inspired by kule

January 28, 2008 (Monday)

Philippine Collegian (Kule)
No. 21
25 Enero 08

Editorial: Hollow Glory

“For being celebratory is a double-edged disposition. It can either be a worthy occasion for assessment, or a mere opportunity for extravagance.”

I was actually tempted to write in double-edged sword.

Reading them made me think of the fiestas we celebrate in our provinces, with all the bonggang handaan. Though now they are kinda mellowing a little; not so much as I remembered years ago. Maybe people are becoming more sensible with their money. Sometimes I can’t avoid thinking they are all a façade, a pretense, a false image we want other people to see us. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy going to fiestas – meeting people, the food, and the merrymaking. Just that watching these poor people who barely have enough to build a cemented house in an island always ravaged by typhoons, are offering their visitors so much food that could have last them for weeks. It makes me guilty to even eat their food.

I appreciate it that they do that. And I know they don’t want to be pitied. But then I can’t help it; thinking how they could be better off not wasting so much money on the handaan.