Heritage Hunt in Colon

Colon Street is one of the busiest streets of Cebu. It is also one of the oldest streets in the Philippines. If you walk along Colon today you will only notice how busy it is, not how old it is. Nearly all the remnants of the old Colon have disappeared. There is only a handful of buildings left, like the Vision Theater and the University of the Visayas, but people hardly notice their importance anymore.

Throughout its history, Colon had been known for many things. In the first place it is the location for the residences of prominent people like the Gaisanos and Osmenas. Colon was also known as "Calle Teatro" (Theater Street) because of a number of theaters dotting the length of the street.  Artists have also set up studios along Colon such as painting studios and dance studios. There are also quite a number of schools along Colon. Other establishments in the old Colon include a number of printing press and restaurants.

Although these establishments have long disappeared, it is still possible to know what they were exactly, where they stood, and what their history is. In the late 90's a civic group implemented  a plan to bring back the glory of Colon. Although the movement was felt only for a short term they managed to set up informative markers along the street. These markers come in the form of a plaque on posts (see pictures). The plaques state the important establishment being marked including a brief history. Unfortunately, like the surviving structures of the old Colon, these markers are now difficult to notice.

Those who are curious about the history of Colon can venture into a hunting expedition where they search for these markers and be transported in the past.

Yellow Tribute

I know that a lot of people will find this strange but this blog is a tribute to the late President Corazon Aquino. I've often wanted to write this around the time she died but I wondered whether it was appropriate. What actually made me hesitate is that I may end up revealing some things in the past that I think should be kept silent. The upcoming anniversary of the death of Ninoy Aquino, however, moved me to go ahead.

I was watching the news with my parents when Ninoy was assassinated. In fact, we were watching the live telecast of his assassination. I still remember the reaction of my parents that time. I had never seen them so suddenly anxious, as if they don't know what to do. They both gave me the impression that the country is about to collapse. There was a general feeling of hopelessness which, in my carefree youth at that time, was a totally new experience. This moved me to follow events in the news, both the television and the newspaper.

I think the Snap Election declared by then President Ferdinand Marcos was the time I first voted. The Marcos "regime" had a deep impact on me. Out of fear, people had the tendency to over react to the President's rules during the Martial Law. I remember how my mom was worried about a law restricting the number of childred to three, and I happened to be the fourth. There was talk about making my neighbors adopt me. It was totally confusing to me. Later on, I just grew familiar with the underground activities... knowing but never participating... until Cory took the lead.

I joined the rallies together with my parents. I wore the yellow shirt and flashed the "Laban" sign. I sang the nationalistic songs. My participation, however, was simply for support to the real movers. I simply helped out in the logistics. Anyway, the long and short is that Cory became president and things went normal for me. I thought it was the last that I would concern myself about the widow of Ninoy. I was in for a surprise.

Immediately after graduating in college I went to Manila. Somehow I ended up working for one of Cory's cabinet member when she was still President. They still correspond to each other so I found myself coordinating with the office of the Cojuangco's, which includes her, of course.

My encounters with the past president, however, was not confined to work. At one time, she was invited to a get-together with university students. An activity which I took part in organizing. I remember how awkward it was when people became silent during the open forum after her talk. I broke the silence by asking her how she managed being president and mother at the same time. She took that opportunity to thank her eldest daughter who helped her with this dilemma.

This is how I know this  woman in yellow: a president, an executive, a mother. If I were in Manila around the time of her death I would be found in her wake and her funeral. I know her more than most of my friends right now and I cannot help feeling disgusted whenever I hear some people criticize her, or make fun of her, when they know nothing about her. The youth nowadays would call the "Laban" sign as a "loser" sign. If only they know that flashing that sign before was an act of great courage, for it may mean your detention or your anonymous death.

In parting, I wish to give a simple request to the young people around my great circle of friends... if you have nothing good to say about the late president, say nothing. Respect her memory, even if the only thing you can do is to remain silent.