Depending on which side you are on, believe what you want. Of course a man must have a woman or women in his life.
To titillate the malicious mind, let us say that the governor is not exempted from this hypothesis.
From where I sit, I think Among Ed has what I consider as the three women in his life. Two of them are rich and famous; the third is not, but is well talked-about.
These women are celebrities in their own right who figure greatly in the life of the priest governor, for better or for worse.
The ladies excite him, give him a reason to rise up to meet a new day, challenge his patience but provide him a reason to be strong and alive.
The first is Atty. Vivian Dabu, his efficient and loyal provincial administrator. She is a heroine of sorts for her courage, forbearance, and Teflon resilience.
The second is Mrs. Lolita Hizon, his former friend now chief tormentor. The third is a cyclone named after a woman.
The trio excite him in a different way, I am sure. The first gives him the best service (officially, that is) that any elective official deserves. Her loyalty is beyond compare; her devotion is unparalleled and her courage keeps his blood running hot.
Mrs. Hizon excites him in a way that a lion tamer agitates a lion. She keeps whipping him but he does not obey; she threatens him but he remains obstinate. She wants him out or put an end to his political career. The third wants revenge and vindication.
These are the principal women in Among Ed's life. Atty. Vivian gives the harassed Governor her love and comfort. The dependability and loyalty that is ascribed to the controversial administrator has been misconstrued and misinterpreted. Their work partnership takes the semblance of the bow and arrow, each useless without the other.
As chief critic, Mrs. Hizon has proven to be a consistent whip. As tormentor, she keeps Among Ed restless; hell hath no fury than a woman disillusioned by Among Ed's friendship and style. If Vivian keeps his blood running hot, she keeps it running cold. The third woman keeps his blood curdled in anxiety.
Ms. Vivian's competence, efficiently, and steadfast loyalty is what sustains the Governor's adrenaline level. That seems to be the main reason why his detractors wanted the lady out of the Capitol. She is his inspiration, his strength, and his solace.
Should Mrs. Hizon cease and desist from what she has been doing as his terrorist and tormentor, Among Ed will wilt from lack of challenge to strive better each day. In a way, Madame Hizon keeps the Padre alert, vigilant and extra-sensitive to his new life as public servant.
If Vivian is the energizer, she is the fiscalizer. I do not know of any other women in Among Ed's life. Every now and then when a publication similar to the authorless "Kalasag" comes out, the salida bola (list) of all the girls that he allegedly "has loved before" comes out.
I do not have an experience in census work. I cannot, therefore, confirm any semblance of truth to the black propaganda against Among Gov.
Third woman in the ring is Among Ed's principal adversary -- the Million Dollar Baby.
Mrs. Lilia "Baby" Pineda and the priest-turned governor were not real enemies on a personal level. Both are victims of the law of unintended consequences. Such as the aftermath of defeat and the wake left by a hurricane.
"Nanay Baby" carried the hopes and dreams of most officials here. As Pampanga's most powerful woman, she is the fulcrum from which her generosity can tip results of most local contests.
Almost all organized efforts contra-Panlilio are Pineda-related. She is married to a successful and astute-businessman Mr. Bong Pineda. This, plus the reality that "every man has his price" according to Sir Robert Walpole, along with Washington's maxim that "few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder," causes Panlilio's nightmares.
These are the three famous women in Among Ed's life. Vivian is the wind beneath his wings, Lolita is the Shakespearean sling and arrow of outrageous fortune; Nanay is his more frightening foe because she provides the lifeline to most local officials, probably sweet bread to Recall leaders and followers: he that cometh to her shall never hunger or die of thirst.
Vivian is Among Ed's beautiful day, as in the song, "you're my sunshine, my only sunshine/ you make me happy when skies are grey." Lolita is his twilight, a stationary typhoon; Nanay Baby threatens to be his total eclipse and presently a Caribbean hurricane (level 4).
Heard in many places intended for the first: "'Lis d'yan!"; "Ano ba 'yan?" for the second, and "Mayron ba d'yan?" for the third.
There is a fourth woman (Mama Mary) in Among Ed's life. It's her coronation today.
Virgen de los Remedios, Pampanga's patroness, fabled icon and advocate for peace and people's unity, beckons all believers to the Villa del Sol enthronement rites at 3 p.m.
The event comes at a time when Pampangos will be divided by power politics. The unspoken gospel of the day: Go in peace, brethren, and save the Gov!
