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My love affair with umbrellas began at an early age. Mom used to buy me what she called parasols whenever she gets to go to Baclaran or Divisoria. My first one was yellow , with ruffles on the edges. Since then, I’ve had a collection of these in different colors, red, blue, green, and a white one with strawberries printed on it. This was in the early 70’s when global warming was unheard of, of course. But everyone had umbrellas, from dear old Nana Maring down to my littlest neighborhood playmate. We used to play with our umbrellas in the neighborhood compound, twirling it like Japanese dancers do, loving the kaleidoscope of colors produced by dozens of colors and prints.
These days, I’m still a certified umbrella girl, rain or shine. Thanks to its shade, we ladies and gents who use it get protection from the strong heat of the day time sun, which can be so overbearing on the skin, making one feel like one is standing near a bonfire. “Nakakapaso talaga!”, as a friend commented. Umbrellas shield us from extreme weather conditions, be it rain or shine. It protects hair from drying and skin from getting sun burned. What’s more, a long non-folding umbrella can be used as a secret weapon too, with its pointed tip. I used to walk the streets of Metro Manila unafraid because I knew how to use my reliable protective device.
Streetwise workers such as traffic enforcers, policemen, sanitation workers, food vendors, public utility drivers, conductors and others who have to endure the heat of the sun given the nature of their job functions find ways to use an umbrella too as summer heat can’t be avoided these days. All we can do is take mitigating steps to reduce the effects of illnesses brought by the sun’s stinging rays. I once saw a traffic enforcer with a small rainbow colored umbrella fastened to his head to ward off sunlight. I did appreciate how he took steps to protect himself compared to people who say its “hassle” to go out lugging one.
Flash back to a weekend sortie, in a tete-a-tete with some high school chums, we got to talking about global warming while sitting under the shade of a poolside umbrella, gazing at the swishing shimmering waves of the pool waters. We were just lazing and talking our heads off about sundry things kuno. Zamboanga City is experiencing the brunt of El Niño. The city is now implementing a water rationing scheme and to top it all, there’s electricity rationing. We just had to get away from it all. And for a minimum spend of P200, who wouldn’t take advantage of the cooling, refreshing escapade, right? The girly talks gravitated to beauty tips, mainly “how do you protect yourself from the extreme heat?” Gladys, Lily and the rest thought I had special beauty tips. “Nah, never had a beauty regimen in my life. Mild Soap and water lang po. Plus my reliable umbrella to shade my hair and skin from the extreme heat of the sun”. Yun lang po with a 24/7 foundation to keep away the dust and grime from sticking to my face.” ( There now, the secret is out). O, sige na nga, pang beauty PR pitch, umbrellas do serve as fashion accessories for men and women. You can even pair your umbrella colors with your outfits.
Seriously, I have been reading a lot about protection against the hazards of heat as a result of global warming. Aside from my ever-reliable umbrella, I have read up about other tips for personal protection. Some use sun block not only for the beach but also if they know they will be out for a long time. Others pack iced water in their sports drink containers and wrap such in a face towel. The ice when it melts is heavenly cool. And use sun glasses but one with UV protection. Use loose cotton dresses in light colors. Others swear to putting baby powder at the back and front of their bodies before putting on outer dress or blouse. They swear it keeps sweat in check and thus, body odor too.
Vanity aside, when you see the bright rays of the sun, that means my love affair continues with my umbrella… ella…ella ….hey…!hey…!...hey! whether big or small, they provide shade.
