Hi there! It’s another weekend, a long one at that, thanks to National Heroes’ Day. It’s interesting to note that for two consecutive weeks we got long weekends to honor heroes, or at least what they stand (or stood) for. Now, what do you think did most of us do during the long weekends (like last week and this week)? Rest, I suppose? As to the ideals that the heroes are there for, I guess we have to observe or at least be reminded about it not only during holidays, but in all the days of our lives.
Let’s direct our attention to something which does not have room for heroes - election time (forgive me for that line). TV news has always reported about the presidentiables. Lately Mar Roxas’ bid was hit by reports about the LP being supposedly torn between him and Noynoy – something which gave the party some free publicity. And Brother Eddie will be into it again with his yellow color and being reported on Ninoy Aquino day is itself. I’m wondering what happened to Eddie Gil. And then, Mr. Mike Velarde for president? Well, why not? Aside from more being merrier, it will add color (just look at his suits) to the already chaotic political exercise. But no red color please, I see blood in it.
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The final schedule of Hadang 2009 is out. The annual festival will be held from September 1 to 7, 2009, in time for the Calbayog City Fiesta. Events for the week are as follows:
- September 1 – Opening Ceremonies (6:00 pm); Hadang Ritual Competition (7:00 pm); and Starkatz and Voice Tag Bands concert (8:00 pm).
- September 2 – UV Green Lancers vs TTMIST Kings Basketball Game (4:00 pm); SMB / PBA Fans Day (6:00 pm); SMB Concert (7:00 pm).
- September 3 – “H imig Nating Pag-Ibig”, A Noel Cabangon Concert (7:00 pm)
- September 4 – Miss Anyag 2009 (7:00 pm)
- September 5 – Ladine Roxas with Strakatz and Vostagz Bands (7:00 pm)
- September 6 – MYMP in Concert with Strakatz and Vostagz Bands (7:00 pm)
- September 7 – All-Star Basketball Game (7:00 pm); Pop-Dance Competition (8:00 pm)
All events will be held at the Calbayog City Sports Center in Barangay Capoocan.
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I got into facebook only very recently, and boy was I not hooked? Anyway, I thought it was just going to be another social networking stuff like I did with friendster. That is until I saw a wall comment of a friend lamenting about how political crimes have taken the peace from his peaceful city, or at least the city he knew before he went out of it to work in some foreign land. He recently came back for vacation, apparently got updates from some neighbors or friends and then and there announced to the world that political killings are going on in Calbayog. I replied to his comment by referring to my newspaper and blog updates about the PNP’s official report on the shooting incidents that took place the past few months. I suppose it’s the same official report which the City Mayor and the PNP chief presented when they updated the Bishop about the series of shooting incidents in the City. Back to my friend, obviously he did not check on the links or the reports, humirit pa that these are political crimes and that the authorities are not doing anything. And that was it. And I never commented back. And yes, I have no plan to “un-friend” this friend of mine on facebook.
What am I up to this time? It reminded me of the line said by an official about work in government being a “damn-if-you-do-damn-if-you-don’t-job”. Yes indeed.
Another proof to tell. A few days ago, during break in the school where I am a part-time instructor, we talked about the opening of the Calbayog City Sports Center and that games and events for the fiesta are to be held there; and that there’s going to be AC, parking lot for viewer’s comfort. And then the comment, “3,000 capacity, guti-ay la itun, waay upay”. Yes, it may be small, but it is a good start.
Lo and behold, another proof about how the masters of the universe can only criticize when you are doing nothing, and criticize you just the same after you have done something which do not conform to their specs of things which they never told you about. That’s my way of saying that these are bunch of people who offer nothing to the government officials but criticism and not an iota of idea about how they wanted to make things work, the LGU and the Mayor’s “government-working-with-people” credo, notwithstanding.
And that is when I remembered Ralph Recto who lamented that you cannot wake a person pretending to be asleep; that a man pretending to be blind will not see; that a man pretending to be deaf will not hear. Yes indeed.
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Let leave you with something to smile about this week. Needless to say, it has something to do with, my favorite topic these past few weeks. Very recently, a local monastery had an activity in time for their feast day celebration. It’s a known fact that the said institution lives on donations from the faithful. Talking about donations, word or the grapevine has it that a good number of parishioners have opted to offer their donations or mass intentions to the said monastery instead of the parish. But that’s not the story (at least for today’s column).
A friend of mine and his group always performed during the yearly celebration. When they discussed about asking help from some benefactors, you know like uniform and meals for the performers, they came up with a list. And lo and behold, the name of my favorite priest was there. And when the sister saw his name, the sister said, “puydi dire tana ala siya ig-api?”. Of curse that line was said in a very calm and mild manner only a humble madre can do. Apparently pati ang mga madre in the local monastery ay din niya pinalampas. Yes, my bubwit told me that this is the same priest who supposedly called a fellow (religious) priest asking (or was it demanding?) explanation as to why he conducted a renewal of marriage vows for a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary in their chapel. From the looks of it, the couple did not ask permission form the parish, but it was only a renewal of vows. Let me see, I think the couple forgot to pay the arancel, and that’s the most important part of the sacrament. Oops, me and my mouth.
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This is it for now. Have a nice week everyone! Ciao!
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