It was a view of two different worlds. We started our little trek at Starbucks in the CCP compound. The scene outside the coffee shop was that of sailboats and yachts and cruise ships. Vehicles that only the rich and the richer can afford. And behind us, stood the CCP main theatre – still resplendent as an icon of the fine and the elegant, of high society and the high-brow crowd.
Then at the end of our little journey – just at the edge of the CCP compound, behind the Coconut Palace – there was a stark contrast to what I saw in front of the compound. There were no yachts or cruise ships near – they were but images far into the horizon. The scene were that of small wooden fishing boats by the seaside, and not far away, are vendors who sell tahong for a living. From the look on their faces, it seems that they have spent most of their lives in this part of the world.
There are times that I am fascinated with the way fisherfolks go about their daily tasks. Perhaps it is the fact that they have an affinity with the vastness of the ocean, or are closely acquainted with the creatures of the sea. It is a world that is unknown to me – I only had a glimpse of it when I snorkeled in Panglao and had an intro dive at Anilao. But these folks have lived by the ocean all their lives – each day witnessing the majesty of the sunrise and the beauty of the sunset. And at night, even though they do not have a roof on their heads, nor a blanket to keep them warm, they have the stars to look upon and the moon to give them light.
It is a far different world than what is shown to us in front of CCP. And I’ve seen both worlds. For I have attended CCP’s classical concerts, I’ve seen its musical plays. I have rubbed elbows with the illustrados, dressed up for social events and listened to the kind of music that only the cultured appreciates. But in seeing what lies behind the CCP compound, I am reminded of my roots. When I was a child, my dad used to tell stories about how my grandparents sold vinegar for a living just to put all ten of their children to school; how he and his siblings used to walk several kilometers just to get to school because they don’t have enough money for transportation; and how my parents lived in a garage-turned-into-a –room during the time I was born.
And this is the reason why I trudge in both worlds: I have come to appreciate the movers and shakers of Philippine economy – the entrepreneurs who create wealth and provide jobs that enables several families to have a better life. And, every now and again, I revisit the people who represent my roots – praying that they will soon embark on a journey towards a more prosperous life, where they will be able to see their children or their children’s children living at the brighter side of the harbor.
Then at the end of our little journey – just at the edge of the CCP compound, behind the Coconut Palace – there was a stark contrast to what I saw in front of the compound. There were no yachts or cruise ships near – they were but images far into the horizon. The scene were that of small wooden fishing boats by the seaside, and not far away, are vendors who sell tahong for a living. From the look on their faces, it seems that they have spent most of their lives in this part of the world.
There are times that I am fascinated with the way fisherfolks go about their daily tasks. Perhaps it is the fact that they have an affinity with the vastness of the ocean, or are closely acquainted with the creatures of the sea. It is a world that is unknown to me – I only had a glimpse of it when I snorkeled in Panglao and had an intro dive at Anilao. But these folks have lived by the ocean all their lives – each day witnessing the majesty of the sunrise and the beauty of the sunset. And at night, even though they do not have a roof on their heads, nor a blanket to keep them warm, they have the stars to look upon and the moon to give them light.
It is a far different world than what is shown to us in front of CCP. And I’ve seen both worlds. For I have attended CCP’s classical concerts, I’ve seen its musical plays. I have rubbed elbows with the illustrados, dressed up for social events and listened to the kind of music that only the cultured appreciates. But in seeing what lies behind the CCP compound, I am reminded of my roots. When I was a child, my dad used to tell stories about how my grandparents sold vinegar for a living just to put all ten of their children to school; how he and his siblings used to walk several kilometers just to get to school because they don’t have enough money for transportation; and how my parents lived in a garage-turned-into-a –room during the time I was born.
And this is the reason why I trudge in both worlds: I have come to appreciate the movers and shakers of Philippine economy – the entrepreneurs who create wealth and provide jobs that enables several families to have a better life. And, every now and again, I revisit the people who represent my roots – praying that they will soon embark on a journey towards a more prosperous life, where they will be able to see their children or their children’s children living at the brighter side of the harbor.
Stumble It!