Costanilla: Gloria’s major, major blunder

CONDEMN. This writer was one of those who approved a joint resolution strongly condemning 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz for her ethnic slur against Cebuanos. The resolution was done at Aden’s Palace in Lahug last Sept. 1 during the launching of the events related to the Cebu Press Freedom Month. Yours truly (as acting president of the Cebu Association of Media Practitioners Inc.) joined Cebu Tri-Media Association Inc. president Ed Batiquin, Sugboanong Mga Komentaristang Nagpakabana president Edchel Luces and Visayas Media Association president Pol Bulilan in strongly assailing Diaz for saying that Cebuanos have a poor command of English. For sure, the tactless and aging former beauty queen wasn’t kidding when she made the irresponsible statement.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

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APOLOGIZE. In our joint condemnation of Diaz, we stressed that her ethnic slur should not be taken lightly and that she should apologize to Cebuanos, something that we expect she will never do. Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy, who was also present during events launching, criticized Diaz for her hurting and insulting words. As for me, every well-meaning Cebuano should censure the ex-beauty titlist for her “major major” blunder.

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REACTIONS. I solicited some reactions from a number of Spotlight readers and here’s what they said. Singer Chline Diagon: “If Diaz wants to learn how to speak correct English, the Cebuanos are the best teachers.” Columnist Flor Ynclino: “She doesn’t know that we Cebuanos are much better English-speaking Filipinos than other ethnic groups.” Film producer Joji Alonso: “I beg to disagree with Diaz. On the contrary, we Cebuanos are even more fluent in English than the Tagalogs.”

Korean consulate consultant Joe Go: “Diaz should apologize for the sake of unity and understanding.”

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MORE. Author Jovenir Bataican: “Diaz should develop that discipline to speak for herself.” Lawyer Pedro Leslie Salva: “Cebuanos may be less proficient in Tagalog but definitely not in English. She made a very irresponsible statement.”

Broadcaster Tisha Ylaya: “Diaz’s statement highlights the culture of divisiveness and arrogance that is still prevalent amongst some so-called cultured and privileged few.

It didn’t achieve anything positive.” Business executive Carol Ballesteros: “Very irresponsible statement. Why did Diaz target Cebuanos anyway? A Cebuano is a Filipino and it’s like saying that we Filipinos are poor in English, which is not what the Americans will say about us. I’m ready to compete with Diaz in an English-speaking contest anytime.”

Singer Baby Condeno: “I vehemently disagree with Diaz because Cebu is even being eyed as an English learning hub that will promote, supervise and make sure that the teaching of English to foreign students as a second language will be based on international standards.” Radioman Greg Senining: “She is a fact-twister by conveniently blaming the media as quoting her out of context.”

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STATION. The old dyRC, an institution in the broadcast industry here, will be relaunched on Sept. 21. My good friend Ramil Paican will manage it. Good luck, my friend! (E-mail: samcost@yahoo.com or call/text 09163999909)