It's the time of year when balikbayans descend upon us in droves Ito remind us of how benighted we are.

In earlier years this fascination manifested itself in the form of fear and mystery; in Greek Mythology, ocean-going voyagers would be at the mercy of Poseidon, the God of the seas; in Norway, folk lore told of a monster named Kraken that was capable of sinking ships; in Aztec mythology, a crocodile-fish hybrid named Cipactli was said to be always hungry with every joint of her body adorned with an extra mouth; and in Japanese stories, fierce winds would blow whenever Isonade, a shark-like sea monster, appeared.

He lay there in a pool of his own sick.

He had the bold-faced effrontery to ask for a raise.