By Loy M. Palapos
Bohol Sunday PostThere's no mistaking about it, Priscilla Mathism Richards (PMR) is a stand-out in any crowd. With physical features that are unmistakably Caucasian, she is neither Boholana nor Filipina-looking. Sunshine blond curls frame her oval face, and her blue eyes twinkle and mesmerize. Some poundage shed off, she could give Britney Spears a run for her money.Meeting her was not the usual gentleman-meets-lady-at-a-party situation. Before I knew her name, she was flashing her enthusiastic smile, as if she had known me even before I was born. The nasal twang was there, and it took me a few seconds to get her name spelled right in my mind, and when I did, it did not seem alien anymore. Her exuberance was contagious, her chat spontaneous and endless as both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans put together. She was a friend to all. And still is. Our getting-to-know-you meeting at Island City Mall was just a prelude.
Seeing her sporadically has been punctuated by her reverberating laughter which, for me, has become her trade mark.
Lately, I learned that she has a column in another local paper. From her writings I discern a certain angle of her personality not always deciphered in verbal banter.
She is very observant about what goes on in her adapted City of Tagbilaran, a few of them outright unpalatable to those concerned. Thus, I thought, she is a good subject for an interview.
LMP: How did you happen to come to Bohol?
PMR: Ha! Of course, by airplane. Seriously, I came here in November 2002 to care for a seaman friend's three young kids at the time when they had just lost their young and very dear mother. One year prior to my arrival here, and until now, I have been a surrogate mother for them. It was hard to get them to adjust at first due to the father's side of the family and their negative influences to make the children go against me, because they felt that my American culture was different from the Philippine culture.
LMP: Can you give a few details.
PMR: It was hard to believe at first that these people could behave and interfere with my loving plans for these kids to grow up and do well. I strongly feel against the family's negative influences towards these kids. Today, these kids are suffering permanent scars and repercussions. The oldest child quit his studies at PMI and got his young teenage girlfriend pregnant. Even though the baby is here they both have no way to support their young family, if it was not for my help to them. The middle child is a fourth-year student at a computer college here. The owner of this college just wants to become fatter in the pocket book, but unable to assist him in getting a job once he graduates. The youngest child is now 16 years of age and fourth- year high school student. She has had it hard during her first two years of high school as she was not taken care of properly when I was back home in the States. The older brother's girlfriend demanded expensive clothes and foods from the kids' allotment. This caused the youngest to be sickly and unable to make it to school as the father's allotment was also used on the girlfriend's family in Leyte. Even back home in America I kept getting bad reports of all that was going on here in Bohol. The electric line had been shut off and the two youngest were sitting in the dark. I was able to rattle the oldest kid's head when I reached him thru cell after I had sent money. I came back to Bohol to fight off any negative happenings to these kids as their father has always been a long time partner and friend of mine who can see me as a kind hearted person that I truly am. I have stayed here to continue to do my best in helping these kids stay away from jealous persons who want to take advantage of them. I have stayed here to be a mother and a protective friend and a provider as well for them. For the kids and me on both our sides it has been a learning experience.
LMP: What was your first impression of Filipinos, or Boholanos in particular?
PMR: Other than the negative side of the kids' father's family, I really enjoy making friends here. I have found the people her to be hospitable, inquisitive, curious and, normally with me, they have shown that they can understand what I am saying to give out a burst of laughter.
LMP: What is one dominating trait you find among Boholanos? Please elaborate.
PMR: Inhibited. Examples: Afraid to show applause, or give compliments when they should be given. Afraid to call the kettle black if it is supposed to be black! Afraid of what other might think on how they express themselves in public. In a restaurant if the food does not taste as it should, would rather sit there and not say anything to correct it and have it made right.
LMP: Can you name some aspects in Boholano inter-relationships that you find worth emulating?
PMR: Off the top of my head I would have to say caring, offering, going out of their way too make their guests feel welcome in their homes at their parties or other festive occasions. Boholano hospitality has always been described at its loveliest. "Humok and as fluffy as a down pillow!"
LMP: How about bad traits? Name at least three.
