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Friday, December 05, 2003
Espinoza: More issues hounding Arroyo
By Fred C. Espinoza
DA KING ON TOP. There’s so much fuss about the unexpected boost in the political stock of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP). The latest report said that “Da King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr., now reigns supreme in the surveys of presidential candidates.”
On the other hand, Malacañang appears to be hounded by more sensitive political issues that cannot be ignored for long. Among them was President Arroyo’s order to put on hold the reshuffling of top positions in the Philippine National Police. This was perceived by her opponents as proof of her inability to pursue the promised reforms in the organization.
Another issue which, according to the report, has stunned the President was the allegations that the imposition of a new round of electricity rate increases by the Lopez-managed Manila Electric Co. was part of a political deal to get the Lopezes to have their main talent, the vastly popular Sen. Noli de Castro, run as Arroyo’s running mate next year.
Perhaps, the President should remember what she told leaders of the advertising industry at the Advertising Congress in Baguio City when she urged them to promote a brand image for the country abroad to offset the negative attitude at home. Advertising persuades customers to patronize the product by highlighting the truth about its quality. Malacañang would do well to ponder on this idea.
TOYM AWARDS. Meanwhile, we join the rest of our fellow citizens here in acknowledging with pride the achievements of two Cebuanos chosen among the 103 nominees nationwide for the Ten Most Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Awards.
The news has provided major relief from the gloom that has descended on the political scene. Our heartfelt congratulations to Kenneth Cobonpue and John Patrick Gregorio for bringing more laurels to our province.
They join eight other Cebuanos who have received the award since the Philippine Jaycees Inc. launched it 44 years ago. We need more good tidings to keep ourselves in tune with the spirit of Christmas.
SCROOGE AT STC. Another significant event for our community next week, which friends in the business community told me about yesterday, is the presentation of the familiar Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” by the St. Francis of Assisi Theater Guild on Dec. 12 and 13 at the St. Theresa’s College Auditorium, starting at 7 p.m.
While most people prepare for the holidays, the miser and misanthrope Ebenezer Scrooge goes about his business and openly scorns at people
who celebrate Christmas—for he does not believe in it.
Playing the title roles are The Saint Francis of Assisi School (SFAS) student actors Jaime Picornell as Ebenezer Scrooge and Eugene Fumagalli as Jacob.
As the story goes, until a ghostly visit on Christmas Eve from his dead partner Jacob Marley, who announces the coming of the three ghosts of Christmas, they will provide hope for Scrooge’s redemption.
The play is supported by the SFAS Theater Guild ensemble under the direction of Raymond Quijano. Tickets are available at the St. Francis of Assisi School campus in Peace Valley, which can be reached at 254-1385.
(December 5, 2003 issue)
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