As I write this column, I sit on the brink of time, ready to cruise down life’s highway marked 2009. It’s a New Year, the Year of the Ox and the International Year of Reconciliation.
As old father time ticks away, my mind is stuck at the word reconciliation. To others it may simply mean forgiving. We may forgive those who have erred in ignorance but can we really forgive those with insatiable egotistical appetites?
More than just forgiving, perhaps it is a time to reconcile goals and abilities; time to eliminate inconsistencies; restore cordial relations, sanity and harmony. Perhaps it’s a time for answers for all the unexplained whys and why-nots?
While all ideas are worthwhile and one can appreciate the time and effort of volunteers, traveling without a direction and purpose is a moving violation. It’s like going around in circles or doing laps on a race track.
It would seem that the self proclaimed leaders are unsure of their very purpose and know no better. They are activity driven – not purpose driven. For harmony sake, perhaps clubs should be more akin to their purpose rather than acting on ideas that pop up but are of no consequence. There should be a clear delineation of roles and caution should be observed for converging traffic. Stay on course – no overtaking and no changing lanes.
Regional groups should focus on helping and promoting their provincial areas. Alumni associations are no doubt formed for nostalgic purposes, reliving their alma mater’s principles and values. However, they can be part of the Education division along with the Teachers. Medical groups will be in charge of health; lawyers; the legal affairs; APSL for defense; Kapitbahayan for housing; PASC and other sports groups, sports and recreation; PACSI and Damayan should be the welfare groups; both Senior groups for the aged; the business council (and note that there are also two of these) should limit itself to the business community and its needs. Global Filipinos, by its very name, should focus on foreign affairs. Fame, while still on its infancy, becomes the political arm. Then of course, there’s still a vacancy for culture, arts, and the youth? If roles were clearly defined, then FILCCA could focus on more relevant issues and not waste their time on sports and beauty contests. Undefined roles means it’s ‘same-o, same-o”. It gets redundant, repetitive and at worst, we keep bumping into the same faces all the time. But I guess, there’ll still be the fight as to who coordinates all the activities and who gets to talk and go ‘beso-beso’ with title-holders. 
The PCC election is scheduled next month which means a change of drivers and Ronaldo Villaver and Marivic Manalo are vying for the hot seat. It’s a month away but already the circus has rolled into town. Both teams are coming up with a line-up regardless of the consequences. Shock, horror!! There are those driving on the wrong side of the road. I think a mix and match and a complete disregard of the undesirables on both teams would be the ideal.
Sadly, some are being dazzled with magic tricks and bowing to the pressure of the sweet talks. Enticed with cotton candy and duped with flattery, some are jumping on the bandwagon thinking it’s a joy ride without a destination. And yep, it seems the back seat drivers are at it again performing their illusions and resurrecting ‘now you see it-now you don’t clubs.’ People are spitting out their resumes when really what is evident is that it’s really a sandwich short of a picnic! It’s like walking into the magic mirror chambers at the circus.
Repeating the same strategies cannot and will not yield different outcomes. If people want the community’s respect – they need to earn it!
As we travel down the 2009 highway, we will need to contend with slow drivers, the speeding drivers and the dead beats. There’ll be road huggers and swift lane changers, there’ll be those driving without a license; those with a license but not enough or no experience. But one thing is for certain. There will be those who will simply drive us mad!! We can only hope for less road rage.
There’ll be detours, crossroads and dead-end roads and maybe I’ll take the road less traveled. However the wind blows, rev up, always check the rear view mirror, and careful when changing lanes.
Buckle up and enjoy the ride in 2009.
