An opponent on home soil

PacMan did two things when he fought and won over the unskilled and completely overmatched Brandon Rios.  First, redemption.  PacMan declared to the whole world that he still has what it takes to battle with the best in his sport.  There were no knockouts but he played technical boxing.  He weaved, moved and threw his punches at the right time.  PacMan brought Rios to school.

Second, he uplifted the spirits of the people affected by Yolanda.  For a brief moment, joy and pride replaced pain and agony.  Typhoon survivors gathered inside their evacuation centers and cheered for the PacMan every time his fists find their mark.  His victory gave hope and inspiration amid the doom and devastation in Eastern Visayas, Northern Cebu and parts of Western Visayas.

Coming home to the land of Mommy Dionesia after his Macau fight, another storm, this time blowing suspiciously political, blew into PacMan’s face.   This made Mommy D furious and declared fire and rain will come down on her favorite son’s tormentors.  But Mommy D better beware with her rants as according to the BIR, she has three houses to her name with no income to show.

The timing of this move is wicked.  Granting he has unsettled obligations, they should have let him rest for a few days before dropping the tax bomb.  Our guy is still feeling the effects of the arm locks and baby punches from Rios.

The word factory at the Palace along a murky river then manufactured half-truths and half-lies defending the actions of the collection agency.  They say they are being fair in going after tax delinquents.  Sure, sure.  But when billions of pesos in government funds are stolen, oh, well, you can finish this sentence.

Sure, PacMan lives the good life, he rolls high.  He has a platoon of mansions, a company of investments, a battalion of cars and a brigade of people dependent on him.  Admittedly, he is one of our country’s filthy rich but compared to generic executives and corporate moguls, his earnings are made in the true literal meaning of blood, sweat and tears.

When Forbes includes you as among the world’s top 15 highest paid athletes, your annual earnings could actually run a good-sized city or could make you capable to finance a major uprising to rattle the thinning hair of a wimpy leader from some island republic.

With an obscene amount of  money, PacMan can well afford to have what he wishes.  Yes, he is lavish but as far as I can recall, there never was an article made, whether print or broadcast, that says fame and wealth has gotten into his head.  PacMan has remained humble and it is precisely this trait that has people abusing him.

And I said suspiciously political because PacMan does not belong to the yellow student council.  He is definitely senator material and this early, the yellow corns are starting to peel their husks, doing their magic. 

To simplify matters, PacMan should overhaul his lawyers and accountants and find people who can do better jobs as far as taxation and money matters are concerned.  Enough with the free loaders and fame seekers within his entourage. 

Another opponent, another fight.  If the PacMan plays his cards well, he will come out victorious.  As to Mommy D, abangan.

***

How to plant gabi.  This was what’s on TV early last Sunday evening during the PBA halftime break.  On the hot seat was Talk n’ Text rookie Eliud Poligrates and that was an amusing segment.  Coach Norman Black baptized Eloy to Lloyd so lets call him by his new name.

Anchors asked him if indeed he would make good his statement of going back to Poro, Camotes if  he won’t be drafted by any team.  Lloyd said yes and that’s when the gabi tutorial started.

First, as he said, “dapat may lupa.”  Of course.  Second, the most important, “dapat may gabi.”  Correct.  You can’t harvest anything if you only have “lupa.”  Next, when you plant gabi, it must be in the evening, “kasi gabi” and “dapat umuulan.”  Finally, never plant gabi if your name starts with the letter “S”, as in Sharon. 

Three different sizes of gabi were then showed to the TV audience.  The biggest one was described as planted according to instructions, the remaining two were “kulang sa tubig” and “kulang sa lupa.”   There you are.  So, are we ready to plant gabi?

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