Monday, March 07, 2005
Sayson: Of broken promises and apologies and the column police
By Homer Sayson
Second Overtime
CHICAGO—After reading my Friday column (“Guardo on guard in swimming prizes controversy, SSC 3-4-05), which tackled the Cebu Cioty Sports Commission’s (CCSC) failure to award cash incentives to tankers Larrisa Ang and Andre Yosef Ynclino, Martin Alvarez (pmralvarez @hotmail.com) offered his two cents worth:
“It’s pretty sad that you missed some points. Your article didn’t really straighten things out. In fact, you placed the two swimmers in a position that people would actually think they were after the money. You should have asked their opinion on the matter before you publish stories like that.”
Every time my articles miss the mark, I’m never reluctant to acknowledge it. Five years into this gig, I’ve found out that eating the humble pie is good for the ego.
But what I don’t like, though, is when guys like Mr. Alvarez tell me how to go about with my job. Let me underline what he wrote: “You should have asked their (Ynclino and Ang) opinion on the matter before you publish stories like that.”
Just who the heck are you, Mr. Alvarez, the column-writing police?
I’m sorry that my column “didn’t straighten things out” for you. But I’m also sorry that I don’t really care what you feel. Since your signature is not in the fat check that this paper pays me twice a month, damn, I don’t have to please you.
Nevertheless, I’ll answer your letter. And as a bonus, I’ll do so with more tact than you had accorded me.
You declared that Ynclino and Ang “don’t need money,” that “these two kids are well off.” You insist that “this is not about the money.” But then you also said “I don’t care where Guardo will find the money he promised to the two kids, but he should fulfill what he promised.”
Mr. Alvarez, you sound more like Mr. Contradiction.
If this isn’t about money, then why are you beating the cash drum? Guardo admitted he desired to give out the rewards, but unfortunately, City Hall said no. Isn’t it enough that Guardo truly regrets how things have played out?
Mr. Alvarez, you’re obviously not a parent of Ang or Ynclino. Presumably, you can’t be an uncle to both swimmers, either. So, Mr. Alvarez, are you their agent, manager, publicist, valet, butler, or what?
Pardon my curiosity, but I can’t help but notice your zeal to collect the swimmers’ money, so much so that you seem oblivious to Guardo’s sincere apologies.
HONORABLE. Mr. Alvarez, you talked about Guardo’s “honor” and his lack of professionalism.” Wow, so you’re also the morality police, huh?
Let me tell you this Mr. Alvarez: Jonathan Guardo has as much honor as our entire judicial system. He is the professional in the word “professionalism.” He is a man of integrity, dignity, and class.
When Cebu City’s participation to the International Children’s Games was jeopardized last August, Guardo lent the CCSC P500,000 from his own pocket to make sure the delegates can purchase their tickets on time.
Guardo’s countless acts of generosity are as indelible as the ink on a voter’s finger. That, including his innate leadership skills, make him one of the best men ever to lead the CCSC. I can cite other instances that paint Guardo as a beautiful human being, but that would be an overkill.
The point here, Mr. Alvarez, is that you misunderstood the facts, knowingly ignored that it was the Cebu City Council, which refused to release the incentives, and then unfairly misjudged Guardo as being untrue to his word.
Mr. Alvarez, you admitted knowing the two swimmers “personally.” I guess it’s logical to assume that your close relationship with them may have blinded you, forced you into dealing Guardo with cards that are stacked heavily on Ang’s and Ynclino’s favor.
Mr. Alvarez, don’t you think it’s time to reshuffle the deck?
PAINFUL LESSONS. The moral of the story here is that we all want to do what we all say. Inevitably, though, we sometimes fail due to reasons beyond our control. Guardo tried to keep his word, but when Cebu City’s councilors suddenly got stingy, there was nothing he could do.
Look at yourself in the mirror Mr. Alvarez, and if you can honestly say that you never once broke a promise in your life, Guardo and I will each give you P53,000.
Andre, I wish you got that P30,000. And you, too, Larissa, sorry for missing on that P23,000. But come to think of it, kids, you really didn’t lose the money you never had in the first place. Yeah, it’s still a broken promise, but believe me, it could have been worse.
A woman once promised to love me ‘til the end of time. She gave me two wonderful children, and in return, I loved her with all my heart and I worked very hard to make sure she and the kids would never be wanting.
Seven years ago, she broke that promise and left me in the altar of despair. I wished that day never came, but it did. And I have never been the same since.
Life’s a bitch.
(homsay(at)hotmail(dot)com)
(March 7, 2005 issue)
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