When festivities start
The Cebu City government has been trying its best to keep the Sinulog 2018 activities to a minimum, which means controlled crowd, fewer activities unrelated to the solemnity, and a lot of new rules. As a person who gets dizzy when going through a crowd, I commend the act especially when I don't personally celebrate the festivities due to differences in belief. However, last Thursday, during the first day of the Novena Mass I experienced a small stampede along P. Burgos Street.
I was on my way to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral from the Magellan's Cross after an assignment. When I passed by P. Burgos, people were pushing against each other. Apparently, they were waiting for the Mass to end so they could enter. Due to the maximum number of people that the Basilica can accommodate, they weren't allowed inside. This year, the church only allotted three entrances. I couldn't get through and they were all yelling. I waited until they were calm so I could pass through but their impatience made the situation worse. My face was up against someone else's. When the small entrance at that side of the church finally opened, they moved like an ocean wave heading inside. For a moment there, I thought I would pass out. I held my breath, looked up and made sure I could move through the crowd to my destination.
What's the rush? I understand how important it is to attend the mass as part of one's beliefs but forgetting respect and simple rules is not an excuse. I guess the religious aspect of this tradition does not call for rowdy people who don't know basic manners. During the small stampede, a lot of senior citizens who also wanted to pass through complained after experiencing pain from all the pushing.
We all know this is a yearly thing and everyone's story to the devotion of the Sto. Niño is different, but this does not give people the excuse to forget how to behave. In other countries, especially in Europe, they wait patiently during huge religious events and don't push against each other. We will all have the chance if we are only patient.
That scene last Thursday is a reflection why we would not move forward as a nation. We only think about what's best for us and our benefit. Being considerate to others is not in our minds. There is this mindset to be aggressive for ourselves, without thinking that there are a lot of people around. Even the traffic situation is worse. People still buy cars knowing there is limited parking space. Drivers don't mind pedestrians as long as they have their way, sacrificing their safety as they walk to the church. If we only just respect and follow what the government wants for order there would be nothing wrong.
There is still a week to go before the end of the festivities, I cross my fingers that the people will understand what it means to go to church and meditate. This is not a contest, but a test of faith.
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