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IF any self-respecting Arab sheik (his bank account fueled with
petro-dollars) was to check into the spacious and opulent
presidential suite of any of this town’s five-star hotels he could
luxuriate in there for several days with every sybaritic indulgence
catered for. And the hedonistic exercise would not set him back
anything like P2 million even with rack rates.
So we were very amused to read that one of the
abducted cameraman of the TV network ABS-CBN was released after
three days on payment to alleged Abu Sayyaf vagabonds of P2 million,
not (Allah forbid) as a ransom but for “board and lodging”.
Gosh . . . we would love to know what sort of
seven-star hospitality is available in the rough and tumble Sulu
hinterland of Mindanao that commands such exorbitant rates.
Why, this could be a new tourism opening to
attract high-end visitors who are only happy when paying through
their nose to discover ever new leisure pursuits.
Also intriguing was the revelation that the two
negotiators, Mayor Isnaji Alvarez of Indanan town and Deputy Gov.
Nur Ana Sahidulla of Sulu province, just happened to have on them
two million smackers—claiming the cash was from their campaign
funds (2006 or 2010, boys?)—to make the payoff.
We understand that in the past few days two
couriers from Manila have arrived in Zamboanga City with a further
P20 million in “campaign funds.” The plot thickens . . .
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In the Filipino-Chinese business community where
status (and face) is everything, being seen to be in exemplary
standing with Malacañang Palace is the ultimate accolade.
Two businessmen who have enjoyed this unique
status continuously over successive administrations is taipan Lucio
Tan—unarguably the de facto supremo and kingmaker of the powerful
Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and
Industry—and erstwhile sugar land magnate (before he sold off for
an handsome price to San Miguel) Dante Go who is the founding spirit
behind the Chinese-Filipino Business Club, and though now not active
with the CFBC is its president emeritus.
With their impeccable business, social and
political connections, both Tan and Go are hugely influential. Their
wise counsel is sought not just from within the Chinese businessman
community but well beyond it, too.
But back to the Palace factor. The best
manifestation of Malacañang’s seal of approval comes via
invitations to glittering state dinners for visiting heads of
state—the latest of which was for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej
of Thailand.
Tan and Go were as usual present and correct at
prominent tables. But noticeable was the absence of businessman
Francis Chua, who until recently held the presidency of the FFCCCI
(until Tan decided it was time for a change, so the talk in Binondo
goes!) and had made himself something of a fixture at Palace
occasions during his tenure.
Conspicuous by his absence at the state
occasion, there was juicy dinnertime tattle at some tables as to
whether Chua—for all his credentials as some sort of presidential
adviser—is now out of the Palace loop.
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Noted Filipiniana designer Patis Tesoro and
foremost portrait painter Romulo “Mulong” Galicano team-up for a
rare Filipiniana exhibit dubbed “Postura: Portraiture and
Prestige” at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila from June 19 until
August 30.
The exhibit will feature Galicano’s
Filipiniana and Portraits art pieces, and Tesoro’s Filipiniana
dresses and Ninay Dolls collections.
Ma. Beatriz Fabella Pamintuan (or simply
“Patis” in the fashion circuit) has always been a champion of
the dying arts, crafts and culture of her homeland.
Galicano made the country proud when he received
international recognition with his Portrait of Eddie Chua entry
which won the grand prize at the 2005 Portrait Society of America
competition in Washington, D.C.
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bizzfizz_98@yahoo.com
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