OUR CITY is undergoing a massive infrastructure makeup and rapid economic pace – so fast, we hardly know what’s going on and can’t keep up with new developments.
One day, you pass by this side street…the next week, you won’t recognize it anymore. Imposing modern structures, high and low are shape-shifting right and left…circumferential roads criss-cross once barren fields and rural boundaries….changing forever the landscape. And with it…fabulous fortunes for landowners whose bleak disregarded property stand smack within the perimeters of progress. Many agrarian tenants have made money with the conversion of their landholdings to residential / commercial / industrial uses.
The new scenery is breathtaking and pleasant to the eye. The face of Iloilo has changed forever.
It is no longer the sleepy quaint old town in time gone by…it is wide awake and noisy; people swarming like ants; everybody seems to be going somewhere.
What a dizzying maze. Everyone seems to be doing something …only the old has nothing to do. Of course, they also want to do something…but they can’t do it anymore.
It is hoped that improvement in the way of life of the common man will follow in the wake of these infrastructures and blossoming new businesses. Of note, the sources of revenues of Iloilo City are past the B mark, and a greater percentage will be lost to G and C.
Well, as the politician of old would say, “What are we in power for?” And President TRUMP lays it clear: “It’s all right to lie and steal, as long as you don’t get caught.” Ah, whatever.
Iloilo is in the throes of a robust economic growth and development. It has taken on a Makati-Manila sheen. If you just listen to people conversing in our crowded shopping malls, you will hear the discordant dialects of the land. Every region is represented in our glorious city. Even the Badjaos from far-off Sulu are here. We are now a multi-racial city.
And there seems to be no end to ongoing projects that clutter our streets or on the planning table.
While we may not yet be in the list of the 10 wealthiest cities in the Philippines, we’re slowly getting there. Anyway, most of the crooks have retired and grown old or died; only a few are left and they are sickly; the rest are young and it will take some time to be a seasoned grafter.
This form of larceny is an art which also takes time and practice. Once perfected, however, cancer will grow on you. The affected parts will be the fingers, mouth, stomach; however, at its onset, the heart will be the first to go; it will turn cold and will no longer beat for Love.
Back to Iloilo, our city is also sought-after as the “Convention City” for seminars, workshops and other group activities. It is the warmth and friendliness of the Ilonggo. The clean and reasonably-priced hotels and lodging houses? Delicious sea foods but cheap…how can that be?
But I am inclined to believe…the peace and order situation. Our policemen are doing a fine job. People want to stay in a place where they are happy and secure. You notice that numerous regional, national and even international conventions and seminars have been held in our city.
This coming Dinagyang Festival promises to be the best Dinagyang celebration yet. Sir Jerry has taken means towards that end.
And hot on its heels, for cockfight aficionados, the Jaro Candelaria known worldwide follows. After Dinagyang, all roads lead to Jaro; cocks of all sizes and colors go to Jaro…fighting cocks, that is…and banks will be open on Sundays. What people will do just to see cocks! These two highly anticipated events will further boost the reputation and prestige of Iloilo.
Alas, there are too many places to go to in Iloilo City, to see and enjoy, so many young chicks to know, but too little time left, too old and too tired. (muzones_law_office@yahoo.com/PN)
