"Musica For A Cause". Really?
Really. This was beggary on a higher level.
Howsoever we look at this act, they were begging, so they are beggars. And, no one likes them approaching while we want to publicly 'enjoy a little' at restaurants, right?
As if they're making you feel guilty for spending a little bit at restaurants. Di ba? But, crucify me if you must, dear readers, since I/we gave-in - and enjoyed their presence!
Here's the story...
While enjoying dinner (and beers) at an outdoor table of a restaurant in Astrodome, Tacloban, we witnessed this group of youngsters suddenly sing at a table next to us.
We said "okay, fine" - since "Christmas Caroling" in the country is usually until 5JAN.
Accompanied by a guitar and a cajón, they sang non-Xmas songs admirably well!
We knew they would next hop to our table, so my driver prepared to challenge them.
He asked them to sing a song he just sang at the video-oke, "You've Got A Friend"!
After hesitating a few seconds, they sang the song in different voices and did it well!
As they sang, one of them gave us this envelope, that after reading, irritated me!
I instantly thought these kids were being used by some folks (religious or not) to beg for their 'organization'. So, friend and I asked a multitude of "open-ended questions".
Our questions were the likes of "what is musica" - their answer was: that's what they want to call their group. I asked "what is their cause" - they told us college eduction.
College education of whom? They said "for all 6 them". They are gathering money to augment their meager 'allowance' for living and school expenses. Hmm, believable!
After all the Q&A and banter, we believed them in their cause. If we were being had, I can say they had us big, for we believed them and put some amount in that sobre!
Their singing was entertainment enough anyway.
Hey, they are who they said they are - college students just looking for extra money during the holidays. They even showed us IDs, so it was easy for us to believe them.
If anything, I suggested to these kids that they do away with that envelope. Just tell people as you approach, that you want to sing for cash gratuities. Just like busking.
Giving out envelopes becomes documented solicitation And when it is so, there are many requirements that they need to comply with - primarily spelling and grammar!
Oh well, it was fun having them around!
Howsoever we look at this act, they were begging, so they are beggars. And, no one likes them approaching while we want to publicly 'enjoy a little' at restaurants, right?
As if they're making you feel guilty for spending a little bit at restaurants. Di ba? But, crucify me if you must, dear readers, since I/we gave-in - and enjoyed their presence!
Here's the story...
While enjoying dinner (and beers) at an outdoor table of a restaurant in Astrodome, Tacloban, we witnessed this group of youngsters suddenly sing at a table next to us.
Accompanied by a guitar and a cajón, they sang non-Xmas songs admirably well!
He asked them to sing a song he just sang at the video-oke, "You've Got A Friend"!
As they sang, one of them gave us this envelope, that after reading, irritated me!
Our questions were the likes of "what is musica" - their answer was: that's what they want to call their group. I asked "what is their cause" - they told us college eduction.
College education of whom? They said "for all 6 them". They are gathering money to augment their meager 'allowance' for living and school expenses. Hmm, believable!
After all the Q&A and banter, we believed them in their cause. If we were being had, I can say they had us big, for we believed them and put some amount in that sobre!
Their singing was entertainment enough anyway.
Hey, they are who they said they are - college students just looking for extra money during the holidays. They even showed us IDs, so it was easy for us to believe them.
If anything, I suggested to these kids that they do away with that envelope. Just tell people as you approach, that you want to sing for cash gratuities. Just like busking.
Giving out envelopes becomes documented solicitation And when it is so, there are many requirements that they need to comply with - primarily spelling and grammar!
Oh well, it was fun having them around!
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