“Nothing inspires cleanliness more than an unexpected guests.” – Radhika Mundra
I’m sure many of our readers have experienced having unexpected guests for lunch, dinner or visitors staying for a few days on short notice. As Filipinos, we traditionally don’t mind because we are so hospitable and welcome company.
There are of course certain instances when those surprise visits throw everything into a spin and we find ourselves cooking or cleaning on overdrive just to be ready and, of course, to “save face.” They may be an inconvenience at the time, but they do bring results.
This article is not meant to be a “How I spent last Sunday” or “What I learned while playing tourist guide.” Instead, it is meant to point out small concerns that come together and create bad impressions among tourists or guests.
Since the beginning of January, we have been playing host to in-laws from the Netherlands and after that, we will be hosting a scholar doing her PhD on Philippine studies. Aside from house cleaning, we have also been lining up places to visit and foods to eat.
I don’t know if I’m just being conscious of potential embarrassment or showing guests the imperfections, but I have noticed little things that speak a lot about our culture, attitude or things we don’t value.
For instance, last Sunday we took guests sightseeing and as we drove in front of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, we saw that the main building was partly covered with tarp to be repainted or cleaned.
I appreciated that the CCP management were on top of things such as regular maintenance. But right after I said that I noticed that the center island of Roxas Boulevard right in front of the CCP was an embarrassing mess.
The question was, Who is responsible or in charge of maintaining those center island/plant boxes? Is it the DPWH, the MMDA, the DOT or Pasay City? The problem is if people don’t know who is responsible, then we can’t hold them accountable.
In a country where “plantitos” and “plantitas” became a thing during the pandemic, can’t the government or DOT invite them to grow beyond their pots and gardens and reinvigorate or green those plant boxes?
Plant boxes and center islands may seem a small thing but remember what the Bible says about small things: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10
If I remember correctly, there used to be a women’s organization famous for garden-related projects, hosting orchid shows and bonsai demonstrations. Why not try tapping them?
I carried on driving towards Manila Hotel and once again the center island became a concern but for a different reason. Maybe because many tourists go to Luneta and the Manila Hotel, the intersection in front of Manila Hotel has become a favorite among people asking for alms or food. This has been the case for many years.
So, who should be responsible for keeping the area clear of mendicants? Is it the City of Manila or is it the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the MMDA or the PNP? The issue is not just a matter of appearance.
Beggars carrying infants or toddlers begging at the risk of life and limb tells people about how the government and society treats and views the poorest of the poor. Poverty may exist worldwide, but when tourists see them it tells a negative story.
Instead of letting them beg in tourists areas, perhaps authorities could consider putting up mobile feeding centers and kid-friendly facilities that can tell a very positive tale to outsiders.
The good news is that there was ample parking around Fort Santiago, there was better organization, traffic management by the “Guardia Civil” in front of the Manila Cathedral and a fiesta-like atmosphere in the area on a Sunday.
Fort Santiago was well maintained, although parts were not as good as others, and we even saw floor mops and house cleaning stuff being dried by one of the ground floor windows.
After our Sunday trip to Manila, we drove back to Pasig and of course we had to cross from BGC to Kapitolyo via the Lawton-Sta. Monica bridge. This bridge has gone from a pedestrian unfriendly bridge to an open garbage dump with the drainage outlets clogged overgrown with weeds.
Once again, who is responsible for keeping the bridge clean and clear of garbage and litter? And before I forget, how difficult is it to get the lights working at night? It is weird that both ends of the bridge are clean but not the bridge itself.
Given how DPWH engineers insisted on building the bridge, then they should be accountable for making sure it is clean and presentable to the thousands of commuters as well as foreigners that cross over it.
From what I read, DOT Secretary Frasco is optimistic that when the Philippines chairs the upcoming World Tourism Forum, it would help boost awareness and tourist arrivals in the Philippines.
This is why I am suggesting for the DOT secretary to put together the needed clean-up crew composed of the DOT, DPWH, MMDA, DILG and PNP. There is a lot of cleaning and fixing that need to be done – and not just for appearance’s sake.
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