Of removing traces of thine identity
It was last time when everyone heard the news about the demolishing of age old houses in the district of Binondo in Manila, and it made some people saddened, not because of heritage, but rather recalling nostalgia that those edifices may have chances of being rehabilitated than be demolished for none.
...That others may think of it rather as impediment to progress and an eyesore to their illusory development.
Obviously, both sides cater to progress, but then they have different interpretations of progress whether it is protectionistic or virtually open, the concept of progress lies the question of heritage that keeps nations, societies firm and intact and so is the systems that keeps everyone restrained such as the so-called encouragement of "values" that perhaps would say inimical to democratic and secular principles.
Sorry to say so if that's the case.
And upon noticing how people with interests disregard heritage in favor of superficial progress, the latter would say that these are unsanitary regardless of these edifices as accepted by many-strange to hear justifying rats, grime, cockroaches infested over the old accesorias as well as people "squatting" as the cause for the edifice's demise, yet keeping themselves aloof or reducing heritage into mere pieces of art and places such as Intramuros and provinces such as in Ilocandia.
Obviously they have distaste over the past, they just simply bannering it but still they rather banner it without knowing its essence the way most interpret history as a requirement for graduation.
As a writer, to see old edifices such as Binondo's accesorias being demolished and scavenged for scrap, or post war ones left to rot then ripe for demolish, even it is stopped by city ordinances still create a mess that is difficult to recover upon; to think that some prefered what is profitable, it includes reducing heritage or paving way to "modern", contemporary ones whose emphasis is profit. Music for instance nowadays became sort of a monetizing idea that requires faces singing labels and less of talent that involves training, innovation and creation; so is architecture-what is pleasing and profitable is better than what is worth remembering and respected.
Another example, the Apartments owned by Laperal in Recto, showed a significant part in Manila's contemporary history. Been a part in an illusory dream of Manila as one of the forefronts of Philippine progress, it sought events, incidents that end up in annals being read only by those who have a keen interest. However, most rather think upon the building as full of grime, cockroaches, rats, hopeless, of people using some of spaces for printing entprises and such other than apartment; yet aloof this time after being bought by a prestigious institution, demolished saving the front (perhaps as a mere reminder) with an alibi of building an extension.
...or rather say wanting it to be demolished all for the sake of commercialization. Using their perspective, would say that they bought it and they have their right to destroy it, why should care about an old building full of grime, cockroaches and rats? Isn't it because it was made years after the war? Being art deco and such?
Obviously they don't care. They care about growing pockets and putting something in everyone's mindsets, as well as making this and that and say to the world that the nation is fast forward going to become prosperous and strong! Sheesh, thine culture neglects as so-called modernity flourishes.
That made Paolo Bustamante saidth:
Well, this writer would say that most are apathetic in regards to heritage especially those of edifices pre and post war. The accesorias in Binondo and the Laperal apartements are a part of history and hence in need instead of rehabilitation and innovation. It's just that most rather think about spaces and hence demolish in favor of building new ones devoid of spirit and instead of mere ego, or rather say heritage? Will it be profitable in keeping old buildings fine and intact? Rehabilitating a wood and stone building after a year?
Hence, that stupid rather thinks of demolishing it to create something that is worth selling for risen from the ruins. What's wrong in those hispanic era buildings outside Intramuros? Or a fine art deco one along Recto? As well as others worth of remembrance as part of thine history?
Anyways, its like admitting that the Filipino has no identity fit for innovation...they're fit for the exposition such as those decades ago.