Manila Bay Rehabilitation: Successful or Not?

 

Photo by the Philippine Star

The rehabilitation of the Manila Bay with the use of dolomite has spawned layers of controversies. Is it environment friendly? How long will it last? Is it a priority at a time of pandemic? How much did it cost?

Did the government succeed?

The dolomite beach is neither a Boracay nor a Balesin. But for those who cannot afford to visit such high-end places, and for those who want to get a quick respite from all the hassles of life as of late, the dolomite beach is one paradise.

For those who are simply curious as to what Manila Bay looks now, and for those who have witnessed its deterioration for many decades and have dismissed it as a hopeless case, the bay is one delightful place now.

The recent easing of restrictions has made it more accessible to people.

People who? People who appreciate the simplest of things - those who find pleasure in ordinary things, and those who don’t have gazillions of qualms about life.

In other words, the dolomite beach is a piece of heaven for the ordinary folks. A few rides will bring you there for you to enjoy the white “sand”, the cool breeze, and the famous Manila Bay sunset.

And you don’t have to spend so much. Call it a cheap thrill if you wish.

If we are to use as parameter the interest of the people to witness first hand the formidable transformation of the Manila Bay, then I can say that its rehabilitation has been a success. But for how long? Only time can tell.

To conclude, the Manila Bay is a humble place for humble individuals, who simply want to take a brief respite from the troubles of life, Covid-19, and politics.

May The Force Still Be With You, Madam

 

It is very unfortunate that this lady, whose popularity is anchored on her quite famous surname – thanks to her late husband, is no longer a force to be reckoned with. She is the face of the opposition (and puppet if I may add) since day one in office of the incumbent President. However, with the recent pronouncements made by the likes of Ping, Manny and Isko as to their ambition to occupy the highest position in the land, she is slowly being relegated to the background, most especially because she cannot put the right screws on her mind on whether she will run or not.

The lady is still adamant with her plan to unite the opposition and come up with just one candidate for the presidency. Sadly, her talks with Ping fizzled out. Next in line are Manny and Isko. Will she be successful this time? It remains to be seen. But from the looks of it, the two gentlemen are hell-bent as far as their political ambition is concerned, and no one or nobody can put barriers along their path.

For six years, this woman simply put to waste the privilege given her to serve the country. She and her camp are more preoccupied in criticizing the government - six years of pamumulitika. Her role was reduced to merely being the mouthpiece of  her party mates. Every time she opens her mouth, expect one criticism or two, as if she is an outsider or a spectator, and not part of the government.

This woman could have done more for those in the laylayan, had she aligned herself with the government and its efforts. After all, her position or office is an integral part of the government. And such alignment will not necessarily entail her to abandon her party and its beliefs. I believe that one can still work hand in hand with the administration without losing political party affiliation.

Perhaps, she has overlooked the idea that she works for the people, and not for her party mates and their collective ambitions. For six years she has distanced herself from the government, and has projected herself to be the “better one”, in the eyes at least of her spokesperson and party mates.

Being the face of the opposition gave her the burden of uniting all opposition forces. Adding to her woes is a three-letter word that is just around the corner – BBM. Many things can still happen, though, between now and the last day of filing for candidacy.

Hence, may the force still be with you, Madam.