ST. JOSEPH, the Worker must be sitting quite uncomfortably somewhere out there. While the saintly patron of the workers is getting the adulation that few people who walked this world can only dream of, there are enough reasons to believe he might not exactly be smiling from ear to ear on his day.

May 1 has traditionally been a red-letter day not only for workers but is a day that people from all walks of life look forward to as a holiday and a break from the usual work routine. It is of course enough cause for reflection, why on a day where the values of St. Joseph, the Worker in particular and workers in general are extolled, May 1 has been observed instead as a “workless” day.

Tagbilaran City moves up one step farther, observing the man and the day with an extra reverence, if not with more revelry, given the manner with which Boholanos take to fiestas and celebrations. So on the day when work and its chief patron are supposed to be given prominence, it has since become an occasion for rejoicing and fun. It is not that people should deprive themselves of fun and revelry because they are workers. The irony is that work is the last thing on the minds of many people on this day.

This year's celebration takes on added significance in Tagbilaran. For one, the city has basked in the distinction of making it to two impressive listings, one by the respected Institute for Solidarity in Asia and the other by the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center .

It is not every day that Tagbilaran gets recognized for advocacies that enhance the business climate. It indeed augurs well for a city that long toiled in the doldrums of anonymity, if not neglect. And yet, it is also not far-fetch to anticipate an exciting day given Malacañang's warning that its critics have other ideas in mind aside from the traditional protest activities like mass actions and demonstrations.

One year after ex-Pres. Joseph Estrada was unseated in a popular uprising, his supporters attempted to return the favor but fell short due to lack of support from other sectors. That year, Tagbilaranons alternated between the merry-making and monitoring the activities in the capital. We can only hope nothing of that sort transpires this year. Whatever, it's all in a day's work. Or is it?