Why I can’t be a TV anchor

 

“Writing is reporting what we saw after the vision has left us. It is catching the fish which the tide has left far up on our shores in the low and depressed places.”

— John Burroughs

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

I CAN never be a TV news anchor because I am terribly “weak” and can’t control my emotion when delivering depressing news like the recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey where the death toll has risen to 8,000+ as of this writing.

We have been supposedly trained to be strong not only mentally, but most importantly emotionally, so as not to be carried away when we report the shocking news.

It’s not the earthquake per se that melts my heart. Earthquakes happen from time to time in different countries in different magnitude and different number of casualties. It’s really news. 

What broke my heart on Tuesday (February 7) morning was when I learned from the cable TV news that many of those killed in Adana, Antakya and Istanbul in Turkey were children; in fact, cute innocent tots.

The graphic images of wounded children trapped under the rubbles instantly brought tears to my eyes early morning before I started my work for the day.

It’s good I’m a print journalist, not a radio or TV reporter doing “live” interviews and reporting. I can still “hide” my feelings while I write sad stories. 

Rescue workers fanned across Turkey and Syria in a second day of racing to find survivors from the massive earthquake and multiple aftershocks that leveled thousands of buildings across the region, and reportedly sent the confirmed death toll soaring past 7,700 people.

Adding insult to the situation in Turkey was the freezing winter temperatures and dozens of aftershocks from Monday morning's magnitude 7.8 earthquake that reportedly hampered the work to sift through the rubble of buildings and find survivors who were at risk of suffering from hypothermia as temperatures dipped below 27 degrees Fahrenheit.

We’re hoping rescuers would be able to save more people trapped underneath the building apartments leveled to the ground. 

Sadly, it was suspected that the casualties could increase to 10,000 and even higher after all the bodies have been dug up. God, please help them, especially the children, women, and elderly.

 

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Some of the most important information about LeBron James’ recent headline-grabbing conquest in the NBA nearly escaped us as we were focusing on President Joe Biden’s State-Of-The-Union address February 9 night when the “breaking” news about James arrived.

Thanks to The New York Times’ Sophan Deb for supplying the missing link for my story.

The Lakers forward became the leading scorer in NBA history after breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s career record of 38,387 points, a feat that once had seemed impossible for anyone—but James has become known for making the improbable part of his routine.

According to Deb, James broke the record on a fadeaway 2-point shot with seconds remaining in the third quarter of Tuesday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

He extended his arms out like he was flying as he jogged back toward the other basket, then raised his arms up as he looked up into the stands at the thousands of people who had come to see him make history, narrated Deb.

“He paused for a second, bent over and rested his hands on his knees and smiled as his family and friends jumped out of their seats in celebration and joined him on the court. He had tears in his eyes,” recalled Deb.

 

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The record had seemed to be set in stone, untouched for decades even by greats like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. 

But the 38-year-old James, in his 20th season, was still pouring in points as one of the best players in the NBA.

Since the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him No. 1 overall in 2003, Deb said James has made thousands of dunks, fadeaways, free throws, 3-pointers, hook shots and everything in between. 

And now, with his latest act of defying the odds of his age, James will bolster his supporters’ claims that he, and not Jordan, is the best player ever.

Deb said James came into Tuesday night’s game ready to make history. He dressed more formally than he normally does for games, wearing a shining black suit on his way into the arena. TNT, which was broadcasting the game, had fixed a microphone to his jersey to capture what he said.

“The fans were ready, too,” Deb continued. “When James caught the ball, they buzzed. When he missed, they groaned. When he scored, they roared. Abdul-Jabbar, sitting courtside, smiled and clapped as he watched his record fall.”

Abdul-Jabbar set the record with the Lakers on April 5, 1984, dethroning Wilt Chamberlain, who had retired a decade earlier with 31,419 points. 

Abdul-Jabbar added nearly 7,000 points over the next five years before retiring after the 1988-89 season. Jordan and Bryant ended their careers thousands of points behind him.

By the time the longtime Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone had played his last game in 2004, he was second behind Abdul-Jabbar — and about 1,500 points short. 

