What if Miriam
were president?

What is happening between the Philippines and China over the Scarborough issue is like a “dare” game between two children. You know, that test where one draws a line and dares the other to step across it or on it. If the one being dared is not husky enough, he better pull out as he is sure to be beaten. In the present case, China is virtually daring us to step on the line it claims to have drawn, even if international law shows that it is within our territory.

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But are we ready to take umbrage and boldly step on that line? Are we ready to be pummeled by the Chinese man and fire power? We have beautiful stories and legends about underdogs triumphing over bullies, and even Biblical ones like that of David and Goliath, but is the Philippines a David, with a tiny but potent weapon? At least we are lucky that our President is being sensible and logical, and still trying to arrange matters by dialog. Suppose President Aquino were of the same temperament as Senator Miriam Santiago?

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If China were only as vulnerable as Myanmar, where the ruling group came to realize where their intransigence was leading them to. We don’t believe it was only because the president was afraid of Aung San Suu Kyi that they had a change of heart, and decided to hold democratic elections that allowed Suu Kyi to come out and position herself in the election, if a mightier power had not twisted their arms, in a manner of speaking.

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This is obvious, especially after reports have come out that the United States has eased the sanctions on Myanmar and is now extending assistance to the country. But Myanmar, impoverished and already clueless is one thing, and China is another. Do we actually believe that if we defy China and wage war against it, the United States could threaten it to get off our backs, or else? At this point, I think only prayers can solve the stand-off confronting us. So let us pray…

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A congressman from Pampanga wants the management of Disneyland to put one up in his province, specifically in the place once the site of the U.S. owned Clark Air Base. It is a good idea, and one that would delight the children, but can we sustain a Disneyland, especially now? I remember that it took a long time for the one in Hongkong to click, and even now, some people who had visited it claim that it is not as complete or as attractive as the one in Anahein, California. The congressman says Japan and Shanghai have their Disneyland, so we should also have our own. Keeping up with the Joneses, isn’t he?

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Oh, oh. Is it true that former President Joseph Estrada is eyeing the mayorship of Manila? Officially, he reportedly claims he has not decided yet, that the chances of his running for the post is only 50-50. But he has been doing good works, like giving gifts to Manileños, especially in Tondo where he says he was born, and his quacking and walking are unmistakably that of a candidate already. How will off-and-on Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim take that?

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In one of his interviews, Erap underscored that fact that, being a true Manileno, his heart had always been for Manila. He also pointed out that he has a lot of experience as mayor of San Juan, had been a senator, vice president and president of the country. So closing his political career as mayor means that he has come full circle. Mayor Lim should be alarmed, he must remember that Erap almost became president again – if former President Cory Aquino had not died at the right time.

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I got an email allegedly from a certain CeCe Valdez saying that Nora Aunor was never convicted of drug use in the U.S., and was held for questioning and went to court and cleared. If that is true, then we stand corrected. But note that she was not able to return to the Philippines until years later. “CeCe” also said morality is not a criteria for National Artists honors. By the way, Vilma Santos has also been endorsed for the same honors. Another Nora-Vilma contest? Where will you put your money?*

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