WATCHING the candidates file their COCs last week, I cannot help but recall the familiar reportage of a horse race sportscaster of yesteryears, the late Tony Trinidad.
As soon as the race horses sprinted out of the San Lazaro starting gate, Trinidad's voice would blare across the hippodrome "There they goooooo....." Second by second, the Trinidad would describe how the riders jockeyed for position... with one or two riders "coming from the outside"... until the winner was decided at the homestretch.
In many ways, the political contest is similar to a horse race. Even the terms are similar. Candidates vying for a position are described as "running" or "tumatakbo." No wonder it is called a political derby.
Around this time, never ending questions are revived and debated?
Should political dynasties be outlawed? Should there be minimum educational qualifications for those seeking elective offices? Should "nuisance" candidates be penalized?
Those opposed to dynasties claim the need to democratize the electoral process. Those in favor claim the matter is best left to the electorate.
Those seeking minimum educational qualifications argue that even lowest level appointive positions in the public service are required to be filled by at least high school graduates.
A story is told that friends of the late great comedian Dolphy had been persistently egging him to run for office. With his tremendous popular appeal, Dolphy's friends said that he was a sure winner.
But the level-headed Dolphy was aware of his own limitations. His consistent reply: "What if I win?"
Outstanding and elegant business journalists
Louella "Louie" Desiderio always looks forward to the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (Ejap) Awards Night.
Louie, Philippine Star business reporter and this year's Ejap president, compares Awards Night to Oscar Night.
On this occasion, business reporters are recognized not only for their outstanding work in their respective beats. They also recognized for fashion elegance.
This year's (the 27th) awardees and their respective beats:
Louise Maureen Simeon, Philippine Star, Agriculture and Mining;
Bianca Cuaresma, BusinessMirror, Banking;
Jennee Austria, Manila Standard, Capital Markets;
Ronnel Domingo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Energy;
Ben de Vera, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Finance;
Cai Ordinario, Business Mirror, Macroeconomy;
Darwin Amojelar, Manila Standard, Telecommunications and Transport;
Catherine Pillas, Business Mirror, Trade;
Jasper Emmanuel Arcalas, Business Mirror, Best Feature.
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges chaired by Milwida Guevara with the following members: Arsenio Balisacan, this writer, Arnel Casanova, Corazon Guidote, Ponciano Manalo Jr., Zenaida Monsada, and Cesar Purisima.
Other big winners:
Zinnia de la Peña, Philippine Star, best dressed female or Queen of the Night;
Cris Laraño, Wall Street Journal, best dressed male or King of the Night;
Bianca Cuaresma, Business Mirror, Princess of the Night;
Miguel Camus, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Prince of the Night.
First Filipino Kiwanis International president
In response to readers' queries, the first Filipino to be elected as Kiwanis International president was Dr. Juan "Ito" Torres Jr.
A retired medical practitioner and former member of the UST Faculty of Medicine, Torres served during Kiwanis International administrative year 2002-2003.
He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Antipolo.
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