AFTER 24 years, historic EDSA I peaceful revolution that kicked out 20-years of Marcos hard rule and dictatorship, remains the pillar which restored democracy in the Philippines. It is still a jewel among family of nations although..slowly losing its luster.

Today, after four presidents and a fifth to be elected…….. pundits, new generation Filipinos and historians are beginning to question the efficacy of the Feb.22-25,1986 upheaval.

Was it a  revolution masterminded in the capital region for its own political convenience and interest without regards to other areas like Mindanao and the rest of the country?

Was it an aberration or simply a phenomenon that can never be duplicated like the  hastily scripted EDSA II that catapulted Lilliputian , then vice president  Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Malacanang? Unlike EDSA I, the second one starring Mrs. Arroyo was allegedly manipulated by business moguls and titans and  the “Burgis “ of Ayala, Makati because of their disdain of an unschooled tough guy womanizer President in the person of Joseph “Erap “Estrada.  In short, EDSA II was a “second rate, good for nothing …..cheap copycat “  of EDSA I, to quote Cherry Gil from the Sharon Cuneta starrer “Bituing Walang Ningning “.  

But whatever EDSA I is, there is the undeniable truth that after 24 years , we now have a free society. There is now a liberal sprinkling of media as compared to the government-controlled few newspapers and TV and radio stations.

Democracy is back despite its many shortcomings . That is why, we now have 10 candidates for presidents ranging from the billionaire, the pretender to his parents’ legacy, the ex-convict, the clowns and the religious to the lunatic and the strange bedfellows…much better than martial law I should say !     

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PIDC’s NEW PRESIDENT: Congratulations to newly installed PIDC (Philippine Independence Day Council) president Minda Neri.

We missed your induction rites Feb.20 despite your personal-last minute effort to invite us (as you just jetted in from Pinas) which is of course by all standards, quite very late and maybe through no fault of your own. But anyway thanks.

It seemed that one of Minda’s subaltern, a PR-designate I think, started PIDC’s new administration on the wrong foot, a costly miscue involving invitations.

Could be a learning curve or first day jitters but nevertheless, SOME people should know this early. Public relations is the very heart of any organizations more so entities like PIDC which relies heavily on community support on their many activities and projects.

I’m hearing talks that Jun Enverga’s leadership (or is it Rosemer’s, the Wonder Woman….in my books) is a tough act to follow and much is expected of the same of Minda’s. That is so unfair.

C’mon ..people have their own minds, different styles and brand of leadership. No need for stereotyping.

Credibility, respect and transparency in an organization coupled with hard work could be the right formula. If one is willing to communicate with the public and the community it serves and at the same time listen to suggestions and even accepts criticisms. you’re on the right track.

Minda deserves all the support she needs to steer the organization into greater heights. No harm giving her that chance.            . 

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SEGGA SHENANIGANS ?: Just received a message from Wally Gonzalez of the legendary Juan de la Cruz band saying a check issued by Ms.Grace Parucha of SEGGA, in the amount of $365.00 as payment for balikbayan boxes of Wally and another band member Joey “Pepe” Smith had bounced.

Parucha,  represents Toronto-based Segga promotions that contracted the band last May-December of 2009 for a series of concerts in Canada and the US but failed to pay the band and others of their talent fees amounting  to some  $20,000.

Balita got in touch with Parucha months back who promised to pay the band on a scheduled instalment plan.

But according to Gonzalez, Parucha did not remit any payments based on their agreed schedules. “She was supposed to send $500.00 last January 15 but there was none “ said Gonzalez.

“Ayaw i-release yung balikbayan boxes namin ni Pepe kasi tumalbog daw and tseke ni Grace Parucha “ said Gonzalez describing this latest sad episode as another “shenanigans “ of Segga and Parucha.

“Anyway kami na lang ni Pepe ang nagbayad dito para ma-deliver.May penalty pa na P1,365 (roughly $33.00 Canadian) para sa talbog na tseke. swindler na talaga yan taong yan “ said Gonzalez.

He also confirmed reports that Parucha and her friend  Elsie Maranan are also involved in another forthcoming concert in Toronto in March 20 starring Nora Aunor and had changed their Segga promotions outfit to Mustard Seed production where other associates are involved.

Gonzalez has a warning : “Sana di matulad sa amin ang concert ni Nora Aunor na hindi nabayaran “ Gonzalez added.

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CHASING JOSIE: Speaking of concerts, its hard to catch up with songstress Josie De Leon, busy as she is specially last year 2009. We missed her Valentine benefit concert last February 13 at the Kalayaan Community Center in Mississauga.

As a  home-grown talent here in Toronto, Josie readily lends her services to many good causes (gratis et amore sometimes) such as Typhoon Ondoy of CASJ and of course for Mama Ching Quejas Kalayaan Center.

The last Feb.13 gig was her first ever major concert for this year 2010 after a very heavy schedule last year.

This is quite a problem for Josie, health and career wise, I should say. She has a problem of saying no to all of the requests to her and that is both a good and bad thing.

One is, she might become overexposed and of course, physically she needs to rest.

Our friendly advice is…go slow. take it easy and have a break. You deserve it.

One big good thing going for Josie is that she has a good promotions outfit managed by her sister Chat Bautista, Studio Six, a highly professional and creative production company.

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The regular PPCO (Philippine Press Club of Ontario) ‘Almusalan “ for 2010 will be held on March 6,at Quiapo, Quiapo restaurant and outlet along #2Principal road in Ellesmere, Scarborough. (Former Golden Valley) and is now owned by our friend Bobby Asuncion. It starts at 10:30am.  Our guest is new Consul general Minerva Falcon who just arrived Feb.23 From Manila.

For details pls. get in touch with Mr. Tony Sicat at 416-2659850.

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