'Circus'

23 March 2007


I had to disembark from the jeepney that carried me on my way to Avenue Square a while ago because of the heavy traffic that had prevented our vehicle from moving for a good deal of time already. I thought I could reach my destination quicker while afoot than staying inside waiting for the traffic to roll sensing that it was not an ordinary traffic jam that I usually run into along Magsaysay Avenue; one that usually does not take much time. Peering through the windshield, I could see more vehicles than I earlier suspected already trapped in an unsightly bumper-to-bumper situation down the road. There was also some noise ahead that's not common in the area. I knew there was 'something' out there.

As I approached Avenue Square, my hunch was confirmed. I moved past more jeepneys and trucks loaded with people wearing colorful shirts that bear the faces of people we also often see in the television these days (via their own advertisements which contents - and promises - are either too-good-to-be-true, too-'cute'-to-be-taken-seriously, or too-corny-to-be-even-watchable), on political posters and streamers that are all over us again, and in every possible medium assaulting our senses and well, I dare say, our sanities. The flags were up again, being waved relentlessly. There were a number of brass bands too atop trucks playing varied tunes aside from the already loud and annoying speakers playing some ubiquitous jingle and extolling candidates. Joining the spectacle were vehicles that were covered (or should I say vandalized?) with campaign posters and other materials. The huge number of people marching, cheering, and waving placards whom I encountered earlier at the city center leaped into mind. And then, I overheard a lady whom I passed by on the side of the road inquiring: "Haen si Cesar Montano?" (Where is Cesar Montano?).

And so, it is already here, I thought with a sigh.

The 'circus' has arrived in Naga City.

Kapit mga kapatid.