Lamenting a bygone era

Wearied by a storied journey of eight decades, I look back and see aspects of a dying culture. Fads and fashion are now valued more than propriety, and the elderly’s counsel and concern are no longer given much weight.

Then, boy and girl may not walk the streets or stroll in the school campus holding hands amorously.

At the dance floor, when attending parties, you couldn’t hold your partner too close no matter how sweet the music — lest her chaperone’s keen eyes catch you.

Never, ever fail to say “po” when talking to elders, or even to strangers.

Discerning folks were particularly concerned with modesty on the part of the girls, and manners on the part of the boys.

Elopement was a no-no, living in a shame. There were no cell phones to distract concentration, or to create, develop or destroy relationships.

Likewise in government, we had a high sense of pride and security then, what with the impeccable quality of officials in authority — leaders with the caliber of Quezon, Osmeña, Laurel and Magsaysay. Given our Supreme Court today, we miserably miss the likes of J. B. L. Reyes, and Justices Concepcion, Teehankee and Palma.

And who would forget the heroism of Jose Abad Santos who, refusing to bend and sacrifice his principle, stood tall against the Japanese invaders, at the cost of his own life?

In the Senate, it was a pleasure to behold and listen to such illustrious personalities such as Recto, Osias, Tañada, Diokno and Salonga. And among the president’s men in the Cabinet, there were Salas, Flavier, Tanco and Singson.

So much with the recollections. As a mere voiceless spectator now from a senior’s rocking chair, I can only watch the world as it moves on, until I shall have freed myself from it, to face the unknown.

GERRY T. MAGLAYA, guillermomaglaya@yahoo.com