Does the (un)popularity of our beloved town really matter?
Last April 4, I went to my chosen university to confirm my enrollment and to secure my slot. As expected, there were a lot of students present hoping to do the same. I knew that these people were from different parts of the Philippines and maybe some were from other parts of the world, but amidst all the chaos I didn't feel insecure at all. We were on equal footing. We all passed the entrance exams and we all wanted to be part of that university.
In room 102, I was given sheets of paper which I had to fill in. Later a girl named Nica approached me. Maybe because we both needed company, we decided to be together until we’re done with the papers. A little mingling, and then she asked me where I live, to which I answered "Pandi, Bulacan". But she was not familiar with the place. Actually, I already expected it. I understand because she’s from Navotas and Pandi is not as popular as the other towns of Bulacan. A while later a guy sat beside Nica. Nica decided to talk to him.
THE NEXT SCENE WAS UNEXPECTED……
HERE'S THE DIALOGUE
Nica: Hi! I’m Nica. Ikaw?
Carlo: I’m Carlo! You’re ..?
Daniela: I’m Daniela
Carlo: Magkakilala kayo?
Daniela: Nope
Nica: Nagkakilala lang kami kanina. Anong course mo?
Carlo: Journalism
Nica: O, parehas kayo!
Carlo: Journalism ka din? (pertaining to me)
Daniela: Oo, HAHAHA baka maging blockmates pa tayo.
Nica: Buti pa kayo. Ako kasi Legal Management.
Carlo: Taga san ka? (referring to Nica)
Nica: Navotas. Ikaw?
Carlo: Bulacan!
Nica: O, di ba taga Bulacan ka din Daniela?
Daniela: Oo, san ka sa Bulacan?
Carlo: Marilao.
Nica: Ay narinig ko na yon. Malayo ba yon?
Carlo: Hindi naman masyado. Ikaw ba saan? (pertaining to me again)
Daniela: Pandi. Pandi, Bulacan.
Carlo: San yon? Malapit sa Garay? (ouch!)
Daniela: Hindi. Malapit sa Sta. Maria.
Carlo: Eh malapit na ang Sta. Maria samin...? Pero san yon??? (ouch! ouch! ouch!)
Daniela: Sta. Maria, Pandi, Balagtas. Magkakatabi yon. (hello!!)
Carlo: Ah, ok. (obviously, di nya talaga alam)
For the first time in my life, I was embarrassed because of my town, Pandi.
Imagine?!? Carlo is already from Bulacan but still, he doesn’t know where Pandi is! I could understand Nica if Pandi is not familiar to her as she lives in Navotas, but, to meet somebody who is also from Bulacan yet has not heard of Pandi (much more know where it is!), it hurt.
The point of my story is this, mga kababayan. We are the people of Pandi. We are the ones who are responsible for its reputation and success. Admit it or not, we are affected by this directly. So what do we do about it?
We have to be cooperative and willing to help. STOP CRAB MENTALITY. If we have nothing good to say, then better to keep it to ourselves (this is for those who do not want Pandi to progress). Rather than talk nonsense, do something helpful to the community. In that way, we can help Pandi have its glory. Let’s work together as one, so that other people become aware of our beautiful, historic town.
Bilang isang kabataan na lumaki sa bayan ng Pandi, gusto ko ring makitang umunlad at makilala ng mga taga ibang bayan, ng buong Pilipinas, at ng buong mundo ang bayan ko --- ang PANDI.
--- Daniela Maria B. Santos
Gem, only 16 y/o, is an incoming freshman at the UST. She wanted to contribute her story to this blog. Do you have a similar story to share?
No comments:
Post a Comment