Mafi Problema: Language Finds a Way en los Ojos

My sister works for Arab nationals as a liaison officer. She scouts for individuals in Negros, the province where my family hails, who are willing to work in the Middle East particularly in Saudi Arabia.

     Last year, one of her Arab friends came. My sister invited me for a dinner in Makati Palace, the hotel where my sister's friend stayed. It was the second time meeting Tawil.

     After my work, I headed to the place. It was my first time going there. Thanks to Google Maps; commuting became easy. I'm frugal. I don't take Grab. I got there around 7PM. Entering the room, I saw my sister, with a bubbly woman that I believed an applicant, busy preparing food. I sat on a nice sofa, and tried to decipher the Arabian upbeat music. I could only recall "habebe", too bad. Not too long, Tawil came out from the room. I stood up, and wiped my right hand onto my pants preparing to shake hands. But I was shookt! He kissed my cheeks,and said "Asalam mulaykum, brother". Still in disbelief, I just repeated what he said. Then he cautioned if he could go to a corner and smoke. I sat back still surprised. I took my phone out, and started browsing just to kill the awkward moment. My sister suddenly said in Bisaya, "Close na diay mo kuya, no?" "Nope," I replied.

     My sister really talks a lot. Referring to my phone, she commented, "iPhone na ang imong gamit, kuya?" I told that I'm still using Oppo.

     "Pag change na jud og phone. Five times na baya ko nag change og iPhone." I told her that I'm fine with my phone. She insisted saying, "E-match gud na ang imong phone sa imong profession. Professor baya ka." This statement sounded bad to me. I looked at her, and said in British accent, "Sister, I can speak the language and imitate the accent of a first world country. How can an iPhone be used to gauge one's status in life when a saleslady owns one, when a construction worker has, and when young dumb broke high school kiddos use iPhone?" Silence followed.

     The bubbly woman, in a very light mode, asked my sister in Hiligaynon accent, "Madam, may ara ka da panyo? Kay damo gid ya dugo sang ilong ko." I got the napkin placed on the center table, and gave it to her.

     "Hala! Kaintsindi man sya sa akon ginhambal?", she asked. And my sister just looked at her.

     "Indi lang gid ya kaintsindi, kabalo man ko ya maghambal." I jokingly replied.

     "Kuya, wala naka ka-remember sa famous Spanish line ni lola? Kato bang... La sociedad." My sister tried to prove that she was right in suggesting about my phone.

     "La sociedad nos juzga por lo que vien nosotros." I hardly said it in Spanish accent. "Not with an iPhone my sister." I insisted.

     Tawil was probably confused with our discussion. And so, he called my attention. "Brother, no understand," he confusedly uttered.

     "Mafi. Mafi mushkala, brother," I replied.

     The argument halted because the food was ready. We enjoyed the sumptuous food that my sister prepared.

     It was amazing how four people in one place speaking different languages managed to channel message, and ended up partaking food, laughing at jokes, and saying byes.