WHEW! So that’s how it feels to hold your breath while at the same time incessantly knocking (okay, pounding) on the doors of heaven for a miracle to happen.
And so the miracle really did happen. Thank you, dear God!
Oh, please! Nothing of that sort again, guys, if possible. I mean, those last-minute efforts. They’re so physically and emotionally taxing! Whew!
While Mary Jane Veloso is still languishing in jail in Indonesia, at least she’s given another chance to prove her innocence while the real perpetrators will also be hauled to the halls of justice (hopefully).
***
That’s not the end of the prayer brigade. There’s still another thing to hurdle and that’s the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight, dubbed as the historic bout.
Both parties have done their respective preparations. All we can do is just to wait (again, with bated breath) and pray for the best especially for our compatriot, the people’s champ, Pacman!
Gaisano Country Mall Cineplex is among the venues offering pay-per-view of the fight, at P800 with snacks.
***
Work, both in and out of the office, and some activities on the side must have overwhelmed me to some extent that when a call from Jojo Aquio of GMA 7’s corporate communication department came through, I was left clueless as to what was happening in the network’s main and regional offices.
It turned out that there was personnel movement that the network’s executives called “strategic streamlining.” I was stunned to learn that some friends and colleagues were included.
Part of the network’s first official statement reads: “GMA Network is in the process of undertaking a strategic streamlining of programs and manpower in its provincial stations to ensure business competitiveness.
“This has resulted in the reduction of manpower and targets more efficient operations. Severance packages are offered by GMA to all affected personnel.
“GMA Network greatly appreciates the contributions rendered by our Kapuso in the regions and we wish them all the best as they seek new opportunities outside the Network.”
The following day, another statement was received. The last part reads, “This undertaking is not connected to the impending talks with Mr. Ramon S. Ang.”
Meanwhile, we’re waiting for the next step the affected personnel may be taking. Let’s keep a close watch.
***
Many of you must have seen and enjoyed the videos of the young American missionaries who speak fluent Cebuano. They even sing Cebuano songs.
Their performance is called Hey Joe Show, as inspired by the greetings of the Cebuano children they met in their missionary work before.
The group has returned to the country and will be meeting and greeting their fans. This afternoon at 4, they’ll be at the Ayala Cebu Terraces.
***
Multi-awarded director Brilliante Mendoza teams up once again with superstar Nora Aunor for another project which, just recently, has been admitted to one of the categories in the Cannes Film Festival next month.
The project is Taklub, which reportedly tells about the experience of a mother during the onslaught of supertyphoon Yolanda in Tacloban.
As in the artists’ past collaborations, the project is expected to be another gem and to bring another feather to the cap of the Filipino film industry. Let’s keep posted.
***
Though I was not able to catch up with the solemn part of the Kaplag celebration, I was fortunate enough to be able to arrive at the Sto. Niño pilgrim center right before the start of the grand finale.
Director Junjet Primor was all over the place giving last-minute instructions and when the chairs for the guests were put in place, I was among the first ones to be accommodated. Thanks a lot, Direk Junjet!
What a fabulous and joyful presentation participated in by different school dance troupes and local government unit Sinulog contingents! It’s like watching the Sinulog grand parade in January once again especially with the groups’ and the crowd’s collective chanting of “Pit Senyor!”
Wait! Did I hear some dancers chant “Pet” instead of “Pit”? That’s a common observation in many Sinulog outings. I guess choreographers should also pay attention to this.