MONDAY marked the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day. Yesterday marked the sixth year anniversary of a timeless episode of Word of the Lourd, a three- to five-minute social commentary hosted by three-time Palanca awardee Lourd de Veyra.
It was the show’s June 12 special for 2011 and in it, Lourd is shown wandering along a Quezon City street, asking people, including informal settlers who have made a home over that stretch, a deep-cutting question: Ito na ba ’yung Kalayaan?
Lourd delivered the polysemy in the show’s signature deadpan humor, each repetition more meaningful than the last. Ito na ba ’yung Kalayaan?
Accompanying the question were situations that reflect the fads and issues of that time. “[Ang kalayaan ba ay] ang karapatan nating maging kahit anong gusto natin (referring to the viral earworm from Rebecca Black titled ‘Friday’)?” and “[Ang kalayaan] ba ang karapatang mamili at maniwala (referring to the divisive issue of the Reproductive Health Bill).”
Unlike those two, the other topics cited remain to this day, if not attaining more importance. “[Ang kalayaan] ba ’yung mga isla na pinagaawayan ng Pilipinas at China”, “Ito ba ang kalayaang pumili ng gusto mong maging mga pinuno” and “Ito ba ’yung karapatang mabuhay na walang pangamba?”
As the nation observed Independence Day on Monday, I passed through Kalayaan Avenue in Makati City. I regret not asking the man who climbed over the wall of South Manila Cemetery to reach his shanty what street I was on, even if I knew well enough the answer.
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Oppressors don’t only come through trade ships or warplanes, but as ideas, intangible and even self-inflicted.
Take bad decisions, for example. Everyone has one. Whether it’s beating oneself over a mistake rather than employing a better approach, or choosing to lollygag instead of work, the effects can be crippling. And it shouldn’t—we are as able as correcting a wrong as we are committing one.
There’s a reason the choice of word in the cliché “easier said than done” is just “easy”. It leaves out a chance for execution. No matter how slim, it’s a chance that can prove to be enough.
The same goes for unhealthy habits and negative mindset. Both can be overturned. When you feel cornered by an unfavorable situation, escape. Break free. Take a new route, try new things, expand your world to the point that not even your fears can recognize it.
Above all things, and from all things that hold you back, declare independence. Know what true kalayaan means.