BOYSIE VILLAVICENCIO

MANY years ago when security in private villages was not so strict, to avoid traffic, non-residents could take several routes in and around n Bel-Air Village in Makati City.

The modern malls and condos of Rockwell did not exist then and I specially remember there was a big fire in the power plant right outside the village. The fire endangered the lives of the residents who lived along Estrella St. and thank God even with the limited facilities of our fire stations and our firefighters then, the fire was controlled and no one was hurt.

When the gates of Bel-Air Village were closed to the public, it became exclusively for the use of its residents, and motorists going to Makati’s business and commercial areas discovered and created routes around the village.

Thus, the streets of Jupiter, Reposo, Polaris, Makati, and Imelda Avenues naturally turned commercial. Specialty restaurants, offices, inns, bars, flower shops, and other business establishments found homes in these areas.

As business boomed around Bel-Air, things were stirring inside the village, and residents began to take a more active role in their community.

Activities for the seniors and the young were organized. There were basketball leagues held in the park and in fact, I remember having been invited by Munte del Rosario and Malyne Fernandez -Lorayes to watch them dance the Rigodon de Honor at the Bel-Air Village park.

Bel-Air Village is well known for its cleanliness. In December, Bel-Air is the best-decorated village in the whole metropolis. It shows the the bayanihan spirit is very much alive.

Recently, Barangay Bel-Air, Makati held its annual Pasinaya celebration dubbed as "Bel-Air Na, New Wave Pa." The event started with a ribbon cutting led by Rep. Teddy Boy Locsin, Mayor Jejomar Binay and his wife doctor Elenita Binay.

Nene Lichauco, the festival director, worked hard in bringing everyone together to put on a fantastic show. In their speeches Bel-Air Barangay Captain Victor Gomez, Jr. and Bel-Air Village Association, Inc. president Bobby Benares expressed their pride in their community.

The Pasinaya was truly an inspiring celebration from which all of us can learn. It proves that solidarity is the key to any successful community.

We wish all communities all over the Philippines would learn from the residents of Bel-Air, then this country would be paradise!

Good morning, sunshine!