Aliviado: Simply Hard

RULES are set of laws designed for people to systematically follow to have order in the society. Whether simple or complex, they are meant to make us disciplined in our behavior and thoughts for the betterment of the general populace. Ideally they are meant also to be imposed sans discrimination so that there would be peace and order. A good question would be if the rules set by our lawmakers are being implemented at all and if they are followed by all.

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A good example would be that of wearing of helmets by motorcycle riders. We don’t know when and how this fad of riding without the helmet started yet perhaps the most common excuse I gathered is its uncomfortability and heaviness on the head of the rider. Not to mention also that they look cool without the helmet. Yet statistics shows that many died from motorcycle accidents due to non-wearing of the helmets. In my work, I have seen a lot of those who died from head injuries and there is nothing cool about it. “Iyaha na gyud nang panahon,” some may say. But I disagree, because the death could have been prevented if only one wears it.

From where I live, I saw two set of trash bins being set up along Tiano Bros. and Luna streets. At long last I know where to place my trash, so I thought. But how come many still don’t throw their trash properly inside the bin? Trashes were placed alongside them as if they are competing for space. My officemate also complained that some neighbors throw their trash in her drainage area and she is tired of cleaning up their mess. What is ironic about it is that people start to ask where the trash bins are when these are not around.

Since I don’t have my own vehicle yet, I took rides either on jeepneys or motorelas around the city. I noticed many of them does not provide a trash bin for the passengers to throw their waste. And what is the no smoking ordinance for? Some drivers smoke and the passengers could only cover their eyes, mouths and noses in disgust. Maybe the sign is intended only for the passengers as it printed at the passenger area, or so the thought of the driver maybe.

Is it being human or just a propensity of us as Filipinos to violate rules and regulations? It may be funny to think about it at times, but we also need to think about where our principles should rest. If we are to become a great nation, we can collectively set aside our differences and follow the basic rules of our land embodied in the Constitution. We may need a leader who can unite us towards order and prosperity, but we need not to wait for this. Instead, we can start on our community, in our family, in our neighbors and in our work. We can begin by respecting each other’s rights and being sensitive to other people*s feelings. That way, I believe, will be enough to start a new era of peace and prosperity for our country.

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February 17 was Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season. I would like to correct some common notions on the practice of abstaining meat during this season. According to the Catholic Church, abstinence and fasting is done only during Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. This means to say that the consumption of meat is not allowed during these days of obligation. Some thought that if you have not received the ash mark during Ash Wednesday, you can eat meat during the day and Good Friday. Actually, whether you receive the ash mark or not, abstinence from meat is still enforced during the said days. For the rest of the Fridays of the year, it is a personal devotion already for the believer to abstain from eating meat or not. (jaliviado2001@yahoo.com)