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[av_heading heading=’The relevance of Peter Solis Nery, Part 1′ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY PETER SOLIS NERY
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Monday, April 24, 2017
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LET’S get this straight. I am a proud person. But I’m not arrogant.
I actually make time for other people. Really being generous. And helpful.
And believe it, or not, many people look up to me.
Especially the young crowd. The student types who do not have big egos.
And they totally dig me. They get me. Can totally relate with me. They understand my humor.
Because they understand that they don’t have to compete with me. And they still don’t have the egos that think they should be better than I.
You see, many people who hate me, hate me for writing about myself in the newspapers.
I think that they think that they themselves should be written about in the newspaper instead.
Sad, but true. Because that’s basically my haters’ demographics. And I color that monster green. You got it. As in green with envy.
Among the people who like me, well, they just like me because I’m all together nice. But they also adore me because of my humor. They think I’m funny on the page, so they keep reading me.
And when they know that I’m even funnier in person, they become loyal readers. They just want to know what I have to say about this thing, or that. Think “followers”, as on Facebook.
***
So, anyway, I have become a brand.
And I did not make that one up. Peter Solis Nery is really a brand now.
I mean, it’s not just three, or five, people calling me “the” Peter Solis Nery. Every literate person in the know knows “the Peter Solis Nery.”
And these people really think that I can really sell my brand.
One business-minded friend said, regarding a two-day writing seminar I was supposed to give, “Sure, we can charge five thousand pesos per student. After all, it’s “the” Peter Solis Nery who is going to teach them.”
And if you still haven’t noticed, in the newspapers that I write for now (and even when I started in 2000), I often get blanket authority for whatever crap I write. The editors and publishers assure me that I’ve earned it, truly deserve it, and totally entitled to it. They, quite simply, understand and trust my brand.
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Speaking of my brand, I’m not exaggerating when I say that in my hometown of Dumangas, my presence alone is a “present” enough for all, and every, occasion.
I honestly do not have to bring gifts to weddings, birthdays, wakes, baptisms, anniversaries, fiestas, or any other party. “Your presence alone is more than enough,” they always tell me when I get invited. Which happens very often when I am home.
Oh, and yes, they still kill a chicken, or two. Or slaughter a pig, if they knew I was coming to lunch or dinner.
And here, I may be mistaken, but… But I really think that some people even consider it a status symbol if I grace their event. “Whatever happens,” they beg me, “please do not be absent from my party. I bought some wines especially for you.”
And then, there are the endless selfie requests from fans documenting meeting their idol in the flesh. “My friends wouldn’t believe this. So, can you just pose for a selfie with me?”
If I were arrogant, I would totally ignore these people. Turn down these requests.
But I’m just proud. Not arrogant. So, I do the obligatory selfies. And graciously attend the boring weddings, and sad funerals.
I even drink beer in a show of solidarity, even if beer triggers my gout attacks.
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Am I under obligation to accommodate these people?
If I were just anybody else, the answer is No.
But because I am Peter Solis Nery, the answer must be a Yes.
Because I sought stardom early on, I must deal with stardom now that it has come to me.
Sure, I’m not as big a star as highly paid showbiz people, or moneyed politicians. But who is to say my fans and followers deserve lesser treatment?
And just because I’m not as gorgeous as gay commercial models, who is to say I cannot be the poster boy for HIV testing awareness?
If at all, I have bigger balls than most of these more popular people in promoting the causes that I have embraced. And truly believe in.
Stars happen to have various shapes and sizes. I know my size and brightness. And I’m comfortable living it.
I have many advocacies — Hiligaynon language and literature. New writings in the mother-tongue. AIDS awareness, and routine and regular HIV testing. Film tourism and independent filmmaking. Promoting pride and tourism in my hometown, home city, and home province.
What’s theirs? What’s yours?
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And this brings me to the question that surprised me. Albeit, only very briefly.
One student, in an online interview for a school project, asked me, “What is the relevance of Peter Solis Nery in the new millennium?”
How many of us gets asked a question like that?
Do politicians get asked, “What is your relevance to our society in this decade?”
Do movie stars? Does Manny Pacquiao?
The question is not, “Does Peter Solis Nery have any relevance?”
The question presupposes a certain relevance. Thus, “What is the relevance of Peter Solis Nery?”
I thought I should answer that for you next week.
Wait for Part 2 of this article. It should be interesting! (500tinaga@gmail.com/PN)
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