The chapel SM built for San Pedro Calungsod

A woman TV game contestant was asked: “After whom was Quezon City named?” Answer: “President Marcos.” When the audience roared with laughter the contestant got the message and tried to correct or change her answer. But he said: “Hindi ko alam talaga.” She could’ve tried Bistek Bautista. (Contributed by Benjie Ong)

***

There are people who criticize the doll-like version of the San Pedro Calungsod icon named Pedrito. Did you know that the Sto. Niño image in the office of then police official Robert Barbers was also a doll sporting the complete police uniform? No criticism was heard.

***

I have been asked many times (as if I know the answer) why until now Mother Teresa has not yet been canonized. While still alive she was already called the “Living Saint.” Someone said: “Kuwang ra sa follow-up.” As if  achieving sainthood is like our way of getting a government job.

***

Just reading our reporter Marigold Lebumfacil’s description of the P100-M San Pedro Calungsod chapel at the SM Seaside City Mall in SRP, I was awed. The Architect’s own description of his work is awe-inspiring. I hope I could gather enough physical strength to be able to see and be inside this church one day.

***

The news says the Philippines is the fastest growing economy among the Asean countries. The Palace image builders have not thought of riding on this report — playing it up to the hilt — and PNoy blames the press for not giving him a fair shake.

***

The Phl peso has broken into the P40 to $1 level. The government considers this an achievement. But the dollar-earning OFWs, especially the wives at home are not happy. One wife of an OFW in Saudi once told me: “Basta mosaka ang peso tali sa dollar, hipus ang pitaka ko bisan dako ang dollar nga madawat ko.”

***

I watched the National Thanksgiving Mass at the SRP last Friday. Thanks to the CCTN Ch. 47 for covering the historic event sans commercial. CCTN covered the activity quite extensively and expertly, I couldn’t have asked for more.

***

Let’s give credit where credit is due. No one but no one did more than the well loved former Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal in the effort to achieve sainthood for San Pedro Calungsod. Everyone in Cebu knows this and it’s only fitting that we give our good cardinal the accolade he deserves.

***

OVERHEARD. A private school teacher told a teenage student that at 16 or 17 years of age, San Pedro Calungsod was spending much of his time working as catechist for the glory of God. The teacher asked the student: “At that age, tingali you spend much of your time uyab-uyab no?” The student replied: “Si Sir sad. Wa man koy ambition ma-santos.”