Servant-leader of the century

I don’t know Rudy Giuliani personally. I haven’t even seen him in person. He has no clue that somewhere out here in the Pearl of the Orient (we have forgotten this monicker which I think makes our country really precious – which it is), he has a rabid fan in me. Even before the gruesome Sept. 11 World Trade Center attacks when Giuliani glowed proudly like a heavenly candle in the dark, I had already read stories about him being a no-nonsense mayor of New York City.

During his term, it became safe to walk around Times Square at 3 a.m. without being mugged. I actually tried this and was able to walk back to the Essex House in one piece some years back. Central Park also became less dangerous in the evenings. And for tourists like me who have more time to walk than to shop, safety is of paramount importance. And because of Giuliani, I have enjoyed New York many times over. So even if we’re not friends, I truly like him. After Sept. 11, he has become one of the most revered heroes of all times. If he were to run against Hillary Clinton for the Senate today – with due respect to the former First Lady – he would crush her at the polls like the gargantuan Niagara falls swallowing into its vastness a small paper boat. He could even be President of America.

So when Time magazine declared him Time’s Person of the Year (2001), I was jubilant. I had the cover of Time laminated. It had Giuliani on its cover with New York City at the background. Written on the cover was Rudy Giuliani – Tower of Strength.

Time’s Nancy Gibbs wrote succinctly. "For being brave when required and rude when appropriate and tender without being trite, for not sleeping and not quitting and not shrinking from pain all around him, Rudy Giuliani, Mayor of the World, is Time’s Person of the Year."

In my heart and in the hearts of many people around the world, Rudy Giuliani is the servant-leader of the century.

Is it possible for politicians to transcend their politics? Is politics indeed the art of the impossible? Can politicians truly love their country?

I swear, I remain hopeful.

A collection of love songs

Romantics are sure to stop, sit back and relax with Alpha Records’ collection of all-time favorite love songs, Everlasting Hits… Unforgettable Love Moments.

Included in this album are immortal pop ballads like Emotion by Samantha Sang; Cherish by Kool and the Gang: Casablanca by Bertie Higgins; Just When I Needed You Most by Randy Vanwarmer; Because I Love You by Shakin’ Stevens; and Sometimes When We Touch by Dan Hill.

Also included in this must-have CD are Angel Queen by Dara Sedaka; I’ve Never Been To Me by Charlene; It Might Be You by Stephen Bishop; Temple of the King by Rainboy; Atlantic Starr’s Secret Lovers; The Manhattans’ Kiss and Say Goodbye; The Korgis’ Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime; and Santa Esmeralda’s You’re My Everything.

Each song in the Everlasting Hits Collection is sure to strike an old familiar chord somewhere. The memories they may bring may not exactly warm the heart or open an old wound or renew broken ties but one thing is certain: listening to every cut in the collection can bring a smile to your heart.

Everlasting Hits… Unforgettable Love Moments is available in CD and cassette formats record bars nationwide from Alpha Records.

Aegis’ new album

Aegis is back. The band behind hits like Luha, Halik, Bakit and Basang basa Sa Ulan has just released their latest album titled Awit At Pag-Ibig under Harmony Music of Alpha Records.

All the songs included in this album were penned by Celso Abenoja, the same man who composed Aegis’ earlier hits. The songs in Awit at Pag-Ibig, as suggested by the album title revolve around love and the pain and joy that come with it.

Juliet and Mercy Sunot, the band’s vocalists belt out their best in their interpretation of the 11 new songs in the album. Other members of Aegis are Vilma Goloviogo (drums), Rey Abenoja (guitars), Rowena Pinpin (bass) and Stella Galindo (keyboards).

Awit at Pag-Ibig is now available in cassette and CD at all Alpha outlets nationwide.