That's how I see the shaping political fortunes of a native of Mexico town, a young civil engineer who was elected to the Pampanga provincial board, and now Representative Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. (3rd District-Kampi).
Gonzales, a known political protege of Senator Loren Legarda, the President's ally turned-foe, suddenly found favor and blessings from the Arroyo family.
He was sworn in Partido Kampi, grabbing a reserved seat for a fellow civil engineer and former board member, Ferdinand Labung, then seeded as the party's official candidate for congressman.
Dong has hitched his wagon to the President's star. Now he is virtually going places. He has become almost like an adoptive son of the first Family, his colleagues in Congress admitted.
Only last week, his landmark bill for Bacolor's massive rehabilitation had been signed into law. Representative Gonzales is the central figure in this monumental initiative, although the honors and applause were bestowed on Mrs. President who has supported, endorsed, and worked for Dong's pet bill to pass muster.
No other Philippine president in memory had done to a Pampanga representative what Mrs. Arroyo has given our own Dong Gonzales, both in favor, influence, and trust.
Even the President's late father, President Diosdado Macapagal did not demonstrate such gifts on his brother, Representative Angel "Star" Macapagal, one of the only two Representatives of Pampanga in the late '60s.
With over billion pesos of massive infrastructure and institutional restoration work, Bacolor is on its way to regain its rightful place among progressive communities in the province.
Today's municipal populace, including the growing offspring of over 60,000 Bacolorenos, spread in the lahar-devastated town and in about seven resettlement areas, will remember Congressman Gonzales for his unprecedented legislation.
I am elated to know that the congressman has kept himself whistle clean, by keeping his distance from the smear, dirt, and fall-out of the present political turmoil involving the Provincial Government. Rather he focused on doing wonders for his district, in projects including bridge and road building, agricultural productivity, scholarship and health programs. All these have become pillars of President Arroyo's social justice advocacy in the traditionally rebel-infested 3rd district.
The lawmaker's image is that of a consistent achiever, with a fantastic record of making things happen. He finds it unproductive to soil his good reputation with unnecessary involvement in a divisive and damaging political exercise.
He has to concentrate only in, as he keeps doing, what is best for his district, with special focus on Bacolor. It is worth knowing that the best and worthiest governors of Pampanga had come from Bacolor that had declared him an Adopted Son.
If events conspire with the unseen spirits to meet in confluence, and life's synergies converge for a purpose, Dong Gonzales, with his well-known public service record and achievements in historic Bacolor town as the rallying cry, may yet find his unsought-for destiny as future Governor.
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Another favorite son of the province, Vice Governor Yeng Guiao, seems to be fated to a new destiny -- this time as the Coach of the Philippine national basketball team.
The ultimate honor due Yeng Guiao may come from his future leadership and performance in his tough responsibility as national coach. There is glory and fame in his stewardship of the dream team.
Realizing, hopefully, the Filipinos' aspiration as a world-class competitor in a national game will outshine and outlast whatever political success he would gain in the Recall movement. He will unite Pampanga in the pride for his world performance. On the other hand he helps divide our people by leading the Recall movement.
In his own time, Yeng may even thank the running priest Fr. Robert Reyes for his unsolicited counsel for Guiao to choose between being a full-time politician and a great basketball coach.
I am disappointed, as many cabalen are, that while Yeng had disclosed his interest to run against Governor Ed Panlilio in the event of a recall election, the Pampanga mayors and the Provincial Board members have not encouraged much less rallied behind him. I expected an endorsement from them. But it is not forthcoming, if ever. It appears that these people have a secret agenda at variance with putting Guiao as the Recall's candidate. Yet Guiao is doing the fighting and the dirty work in the system.
Now, with his well-received selection as coach of the Philippine team, Guiao would be on the way to achieve much greater glory on a national level than the mere accolade as prospective bet for where possibly half or majority of his cabalen would be against him.
If Yeng Guiao is not destined for the Capitol top post, perhaps his fate would take him to shine in a new front -- as future member of Congress. Thousands of young people here, include the senior citizens, too, are his loyal and admiring fans as Red Bull coach. What more when Yeng takes the Philippines to a newfound glory with his successful coaching of the national team? Destiny, indeed, works in mysterious ways.
