Sentidokomon

When I was asked to be one of the Masters of Ceremony for the June 15 celebration, I asked about the legitimacy of this activity. Chief ED Joy told me that the authority officially came from Malacanang Palace in Manila. Thus, the KALAYAAN billboard that carries the theme of the 110^th Philippine Independence Day was given to the June 15 celebrators. I also learned that the KALAYAAN billboard was similarly used in the Philippines and by Filipinos all over the world in celebrating Philippine Independence Day. Greece likewise, celebrated it simultaneously with us.

UNITY was the key word in obtaining Philippine independence. It was the foundation with which our heroes had successfully overthrown the oppression and exploitation of the Spanish regime. So why can’t we become one in the celebration of this most significant event of Philippine history? “UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL�; ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL� , these famous mottos are always the encouraging words of speakers when dealing with the achievement of goals of  groups’ endeavors. But it is sad to note that we have factions here because some of us refuse to see the glaring message that the words convey. Some people are blinded with the greed for social recognition. So they do things not for the greater good but for their own personal interest.  As a result, they create dissension among the community. They do not accept that others are bestowed with greater and better gifts, they do not accept that they have weaknesses, hence they become indifferent, adopting the attitude of “I couldn’t care less’ that no amount of reconciliation can soften their bitterness. The above mentioned attitude of ‘I couldn’t care less’ is one of the most cynical phrases that ever slipped into the bloodstream of the English language. There is something sinister and deadly about this seemingly innocent piece of flippancy. Indifference is a chilling, killing thing. It is a death germ, insidious in its workings and fatal in its consequences.  On the other hand, bitterness often masks a sense of failure, a feeling of guilt, an unacknowledged jealousy, or a remembered hurt. 

Mga kababayan, who are indifferent and bitter, do not allow that seed of bitterness to take root in your mind. Do not smother it away under layers of smouldering resentment. Hidden away, such thoughts grow strong and thrive. The danger of a nursed grievance is that your own mind becomes poisoned and this is passed on to those with whom you come into contact for you can not contain poison within a restricted area. Other people who are right outside your problem will be stung by the bitterness in you even if you may not intend it. Your judgement becomes sharp and your whole personality takes on a quality of astringency. Everybody is created with good qualities. Let that goodness surface. For once, let us look back to the history of how our country gained independence and emulate the good qualities of our heroes. Only then can we become truly one people, one nation. MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT, MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS.