Sun, Glorious Hazard

It's ten thirty in the morning and the famous Manila sun is shining gloriously here in the outskirts of Manila. 

But even with the sun present almost throughout the day, I rarely see umbrellas borne by Filipinos nowadays. 

This sudden abandonment of the umbrella is surprising since the Pinoys are serious about the condition and health of their skin. I speak with the proliferation of skin clinics and products as evidence.

The ultra violet radiation, according to experts can cause skin cancer, photo ageing of the skin, and cataracts - just a few of the potential health hazards associated with overexposure to UVR.

My favorite individual has creamy skin and takes care of it lovingly, but when it comes to arming her skin against the ravenous sun, she couldn't care less, and I wonder about it incessantly. 

When I was growing up, I remember an older sister who used to carry an umbrella wherever she went, even to the sari-sari store across our house.  And to this day, she has perfect whitish skin.

My father too, used to protect his darkish features by wearing a hat. It was the kind I saw in those old  Rogelio de la Rosa and Humphrey Bogart black and white movies.  And I must admit my old man looked dapper in his de hilo shirt and pants and with a hat on.

Back in Toronto during summers, the ethnic group that still religiously carries umbrellas and wear wide-brim hats are the older Chinese women. The others simply ignore the hazards of the sun.  Or maybe they just apply sun block.  On the other hand, men, including myself, wear the ever present baseball cap. 

Another favorite person of mine has a collection of hats; she has winter hats, summer hats and hats that she wears on all occasions.  She's not so much concerned about her skin but it's because she looks good with a hat on. 

I, too, have a collection of hats - baseball caps, winter caps, and all- occasion hats.  My friend Olga used to call me Uncle Vanya and my colleague Bill referred to me once as Harrison Ford's character in the Raider's series.

Here in Manila what I notice and find odd are those men wearing a winter toque.  I just could not imagine how hot it must be under those toques.  Personally, I only wear a toque in Toronto if the temperature drops to a minus degree.

But I love seeing an umbrella anywhere - rainy and sunny days. It protects and saves lives, literally. 

Reminds me of old, e.g- The Barefoot Contessa, and even newer Hollywood films, such as Spiderman 1 where cemetery/burial scenes are always shot on a dreary afternoon amidst rain or snow and black umbrellas are unfurled and a sweeping overhead shot presents an even sadder glow.