That was the end of James’s rookie year. James had begun his own journey.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

Ilonggos’ unearned shame and humiliation

 “If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us.”

— Francis Bacon

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IT’S grossly unfair to all the Ilonggos living in Western Visayas and anywhere around the world that they have to endure the terrible shame and humiliation inflicted by the rancid P680-million Ungka flyover in Pavia, Iloilo.

The indignity and chagrin worsened when visitors from other regions and countries who came for the recent week-long Iloilo Dinagyang Festival 2023 heard and witnessed first-hand how puke-inducing this  Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project has become.

Before the tourists came, the scandalous project had already earned infamy and notoriety after it was exposed in the mainstream and social media and repeatedly reported all over the world via the internet because of its unique aberration since 2022.

If you are an Ilonggo working or living in Budapest, Doha, Berlin, Phuket, Yokohama, Auckland, Acapulco, Perth, Denver, Abu Dhabi, Kaohsiung, Johannesburg, Dhaka, Winnipeg, Mexicali, Guangzhou, Havana, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, among other major cities in the world and you are asked about the disgraceful Iloilo flyover project, you feel like shrinking in shame and embarrassment. 

The subject matter is indefensible, unjustifiable, and unforgivable.

In fact, it’s distasteful even for a morning coffeeshop hobnob.  

How can you begin a light conversation about the issue with foreigners in foreign lands when you are aware of your impending doom? 

 

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The scandal has become an international fiasco for Iloilo; some foreigners (although many of us may hiss “we don’t care about what the foreigners will say. If the flyover project is a sonnabavitch, well, it’s our sonnabavitch and not theirs”) will think the Ilonggos are dishonest and unreliable when it comes to hosting and building a “mere” flyover project. 

If the Ilonggos “can’t be trusted” with a flyover project, how can they be trusted with a superhighway or an industrial complex-sized project? 

The damage to reputation has almost become irreparable. 

The Ilonggos did not intend and never wished to be in the list of disreputable and unscrupulous creatures on earth. 

The Ilonggos, in general, are known to be patriots and honorable citizens, not crooks, cretins, rascals, and ninny lobcocks.  

Hey, wait a minute, the Ilonggos are, in fact, the primary victims here. When public officials like those in the DPWH goofed in the projects intended for use of general public, in this case, by the Ilonggos, the latter were in the receiving end, the first to be smacked across the face.   

When traffic turned into a colossal nightmare because the building of the flyover, supposedly conceptualized originally to curb the monstrous snarl, was a product of a sloppy job, it’s the Ilonggos—the motorists and pedestrians—who were “punished” and thrusted into the hellish ride, not the other inhabitants of the archipelago.

This is a grand insult, an unearned guilt for the city and province of Iloilo in particular, and the Ilonggos in general.

 

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Adding insult to injury, the DPWH has not been so transparent about the flyover project’s real score, prompting Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas to recently egg the DPWH to make a report on the project’s status as chair of the Regional Development Council committee on infrastructure.

No update means no information. No information means no progress. No nothing means no accountability and justice.

Has the tarnished project already been completely and neatly eviscerated? 

Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is abuse, corruption, subjugation and indignation, said Atifete Jahjaga

It is but proper that the House inquiry, through a resolution filed by the gallant Ilonggo Representatives Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-List), Arlene Brosas (GABRIELA Party-List), and France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-List) on the Ungka and Aganan flyovers in the city and province of Iloilo, should commence as soon as possible and be endorsed and supported by all members of the House of Representatives—Ilonggos and non-Ilonggos.

Let the chips fall where they may and give justice to the taxpayers who are on the verge of being bilked with P680 million by the irresponsible, shameless, corrupt, incompetent, and criminal public officials and their collaborators. Shame on them!

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

 

‘If you get caught between the moon and New York City’

“Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming!”

— Joseph B. Wirthlin

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHILE in a hurry racing against the wrath of the deadly arctic blast that barreled through the Northeast (thank God the dangerously cold temperature lasted early morning on February 5), I made a “shortcut” walk from the East 67^th Street and Park Avenue to the East 51^st Street in Manhattan early morning on February 3.

