When September Ends
Brace yourself: that Green Day song on your Facebook feed is coming. It's September once again, that time of the year where we welcome the "ber" months. For some, it is the signal of the Christmas season and the start of many, many events for us, Cebuanos.
As we look back at the past months, a lot has happened to Cebu in general. We went through the frenzy of having the Pope visit us and sent our dancing pride to the grandstand to represent the Sinulog. There were countless mishaps and shooting incidents that remain unsolved. The question of who and why still remain after these months. Of course, who could forget that controversial selling of the South Road Properties? Add to that the political rivalries that never seem to cease.
Fast forward to the future is the present time Cebu, booming with infrastructure everywhere. During one of my field work days I was shocked to discover new hotels and establishments stemming in the metro. Some have even become my instant favorite to go places. The present is indeed different. As I write, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings are taking place. Somewhere on another side of the province are their friends taking tours, appreciating the rich culture and sights that we Cebuanos could offer.
Ah, Cebu in its prime state. But after all this fuss with the APEC and what not, what's next for our beloved Cebu? Will we go back to the old we before the foreign delegates saw our island? Or will we keep on improving? I could only wish for the latter. The Department of Tourism in our region is brewing something to attract more tourists in our area. More so to be a tourist destination hub in the Visayas.
But more than that is the fact that when September ends will be another phase for all of us, especially the likes of my job in the media. Friends, it will be election time once again. It's not just an ordinary election but a national election where we will be choosing the next president of the country.
The end of September signals a new wind that's coming, a new string of events that will take place, new faces and new experiences. Our sound judgment from the end of the month until May will make a difference in the way our country will be run in the next six years. As of the moment, we have a pool of choices. Several politicians are already showing their interest to become presidential aspirants. Others who are part of the cabinet also manifest their intention to run for the legislature.
It will be a tedious process, I tell you. Anticipate the several controversies that may stem from the different figures that will present themselves before the public. Yet, at the end of the day is just this: a leader who knows his people well is fit to lead. Who else could be better? But the challenge lies in how strong we are in our faith and our identity. Will we be tainted by few pesos? Still these are wishes willing to be fulfilled.
So I put that Green day song on repeat as a reminder that the end of September is coming. Please wake me up, too, I'm willing to take the next chapter of this country's journey forward with you.
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