#popetysm

Clear roads, firearm free zones, almost zero crime rates,disciplined policemen, angel-like government officials, repainted barricades, tight security everywhere, and generally, our country in order and peace. These are just few of the reasons why many Filipinos loved Pope Francis’ visit here in the Philippines. And of course, the 5-day holiday for the students in Manila.

Let me just give you a handful facts about this ‘unli-smile’ Pope Francis. Pope Francis was the third Roman Pontiff who visited our country after Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II. He is the first Argentinean Pope in history. He is also called the ‘People’s Pope’ because of his overflowing love for the people especially the children and the sick. He exemplifies simplicity and humility. He is so simple that he chose to wear a white dress instead of the red one with elaborate designs. He also chose a silver pectoral cross with a simple design and a silver ring than the gold ones. He is welcoming and open as well. He is so trendy that he even wore loom bands before, when it was the in-thing. Maybe, this is the reason why many admire him. I believed that he, indeed, is the pope of our generation. This is why we couldn’t deny how we went pope-frenzy all these time. I, myself, in addition, can’t get enough of seeing the pope even only in the television.

Many were so excited about the visit of Pope Francis in our country. Our government started to prepare since last year. Kudos to Mr. President for the successful outcome of their hard work! Filipinos however, started to crack jokes after seeing how our country can immediately transform into the wonderful country they ever dreamed of. “It was like a five-day PAASCU accreditation”, students would say with matching laughing emoticons. True enough, our country concealed its real condition. Temporary walls covered slums and the worse part was, street children were caged days before. I thought Pope Francis’ visit was all about Mercy and Compassion? I bet he wouldn’t care seeing those homes and street children roaming around because they were the sole reason of his visit – the poor. On the other hand, defended these acts that these were all measure for the pope’s security. (I understand because the two previous popes that visited us had death threats.) But next time, not that harsh, okay? Okay.

Pope thrills Manila, really, and proves the Filipino Faith. I can’t descriptively define faith as it is; yet one thing I am sure is that the Filipino Devotees has had it. Assumingly I bet you don’t have any idea how hard was it to be there (especially for people like me who weren’t able to experience the Papal visit first hand), but no one really complained that much! Here’s why:

First, an estimated six million people flocked to Manila’s Rizal Park on Sunday to attend the final mass of Pope Francis’ five-day visit to the Philippines. Imagine the density of the population in that small area; I suppose that you’d only have not more than quart of a ruler’s space to move. Second, people’s necessities; like come on, that dense? I don’t think the public stalls would be able to accommodate everyone. I wouldn’t be surprised if you find a plastic bag with something yellow or brown in it. Three, food; everyone gets hungry so you’d be having trouble finding food. If there were, it would be then be overpriced or be already all sold. Fourth, the fatigue, standing there for like hours would be a pain already right? Now, think about the people who were there since 4 AM. That’s amazing. Lastly, the weather or the rain; most of the people got totally wet plus it’s quite cold for January in the Philippines. It rained all day that Sunday. So if you combine them all, it’s a killing combo able to knock you out and make you faint.

Yet, people really didn’t bother all of those, which I mentioned above. They didn’t complain at all. The situation and the weather did not weaken the spirits of the faithful who had come from all over the country. Everyone was looking and believing on a man that they think is the answer to their pleas. Crowds gathered in the streets patiently and calmly. Everyone had that happiness that they couldn’t describe, an inner happiness that made them feel better and fulfilled.

People were so moved during the event that they forgot about the true meaning of the #PapalVisitPH. Besides the genuine and devoted Christians present during the event, some other people were either busy criticizing the government or some were just too in love with the pope that they were too preoccupied at taking and posting selfies than knowing what the real message of pope was. Pope Francis wanted us to stay faithful to God; that we shall respect everyone despite our diversity in religion; to be compassionate, to empathize – that we are all equal beings called to be followers of God.