National Artists all

Why only Nora Aunor? What about Vilma Santos, Eddie Garcia, the late Fernando Poe Jr., Erap Estrada, and even Dolphy? Those were the reactions from various quarters, including Congress, after a move was made to have singer Nora Aunor declared a National Artist of the country.

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Of course, all those mentioned are acclaimed show business personalities especially in the movie field. Vilma Santos, perennial rival of Nora during their heyday, has about a hundred movies to her name, and also has the distinction of having been a mayor and is now governor of Batangas. She is also a multi-awarded actress and even if her children have different fathers, they were her legal husbands.

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What about Dolphy? He has reportedly dozens of children with different mothers, but continues to be a bachelor, not having been entrapped into marriage by any of them. He is now in his 80's and reportedly ailing, but still “trying hard”. Not even in his condition has he indicated a desire to marry any of the women who bore his children, not even the present one who must be hoping for a deathbed ceremony.

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Fernando Poe Jr., son of an equally gifted actor, was married to one believed to be the love of his life. But they had no children of their own, while he is believed to have an any children by other women. Also multi-awarded as an actor, he is also credited with many projects for the benefit of the industry and its workers, as well as for charitable works made known only after his death. Surely he is National Artist material, too?

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What about Joseph Estrada, another powerful figure in Philippine moviedom, who easily got elected as mayor of his town (now city) San Juan, then seguéd into the vice presidency and the presidency? Even if he got ousted later, he showed how well regarded he still was, by joining the 2010 presidential race, and almost made it! He was second only to the incumbent president, Noynoy Aquino.

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As for Eddie Garcia, he may have shone in villainous roles, but nobody can dispute the fact that he is one of the most talented and also the most durable of them. He credits his hardiness to scoops of vitamin pill daily, but his acting prowess continues undiminished to this day. Eddie G has also been awarded several acting awards. Shouldn't he be on the list of National Artist awardees, too?

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But a member of Congress has very wisely said that they have too many important concerns on their hands to get involved in the affairs of the art community, too. I think it was Senator Jinggoy Estrada who said that there is an appropriate body for choosing who will be named national artist, and well, maybe he wanted to quote, like Manny Pacquiao, from the Bible that says “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's…” In other words, let the National Commission for Culture and Arts act on this, as they will not be suspected of using the artists for political advantage.

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At the moment, though, let us concentrate on another singing talent, who may only be half-Filipino, but looks completely like one, and who is now in the race for the title of American Idol. When Jessica Sanchez almost got eliminated in a previous voting, Pinoys in the United States and abroad got jolted and promptly began a massive campaign for her. At yesterday's elimination, 16-year-old Jessica easily made it to the six who remained in contention. I hope her fans will continue the strong support for her. She reportedly got 53 million votes yesterday.

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And we are not the only ones laying claim to Jessica. The mayor of the Chula Vista, the city where she and her family are based, is also calling out to residents to support her. The mayor said she does not only represent their city, but San Diego County, and the entire West Coast as well. So, go, Jessica, GO! You have so many rooting for you.*

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