Think about it
A best seller in the making
By Jun Velasco
OVER a cup of coffee, former Professional Regulation Commission chairman Hermogenes Pobre, a son-in-law of Pangasinan, and Manila Bulletin publisher told us he is impressed by the many innovations — such as the massive facelift of the Capitol and Urduja — Governor Amado “Spines” Espino Jr. is doing.
Attorney Pobre is related to the Agbayanis by his late wife, a Ferrer, but he couldn’t help lauding this bright side of Spines, a political antagonist of Agbayani.
But let’s see. While our workaholic governor is making waves— his first year performance card bannered in two-page spreads in all our local newspapers — shows a man in a hurry. Wait a minute, his purchase of shotguns for all the barangay captains of the province has drawn raised eyebrows from the public.
One of the first critics of the shotguns for kapitanes is Congressman Jose de Venecia Jr. questioning the propriety of the act.
Were they recommended by military intelligence? Did General Romeo Hilomen, police regional director, and Provincial Director Isagani Nerez okay it? How safe is the public from a trigger itchy kapitan?
The shotgun is very ticklish issue. Maybe our friend Spines, when he comes back from the US, should take another look at it.
* * * *
Our column last week misfired. The draft bumped off the correct one.
Sorry, the typos tripped all over the place. Such is the risk of using the computer. Our Joy dela Cruz, Punch’s on-line manager, advises to double check what we send to avoid a repeat of the incident.
* * * *
Our cumpadre Palanca awardee and sports writer non pareil Al Mendoza is completing his material for a forthcoming best seller on Muhammad Ali, our favorite sportsman, poet and philosopher.
In case you don’t know yet, it was Ali who brought glamour to the boxing sport, which has even pervaded the entertainment and business circuits here, there and everywhere all over the world.
In the Philippines, Ali has just got a rival in the country’s most successful boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao whose popularity is expected to hit sky-high once more with his scheduled fight against the idol of millions, boxing icon, Oscar dela Hoya.
Lest Manny Pacquiao did a big blunder again for dipping his gloves in politics— darn, a dirty business in the Philippines – it would do him well to know his limitations … unless he allows certain unscrupulous political brokers to use him.
We thought he could fittingly well be a Muhammad Ali in Asia, if he follows his star sincerely.
As for Al’s forthcoming book, the timing of its publication is perfect.
* * * *
We lifted the following article from a sleek magazine we read at Starbucks in Quezon City:
George Carlin’s 10 Tips on How to Stay Young
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay them.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening or whatever. Never let your brain be idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.
4. Enjoy the simple things. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
5. Tears happen. Endure, grieve and move on. The only person with us our entire life is our self. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
6. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever.
7. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next country, but never to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them at every opportunity.
(Readers may reach columnist at junmv@yahoo.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/think-about-it/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)
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