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LAGAWE, Ifugao: It was most likely that the senator and the
governor, two promising politicians, shared notes about something
they had in common—just when was the best time for getting
married?
Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas and Gov. Teodoro
“Teddy” Baguilat Jr. of Ifugao took a break from political
issues when the former was invited by the latter to be the guest of
honor and speaker during the 42nd Foundation Day of Ifugao, home of
the world-famous Ifugao Rice Terraces.
Both known to be single, Baguilat whispered
something to Roxas while both officials with good records were
watching intermission numbers from young and old Ifugao villagers
who attended the foundation day.
The audience laughed and clapped when Baguilat
appealed to his constituents to forgive him for his supposed lapses,
saying “it is very hard to be a father [of the province]
especially if you don’t have the experience.”
When it was Roxas’ time to deliver his keynote
message, the senator tried to articulate in Ifugao what the governor
had whispered to him.
It was to the delight of the senator when he
later learned that the meaning of the sentence whispered to him
means “I came to learn that there are lots of beautiful ladies
here.”
But Roxas quickly commented that he was just
kidding even as he claimed that television journalist Korina Sanchez
might learn that he mentioned the words. The senator and the lady
broadcast journalists have been rumored to be “sweethearts.”
Roxas, meanwhile, said he was humbled with how
he was introduced as guest of honor and speaker of the event by
selected pupils of the Lagawe Elementary School.
Instead of the usual introduction of keynote
speaker, two male and female pupils escorted Roxas to join the crowd
facing the stage, where the other pupils recited the accomplishments
of the senator that started back when he was secretary of the
Department of Trade and Industry.
After all his accomplishments have been recited,
Roxas was again escorted back to the stage while male pupils beat
the gongs.
The senator said in his speech that the manner
by which he was introduced is the first of its kind since he joined
the public service.
Roxas expressed hope that he will be of help in
the government’s bid to bring peace and prosperity in Ifugao.
-- Harley F. Palangchao
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