On that big occasion, Farmer’s Day was declared a holiday. To highlight the festivities, the ten best farmers in various categories were selected. This farmer just so happened to have grown the biggest squash ever recorded. By coincidence, a reporter heard about the feat and wrote a human interest story which landed on the front page of a major daily. When it was time to choose the best vegetable grower, he was the natural choice because of the great awareness of his achievement.
The farmer was elated with the honor. What made it even more rewarding was the chance to have an audience with the country’s President. Ceremonies were to be held in Malacañang with no less than the Head of State giving the award to each of the ten outstanding farmers of the year.
"You will become very famous," his daughter raved as he prepared for the long trip to Manila. "Imagine, you even get to stay in a firstclass hotel. Everyone is already talking about you. All my teachers, classmates, and friends are so proud of you. Wow! You are now a celebrity, Tatang."
"Oh, I don’t know about that," the farmer responded but failing to hide his delight. "I am just one of ten. And after the awards, everyone will forget. They would not know who I am."
"And to think you will actually come face to face with the President of the Philippines," gushed the girl. "You’ll surely shake his hands, too. Don’t wash your hands until you get back here so I can touch it."
The whole family, their relatives and other well-wishers sent off the farmer to the bus station. Even the Mayor took advantage of the crowd to do some politicking and making it appear that the honor to the farmer was partly to his credit.
In Manila, the farmer was bewildered and at a loss. But arrangements were well laid out so the whole event transpired without a hitch. It was like a dream flowing smoothly. Meeting the President was truly the greatest thrill.
"Just meeting the President is enough for me," he said to himself. "The media exposure does not interest me." So he skipped out to avoid the TV cameras and the mob of photographers clicking away at every turn.
The farmer hailed a taxi cruising by. "Where to, Mr. Dela Cruz?" asked the driver.
"Why, he recognized me," the farmer said to himself. He tried to remain cool. "To Motel Masaya, please."
He remained quiet still amazed by his instant popularity.
When he entered the motel, the bell captain greeted him. "How are you today, Mr. Dela Cruz? Had a good day?"
"Yes, yes. Th-thank you," he stammered back. To himself he whispered. "My God, he knew me. Am I that well known now?"
He packed his bag and proceeded to a restaurant for a light meal before the journey home. He was almost floored when a waiter he never saw in his whole life said to him, "We have table here for you, Mr. Dela Cruz."
Under his breath he sighed, "Susmariosep (Jesus, Mary and Joseph), I am indeed a celebrity. I must be a very famous farmer by now. Everyone knows my name. I never realized meeting the President confers on a person such magic status. Maybe they all saw the proceedings on live TV. And probably the newspaper articles. I must rush home to recount everything to my family."
He hurriedly finished his meal and went to the bus station. Before climbing aboard, a young newspaper boy said, "Mr. Dela Cruz, how about a newspaper or a magazine to read during your trip?"
"Sure," he replied, by this time getting used to all the familiarity by people of his new found status. "Give me a copy of each of your newspapers. And also a copy of each magazine."
Actually he found it unbelievable that everybody knew him. But it was really happening. If he were simply told of his popularity he would disagree. But meeting people who called him by name was absolute proof of his fame.
"May I sit beside you?" he asked a passenger.
"Why, yes, Mr. Dela Cruz," the man replied and returned to his magazine.
Momentarily the conductor approached the farmer. "The fare is seventy-five pesos, Mr. Dela Cruz." The farmer casually paid.
As soon as he reached his barrio, he ran home excitedly to tell everybody of his experience and his phenomenal raise to fame.
"I can’t wait to tell you, Nanay. It is all unbelievable," he said breathing hard and perspiring.
"Okay, Tatay, just put your things down and calm yourself," admonished the wife at the same time fanning him. "And, here, let me remove this big name tag stuck on your chest."
