Think about it
Pichay’s teem in San Carlos City
By Jun Velasco
WE guested at Radio Magic FM over the weekend on the invitation of station manager Cris Ilustre, a fellow traveler since the 60’s. Anchorman Joey Culabat asked what we considered as our most important gain or experience from our media work. We said, by getting to know more and more people, events, ideas and incalculable contacts, we get to know our self more, which, to us, is a gift, a gift from God.
Our interviewer followed up with “what to your mind should man aspire to be aside from knowing himself better?” We said “serve others best in your own unique and humble way.”
* * *
When Joey asked us about local politics in Pangasinan, we said sights are on the 4th district because it portends a clash between a tried and tested lawmaker and a tried and tested executive.
When he followed up with “who do you think will win,” we winked and said, “your guess is as good as mine.” And then nutty Joey said, “How’s this, your brod Butch is Benjie’s info officer while you are a JDV consultant?” We said “no problem, we just do our jobs, he roots for the mayor, while I the congressman.” We wish both well. There is full democratic play in our family, but mother is a dyed-in-the-wool Joe fan, just like late erpat who campaigned for Joe in the l965 and ’69 congressional race when we were still in the second district. Masaya because it’s a healthy, friendly game.
* * *
Mayor Jolly Resuello told us there are many families in his city with the Pichay surname. This was confirmed by newsman Norman Caguioa pointing to Tandang Sora Street and Barangay Manzon where he says he knows many of them. We also met a lady from Baguio City who claims “Pichay is not a minority name, ang dami namin sa Mt. Province.”
In two occasions where Butch and I compared notes about the political scene, we were impressed by his flair for articulation. No wonder, he easily shines in debates and intellectual clashes, something those who aspire to draft laws of the land should be adequately armed.
His advocacy of the Philippines as main tourism destination has a ring of pragmatic wisdom because of our fabled isles. He intimated after meeting with Mayor Nani Braganza that the Hundred Islands could be developed like, if not better than, Boracay if only there is political unity in this premier province.
* * *
Many predict that Engr. Rosendo “Sendong” So’s Party list Abono would easily cruise to the 3-man winning column not only because of it has posters all over the islands. It is because of its effectiveness as a Pinoy-oriented organization, having succeeded in stopping the importation of smuggled hot meat into the country, which has hurt local hog raisers and other pro-Filipino causes.
Sendong’s leadership is being put to the test not only in the party list campaign but in pushing Congressman Spines Espino to gubernatorial victory. Sendong is a hands-on executive and his vision for Pangasinan and country is clearly understood by his legions of supporters. We won’t be surprised if in the near future, Sendong will be entrusted some big responsibility in the country’s march to national growth.
* * *
General Rey Velasco is fast inching his way to victory in Sta. Barbara’s mayoralty race, according to news chick Audrey Hidalgo who swears that “it would take a miracle to pull down what he has considerably gained in the campaign.” His council ticket, we know, is composed of heavyweights. Known for his organizational skills, Rey Velasco belongs to a clan in Sta. Barbara that is considered a formidable force.
On the other hand, well-known broadcaster J.B. has this to say, “I am from Sta. Barbara, in my book, it’s Carlito Saplan on May l4.”
It’s hard to be impartial these days. May the best man win.
(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/think-about-it/)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
