“Here I go!” screamed Razorback drummer Brian Velasco as he jumped off the building. His death was caught on cam, live through his social media page. This shocked his immediate friends and family, more so the people who listened to their music. They were a hit back in the ‘90s when rock music was such a big thing. Rumor has it that Velasco had problems, was too sick and tired of what he had to go through, and wanted so badly to end his life. You turn to social media and see posts on suicide awareness. Why just now?
If people didn’t commit suicide, we wouldn’t remember how important it is to be a friend to those who need one. The way I see it, we have been too caught up in this already busy world that we forget that there are real people around us that need help. There is too much interaction online but none in real life. This is the sad reality of how life is in this era. We lose ourselves to the wonder of technology.
Just like today, we celebrate Cebu’s grandest festival yet forget its true essence. Well, don’t take it personally from me for I am not a Catholic but I understand the ins and outs of the Fiesta Señor because of my work. How come I thought of this? Because most of the people just go to the activities and ceremonies because it has been a practice and most of them “do it for the gram.” In short, for social media posts. I don’t quite understand why we have to let others know of the practices of our faith when in fact we don’t practice what we preach.
We go to church and make the sign of peace to one another but don’t really mean it at all. It seems like everything is just for show. Have we forgotten what it means to be human at all? We were designed to connect with one another and not just put up a fake smile in front of everybody.
For this Sinulog Festival, I’m not quite sure that I’m glad cellphone signals will be shut off. Although it will be a plus for those handling the security to reduce the incidents that are triggered by mobile phones, I also think it is a way for people to focus solely on the Sinulog. There will be no real-time posting of selfies to show the world what they have been doing in honor of the patron.
Like what Mayor Tomas Osmeña said, the only star for this weekend is the Señor Sto. Niño. We must all put that in mind. For those like me who don’t have the same faith as theirs, I think the key here is to respect others. If the whole activity is such a hassle for you, then try to look at it from the other side. Look for other activities to keep you busy. Don’t be a bummer.