The dog turned into a cat!

The three senatorial candidates slammed by the Genuine Opposition for moving to the Team Unity of the Administration were reported on Wednesday to be sorely hurt by the branding of themselves by the GO as the "ASO". Now, all Tagalog-speaking people know that aso means "dog", but the GO presented it as an acronym on the names of the three: Angara, Sotto and Oreta. It was also hinted that the ASO ditty, sung to the old hit of the 50's or 60's titled "How much is that doggie in the window", was composed by former President Joseph Estrada.

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I heard that Senator Ed Angara is angry at the ditty and called it libelous and slanderous, because it implies that they were given money to make the transfer. Angara is a dignified and respectable person, so such an insult naturally offends him. He is not as casual, or maybe flighty, as the O in the song, Tessie Aquino Oreta who, yesterday, was shown on TV dismissing the slight, by saying that "aso" or dog refers to a loyal and faithful animal, so she doesn't mind it. I don't know if she also danced a jig to it. Anyway, the composers have found another acronym, this time it is POSA, or Pangilinan, Oreta, Sotto, Angara. From a dog, it has become a cat.

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Anyway, I'm sure no name-calling can affect the chances of Senator Angara, who is known for so many accomplishments, not only in the Senate, but also in the legal profession and in education. He was one of the most productive and successful presidents of the University of the Philippines, remember? As for his record as a lawmaker, the bill he authored that created the Senior Citizens Law alone is enough to ensure the everlasting gratitude and support of the country's elderly, of which there are millions.

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Meanwhile, the chairman of the Commission on Election continues to remind the candidates to submit themselves to drug tests and present their certifications of being free of any illegal substance, but apparently many are ignoring his call. I wonder why they did not make it a pre-requisite for filing? That way they could have everything cleared, and not have this problem of issuing reminders that fall on deaf ears.

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It seemed as if the whole of Bacolod City was there, filling up the place by milling around and admiring the beautiful and airy atmosphere of the city's newest jewel, the SM City Mall, described by its owners as the local version of Manila's Mall of Asia. Indeed, it is a most impressive structure, and approximates Manila's mall because it also faces the sea on one side. However, our mall does not quite have such an attractive view because of the heavy equipment and other structures of the BREDCO port. I hope they can find a way of clearing that, to improve the view.

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Everybody was in celebration mode, even owners of local department stores and hotels who also flocked to the place. The stores are supposed to officially open for business today yet, but those already open did accommodate those who wanted to shop. But it was difficult to keep one's attention on the stores with so many celebrities and prominent personalities around. We noted Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas and Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña among the guests who were with Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra and other officials at the VIP area.

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It was a fiesta for camera bugs and fans who sought to pose with the visitors, especially showbiz ones like Joe Mari Chan and Charlene Gonzales, former Miss Philippines and wife of the popular Aga Muhlach. Charlene was so tall and slim, one could hardly believe she is the mother of twins. Also very obliging as far as photo ops were concerned was the SM patriarch, Henry Sy and members of his family who also came in full force.

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It was also a day of partying, as most of the newly-opened shops had snacks and treats ready for their friends and customers. I won't tell how many times Ivy, Buddai, Ducky and I obliged. Dr. Ver Lacson missed some as he got a call from a patient, but he did come back later. One can only imagine how it will be today when the mall officially opens, and on the weekend when out-of-towners come down. I hear there will also be a spectacular fireworks show tonight and tomorrow night. Don't miss it.*

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