Anyway, I keep picturing  all  these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all.

Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around - nobody big, I mean - except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff - I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be. ”

Picture: Jon Hicks

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Family with 7 children indebted, hungry and penniless

Bern (10:37:33 GMT+10): Good morning Tina. Yesterday afternoon Jason texted me, giving thanks for helping Mae-Mae. I'm wondering how you, Kert and all the Kalayaan household are now. [Yahoo Messenger: "Tina will receive your messages on a mobile device."]

Tina (10:46:58): Did you received my text last nite? I did not slept whole nite, coz our food cook all credit, only 100 [pesos] cash, no 1 allow me get stock to cook today. We don't have food today, kids hungry.

Bern (10:48:50): No, I didn't receive it. Most regrettably my phone was inadvertently turned off and it has just arrived now. This is a deep shock to me.

Bern (10:52:22): On closer examination, the text just received was one you sent at 07:32 this morning. I received no other warning about this extreme situation.

Bern (10:55:18): Most regrettably, also, because of a large price increase, my Optus cell phone credit load is already exhausted. To ring you I must use a public call box.

Tina (11:03:43): Dis [is] my last text. I don't [have] money to buy load; just only I cry for d kids [who are] hungry coz I'm so tired since last nite till dis a.m. [I tried] to find some 1 to give capital to cook for today; not lucky.

Last desperate plea for hungry children not received

At 7:32 a.m., Philippines time, Tina sent me a text from the rural town of Kalayaan, Laguna, requesting immediate financial help:

"Bern, dis [is] my last text, pls help us; we can't have food to cook for today, I'm worried for d 7 kids I have here [who] start now asking for food; no 1 can help me. Pls help me for sake of kids."

Regrettably my cellular phone had been inadvertently switched off and it was only an hour later when I enquired about the family welfare that I become aware of the crisis.

Scarce resources remitted and allocated with difficulty

Tina (08:41:41 GMT+8): Bern, if you don't mind, if you send money to both of us, Mel and I? Can you send it to my name; I'm d 1 [who will] send it to Mel, coz he felt jealous to me, when he know[s] d amount you [have] given to me.

Bern (12:21:35 GMT+10): Tina, unfortunately the UAE Money Exchange is still not open. The manager altered a sign on the door: it will open at 12:45 p.m. I'll wait.

Bern (12:55:54): Tina, I've sent you 5,745 pesos 49 centavos via MoneyGram 838 . . . 489. Pls ensure Mel gets help ASAP to visit his mother. I worry also about Josie's health and Mel's future.

Tina (14:42:56): Bern, I'm now in Cebuana [pawnshop and remittance agent] to claimed d money. I sent 2,000 [pesos] to Mel, coz I buy 1 sack [of] rice, 1,800, 1 kg [of] meat for dinner, 500 vegetable, 500 groceries, I hope you understand, we will visit Nanay Josie later. Sorry, I try my best to budget wisely.

Wife of sick man appeals for financial help for family

December 05

Janice (15:44:51): Bern - I'm worried too much about my situation. If Jason still have sick, how about my 2 children, also Mae Mae['s] study, Jason can't work almost 3 days from now Bern. I can't buy his medicine; he still have headache and still lay down in bed. I hope Bern, you can help me - to buy medicines and some fruits and also vitamins. I hope Bern, you can understand me - I'm hoping!!!!

Janice (21:29:33): Bern, I hope you can help me - it's very hard for me Bern! To think - I'm surfeit.

December 06

Janice (13:23:23): Good morning BERN. How are you?

Bern (13:36:05): Hello. I'm just managing. At the moment I'm supposed to be at the lunch table.

Janice (13:38:29): OK - BERN - I hope you read my message to you . . . and I hope you understand. If you are busy now I can chat [with] you later.

Janice (13:48:38): Hard to me this situation - I don't know what can I do - I know you are the one who can help me. I hope, Bern - and thank you for understanding. I'm waiting for you Bern - Bye - love you.

Poor woman cannot afford medical care for sick husband or schooling for daughter

Janice (18:35:29): Hellow Bern, how are you?

Bern (18:37:28): Hello, I'm just OK. I've been going backwards and forwards to the TV news.

Janice (18:38:20): It's OK! Bern.

Bern (18:39:47): This morning Jason sent a message saying he was feeling sick. I hope he's improved.

Janice (18:41:23): Yes! Bern, he's sleeping and I hope he's improved as soon as possible.

Bern (18:41:53): So do I. It's a real pity he can't afford to consult a doctor.

Janice (18:42:46): Not yet Bern! B-coz I don't have money.

Bern (18:43:01): Just as I thought.

Janice (18:49:17): He take tablet Bern, biogesic only.

Bern (18:51:08): I see. Do you know the ingredients? I think it probably contains only paracetamol for pain relief.

Janice (18:51:55): He feel cold.

Bern (18:52:12): Perhaps he has a fever.

Janice (18:52:28): Yes! Bern.

Bern (18:52:39): I wish there was more that could be done. Does the employer know about Jason's illness? What does he say?

Janice (18:55:18): He said rest - and get well soon!

Bern (18:55:43): Who is performing Jason's duties while he is unable to work?

Janice (18:56:20): His assistant!

Janice (18:57:01): I'm surfeit Bern! I can't help Mae Mae, to her study, I can't give money allowance.

Bern (19:01:36): Don't your relations in San Isidro try to do that?

