Azkals still kicking strong
Ex-Sen. Juan Flavier, who was also ex-DOH chief, has passed away. As silently as he did his splendid service for the people. Now, we're again minus one more good soul in our midst.
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Sir Flavier was my favorite man in the government. Standing 4'11 he was the highest government official I could talk with shoulder-to-shoulder and eye-to-eye.
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The Phl Azkals are still out there kicking up a storm even as the much ballyhooed Gilas Pilipinas has come home to roost.
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As I write this, the Azkals have just beaten Nepal 3-nil in Doha, Qatar. It felt good even if you're not feeling good seeing your team win in an international tournament.
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Chot Reyes has been eased out as Gilas Filipinas coach. The team's "almost wins" or "near wins" performance were belittled by some critics but don't forget that Chot brought back to the World Cup after 60 years and after being what one sportswriter called, "in the ranks of the doormat."
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Did you know that in some Cebuano-speaking regions the older people pronounce Gilas Pilipinas "Hilas Pilipinas?" No insult meant. It's just that "G" is pronounced by many people as "H"-- as in "Genaro" (Magsaysay), "Gines" (an ex-assemblyman), "Gil" (a relative of mine), etc.
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Every All Saints Day PhilSTAR columnist Isagani Cruz comes up with a list of writers, journalists, artists, etc. who have been summoned home to rest with the Creator. From the list I pick at least five names I called my friends and who in turn called me that too.
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This All Saints Day I pick five names -- journalist Cerge Remonde, educator-writer Concesa Baduel, writer Kerima Polotan-Turvera, newsman-TV personality Joe Quirino, and editor O.O. Santa Romana. God bless them whom I miss but continue to remember with affection.
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OVERHEARD. A customer and a flower vendor were heard arguing over the price. The vendor said: "Kausa ra sa usa ka tuig ka makahad og buwak sa imong minatay reklamo ka pa." Said a kibitzer nearby: "Basig inig panahon na nimo, momahal na samot ang buwak wa nay mohad nimo." Reply: "Simbako, simbako. Mauna ka pa unta."
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