Reaching on corner East 51^st Street and 325 Park Avenue, I saw a very familiar structure: St. Bartholomew's Church, commonly called St. Bart's.

I paused for a while and took some pictures using my mobile phone. Then I raided my memory.

“Why is this church looks so familiar to me?” I muttered under my breath as I dropped my backpack to rest for a while amid the chill.

“Eureka, this is the church where the aborted wedding of Dudley Moore and Jill Eikenberry in the 1981 romantic comedy film, Arthur, took place,” I quickly recalled.

I watched the film sometime in September 1981 at Iloilo City’s Cinema Theater (now converted into a shopping store when I last saw it 12 years ago). 

I so love the film that until now it enthralls me when I remember it especially when I hear the nerve-tingling song, “Arthur’s Theme (The Best That You Can Do)”, which won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 1981. 

The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by, Alek Wek once said.

 

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Here’s part of the song: Once in your life, you find her

Someone that turns your heart around

The next thing you know, you're closing down the town

Wake up and it's still with you

Even though you left her way across town

Wondering to yourself, "Hey, what've I found?"

When you get caught between the Moon and New York City

I know it's crazy, but it's true

If you get caught between the Moon and New York City

The best that you can do

The best that you can do is fall in love

Arthur he does as he pleases

All of his life, he's masked his choice and

Deep in his heart, he's just, he's just a boy

Living his life one day at a time

And showing himself a really good time

Laughing about the way they want him to be

When you get caught between the Moon and New York City

I know it's crazy, but it's true

If you get caught between the Moon and New York City

The best that you can do (the best that you can do)

The best that you can do is fall in love

 

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It was performed and co-written by American singer-songwriter Christopher Cross, which was the main movie’s theme starring Moore as Arthur Bach and Liza Minnelli as Linda Marolla. 

Nothing has changed in the church façade and color since the 1981 filming until today. The St. Bartholomew's Church and Community House complex was designated a National Historic Landmark, for its significance as an important example of early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture designed by Bertram Goodhue on October 31, 2016.

In the film, Moore as Arthur Bach, a drunken New York City millionaire was on the brink of an arranged marriage to a wealthy heiress Eikenberry as Susan Johnson but ends up falling for a common working-class girl from Queens, Minnelli as Linda Marolla.

Arthur, Tootsie, a 1982 satirical romantic comedy starring Dustin Hoffman as Michael Dorsey; Jaws, a 1975 American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg; Grease, a 1978 American musical romantic comedy film based on the 1971 musical of the same name starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982) starring Silvester Stallone; Orca (also known as Orca: The Killer Whale), a 1977 American thriller film; The Deer Hunter, a 1978 war drama film starring Robert De Niro were some of the many famous Hollywood films I watched in the Cinema Theater for free in the late 70s and early 80s because my classmate in the Iloilo Central Commercial High School (now Huasiong College of Iloilo) was the “relative” of the Chusuey family that owns almost all the theaters in downtown Iloilo City.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

 

While we endure arctic blast, spy ballon is shot down

“In the Chinese view, the United States has designed its own system of rules about what constitutes 'legal' spying and what is illegal.”

— David E. Sanger

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

I MONITORED basically two major stories in the United States over the weekend: the record-breaking arctic blast and the shooting down of a suspected Chinese spy ballon.

While we were on red alert in the Northeast on February 4 (US time) due to dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills, Pentagon announced the US military decided to shoot down the Chinese spy balloon after it drifted off the East Coast near the Carolinas.

When it was first reported that the US military “would not” shoot it down to prevent its debris from posing a danger to people on the ground, I thought it wasn’t still news.

Later before night time when Pentagon confirmed the US military has shot down the unwanted visitor in the US skies, I thought it was time to treat it as news; in fact, a major news since it occupied the bulk of reports dispatched in the prime time in most major media networks in the United States.   

But this story wasn’t the one that made us worry since Friday (the Chinese spy ballon became a “breaking” news Saturday morning). 

It wasn’t a Red Alert event unlike the arctic blasts which shattered records throughout the Northeast, most notably on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, where the actual temperature dropped to -46 degrees, with a wind chill of -108. 