Janice (19:04:23): Do to support my relative but Bern, I'm shy b-coz he can do every day - money allowance to Mae Mae! I'm worried also Bern!

Bern (19:05:17): I understand.

Janice (19:07:00): I don't know what can I do now Bern!

Bern (19:07:45): I'm so sorry, it's getting quite hard for me also.

Bern (19:09:17): I'm sorry I'm distracted right now by someone else sending Yahoo messages and the TV going. Also Alice is calling me to eat.

Janice (19:10:42): OK! Bern, thank you for chatting . . . (-_-) . . . you're my good friend. Sorry for sharing this!

Bern (19:15:09): There's no need to apologise. But I really must go now. I'll probably be online again later tonight.

Janice (19:15:34): OK Bern! I'm waiting.

Storekeeper trades satisfactorily but other families remain in crisis

Bern (11:28:21): Good morning Tina. I haven't heard from you since last Monday so I'd appreciate an update on the family situation, please.

Tina (13:16:48): Bern gud a.m., we're OK, I try to save d sale every day to buy stocks, so d stocks will be continue. I make also list of items coz I make inventory of items and sales.

Bern (13:18:03): Good. I think it really is important to keep stocks as much as possible so you don't disappoint customers, and also keep good business records.

Tina (13:21:13): Yes Bern you're right, dat why I make sure every day sale I can buy stocks.

Bern (13:23:32): Tina, Mel's upset with me again but said his number for selling loads is 0918 . . . 355. I'm wondering if there is any possibility you could load his cellphone.

Bern (13:34:20): I'm sorry if I put more stress on your financial system. I was thinking if you are able to load his cell[phone], that might confirm that he is able to sell loads.

Tina (13:39:26): Its OK Bern, I will try, but I will go first in load center, then I will pay for da load I will send for Mel, for his load wallet.

Bern (13:48:22): Thank you very much for that. If you are able to load Mel's wallet that will help him and confirm what he says. Actually I'm quite anxious about Anagel's family too.

Tina (13:54:57): Don't worry about Anagel family coz der have a sacks of charcoal to sales, I'm going to buy [from] them 5 sacks of charcoal to re-pack, so I can sale it in store.

Bern (13:56:16): Thank you for the reassurance but that's not quite clear to me. Do you mean Anagel's family will sell charcoal, wholesale, to you? I'm glad if it's so.

Tina (13:58:04): Yes, Bern, whole sale of charcoal and I'm going to retail it in store.

Bern (13:59:59): I see. I'm glad of that arrangement. Incidentally, Alice and her husband had a contract, years ago, supplying charcoal to a power station. She hated the soot.

Bern (14:21:15): Tina, I'm sorry to add another request but if it's not too difficult and you could send Ross some small Globe load that would help. He had only [load to the value of] 2.5 pesos [left].

Tina (14:22:05): Bern, what his number?

Bern (14:24:10): +6391 . . . 071. I realize you had problems with Globe load. Annie at Peso Epadala said Globe is very strict and yours wasn't registered properly. I don't know.

Bern (23:36:29): Hello Tina. May I ask: how was your day? I'm still worrying about Mel feeling aggrieved, about Anagel's family wanting help urgently, and also Ross's [problems].

Underemployed father lacks food for his family; agitated brother-in-law begs for help

Bern (16:58:11): Hello Mel.

Mel [online] (16:58:30): Hi!

Bern (16:58:48): I'm surprised you're online.

Mel (17:00:10): I'm worried about you and me!

Bern (17:00:29): Please explain.

Mel (17:02:36): I want to mention again about help, bcoz I'm worried about my sister Anagel and I'm worried about you, you might have financial problem too.

Bern (17:04:20): It's true that many people ask me for help and my funds are limited. Please tell me more about Anagel's problems.

Mel (17:06:22): Robert is no job bcoz no tourist visit here, he was boatman. [It's] hard for him to work in other place bcoz they have four children to feed.

Bern (17:06:57): Oh.

Mel (17:07:24): Sometimes we shared but not enough, shared for food.

Bern (17:07:49): I see.

Mel (17:09:38): On Monday Angelica and Gilbert go to school again. I'm afraid they don't have food, too, after and before schooling.

Bern (17:10:01): I see. I hate going to Western Union. I want to stop doing it. You must know that it costs me $25 - that's 1,000 pesos - every time I go there, just for fees. That money is totally lost. And that's not counting, of course, the money for the beneficiary.

Mel (17:14:05): I see! And do understand that!

Bern (17:14:41): For the last week Ross in Paranaque has also been begging me for help for his family.

Bern (17:15:50): But there's something else that I've been worrying about a lot. I wonder whether you have really been selling cellphone loads.

Mel (17:17:07): Yes I do! my number when I selling load is this: 0918 . . . 355.

Bern (17:17:22): I think that is not your usual number.

Mel (17:17:54): Sorry, I forgot to tell you about that. Bcoz, Bern, if you register this number my load is automatically lost 2 pesos, that's every day. Like my other number.

Bern (17:19:51): I'm sorry Mel, I don't quite understand what you are saying.

Mel (17:20:47): It's [hard] for me to explain bcoz I'm not good in English. . . . I mean hard for me to explain.

Bern (17:21:31): That really does need some explanation but perhaps there's not time now.

Mel (17:22:12): I can't force you to believe me!

Bern (17:22:40): It's not a matter of being forced to believe something. It's a matter of understanding.

Mel (17:22:58): It's up to you. I'm upset your not believed in me and trust.