Well, here we are again. Who would have thought we’d survive another year to listen to President Noynoy Aquino aka PNOY‘s SONA? Not too long ago, he gave his very first (and now heavily dissected) State of the Nation Address before the 15th Congress. Little did we know then that it was gonna be a rough glimpse of what we could expect in his future SONAs and mini-SONAs — a lot of ex-PGMA bashing — and not so much about accomplishments because, give him a break, he just got elected! Haven’t you guys heard of “honeymoon”? Let the dust settle a bit, will you?!

So we waited.

Like kids on their first day of school, we waited with wide eyes and rehearsed smiles for that first word from our teacher. First command. First lecture. First star.

Fast forward 364 days later and we realize we’re still sitting in the same spot — only that now we sit with tired, droopy, bloodshot eyes. We also figured that we can only hold that rehearsed smile for so long until that darn thing turns into an awful frown.

All the while, it’s been all commands, all lectures — no stars.

But we’re not children. So the grown-ups that we are started picking up jaws that dropped on the floor, scratched our eyes, hollered “WTF?!” and walked-out of the room in ballistic disgust.

Because grown-ups don’t care much for stars. We want planets, galaxies, universes. We want them big, right here, right now! Hey, who wants to wait that long?!

You see, what you and that kid have in common are expectations (and probably some delusions) about how things ought to be. Kids aren’t definitely known for their patience, are they? And don’t even start me with their wild imaginings!

So here’s the thing: How about we stop being whiny kids and start acting like ‘enlightened’ adults?

I know that’s hard. I’ve been a kid all my life. I now have a kid of my own so there are effectively two kids in my house. Acting like a true grown-up will always be a challenge to many people out there, myself included.

But it’s the call of the times. It’s the call of our land. Grow-up now or die a slow, painful economic and sociopolitical death.

Now is the time to think small — not big. Today, we are called upon to rise up to the challenge of leaving our childish ways behind and finally taking on adult duties.

The Palace says, PNOY’s second SONA happening today, July 25, 2011 (4PM Monday) will focus mainly on “social transformation” — the form of change I’ve advocated ever since and have written about here –> “The Philippines’ Biggest Problem” and here–>> “The Revolution Within”. It is a good sign, in my opinion that the President is laying down a good foundation in terms of re-branding his “Matuwid na Daan” battle-cry into a more meaningful and perhaps “pun-proof” message.

Now is the time to celebrate little victories — to build on them and not shoot them at first sight. We can no longer afford to ignore the job of rebuilding this country’s long-lost glory sitting on our front porch, waiting to be taken inside and not thrown to the neighbor’s lot or to the sitting President.

Slow and steady economic growth must be appreciated and sustained (ie., creation of 1.4 million jobs). Declining poverty levels, however little must be noted and yes, broadcasted to the ends of the earth. Efforts to curb spending must be cheered on and supported. Apologies must be heard and accepted. Whatever little good we do, we have to chalk it up, even carve it in stone if we must.

Because it’s the little things that make up the bigger picture. The success is in the details. And unless we stop punishing ourselves for not living up to our expectations big time, right here, right now we will always fail to see the good in our leaders, our country and ultimately, ourselves.

Slow, steady progress is still progress in my book and I would always prefer little than none at all.

So yeah, let me hear what you have to say, PNOY. Shower me with statistics, give me figures, sashay your way with that PowerPoint presentation, because while I may never become a huge fan of yours, I sure want to try being a grown-up for a change — for myself, for my kid, for my country.