The ghosts of Christmas past

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

Hi there! It’s going to be another long weekend. Blame it on the many holidays in the past so many months, or maybe the senior citizen in me, I am lost as to why we refrain from work on Monday. Seriously, I’m afraid the day “allotted” for Andres Bonifacio would be just like any other holiday – one where we refrain from work on the first day of the week (thanks to the holiday economics) and something for the pages of our history books.

So they have thrown out the impeachment complaint. While watching the news about the House Justice Committee deliberating on the issue, I imagined Bolante and the euro generals smiling. No, not because it’s almost Christmas, but because for a few moments (fleeting, if I may add) focus was made on PGMAs foes and allies at the house. And yes, it’s not that I don’t like PGMA, but to compare her plight to that of Jesus?

Talking about Christmas (I mean the term). When the former speaker went on cam, err, testified against PGMA, and said all those nasty stuff about payoffs, bribery and what have you, it occurred to me that the ghosts of Christmas past must either be the farthest or what was in his mind (goodness, what am I saying?). I mean yes, he should be the one in the know about interesting details that characterized PGMA’s presidency. But, tsk, tsk, too late the hero.

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The Calbayog City Public Library on Monday commenced their Open House in observance of the National Book Week. Mayor Mel Sarmiento was on hand to formally open the affair. The week-long activity will end tomorrow.

We are pleased to inform all concerned that the library is now fully-airconditioned. The City Mayor has informed the library staff that white tiles and steel racks for the books will be installed soon; and at least 10 units of computers with internet connection will be put in place in January of 2009.

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The venerable La Milagrosa Academy turned 98 years old yesterday. Events for the day included a Thanksgiving Mass led by Bishop Isabelo Abarquez; the Blessing of the new Elementary Building; a Thanksgiving Banquet; and the Procession of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, the school’s Patron Saint.

The LMA Grand Alumni Homecoming dubbed as Rayhak 2008 will be held tomorrow at 1 pm.

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THE CKC-JOSE GOMEZ ORCHESTRA IN CONCERT

The CKC Jose Gomez Orchestra will have a Concert on December 12, 2008. The event will be held at the Frs. Leopold and David Auditorium at the CKC Campus. There will be two performances on that day, a matinee at 3:00 pm and gala performance at 6:30 pm.

Tickets are priced at 100 pesos. 500-peso sponsor tickets are also available. Proceeds of the concert will form part of the funds being raised for the renovation of the auditorium which will serve as the official home of the orchestra.

You may purchase your tickets at the CKC Bookstore; or at the gate during the concert.

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Wedding Bells. Peter Lavendia got married to Lady Avergonzado last Saturday. Msgr. Leonardo Guadalquiver presided over the wedding mass was held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Concelebrating with him was the bride’s cousin Fr. Guillermo Allorro. Reception was held at the Centennial Pastoral Center.

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Let me leave you with something to smile about this week. It’s something I got via email: Signs.

• Sign over a Gynecologist's Office: "Dr. Jones, at your cervix."
• In a Podiatrist's office: "Time wounds all heels."
• On a Septic Tank Truck: “Yesterday's Meals on Wheels.”
• At a Proctologist' s door: "To expedite your visit, please back in."On a Plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed."
• On another Plumber's truck: "Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
• On a Church's Bill board: "7 days without God makes one weak."
• At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee: "Invite us to your next blowout."
• At a Towing company: "We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
• On an Electrician's truck: "Let us remove your shorts."
• In a Nonsmoking Area: "If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."
• On a Maternity Room door: "Push. Push. Push."
• At an Optometrist's Office: "If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."
• On a Taxidermist's window: "We really know our stuff."
• On a Fence: "Salesmen welcome! Dog food is expensive!"
• At a Car Dealership: "The best way to get back on your feet - miss a car payment."
• Outside a Muffler Shop: "No appointment necessary. We hear you coming."
• In a Veterinarian's waiting room: "Be back in 5 minutes. Sit! Stay!"
• At the Electric Company "We would be delighted if you send in your payment. However, if you don't, you will be."
• In a Restaurant window: "Don't stand there and be hungry; come on in and get fed up."
• In the front yard of a Funeral Home: "Drive carefully. We'll wait."
• At a Propane Filling Station: "Thank heaven for little grills."
• Sign on the back of another Septic Tank Truck: "Caution - This Truck is full of Political Promises."

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