Lipa City, Sta. Rosa City and Cubao - Three Signs of Hope for a Good Philippine Nation

What make a good nation are good people. No matter how great the sceneries are, no matter how rich the natural resources is, and no matter how powerful the military defence might be, it cannot be a good nation if people living here are corrupt. Corruption has been the subject of discussion in this country for more than two decades. But while the media and political entities are busy revealing to the people of the nation and to the whole world how worst corruption in this country is, there are still cities, people and leaders that are proving “change for good” is still possible in this wonderful nation.

As an observer, although I have not yet widely explored this beautiful country, I can say that Filipinos still has the courage to prove to the world that they can rise up to the challenge of times. In this country of OFWs, boxing legends, and white-sandy beaches, there are three places which I recently visited that I can say are making good things to happen despite of odds forcing this country to fall on its knees. Allow me to share some photos showing what these cities have and tell some descriptions proving they are really signs of hope for achieving a good Philippine nation.

Lipa City, Batangas

I was born from the nearby town of Lipa City. Lipa City has been there, as a town, since 1702. It became a city in 1947. If I’m getting it right, some people call this city as the “Next Wave City”.

I’ve been to Lipa City last September 2014. Not much change in this city in terms of street infrastructures and people’s lifestyle. I’ve been to the marketplace and people works almost the same way they used to a few years back. They serve good food, offer good service, and they speak on the familiar “Batangueno” tone of hospitality.

What I’d observed is how the city life goes on here. It was simple but people are on their feet working hard to make a living. I can say that this is not the situation about 20 years ago. Life then was relatively easy. Prices of commodities are not that expensive and travel is still cheap. And I’ve been to Lipa City Cathedral also and I saw how sincere people are on their prayers. I was able to capture some noticeable angles showing how Filipinos really want to strive and move forward despite of experiencing too many difficulties on their lives.

Nuvali and Paseo, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna

My place is only a few hours away from Sta. Rosa City. But it was only my first time to be in Nuvali and Paseo, two shopping districts in this growing city at the heart of Laguna. They call this city the “Makati of the South” probably for having various industrial zones, financial firms and shopping malls. Sta. Rosa City is relatively a young city. Its cityhood was pronounced only in 2004.

I always come and go to Sta. Rosa City. I can still remember my early days here searching for a job. When I’ve been into this city last October 2014, I saw and progress is very visible specifically in Nuvali and Paseo. Nuvali is a recreational park developed by one of the most prestigious companies in the Philippines, the Ayala Land, Inc. It is a one stop place for business, sports, education, recreational events, wildlife adventures and sub-urban housing. Paseo de Sta. Rosa, popularly known to locals as Paseo, is a commercial and shopping district. There are lots of restaurants, bars and retails shops at Paseo making it one of the mostly visited places by travelers and locals in the country these days.

Sta. Rosa City is also home to the famous Enchanted Kingdom and several big industrial zones where the popular car manufacturing company Toyota and global brand Coca-Cola Company are situated. I took several photos of Nuvali and Paseo and they’re truly showing signs of progress and growth.

Cubao, Quezon City

Cubao is a district in Quezon City, Philippines. It is home to The Big Dome, which is now known as the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Farmer’s Plaza, the Gateway Mall, and the Ali Mall. Cubao is also called the “City of the Stars” probably for producing top rated stars in the film and entertainment industry. A few minutes drive away from Cubao is the Cathedral of Cubao which I and wife visited last December 2014.

Cubao is truly a sign of progress. This is where the MRT and LRT lines pass by. This is where the busy street of EDSA traverses. A few kilometres away from Cubao are East Wood City, Quezon City Memorial Circle and EDSA Shrine – famous landmarks in Metropolitan Manila. Here are some of the photos that made me say Cubao is obviously another sign of hope for achieving a good Philippine nation.

People on their feet working hard for a living, developed places resembling beauty and fostering entrepreneurial mindset, and an urban district showcasing fame as well as great infrastructures and landmarks; these are what giving big hopes to the 100 million Filipinos today. While problems almost never run out in this nation, the best things that continuously boost Filipinos spirit and determination to move forward are signs of hope like these.

I will keep on exploring this beautiful country as much as I can and share to the Filipinos and to the world that Philippines can still become a great nation someday. Great things are already happening. Changes for good are already taking place. Philippines as a good nation is not an impossible dream to chase. Let’s keep on working hard. Let’s keep on doing good things for the interest of our nation. We will be there soon Filipinos!

About the Author
Noriel Panganiban is a blogger. He writes on the subjects of business, current events, people, tradition, and anything about the Philippines. Noriel is an advocate of change for good in the Philippines. Explore this blog site for more blogs about this country and Noriel's mission to bring positive changes in this nation. You may also contact Noriel for tips and services on starting a business.

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