MEDIUM RARE
By JULLIE Y. DAZA
Up close and not so personal. What’s the President of the Philippines like when he’s not in a fighting mood, when he’s not delivering a speech (that can ramble on like an autobiographical confession, a sermon, a
Jullie Yap Daza
fireside chat), when he’s feeling “old and exasperated” (not the same as exhausted, take note those who are dying to see him crumble)?
President Duterte arrived at 10:30 p.m. for a dinner concert at Manila Hotel,
presumably to show his support to his legal counsel, Sal Panelo, and hotel president Joey Lina, whose vocalizing prowess they are both in the process of legendizing. PRRD walked into the ballroom in an undistinguished white linen barong (cuffs rolled up) with no frills, no fanfare; Tessie Cruz Sison was on stage reading her response to the tribute being paid her by Philippine Bar Association. Salvador Medialdea and Bong Go quickly, quietly led their boss to his seat at a table occupied by Speaker GMA, Olive Limpe-Aw, Gov. Irene Marcos, and Erap Estrada. One table away from him and his PSG, I trained my eyes on PRRD. He looked relaxed – the women didn’t show overt signs of fussing over him – and drank orange juice from a small glass. He didn’t eat.
As it was Sal Panelo’s turn to sing, he had the mic and introduced the President just as Rodel Colmenares and his band played the opening bars of “Ikaw,” Digong’s signature song (can he sing any other?). Gamely, Rody stood up and took the mic – my cue to defy warnings not to approach the presidential table. From a distance of 3 ft I clicked away with my toy camera, one second before I was crowded by other cameras and smartphones.
When the song ended, another surge of selfie seekers appeared. No time for an ambush interview, only a moment to remember that it’s been a while since we’ve had a first lady sitting, standing, socializing side by side with a reigning Chief Executive. These days Bong Go is ubiquitously representing the President in distributing relief goods, answering questions on social media and, yes, having his pictures taken anywhere, everywhere with the boss. To quote an earlier Duterte, “This is a lonely place I am in.”
Jullie Yap Daza
fireside chat), when he’s feeling “old and exasperated” (not the same as exhausted, take note those who are dying to see him crumble)?
President Duterte arrived at 10:30 p.m. for a dinner concert at Manila Hotel,
presumably to show his support to his legal counsel, Sal Panelo, and hotel president Joey Lina, whose vocalizing prowess they are both in the process of legendizing. PRRD walked into the ballroom in an undistinguished white linen barong (cuffs rolled up) with no frills, no fanfare; Tessie Cruz Sison was on stage reading her response to the tribute being paid her by Philippine Bar Association. Salvador Medialdea and Bong Go quickly, quietly led their boss to his seat at a table occupied by Speaker GMA, Olive Limpe-Aw, Gov. Irene Marcos, and Erap Estrada. One table away from him and his PSG, I trained my eyes on PRRD. He looked relaxed – the women didn’t show overt signs of fussing over him – and drank orange juice from a small glass. He didn’t eat.
As it was Sal Panelo’s turn to sing, he had the mic and introduced the President just as Rodel Colmenares and his band played the opening bars of “Ikaw,” Digong’s signature song (can he sing any other?). Gamely, Rody stood up and took the mic – my cue to defy warnings not to approach the presidential table. From a distance of 3 ft I clicked away with my toy camera, one second before I was crowded by other cameras and smartphones.
When the song ended, another surge of selfie seekers appeared. No time for an ambush interview, only a moment to remember that it’s been a while since we’ve had a first lady sitting, standing, socializing side by side with a reigning Chief Executive. These days Bong Go is ubiquitously representing the President in distributing relief goods, answering questions on social media and, yes, having his pictures taken anywhere, everywhere with the boss. To quote an earlier Duterte, “This is a lonely place I am in.”