|
Monday, March 14, 2005
Manansala: My Muslim connection
By Orman O. Manansala
My Two-Centavos Worth
Daddy day care
THE first time I was introduced to him, I immediately sensed a connection with retired Colonel Suhod Mutalib.
Of course it helped being friends with his daughters Tiny and Yummy.
Nevertheless our relationship which started off as purely professional developed into one of the most engaging in recent years.
Papa Suhod, as he is now fondly referred to, exhibited the attitude that has been rarely displayed by our Muslim brothers.
He is straightforward and doesn't have any qualms when speaking his mind. He has little patience for ineptitude so woe to whoever is at the receiving end of his wrath.
His network is vast. During critical days of every festival that I handle, Papa Suhod works through his web of friendly and unfriendly contacts and would give me his overall assessment.
He never sugar coats his appraisal and that's what I like about him. As such, we always act appropriately.
When my father died last year, Papa Suhod was one of the very first persons who called me and shared with our grief.
I remember telling him that I may have lost my biological father but I am heartened by the fact that I have him as my father and mentor.
He only has this to say to me each time: Be firm yet be humble. I guess that sums up everything.
* * * * *
Kulintangan guru Jahal Addat made his mark in my life when he gave me his gurpi, a traditional Muslim hat in exchange for my iBank baseball cap.
That was the start of a beautiful friendship with this likeable man. Jahal handles one of Kalilangan Festival's major highlight activities, the Kulintangan.
His infectious smile usually seals many of his deals and I must say I've fallen victim to his ways. But mind you, this guy delivers.
We saw how Kulintangan grew as an event and has been acknowledged by the National Commission of Culture and Arts.
As a friend, I experienced how he supported me during my trying moments, sending text messages of encouragement.
Jahal never is a loud person. He speaks softly and reserves his words of wisdom when the situation calls for it.
Once he came up to me and assured me of his belief in my leadership.
He pressed my shoulder warmly and that gesture took my burden away.
Shalom, my dear friend.
* * * * *
Sister act
When Tiny and I met three years ago, we were both lovelorn. Both of us were terribly unhappy because of unrequited love.
We immediately clicked because instead of whining, we made fun of ourselves to the enjoyment of our company of friends then.
We promised each other to stay in contact but somehow got drowned by our own personal miseries and never really got together again.
Then I met her sister Yummy. I remember poking fun at their choices of nicknames considering they have such beautiful first names - Amira for Tiny and Merriam for Yummy.
Yummy was being considered as secretary of KFI and when I had the chance to "interview" her, I immediately gave my nod.
Yummy not only became an associate - she became one of my closest friends who stood by me through thick and thin.
As my friendship with Yummy blossomed, Tiny became somewhat distant but each time our paths crossed it would always be a blast.
Tiny then was fighting her own demons and I felt she wanted some space.Of late, I commented how Tiny looked so at peace now. She didn't have to explain.
Our eyes spoke to each other. I'm thankful I have these two ladies as my friends - my Sister Act.
I love them to death. Stay happy, girls, for you deserve it.
* * * * *
Mother tourism
The Grand Dame of Tourism in these parts has won so many battles in her life.
In fact she is fighting what could be the greatest battle of her life - her fight with the big "C."
Regional Director Suhora Dimaampao is the driving force behind the concerted tourism efforts of the region.
Her steel determination saw her through three Secretaries - all of whom with their own idiosyncrasies.
Dick Gordon was the hyperactive slave driver; Obet Pagdanganan was the lethargic but likeable doer while Ace Durano is the detached administrator.
Suhora continued to weave her charm despite these changes.
She stood by our side from the bombings of 2000 to the ecoli bacteria scare of 2004 - never once wavering on her resolve to put Gensan in the Tourism map.
We are where we are right now, in terms of tourism, because of her belief in us. For this alone, Suhora deserves our gratitude.
Mabuhay ka, Mother!
For Bisaya stories from General Santos.Click here. (This section is updated every Monday)
(March 14, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
