Inang Ko Po?! (My Mother?!)

I saw them slumped by the sidewalk of Don Bosco Makati as I drove to work. I was not sure whether she was the mother of this young girl and this baby. Having heard of stories on how syndicates take advantage and use these children to get alms from passersby, I was truly uncertain.

Whether she was the real mother or not of these children, I had mixed feelings upon seeing them. I felt pity yet felt so much disappointment that someone who cant even support herself was so irresponsible to have decided to have children who shall suffer as a result of this irresponsibility.

The above brings to mind, a constant reminder that my father had given to us. It goes this way: "if it isnt in your plan to give your family a good life, then dont get married and have a family. It would not be right to drag more people into your miseries. Better live alone!"

Manila, Manila....

The Popular Manila Sound band "Hotdogs" sang this song with gusto! Its catchy melody caught everyone's attention in the 70s that you hear this song hummed, sang by any Tom, Dick and Harry during this glorious OPM era.

"Hinahanap, hanap kita Manila.

Ang ingay mong kay sarap sa tenga

Mga Jeepney mong nagliliparan

Mga babae mong nag gagandahan

Take me back in your arms Manila

And promise me you'll never let go!"

Undoubtedly, the song emulates the burning love for country in spite of its backwardness.

Almost 30 years after, though, the question is: Can we still sing the above song and mean it?

Can we truly say that we remain steadfast in this belief after the recent spate of violence that took the lives of innocent beings? Can we hold our heads up high when soldiers die in miserable conditions while generals allegedly gift themselves in millions of pesos when they retire? Can we be truly proud to be a Filipino when people die of hunger in the streets?

I wince at the thought of the above, but for some strange reason, I still prefer to live here, amidst the turbulence and chaos. So help me God.