By butch Galicia
Before Christmas, the ladies of the house talked of shopping for new outfits for the children. My grandchildren grow so fast, so I advised the ladies to buy clothes and shoes a half-size or a full-size larger.
“It is utile, as it is practical. Think of the future,” I said.
On Christmas Day, they heeded my advice and gave me a box of pain-killing rub and a walking cane.
I should have kept my mouth shut.
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During a lull before the Q & A for the semi-finalists of Miss Universe 2015 (Las Vegas, December 20), a pageant co-host asked telecast judge Olivia Culpo what advice she could give Miss Australia, Miss Colombia, Miss France, Miss Philippines and Miss USA when they answer their individual make-or-break question.
Culpo, former Miss USA who was crowned Miss Universe 2012, snapped: “Think before you speak.”
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Steve Harvey? Steve should be kept as host of the Miss Universe 2016 and 2017 live finals, under a reported three-year deal with organizers. He still is my man for a pageant host.
Steve was very brave enough to admit to having made a ‘horrible mistake’, to tell the whole world he was sorry over live TV, to correct the error, and to claim full responsibility for his blunder.
I admire him for doing what was most right, what was most honorable and what was most respectable in what was the most trying of conditions.
After all, Steve is not a politician.
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“Hindi katulad nitong taga-US.”
“United States?”
“Aysus, Ginoo! Unelected Senate.”
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Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach became the third Miss Philippines — after Gloria Maria Aspillera Diaz (1969) and Maria Margarita Roxas Moran (1973) — to win the prestigious beauty pageant.
Wurtzbach also joined the list of Filipino titlists in other major global pageants: Angelia Gabrena Ong (Miss Earth 2015), Jamie Herrell (Miss Earth 2014), Megan Lynne Young (Miss World 2013), Bea Rose Santiago (Miss International 2013), Karla Paula Henry (Miss Earth 2008), Precious Lara Quigaman (Miss International 2005), Mimilanie Marquez (Miss International 1979), Aurora Pijuan (Miss International 1970), and Gemma Teresa Cruz (Miss International 1964).
Among them all, the Wurtzbach crowning would be best described as iconic, one of its kind to forever be etched in memory. “Still a great night,” Steve noted. “It’s very 2015,” Wurtzbach later said.
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Just for kicks, a friend posted a Miss U list of so-called truisms:
- An apology comes only after an honest mistake. No mistake, no apology. Remember, teachers will always mark wrong a mistake. If it’s a grievous mistake, no apology will keep those handcuffs off you.
- If it’s not yours, it must be someone else’s.
- Capture, embrace, stay and live the moment. Since it is only a moment, it may end sooner than you think.
- Expect the unexpected. Be ready for twists and turns. ‘I didn’t see it coming’ has knocked out a lot of heavyweights. Beautiful high-heeled models, entertainers and well-known personalities have had their share of stage falls and mishaps; but they stood up, went on to have fun and lived with it. Oft said: Break a leg.
- If you believe in Murphy’s Law, always be alert to find the fastest and safest way out.
- Many are called, but few are chosen. Be glad when your name is echoed around big halls and beyond. Be gracious and humble when chosen for all the right reasons. If the chances to be called or chosen are really that slim, never expect too much ‘cuz it’s not gonna happen, buddy.’
- To err is human and very much forgivable. But if the same error is made under the same conditions and circumstances, it’s called plain stupidity.
- Those who did you wrong can only say they are sorry, sometimes through messengers. Even if they are truly remorseful and you pardon them, you still have to deal with the consequences. So, wise-up. Learn resiliency.
9. William Shakespeare says ‘All the world’s a stage.’ One of those humanly gratifying things gracing that stage is pageantry that splendidly shows the essence of feminine empowerment. It also displays the best side of humanity. Simply ignore and keep off those who pretend to believe so but act to the contrary.
10. Save yourself from mental and emotional stress, especially from social media. Take a break. Come back when the rowdy feast is over. Don’t worry, be happy.
11. Try, try, and try! This is the only way to fulfill a dream and reach a goal.
12. It really hurts to be brushed aside. Be calm and regal. Never ever wish to be consoled if you’re a winner.
13. Confidently beautiful differ so much from confidentially beautiful.
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Okay, okay! I know. Like you, I want to let go of this Miss U whatever. Like you, I also want to move on. So, let’s go and move on … that is, from 2015 to 2016!
Very unlikely, but I won’t make fearless forecasts for the New Year. As the song goes: Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see. Que sera, sera.’
This is so because I am as much confused as you are with almost everything that is happening around.
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I have started jotting down resolutions I can count with my fingers.
However, I have also vowed to unconditionally break them this very instant.
No, no. Not my fingers, the resolutions!
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“Lolo, I want this. It’s my favorite,” my granddaughter used to endlessly tell me before Christmas, as she pointed to a purple toy displayed on her I-Pod.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get the best toy ever,” was always my quick reply.
From humorist Sam Levenson, this quip: The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.’
I’m just so elated to be enjoying, living and surviving as one.
Looking forward to spending another great year with my growing grandchildren? Always will!
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‘Another year over, a new year has begun.’ Old hat, eh, John L.
I have counted my blessings. I can begin counting my debts.
Now, let’s make some noise, spread the love and commence with the countdown.
Ten, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!
A Blessed and Happy 2016! butchgalicia@yahoo.com