The Arab and the Ilocano

By: James DC

 

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 his blood in case the need arises. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn’t be found locally, 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 for the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano as appreciation for giving his blood, a new Toyota, diamonds & US dollars.

A couple of days later, once again, 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 shocked that the Arab this time did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab and asked him: “I thought you would be generous again, that you would give me a Toyota, diamonds and money but you only gave me a thank-you card and a jar of candies”.

To this the Arab replied: “Manong, I now have Ilocano blood in my veins”.