That was  likely the lowest wind chill ever recorded in the United States.

Records were also reportedly broken in numerous cities in our region, including Bridgeport, Connecticut, where the mercury dipped to -4, according to CBS New York.  

 

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In Central Park, New York City, the dip saw a low of 3 degrees Saturday morning, which was not only the lowest temperature so far this winter, but reportedly the lowest temperature since 2019.

The cold was in the process of retreating, and Saturday night (as I wrote this article) featured rising temperatures and increasing clouds. A forecast low of 24 was expected to occur in the late evening.

Temperature was expected to rebound very nicely into the mid-and upper 40s for February 5, Sunday, which would almost feel reportedly like a heatwave after what we endured for the past 24 hours.

We were expecting a mix of sun and clouds, with a steady breeze developing in February 5, Sunday, afternoon.

From where I was holed up while preparing for the record-breaking wind chill that started on February 3, Friday, I relied on “Amazon Alexa” or simple “Alexa” for fast weather updates. “Alexa, what’s the latest weather in New York City today?” I asked the virtual assistant technology on my phone app from time to time.

Alexa gave me accurate weather updates, enough to make me feel “relax” and “comfortable” while inside a 47-story apartment in the East Lower Manhattan. 

 

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LET’S PLANT A TREE. Let us give up 10 square feet of our land by planting a tree. Trees soak up carbon dioxide and help keep the atmosphere clean. If we don't have the space, let's use a pot on a balcony or near a window.

BRUSH IT UP. Let's not throw away our old toothbrush; let's use it to clean tricky-to-reach areas like the caulking between floor and wall tiles and the area around bathroom faucets. Often a little more elbow grease will do the trick without resorting to harsh cleaners.

PLAY BALL. When our running shoes are worn beyond use, let's not throw them away. Because of their high rubber content and the fact that rubber is easily recyclable, old sneakers are now being used to make new sports surfaces. Nike is one brand that operates this function by producing its Nike Grind material… The wingspan of a Boeing 747 jet is longer than the Wright Brothers' first flight… Confidence is that feeling by which the mind embarks in great and honorable course with a sure hope and trust in itself. If we don't have one, we can never take off in whatever endeavor we pursue in life…The world kissing record was set in 1990 by Alfred Wolfram. He kissed 8,001 women in 8 hours. That equates to kissing a different woman every six seconds!

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

Fake dentists should avoid Iloilo City

“Faced with the choice of enduring a bad toothache or going to the dentist, we generally tried to ride out the bad tooth.”

— Joseph Barbera

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IF you’re a fake dentist or someone who unlawfully engages in dental practice without any professional license and authorization, better stay away from Iloilo City.

Not all cities in the Philippines have passed an ordinance “duplicating” the penalties set by a national law against bogus dentists and their practices. 

If the proposed ordinance recently filed in the Iloilo City Council against illegal dental practices will be approved, it will carry penalties that will add to the penalties imposed under Republic Act 9484 or an “Act to regulate the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene and dental technology in the Philippines.”

It also repeals for the purpose Republic Act No. 4419 otherwise known as "An Act to regulate the practice of dentistry in the Philippines, and for other purposes”, and Republic Act No. 768, otherwise known as "An Act to regulate the practice of dental hygienists in the Philippines, and for other purposes.”

Violators in the proposed city ordinance filed by Councilor Johnny Young will face fines ranging from P5,000 to P20,000 and three-month imprisonment.

Under the measure, it is unlawful for any establishment, public or private, commercial or residential, to hold any illegal dental practice or dental hygiene such as performing dental procedures within the patient's oral cavity.

 

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Also, it is unlawful for any unlicensed or unregistered dentist, dental hygienist or dental technologist to perform all acts of dental practice or dental hygiene such as performing dental procedures within the patient's oral cavity.

The measure further stipulates that the sale of all dental materials will be limited to dentists, dental technologist, dental hygienist, dental students or persons with an authorization letter or prescription with licensed/PRC number duly signed by a dental professional.

