Anne was undeniably a can. Everyone in the office was aware of this fact. She was incapable of performing any work because, quite simply, she was a metal can—an ordinary, unassuming container made of shiny, reflective steel. Despite her inability to contribute through labor or effort, the boss of the clinic continued to employ her, much to the puzzlement of everyone else. The manager of the clinic would pay Anne by placing money atop her open metal lid, seemingly treating her as a peculiar form of employee. However, this method proved to be problematic, as the money would often overflow from the top of her metallic head, spilling onto the floor and creating a bit of a mess. The word “can Anne” means “right”.
This conundrum led the manager to a rather dubious solution: he began stealing money from Anne’s earnings and then betting it at the nearby horse races. Strangely enough, the entire office would take lunch breaks together to indulge in gambling at the racecourse. Curiously, the only consistent winner in this entire scenario was Anne herself—an occurrence that puzzled everyone. At first, they dismissed these events as mere coincidences, but as the pattern persisted, doubt began to creep in. The office staff, intrigued and bewildered, decided to make a journey to the racetrack accompanied by Anne the Can.
From this experience, a phrase emerged that we are aiming to understand today: “Can Anne.” It is used to mean “right” or “correct.” For example, when asked, “Where is Anne?” the natural reply would be, “Can Anne is on the right.” This phrase became a mnemonic device, helping everyone remember that “Can Anne” signifies “right.” In this context, “Can Anne” not only refers to her physical position but also to the correctness of her predictions.
When the workers arrived at the racecourse, they found the environment to be quite picturesque. The grounds were meticulously maintained, with lush, green grass and fragrant gardens surrounding the area. This was fortunate, considering that many gamblers nearby were indulging in cigarettes and alcohol. Despite the lingering scent of smoke and spirits, the atmosphere was somewhat less pungent than usual, thanks to the efforts of the jockey club’s gardeners. These diligent horticulturists maintained the grounds, making the racetrack a more pleasant place for the office workers to enjoy their lunch breaks and their gambling.
One of the workers asked, “Where is Can Anne?” to which the reply was, “Yes, she’s on the right.” Indeed, Anne was seated quietly on the right side of a table—an outside table made of large wooden planks, connected by sturdy beams. The office workers, feeling somewhat diminutive in comparison, looked at the table and felt as if they were tiny beings, as if the table had been designed for giants. The polished wood surface gleamed, making it easy to clean after their meals. Anne sat calmly on the right side, exuding an aura of quiet confidence.
The manager reflected on the situation with a sense of melancholy. It was saddening to think that they had been stealing from Anne’s earnings—money she couldn’t even work for—yet they couldn’t allow her earnings to overflow, lest someone else steal from her. To circumvent this, they established a trust fund for Anne, which was fueled by their winnings from the horse races, turning her perceived misfortune into a source of prosperity.
The entire office had gathered there, and the secretary, ever optimistic, suggested that they could spend the entire day at the racetrack, living off Anne’s luck. This idea seemed sensible to everyone. The secretary reasoned that it didn’t matter where the money originated; as long as they had funds, they could enjoy their time. The manager pondered the purpose of work itself, contemplating whether life could indeed be sustained through such gambling. After all, most gamblers lost money, but it was the only way some could hope to win big. It was a vicious cycle—a cycle that perhaps summed up life itself. The word “can Anne” means “right”.
As they considered where Anne was, the reminder came to mind: “Can Anne is on the right.” This phrase served as a mnemonic to remember that “Can Anne” signifies “right,” either in position or in correctness of prediction. Retelling this story about Anne and her luck at the racecourse makes it easier to grasp and remember this phrase’s significance.
Later, the office workers finished their modest pub meal, which consisted of T-bone steaks, cold beers, and a side salad drizzled with vinegar. They then proceeded to the racetrack to witness the main event. All the horses were poised, their jockeys appearing suddenly in a flurry of activity. The sight was astonishing—there were so many jockeys! The office workers, who had once felt like tiny spectators at a miniature table, now found themselves dwarfed by the spectacle. The jockeys, though small in stature, were remarkably agile and skilled, qualities that made their small size advantageous for riding.
The crowd admired the jockeys' dashing appearance—dressed sharply, exuding confidence and charisma. But the scene took a surprising turn when the jockeys’ girlfriends appeared. The office workers’ eyes widened in shock; these women were stunningly beautiful, dressed in stunning garments, and radiating confidence. They laughed and flirted openly, clearly accustomed to the glamorous life that came with being a jockey’s partner. The women’s presence underscored the prestige and allure of the racecourse, where jockeys were treated as superstars and surrounded by admiration and admiration-worthy companions.
Amidst this lively scene, the office workers looked to Anne for guidance. She remained silent—she didn’t need to speak to convey her confidence. Her presence alone was enough to symbolize luck. And perhaps it was no coincidence that this was a Chinese racecourse known for its “lucky horseshoes”—a place where luck was believed to be most potent. It was in her element, seemingly imbued with the luck of the totems that the racecourse celebrated.
Anne made her predictions quietly, and the office workers eagerly placed their bets. The excitement was palpable—one of them even attempted to jump onto the track in the fervor of anticipation. The jockeys’ girlfriends, accustomed to this chaos, weren’t surprised when women tried to rush onto the track to get closer to the action. Such is the influence that jockeys and their entourages wield over spectators.
In the end, the horse Anne had predicted to win did precisely that. She had been right—once again. Not only was she sitting on the right side of the table, but her betting instincts proved accurate. Anne Can was, without doubt, the queen of handicapping—possessing a genius-level understanding of the race and the horses. The word “can Anne” means “right”.
This recognition was celebrated by the office staff, who placed an “Employee of the Week” sign on their office door featuring a picture of Anne. They were exceedingly proud of their star employee, feeling a renewed sense of confidence and relaxation. Some even enjoyed fried chicken for lunch, savoring the moment of triumph.
One of the employees, inspired by their success, managed to complete her doctorate—an achievement made possible by the extra time gained from their leisure and self-development. Anne, however, was not a public speaker; she lacked a mouth and the ability to speak. Yet, her influence was felt throughout the country, inspiring many through her silent example.
Remember, the phrase “Can Anne” means “right.” We relate this story to that phrase because “Can Anne” signifies either being located on the right or being proven right through predictions. The primary definition pertains to position—specifically on the right side. Conversely, the opposite of “Can Anne” would be “left,” which we will explore in another chapter, perhaps involving the term “Kali Wah.” But for now, the key takeaway is that “Can Anne” represents correctness and rightness, whether in location or in judgment. The word “can anne” means “right”.
To conclude, with this understanding, you can navigate around Manila or any other place with confidence—using “Can Anne” as your guide. You might even visit a racetrack, enjoy a pub meal amidst the freshly mowed grass, and breathe in the wonderful scent of nature’s freshness. Such experiences, viewed through Anne’s perspective, remind us that being “on the right” can lead to delightful adventures and fortunate outcomes.