Iris P. Concepcion
I woke up to pictures of the President sharing bike rides with his exercising team. The Philippine Daily Inquirer had headlined it visually with a great shot. The continuing story and picture accompanying it inside bears the watch. It was not duplicated in the online version. Grab your papers today and look at the magnificent pictures.
Afterwhich, browse the Lifestyle section of the Philippine Star after and you see the coalescion (coalition actually) of the embedded men and women of grit who had at least triumphed in their steps for guidance and discipline. A long way to go but climb, they did. In its front page, the paper has a picture of a giant American ship docked at the bay where Osama Bin Laden was laid.
I also read the Opinion of readers sent through text about how they view Mar Roxas' entry into Noynoy's official circle. I was struck with these pronouncements:
"I advocate the appointment of Mar Roxas as P-noy's chief of staff as he is already well versed in public service having served as representative of the 1st district of Capiz from 1992-2000; as Secretary of DTI from 2000-2010; and as a senator from 2004-2010. Mar will be a vital contributor to Pinoy's administration."
Also this:
"It's the prerogative of Pinoy to appoint Mar to become chief of staff. Mar presents trustworthiness and integrity and is well educated."
This one is in street lingo speaks:
"That's no problem. He trusts Mar. Kaysa naman mga abusado or another magna (thieves)."
On the pop side, have you been reading and watching the ads lately?
Seen on a car slogan. This one is truly reared on a global platform: Built on the American dream, fine-tuned with German precision, nurtured with Japanese discipline.
If I may add the most important line: Completed with distinct Pinoy innovativeness.
I have seen a vacuum cleaner that looked like a superior car. Fit for a Spielberg film, it was sitting in one corner looking immaculate. At 2,400 watts, it only sells at P2,300.00. I have seen an airconditioning waft of cool air getting out from a bear's ears as a fat statue was gyrating to a fat buster nearby, looking electrocuted. It is called the Vibro Shake.
There is a pink Barbie monitored computer that goes for P7,500.00 and it is a sight to behold. Helmets are improvised to look like Star Wars gadgets. Action figures are predominantly viewed in a funny and pretty way in one corner.
Dolls with pretty faces the actual size of my wards go for less than P1,000.00. A burger outlet offers free phone charging to its customers (Lo bat. No bat. My kind of bat. Free Cellphone Charge). My priest is teaching ill-mannered people good manners in a dramatic way.
The malls are particularly exciting. The interiors are now renewed to maximize in a minimalist way. The traditional Monnakiki store of frump dresses now bear Hula pictures of Hawaii and lanais. It retained its merchandise though. Look at the new Super Bench; it has a great frontage. The Q design in one female clothing store was impressive. Am-Blvd sells transparent bags that are a beaut.
From the former horse racetrack where this mall now stands, marvel at the improvements. Slowly, things are getting prettier over there. The National bookstore has postcards of Agriculturists (funny titles) and its notebooks are of wonderful make. I think it gives P25.00 school kit as part of its allocation profit for the needy students. Daughter makes me proud. It enlisted the help of various companies. I got these school freebies one time from Mar Roxas' HQ. It did not spend on campaign dole-outs. His volunteers bought notebooks, pencils and bags. I gave these to my niece and her friends. The quality of these papers are the same in the improved writing pads being sold in bookstores now.
I slept inside the airport and engaged a non-believer turned believer in a discussion of economics. My best peace offering is a Mexican bread from Dough Joe. To taste is to believe as one slogan had advocated.
Corn kids are giving their Mom the tantrums but in a sweet way. All of them are smirking but laughing once backs are turned.
For the piece de resisistance, an ad from Chowking.
For Chowking Chinese-Style Fried Chicken and the testimonies:
"I love your style---Gloria"
"Lutonglutonglutonglutonglutonglutong----Jim"
"Pati chicken, you are the king--LMark"
"Parang chicharon sa lutong--RJ"
"Naririnig yung balat, parang pumuputok-putok---Angelo"
"No need for gravy. Malasa talaga.---Benj"
"Definitely babalikan.---Mitchi"
"Habang ngininguya, mas lalong lumalasa.---Bert"
"Tumutunog pag kinakagat.----Bea"
"Paborito namin ito sa office---Jen"
"Aanhin pa ang sarap sauce e sosarap na.----Beth"
"You are now officially my new favorite chicken----Tessa"
Do you believe in miracles? I do.