Will Baby A. bring back Andrea Bocelli?

MANILA, Philippines - Several years after she made possible the concert of Andrea Bocelli at the Big Dome, socio-civic leader and philanthropist Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas is asked everywhere she goes when she’s bringing back Bocelli and all she says is, “In due time.” Let’s hope it’s soon.

But before that, Big Baby is acting as the wind beneath the wings of her daughter, Rachel “Little Baby” Arenas, representative of the Third District of Pangasinan who was barely out of her teens when Bocelli was here.

“I’m looking forward to his next visit,” said Little Baby.

Mother and daughter recently opened the doors of their beautiful home in the Arenas Farm in Malasiqui, to Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Col. Ariel Querubin and their party.

…and with Archbishop Soc Villegas at the St. James Convent at the Arenas Farms

The memorable affair was attended by local officials of the district including the mayors and barangay captains who joined Rep. Arenas and her mother in rolling out the red carpet to their special guests. The gathering was organized in the spirit of fostering closer ties between local officials and the modern-day living heroes, and to ingrain a stronger sense of heroism in public service among the local officials.

In her emotionally-charged welcome remarks, Big Baby echoed the admiration of the people for the men in uniform, and hailed them as champions of democracy and the perfect embodiment of an officer and gentlemen. In turn, Rep. Arenas addressed the local officials by acknowledging the challenges of local public service and how the example of the sacrifices these officers endured, risking life and liberty to serve the country, can help elected officials persevere and appreciate their calling in the community.

The highlight of the evening was hearing words of wisdom from Sen. Trillanes and Col. Querubin, and feeling their camaraderie, which left everyone inspired. The event took place in the Social Hall at the Arenas Farm which culminated in a sumptuous merienda cena, filled with delightful food, great fun and meaningful fellowship.

Pangasinan (3rd district) local government officials (from left): Vice Mayor Joseres Rosuello of San Carlos, Col. Ariel Querubin (in green/white shirt), Baby Arenas, Mayor Mark Macanlalay of Calasiao, Rep. Rachel ‘Baby’ Arenas, Mayor Max Calimlim of Mapandan, Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Mayor Ricardo Camacho of Bayambang, Mayor Armando Domantay of Malasiqui, Vice Mayor Noel Geslani of Malasiqui and Vice Mayor Rey Santos of Sta. Barbara.

It is worth noting that Rep. Arenas, cognizant of the necessary balance between local and national interests, takes very seriously, her key role in bringing local interests at the forefront of national debate in Congress as much as she never fails to enrich local public service with national flavor. Bringing together local and national officials, such as this fellowship gathering, is an important program of Rep. Arenas and one which is worthy of emulation.

Baby and Archbishop Villegas with nuns and priests during a tour of the monastery at the Arenas Farms before it was formally turned over after the Vatican’s final blessing.