In Living Color?!
Call me an ingrate, but I don’t seem to care whenever there is a UAAP match
between Ateneo and La Salle, or when there is a grand event sponsored by that "school up the hill." In the same way, I don’t even pick sides when it’s Ateneo versus UP, of which I am an alumnus of both. Sure, my blood was royal blue for 12 straight years until I received a four year "transfusion" and turned it to bold maroon. But somehow, I never seemed to have acquired the stereotypical characteristics, the external traits, that students of both schools are supposed to possess. To be sure, I don’t have that "Araneo" twang, though I can fake it; I don’t possess that fighting spirit that Isko’s have though I can invoke it given the situation. I may look dumb and silent at times, not playing the part of someone who has benefited intellectually from the training and education of two of the most prestigious universities in this country.
I have nothing against showing one’s "colors" and overtly expressing allegiance to the institutions that have made a difference in one’s life. Sure, it’s nice to brag once in a while about my being an Atenista or a UP Maroon at some point in my life. But I believe what matters more is if we are living the values that these schools have very much tried to instill in us. My dear Atenean, when was the last time you were a man-for-others? My dear Isko, have you done anything lately to improve the quality of life of your countrymen and the beloved country you are committed to serve and represent?
Before any eyebrows raise, no, I don’t claim to be a mover or shaker in any of the key playing fields of society. But somehow, in my small way, I am trying to do what I can to make life a bit better for those around me, without having to show "those colors."
Maybe you and I can’t do great things
We may not change the world in one day
But we still can change some things today…
In our small way
(- In Our Small Way, Michael Jackson)
