In a few days from now, the entire Christendom shall be celebrating what Christians believed to be the birth of Jesus Christ. In the olden days, it is the time for family gatherings where every member of the family is expected to be present not only to exchange gifts and pleasantries with relatives but also to partake of the sumptuous food specially prepared for the season – ham, cakes, chocolate candies, assorted fruits and homemade beverages. Today all these foods are available 24/7 anywhere making the season less exciting as far as the millennials and the Z generation are concerned.
Could it be one of the reasons why some bullheaded kids choose to spend time with their peers on the street up to the wee hour of the night? Or could it be the lack of proper guidance because the parents/guardians are working to augment the needs of the family? Or could it be due to some other factors like peer influence? I am asking this in the spate of accidents involving motorcycle races in some barangays right under the noses of barangay residents. It seems that some of the people have developed an uncaring attitude, apparently enjoying the rush of adrenalin in their veins while watching the deadly race.
Just lately, I think that was Wednesday night of November 24, 2022 when I saw on FB the motorcycle race at Barangay Concepcion, San Pablo City where a group of onlookers standing on the side of the road were raucously shouting in hysterics at the start of the race. Soon as the two motorcycles passed in front of them like a bolt of lightning, there was a heavy crash and soon thereafter the gruesome photo of a man being carried in a stretcher followed. With what I saw, smashed and bloody face, I don’t think he will survive the crash.
Imagine the pain and emotional trauma of the family members who lost a loved one in a useless race at this time of the year. This could be avoided if there are concerned citizens who would inform the authorities about any upcoming motorcycle race or any race for that matter among teenagers and young adults. Unfortunately, the people at large seem to have grown callous to what’s happening around them. They apparently appear to care only for themselves and their kinfolks which reminds me of the old saying “Sungay mo, sunong mo, buntot mo,hila mo” which is totally opposed to the Christian teaching “Love thy neighbor.”
Perhaps, aside from incorporating Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) to the school curriculum, moral values formation must likewise be included to start from kindergarten to junior high school. There must also be spiritual revival among the people in the community without reference to any particular religion. Materialism and greed must never be a substitute for love and kindness. Just remember always that Christ was born in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes and he lived his life on earth without any luxurious raiment to define Him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Make Him the center of Christmas celebration and not some deadly race.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
