As I write this narrative, my high school English teacher, Mrs. Elumba was in
my mind. She was not only the epitome of her profession as educator which
commanded highest esteem from peers and students, but also a good detective
who often caught me writing assigned theme works for other classmates. I
chose her favorite essay assignment to title this article.
I dedicate this narrative to her. May she rest in peace?
We usually travel far during summer vacation. We go to places where comfort
and leisure are readily at hand. We book our travel to places where
everything we want is there for the asking. It's kind of nibbling a little
piece of paradise. We are looking forward to this family event
year after year. We save money to afford it. Vacation time is not to be kid
around. It requires serious planning mostly in areas of finances. We are
determined to enjoy every moment and on every cent we saved as intended.
This is what we do in our adopted country. It becomes a part of our lifestyle.
In year 2005, we go a little early. We are excited to spend our holiday in
Butuan. But what is there that we haven't seen before? Aside from nostalgic
gratification to reconnect with friends and kinship, is there something out
of the ordinary, which may warrant to vindicate the price of being around?
It's true that the city has gone further stride. It now has good hotels,
convention centers and shopping outlets. But then, so is our neighborhood.
It's sad to reckon that while tourism in other places is a gainful industry,
Butuan still has not fully put its act together. We have a number of natural
attractions, unique sites and points of interest, yet these splendid
opportunities aren't developed into productive ventures. Butuan tourism is
mainly catering on balikbayans from Butuanon abroad. Butuan still have a
long way to go to make worthwhile for foreign and domestic tourists to come.
The city again will spread its welcome carpet. They will be up on their heels
to greet us. They'll make us feel important. We are VIPs. It's not that I
lack the appreciation to this polite gesture and neither shall I intend to
ignore them my gratitude …but somehow, it makes me wonder as to what for?
We are no better than anyone. We are not really coming for the view. We are
Butuanons basically going home for a visit. It's as simple as that.
Do we really deserve it?
There was a time when we presumed that there was not much stored in Butuan
for us. We believed that the knowledge and expertise we acquired from
learning institutions were not sufficiently rewarded in our hometown. We
therefore made a decision not go home after school. We were afraid. We did
look for better chances elsewhere.
There were those who tried to make it out at home, but for undefined reasons
also left a while after. But some did really stick their guts to stay and
with few others that came back gave all they could master to build what our
city is today.
We know some of them. They are mostly retired from work now. Their task is
done. They only have stories to tell. Yes, they didn't accomplished all.
There is still much to do. But they gave their best. We were not there. We
missed the fight. We ran away.
And now from the brisk of sunshine, here we come marching home. Some are to be
crowned with prestigious recognition for excellent achievement from
endeavors in far away places. We authored magnificent incentives for the
well being of others. We indeed are deserving sons and daughters of Butuan
that warrant praise for the glory and pride we bring to our beloved city.
Yes, we deserve it. But what about those who remained and labored to carry
the burden while we were away? Oh yes, I forgot they have stories to tell.
This vacation is our chance to see the hometown we once left behind. We
will know the real Butuan behind the facade and deeper beyond postcard
enticement. As ugliness is found in almost every nook and corners, our dear
old Butuan isn't that far away. It has changed both in appearance and in
attitude. Her innocence vanished into a dog eats dog kind of world worthy
only to the most fit. It's however peaceful in comparison, but it's naive
to postulate that it's totally excused from the quarrels of its neighbors
and from the insanity of the time.
We shall therefore take into account that we are living in a different world
where caution to access and movement are parts of daily living. We may not
desire to tangle with sensitive issues of the day, but impartiality this
time is not safeguarding from evolvement. As most of us come from across
the big ocean, geography indeed adds fuel to risk. We shall be prudent by
wisely selecting activities to attend and discourage our presence from
events where venues are most difficult to secure.
Unlike previous summer vacations, this one is not intended to bite a
piece of paradise. But it could be most meaningful. It give us a chance
to take a look inward to examine our inner self. This is an opportunity
to explore the real value of our being. When we see people that are deprived
with luck and means roaming our city streets and perceive profoundly on how
they survive, maybe it opens a room in our heart for compassion. And also
maybe out from this, a little touch in substance emerges.
See you in Butuan. Have a pleasant trip.
