Next to exorcising the demons of a 20-year old dictatorship, Former President Corazon C. Aquino is now facing another big challenge in her
Life: Her fight against the Big C.
The 76-year old former chief executive and the first woman president of the
Philippines, was rushed to the Makati Medical due to loss of appetite making her weaker as the days gone by.
Mrs. Aquino’s battle against colon cancer has unleashed a flood of sympathy and prayers from a grateful nation including from both sides of the political spectrum.
Even President Gloria M.Arroyo, whose resignation has been repeatedly,
demanded by Mrs.Aquino, has offered mass on her behalf.
Among her family members, there is guarded optimism on her condition, said a family spokeswoman.
This column therefore asks each and every Filipino-Canadian to offer their prayers and support to an “icon of Democracy “.
******
THE IRON BUTTERFLY FLUTTERS HER WINGS ANEW: While Mrs. Cory Aquino lays on her sick bed, her nemesis and political enemy former Lady Imelda Marcos is enjoying her “resurrection “ in Philippine society, notwithstanding the fact that she faces a string of
court cases on alleged corruption during their 20 years of Marcos rule.
Last July 2, she made a big splash (reminiscent of her heydays)in the media and high society with a big extravagant birthday celebration at her erstwhile favourite nest, at the cavernous Grand Ballroom of the Philippine Plaza, now known as the French-owned Sofitel Hotel.
Manila media screamed in their headlines that “amid glittering confetti and fireworks, Imelda celebrated her 80th birthday but in the “midst of the extravagant celebration “ she also asked family and the some 1,000 guests and well-wishers to “observe a minute of silence and pray for the healing and restoration of the health of former President Cory Aquino “.
And like her days of yore, there was lots of singing and food. One newspaper, the Philippine Inquirer said “there was non-stop eating, from the Romblon room to the seawall fronting Manila Bay, buffet tables groaned under the weight of calorific roasted calf, lamb, beef, turkey and chicken“.
And of course, Imelda sang her signature song “Gaano kita Kamahal “
******
MARCOS GOLD AND JEWELRY: When they were driven out of power, the Marcos couple was said to have accumulated an alleged loot of some US$5-10 Billion.
Mrs.Aquino in 1986 created the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG)to recover the alleged hidden wealth of the Marcoses.
After 23 years, the PCGG had so far recovered a total of P83.96 Billion from various sources in Switzerland, Hongkong, Singapore and the US where some of the “stolen money“ was stashed .The total amount recovered represent only an estimated two or three percent of the amassed allegedly by the Marcoses leading to widespread criticisms of the PCGG .
It is widely believed that some PCGG officials have entered into negotiations or compromise with the Marcoses or their representatives to the detriment of the government.
There is also the question of disposing at an auction three sets of expensive jewelleries owned by Imelda Marcos worth some P15 Billion but which the former First Lady is trying to repossess based on a technicality that the sequestration order for the jewelleries expired.
Some PCGG officials were also accused of corruption. One commissioner, this writer observed in a recent visit to Manila was seen in a big casino with a big retinue and in fact was told by a casino employee that the guy is a “regular “ at the gaming tables on the second floor of the gambling establishment.
Hmmmmm, maybe this official is out to recover his gambling losses aside from the Marcos millions.
*********
EVENTS AROUND TOWN: Undoubtedly, the Mabuhay Festival is now the Filipino community’s most awaited event and the biggest summer extravaganza. This year’s version will be on July 18 at the Hall D near the CN Tower (where it was also held last year, if I’m not mistaken). And this year also, The Philippine Independence Day Council (PIDC)which organizes the festival had accomplished a “ casting coup of sorts “ with the participation of GMA-7, Kapuso V channel which is fielding its hottest
TV stars in the persons of Richard Gutierrez (Zorro), Rhian Ramos, a rising young TV star and dramatic actress Iza Calzado. Other surprise guests from Manila are also being lined up.
Completing the powerhouse entertainment is the legendary Juan de La Cruz band of Joey “Pepe “ Smith, Wally Gonzalez and Mike Hanopol of “Jeproks fame”. Of course local talents are also showcased like Josie de Leon, Darius Ciria, and other Studio Six talents.
A photo exhibit by award winning photojournalists from the Philippines is also featured at the festival with Revoli Cortez, president of the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) and Edwin Bacasmas of the Philippine Inquirer participating.