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Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Balingit: Streamers
By Allan O. Balingit
"MAGPARAMDAM", a vernacular term that would probably best describe the intentions of streamers that politicians often put up lining the side of the road, may be likened to a big greeting cards. In most instances, social, religious and other significant activities provide opportunities for them to promote themselves to the people.
Streamers hanging on posts, trees and other busy locations bear down on us like huge billboards creeping in our minds, supposedly to remind us that these fellas are one with us in a moment of joyous celebration.
They may be trying to dribble their way into our hearts and minds, probably for the coming elections, if and when it would push through.
No harm in that of course, but sometimes these things tend to become a sore in the eye as it adds to the clutter that mess up the spot, if not create danger to the public as it entangles with electric cables and wires.
There must be an ordinance that would regulate this practice. It has become quite an annoyance because we elected these officials to work for us and not make advertising firms wealthy. Come to think of it, how much do those things cost?
What makes it more annoying is that there seem to be no specific benefit the public gains from these, aside from attracting truck loads of visitors who have seen the prominent greetings of the officials announcing the fiestas of towns or barangays, though some celebrant would rather keep it low key for monetary reasons.
Even the celebration of Valentine's Day is not spared. I have already seen a couple of streamers from these KSPs (Kulang sa Pansin), milking every drop of publicity by riding with the frenzy that accompanies any major event.
To them, "di na nakakaaliw yan, sobra nang halata, tigil na". There are lots of things that need to be done and earning brownie points through hanged streamers is not one of them.
* * * * *
Talking about Valentine's, my house helper caught the early ride on a love bus just the other day, after she and her boyfriend took off without warning to profess their undying love for each other. Sadly, it caught my wife and I unprepared, as we have no time to find a replacement, and what concerns me most is that the situation would likely make me the instant substitute.
Anyway, our helper has her own reasons, however irrational or impulsive they may be. But again, that is love. It makes one less balanced that he/she may tilt into doing something strange and at times crazy.
And as we are about to celebrate Valentine's Day, let us be good and not be swayed by our raging emotions. Always put on your safety belt for protection.
As they say, "tigilan muna ang panggigigil, unahin muna pagpipigil."
Text alert
...sa Mawaque, po grabe pong maningil ang mga tricycle driver
...let us hope na with RVAT ang perang malilikom ay mapunta sa dapat paglaanan ng gobyerno at di sa bulsa nang ilang corrupt na nanunungkulan
...tinig ng taumbayan and mamamayani sa usapin ng pagbabago sa konstitusyon
...kabilang na ang no elections scenario; makatwiran lamang na pakinggan at bigyang pagkakataon ang lahat ng panig na ibigay ang kanilang mga argumento na gagamiting batayan ng publiko
(February 7, 2006 issue)
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