Great Expectations

Reaching the age of eighteen technically gives the notion of breaking away from youth and commencing the phase of adulthood. For us youngsters, it can only mean one thing: freedom! We are gripped less tightly from our parents' clutches, making our own decisions and doing the things we want with no authority stopping us, since it's legal now. Access to the town's hippest nightspots, the right to party Oktoberfest-style, being an audience of mature cinema, thumbing your way to the ballot box, and whatnot -- ah, the perks of being a full-fledged member of the state! Smile to the heavens and think that you should've grown up sooner and just let childhood drift -- this IS the good life!

But like every double-barreled 'wonder' cure, you have to pay for the pleasure you've gained. Newton has proved himself well with his law of interaction -- you must decide and think as if your life depends it, as you have sole responsibility for the whole ordeal, whether it blooms or bombs.

And more than knowing right from wrong, here's the "modern world" expectations for people coming of age. Oh, it has never looked so bad:

When you're 18, you don't ask questions. You ought to have learned the 4 W's and H's of everything by then.

You're supposed to have a say on current issues and be globally conscious. If not, you'll be dismissed as a "pa-bourgeois effect" with not a care in the world.

You should know how to drive, or at least know the jeepney/bus/FX routes of this very congested metropolis.

At 18 you should have accumulated a fair amount of wisdom to dispense sage advice to your younger peers. In the case disaster happens, don't worry about your neck -- in no time it WILL be broken.

Your mind should be a treasure trove of general information (chemical symbols, countries AND its capitals & currencies) -- just so that you're "game-show worthy".

Being "grown-up" means having a considerable skill on public relations (PR) to rival that of your local politico's -- it will be your main thrust at work, at relationships, at life.

In the romance department, your present flame should be "the world's most eligible bachelor" or "the girl next door". For all we know, that's a dime in twelve dozen. And...

You know where you're at, and you know where it's going to take you.

Some (or all) of the expectations mentioned may be quite outrageous, as if turning eighteen means never getting caught playing Barbie or Lego ever again. Live and laugh with the post-menor de edad thrills, though consider the "dark truths" above as your survival manual for the future. Kids are growing up faster and more cunning than they used to be.

Many of my friends, myself included, are hitting the big 1-8 this year with the stark actualization that "we're getting older". Well, enjoy and make the most of our still very young lives, because no reality show is better than the one we're starring at.