The Other Side
Behind a sprawling metropolis lies a city that is nothing more than a shadow of its former glory.
Once a bustling city that was a melting pot of different cultures from all over the world with irreplaceable cultural landmarks, classical architecture and historical treasures, Manila is now a city that has never recovered from its bombing during the Second World War. And more than 60 years on, its former glory has yet to be matched.
Manila has become a dense city, sprawling with informal settlers at almost every corner. Countless beggars roam around the streets, hoping for someone to share a few pesos or a simple meal. Street vendors toil under the hot sun hoping to make some money in order to make ends meet. It is an encapsulating image of what poverty is in the Philippines: most of them sought out Manila, a dream and a paradise that would supposedly bring them out of poverty, yet it seems Manila itself is trapped in its own poverty and hasn’t found a way to help out those people.
Manila has been forgotten. Urbanization, industrialization and expansion of other cities have taken charge and left what was once an amazing city trapped in the past. Yet its ever fading beauty has not gone unnoticed; photographers don’t forget Manila. They capture Manila both for what it was, what it is, and what it can be.
Who will not be mesmerized by the narrow alleys sequenced in perfect blocks, with buildings that rise just enough for you to still enjoy the clouds? The architecture reminiscent of the ‘30s—long forgotten but timeless. You see the potential: we were great, and can be great. Yet, you see what it is now: broken windows, children begging for alms and informal settlers sitting around and waiting, hoping that something new will happen. How exactly will we become a powerhouse economy by 2050 when, if we just look around, we see the present forgetting about the past and not doing anything about the future?
If we are to become a big economy by 2050, our generation will lead the Philippines to that height. By 2050, we will be around 60 years old, just retired and already trying to see if the life we lived was worth it. But beyond economic growth and long term financial security for the country, one must not hide behind the skyscrapers in the Fort, Makati and Ortigas. We must realize that deep in the heart of our metropolis, there is a greater responsibility that is demanded of those in power. That deep in Manila, its former glory screams to be reborn after being forgotten by generations long ago—indeed, this glory hasn’t been completely forgotten.
The growth of the Philippines is not something that is measured only in our GDP and GNP. While they are indicators of success, if more than two-thirds of the population are still struggling to make ends meet, can we truly say that we have become a highly successful country?
Our Ateneo education has prepared us for this responsibility—a responsibility to the Other, that unexplainable act of kindness towards someone and an attempt to become not only a good person but, more importantly, a good citizen. When the times comes, we should make our education count.
