But Imelda was there

President Aquino is now in China to attend the Leaders Summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC. Now that he is there, will he also visit the hometown of his ancestors, like his mother, Cory, did when she also went to China? Maybe his renewing of ties with the Chinese could lead to their becoming more reasonable about their claims on our territory. They might listen to a heart-to-heart talk with a “pariente”.

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Even as he left for Beijing, PNoy was being bashed, allegedly by the people of Tacloban, who are angry at him for visiting Guian and not their city. But Tacloban has been getting all the attention, and probably the bulk of the relief and assistance from abroad, whereas other towns and cities, like Guian are hardly ever mentioned. It was disgusting to hear someone from Leyte who was griping that they did not get any relief or rehabilitation help when, in fact, the reporters pointed out that their place was not even within the area affected by Yolanda. Well, there are opportunists everywhere.

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Maybe the reason why PNoy skipped Tacloban was that he knew Imelda and Bongbong Marcos would be there. And also, their relative, the Tacloban mayor, who might start crying again when he sees the president. Me, I thought that seeing Imelda and Bongbong would be more than enough for the Tacloban folk who are supposed to idolize them. Meanwhile, it is really typical of Filipinos to gripe about everything. But, perhaps the gripers are being prodded by politicians, because international observers who have come to monitor the recovery efforts for Yolanda victims seem to be well-satisfied, and even praised the progress of the recovery work.

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Have you ever wondered how the international community would have responded during the times of leaders – let’s not name names – who were noted throughout the world for being so corrupt they virtually emptied the coffers of the country and enriched themselves and their families? When Yolanda came, not only governments but even socio-civic organizations, quickly responded and sent help in cash and in kind, without reservations. They knew that the present one is working hard to rid the government of the scoundrels who would have helped themselves to the help spent for the victims.

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When a strong typhoon hit Luzon, especially the central provinces and Manila in the 1980s, aid also came from several countries for the victims. What a shock it was to the officials of the embassies of some countries when it was reported that a lot of the blankets, towels, canned goods and other items they had shipped to Manila, were being sold in Quiapo and Divisoria! Seems the culprits who were in charge of the distribution had swapped the new products with used items and clothing they had collected from the local donors, and made business with the new brand-new goods. At least we have not heard of such things happening to Yolanda-intended aid.

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Both the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Cable News Network, or BBC and CNN, were full of the “Fall of the Wall” anniversary yesterday. For several hours, they kept the world abreast on the way Germany was celebrating the 25th anniversary of the day its two separated parts came together again. Thousands again gathered to see the simple ceremonies where their Chancellor, Angela Merkel, led the officials in sticking flowers into some portions of the symbolic wall, and also lighting candles near it.

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It was an emotional affair, and many of those interviewed were reminiscent of their experiences. By the way, it was noted that Chancellor Merkel is herself a product of the East, and grew up there. Her election seems to confirm that all reservations between the Easterners and the Westerners have already been forgotten. One of the things I remember about my visits to Germany is how the people there had regarded the beautiful couple of the White House then, President John F. Kennedy and his glamorous wife, Jackie.

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The visit was given full publicity in the world press, and the two were received like movie stars. Of course Jack Kennedy, with his gift for words, always said the right things, and Jackie only had to smile and wave to send the crowds sighing and chanting her name. I saw concrete evidence of this affectionate reception when I crossed one of the main streets of Berlin and saw the street sign saying “Kennedyalle”. I guess that immortalized the visit of the famous couple, and I heard the Germans were also devastated by the murder of their adopted fellow “Berliner”, Jack F. Kennedy.*

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