"Bicolanos, despite of..."

“When life becomes harder, change yourself to become stronger.”

     All throughout our lives we have been facing different challenges and we’re struggling hard to overcome them.  Thus some people say that problems are the ‘spices’ in life. Challenges are what make life interesting, overcoming those makes life meaningful.

    Life can be full of challenges and decisions we have to make.  Life itself is a series of challenges, whether large or small. We all know that life is not that simple and that throughout our journey in life we might face numerous challenges, problems and setbacks. Sometimes we succeed, but there are times that we may also fail. And when this happens life can feel unfulfilled, people don’t achieve their dreams and can become depressed, anxious, or stressed.  But a strong and resilient person will get hit by setbacks and life problems just like everyone else but shortly he will stand up and fight again. 

     We, Bicolanos are just like that strong and resilient person. Despite the hardships in our lives, we still continue to stay strong and live our lives happily. For happiness is not the absence of problems. But it’s the ability to deal with them. We ought to face challenges with strength, determination and confidence. Come what may, all bad fortune is to be conquered with endurance.

     One example of how strong and resilient Bicolanos are, is when the Colgante Bridge Tragedy happened on September 16, 1972.  On that day, many respondents came to help the people. Some by-standers also tried to help and save a few people from drowning or being crushed by falling debris.  The mayor of Naga back then insisted for the Philippine Government to donate a little fund to be used in repairing the bridge and for the victims of the tragedy. There were rescue and retrieval operations going on. Many people were sad about what happened. Four days after the Colgante Bridge fell, public concern over the victims took a back seat because martial law was declared. But that is a whole different story.

   

    What happened on that day is really tragic and saddens many people, but the Bicolanos who were there cannot afford to be frantic. There is nothing, great or small, that is worth getting nervous or agitated over. Rather than just mourn over the death of their friends or relatives, the people tried to help other people to overcome the same problem too. More on, they’re trying to move on by facing the harsh challenge they’re currently on.  We don’t grow if everything is easy; we grow when we face challenges.

   

     The moment we stop accepting challenges is the moment we stop moving forward. Challenges make us more responsible. We always should remember that life without struggle is a life without success. We shouldn't give up and learn not to quit. Bicolanos know that, that’s why they face every challenge with a lively spirit. The People of Bicol never buckle under when a challenge arises, or hesitate to do what needs to be done. They have the attitude that each challenge which comes is telling them that the problem that seems so difficult is nothing if they are resourceful. By taking initiative to facilitate or fix a situation, they simplify life for themselves and others.