Angel Thoughts
The recent televised Presidential interviews, one-on-one and in a group, like a game show, are good entertainment for rabid supporters and critics alike. Really?
Yes. It showed off the spunk and guts of Vice President Leni Robredo, especially when asked to comment on her opponents. No more nice and sweet Leni. The punches came swift and bullseye! It also showed off a super confident Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Senator Pacquiao baring his heart to the people. And thank you Senator Ping Lacson for readily admitting PNoy was your favorite President for his good leadership, which Sen. Lacson had a chance to watch up close!
The problem with interviews such as these two trending shows is that they become contests between host and host to their respective fans! By the way, Mike Toledo also had one-on-ones with the presidentiables, but it was too intellectual for some viewers. I miss Dong Puno Jr., who passed already several years ago. He could bring out the best in his guests without gimmicks!
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There will be a Commission on Elections (Comelec)-sponsored debate among the presidentiables and vice-presidentiables, so let's see. Get set for another spectacular meeting of minds and styles!
Now, why doesn't Comelec want to release results of the voting on their decision about the disqualification of candidate Marcos Jr.? Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, who voted to disqualify junior, now asserts that some politicians (a woman and a man) are waiting for her to retire on Feb. 2 so her vote will not be counted! Foul and so evil! Who are the all-powerful “politicos” behind this new shenanigan! And are we just going to let this pass?
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Many of us have Chinese ancestors and we have imbibed their traditions. Take the celebration of Chinese New Year, feng shui, and lucky charms. We can claim it as part of our lifestyle!
Even without the traditional noisy, colorful, and joyful dragon dance in Manila's historic Chinatown, the Year of the Tiger is coming on Feb. 1! Manila mayor and Presidential aspirant Isko Domagoso has forbidden the dragon dance in the whole city to guard against the quick spread of the Omicron variant. Lets see if the barangays outside Binondo will obey the mayor’s “killjoy (but necessary for safety reasons)” order.
Fruits, especially oranges and the smaller kiat kiats, are selling fast, and so are other good luck fruits. Charms and good luck plants are going fast too. Here is a briefer on what the Year of the Water Tiger is all about.
The Water Tiger likes to take part in a wide range of activities, always willing to experiment with new ideas or satisfy his adventurous personality by traveling around the world to distant lands. They are adaptable, perceptive, and have a humble nature about them.
The Water Tiger will remain calm in a calamity but can sometimes be very indecisive. They communicate very well with others and through their vast range of capabilities and convincing nature will usually achieve what they want in life. They are highly inventive and are often extraordinary writers. Nope, this corner is not a Tiger but a Dragon!
Conrad Manila welcomes the Chinese New Year of the Water Tiger on Feb. 1 with indulgent offerings such as the traditional Yee Sang Prosperity Toss, colorful Nian Gao Treasures, and a well-curated set menu at China Blue by Jereme Leung. Burp!
“We look forward to ushering in the Lunar New Year and celebrating ‘roaring’ new beginnings with our esteemed guests and team members,” says Linda Pecoraro, hotel general manager, adding, “with the many challenges that we have all faced and succeeded over together in the last two years, we wish everyone good health and prosperity in the Year of the Tiger.”
China Blue by Jereme Leung’s executive Chinese chef Eng Yew Khor masterfully works the wok for the festive season with a selection of traditional favorites such as braised money bag of minced beef with fish lips and spring onions gong chai soup; braised abalone, stuffed fish maw, and dry oyster in superior egg white dry scallop sauce; and steamed lapu lapu with assorted shredded mushroom, pork and zha chai superior soya sauce, available a la carte or in a set menu for 10 persons or more.
Patrons could also bring home a box of nian gao available in four mouth-watering flavors and beautifully presented in delicately crafted boxes. Each nian gao is shaped in koi fish and mini gold bars to represent good fortune and prosperity in traditional Brown Sugar, Tropical Coconut, Red Bean, and Sweet Nian Gao flavors.
Kung hei fat choy and congxi fa cai!