Sunday, April 22, 2007 Malilong: Rex and Byron made my day By Frank Malilong The Other Side
YESTERDAY was one of the few times I had fun reading the “hard news” in the newspapers.
Imagine, on the same day that world boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao traded verbal jabs with his political opponent Darlene Antonino Custodio, lawyer Rex Fernandez and Capitol consultant Byron Garcia were challenging each other to a fistfight!
Pacquiao weighs 135, give or take a few pounds. Petite Darlene couldn’t be more than 95. If he had as much as pushed her with his pinkie, she would have tumbled all the way to Sarangani Bay.
Instead, they fought in an arena where they are more or less on equal footing. You have done nothing for General Santos City during the two decades that you and your family have been in power, he snarled. You’re blind, she snapped back. I call the first round even.
Rex and Byron also initially jawed at each other. You extorted money from me, the consultant angrily told the lawyer.
You were the one who came begging for my help, attorney growled back. He then took the exchange to another level: “Binata ug binayot man nang iyang pag-resurrect sa isyu, maong miingon ko nga mas maayong sumbagayon na lang ni.”
It did not take long for Byron to respond. “Sukol ko bisag asa. Gusto man kaha siya ug binata, sigi sumbagay mi.”
I do not know who enjoys the weight advantage. That does not seem to bother any of the two, anyway. Rex says he is a former amateur boxer but Byron plans to counter that edge by enlisting Pacquiao in his corner.
In olden times, people duel in order to settle their dispute especially when it involves personal or family honor. But they used swords and pistols then, not their fists. And, before anyone begins to think that I am suggesting that Rex and Byron stab or shoot each other, I’d hasten to add that these are not ancient times anymore.
Come on, guys. We all know that you’re both brave and macho so there’s no need to flaunt it. As for the proposed beauty contest, who would enjoy watching two middle-aging gentlemen walk on the ramp even if they happen to be both handsome?
Learn from Manny Pacquiao, gentlemen. Stick to verbal straights and uppercuts and make some people’s day as you have made mine yesterday.
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Want to unwind where there is rustic simplicity but is easily accessible from the city? Try Naga.
I usually take a break from a hectic day by driving to the town via the south coastal road and just loll around or eat kamote and bongkawil at the public square behind the town hall. The atmosphere is refreshing. In fact, Mayor Val Chiong said that many visitors from Cebu City and the neighboring areas have been seen enjoying the cool fresh night air in the park.
Naga used to be just any other sleepy town. Now, it is bustling with activity and could, before the year ends, become the third city (after Talisay and Carcar) in Cebu’s first district.
Credit for the town’s transformation should go to Val and his elder brother Enan, who was on his third term as mayor when death overtook him. Of course, it helped that the town had the support of Gov. Gwen Garcia and Rep. Eddie Gullas.
