I don't know, but like everywhere you go in Manila and other big cities in the Philippines (I'm looking at you, Baguio!), it's always dirty! This is not because we are third-world or have poor implementation of civil law, but it seems we are just that irresponsible and lazy!
For starters, garbage is thrown everywhere, literally. I really think that the country's waste management system in general cannot handle the sheer amount of waste scattered around our cities. What they need is to educate the public in properly throwing wastes and maintain it for habitual use. I know, this may look like an impossible task, but all good things start out small. This reflects how we use facilities too. It may be just me, but food establishments right now keep getting dirtier and dirtier. Just take a look at some Mang Inasal branches.
Another thing is how we dress appropriately. This does not only apply for the personal taste but for professional image as well. I know, it's a tropical and democratic country, but we can wear comfortable and appropriate clothing at the same time. In a psychological perspective, dressing well helps people boost confident, as they are most likely to get more respect. Really, people should be more aware of their decency. It's not just about you, but your clients as well.
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ARTICLE PROFILE:
Article title: "Street vendors diversify"
Link: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/53503/street-vendors-diversify
Author: Linda Bolido
Topic: Marketing the public areas and transportations
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Honestly, this is a badly written article. Look, the title doesn't even match the content; the paragraphs have little coherence; and some words just doesn't make sense (e.g. what the hell is a "rolled tape of paper"?). Still, I have chosen this because such issues are rarely talked about, except in social networking sites and 9gag. The author here is very vocal and bluntless about the issue; she really is concerned about the Filipino public and I applaud that.
She raised 3 pretty good points: unprofessionalism of taxi drivers, unwelcoming appearance of jeepney drivers and a new breed of internet cafe franchises. Like what I said, no coherence but really interesting statements. I won't go further with these issues so I'm just going to give my opinions.
I only ride taxis once in every few months, only during emergencies or vacations. I really haven't had terrible experiences with taxi drivers so I think the author just feels snobby and stubborn at times.
About jeepneys, it's been like this for more than seven decades already but my father said it has gone worse recently because of a jeepney boom. It's not just them causing mindless traffic, but also their bad personality. They can be very rude and ruthless. As for their sense of fashion, I disagree they look disgusting or anything like that. I really think they just need a uniform, like what Singaporean rickshaw driver wear.
And, thank God they're innovating computer shops. Honestly, I'm so sick and tired of using there overcrowded and chaotic computer shops where young gamers keep on howling and looking at your PC monitor; it's just very inconvenient, especially when you're working on something important. Since the Lucky Chinatown Mall is very near in my home, I might go there soon. Although I'm expecting the fee to be more expensive, the modern coffee-shop-like atmosphere changes everything and would surely attract a new generation of users.
In conclusion, these minor issues need to be address because this affects our daily lives. Let's say a jeepney driver accidently blazes your eyes by sticking his cigarette stick in front of you. It really is a big deal, and I hope the MMDA's plans will succeed and will finally end this madness.
These stories prove that urbanization an have a negative impact on our personality. As the Philippines begin to get busier and to get more attached in materiality, our values begin to conflict with the terrible system we are having right now; thus, we face dilemma and begin to act irresponsibly. I hope we have the pride and willingness in changing this.
Mission: SUCCESS!
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