Editorial

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

Jonathan Yabut: Role Model of Filipino Youth

Rousing hero’s welcome and deep national pride met the arrival of Jonathan Allen S. Yabut, 27 in his hometown, Malinao, Aklan. He is the Grand Winner of the 1st Reality TV show, “The Apprentice Asia”. Tears of joy and warm applause especially came from proud parents, Mr. Allen Inac Yabut and Mrs. Carmen Thomas Iledan Salazar both of Tambuan, Malinao, Aklan. The arrival home of their son, Jonathan on Friday, August 9 was their Holy Grail. 

In Kalibo International Airport, Jonathan was welcomed. His motorcade arrived in the jampacked Malinao covered court at 11:45 on Friday morning. After a formal introduction and greetings led by Mayor Wilbert Ariel I. Igoy, the much awaited speech of the honoree crystallized his gift of wisdom, passion and humility.

“Filipinos are always viewed as the underdog, bullied by tough guys and discriminated against in international competitions. This need not be, unless we allow them to take control over our lives. We are never so small to dream big. I never forget that I am a Malinaonon whose blood of hopes runs in my veins”, Jonathan told his fellow Aklanons.  

Apprentice Asia is the regional adaptation of the US reality series originally hosted by business mogul Donal Trump. The show known as the “Ultimate Job Interview” is based on the format created by TV guru Mark Burnett. It is a two (2) month grueling activities that pitted physical endurance and mental prowess to achieve the best performance output of participants. The daily regimen said Jonathan is to start work facing the camera at 5:00 in the morning until 11:00 in the evening. The test of endurance and skill is the norm and many became casualties. But his motto in life to never give up has paid off. At the end, he was adjudged winner. He bested 2,000 original hopefuls from other countries.

“I know that there are so many talented Malinaonons, Aklanons and Filipino youth who can even bring more honor, pride and glory aside from me. I’d say, you must dream and make it a reality”, advised the honoree.

In grateful appreciation, four resolutions are approved that bestowed and recognized honor, greatness, dignity, and competence on Mr. Yabut from the Sangguniang Barangay of Tambuan, Sangguniang Bayan of Malinao, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aklan Chapter. LGU Malinao, Malinao Elem. School, Saint Joseph Academy and Malinao School for Philippine Craftsmen presented Jonathan Yabut Token of Appreciation.   

The hometown trip of Mr. Yabut was actually a whirlwind visit. At 2:30 PM of the same day, he was off again to catch up a plane for Dubai, the actual start of his one year contract with marketing agency of Donald Trump. His base of operation is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Jon as he is popularly called has a degree in Economics at UP (Cum Laude). He completed primary and secondary education at Colegio de San Juan de Letran (Valedictorian). Indeed he’s a young man in a hurry. Bon voyage and God speed.
Not In The Pork Scam

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, in her press statement, categorically denied several news reports which named Senators Antonio Trillanes, Loren Legarda, and Koko Pimentel  are in any way connected to the ongoing investigation regarding the misuse of the P10-billion pork barrel funds.

“We are wondering where those additional names came from. As far as I know, those names do not appear in the documents/records currently in NBI’s possession. There appears to be unseen hands or elements that are trying to muddle the on-going NBI probe.”

The NBI Director Nonnatus Rojas likewise made a similar statement belying the published reports. Rojas said that: “We just want to make it of record that as far as NBI is concerned, we do not have documents implicating the said senators.

 Rojas warned readers to be discriminating of the reports coming out: “It’s very important for the readers to discriminate. NBI will not reveal the progress of the investigation so that if ever those will come out in the newspaper, I hope our readers will be more discriminating. /MP