Despite the constant warnings of friends about the first movie of KC Concepcion, A's mom and I headed to the cinemas yesterday to watch it. I was being a good daughter-in-law to be and accompanied her to watch the movie.
It was a Monday and for those whose parents, uncles, aunts are senior citizens, this means they get to watch any movie for free on this day. That is Monday and Tuesday for QC residents. Not quite sure if it's the same for other cities.
I am not going to make a review about the movie. Although I have to say, the movie was so overrated. The only part I enjoyed in the film was the beautiful scenery in Greece. So back to my point.
There were only a few people who watched the movie. Probably because it was already on its second week or so plus it was a Monday. If my estimation skills are correct, there were probably about 30 of us in the cinema. Most of which are senior citizens. They all looked so fragile seeing them with their canes and their jackets. Then, it hit me! Was this all our government can offer to our senior citizens? A couple of deductions when eating out and doing their groceries and other services? And of course the piece de resistance, watching movies for free on the beginning of the week.
For those of the upper class, some may not even be using their SC (senior citizen) cards when doing their purchases or what-not. I don't blame them, why bother getting hassled with all the waiting and signing when the discount (excluding the VAT) is just a small amount. You might say, that the small deduction shouldn't be underestimated because it's still money for transpo, food etc. But I ask you, do you think the lower class would be eating in these establishments or would be going to these supermarkets to do their shopping? Correct me if I'm wrong, but can they use their SC card when they purchase a pack of instant noodles or a bar of laundry soap in a nearby sari-sari store? Or can they present their SC card to ask for a discount when they eat in a carinderia?
I don't think so.
It just makes me sad that our senior citizens aren't getting enough. They have toiled their way into providing for their families, serving the government or by just being a fellow countryman. It is at these times that I just cannot bring my head up and say that: "It is great to be a Filipino!".
So to our future presidents and government officials, I just wish that you would do more to give a better quality of life to the population that helped form this nation. Though this may be futile (yes, I can hear you saying while rolling your eyes) I just had to try to speak up.
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