Chiz quiz

On my show, Private Conversations (Thursdays, 6 p.m., ANC News Channel), I do Fast Talk (Proutian). I ask my guests a series of slum-book type of questions and I ask them to tell me the first things that come to mind. Initially, I had my Fast Talk questions in a cardboard box painted by artist Philp Badon. Then, I had it changed to a "baul" style box made of pandan leaves. It looked pretty on screen. After years of using it, my Fast Talk questions are now encased in a fiberglass card dispenser courtesy of Pagcor. It is the same kind where you draw your card for a game of poker, black jack in a casino. This has made Fast Talk a lot faster!

Some guests are just so uneasy and nervous when I do my Fast Talk while there are some who quite excitedly look forward to it. There actually is a technique. Just think of the Fast Talk as a slumbook in high school where you were asked the most mundane, funny, silly, easy and incongruous questions. There are also questions that are just revealing. There are also times when I would ask anybody and everybody to send in questions that I would ask guests.

Last month, I guested Francis Chiz Escudero, Congress’ most desirable man. Chiz’s appeal transcends sexes. Older men and younger men envy him; women want him and gays drool over him. Chiz is sexy in a very cute way. A gay friend of mine said that he would love to pamper and smother him. Others say, it would be great to see him pose in the nude! I say his mind is sexiest. He is also a toughie as if we didn’t know. Chiz is one of the most brilliant Congressmen of the House of Representatives. He is also controversial. A third termer in congress, Chiz exudes that idealism only found in new politics. His being young is an obvious advantage. As the mouth piece of the opposition he has been at odds with those on the "right side" of the fence. There is an often told anecdote where a woman approached him and said, "Sayang, you’re young, bright and eloquent but you’re always on the wrong side." "Slight correction, ma’am," Chiz replied. "I disagree that I’m on the wrong side. I’m just not on your side."

Misconstrued for his politics, Chiz has gained both friends and foes in politics. He may not always agree with majority but that is what democracy is all about. Dissenting opinions are necessary. Chiz echoes the need for "checks and balances". Politics would not be fun and meaningful without people like Chiz.

In my Private Conversations with Chiz, a number of people sent in their questions. And here are some of them and Chiz’s answers.

• Shirley Pizarro: "What makes you cry?"

Chiz: "When somebody close to me dies."

• Bianca Gonzalez: "Is there any one man that Chiz is jealous of?"

Chiz: "Brad Pitt"

• Lara Togonon: "What is your assessment of your chances in 2007 elections?"

Chiz: "Walang tumatakbong hindi naniniwala na mananalo siya."

• Sonia Arellano: "What aspects of a woman are you attracted to?"

Chiz: "Quite frankly, the conversation, before, during and after."

• Duds Santiago: "Do you think an openly gay individual would make a good politician?"

Chiz: "I don’t think it should matter."

• Calvin Neria: "Are you aware that there are a lot of gay men in Congress?"

Chiz: "Hindi ganoon karami. Please don’t ask me their names."

• Pentoy Garcia: "If you were the President who would you choose as adviser — Ramos, Cory, Erap or GMA?"

Chiz: "All of them. Marami silang karanasan, marami silang natutunan, may mga pagkakamali din silang nagawa, may mga tamang ginawa na gusto kong malaman at matutunan."

• Susan Arcega: "Who do you envision as the best Chief Executive for the country at this point in time? Who should be our next President or Prime Minister?"

Chiz: "Anyone who is truly elected by the people."

• Alya Honasan: "Why can’t you stop smoking?"

Chiz: "I want to and I will in the interest of having a baby."

Chiz is married to Christine, a talented, beautiful singer who used to sing at the Diwata Lounge of the Sulu Hotel. This is where they met. The late Fernando Poe Jr. stood as one of the sponsors in his wedding. So did GMA. Christine presently runs a music school. She also sang during Chiz’s campaign. Years back, Christine had an ectopic pregnancy. Chiz thinks he will make a good father someday. And someday too, will Chiz Escudero be just as good as the president of this country?