Star-studded

IF THE oath taking of the Governor and Vice Governor was classic yet candid, the city's oath taking and celebration was star-studded!!! The new Government Center City Hall looked stately and with no less than Madam Gretchen Cojuangco leading the inaugural ceremony looking regal in her royal blue pants suit.

The induction of three time re-election of Mayor Evelio "Bing" Leonardia and as claimed first time ever re-lected as Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus "Taddy" Sayson, was a bit long with Senator Franklin Drilon braving a 9-hour wait in his departure from Manila. Nonetheless, everyone waited and watched the ceremonies with interest especially with the presence of now Congressman Manny Pacquio who inducted Mayor Bing accompanied by his wife Jinky.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

After the spectacular fireworks that capped the evening's program, guests milled to the Ballroom of L'Fisher hotel. As I said STAR-STUDDED. Everyone was truly curious how the world champ looked up close and truth to tell, photos do not do Manny the Pacman justice. He looked elegant in his starched barong and better looking in person!!! Jinky, perhaps new to all the protocol that go with official government functions, came in a floral miniskirt and a high 6-digit signature bag which was not in keeping with attire stated in the invitation that said formal. As Congressman Manny tries to better himself in this new chapter of his life as legislator, Jinky will learn as she journeys with him the proper decorum in dress code on inductions and other formal functions.

I was just watching the reception given to the Spanish team that won the World Cup in South Africa and I couldn't believe the number of people who lined the streets!!! It was like GOD was giving out blessings and everyone wanted to partake with the good news. It must be a blessing indeed because it is the first time that Spain has won the World Cup and no less than the Queen were present to witness the triumph. So now we know why public servants give Manny Pacquiao the support by attending his fights. Manny has reverted the "bad" publicity often carried by the foreign press about our country and he deserves the honor and accolades he truly deserves. Watching that euphoric mood and attendance in the coming home of the champion soccer players, thoughts crossed my mind if we did give Manny Pacquiao due welcome?

What I can say though is that everyone wanted a photo opportunity that evening with him. Elsa Leonardia, the city's first lady, looked like she was being inched out of seat being seated beside the couple, as everyone crowded to have that chance. Elsa, ever the epitome of a gracious lady said she survived the mayhem. When I thought that the queue had swelled, I decided to likewise have my moment but the Pacman disappeared. Apparently, his ulcers were giving him a bout. Health is wealth and we pray that with all these negotiations for more world titles to conquer, he knocks out his nemesis of the moment.

Adding to the roster of stars was Governor Chavit Singson who came in his signature look of jeans and blue shirt. Newly elected Congressman Tony Golez, the MAN we can count on for quick resolve to disasters as in the recent oil spill likewise looked dapper and very congressional. Newly elected Mayor of Iloilo City Jed Mabilog walked into the ballroom with a smile and indeed he looked "muy simpatico" and debonair. The Big Man Franklin Drilon was his usual friendly Ilongo self despite the inconvenience of the long wait for his flight to depart.

Mayor Bing looked truly the winner that night. He tablehopped and thanked everyone for his new mandate. Listening to Mayor Bing's speech, he says that this next 3 years is his last 3 minutes and aims to maximize whatever he can during this last term. He enumerated some of the accomplishments of his previous terms and these brought many thoughts into my mind. Sometimes we forget truly what has been positively done by our public officials. We just see what is immediately before us and grumble. I, too, am guilty of this. Everyday, I weave through traffic cursing the jeepneys who cut me and then make an instant halt and fruit vendors who have commandeered parking areas as their natural habitat.

When I do my morning walks, I am disgusted and sad when I see the heap of garbage and the shabby men and women out of their wits and street children who have made the sidewalks their bed and home. There are many other eyesores really, but I realized that all I have done was really to look down or perceive with tunnel vision. I have failed to look up and see the clear images of many new buildings that have mushroomed in the city. Indeed progress has invaded Bacolod. And with progress comes some attendant problems-more people-more congestion-more basura-baha-more traffic. But let us appreciate the positive works that has been sowed and likewise contribute to address the negative.
We have the wrong notion that our elected officials are Messiahs. They are mere mortals like you and me who experience crosses and triumphs at home at work and even at play.

As a mother, home maker and provider, I just try to do the best of what I can in my chosen destiny. But it does not mean that I can resolve all problems that come my way. It is also the same with our public officials. They are not Messiahs who can instantly find a solution to each and every problem that surface. What is asked of them is that they give it their best shot and leave the rest to GOD!!! So let's be kind to our politicians. I am sure Mayor Bing will give it his best shot because it is his last 3 minutes and he has a great partner in Congressman Anthony Golez who can make great things happen for Bacolod City. God speed Mayor Bing and your team!!!