The visit

July 10, 2008  --  Got something to say?
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By J.G. Azarcon Esq.For one pleasant day, Filipino-Americans in metro Washington, D.C. gathered at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel to listen to the voice of the Philippines.
As the entry of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was announced, I wondered what the Philippine version of “Hail o the Chief” would sound. The first few notes sounded like music from Star Wars. It made me think that R2 D2 the diminutive robot was coming in. The melody suddenly became familiar as it transitioned to the Mabuhay marching hym.
The distance from the ballroom entrance to the podium was approximately 25 yards but it took the President a few minutes to negotiate the gauntlet of Pinoys well positioned along the aisle who sought the presidential hand shake and of course, kodakan.
Her entry was well applauded. There were ardent supporters, curious kibitzers and Pinoys who just wanted to be with their kababayans in welcoming the temporary personification of their native land.
The program was just right, short and simple. The most memorable introductory speech I’ve ever heard was given by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. He introduced the President of the Republic of the Philippines in one sentence. What else is there to say about the President? You cannot say- among other things, that she is a phone pal of Garci.
Maryland Assembly Delegate Kris Valderama gave a few remarks heaping praise on the lady president for purportedly pulling the Philippine economy forward as evidenced by indisputable factual data on unemployment, growth and strength of the peso. I was afraid that the president would come out of Washington, D.C. with an enlarged heart and a big head from an overdose of compliments.
Ambassador Willy Gaa got a surprise unsolicited shot in the arm when Del. Valderrama publicly declared that installing the ambassador in Washington was the right thing to do and it shows. I thought you could say the same about Rico Foz and Consul General Ding Nolasco. They are accessible, approachable and responsive.
A few Fil-Am organizations had their brief moments of glory when their resolutions in support of Pres. Arroyo were quoted by Ambassador Wily Gaa. Hint, if you want your day in the sun, you know what to do next time a Philippine president comes along.
Then it was the president’s turn to speak. What is there to talk about before an audience who have heard so much about Garci, Jocjoc Bolante and ZTE? She deftly turned to planting rice, the stormy weather that battered the Philippines and the close friendship between the Philippines and the United States.
I remember the time when former Pres. Erap Estrada spoke before the Filipino community in Washington, D.C. He almost caused an international embarrassment when he derided the handful of protesters in California with a racial comment- “Pipito lang, itim pa yong iba”, or something like that.
Unlike Estrada, Arroyo can speak about the workings of government with seeming authority. There’s meat in that little coconut shell.
Arroyo’s trip was criticized back in Manila by a prominent Bishop as inappropriate at a time when the Philippine is still reeling under the hard blows dealt by typhoon Frank. She tried to put a positive spin to her trip. She claims that after she met face to face with Pres. George W. Bush, the American president decided to dispatch a naval flotilla that included an aircraft carrier for rescue and humanitarian mission to the Philippines. “Nadagdagan ang tulong ng America dahil sa ating dalaw.” Oh, sige na nga.
Pinoys lingered around after the program and the bantering began. Why are you here? “Fan ka pala ni Nora Aunor.” “Hindi pare ko, I came here to see Pres. Arroyo and her 50 Repesenta-Thieves.” His words, not mine.


Posted by News Team | Filed Under Kibitzer's Corner 

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