"TAPAT ko, Linis ko." I am sure you have read this sign somewhere. There's a line in a Tagalog song: "Lipstick ka ng lipstick, hindi ka naman nagbrush your teeth." The sign and the line in the song best described our ethics.
Remember when the Asean ministers came to Clark Freeport in January last year for the Apec? And before the official scheduled arrival, Angeles City, Mabalacat and the Clark Freeport prepared for their coming. It is so puzzling that it is only when we have visitors that we do the clean-up and sprucing. Very Filipino. Take notice of this, families will troop to the cemeteries and clean the tombs and surrounding. Days after the observance of the All Saints' Day, mountains of trash will be left behind. It is cultural. I have seen that year after year. We joggers at La Pieta Memorial Park in Angeles City are living witnesses.
In my youth, I remember that when our town fiesta in Porac is forthcoming, and that is November 24-25, every household will start the clean-up and stores will run out of steel wool and floor wax. It was all in the preparation of the celebration where friends and relatives from other towns will make the visit. It is all for impression.
It might be recalled also during the Marcos years when foreign dignitaries and celebrities were visiting the country, then First Lady Imelda R. Marcos was always on top of the preparations. One time, she ordered then our late cabalen from Florida Blanca, Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Aber P. Canlas, to put flower beds along the routes where the dignitaries will pass. And with the specific instruction was that the flower beds must be surrounded by fresh bermuda grass. It was an impossible task given to Canlas, since the visitors will come in a day or two. The "genius" of Canlas made Imeldific happy. Aber Canlas painted apple green the withering grass around the flower beds. He he he. What a folly!
TIDBITS: There are two Barangay Pulong Bulo. The one in Angeles City and the one in San Fernando. Pulung Bulo in San Fernando was the one that was declared drug free. Just to set the record straight. Mayor Edwin Santiago commended the efforts of the barangay officials and law enforcers. Keep it up Mayor Edsa...The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. affirms the good product quality of Mekeni Food Corporation. As a matter of fact, all meat processed in Pampanga are safe to eat. If Pampanga's Best products are safe, so are products of Mekeni. Ask PamCham President Jess Nicdao...Our cabalen, former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde will now have more time to play golf with friends and attend to his businesses together with the wife. May hinanakit lang ang maraming reporters sa kaniya. The Capampangan Media Inc. (Cami) sent him an official letter inviting him to guest in our weekly forum. He snubbed it. There was not even a response. That's what we remember of him... Bases Conversion Development Authority president and concurrently Flagships Projects Secretary Vince Dizon heaved already a sigh of relief after all facilities for the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) at the New Clark City are finished. Even the all the roads going to the venue. Congrats President Vince. Nicely done...All organizations must share a helping hand to the Mindanao quake victims. The Lord loves a cheerful giver.