It has been said that the best and worst in man takes place during calamities. And it is never been truer on the heels of Yolanda’s wake. Of course, as we delve into this issue, we prefer to tackle both (the best and the worst) to chronicle if among the righteous, given the most devastating calamity ever to hit the country since time immemorial, they still remain true to their faith to remain just right. The worst in man during catastrophes comes in all kinds, forms and guises. Example is the pillage, looting, robbery, rape, to name some of the worst crimes committed , in Yolanda-hit Tacloban City. Closer to home we have yet to hear some scalawags and scoundrels taking advantage of the crisis situation as a result of the October 15 killer quake. But as sure as the sun rises in the east, there’s no telling that we don’t have our own share of people who have the insatiable appetite to make money through dubious means. Anyway, we might as well leave it to them if they continue to be dominated by greed at the expense of those who suffered from the calamity. If justice on earth is not possible, we know for sure that they cannot escape divine justice. Now, the good side of the equation.

Unknown to many, some good Samaritans are being true to their monikers let alone at this time that electricity is paid at a premium. With the Leyte electric grid in shambles, Bohol also bears the brunt of losing our power source. At the risk of being accused of blowing our own horn, we don’t think we will go that far to find some kind hearted individuals. Just consider the case of the Bohol Sunday Post. A few issues ago, we kept on harping how we are hobbled in business slow down even before the killer quake struck Bohol. The post-quake scenario is as bleak as ever that we even think of throwing in the towel. If not of some real and thoughtful friends, we almost decided “enough is enough”. For the sake of our valued readers, we chose to persevere. Come hell or high water, we remain steadfast to our commitment to public service even if it amounts to becoming a thankless job.

When electric generators are hard to come by -- even for rent units are sold due to insistent public demand, do we have any option left?

No way? It’s no retreat, no surrender. In our spirited bid to remain in contention even if it is a losing proposition, we made representation with the management of Bohol Tropics Resort Club to use one of its rooms for an unhampered operations just to make sure the issue of the Post is coming out today. The copy you are reading now is a product of our hotel office. Luckily for this BGlante, John and Geesnell Yap, the owners, were accommodating as ever thereby making Room 434 of Tropics becoming our instant office. In this part of town, good Samaritans abound. Bohol Tropics management is a standout among them. Aside from giving the Post sanctuary, the resort is also reeling from losses for using a high-powered generator just to service clients checking in. Spending something like P50,000 a day for diesel fuel alone already cost the famous resort a leg and a limb. With occupancy problem a main concern on top of the reality of power shortage, Tropics management is also at loss due to booking cancellations. Bookings for conventions, conferences and the like also came in quick successions. But to the resort management, public service is all there is to anybody who engages in the hospitality business. Through thick and thin, there’s no turning back in the name of public service. It appears to be different in Panglao. We have this report that resorts are opting to close in the meantime because absorbing the high cost of generator use is too much for overhead expenses.

Public service, anyone?