Luneta Para sa Masa (Luneta for the Masses)
When was the last time you visited Luneta? asked Ivan in his blog a couple of weeks ago.Rizal park was paved to commemorate the place where the Philippines’ national hero died. History tells that he was sentenced to death for his writings and being part of the revolution for freedom — which let you and I, right now, have and cherish.
The park is home to dozens of busts and figures of other heroes who had their share in restoring our freedom from “mananakops” (invaders).
Behind the stillness in the face of Rizal’s statue, the park has been home for the common Filipino: the masses. I was there last Sunday a perfect day for lovers in pairs, a family having a picnic, and children cheerfully playing. This has also been a perfect opportunity to do business, just like Caloy, who’s been a bystander photographer since 1972, the time when Marcos was still the president. He was carrying with him a vintage Konica film SLR, a proof that he’s been there long before I was born. Usually they offer 50 pesos to 75 pesos per shot which will be printed while you grace the scene of the park in about 25 minutes. I had my shot taken twice and printed into a 5R size photograph and he only charge me 100 pesos, maybe because I save him from the hot sunday afternoon by breaking his boredom.
Fortunately for me, my eyes are still virgin to the place. Yes, you read me right.During my elementary days in a public school named after Dr. Clement N. Dayrit Sr., I wasn’t able to join my classmates when they had field trips to places such as Rizal’s house in Calamba, Laguna, the Manila Zoo, Luneta park. These historic landmarks are usually included in public classroom’s curriculum, if not part of their activities in closing out a school year.
My mom is a typical housewife, (a term regarded as occupation for some) and my dad works in a construction as a carpenter in Saudi Arabia. So it was certain that they won’t afford to send me in the educational trips. And I never insisted since I already understand that the payment for one field trip will already feed us for a week.
I carried this in heart and mind as I grew up, went to high school, finished college, passed the board, and became an engineer working as an IT analyst in one of the firms in Laguna.
I owe to my parents what I have with me and what I am right now. This blog is dedicated to them as I tasked myself to see the rest of the Philippines, and hopefully the rest of the world.
