Spanish galleon played an important part in Philippine history. Had it not reached our shores in 15th century, I’m certain our country would have not been subjugated under Spain
So when I heard that the replica of Galeon Andalucia would dock inManila
So when I heard that the replica of Galeon Andalucia would dock in
I thought it was an easy and fast public viewing. I was wrong. I was very wrong. The queue of people wanting to see the vessel rivals a Justin Beiber concert. Hehe. To make the long story, wait and agony short, I was able to see Andalucia after almost eight hours of standing under different weather conditions ranging from extreme heat to heavy rain showers accompanied with lightning and roaring thunder. Thank God I survived the ordeal, with my day energy only coming from the pandesal and Milo I had for breakfast.
I know the events organizer did their best to control, pacify and satisfy the maddening crowd… but they could have done better. Better. Due to non-assurance that everybody could get in because of the limited number of people allowed to experience Andalucia, I felt pity for the hordes of students who were so excited for their supposed to be educational fieldtrip that got cancelled. I felt sorry for those who waited forever but wasn’t able to pass through the gate, those who got soaked, and those who gave up. But I also take relish from the sights of a cute little girl stuck under a small umbrella with her mother and two siblings singing “rain, rain go away”, Pen Medina getting lost in the crowd, dripping wet-look Cecille Guidote Alvares appeasing the mob, to people chanting and cursing the guard who shooed away the tourists still behind the gate by lunchtime. Filipinos always try to find happiness under very blood-cuddling situations.
But it was really hope, my patience, persistence, M. Scott Peck book, and umbrella that kept me glued in line. When I want something, I am ready to part the sea if that’s the only way I could get it. No kidding. After all, eight hours of waiting is nothing compared to 500 years.
I know the events organizer did their best to control, pacify and satisfy the maddening crowd… but they could have done better. Better. Due to non-assurance that everybody could get in because of the limited number of people allowed to experience Andalucia, I felt pity for the hordes of students who were so excited for their supposed to be educational fieldtrip that got cancelled. I felt sorry for those who waited forever but wasn’t able to pass through the gate, those who got soaked, and those who gave up. But I also take relish from the sights of a cute little girl stuck under a small umbrella with her mother and two siblings singing “rain, rain go away”, Pen Medina getting lost in the crowd, dripping wet-look Cecille Guidote Alvares appeasing the mob, to people chanting and cursing the guard who shooed away the tourists still behind the gate by lunchtime. Filipinos always try to find happiness under very blood-cuddling situations.
But it was really hope, my patience, persistence, M. Scott Peck book, and umbrella that kept me glued in line. When I want something, I am ready to part the sea if that’s the only way I could get it. No kidding. After all, eight hours of waiting is nothing compared to 500 years.
whew! 8 hours standing! well, i guess when it's your "view time", it's all worth the agony and all.
ReplyDeletestanding and waiting for a day isn't new to me. i have been almost 16 years here in Milan (Italy) and the system never change. when you have a 9am appointment at foreigner's bureau, you have to be in line around 5 or 6am to get your early numbers. the office opens at 8am, so when you're not around, chances are you'll almost the 400th person in line.
i personally lined up last february for renewal of my italian residence card. with my 1 year old daughter (then) and an 8 year old son at my side(they were required to be brought), i braved the 7am line. i was just lucky to be called around 4pm! my kids & i starved! i brought foods and all, but the agony of standing up, sitting on the floor every now & then, and kids crying....whew! that's agony! if you're a stranger here, you have to be soooooooo (exaggerated yung o's ko ha, grabe ...hehehe)..so patient!
bear with my monologue(hahaha)
thanks anyway for sharing pictures of the vessels. i won't have that chance the way you had. =)
at least it is not boring waiting with ur children around.
ReplyDeletebabalik na ata sa spain ang galleon so that's nearer na in italy :)
i haven't been to spain yet. i want to visit the country one day.
ReplyDelete