Saying goodbye to 2018

This year hasn't been the best, for me and the rest of the world. It started out to be fine but somewhere in the middle, I had too many questions and doubts as to how the world has been slowly revolving around its own axis. Kidding aside, my queries were about how this country has been run these past two years. In the media we often end the year with the biggest news stories and mine would be the most controversial of all, I guess.

It was the Malubog shooting incident. If you all can remember, it was when five individuals were found dead in that mountain barangay, but there were two survivors. At that time, I thought there were no survivors at all but a woman emerged from the bushes. She was full of bruises and trauma was seen on her face. Tears fell as she held back herself from everybody who helped her. That incident was a jump off to many other issues involving the police.

Whether or not it was the authorities who did it, it will be up to the investigators. But I guess the main issue is why do we have to take lives for petty issues. I like the band LANY and their song "Through Thick and Thin.”  A line reads: “You're out the door, just one mistake you say you're not in love no more.” That being said, how could a simple thing lead to death? I believe that everything could be talked about.

This year we also dealt with the tragic landslide in Naga City. I remember well also how I was there the day it happened. People were panicking as their cultural center was transformed into an evacuation area. I was one with the residents who cried in fear and mourned for their families who were underneath the rubble. It took some time for the issue to subside but we know deep in the hearts of the people there that it will be a day they will never forget.

Then again we question the monitoring of the local government units on the different areas, especially those prone to landslide. Have they done their part? I guess we shouldn’t place all the burden on them, we should also be vigilant as well. I guess the lesson there is self-explanatory.

In a few days, we will be counting off to 2019. A newspaper in the metro will be saying goodbye, (not this one of course) and many more things are set to happen in 2019. I'm excited as you are but I also wish my questions in the previous year will be answered. I have doubts still and a restless heart.

As the year come to a close I pray for justice and peace to everyone who has been maltreated and hurt by what 2018 brought them. I also wish for strength that we may face the new year with spirits that are ready to take on the new challenges that will be coming. Happy New Year!