Midnight Monday

Before August 2010 started there was a buzz that having 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays, 5 Tuesdays, all in one month only happens every 823 years. Looking closely though, the next time we get five Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in August will be August 2021... or just 10 years from now!

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Its midnight Monday.

Last Monday, we witnessed a historical desecration of the Luneta grounds because of the blunder laden hostage tragedy. There's finger pointing left and right and lots of I-told-you-so declarations of the equally inept self-righteous. Undeniably, one man in the person of Sgt. Mendoza caused a stir.

Today, we commemorate National Heroes Day. It was intended for Filipinos to remember specifically the Cry of Pugadlawin. More than a hundred years ago, about 500 Katipuneros took that historical leap to fight the Spaniards with their seemingly simple yet very symbolic act of "pagpunit ng cedula". May the spirit of Pugadlawin resonate more than the reactive banging and clanging of today's news.

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When I was a student, I would rejoice over declarations of non-school day. Yehey! Walang pasok. That means I could sleep late, watch TV or go someplace else with the family even if my teachers gave projects which I'd cram to finish the night before.

As an employee, I would try to conceal that excitement whenever someone asks whether so and so date was declared a non-working day. I would research, check my network and after confirmation from Malacanang or DOLE, craft an official announcement. Yehey! Walang pasok.

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Now, I understand that holidays are declared as non-working day to give us time to think, reflect and re-connect.

Now, I know better. I am more attuned to reality, more honest with my feelings and no amount of poking would make me jump off of my seat unless it truly resonates.

Now, I know that no matter how rare an event seems or how special someone is, just like bad moments and bad people I know it will all come to pass.