Saturday, May 26, 2007 Tulabut: Congratulations are in order By Noel G. Tulabut My Palm Notes
AS THE election smoke cleared, this column would like to congratulate the victors in the recent political exercise.
AMONG ED. For emerging as the governor-elect in the province. With Among Gov slaying two "goliaths," he just upped the ante as people's expectations are now elevated. He is expected to do more than miracles for Pampanga especially in eradicating corruption and illegal gambling as he promised.
With him being really likened to shepherd-turned-king David, Among will surely be seeing Bathshebas of power (could either be literally women, bribery, corruption, and what have you at the Capitol).
Let us just pray for this man. Yes, he is still a man and not an infallible, modern day saint. Lest he becomes firm in his convictions, this priest would not only be breaking his integrity, but also of those who profess to be in the ministry (Roman Catholics, Born Again, INCs, etc.).
Remember that David, a servant-leader regarded as a "man after the heart of God" fell from grace during his kingship. Pre-destined to the throne, David succumbed to temptations and became poor in his judgment.
MAYOR OCA. For easily being reelected into the mayoral post in the premier City of San Fernando.
Not only that. Kudos also for the fresh overwhelming and convincing mandate that spilled over to his ticket. Only one candidate from his 12-man city line up did not make it. Not bad for a batting 11-1 average that manifests trust, confidence and credibility of his leadership.
CONG DONG. This writer never had any doubt that the debonaire third district board member would bring his charm to Congress! And he deserves it, very much.
He is not only the early bird that caught the best worm, but he also reaped what he sowed with his commitments that saw him erect multipurpose halls, build roads, bridges, canals, etc. He also earned respect people's trust and support that catapulted him to a much-deserved congressional seat.
APUNG TARZAN and BOKING. Like inseparable atomic twins, this tandem of cleverness and political savvy has been making such an impact on local political landscape in Metro Clark for years now.
Apung Tarzan, sharper and faster gun than in his prime now, beat the odds. No amount of black prop succeeded against him. Boking, although winning with a slimmer margin, is unmoved and enjoying his fresh mandate.
Boking is priming up for a congressional seat. That is, of course, if Apung Tarzan supports his move and the move to separate Angeles City into a lone-city district. The latter was against the separation of Magalang and Mabalacat before. Will the tandem still hold? Let us see.
*****
CLARK OFFICIALS. It is all systems go for the expansion and improvement of DMIA passenger terminal.
After being readied for catering for long haul flights, Clark officials are making good their promise to make DMIA into the country's premier international gateway.
Ciac top honcho Victor Jose Luciano said the Ciac board will ratify and formally award the bid to AP Canlas Construction firm next month after it emerged as the winning bidder. The firm submitted the lowest bid of P55.9 million among the five bidders.
At present, the terminal can only accommodate 500 passengers at a given time. Once expanded, it could accommodate more than 1,000 passengers.
Luciano identified the four other bidders as Lucky Star Construction, RD Policarpio and Co., JD Legaspi Construction and Prismodial Construction. JD Legaspi was eventually disqualified. Tokwing, supposedly the sixth construction firm, initially expressed interest in the project but eventually withdrew its bid, the official added.
The expansion and modernization of the DMIA terminal is expected to start next month and is scheduled to be completed by January next year.
For his part, CDC president Levy Laus said the average number of passengers using DMIA has been on a steady increase and that the airport traffic is good for the newly designated Clark Freeport Zone. From January to April this year, passenger arrival was increased to 45,062 a month, compared to an average of 39,239 passengers per month recorded last year.
Laus, who is excited with the decision of Texas Instruments to locate in Clark its P1-billion expansion project, also said DMIA enjoys overwhelming support as it gears itself to being a premier gateway. The supporters include no less that President Arroyo herself.
*****
SAVERS GROUP. Popular for its appliance chain (Saver's Mart), internet service and enterprise solutions (Comclark), and Cable TV (ACCTN), this firm and pride of Angeles City will be opening on June 14 its 17th Saver's Mart branch in the country!
Located in Tuguegarao, this branch will carry practically all leading brands in appliances, including Sanyo whose top Philippine officials including its president Tetsuo Hirota joined Allan Uy, Savers vice president, in the recent launching of Sanyo showroom in Savers Mall in Balibago.
Allan, pitching in for brother Jack -- the firm's president and CEO-was also joined by Sanyo's VP for sales Noboru Inoue, sales manager Joseph Chua, among others.
Savers, which humbly started with only a Betamax and TV tapes rental in Johnnys Supermarket manned by the youthful Dennis Uy in the 1980s had indeed gone a long way. Comclark, for one is much sought after for its enterprise solutions like software development and hardware distribution like cable boxes, wi-fi provisions and 3G services for Globe telecommunications.
Congratulations Jack, Allan and Dennis, and their sisters Aileen and Minnie.
SHOEMART and AUF. For holding a Santacruzan right inside SM City Clark. This is one cultural fete that is slowly banishing from the barrios. It is good that these two entities are keeping the tradition alive. Kudos in advance to SM Supermalls top exec Ms. Annie Garcia and AUF's grand man and Atty. Emmanuel Y. Angeles.
Not only are beauties and their consorts paraded in their true splendor but shoppers and the general public are regaled as well in this enchanting event. The affair is part of celebration of AUF's 45th anniversary and part of Fiesta celebrations in the month of May in SM Supermalls.
