I’ve been swept off my feet a few times before.  And the last time I got a piggy-back was from my Dad many moons ago to avoid the rising flood waters.  But then, I was a child.

So when television cameras caught Brig. Gen. Marciano Ilagan being piggy-backed by a local porter to avoid dipping his boots in water, the cyber-brouhaha that followed was understandable.

On the onset, it seemed like he had a fear of getting wet which was laughable considering he was a military man?  But hey, maybe he did suffer from ablutophobia (fear of bathing) or aquaphobia (fear of water)?  Maybe he didn’t want to lose the sheen on his newly shined boots?  Better still, maybe…he just had a pedicure done!!  Or, just a warped sense of entitlement.

Officials excused his action as: “He was just accepting genuine Filipino hospitality.”  The ‘stay dry’ service was offered to all VIPs present – or so they say.   

And right there is where our problem lies!!  It’s that unfathomable preferential treatment granted to VIPs and title holders that strips self and others of human dignity. Does abject poverty force us to surrender pride and self esteem? 

Does the problem lie with the giver or with the receiver?  Perhaps both are culpable.  The pleaser wants to give without limitations and the receiver expects it as a matter of fact.  A culture of subservience is then allowed to cultivate.

Likewise, President Arroyo’s accumulated wealth has been placed under media scrutiny, specifically for her extravagant, gastronomical New York dinners. It has been excused that as President, “she was deserving.” There goes that sense of entitlement again!  It may have been edible, but it sure was not laudable. If the expense was coming from her own pocket, who cares what she puts in her mouth.  However, if it’s coming out of government coffers, perhaps a little restraint would have been appreciated by a starving nation.  It’s simply a case of moral decency and humility.

Considering too that in stark contrast, US President Obama has been sighted at burger joints.  If he can, so can she.

But we only need to look right here in our own backyard where VIP treatment has been crafted to an art.  Observe and listen how when people talk to a title-holder; how their shoulders crouch, their heads slightly bow in reverence and even their voice tone changes, as if surrendering to a higher being.  

Coincidentally, the phrase “Award – Recognition leads to Empowerment” was spotted on the email exchanges.  That perhaps sums up the very essence of misconceived notions that brought about all of the above incidents.

Empowerment has nothing to do with a title. It is that feeling of confidence – the fire in your belly that moves you to action – a gut feel – a quiet feeling of dignity; being comfortable in your own skin and being able to treat any human being with the same dignity and respect.  It is an internal glow that needs no external stimuli.  It allows you to do anything big or small, whether of value or something totally insignificant.

Information leads to knowledge.  Knowledge placed into practice equals experience and from that flows natural confidence.  That potent mix leads to empowerment.  Awards and recognition are mere incidentals that may be had or not.  Definitely not the other way around.

People presuppose that title-holders have reached the pinnacle of success and therefore deserving of the privileges, favours and specials that come along with the title. But as much as it is given, it is also expected. 

We are subservient beyond belief, usually stripping self and others of human dignity. Sadly, unable to discern, most confuse respect and loyalty with bootlicking, and the degree by which they should give. 

Those who have gained their titles – self proclaimed or otherwise – should realize that they should first live by example and know that they will be held accountable.  Respect is earned.

And for us simple folks…..lest we forget, when in doubt, no need to salute.