Unlimited

My place of work is also an area created for party-ing and gimmicks...I noticed the existence of cinemas, recreational areas, large parking areas, trails of indoor and outdoor restos, bars and the 24x7 variety of fast-food chains; makes sure that the whole miniature "city" is sleepless like the New York in US. But tonight as I sat for dinner; instead of enjoying the live band playing at the background and watch the young professionals, fashionistas and trendy teens pass me by; I was stroked by a lightning bolt of electricity! Okay that was an exaggeration personified. So, allow me to be more casual…I am bothered with the Filipino teens unlimited access to alcoholic drinks and beverages and 'smoke'. I was once a minor myself, but gosh I must bean homebody and a real hard-core student-home teen that I was not introduced to their “teen-age” world…

I am not holy nor am I perfect…But I learned drinking with my parent’s consent. And was introduced early in life how ‘smoking’ can affect my body, luckily taught by my own uncles who learned the hard way (Lung cancer, TB and need I say more?) They all say the same thing to me, “occasional drinking and smoking should be fine”. If they become ‘vices’ or you become addicted to them, that’s makes it bad. But all of them agreed to this one-liner, if you can avoid them, do.

Yes, I was fortunate enough to have a family that takes these issues seriously. But not all Filipino families take this as seriously as what our country's statistics primary causes of pre-marital sex…that leads to teen-age pregnancy, drunk-driving, murder, robbery and even suicide. *This is what happens when you become accustomed to lawyers as friends and politicians as relatives**lolz**

Even in high-school, we were taught about being “aware” of the cons of alcohol-drinking and smoking. And there was even a time when my parents or were reminded by our parish priest that 'charity begins at home'; and they were challenged to educate the youth about the consequences of being an alcohol-drinker and smoker. And then our priest asked everyone too to take extra effort for those who were born without a family or relatives or those who are physically away from their own loved ones. It was a long time ago but as I grow-up I noticed how our parish priest makes miracles into a reality in our lives.
And I also recalled having been reading this article of a 'minor' three years ago, who wrote a petition to 'lower the drinking age' in US from 21 years old to 18 years old…atleast. He wrote the petition when he was 19 years of age. And I wonder how he is now? And I'm guessing if he still remembers the petition he submitted to the office of the congress? But then again, he is already 21 now…why would he even bother following up, right?

But the point is…other countries do take “the right age of drinking and smoking” as national interest and a political responsibility. So what does the Filipino youth have to say or do about this? Nothing much I guess, we are free from taking responsibility of alcohol-drinking and smoking. It is up to an individual how he or she takes this 'freedom' and will...regardless if he or she was blessed with parents or relatives or friends or teachers or mentors that provides guidance and proper education regarding responsible alcohol-drinking and smoking (if should we call it that way..)

Well I was under 18 once, so now that I am not affected by this rule of no alcohol-drinks and smoke to under 18 years of age; should I still care? Should I be bothered? Should I take part and take this issue to a higher court? I guess I don’t have to…

Because we can do better than that…A ‘blog’ is a very powerful yet also educational; sometimes can be political, entertaining and I must say sensible argumentative tool of today....

Check out the blog http://blog.youthrights.org/, see for yourself what the youth does with their freedom and how powerful part of the society we are. **winks**