Daily Star LogoOpinions
Bacolod City, PhilippinesThursday, March 8, 2012
Front Page
Negros Oriental
Star Business
Opinion
Sports
Police Beat
Star Life
People & Events
Eguide
Events
Schedules
Obituaries
Congratulations
Classified Ads
Twinkling
with Ninfa Leonardia
OPINIONS

Kisses, hugs and music

Ninfa Leonardia

The remains of the late Congressman Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo will leave Negros Occidental and return to Manila today, where a wake and vigil will be held at the family’s ancestral home. As far as his constituents in the Fifth District of this province are concerned, they are happy and content that they were given a chance to pay their respects to him, and perhaps silently thank him for what he had done for their towns and cities.

***

Of course we also know that they were happy to have a chance to see first-hand the two women so strongly battling for the privilege of starring in the ceremonies connected to the tributes being paid to him as he lay in state. I even will not be surprised if some of those who travelled from the distant areas of the district purposely came to see and compare the two women, that is, the latest ones in the life of Iggy.

***

It seems, though, that as far as positioning is concerned, the so-called “other woman”, Grace Ibuna, is getting an edge over the legal wife, Alelu Morales Arroyo, who is more reserved, and, shall we say less demonstrative that Ibuna. Although I never got close to either, I had met both before, but never had a chance to get better acquainted with them. But members of my family felt we had to pay our respects to Iggy, who had very thoughtfully joined us for the wake of my late mother seven years ago, and then, only recently, also when my brother Joe died last year. We really appreciated that.

***

My sister Perla, sister-in-law Nena, Carla G. and I arrived at the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Hinigaran a little past noon when there were fewer people around. Shortly after, Grace arrived, and after hugging almost all the women who greeted her, proceeded to the heir, where she later asked one of her staff to remove the clear plastic cover. We all gasped when she suddenly bent over and started kissing her late partner, as if he were only sleeping! After that, I hesitated to approach her, fearful that she might kiss me just after kissing a dead body!

***

The church soon filled with children from nearby schools, who I believed were herded in to attend the mass scheduled at 2 p.m. But we had to leave, since there was work a-waiting. I was sorry to miss Aleli, but we could no longer wait. Later I heard that there was quite a show, when Grace suddenly hugged Aleli’s daughter, Alelu, who bore the embrace stiffly, but showed her good breeding by not making a scene in public. But she did have a lot to say in an e-mail to the STAR later. What an articulate teener she seems to be.

***

The scenes at the wake were, however, eclipsed later by the very successful and enjoyable party held to celebrate the 80th birthday of the very talented and popular Msgr. Guillermo “GG” Gaston at the Sanctuario de la Salle. Present to greet and share the Big Moment of the well-loved Monsignor were hundreds of relatives and friends, most of whom have been faithful fans of his who had been attending his birthday commemorations in the past years.

***

Wherever have you seen a celebrator who himself entertains his guests with his own renditions of well selected songs? This time, while he had the back-up and also separate performances of the San Sebastian Cathedral Choir that he had founded, and the rondalla and Glee Club of the West Negros University, it was still a treat to hear Msgr. GG lead the singing of the “Amay Namon (Our Father)”, and later his signature songs “O Sole Mio,” and “Eres Tu”. I don’t think he has ever failed to sing these in any of his earlier concerts.

***

Adding more to the excitement of the night was the emceeing role of noted movie director and artist, Peque Gallaga, who meticulously computed the days since the Monsignor was born and announced that he had been existing for 29,200 days! Including leapyears, he told me later. Peque made a call for support for the building of a cultural center for Bacolod, and everybody said Amen. Indeed, as Peque said, the display of talents last night from just one institution was reason enough to work for an appropriate place to display and honor them. Perhaps this seed, planted (or replanted?) during the equally talented Monsignor’s birthday, will take root and bloom this time. Meanwhile, May God bless you on this birthday, dear Msgr. GG. We hope to share more and more with your from hereon.*

back to top

Google
Web www.visayandailystar.com
Email: visayandailystar@yahoo.com