The Thrifty Ilocano

An Arab Sheikh was admitted to the Philippine Heart Center in Manila for a heart transplant, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store his blood type in case the need arises. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn't be found locally, so the call went out to a number of provinces.

Finally an Ilocano was located who had a similar type of blood. The Ilocano willingly donated his blood for the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano, as appreciation for giving his blood, a new Porsche, diamonds, jewelry and a million US dollars.

A few years later, once again the Arab had to go through a corrective surgery. His doctor telephoned the Ilocano who was more than happy to donate his blood again. After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Ilocano a thank you card and a jar of Almond halwa sweets.

The Ilocano was shocked that the Arab this time did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab and asked him:

"I thought that you would be generous again, that you would again give me a Porsche, Money, Diamonds and Jewelry...but you only gave me a thank you card and a jar of Almond sweets!" To this the Arab replied:

"Manong...I now have Ilocano blood in my veins."