Business-minded Aswang

STORY BY PRECIOUS JANA MOLLEDA

BEHIND the smoke was a woman who pierced meat and internal organs with sticks.

The smoke had the power to trigger respiratory diseases and meat that can put you at risk of getting diarrhea (an infection concerning the intestinal tract) or food poisoning and cardiovascular diseases.

Aling Corazon had this smile entrancing enough to convince people to buy the street food she sells. As if on cue, my schoolmates swarm on her cart right after the school bell rings. Just like a spell I jokingly thought she casted.

She sold barbecue, isaw (grilled chicken intestine), betamax (dried chicken blood), adidas (chicken feet), etc. along with different flavors of palamig, and with so many students in our school, there would be days where those would run out.

My classmates and I once got out of the school with the sky already turning dark and we were hungry, I was famished to the point that I could eat anything. And I meant it. Once we got out of the school gates, Aling Corazon seemed to have read our minds and heard our growling stomachs when she asked what we would like to buy. It was as if she had the power to sense hunger. In the blink of an eye, I was dragged by my classmates and got greeted by the strong smell of smoke I used to avoid all the time.

“Try this,” one said.

“It won’t hurt to try,” another said.

“You won’t die trying,” they said.

But how are they so sure?

They knew I did not have the guts to try food that did not come from our kitchen. But then, I was famished. I could eat anything. So I did.

As I chewed on the barbecue hesitantly, numerous vehicles passed by–its smoke combating the smoke coming from the grill, probably contaminating the food we were eating. Just like how students swarm Aling Corazon’s cart, flies that carry bacteria seemed to enjoy the food as well.

It did not help that water or ice used to produce palamig might be infected with coliform bacteria with incorrect handling, according to a medical specialist of the Department of Health in 2012. Drinking such might cause a variety of illnesses, including diarrhea, hepatitis, and cholera.

They dipped their sticks with their own saliva on the sauce that everybody shared…

The next day, instead of being the observer that avoids the cart, I found myself being one of the flock. It grew on me.

That was until a diarrhea outbreak came. The contaminated food and drinks was pointed out by the health organization.

Realization hits, I always knew too much would always be bad for you. It would not cost people much to be more considerate of hygiene especially when having a business involving food. Best understanding of sanitary methods is necessary. Prioritization of safety on consuming foods is certainly a must.

Street vendors are doing what they can to survive and provide for themselves and their families, but consider your own health as well. Too much love for street foods can lead you to harm.

Be humane.

Consider the health of the customers as well, their health is in the sanitary condition of your hands.