mga manash, baklesh itish, feel nyo?

(This column appears in today's edition of the Leyte-Samar Daily Express)

Hi there! It’s another weekend. So, what’s with today’s title? Well, I was feeling kinda nostalgic about my days in U.P. and among the memorable moments I’ve got (read: opposite to the memories of the dreaded anatomy and microbiology classes) was one article in the Philippine Collegian entitled just that (I mean today’s title). Along that line I’d like to say: Gays rejoice, the pink lingo which is more often than not referred to as just that – gay – and therefore should remain in the pink world which most people would refer to as nothing different to a world characterized by being unconventional which many further define as simply abnormal. Pardon me, but pink is all over the place.

So why should I be devoting one column on the pink lingo? Well, blame it on the latest issue (should we call it fiasco?) that hit the judiciary, thanks (should I add: but no thanks?) to Manolo Lopez and Winston Garcia and their respective cohorts (how’s the term different from conspirators?) Anyway, the issue is all over the place and you ought to know, otherwise, you must have over-extended your fishing expedition.

When the CA investigation commenced more than a week ago, it meant that CA Justice Jose Sabio and businessman Francis De Borja had to be in one place. And then and there the word “dedma” was uttered by the justice, referring to the snobbery on the part of Mr. De Borja. I suppose the good justice said the word just to lighten up what can be considered a tense situation. Alas, came the news that his attention was called and that he was reprimanded for uttering the word.

Well, I did not take my time to listen to the reason as to why the justice was reprimanded. I guess it’s for the plain and simple reason that it (the term “dedma”) is so gay, and thus it has no place in such an honorable place and for honorable people. Be that as it may, I still say pink peso spenders rejoice! Gay lingo, or at least a word from its colorful collection of vocabulary has been elevated a notch never before imaginable. (smile! It’s a weekend!)

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And while we are on the issue about the pink world, try reviewing that BBC, yes BBC report on Saisaket, a place in Northeastern Thailand. So, what about it? No, it did not mention anything about elephants, the royal family or Buddhism. It’s about their comfort rooms. The people are so civilized (or maybe educated, no, open-minded is more like it) that they have one for male, another for female, and hold your breath, another one for gays. Yun lang! (oops, again, just wanna make you smile this weekend)

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Tidbits of local history. So, you think the crisis on rice is something new? Think again. Let me give something which I got from the October 1911 issue of the Eco de Samar y Leyte:

- The shortage of rice on the provinces has been relieved this week by distribution of the staple at different points. 2,000 sacks have been sent from Manila to Catbalogan for distribution in the Samar Province.

- France (French) authorities have forbidden further exportation of rice from Saigon. Saigon rice is now at a premium in Manila. Number one Luzon rice is quoted at 12 pesos a picul and ordinary rice is 8 pesos and 20 centavos having risen 20 centavos a picul since Tuesday.

- The price of sugar in Manila has risen from 11 (pesos) to 13 (pesos) for 100 pounds during the past month. One of the highest prices for the staple known in the local market.

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In celebration of the Calbayog City fiesta, the City Government thru the City Arts and Culture Office will be spearheading the HADANG Festival 2008. The said festival is slated to run from September 5 to 7, 2008.

Among its highlights is the Grand Streetdancing Competition on September 7. The competition is open to all Festival / Cultural groups in Samar. The grand prize is One Hundred Thousand Pesos. Interested groups may get in touch with the City Arts and Culture Office at (055) 209-16-46.

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This is it for now. Have a nice weekend everyone! Ciao!