Hearty congratulations to the winners of this year’s Ms. Baguio pageant whose names, I’m sure, are all known to you by now. Kudos also to everyone who, in one way or another, contributed to the outstanding success of the activity despite the limitations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Cheers!
These young ladies are truly the perfect examples of “beauty and brains” and this near-sighted Ibaloy writer and lover of all things beautiful, ahem, is sure they will attain stellar success in whatever future careers they choose. They might even bring more accolades to the city and their families in future national and even international pageants. Who knows?
However, I and some Baguio people can’t help but ask if this year’s pageant winners (and those of the past na rin) are truly “born and bred” in Baguio or are they just required by pageant organizers to have resided here for a few months or years to be eligible to join the prestigious Ms. Baguio pageant?
Let’s be clear, this question is not meant to be malicious, cast aspersions, criticize or take anything away from anybody. Not at all. It would just be great if those who represent Baguio in any contest or activity are truly born and bred in here. Again, this is just an opinion with no harm or offense intended to anyone. Peace!
It’s nice to know that despite reports of a downtrend in Covid-19 cases in our city officials led by Mayor Benjie Magalong will not take anything for granted and continue to impose the strict manning of its borders from travelers without the proper or even fake documents. Hooray!
We should learn from the sad experience of other places in the country and even abroad that abruptly eased their borders and restrictions due to the decrease in Covid cases in their areas only to have these suddenly shoot up once again.
Lessons to be learned are: We should never let our guards down, especially to an invisible and deadly enemy and it’s better to be slow but sure than fast but uncertain and sorry when taking measures in protecting ourselves against the virus.
Between protecting business or human life, we fully agree that priority should always be given to human life. That’s common sense, I guess.
“We should never let our guards down and become complacent despite the welcome news of declining Covid-19 cases. Everyone must continue to observe minimum public health standards and have themselves vaccinated if they haven’t yet,” Magalong said. Mabuhay!
Here’s “Barefoot Five” by Brooke Hampton: “I’m busy;/ but not in the way/ most people accept./ I’m busy calming my fear/ and finding my courage./ I’m busy listening to my kids./ I’m busy getting in touch/ with what is real./ I’m busy growing things and/ connecting with the natural world./ I’m busy questioning my answers./ I’m busy being present in my life.”
Let’s end with a prayer: “Lord, thank you for walking with us through the seasons of our lives. For the winter, when we are held safe in your arms through the darkness. For the hope of spring, as we are filled with new promise and life. For summer time, full of warmth and colorand for autumn days as leaves fall to seed new growth. You are always with us. Amen.”
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
