[Opinion] Perspective, Pandemic, Politics: A Baguio Boy’s Thoughts about Wading through 2020 Issues

Sipping a good cup of coffee on a rainy afternoon while scrolling through social media and listening to Ben&Ben songs, here’s what you get: COVID-19 updates, #blacklivesmatter protests abroad, a local politician’s breach of quarantine protocols. And #Quaranthoughts start to kick in.

Let me share with you some of my thoughts on issues we’re currently facing and tell you why I’d say that Baguio City is a safe haven in times such as this.

Racial Issues/Discrimination

Yes, it still exists globally and we see it directly or indirectly.

For instance, the term ‘taga-bundok‘. Once in a while, we hear this from relatives or friends who live in the lowlands and we perceive it as the obvious meaning since we live in the mountains, without any negative connotations to it.

However, when people in the Metro areas says it, it seems like there’s something off with it. Why? Because based on stories we’ve heard in the past, they perceive us taga-bundoks as monkeys with long tails due to lack of cultural education. And this perception from such ignorant people can be really hurtful and racist.

Thankfully though, we now live in the internet age where we can easily immerse ourselves in different cultures. Thus, lacking cultural education can longer excuse a person from being racist towards others.

Unfortunately, there are still some who slur unintentionally/intentionally. But instead of picking a fight with them, we help educate them and prove their bizarre imaginations wrong when they step foot in the Cordillera Region.

At the end of the day, looking at it closely, we may have inherited a peace-seeking attitude from our ancestors that we still have until today. And with such an attitude, we also give celebrities and other known personalities a safe haven because when they are in town to discreetly enjoy their vacation, we don’t really bother them too much with fangirling reactions.

Political issues

With education and the help of the internet, we become more aware of what is happening around us. And with social media platforms available, we can now be more vocal whenever we see injustices.

Here in Baguio City, a vocal and participative community helps leaders improve the implementation of discipline, peace, and order; thus, creating a safe haven for us all.

Despite the problems we are encountering today, we instill in ourselves that discipline and a focused state of mind always come first so we don’t need a lot of protests just so our local government unit would listen to us.

I think this is another great reason why a lot of parents and students from other provinces prefer to study here. Hence, Baguio City also a haven for those seeking the perfect place to study.

OPM and Baguio Weather

Furthermore, I think every OPM song that gives us ‘the feels’ can always be associated with Baguio City’s weather (especially those from one of most people’s favorite band – Ben&Ben).

Such songs give us the feeling of nostalgia, remembering the good in everything we’ve been through – from breakups, newfound love, the decision to settle down and work here after studying, or just Baguio City being someone’s favorite escape from reality in the Metros and so on.

We, as their friends, on the other hand, will always be here for them at times when they choose to go here in Baguio City. We’re here ready to take them in, to remind and celebrate with them all the good memories they’ve had here while having conversations over coffee or chilling at their favorite cafe and listening to OPM music that makes the experience even better.

Isn’t it amazing? Knowing that we are the ones they first remember whenever ‘Baguio’ pops up their minds is definitely heartwarming.

So as we continue to fight and heal as one in this COVID-19 crisis, let us not forget all the good things that make us Baguio people and our beloved city a safe haven for all.

DISCLAIMER:

Mr. Neil John Javier is a guest contributor. Thus, the views expressed in this post are entirely of his own and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Baguio City Guide.