What's up at Gawad Kalinga?

So Manny Pacquiao passed the Alternative Learning System Tests given by the Department of Education. The Pacman, who was not able to finish high school because of poverty, can now be considered a high school graduate. Does that mean he can already qualify to run for any position, even the Senate?

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Pacquiao took the examination in General Santos City, but it was the Secretary of Education, Jesli Lapuz, no less, who presented him his certification. Of course that does not mean the examinee had been given a special concession. Nor does it arouse suspicion that the department has a diploma mill somewhere. As Manny said, taking the test was more difficult than a 15-round fight. Is it true that he is now thinking of enrolling for a college course at the Ateneo? My! His boxing opponents will surely be surprised when he starts speaking to the media with an Arrneow accent.

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But what is this disturbing news I saw yesterday in a business column of a Manila daily saying that two of the highest officials, the founders, in fact, of the Gawad Kalinga have resigned? The report first said that Frank Padilla, chairman of GK and then Tony Meloto, executive director, have resigned from the Gawad Kalinga, their brainchild, and no reason was given for the sudden decisions. Could it be true? And after Tony Meloto had won the Magsaysay award for the project? What will happen to the program that has electrified, not only Filipinos, but many foreigners who have been even donated to it? I hope it is not true.

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Another one. This time it was a Frenchman, married to a Filipina, who made the unfortunate joke of having a bomb in his hand-luggage, who caused the flight to Bangkok to be delayed while a check was made. It seems he does not know yet that airline people no longer have a sense of humor when it comes to bomb jokes. So the fellow is now facing charges that may bring him a sentence of two to six years. Perhaps he didn't see, or could not understand the warnings posted prominently at local airports against such jokes?

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Just about the same time I read the news item about Prince Harry of England being sent off to Iraq as part of his military exposure, I also heard from my dearest friend, Norma Bitanga Regidor, the good news that her son, Hughie, who was also sent off to Iraq shortly before we visited her in San Francisco last June, is now back from his posting. It is quite a coincidence, but during the first war against Iraq, the infamous Desert Storm, another of Norma and Tony's sons, Francis, was also assigned in Iraq. We all stormed the heaven with prayers from their safety both times and are so relieved they are back and safe.

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It was a beautiful affair that the Negros Tsinoys set up for the bestowal of the honor of being their adopted son on one of the country's most successful businessmen last night at the St. John Institute Activity Center. The venue was filled with a colorful crowd of members and guests clad in outfits with Chinese motifs. The honoree was industrialist-diplomat-agriculturist-businessman-philanthropist Eduardo Cojuangco, a fourth generation Chinese himself, and therefore already a Tsinoy. He also surprised many when he revealed that his beauteous wife, Gretchen, herself is one-fourth Chinese, her great-grandmother being a pure Chinese.

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Aside form the entertaining dance and musical numbers presented during the 10-course "laodiat", the presence of so many political personalities of different persuasions presented a head-turning exercise for snoopy people like us. At our table was a motley group, with Edouard Garcia, Larry Lacson, brother Joe L, the top two cops in our area, Bacolod Police Chief Ronilo Quebrar, and Negros Occidental's top man Rosendo Franco, and Leo Bentinganan of City Hall. Earlier we had Bobby Rojas who confirmed his bid for a come-back to the SP.

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It was fun watching the members and guests, including the politicians, of course, jostling for photo-opportunities with the honored couple, but both Danding and Gretchen graciously accommodated as many as they could. I was especially happy to see the DAILY STAR's best friend and patron, Msgr. John B. Liu, looking well and enjoying the evening affair. The Monsignor is also a good friend of the Ambassador and his lady.*

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