I was heading south today. ‘Di ko matagalan ang pila sa MRT dahil ang haba, rush hour na kasi. So, I took the bus. As ususal, walang kamatayan pa rin ang trapik sa EDSA… kahit wala namang People Power. Habang nakasakay sa bus… may naalala lang ako!
It was Wednesday, February 25, 2009… when we celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the “People Power Revolution” also known as “EDSA 1″. EDSA, short for “Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue” (just in case you don’t know) contributed a big change in Philippine history. Kahit maraming tao ang nababagot sa trapik tuwing dadaan dito, itinadhana pa rin ito para sa isang napakahalagang pangyayari sa ating kasaysayan… na nagbuwis ng napakaraming dugo, pawis, at gasolina na rin.
Anyway, I was hesitant to say this and no offense meant. But it was even told in the news na nilangaw ang celebration ng EDSA 1 ngayon. It might be painful to the ears of those people who have shed their tears and hopes and even their lives wayback when the original People Power took place. Based on what I’ve heard and read that the 1986 revolution or what others call as the “Yellow Revolution” which surprised the whole world and boasted our country’s dignity was a series of nonviolent rallies compared to other versions that followed and the most prayerful where mass were being heard over street demonstrations. I can also feel the patriotism of that event whenever some elders whom I was talking to narrates me their own experiences and their involvement in the said revolution. It was indeed with such deep emotion. I just feel for them and I can’t really tell coz I wasn’t aware yet of what was happening during that time.
Presently, it was not a big crowd that attended the said celebration. How will it be? Like what Bayani Fernando have also cited. If EDSA itself where it will be commemorated were closed and blocked by metal fences guarded by the policemen… who will dare to get in? How will it also be possible? If our President GMA who were expected to be visible didn’t show up and instead chose to attend the job fair in POEA just nearby. Even former President Corazon Aquino favored to attend in some important event in La Salle rather than the moment that once placed her in power and maybe also due to some health reasons regarding her cancer recovery and medications. Actually, I can’t blame them, it’s their life and they have their own reasons. May it be personal, political or just simply a conflict in their schedule of events. Only that, how would you expect others to relive the moment of the genuine EDSA if those important identities who should be present in the said event weren’t there. I was just asking myself if the People Power Revolution was starting to lose its charisma? Will its spirit will just remain a spirit until it rest in peace and be totally forgotten? Maybe, the next generation wouldn’t be aware anymore on its value unless they read their textbooks!
Moreover, even how many “Garci tapes” had been revealed, or how many fertilizer fund scams and ZTE Broadband deals had been exposed, or even how many Lozada whistleblowing statements will be done, and even how many “I Am Sorry” dialogue will be said in public. The EDSA People Power will definitely be swallowed by corruption if there will be no change to be done. Not by means of changing our form of government or “Cha Cha” or by updating our election/voting system into a computerized manner. But… by changing or killing the growing bad habits of running or controlling our government which is getting to be a normal scene in our political arena nowadays… and spells the downfall of our country as well as the sufferings of the Filipino. There should be a personal motivation in those fortunate elected or appointed public officials… NOT to be dominated by money, greed and positions. Hopefully, may the power of the EDSA Revolution will not only be used in pulling down to its reign whoever’s in power. But, may its force be used for the common good and of shaping our country’s future!
As it was quoted, what President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said recently, “The world embraced EDSA 1… and tolerated EDSA 2… but, the world will not forgive EDSA 3. Instead, condemn our country whose political system is unstable…” and so it goes.
‘Yan ang EDSA People Power! Parang ”Lord of the Rings”… may part 1, part 2 at part 3. Sana ‘wag naman parang “Shake, Rattle and Roll”… na hanggang part 10. And at the end, everything will just be wasted!?
