FOLLOWING my observation of the “sad” Christmas lights display of Dumangas, people openly came out to thank me for being brave in voicing out, and putting into perfect words their exact sentiments.
On Facebook, that’s also proven by 380+ shares in less than 24hrs.
And in hundreds of comments, mostly agreeing with me, or boasting they have better holiday lights display at home.
As my Manila-based friend said, I didn’t have to explain anymore.
I have gone viral in my own town.
***
Which led people to ask me to say something about the shortcomings of the 2022 Haw-as Festival.
My beef with the Haw-as (if you call it that) is that it’s the same mistakes over and over again.
It’s been 14 years of these blunders that never get resolved.
There was initial consultation, yes; but then what?
***
I mean, if people think that it was a great festival year for Haw-as, they are so wrong.
Oh, so wrong!
And I’ll say it again, the public was only a little more forgiving because it was the first face-to-face festival after the pandemic.
But the public doesn’t deserve to be served so-so festivals.
Not when we are supposed to serve them the best of everything in the next few years.
Or, as I heard one politician in a speech, to serve Dumangas “the best of everything” in years. Haha!
***
I mean, what happened to Haw-as Festival?
I was involved in the most cultural and artistic offerings (a film fest, a literary-cultural lecture, a youth forum, a coronation pageant), and what promotion did my events get?
More importantly, was there even an evaluation of the events that happened?
***
What happened to the muddled coronation night, to the stage, lights, and sound design?
If my brilliant performance was the only saving grace of the coronation pageant, what does that mean?
***
I had no high expectations when I “came home” to Dumangas.
I was decided to do things on my own.
To affect people’s lives positively by being an inspiring presence.
I try to be visible in my physical fitness, artistic expression; and I am most generous in my public health teaching on mental and physical health.
***
I was a little excited when they invited me for my ideas about the Haw-as Festival.
I so eagerly shared my brilliant ideas, which, to be fair, were also included in the events this year.
But I felt that they could have done more.
And even if they didn’t, I could forgive them. (Amateurs!)
But I was waiting for at least a post-mortem.
If we spent millions on a silly festival, shouldn’t we at least evaluate what we can do better next time?
Shouldn’t we ask those who were involved, and maybe include some smart observers?
***
Dumangas is a small town.
If it is not, that’s how it feels anyway.
I am friends with most people in the municipio; at least, the genuine locals anyway.
Many of these friends run the show, but it doesn’t mean that they are above criticism.
My loyalty (or friendship) to certain individuals ends where my loyalty to my people and our cultural heritage begins.
***
Said another way: My loyalty is first to art and culture, and second to my people, and lastly, to certain individuals.
I mean, I am a Distinguished Son of Dumangas for Literature, Culture, and the Arts!
I am not Miss Friendship!
***
My non-Dumangueño friends and I often joke that my stuff could make me persona non-grata in Iloilo.
I’d Iike to see Iloilo try. Haha.
It’s more believable that Dumangas would make me persona non-grata.
And that will be very exciting!
A real cause célèbre.
***
I think I would like such notoriety before I die.
It will be stuff of legend for eternity.
It will be like Van Gogh cutting his ear. Haha.
***
I know the Philippines, and the Filipino mind, so well.
Why do you think I decided to live in the US for most of my 30s and 40s?
I know talangka mentality, and I often check myself, and my opinions for it.
I pray about these things so I am sure that I am not one of those crab-mentality people.
***
I reflect on my posts and stories, that’s why I’m hardly faulted.
And in my years of engagement on social media, I have never ever taken down a post because I regretted it, or because I was called out for it.
I have always stood my ground.
Because I know I am right, and just, and fair, and right, and correct, and beyond reproach.
Oh, I tell you, it’s not easy to be me!/PN
