"Back in the Days"

     Every time I hear someone say “back in the days”, I make an effort to turn around and see who the speaker is.  That is because most of those who utter this phrase are normally in their forties and, I believe, have no points of reference for making this comment.

     Just the same, I am starting to think about “back in the days” which makes me really seem quite ancient.  For one, though, I get to envy, if not shocked by, the freedom that this current generation enjoys in the way they conduct their usual activities; most especially – the young women.  

     For example, it was taboo in our time to apply lipstick or comb your hair in public.  It’s against etiquette and will raise a lot of eyebrows. 

     Nowadays, it is not unusual in restaurants to see young ladies peering through their compact re-applying lipstick and brushing their hair here, there and everywhere.  Some even make the motion of opening their mouths to check if any food particles are stuck between their teeth.  These maybe everyday occurrences but, for me, I get totally flabbergasted by such behavior! 

     I had, in fact, one such distressful experience when I had to meet a client in Makati very, very early in the morning.  Because our car was “coding” that day, I was constrained to take an FX ride.  Sitting tightly within the confines of the vehicle were all types of young professionals hurrying to work.  At about the corner of EDSA and Ayala Avenue, I was awakened from my light slumber by rustlings around me.  Apparently, the noises were created by all the ladies, AS IN ALL, who were whipping out their compacts, lipsticks, hair brushes, eyeshadows and blushers.  All (again, I mean ALL) of them started to paint their office faces right there!  Whoa!!! What is this?  They were turning the vehicle into one beauty salon and all kinds of smells and scents bombarded my nostrils.  Is this how “ladies” prepare for a hard day at work? 

     “Back in the days,”  we would hie off to the ladies room as soon as we arrived at the workplace and did our make-up (whatever little we needed to wear) and re-combed our hair in the confines and PRIVACY of that room!

     “Back in the days,” too, the ladies room was also where we lit up a ciggie and passed a bit of time chitchatting with officemates. 

     These days, it is not uncommon to see clusters of women smokers hanging around sidewalks while sitting along the cement stairs of their work building.  Some even walk around with cigarette in hand while walking to or from their destinations and also while waiting for a ride.  In our days, you behave like this and you will forever be branded as a “Kanto Girl”.

     Because this generation cut its teeth on the 24/7 culture, it is normal to see even very young ladies walking the streets at all hours of the night.  Some purposefully going places, some obviously just loitering. 

     “Back in the days”, dare do this and you will have the shameful alias of “Kik-ng Gala” (Pus-y on the prowl).

     I’m not trying to knock this current lot of generations X & Y as some marketing strategists would like to brand them.  In fact, there are too many things about them that I admire and respect.

     I marvel at their ability to create a niche for work at home.  Many make money blogging, transcribing documents, and conducting researches.  Some successfully create online market for products that they, themselves, craft.  I’ve even met artists who do personal caricatures and portraits and all transactions are done online.

     “Back in the days,”  we needed to get up at the break of dawn, ate a hurried breakfast, hang on for safety if and when we caught a bus or jeepney ride and reported for work – ON TIME – with bundy clock clicking to prove it!

     There are just too many differences between Now and Back in the Days.  Each generation to its own pleasure and this old, meddling wacko can only watch the world evolve; most times in amusement but occasionally, in horror!