Today, the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue, also known as EDSA, is not merely a historic spot, like the past generation may know. It was the platform used by many Filipinos who fought for democracy in 1986. Twenty years had passed, yet it had now turned into a site for a subtle way of expressing freedom.

It may be seen that the 21st century had paved the way for the liberating growth of billboard advertisements in the metropolis. No doubt, EDSA appears to be the most wanted venue for these ads. Different companies from telecommunications, apparel, to fast food chain, pharmaceutical and many others ensure they’ve got a slot at least at one corner of EDSA.

I reside in Quezon City, and I ride the MRT every time I go to work in Makati. I don’t have to worry about traffic jams and boredom. While on the train, these billboards will surely get the attention of the passengers. They would even captivate you at times, especially when famous celebrities are the product endorsers. Also, there are billboards with animations, as if one is just viewing a usual commercial shown in the boob tube. Well, this is just one of the cool changes the country has that probably our folks abroad would look forward to see when they’re back home. Traffic would always be there, but isn’t it nice when something new come to sight?

At least, these billboards help ease the tension while on the road, and who says one has to own a TV just to see the entertaining ads?…  Not anymore, and we may be expecting for the best for the years ahead of us. It still is because nothing’s permanent in this world but change!

Speaking of changes, there came a sudden decrease of these outdoor advertisements just recently. This was after the super typhoon, Milenio, hit Metro Manila on September 28. It was the strongest typhoon in about a decade that directly whacked the country’s capital. EDSA was one site of havoc at that time, due to the number of billboards that had collapsed along the long stretch of the avenue. But because of the government’s intent for public safety and as a preventive measure for probable danger, these controversial ads along EDSA and all over the metropolis are under intense security.

To date, it is still under review as to whether all billboard ads will be restored but only few may stay on. After all, it is for every citizen’s welfare that our security is prioritized when we are beset with such worst weather condition. This place called EDSA may again be transformed in a few months or years from now. We hope it’s for the better…

Images borrowed from
www.wikipedia.com