“Sir bawal pong magpapiktyur dito. Bawal piktyuran ang Malacanang.” (Sir, picture taking is not allowed. Taking a picture of Malacanang is not allowed.) This is what the man in uniform told us when we were riding the Pasig River Ferry last month as we were attempting to take a picture of the palace by the river which symbolizes the country’s power. I just couldn’t get the logic of why people are not allowed to take the picture of this palace that has been displayed in the twenty peso bill? And guess what, Malacanang is just one of them here in Metro Manila.

After September 11 attacks in the United States and the Rizal Day Bombings, the Western world was shrouded with paranoia that a terrorist attack may occur any time and anywhere. Well, we are living in a “world of terror” as Dubya Bush said, so we need some protection. Security was beefed up in several places especially in public transport terminals, light rail train stations, shopping malls, airports and the likes. The power of security guards with their so-called “Magic Stick” upon entering an establishment became a norm and opening up your carry-on bag is a must. As what they say “refusal for inspection denies entry and subject for investigation.” Read the rest of this entry »