I heard that a signature campaign is ongoing asking President Duterte to take action in claiming the West Philippine Sea from the Chinese fishermen who have virtually taken over that area that rightfully belongs to our country. Indeed, why does the President, who does not seem the type to allow such unlawful acts against our country, been so silent about this one? By its name alone, it is clear that it belongs to the Philippines. And yet, now the Chinese fishermen are the ones taking advantage of its rich bounty of fish.
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What about our Congress, our Senate? Have they no opinions about this issue? So far, I don’t think I have heard any report on either house discussing this issue. Who, or what agency will have the guts to take this up with the United Nations? Our own fishermen could have taken advantage of its rich fishing grounds and earned a lot from it, aside from improving our economy, and giving livelihood to many. What can we expect next after the virtual seizure of our West Philippine Sea?
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As if the coronavirus disease, a.k.a. COVID 19, were not enough for us to worry about, there is the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine that some people are predicting to be able to escalate into a full-fledged world war! As of now the two countries seem to be in conflict, to all appearances. How long will rocket firing and misunderstanding last before other countries get involved, and we find our country also being involved? Let us all pray that there are no warmongers among our present national officials who might want to get into the arena!
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But I was shocked to hear the report that Freddie Roach the famous coach of Manny Pacquiao who, I believe, was greatly instrumental in the successes of our “Pambansang Kamao”, is now suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. I had met – well, not exactly, I mean, I had seen him close up during Manny Pacquiao’s heyday and he was a very quiet person, and I never saw him mingling with other groups. As far as I know, Parkinson’s is not as dangerous as a heart ailment or high blood pressure that could knock one out without notice, but it is difficult to control or assure a patient of total recovery. But then, medical science marches on, and who knows? A sure cure may already have been discovered for it.
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What is good news for the Philippines is that is that 2.2 million worth of Pfizer vaccines are arriving in our country in June and July. I hope our Health officials will make sure these are immediately dispatched to our towns, cities and provinces, because they are said not to have a long time efficacy. So they should be used immediately, and I hope and pray that they will be fairly distributed to all provinces, towns and cities in the country, and not cornered by some national officials who will prioritize their own families and friends. How do we look out against that happening?
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I forget now who was that official who suggested that those who have been vaccinated against the COVID should be issued passes that they could present when entering buildings, taking trips on boats and planes, and, maybe even for taking rides on buses and jeepneys? That would be a bit too extreme, wouldn’t it? The best thing to do is to have yourself vaccinated, so that, even if you happen to be in the company of virus carriers, you would still be protected. Such simple rules, but they will protect not only you, but also your kith and kin.
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In the United States, the CDC (sorry, I forgot its full name) has declared that fully vaccinated people can go out without masks as they cannot be infected anymore. Well, a lot of friends sighed with relief because they never felt comfortable with masks. But my female friends mostly welcome it, no need of making up before going out, they said. Well, the girls may think that way, but what about men? Isn’t it typical of Pinoys to make silly jokes about serious things? That is a gift to us, I think.
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“And they lived happily ever after”. Isn’t that how fairy tales and storybook contents always end? Alas, it doesn’t seem so in real life. At least not in our times. Remember the romantic marriage of Prince Harry and a commoner that obviously did not please the royal family? Well, it seems theirs is not proceeding that way, not because of their own relationship, but because of the prince’s family. There was even a time when the new bride confessed to the media that she had wanted to “get away from it all”. So, girls, stop dreaming about a Prince Charming. He could give you awful in-laws!*
