Lessons from the Christmas Pickpockets

Last night I lost my wallet while striding along the Guadalupe night market. I was bound to Cubao so I took the broader part of the side walks which is near the road. When I reached the MRT Station, I discovered my backpack's front pocket was unzipped. "Oh Lord", I mumbled. Then I felt my body froze for few seconds.

I lost my first Italian Leather wallet. Stingy as I am, I don't buy wallet for myself. I only had one because my grandfather, whose based in Nevada, left it here in our home around two years ago. I only used it this year when my mother, who kept his stuff, noticed that my previous one, which was gifted to me and I was using since college, has already worn out. She handed me the handsome slick brown leather wallet.

There I put every cards that would fit. Enclosed were my IDs: SSS, TIN, National Library, and my most valued YFC and altar server ID's which I have been keeping since high school. Of course my other important cards were there, stuff like bank cards, health card, reward cards and regretfully, my Time Zone card. Lol. I had three thousand cash in my wallet which I was about to use for my second batch of shopping for my inaanaks.

That night also, I was scouting for a good model to replace my Nokia 1100. I had a good budget in mind. Now, I might as well delay the purchase. My penny-pinching attitude was not moved by the incident. People would suggest me to compensate what was lost and that its time to indulge myself to a nice gadget. But hey, my new year's resolution last year was to avoid being impulsive since I have a big deal of expenses at home. This incident is actually teaching me to be more responsible on every aspect.

One lesson on being responsible is "Don't tolerate those pickpockets". If you're reading this, keep watch of your belongings when you're walking around the metro, riding the train or even just by staying in a public place. Learn from me so you won't learn it the hard way as I did.

There was an hour of denial stage. Thanks to a friend who saw me staring aimlessly on the way. He treated me a bite and accompanied me to the police station to report. After having my cards blocked, it dawned on me how lucky I am. First, I didn't have to resort to those kind of things so I can feed my family. The good Lord gave me a good job and He can actually give me more than the amount I lost exactly the day after. Second, I wasn't hurt. I can't imagine another trauma of a mugging experience. I can tell because I had a terrible one way back in college.

I am simply blessed. I hope the one who stole my wallet will be blessed too! Honestly, I pray that this will be the last Christmas he or she will be stealing for their food in Noche Buena.

Semper Gratias Ago