Where everyday politics exists (SPACE)

   Politics is located everywhere. Name it. We may not mention it directly, but there will always be a hint of what politically is happening. As we have gone over some places in the province of Laguna last March 1-3 of this year, these 3 days of observation has proved a lot to say that the term politics is not just about how power is mobilized or ways in which the citizens are governed by the authorities. Politics is no longer just about public issues, but now involves the ordinary, the everyday life, the personal— the personal is political; it is no longer just about grand, visible and public processes, but also about diverse, local “stories”.

1^st destination: Paseo de Sta. Rosa, Laguna

   Class. Income Level. Types of people.

   This was our first destination. As I have analyzed the place, it is more concerned of the classes, not just like other areas wherein everyone is entertained. There are few entering the place.  You can see the stores which are biased with regard to those who are able to buy. You may argue with the time. It was an afternoon and a Friday. It is not a typical weekday which people do not bother to entertain themselves. Surely, it should be visited with a lot of people. There is this certain part of sports stalls where expensive yet trusted sports wears are sold. Also, within the vicinity are different kinds of restaurants. If I will compare the people present in such nowadays, I could say that the amount of commodities can still be considered as affordable to them, may it be apparently elites or in the middle class. An example of this would be Shakey’s. Before, there will never be people who are not regarded as high class eating in this kind of restaurant. But look at it now, even the students choose such for lunch. However, if the poor are to be exposed to this place, instead of buying something, they might as well use their money for cheap transportation to go to a more “public-friendly” mall or just stay at home. The prices of the products are obviously stated since the ambiance of the place is somehow favoring the people who can afford to stay there for a walk. It is simple yet peaceful. Also, the structure of the whole Paseo is more of divisions based on the aura of the stalls (depending on items sold and prices).

2^nd destination: SM Calamba, Laguna

This is where different types of people are found. Shoe Mart does not cater commodities which are not appealing to the public, quality and amount wise. Together with my friends, we roamed around the area observing where people usually go. Places were the SM Food Court, vacant corners where students stay since during that time, their classes have ended already. (apparently using mall’s free internet), small stalls in the middle. There were only few watching inside the movie house. Most of them are just strolling around. Others were buying groceries, particularly families whose main purpose is to go to the supermarket. This is the place where class is not considered at all. There may be the high and middle class type in elegant places within the vicinity but with regard to the entirety of the place, it is not limited to a specific group of people.

3^rd destination: Liliw, Laguna

This is known for its shoes sold in almost every corner of the municipality in the entire province. As I roamed around the place, it was evident that the products are not those native-type sandals usually seen in such provinces. There are already the modern ones. Historically, there was no industry years ago. It was then argued that the Tsinelas Festival Liliw has today is made few years back. This could be the reason why they mostly sell shoes which are mainly seen in malls. They are going with the flow of the modern era. Moreover, pastries and different kinds of food are not originally produced in the area. They are usually bought outside of Liliw (in other parts of the province which are really the original ones), put up stalls along the streets and sell them to those what we call “mga dayo.”

4^th destination: Night Life in UPLB (Along the streets)

Night life is literally a night life in UPLB. We can say that since it is a province, people usually stay at their houses or dormitories and study. However, this is not true. LB people, mostly students, are also engaging in the modernization of entertainment. We were in a certain chill place along the area at 7:30 in the evening. As time passes by, individuals are coming over, may it be students or adults. They are already used to the ambiance of what is it to be experiencing the night life of a particular area that is why, the idea of a life in the province is somehow disregarded. Commodities are sold and bought.