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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Mum is the word

Mum is the word

Published Nov 27, 2025 12:03 am  |  Updated Nov 26, 2025 04:31 pm
MEDIUM RARE
Our Miss Philippines Universe, Atisha Manalo, landed third runnerup. She has stories to tell. . . not now but in due time.
Senator Ping Lacson has been approached by persons he did not name who want him to head some kind of a civil-military junta, just in case. Another group would want San Miguel Corp.’s Ramon Ang to head the government. Senator Lacson and Mr. Ang said they turned down the offers. What are they not saying?
I’m saying, “Congratulations!” to the two gentlemen for their good sense; and to Mr. Ang, I should add, “Thank you from your stockholders at San Miguel Corp.” A celebration is in order – quick, while it’s the ‘be(e)r months!
As Christmas is upon us, and as PBBM noted, this is the perfect time to be with our loved ones and enjoy the blessings of the season. The Christmas tree in Malacañang Park and scores of parol (lanterns) have been lighted by the First Couple, a tradition that goes back decades. In Quezon City, Quezon Memorial Circle – with a circumference of four kilometers all around – is our pride and joy, spelled out in the season’s bright lights by Mayor Joy Belmonte; no words needed.
In Makati, the traffic islands are dressed to the nines. In Manila, Roxas Blvd. and Malate used to be the brightest jewels in the capital’s crown. Has the night life moved to Bonifacio Global City? Just asking.
One of these nights, traffic permitting, we should venture out to see how Greenhills, Manda-luyong, Pasay, Pasig, Caloocan, and Novaliches are lighted up to shine in splendor at sunset. Years ago I remember how feng shui master Paul Lau attributed the loss of a mayor seeking reelection to his “not honoring Christ’s birth” by refusing or forgetting to deck out his city in Christmas lights. “What was the mayor trying to say?” Paul asked.
Baguio’s Session Road and Baguio Country Club are where to shine when you have nice sweat-ers and jackets to stand out and be noticed. BCC’s playground has fake snow coming out of a fake cloud -- a hit with kids!
Doesn’t it feel good just imagining the cold air of Christmas? It goes without saying!

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JULLIE Y. DAZA MEDIUM RARE
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