Meanwhile, Section 33 of Article V on Penal Provision and Enforcement of the Republic Act  9484, states that the following, shall be punished by a fine of not less than P200,000.00 nor more than P500,000.00 or to suffer imprisonment for a period of not less than two years and one day nor more than five years, or both, in the discretion of the court:

(a) Any person who shall practice dentistry, dental hygiene or dental technology in the Philippines as defined in this Act, without a certificate of registration and professional identification card and special permit issued in accordance with the provisions of this Act, or has been declared exempt;

(b) Any person who practice the profession to whom the definition of the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene or dental technology does not apply; 

(c) Any licensed dentist who shall abet the illegal practice of dentistry;

(d) Any person presenting or using as his/her own the certificate of registration and professional identification card and special permit of another;

(e) Any person who shall give any false or forged evidence to the Board in obtaining a certificate of registration;

(f) Any person who shall impersonate any registrant of like or different name;

 

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Also, (g) Any person who shall use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration and professional identification card;

(h) Any person who shall assume, use or advertise as a bachelor of dental surgery, doctor of dental surgery, master of dental surgery, licentiate of dental surgery, doctor of dental medicine, or dental surgeon, or append to his name the letters D.D.S., B.D.S., L.D.S., or D.M.D. without having been conferred such title or degree in a legally constituted school, college or university, duly recognized and authorized to confer the same or other degrees; and

(i) Any person who advertises any title or description tending to convey the impression that he/she is a dentist, without holding valid certificate of registration and professional identification card and special permit from the Board.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

Pacquiao’s real and present trouble

“Expect problems and eat them for breakfast.”

— Alfred A. Montapert

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHEN I first heard about the alleged annulment case supposedly filed recently by Jinky Pacquiao against her husband Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, I immediately dismissed it as untrue.

Either some spin artists concocted it as a diversionary tactic meant to camouflage the real trouble the former eight-time world boxing champion is facing today, or it was meant to keep his name afloat or for whatever purpose it may serve, which only the husband and wife are maybe aware of.

I have strong hunch Pacquiao knows what’s going on—I mean, the spreading of the canard to divert the people’s attention.

No newsman in his right mind will write or broadcast something scandalous as Jinky Pacquiao’s alleged infidelity that resulted in her pregnancy without risking a libel or damage suit if the story is unsubstantiated.

The story wasn’t only false, it’s ridiculous and totally unbelievable.

Before this cheap and fanciful Jinky-got-pregnant-to-another-man-and-their-marriage-is-now-on-the-rocks bogus publicity stunt came out, the 44-year-old semi-retired pugilist was facing a really alarming and big problem.

This was the lawsuit filed against the ring legend by Paradigm Sports Management for breach of contract in 2021, which is now reportedly “progressing from bad to worse.” 

Pacquiao, who at the time was a recent signee with Paradigm, allegedly decided to go back and work with Al Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions, as the suit claims.

 

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SBNation’s Mila Ordonez, who followed the issue, claimed that part of the supposed deal with Paradigm was a $25 million purse to face Mikey Garcia that same year, which they claim fell apart after Pacquiao wanted a guaranteed $5 million in advance even without fighting. 

Also included was a planned crossover boxing match with Conor McGregor, one of Paradigm’s top talents.

The case is now moving forward. Per a recent report by MMA Fighting the trial for the lawsuit has been set for March 3, 2023. Paradigm CEO Audie Attar also released this statement:

“Manny’s days of thumbing his nose at our contractual rights are almost at an end. We have an overwhelming case against him and look forward to justice being served.

“The court has already entered an order stating that – due to his consistent violation of court orders – Pacquiao is now deemed to have admitted that he breached his contract with Paradigm and that Paradigm has suffered more than $20 million in damages.”

Attar also reportedly sent a message to other organizations planning to work with Pacquiao while the suit is ongoing.

“If any promoters, managers, fighters, or broadcasting networks are considering entering into an agreement with Manny prior to the trial, they are now on notice that Paradigm will immediately commence an action against them for tortious interference with contract and seek both an injunction and damages.

 

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“Once Paradigm wins at trial in March, we will cut off 100 percent of Manny’s opportunities to earn money in the United States from any source because any revenue he generates will be attached to his judgment.

