Rants of a 90's girl

I can't move on. I swear. Growing up in the 90's is the best thing ever! Of course older people will disagree. But I think the 90's was saktong nothing too primitive, nothing too advanced. We work hard for things we want or need. Homeworks were done through research and are handwritten.

I've seen the rise and death of Gaisano mall. From being the it mall in Iloilo to becoming the most jologs mall when SM arrived. I learned text messaging when I was in Grade 5. My mom had the first SMS-abled Nokia phone. Boy bands, MTV, Apple dapple and Whammos, Zip orange juice (those in pyramid-ish containers), Power Rangers, Captain Planet, Swat Cats, Storck caramel candy, Ovaltinees, TGIS, Flames. ugh. Why do I sound like Senti Sabado? hahahaha

Now it's Google and print outs. They say today's generation is by far the smartest generation. Well, dapat lang diba? I mean, generations have to continuously improve. Like students have to know more than their teachers. But it's not about being the smarter generation. It's which generation makes proper use of the information. Nowadays information is taken for granted simply because it's just there. Only a few willingly search for answers out of curiosity. Kids don't read books (and I mean encyclopedias and atlases, not Twilight), they don't play outside, and they don't write in cursive form! I am appalled at how easy life is for kids today. I'm all for development but it's sad how technology changes everything. So now I'm holding on to as much memories as I can.

I'd like that one day, my kids and nephews and nieces would hang out it my house and check out the stuff from my generation. Like how Pepe Smith is an awesome rockstar, that Ely Buendia headed the biggest, most phenomenal local band evarrr, that Chuvaness.com was a bible of pop culture, and all the other stories that deserve some ooohs, aahhhs and wows from the kids. Because I like seeing old stuff of my mom and her sibs. It's interesting to see their life through the things they own. (And that's why I'm kinda irritated that mom's sib/my 'evil' uncle lost Lolo's camera. And renovated this house. All that is part of Lolo. That's part of a history that we deserve to have.)

Of the things that I want to preserve, music and culture (values) are on top of my list. Somehow I find that we are more respectful, considerate and simple. Kids today are maarte, impatient and they speak too much English. I have nothing against that but I'm also not for neglecting our Mother tongue because I know 5 year old kids who do not understand Filipino! And they bully their yayas and scream and throw a fit when they do not get the littlest of wants. I SWEAR I WANNA PINCH THEM WHEN THEIR PARENTS AREN'T LOOKING. But that's child abuse I guess. hahaha

There. I'm done ranting (for today).

City lights

This morning, THE Carlos Celdran posted a badass shout out on Facebook.

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH HIM. I don't want to generalize Makati residents but we all know which type of Makati people he's talking about. If Greenbelt is your thing, fine. No problem. But don't ever judge something you've never seen or experienced.

Regardless where you live, before you whine about the stench of Manila Bay, or the squatters on the streets, try, for once to look at the amazing sunset at the bay, the majestic CCP, immerse yourself in some real culture at the National Museum and walk the walls of Intramuros (Visit Casa Manila ok?). If not satisfied, go ahead and whine. BUT IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED AT ALL, SHUT THE EFFF UP AND DO YOUR PART.

I've never lived in Manila but I frequent the place. My brother lived in Taft for college, I've been to Intramuros a lot of times, went to Divisoria a couple of times, walked along Escolta and Binondo, eat at Ma Mon Luk, hear mass at Quiapo whenever I get the chance to. I pretty much experienced some of Manila. I've yet to experience Hobbit House, Cafe Adriatico, La Scala, and the 'old school' activities but I'm raring to do it! I just need a buddy. :)

In hindsight, I just realized that every time I get home from a day in Manila, I am always filled with satisfaction even if I'm tired. With Makati, more often than not it's stressful. I dunno why.

I guess what I'm saying is, at the end of the day Makati is just a city where people go to work and earn and Manila is a home. The cradle of heritage and culture that Makati malls (and even the M museum) just can't beat.

Of course Quezon City is my home but I'd pick Manila heart over Makati hype anytime.