I was out taking a sunset swim and left my shirt and flip flops on the beach, like usual.  There are very few populated beaches in the world where it's safe to leave your things unattended, but Boracay beach is one of them.   But this time when I came out of the water, a lifeguard was there to meet me, looking concerned.  He explained that some drunk guy had walked by and tried to knick my flip flops but the lifeguard saw it, ran over, and stopped him.  He sent the drunk guy on his way and waited for me to come out of the water let me know.  The lifeguard couldn't have been more gracious.  It was no big deal – just a beat up, sandy pair of flip flops (I never leave anything of value) but it blew me away that he still took so much pride in his beach that he went to such great lengths to be of service.  I thanked him profusely in Tagalog – salamat po – and he said “I don't like when drunk people bother the nice people on my beach."  Then, he bowed ceremoniously and said "Your welcome,” as if he was thanking me.

The lifeguard turned around and grabbed his pink swim board and started running down the beach to the next station. 

"How cool is that?" I thought.  What a great example he set.  I hope I can live up to that - it's the attitude I want to have every day whether I'm doing my job, being a gracious guest to another country or just trying to be a good human being - I want to hold that same pure intention of benevolence and service.

“Thanks again!" I yelled after him.  "By the way, what’s your name?” 

“Anthony! " he called back.  " You are very welcome sir!” and ran off to do his next good deed on the beach.   Very cool.  People like that should get more credit.

On a daily basis I’ve been amazed how cool and friendly the people in the Philippines are, but my new brother, Anthony, definitely earned some shine.  I only have two weeks left here but I’ll be sure to go find him one day, and the other lifeguards, to buy them lunch and take a picture with them or something.  But if that doesn’t happen for some reason, if our paths never cross, I want acknowledge him with a bow of my own, another "salamat po," and let him know that I’ll pass it on. 

Update - I ran into Anthony by the beach today and thanked him and took this photo with him.  He was still humble and diffusive as ever!  Feel free to add him as a friend on Facebook and thank him for being a great guy and an amazing lifeguard, too. 
   

Something happened in Thailand a few days ago that was remarkable, particularly in this age of cynicism and violence.  It started out like so many other news stories – protestors in Bangkok have been trying to incite a coup to remove the current Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, from power, a clash between rich and poor that’s seen 18 such coups in the last 80 years in the Kingdom of Siam.  The political dissidents had been at it for weeks, waving red flags and rioting in the streets, throwing rocks and homemade petrol bombs at police as they fired tear gas and water cannons back at the angry mobs.  The violence escalated until 5 had died and hundreds were injured and there was little hope for stability in the nation.  But the protesters pressed on, more than 3,000 rebels, angry like the midday sun, intent on sacking government buildings and toppling the regime.  The state agency they targeted had been fortified with barricades and riot police, so a bloody standoff seemed imminent, and maybe enough to throw the country into civil war.  Then, something awe inspiring happened.

When the rioters besieged the government compound, they weren’t met with violent opposition, but police and military who graciously waved them in.  On orders from the Prime Minister not to escalate the conflict or do any more harm, they simply stood aside and let the protestors into the buildings, like welcomed house guests.  The protestors did enter, but were instantly pacified, dropping weapons and unmasking their faces, a suddenly-diffused well-behaved tour group.  They did not harm anyone, nor did they damage any property at all, they just entered in congregation of a symbolic victory.  The calmed protesters mingled with the police, all seen smiling and chatting among the same forces who were throwing bombs and clubbing each other the day before.  They were given the run of the place and the police did not make any arrests or harass anyone.  Eventually, most of the protestors simply left – went home to their families for dinner – and were graciously waved goodbye by hundreds of unarmed female police. 

The next day there were no protests, either.  It was the 86th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a benevolent figure revered with God-like stature among the Thai people.  Officials, dignitaries, military elite, protesters, rebel leaders, and members of the business community, those who were mortal enemies only a few days before, met in tranquil peace for the festivities in his seaside hometown.  Agendas were set aside, albeit reluctantly, and there were no problems, no violence in the streets.  Instead, people waved yellow banners and chanted. “Long live the King,” in harmony. 

There may still be problems, protests and violence - the opposition leaders have vowed to continue their protests until they force the prime minister out of office.  The current government has responded with plans to include them in talks and institute more reforms to help the common people.  But the military and police, whose support has long been seen as the tipping point in any coup, have declared that they’re happy to sit this one out and let diplomacy run its course, inspired by a sweet taste of pacifism. 

Improbably, by the simple act of standing aside and welcoming in the protestors, a tiny gesture of peace, the cycle of opposition has been broken, anger blown from the hot streets like a pin-pricked red balloon; a rare and wonderful thing to witness, indeed. 

It reminds me of something I read a long time ago: “Power is either shared, or it’s taken.”  Come to think of it, there’s another quote that seems particularly apropos, spoken by a humble little Indian man in a loin cloth name Mahatma who single handedly toppled the British Empire: “The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.”

However you want to express it, no matter how fleeting or insignificant it may appear, I felt the calling to share what happened in Thailand the other day with you, so we all might stop and celebrate a humble victory for humanity, the birthday of a King, and perhaps, learn an important lesson for tomorrow. 

I received official word today that my book, South of Normal, (I feel like such a pretentious ass every time I say that, yet I keep saying it anyway) was awarded a Silver medal for the super-prestigious Nonfiction Book Awards. 

