EDITORIAL

Appear Pretty,
Work With Integrity

When President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III delivered his first ever State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday afternoon, July 26, the Session Hall in the House of Representatives, Batasan Hills, Quezon City became a huge stage of a fashion show where spouses of key government officials displayed their best and highly expensive attire. For lovers of arts and culture, it was a beautiful scenery to enjoy. However, to the below the poverty level or to the four (4) million who do not eat three (3) meals a day, it was a sight to envy.

Why do they have those expensive dresses with matching jewelries that adorned from head to foot? Is it enough for most depressed Filipinos to wear clothes bought from "ukay ukay"?

A famous author wrote: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever". However, beauty may not be expensive. It is in the eyes of the beholder. A dress may cost lesser but prettier than the other which cost higher.

One radio commentator remarked, "President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address is the biggest annual fashion show event in the Philippines. "What is the reason for this wearing of expensive attire? All of them wish to grab the spotlight".

The spouse of Samar Cong. Raul Daza made efforts to explain to some members of the media her dress is of Puez Quiñones" a fashion designer from Samar. She even showed her finger nails painted with black and yellow.

Lucy Torres Gomez who represents Ormoc City as Congresswoman was described as a pro "when parading the terno on the red carpet". She wore a hydrangea blue terno with callado top and sunburst of embroidered roses and vines on the skirt and bodice. Her looks was complemented with a pair of blue cameo earrings and brooch.
In the case of Ms. Assunta de Rossi Ledesma, wife of Rep. Jules Ledesma of Negros Occidental, she wore a canary yellow terno accented with artificial flowers which cascaded on her chest. Assunta attended the SONA even if her husband congressman was absent.

Boxing As Road To Fame

Manny Pacquiao did not only box on his way to fame. He also joins politics to improve more his popularity and to help his people in Sarangani province.

He said, "his priority is to establish hospital to take care of the health of his people." He will endeavor to establish livelihood projects to improve the economic life of his people in Saranggani.

Pacquiao does not only box and win votes, he has also that kin appreciation of beauty.

When Pacquiao and his beloved wife Jinky entered to walk the red carpet in the Batasan, Jinky became the hot subject of photographers, broadcast journalists and congress employees who posted themselves to get a better look at the couple. Jinky appeared radiant in a pale pink ruched terno.

Rep. Teddy A. Casiño of Bayan Muna showed up wearing his symbolic Barong Filipino specially tailored to convey a message. His Barong was embroidered with a fallen man with the words inscribed "Stop The Killings In The Philippines". The background is airbrushed with red paint.

The former first lady Imelda R. Marcos, now Representative of Ilocos Norte came to the SONA wearing a dress adorned with necklaces. Her daughter, Imee Marcos, now Governor of Ilocos Norte came in a fuchsia coat with terno inspired sleeves paired with black pants.

They came back after 24 years since February 1986, the Marcoses returned to power except for the late Ferdinand Marcos who is now with his Creator.

Imelda, the mother is congresswoman, Bongbong Marcos, the son is a Senator, and Imee Marcos is Governor of Ilocos Norte. They are recycled leaders who never get contented of more power, more wealth, more honors.

The Arroyos is sticking like leech in power. Gloria, the mother, Datu, and Mikey the sons are in the House of Representatives. Hon. Iggy Arroyo the brother-in-law and uncle is a congressman too.

But Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the former president was absent in the P-noy SONA. That time, she didn’t grab the limelight.

Dress up, spent excess money and entertain the people with your looks coupled with actions of honesty and integrity. /MP