We Filipinos Are Mild Sleepers

It is a truth universally acknowledged that every Filipino must always take a nap in the afternoons. It has been a tradition passed on from our Spanish forefathers, and we are reminded of lolos and lolas brandishing sticks to spank disobedient children who would much rather play. Even in this modern world, Filipinos still find time to nap. People go to work, children go to school, and don't they all have this instinctive urge to curl up when the clock strikes one?

Not I, though. My parents are strict followers of this age-old tradition, so you might expect me to love napping. Think again. I absoulutely HATE sleeping in the afternoon. I think it's a complete waste of time.

I remember when I was a litle kid, during summer, our helpers (my parents were at work) would roll out a folding bed in the living room and we (my sisters and I) would obediently lie down and sleep until dusk. Our yayas were scary so we couldn't really complain. But I was hard-headed. I was lying there, eyes closed, and passing away the time in non-sleeping. I obstinately refused to sleep (or maybe it was insomnia?). Pretty boring, actually. So I would just listen to our yayas' conversation (interesting), sing songs in my head, hold my breath and see how long I can do it, daydream, replay movies in my head and stories I've read, counting the seconds passing by. All with my eyes closed.

When we got a little older, naps were in our bedroom and our yayas didn't need to watch over us any longer. I got more freedom. Once my sisters fall asleep, I would take the book I had tucked under my pillow and bask in the glorious freedom of reading for hours. Of course, I listened for footsteps and when I heard them I would immediately hide the book and assume the most contorted sleeping position and pretend to be dead asleep, complete with mouth half-open, long deep breaths, closed eyes unflickering, and no matter how long they watched, I didn't move (when I did, I acted like I was dreaming, complete with lips smacking. A bit of drool is welcome). I was skilled in deception.

If there was an Oscar award for Best Actress In Pretending To Be Asleep, I would win it. And believe me, I never got caught. The yayas totally fell for it.

Now I was in high school and went home at six and slept at midnight, naps were certainly out of the question. During weekends we are still required to nap in the afternoons, but I would say how I have this important thing to do or something. The last time I fell asleep in the afternoon I had a terrible nightmare that scared me for weeks. See why I hate napping? Wonder why Filipinos love it.

I hate it, but I could use a good amount of sleep now. I'm afraid I'm turning into a sleep-deprived drone. But that doesn't mean I'm going to start napping from now on.