In anticipation of this inevitable day, I’ve prepared a few humble (yet incredibly inspiring,) words to share with you:

(Grabbing microphone) First off, I’d like to thank my team, my coaches, and the almighty creator, (Amazon.com) for helping me win this award.  I couldn’t have done it without them (well, we both know I could have.)  And oh yeah, there was one more person I was supposed to thank…who was it again?  Can’t remember, exactly…she’s older than me, same last name, still does my laundry, gave birth to me…oh yeah, my mom!  Thanks mom – never forget ya! 

Now, I really need your help so I can take this to the next level.  As a beloved community of readers, friends, and literary cheerleaders, I’m asking you for a huge favor from the bottom of my heart:

Will you please PLEASE come together and…

Help me find the person who won the gold medal and take them out?

Of course I don’t want it traced back to me (because that would just be low rent) so something subtle would work – like bad brakes on their Prius or poisoning their herbal cleanse. But of course I don’t know anything about it (wink.)

Hahaha I’m just kidding of course (not really) but I’d like to sincerely congratulate the winner of the Gold Medal who honestly and rightfully beat me out (cough, bullshit, cough.) 

So, I’m sure you’ll have a million and one questions, sponsorship opportunities, and party invites for me based on this meteoric accomplishment, but first, I have a few questions for the book award foundation:

1)   When do I get my actual medal?  I mean, so far I’ve just seen one on this nice Internet badge, but I want something I can hang around my neck and walk slowly through the mall, pointing to myself.

2)   When I do get the medal, can I spray paint it gold?  Do you think the paint will come off in a hot tub? 

3)   Does this mean I can stop talking to commoners at the bus stop?  “No eye contact!  Look down when I’m talking to you!”

4)   When is the award banquet and will they have all-you-can-eat shrimp?

5)   Is it bad form to demand a recount?  I mean, only if it gives me a chance to get Gold, but forget it if there’s a chance I can slip down to Bronze.

6)   Speaking of which, let’s all laugh at the person who won bronze!!  Hahahaha BRONZE!!!!  That’s the color of old people’s skin in Florida!  Lol 

7)   Can I start wearing sunglasses indoors?  And do you know a place where I can buy leather pants?  For cheap?  Second hand, maybe? 

8)   If we have one of those medal ceremonies where we stand on platforms of varying heights, is it ok for me to wear 8” platform disco boots so I’m on the same level as Gold?

9)   Can I submit a selfie where I’ve Photoshopped in copious amounts of hair over my bald spot as a press photo? 

10)  Where’s the bathroom?  I think I ate too many shrimp.

Unfortunately (for you,) that’s all I have to say for now.  Judging by how everyone is waving me off the stage and vigorously trying to grab this microphone back, I know you’re all as excited as I am.  But before I go, let me leave you with this sincere plea to make this world a better place:

Remember to buy two and even three copies of my Silver-medal winning book and send them to the people who died in that earthquake.  I’ll also be donating 10,000 audio books to the International School for Deaf Children, who I’m sure will put them to great use.

I know, I know... “HERO” is such a strong word, but I don’t mind if you use it.  A lot. 

Well, then - until next year (or the Gold medal winner comes up missing, hehehehe) deuces!  

Mic drop,

Norm  :-)

PS In all seriousness, thank you to the generous voters and congrats to all of the winners and participants – there’s no way I belong among these incredibly talented writers.  You’re all gold in my book!  (so check your brakes.)  

Hi Norm,
My name is XYZ, I live in San Francisco, California and I want to give my heart and hands to the Philippines.  My company recently announced a company closure from 12/23 to 1/1.  I plan on using this time to travel to the Philippines to give my support and explore the country.

Reason why I'm reaching out to you is to see if you have any resources or know of any organizations that can utilize my help in Cebu.  I completed an application for All Hands Volunteers but unfortunately have not heard back from them yet. (http://hands.org/announcing-project-leyte/)  I know there are a lot of organizations on the ground there but their application process is time consuming, which I do not have any of.  

Therefore, I plan to land in Cebu and just go!  Ask around, travel to the effected areas and hope that my offer to help will be taken.  

Do you know of anyone who I can reach out to directly or can you provide any insight on where I can go that I'll be welcome?  I really don't know what to expect there, housing wise, transportation, etc. so I'm looking for resources to help guide me.

My response:

Hello XYZ,
So nice of you to write me and great of you to want to help!  You spirit is wonderful and your heart is in the right place!  I would recommend you contact the Red Cross, Direct Relief, and some of the other big organizations you see are active in disaster relief here.  Check with them if there is an opportunity to come volunteer because they'll have procedures, organization, training, safety measures, etc. to do it wisely and effectively. 

You may not want to hear this, but being honest with you, just showing up in Cebu and trying to help is not a great idea.  The worst damaged areas are far away in Leyte and you can't just fly in there and hit the ground and start working.  It would be extremely dangerous and just getting to and from the right place would take more than a week.  Maybe the best plan is to donate some money directly to the great organizations who have trained, qualified, long-term workers on the ground?  I know you really want to help, but you'll find a lot of confusion and wasted time and money if you just fly into Cebu and start asking around to help - or worse, get scammed.  If you want to come to the PI then by all means do so for a vacation, and you can help the local economy with your tourism dollars, and when you leave, you can make a well-placed donation?  Or maybe you can organize and throw a big fundraiser back home?  I am currently living on the island of Boracay and have focused my efforts into a big beach party, Boracay Cares, December 20 that will raise money for the Red Cross' aid to typhoon victims.  

I wish I had better news for you, but like I said, your heart is in the right place and I commend you for being so giving!  Perhaps you have other assets and gifts that are more efficiently assigned to helping these people?  

Please let me know if you need any other help.  

Norm  :-)