It was last year of the same day! I woke up that one cold morning preoccupied with lots of things going on in my mind. Whenever I open my eyes, my glass window will be the first one to greet me “good morning”, and beside it is a huge calendar with a nude sexy star. Then, I saw the date with an “X” mark. And it was February 14. It was another Valentines day! So what’s new? It will be just another regular day that have had revolved in routines. I cleaned up and then turned on the television. In the news, people were so busy buying flowers, chocolates and some lovey dovey stuff. I changed the channel, and there’s some news again reporting the promo rate of other hotels and motels and even inns this season including commercializing places or sweet getaways where you can take your date with a budget saving discount. Some were cheap but nice. Some were expensive yet formal. Actually, may it be a fine dine-in or a simple restaurant, or maybe in the street eating “isaw” and doing HHWW (Holding Hands While Walking), just in case you don’t know… a date will always be a date. It’s the moment that you’ve shared with each other that really counts. If you want another gimmick for your loved ones, you can take her/him in any Valentine concert of your choice. There’s plenty of soundtripping choices during the love month. First and foremost, there’s the undying concert of David Pomeranz every Valentine while he sings “Got to Believe” and “Born For You” every year over and over again. There’s also some reunion concert of Martin and Pops (and breaking apart again after the show), local divas and balladeers (even those of the long time ago) and pop icons who had won in any talent/singing reality show, even some classic foreign love singers will come here just to have their musical event without you knowing that they were still alive until now and can sing in front of you and will make you believe that they exist in full color. But personally, I would rather go on with a date in a “rock concert”, may it be local or foreign… just to enjoy the whole day with an adrenaline rush. If some guys out there, think that it was a “noise” and wants a more solemn moment. Sit back with your date in a couch at home ’til “Dr. Love” hit the airwaves in DZMM after dinner. And its up to you if what’s gonna happen next… Anyways, I’ve got up and gone out of the house. God! I was quite surprised and awed by the situation outside. It was like a “Panagbenga Festival” in Baguio. And I almost forgot that I’am not in Baguio. There’s flowers everywhere in the market. With candies and chocolates in heart-shaped appearance! Not to forget the dying industry of Valentine cards. Panicking folks were all over my sight going back and forth and buying those love stuffs. I just can’t imagine if what’s with them and they have to do it in full effort that day! What’s the big deal with the 14th day of February? Can’t they give flowers and share their love everyday or in anyday for the rest of the year? Why do most lovers wants to attend “Lova Palooza” and show the world how they kissed each other with great passion in the big screen though some were just obviously faking it and only wants publicity or to be seen in television. Well, It’s not bad after all to be a part of such world record and boast up to your friends and family saying, “Hey… I’m one of those guys in the news who kissed in public during that celebrated event!”. How was that!? For a moment, I figured out that I was overpowered by the sense of practicality and of spending money wisely during crisis. I felt like I was the “Valentine Grinch” at that time… the one who hates “Heart’s Day”. And that I’ve thought of quite mean things against love… yet I got a slight point. Exciting and sweet emotions have been swimming beneath the surface for a busy year of work and studies. And today, February 14, is its time to emerge!!! Suddenly, I have realized that I’ve bought a bunch of red roses too with dark chocolate to match up my sweetness for my girl. And I almost forgot that I am also compromised to meet someone in that “Lova Palooza” day! God! I’m a victim of ” Valentine Madness” too… I’m such a loser… LOL.
Tired of living in your daily routines? Want something new or try something different? Well, do these crazy tips for fun and for gaining quite odd experiences that you can share if you want. Dare yourself!
Day 1: Eat All You Can
Satisfy your cravings. Eat all the food you want as long as you can and as long as you can afford. Do this regardless of your allergies and hypertension. Just don't overeat or you might end up killing yourself. Always have your medicine with you just in case. Tasting will do if you have this bad condition of the food that you've been dying for to eat. Skip your gym schedule for once and temporarily forget your "After Six" or "SouthBeach" diet. For an additional suggestion, dine in with your friends in an "Eat All You Can" restaurant. Once again, do not eat more than the capacity of your tummy because this activity is highly prone for constipation and LBM.
