“It can be done.” De Quiros looks at Marikina, and sees what a miraculous transformation can take place when Filipinos apply themselves locally. I haven’t been to Marikina for years, and I remember it being rather seedy back then. Now, from here on the other side of the ocean, I regret not having seen how it has changed. But if Marikina can do it, so can the rest of the country, which provides some small glimmer of hope.