Hostage Drama and Ms. Universe

The recent Philippine events that made the international community a captive audience prods me to write after a really, really long time.

The hostage drama and the inclusion of Ms Philippines in the Top 5 Ms Universe finalist proved many discontented and reckless Filipinos.

I am sad about the pointing of fingers after what had happened in the Luneta Park last Monday night. It was indeed a very long 12-hour ordeal for the hostages, for the ex-police and for the rescuing team. Many among the audience would like to say their piece, and I fully respect that. Realistically, we can broadcast whatever we want but after that I hope we are also reflecting upon what we can do.

Failures have reasons. In the final analysis, everyone can be victims. The hostage taker was (according to write ups) a victim of injustice. The hostages have the obvious plight. The police officers maybe victims of systemic insufficiencies, or probably surprised that a well-recognized police will do such, or any other reasons that can be pooled. The policy makers can be victims of miscalculation of risks, unforeseen events such as these, or other insufficiencies. The audience are also victims for lack of first hand experiences, or foresight of the consequences.

Few hours after that incident, the Philippines witnessed yet another fight to reclaim a lost glory, the Ms Universe tilt. Our bet ended up 4th, after 11 long years the Philippines once again found a spot in the Top 5. Yet, I read comments that they are not satisfied with the answer of Ms Raj. The point is when did we ever find satisfaction in anything?

Many people have brought home pride for the country, to name a few are Lea Salonga, Manny Pacquiao, Charice Pempengco and all else. Yet we were never satisfied, and we shout about it. Where do we really draw our standards for excellence? When do we really know that we are proud to be Pinoy?

When do we ever forgive the mistakes and failures committed in this nation and by the very important people in the Philippines? I am part of an imperfect family, and we kept rebuilding again and again by forgiving each other and being an active participant to keep it alive. I am part of an imperfect nation, but I choose to forgive this nation and be an active builder in my own way. I am an imperfect person, but despite my imperfection I know I can keep this nation alive.