Think about it
Cool life in the academe
By Jun Velasco
WE had a wondrous taste of a cool life in the academe last Friday while we beat the summer heat and the Punch deadline.
It was Cathy’s graduation from a doctorate in Philosophy major in educational management at the Benguet State University in which Senate President Manny Villar was guest of honor.
A year ago, we were in a similar ambiance at idyllic UP Diliman where youngest son ChipChip finished Public Administration with flying colors. We were seated beside ex- Senator Kit Tatad and Mayor Jejomar Binay, and later with guest speaker, Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, who was introduced to us by ChipChip.
There definitely is a special kind of life in the academe akin to an “other country” feeling, where one finds good company with great men and women, with philosophers, thinkers, scientists and artists and “special people” who pity the “masters of temporal lives” better known as politicians who mistake electoral victory for success.
It’s in this place where one richly finds the truism of a friend’s warning against entering politics because it’s a heluva life!
For three straight hours, we had this exhilarating celebration of life that was far from the madding crowd, reminiscent of our school and college days where politics was a contest among the talented (not among the most moneyed), and therefore, gave us a sense of fulfillment. These days, you feel a sense of ennui, guilt, emptiness because our present politics is abhorrent, and yet we couldn’t do without.
Cathy’s doctorate (she is the full time scholar in the family) highlights her non-stop quest for academic excellence. The family is proud to have a doctor-member, and words are not sufficient to describe how we feel about it. Of course, foremost is our boundless thanks to God, parents, family and friends who have inspired her. In her behalf, thank you.
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The Friday afternoon on Benguet State U’s verdant campus was warmed by a tepid air, subtly warning of our depleting ozone layer. In Pangasinan and Metro Manila where we move around often, the torrid air is worsened by the political heat. We almost wish partisan politics was non existent because of its divisive character. As a whole, our Benguet visit was a refreshing break from the noise and haste of everyday routine.
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Over Bombo Radyo last Wednesday, we were witnesses to democracy at its best when two congressional rivals in the Third District – lawyer Gallant Soriano and Rachel “Baby” Arenas – debated the issues. Platform-based, bereft of name-calling, the debate showed Soriano earning plus points for his intelligence and high qualifications for the office he seeks.
Rachel, who was educated in Harvard, also showed her preparedness for the office, which in fine showed that the third district is a fine congressional forum.
A gallant gentleman and a charming lady bet gave the congressional race a good name. May their tribe increase.
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This text message was sent by Mita: “Be careful with Erap jokes u send ur friends. Erap is now monitoring celfon networks to see who is making fun of him. Ds meseds is txted in English to avoid detection.” Comebacking Mayor Al Fernandez was greeted by Dagupan market vendors with tears like he were a saviour. Al used to tax them very little if any when he was mayor.
(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/think-about-it/)
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