Excuse my selfie
Alexis Yap
Lex in the city
THE past couple of weeks have really changed the regular routine of the Cebuanos. Nowadays, it includes soliciting donations, repacking relief goods, and distributing them in the northern parts of Cebu struck by the super typhoon Yolanda.
It’s heart-warming to see this new routine as it is heart-wrenching to actually see the disaster-stricken areas of our province. I remember this particular woman in Tindog, Medellin who touched my arm and broke into tears as she said, “Thank you,” in disbelief that we were actually there to help them. I felt an indescribable pain in my heart. I cried.
It’s so beautiful to see that many of us continue to give: our time, our money, our efforts to help those who need us the most. However, I myself have noticed a certain change in the environment of my Facebook newsfeed.
Aside from people reposting news about different issues like Korina Sanchez vs. Anderson Cooper, opportunistic politicians, and various relief goods controversies, some status updates are being posted “attacking” groups and individuals who post food, selfies, and travel pictures. Even people who post pictures of themselves repacking and distributing relief goods are being criticized as well.
If you ask me, I enjoy seeing happy, positive posts like yummy food, pretty selfies, and travel pics on my newsfeed for a change. I’m sick of looking at depressing pictures from the storm and I think I am allowed to eat a hearty meal (and Instagram it!) after repacking the entire day or driving north to distribute bundles of joy under the scorching sun to hundreds of people.
My point is, anyone should be allowed to post whatever he or she wants on the Internet without being judged.
People posting selfies and food are accused of not helping out and being insensitive. People posting pictures of themselves repacking and giving out relief goods are accused of “giving and counting the cost” and being showy and superficial. But what is the accuser doing? Aside from merely posting hate status messages on Facebook? It leaves one to wonder.
Bottom line is: it’s better to appreciate what each person is doing to help the ones in need. Because, truth is, love is all around. I can feel it. I can even see it. It’s one of the best times for us human beings. Because it is in these times we see what the human heart is really made of.
So let me post a gorgeous selfie of myself every now and then… Or a picture of a delicious plate of crispy pata once in a while if only to inspire you to help more or take a quick break so you can do more. *Wink.*