Day 2: Sleep All Day
Have
you heard of the song "Sleep All Day" by Jason Mraz? This one is a
recharging thing to do. Don't set your alarm clock. Turn off your
cellphone. Then, cancel all your appointments within that day. Not
applicable for students during weekdays but highly recommended for the
workaholics. For girls, pretend that you are "Sleeping Beauty" and for
guys, assume that you are the male version of the said fairy tale. If
you can't really fall asleep after counting thousands of sheeps in your
head… skip this step and proceed to the next one. I am not suggesting
the use of sleeping pills coz it will make your sleep artificial. All
you have to do is sleep more than your hours of sleep or if you can… do
it the whole day. However, don't oversleep or you might end up sleeping
for a lifetime.
Day 3: Shout Out!!!
This craziness is 95% guarantee of feeling good afterwards and 5% guarantee of losing your voice. All you have to do is go to the highest place where you can possibly be. It may be on the top of the building, a mountain peak or if there's no other choice… your rooftop will do. I don't suggest climbing up in the billboard because other people might think that you're nuts or insane not unless you want to be in the news as a freak. Anyway, wherever that highest altitude you are standing… all you have to do is to shout out loud to the very top of your lungs with all your anguish in the world. It sounds cheesy, but it works! Just make sure no one hears or recognizes you when you do this. Moreover, this stuff has the capability of taking away your burden in some point and will make you feel light about yourself. I think, this is way much better and challenging than making your friendster or facebook shoutout.
Day 4: Say Cheese :)
Staple the best smile you got on your face. Keep on smiling and "say cheese" to any people who cross your path. I know that it sounds weird or will make you look ridiculous especially smiling with no reason at all or in front of a total stranger. However, doing this can guarantee you 70% of friendship in return and 30% of meeting your soulmate… who knows?! In fact, smile is the cheapest… yet the best gift anyone can give. Side effects of having a lockjaw might happen if done with exaggeration. But, make sure you brush your teeth before flashing out your smile.
Day 5: Be Wacky!
Upload your wackiest video ever on "You Tube" or in any video hosting site of your choice. Make a crazy move, act or stunt and show to anyone that you can be funny too! Then, see if how many views your video can get after uploading it. Others might think you are insane while others might appreciate your sense of humor and find it cool. Doing this may open a window of an opportunity for you of being discovered as a comedian or an actor especially if you got the x factor. You can also earn fans or much better, friendship from your viewers. If you cannot afford or have an access of making a video… a wacky photo of yourself will do. Moreover, taking a wacky video or picture with your loved ones or with your family is way much better. Remember, "the more… the merrier!". Aside from the famous line that "laughter is the best medicine", I can say that laughter is a good virus… for it is contagious in a good way. The outbreak it brings, makes the infected place happier and free of worries. It's a good feeling to make someone laugh and happy just by being wacky. Warning!... uploading a wacky video is highly addictive.
To sum it up, this article as a whole doesn't intend to make you look stupid by doing these crazy things. It's up to you if you want to give it a shot. But, these tips will be helpful somehow specifically for those stressful ones. It's about freeing yourself from a busy life once in a while and going out of your shell that bores you. You can be adventurous even in trying out on simple things. I am hoping that these so-called five crazy things will teach us how to feel light-hearted in dealing with the trials and challenges our life has to offer. Unleash again the child and the funny side in us without getting binded by what the social norms and the rules of morality dictates, without being pressured by what some folks tells us if what's the right thing to do. It's all about our own choices and free will that will enable us to live beyond the normal things we can do and in a limited world that stops us from discovering more of ourselves. As Kris Allen of American Idol says in his single, "Live Like We're Dying". Pretend that this is your last day on earth. Life is short, but will be perceived as long-lived if it goes with a purpose of exploring beyond our limitation. Take things easy and be cool.:)
