Every Promdi's Struggle of Working or Studying in Manila

There is just this one time when we need to leave our comfort zone, follow our dreams, chase our destiny, and other cliché phrases about going after a better life. It may be because of the influence of old local movies but Filipinos have this belief that opportunity lies at the heart of our capital city, Manila. Though not entirely incorrect, this belief has set the minds of a lot of hopefuls from all over the country to try their skills, talents, wits, and luck in the big city to look for a job or study.

According to the latest census of the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA), the National Capital Region has twelve percent of the country’s population. But this numbers were never enough to diminish the spirit of a promdi on his pursuit of a greener pasture. And who wouldn’t be attracted by its high-rise offices, wide shopping district, malls, and Universities with global reputation? Who wouldn’t love to hear about a success story that was scrapped from humble beginnings?

But there are always two sides to every coin. Manila has its dimmer side which, well, doesn’t live up to the promise that its prestigious side is bragging. Here are just some of the struggles that every promdi that studies/works in Manila has experienced at least once:

The scarcity of provincial buses during Fridays and long weekends.
So here you are now, jumping up and down ‘cause you can finally stay with your family this weekend. And what else is a better way to spoil the highly anticipated long weekend and rest day than miles and miles of other promdis waiting in line, not sure if a ride home will ever come?

Train, FX, and Jeepneys rides on hard mode.
While this may be universal to commuters, MRT and LRT will always be on hard mode for promdis. Imagine fighting your way in the MRT carts, carrying a bulky bag (clothes and easy to cook food), while trying not to draw too much attention so you can secure yourself from snatchers. Now try that while running after a jeepney.

Waking up waaaaaaaaay ahead of everyone.
It’s always a relief when classes are suspended when you are still lying in bed. Don’t you just hate it when classes are not suspended in time when there are storm signals? Now imagine a promdi trying to catch a class: Imagine how he prepared just to catch a ride, how early he has to wake up, and what he needs to endure just to hear the announcement back-firing at his dedication.

It’s a good thing that the growing numbers of Quezon City Condo and Cubao Condo has somehow helped promdis to not experiencing more of these misfortunes. While some of these stories we can relate to, these are only proofs that the way the success isn’t exactly easy.

Cubao and Condominium Corporation: Investment, Memories and Constitution

Cubao condos and hotels, fast food chains and restaurants, malls and supermarket, busy street and fast-walking people, and of course, bus stations--these are the things completing today’s picture of the so-called cosmopolitan jungle.

Considered as a transportation hub and a gateway to other provinces, Cubao once had the crown as the entertainment, shopping and business center until it has been passed on unto the glam and fame of today’s Makati and Taguig.

During 1966 to 1975, different well-loved (and some forgotten) establishments took the chance of marking history with their name. Do you remember (or have even heard of) the grand Fiesta Carnival? It is one of the indoor entertainment parks in 1970’s. Also, the very first branch of an ice cream parlor turned all-time-favorite Filipino fast food chain could be found in Cubao, Jollibee. Another is the mall which brings Christmas spirit to the next level with their animatronics show, COD.

But, change also happens to places. New names occupy the old infrastructures—new names for the same meeting place like the old building of the formerly A&W Restaurant. In addition, the old movie houses that once were common dating places for lovers now serve as churches for some religious groups. In line with today’s technological advancements, movie theaters, shopping centers, entertainment and food could now be found in centralized malls. These sudden changes on the establishments and the industries may be one of the reasons why some people have fear when it comes to buying a Cubao condo and some other condo units in the Philippines.

Republic Act No. 4726 (Condominium Act) of the Philippines in 1966 is an act defining condominium, establishing requirements for its creation, and governing its incidents. It answers the BIG question on whether a condominium unit would be derelict after 50 years of occupancy, leaving the owner nothing. The Condominium Act clearly explains that if the project has become obsolete and uneconomical and has exceeded 50 years, it is subject to demolition and repair. However, this doesn’t mean that the owner’s investment will be totally gone. Condominium, like any other corporation, value each unit owner’s thoughts and ideas in decision-making regarding the project. Also, condominium corporations ideally abide by the 50 year rule but still give the chance to renew for another 50 year term depending on the needs, ie the condo is still in good condition, livable and safe.

Essentially, sudden and gradual change in a certain place, like Cubao, and among corporation and industries, like condominium development, does not mean that an investment (monetary or melancholic) will be gone in a single snap of a finger. Even though you can no longer visit A&W Restaurant where it used to be, in your memories, it is still the same restaurant that served you the Root Beer Float you thought you’d always be able to enjoy. The Fiesta Carnival that brings you joy when you’re younger still playfully stays on your sentimental memory. The joy and proud feeling you have remembering these places, like the time you first afforded to buy a condo unit, is a treasure that could never be stolen, not even by change.