Saw another electronic announcement asking for financial help for an artist who is gravely ill. It is truly sad that there are no real arts industries that keep artists employed and give them regular salaries to cover their food, utility, and medication bills.

There are no real arts industries in the Philippines because of the ancient Chinese "Third Wife" mentality. In ancient China, prosperous men usually had three wives. First wife took charge of household administration. Second wife took charge of the education of the children. And third wife--to her was assigned painting, music, dance, calligraphy, flower arrangement, and interior decoration, almost as an afterthought and even as though none of it were necessary.

That is the subconscious mentality that pervades society today, especially in times of hunger and economic survival.