*photo via net
The papal visit last month was something very historical and significant, it was a lifetime event for many Filipino people that even non-Catholic showed big respect for the highest leader of the Catholic Church. When Pnoy declared a 3-day special non-working holiday in the metro I was very happy of course because I can finally go somewhere else after my birthday without excusing myself from work. There was even plan of going abroad but because the prep was too tight the proposal easily flew away, we’re now considering a different date when everyone is free and I hope this one pushes in time because I’m too excited you know. 😛 The husband and I thought about visiting Baguio for that we-time alone but booking a hotel or even hostel was pain in the ass and it’s like everyone I knew was hitting Baguio on the same dates. I feel sad that the holidays kept on coming and yet I’m stuck at where I am and the Manila-Cavite drive was sickening already and becoming expensive as well. My only consolation when visiting home was the plenty of wet kisses I always get from the big B and from his budding adorable son Astro, and yes the regular hug from our Lucky Boy who wouldn’t let go.
But aside from all these plans and hullabaloo of the holiday I was in for something else, something I really wanted to do because it’s now or never. I want to see the Pope! I want even a glimpse of him because this maybe my only chance because Rome…Rome is another of those impossible dream unless someone will sponsor the trip or we’d win millions to lotto. So, on his second day in Manila we trooped to SM MOA to witness his coming at the Arena. I went with SAM and P; I picked the two kids early morning at BGC and let them sleep a few at home before we travelled to Pasay. On our way, I was surprised at how clean the streets and traffic was very light despite some road closures, it was like everyone was closely controlled. I wish that everyday could be like this. Arriving at MOA, there were already lines of people at the façade where the Pope’s convoy will pass by but first we have to stuff ourselves because waiting and standing would be our next challenge. We quickly wiped our lunch at Yellow Cab and walked back right away to where we’re allowed to. The thin line was more than doubled this time and we’re almost on the 6th row, giving us a very little chance to see the convoy once it passes by.
We started to wait at 2pm, when in fact the convoy will pass at 5pm or so but we can’t take chances otherwise all our penitence will be put to nothing. SAM was very willing to wait and in fact made it to the 3rd row even before the Pope’s arrival, while our little P became irate and began to throw tantrums in the middle of the throng of people. What can you expect from a 7-year old kid? Anyway, to pacify him I allowed him to go on his way, on conditions that he would not stray away, I should see him from where I stand and he would not entertain any invite or convo from a total stranger.
It was past 5pm already when the Pope’s convoy started to roll at the MOA grounds and everyone was giddy waiting for the Pope’s smile and hand wave. I thought I could capture a decent photo because from where I stand the view was clear, not until the Pope passes by, it became uncontrollable, I could imagine now how it’s like being in the Ultra stampede, it was like hell, I could feel how people at my back were trying to climb at my shoulders just so they can get a better spot. It was sickening that awhile I thought everything was in order and safe, well, it’s not really especially for kids. So, now you know why I have no better photo of the Pope, I feared that my iPhone will trip over too because even my arms was swayed to nowhere. It was totally out of control.
I’ve seen the Pope, it was very calming and that was my comfort. It paid-off to wait other than after the event I have plenty of realization over. Not everyone who lined up was true enough to what they immortalize or to what they’re trying to represent, in short they’re too hypocritical –fake, that probably just wanted the hang of it. Take for example these little incidents which all happened while we were there –while trying to get a good location to watch the convoy my nephew P accidentally bumped into this middle-aged lady, she thought that they boy was on his own so she yelled “Hoy Taba!”. P didn’t hear it but I did because I was walking behind, when the lady felt that I was the boy’s companion she shies away and almost fled from where she stands. Another one, SAM’s pony tail accidentally hit this lady’s face, it was understandable because from where SAM stands this lady was closely standing behind her and because it’s overly crowded any shift will be felt by the person standing next to you. The lady on her irritated tone says, “Miss ang buhok mo!”, my niece quickly says “Sorry po” and stay put while this lady’s face remained stiff as if she didn’t hears the word sorry. She never knew that I was the girl’s companion not until SAM and I started short convo. I know the lady got a bit surprised that’s why she initiated a little convo with his teen son to break the moment. Yes, these were petty incidents and I have to let go, I did actually even before leaving the crowded area but my point is, you are warned already that the place would be crammed full, if you’re not ready to get pushed or pull or being stepped then you should not go or better got yourself a ticket at the Arena so you’ll be in comfy seat. Many times during the event I was pushed and hit but none that I cannot tolerate even when the man beside me started to eat his Yum burger. I know it’s not only me who finds the burger smelly, I could turn my back or cover my nose but I don’t want to offend him, and his companion, so I had no choice but to hold my breathing for a while, the smell won’t kill me, tho it will probably trigger my migraine.
I know I was tried –my patience actually, not to get back at these pretend-righteous individuals. But this occasion left me saddened that amidst the faith of these people, there these rotten attitude. It’s not too hard to let go when someone or something upsets you. And it’s easier to be gentle and forgiving more than you thought.
I’m sorry Miss Napoles, yes; this lady is replica of the one who masterminded the PDAF scam. I could have captured a stolen shot of your face but I didn’t because I don’t want to give you too much publicity on this blog and your unlikable attitude. Oh and by the way, I had this feeling now that maybe you just envy SAM’s healthy hair minus the dandruffs that you sport. My bad! 😦
Thank you Pope Francis for the mercy and compassion! ♥
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