MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – When one buys siopao (steamed pork buns) in the Philippines, one can choose between ‘regular’ and ‘special.’ The regular is stuffed with plain bola-bola (meatballs) or asado (sweetened pork), but the larger special comes with egg, sausage and other additional ingredients, depending on where you buy them.

The Philippines’ penchant for regular and special is ingrained in its psyche, even when it comes to public holidays. Holidays can be regular, or special (nonworking).

But unlike siopao, Filipino workers are shortchanged during special, nonworking holidays like Thursday, February 25, which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the People’s Power Revolution that ousted the late dictator, Ferdinand E. Marcos.

For millions of hard-working Filipinos, they get the day off, but so do their pay. Special, nonworking holidays mean ‘no work, no pay.’

But for many, they have really no choice but to take the day off since their workplace is closed, and not get paid.

It’s more fun in the Philippines, where lawmakers think of the most brilliant of ideas.

Happy People’s Power, y’al!