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Crime, gang wars, drugs, and uncultured swines. This are but some of the things people alien to Tondo would often associate to this ancient town where kings and knights once strolled. The Tondo they know is a wasteland --a dung covered, urine smelling, informal settlers-dwelling place: the nesting place of disease and crime.

But for someone who grew up here, Tondo is nothing like they describe it. Tondo is the place that I would most be proud to call home because it is the place that I grew up knowing and loving. It is the place where the people that created a big impact on to who I am now and what I believe in reside.

That is the reason why it hurts me that people believe in such sayings that Tondo is a place where criminals are most likely to be seen, such false words should never be taken seriously, how could people even describe Tondo when they have never been to Tondo, or even lived in Tondo. They generalize a person because of how the palce they live in is described by others, it is quite sad.

Although there is no denying that there are criminals in Tondo, it is not like how others describe it as though each and every person here could cut your throat. On the contrary, people in Tondo are very kind and they make living in Tondo such a paradise. You would often see your neighbours smiling at you, and little children playing traditional games on the streets, you would be serenaded by processions accompanied by marching bands, and the sound of laughter and joy all throughout the day.

I wish those people who always associate my town with such dissent and chaos to visit Tondo, they would be welcomed by smiles and warmth. Not only are the people wonderful, there are even so many beautiful gifts of nooks and crannies that can be seen in Tondo, although it is an bustling town, there are still those wonderful places that I believe still caters to the spiritual side of things, such as the old Sto. Nino de Tondo Church, a beautiful church that is located at the heart of the town, which houses an old image of the Holy Chid, dating back to the time of the Spanish Conquest. This house of prayer possesses a certain type of peace and harmony, its large walls and high ceilings seem to mute the noise outside to bring the faithful inside in communion with the most High.