It has been months since I saw Frank Rivera's adaptation of The Summoning of Everyman at the Rajah Sulayman Theater (aka Theater-in-the-Ruins) inside Fort Santiago.

Tao: Isang Tagulaylay tackles man's sinfulness and his seeming disregard for the Lord's sacrifices to save us from our sins. The play, which was shown to the public for free, coincided with Ninos Inocentes (December 28, 2006) and was dedicated to streetchildren and the differently-abled, abused, and vulnerable kids.

I went there on a friend's invitation. And having checked my schedule for that day, I decided to go, being a huge fan of stage plays (and lately, independent films, too) myself. 

What caught my attention the entire play was its depiction of how the seven deadly sins affect our lives, and how each of us has struggled to avoid falling into the trap.

This led me to ask myself: "Am I guilty of any of those sins? What have I done to veer away from it?"

And with the Lenten Season here again, what better more to do than reflect on things. I know I'm not perfect (who is, anyway!); I'm actually flawed and somehow damaged. And here are proofs to show how vulnerable I could sometimes be:

Greed. I don't think so! At my present job, I could honestly say that I have stayed for the simple fact that I have come to love it. Yes, I don't earn much and I am sick and tired of the exasperating policies, but then hey, I'm still here. All I yearn for once in a while is a little recognition and appreciation, yet somehow I believe that what I ask for is far-fetched.

Gluttony. Am I? I started my no-rice diet last year and have managed to lose some pounds. I am delighted that I feel lighter now and that people have began to notice the change.  But I seem to still not get enough of chocolates and chips. Now there goes my problem, huh!  I'm all for gradual weight loss, and my fight continue up to this day.

Lust. Errrr...no! I may not be the teenybopper-role model-Maria Clara-type of woman but I would not jump in the sack with the first guy I met either. I still have my values intact. I admit I'm single right now, but who cares! I enjoy my singleness a lot and the hope remains in my heart that someday the Lord will send me the guy I truly deserve, and not just someone I desire.

Pride. Guilty as charged, and I'm not actually proud of it. I often argue with friends and family members, and it would normally last for months, sometimes even years. It's not that I have difficulty forgiving someone. Most of the time, I just don't want to make the first move and say, "Let's just forgive and forget," especially if I have all the reasons to believe that it wasn't my fault in the first place. But love forever dwells in my heart, and I know that in time, wounds would heal.

Sloth. If sleeping the entire day on a weekend or during the holidays can be considered as sloth, then shoot me! This probably is one of my biggest problems. I often think that I should make up for the sleeping hours I lost the preceding days (mostly due to working late at work). I know I should be productive and make use of my time wisely.

Envy. At times, I guess. I don't refer here to being envious of Hollywood stars often parading their Gucci dress, Prada stilettos, and Louis Vuitton bags. I am talking of being a little jealous of my contemporaries who earn more than I do, and those in other countries who seem to be having the time of their lives. I know I am doing my best, and a little determination would eventually push me to higher grounds. For now, I hold on to the fact that a bright future awaits me somewhere else. I just have to be forbearing.

Wrath. I may be infuriated with little things (like coming to the office a few seconds late, or having found out I stained my newly-bought blouse) but what irritates me the most are news on child abuse, child labor, and other child-related cases. It just pisses me off that children are subjected to such unacceptable circumstances, and even more disturbing is that their parents or other family members turn out to be the perpetrators.

There you go. Now you know I'm not a good person after all. Just like you, I do have my ups and downs; I do fall into temptations.

But as our Lord is a forgiving one, we are given the chance to just drop down on our knees and repent our sins. Of course we may commit the same fault from time to time. Yet we learn from our mistakes, don't we?

I'm actually looking forward to another "TAO" in the future. Who knows what other lessons I may pick up next?