“Additionally, Paradigm will aggressively pursue enforcement of its judgment in any foreign country where Manny seeks to fight.”

Judd Burstein, who will be representing Paradigm in this ongoing case, used to work with Pacquiao for a previous contract dispute lawsuit. Pacquiao’s lawyers are now reportedly filing a motion to disqualify Burstein.

Pacquiao had already denied any wrongdoing.

“Paradigm Sports’ lawsuit against me has no merit,” Pacquiao’s camp said in a 2021 statement. 

“I have an absolute right under the agreement with Paradigm to engage in the upcoming bout with Errol Spence. If this frivolous lawsuit continues, I will be proven correct in court.”

The 44-year-old Pacquiao (62-8-2 with 39 KOs), who retired in 2021 to focus on his Philippine presidential campaign, is now set for his 2023 boxing return under Rizin. He did an exhibition match in December against YouTuber DK Yoo and won by decision.

Now, do you wonder why all of a sudden, the apparently diversionary “news” about the Pacquiao couple’s “sepration” suddenly hogged headlines? 

Jinky has eloped with a rich man and is now pregnant? And there’s an annulment case? As the old saying goes, tell it to the marines.

 (The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)

Democracy ‘alive’ in Iloilo City Council

 “One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”

— Bryant H. McGill

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

CONTRARY to fears and suspicions of some observers, democracy is not yet dead in the Iloilo City Council.

Some city councilors weren’t afraid to defy Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” P. Treñas in a recent cockfighting impasse even if they belong in his political party.

The “defiance” appeared to be unalloyed and unintentional but based more on principles and conviction; to some extent anchored on legal and moral standpoints. 

This probably explains why Treñas, for his part, was seemingly “sport” and didn’t take it against his allies in the City Council who voted against the measure that granted the request of the Iloilo Sportsmen Inc. (ISI) for a resolution of no objection (RONO) during the aldermen’s special session on January 31, 2023.

The RONO prevailed, of course, upon the “request” and lobbying of Treñas, which paved the way for the traditional cockfighting to push through from February 1-3, 2023 during the fiesta of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles) in Jaro district.

Although the cockfighting in Jaro was saved by the bell in the eleventh hour, the voting wasn’t sweep. 

Four councilors—Frances Parcon-Torres, Plaridel Nava, Rudolf Ganzon, and Alan Zaldivar stood their ground and prevented the “requesting” mayor, who must’ve promised the “Holy Grail” to the ISI, from scoring a shutout victory.

A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man. Kites rise against, not with, the wind, said Lewis Mumford.

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Some people refuse to please others at the expense of their emotional well-being. Even if it means saying “no” to people who are used to hearing “yes.”

Treñas was saved from embarrassment by councilors Rommel Duron (chair of the games and amusement committee and sponsor of the resolution), Irene Ong, Sedfrey Cabalua, Candice Magdalene Tupas, Ely Estante, Miguel Treñas, Leila Luntao, Rex Marcus Sarabia, Urminico Baronda, and Jhonny Young, who voted for the RONO. 

The same councilors, except Duron, voted against the measure in their session on January 27. 

The reversal of fortune occurred after no less than Treñas himself donned the jersey and played the captain ball.

Like the triumphant Julius Caesar after his conquest of Pompey in the Battle of Pharsalus, Treñas must have beamed after emerging from the fortress, “Thank you, thank you. I can’t forget your faces; I owe you one.”

Stephanie Lahart said, “Let today mark a new beginning for you. Give yourself permission to say NO without feeling guilty, mean, or selfish, Anybody who gets upset and/or expects you to say YES all of the time clearly doesn’t have your best interest at heart, Always remember: You have a right to say NO without having to explain yourself, Be at peace with your decisions.” 

There are actually two schools of thoughts in the Jaro cockfighting hullabaloo. 

Either we criticize the city mayor apparently for applying arm-twisting tactics and acting like a tyrant to get what he wanted and, thus, throwing a monkey wrench on the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches, or we hail the independence of some city councilors, in particular, and the capacity of the entire local legislative body to look for the good in every member and respect their opposition, in general.

They disagreed without being disagreeable.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo.—Ed)