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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Ilocano blood

Here's a joke that is uniquely Filipino. If you're not from the Philippines, let me give you a background to be able to appreciate it. Foremost is about the Ilocano, people who live in Ilocos Norte province in the norther Philippines. They are an industrious people and reputed to be very frugal. Their reputation for frugality has often been the butt of jokes in the Philippines.

Here's the story.

An Arab Sheik was admitted to the Philippine Heart Center in Manila for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store blood of his type in case the need arises.

As the gentleman had a rare blood type, it couldn't be found easily so the call went out to a number of provinces. Finally an Ilocano was located who had a similar blood type.

The Ilocano willingly donated his blood to the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano a new Toyota, diamonds and US dollars as a gesture of appreciation for the blood donation.

A couple of days later, the Arab had to go through a corrective surgery. His doctor telephoned the Ilocano who was more than happy to donate his blood again. After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano a thank-you card and a jar of candies.

The Ilocano was appalled that this time the Arab did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab and asked him: "I thought you would be as generous as before but you gave me only a thank-you card and a jar of candies".

To this the Arab replied: "Manong (an Ilocano's address to an elder), I have now an Ilocano blood in my veins".

Thanks to Dr. Bayani Katigbak, who says he is an Ilocano, for sharing us this joke

Please read my other blog Salt of Life at link salt-romblonwriter.blogspot.com

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