I know it is a Sunday and I am supposed to be "resting" but I couldn't help but rant.

Having atttended mass in several countries already, I couldn't understand why in other countries, going to church can be a solemn exercise. In Korea, mass goers fall in line to get in and are seated as they are on line. Once the pews are full, the church doors are closed. The others in line would then have to wait for the next mass. Its inconvenient for some (especially those at the cut-off point) but its not entirely bad. People praying do not get disturbed by people coming in and out of the church. Here in the Philippines, people parade through the church aisle as if they are in Luneta. In Malaysia, people make it a point to come in early and practise the singing of the Responsorial psalm with the choir. Most of the families also carry with them a basket containing their mass booklets. These booklets contain all the songs and some of the prayers used within the mass. Hence, everyone participates in the singing and in praying. Even the children are very well behaved. Those who get restless and irritable are free to go out and play in the church yard. You do not hear adults talking or parents reprimanding their children. How can you listen to the Homily if the couple behind you are talking? I would guess that the difference is that early on, kids are taught that the church is a place of worship, a place where we can talk with God. Do you expect your child to be behaved inside the church if he sees his parents laughing while communion is going on? Another thing I noticed here is when people say "peace be with you" to one another - some people say the words but look at you haughtily. Is it because you are wearing designer clothes and I am not? How come people in Malaysia can say those words with a smile and a handshake and Filipinos can't? Going to communion is also an orderly affair - they do it by row kaya walang patintero sa harap ng altar.

If only we can start being disciplined in church then perhaps everything will follow.

Yes, I am proud to be a part of these resilient people called Filipinos but I am afraid that someday, even that will go away when we become a country where anything goes, where corruption and lack of discipline becomes a way of life for everyone.