PMR: A) "Crab Mentality." This I see all the time among Filipinos. There are many people here who do not want to see the successful climb of other people. Others ruin or demolish or go out of their way to steal the happiness of one who is trying to better himself. If anything is needed it is positive encouragement and motivation instead of knocking down others' efforts. B) "Infidelity." I have seen a lot of changing partners whether they be married or unmarried couples. I see this as a result of indifference brought about by financial problems. The husband often gets tired of constant nagging by pregnant wife who does not take family planning seriously. It adds more pressure to the financial crisis already at hand. This drives a lot of Boholano men, in particular, away from their families. I am in favor of the divorce law for the Philippines. C) "Public displays of interruptive bodily functions" such as belching in public and not saying excuse me, coughing in public and not covering the mouth while doing so. There are those who hurl the "slimy sputum" onto mall floors. The worst is the display of men who just whip it out in the middle of street to take a "Jingle" when there are many persons around and they do not care of the sensitivity of others.
LMP: Describe public administration in Bohol. In Tagbilaran City? What are the bad and good points? How could they be corrected?
PMR: I have, as a media person, been able to view both government and administration on both sides, here in Tagbilaran City and also province wide. I see a lot of people who need help and ask for assistance and these people swarm and pack these offices with what ever ail them, like bees do to hives. I have seen the best of help going to these people that can be offered. I always compliment all branches of government and administration and say to them that they have a lot of energy and kindness in their heart. The one thing I would like to criticize is not with just political administration but with everyone who works. He should keep personal business decisions on issues that are personal and private. Give also a right of way to free enterprise.
LMP: You must have observed how elections are done in the country and in Bohol. What are your comments?
PMR: Yes! I did observe the election first hand and it is despicable as can be. Why have COMELEC laws unable to handle the candidates doing things that are illegal? Or handle on time the cases of those candidates who are not residing or actually residing in the districts that they are running in? It's truly a crime, compared to the American voting system. Family members, running against themselves or with themselves. Several candidates are running because they are popular, or who want to be popular, such as singers and actors and media personalities. Some even run because they are the offsprings of out-going candidates. Some candidates run for office at very young and inexperienced age. In my country, to run to congress you have to be at least 35 years of age. There is vote buying. People are whining that the country is corrupt. You have people loitering outside the voting precincts building campfires and roasting hotdogs during Election Day. Your polls close early in the day. In the States they close at eight in the evening. This allows everyone on rotating shifts a chance to vote. Drunkards haggle as they vote and nationally you have a lot of election homicides.
LMP: Do you believe that private enterprises in Bohol are properly motivated by public governance? Please explain.
PR: No! It's motivated thru "greed and gain!"
LMP: How do you appraise Bohol as a tourist destination?
PMR: Bohol has plenty of natural untouched beauty that are "for your eyes only." I remember my first time going to Chocolate Hills. Once my body made it to the top, I just stood there in awe at how breathtaking it truly was and laughed at how green it was. I was expecting to see little brown hills all over literally. One thing that the tourists complain about when coming here is how some of the resorts cost more than what the services are really worth. The other noticeable complaint is that the night life is not happening here. The province is safe compared to other places to be visited in the Philippines.
LMP: Does it have a competitive advantage over other provinces in the country?
PMR: Yes, it is safe and a lot more peaceful than other tourist destinations. The beaches are clean. What bores again the tourist is the lack of night shows or discos to attend. Some other provinces have establishments with promos on food and beverages. Bohol has never had a promo as far as I can remember.
LMP: What are your suggestions to improve the existing tourist spots?
PMR: The PNP now is stronger and better than ever with a new commander who seems to be walking a tight beat within the province to be able to keep and control crime at a minimum. The local city and municipal PNP should enforce and give more fines for crimes that are violated more often to be able to generate more money into better and stronger public services. This also makes people want to come here more often if they know that law offenders who are dangerous to tourists are kept in control. Get the Badjaos off the streets, from begging in their naked form. I am already a permanent resident here. Often I am homesick. When I first came here in 2002, I was a foundation member for Camp Bernido in Dao district. I have enjoyed being a member of the media family here in Bohol. It has opened the door in many nice ways in order for me to learn about the place and its people.
Her stay in Bohol has given her new perspectives in life. Playing beautiful music with a widower Boholano seaman, whom she seldom sees, she takes care of his children from his first wife. A tall order for the ordinary woman. But Priscilla Richards is no ordinary woman. She has her own share of problems, but she does not wear her heart on her sleeves.
She may elicit contradictory reactions to her views and her ways, but she is unperturbed. What she writes, negative or positive, springs from her conviction, not just products of whimsy fancy. How she carries herself is an expression of her individuality, as a woman and a human being. For all intents and purposes, in a nutshell she has voluntarily attuned herself into thus bubbly personification of life lived to the hilt as an American as apple pie and Coca-Cola.
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