Anna Bermudo: Kindness Behind A Pretty Face
Posted on Sunday, 31 January 2016
Anna
Bermudo: Kindness Behind A Pretty Face
By Apolinario Villalobos
When I took a respite at a Jollibee joint
in Divisoria, particularly, corner of Sto. Cristo St., due to my heavy packs, I
found out that I needed a separate bag for some items intended to be given to
one of my friends in Baseco. It was then, that I noticed one of the crew who
was cleaning tables. I told her my problem, without much ado, she left and when
she came back, she had a paper bag which was just what I needed. Her prompt
assistance impressed me, despite her doing something else during the time. She
practically dropped everything and attended to me, although, customers were
beginning to crowd the room.
My appreciation for such kind act, made me
ask her permission if I can share it with friends. She shyly hesitated, but I
had my chance to take her photo quickly, when she began to clean my table. She
thought I was joking when I aimed my cellphone/camera for a quick shot. I found
the photo to be hazy when I checked it at Baseco, so I came back to the burger
joint. Luckily, I found her having a late breakfast in a sidewalk food stall
near Jollibee. I practically begged her to allow me to take a clearer photo,
explaining to her that what I am doing is for the benefit of others who might be
inspired by people like her. Fortunately, she conceded and even cooperated by
giving information about herself.
Although merely, a high school graduate,
she courageously left her hometown in Zamboanga to seek a “greener pasture” in
Manila several years ago. She had no chance of pursuing her studies, as she had
been helping her family by sending whatever amount she could afford from her
wage when she found a job. I could see that her right attitude has earned her a
well-deserved job in the world-renown Filipino burger outfit which is also
acknowledged for its fairness in dealing with employees.
Anna is pretty, an attribute that could
land her a much better-paying job in cafes that could be double or triple
compared to what she is earning in Jollibee. But I could surmise that despite
temptations from friends, that always happen to pretty girls from the
countryside, she opted to work in a family-oriented establishment. Her clean
and smooth face is not covered even by a thin swipe of rouge, and she wears no
jewelry, not even a single stainless ring. Her simplicity has accentuated her
pretty face…. that veils an innate kindness.
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