SOMEONE MIGHT say I’m making a false logic here or that I am jumping into conclusion without thoroughly examining my arguments. I’d like to make it clear that this is my personal feeling about one particular experience in Zamboanga City. As a Mindanao Blogger, I don’t intend to spread negative things about the island. I just think that it’s important for anyone who plans to visit Zamboanga to know this.

I was in Zamboanga last week together with our principal, three other teachers, and four students for the First National Science and Mathematics Summit for Regional Science High School.

The event ended last February 14 but flights from Zamboanga to Davao are scheduled only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. So, we had to stay there until February 16. That meant two days to discover the city.

After the closing program, we had the chance to visit the Barter Trading Center to buy stuff for our loved ones and friends back home. The stall owners were very accommodating. I have been to several places in the country and I have met many aggressive vendors in those places. But something was different about the barter in Zamboanga.

I didn’t have an idea about what stuff to bring home and I have little idea about what to find there. So, I had to survey what products are on display. Like in flea markets, the vendors were determined to make a sale. They would try to convince you to buy their products. As we hopped from stall to stall to compare products and prices, there was something about the way they communicate with us that made me feel like I have to be very polite so as not to offend them. As we walked through the narrow pathways inside the building, I felt like I had to walk on my toes so as not to accidentally topple the products on display. I felt like trouble can arise anytime, so I had to be very careful about haggling for discounts.

I am glad none of my fears took place until…

We proceeded to the mall to buy our dinner from the fastfood stalls there. I also side tripped to an electronics store to buy an adapter from my speakers and a microSD card for my phone. While at the electronics store, my co-teacher told me to hurry because our principal was waiting for us downstairs and that we had to go back to the pension house where we were staying.

The stall had a small area such that six persons inside would look like a crowd. As I rushed to the counter, I didn’t notice this man, who had two kids with him. I accidentally bumped the kid and the kid stumbled. My apology was automatic. I looked at the man in the eye and told him how sorry I was and that I did not intend to do it. I thought of helping the kid stand up but the man’s action and facial expression suggested that I was not allowed to do it. The kid was not hurt obviously because he didn’t cry and stood up as if nothing happened. I was also sure that the kid was not hurt because our collision was not forceful.

The man then glared at me. My knees shook and I repeated my apologies. The man barked, “Gago ka! Tumingin-tingin ka nga sa dinadaanan mo!” Worst scenarios ran in my head. Again, I apologized with utmost sincerity but the man’s eyes looked unforgiving and went away.

The pace of my heartbeat never returned to normal even until we were on our way back to the pension house.

I admit that part of what happened was my fault. I should not have let go of the meticulous attention on avoiding any troublesome incident.

In cases like that, an honest apology would usually suffice. Zamboanga taught me that it would not always be like that. I couldn’t help but compare it with similar incidents I met in GenSan. Here, the parent would even be apologetic with the idea that it’s their responsibility to keep their kids from standing in the way of other people.

That observation was even strengthened by a friend’s testimony. She is a branch manager of a popular food chain there. She told us of an incident when one crew member called the attention of one customer who used the comfort room for too long a time and who left a great deal of mess. The crew member ended up being beaten by the said customer afterwards.

I had a great time in Zamboanga except for that one particular incident. I liked their language (Vamos a Zamboanga!) and the romantic feel of the old structures.

If only the people there are a tad friendlier, I certainly would want to return to the city. Even if that would mean me having to get a payday loan.