Friday, December 07, 2007 Delilan: Congrats Eric! By Erwin Ambo Delilan The Buzz
THAILAND -- The announcement of Eric Loretizo's appointment as new commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission doesn't only mean scoop to me but a surprise as well.
Knowing it midnight of Wednesday from a 14-hour tiring trip from the Philippines, I can't help but to rejoice as well.
Not because Eric was the one who lobbied for my name to be included among the media delegates for the Sea Games here, but because Eric has been my friend since I joined the world of media in 1994.
Although there were some moments that we had misunderstandings, yet never there was an instance that I considered him as my enemy. Instead I respect him as one of my elders in media profession.
That's probably because we almost have the same experiences and the same "lamentations" in terms of our job but I won't mention any why.
Nevertheless, I am happy with his new appointment because this means another pride not only for Bacolod and Negros but also for the entire Negros media community.
To be PSC commissioner, of course, is not a joke. I know that it is a tall challenge for Eric.
But with his capability and experiences as a seasoned sports journalist and public relations consultant in Bacolod, I know Eric will surely make good and most probably will excel at the PSC soon.
Congrats Eric!
Good luck!
Pink and white for the King
The 80th birthday celebration of Thailand 's King Bhumibol Adulyadej was glittered by candle lighting ceremony with hundreds of thousands of Thais plus athletes from 10 other South Asian countries who attended the night ceremony Wednesday.
But what made the King's birthday more colorful were the pink t-shirts accentuated with white collar wore by the Seag delegates and athletes from 11 competing countries.
I asked a male Thai who used to be one of our interpreters why pink and white and he said that pink symbolizes friendship and prosperity, while white for peace.
King Bhumibol looks like former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos. And believe it or not, he's like "Jesus Christ" here because in almost every nook and corner, and even in all major road intersections and overpass highways here, you can see billboards or streamers bearing his image with matching praises and adoration.
I then remembered the Holy Week celebration in the country, which the image of Jesus Christ can also be seen in every corner in every community as part of the so-called via cruzes, a tradition of celebrating Christ's passion prior to his death.
