AS THE Miss Universe PH beauty pageant approaches, I can sense the excitement among Ilonggos, especially for their own Alexie Brooks, who continues to top popularity charts. Those leading and supporting Iloilo’s MU effort are eagerly awaiting May 22, when the event will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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Though not officially informed about who’s steering the MU Iloilo, whispers hint at the significant support from the likes of Pangging R. and Sara P., who are said to inspire the Iloilo beauty entry. Correct me if I’m mistaken, but many contend that Iloilo, compared to its neighboring islands, is indeed a cradle of beauty.
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I am planning to fly to the Mall of Asia Arena, hoping to secure even a bleacher seat, as tickets are now sold out. But rest assured, I’ll be at the arena’s doors, with my ticket already in hand.
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The recent food festival in Iloilo City, led by my friend Dong Sarabia, was a success. Unfortunately, I missed it due to my trip to Subic for the National Convention of big bikers, where 2,800 enthusiasts gathered, eagerly anticipating the raffle of BMW and Kawasaki motorcycles and several Skyworth giant TVs. It was a journey well worth it, made comfortable by CEB and Victory Liner.
Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, along with sportsman Butch Ramirez and Senator Bato dela Rosa, were present at the event. Tatay Digong, a member of Davao’s On Any Sunday Riders Motorcycle Club, was among the familiar faces.
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Next April, Bacolod City will host approximately 3,200 big bikers for the national convention, and I am honored to have been appointed as the National Convention Event Director.
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In Bacolod City, a new traffic policy from the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) reportedly requires enforcers to meet a daily quota of five apprehensions, failing which they will face reprimand and discipline. This is the first we’ve heard of such a quota in the country, presumably introduced to raise funds. Ultimately, only the Mayor of the City of Smiles can clarify the intent behind this initiative. Good luck, Bacolod.
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At the recent WVRAA Meet in Sugar City, the Negros Occidental Arnis Team reportedly walked out due to a controversial judging incident.
Despite some performance flaws, two judges from Panay Island awarded a team perfect scores of 10, which raises questions about fairness and the impact on the young athletes.
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Has the Dumangas Seaport addressed the longstanding issue of barring taxicabs, rental cars, TNVS, and new air-conditioned buses from picking up tourists arriving via roro vessels?
The inconvenience of having to take a tricycle to downtown Dumangas when one intends to travel to Iloilo City is absurd. It’s time to prioritize service over politics, even if it risks losing votes; after all, votes seem to be for sale anyway./PN
