Pandemic ka lang, I am a Filipino

             It was a breezy afternoon of March when me and my classmate are rushing in practicing our cheer dance, which is our very last performance. We stayed up late just to finalize it. All of us were so excited for the following day, because we have many plans for the tomorrow. It was supposed to be Shanghai party day and a we planned for a mini program just to savor the remaining days of our Grade 10 life with all the persons who had been part of our junior high school life for four years.

              But during our talk in our group chat, all the excitement faded. Classes were suspended for that day. The whole Luzon was going to be under ECQ. With just one snap, everything's different and new. The pandemic was going wide. 

              Those smiles that we always see when we go out were hidden now with the masks, hugs and kisses became forbidden. Government pass serves like a ticket when you enter a rides in Carnivals. Going out had been limited. Few months later, there's already a new normal. Everything has changed.

          If there's one thing that had remained, it was the "Bayanihan" of the Filipinos. 

        But with all the changes that happened, the burning fire and passion of the youth became bigger. During those months, social issues continuously arises but this didn't hinder the youths to louder their voices. During those months, it was greatly proven that youths are really the hopes of the society.

        During the times when most people needed the most help, youths are not just sitting pretty in their houses, playing online games or scrolling social media. Most youths took initiatives to organize programs in order to extend help. Most of the youth are the one making these issues trending in order for the whole nation know what is happening. Most of the youth are making loud voices just to be heard. 

    Amidst the pandemic and all the challenges we are facing at the moment, the youths are continuously doing their capabilities to prove that they are not worthless. They may still be young compared to the leaders, but young hearts is what we all really need. Because young hearts are pure and innocent. And one day, all the people will realize that Dr. Jose
Rizal was right. "Ang mga kabataan ang tunay na pag-asa ng bayan".