Korina defends showbiz guys in politics

Readers have been wondering why I’ve been "endorsing" showbiz people in their bid for an elective post. Correction, please: I’m just reporting who from showbiz are intending to run and are deadset on running in next year’s elections (again, if and when there would be elections). It’s a democracy and the Constitution doesn’t bar any sector of our society from running in an election as long as he/she is qualified. In the long run, it’s us the voters who decide on the aspirants’ fate. In short, if you don’t like any of the showbiz aspirants, don’t vote for them. That simple.

Korina Sanchez, who I heard is being wooed to run (for Senator), shares my opinion, zeroing in on Kris Aquino being criticized for being a pro-charter-change advocate. Kris was used by a columnist as example of celebrities who are popular, all right, but should never make it to the Senate only by popular vote.

"Kris is intelligent," insisted Korina who was Kris’ co-host in the defunct ABS-CBN show Morning Girls. "I’d rather have Kris than most of those in Congress today, most of whom would vote for a resolution they haven’t even read. Put Kris in Congress and I’m sure most of those who are there now will be tongue-tied; mapapanganga na lang sila."

In the recent SWS survey on "Senatorial Preference," Korina placed No. 7 among the 42 names listed, with only five other TV celebrities making it (including ex-Sen. Tito Sotto who’s running again, No. 5; Mike Enriquez, No. 17; Cavite Rep. Gilbert Remulla, No. 25 and Randy David, No. 31). Two other topnotchers have showbiz affiliations, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan (husband of Sharon Cuneta, No. 1) and Sen. Ralph Recto (husband of Vilma Santos, No. 3).

"I’m flattered," said Korina about the survey.

Asked if she’s running, Korina added, "I’ve never said anything about wanting to run. I like to believe that the survey shows that I enjoy the public’s trust and confidence. More importantly, I guess, the people want me to continue helping through my work as a media person."

Again, reacting to the advocacy that people should not vote for popular figures, Korina stressed, "Then, let’s do away with elections, plebiscites and referendums. Democracy means numbers and numbers translate to popularity votes. I believe that Filipino voters have matured. Besides, not all who are popular get the votes; and not all who are popular do a disservice when in office, in the same way that everybody who studied in Harvard or who has a law degree does good for the country. In fact, among those who are the most corrupt and deceitful in recent history are supposed to be ‘degreed’,"

Wow, strong words, those.

As I’ve said, it’s us the voters who will ultimately decide the fate of every candidate, whether from showbiz or "degreed."

Meanwhile, the "smear campaign" against Kris Aquino being "a bitchy monster" at ABS-CBN continues. Reacting to Funfare’s "defense of Kris," several readers agree that those behind it have nothing better to do. One such Kris muckraker said that she hates Kris and yet she has memorized Kris’ every word and every action and every dress that Kris wears on TV. Illogical, isn’t it? If you don’t like Kris, don’t torture yourself. Switch channels or turn the TV set off altogether. That simple.

This TV girl is running — but not in politics

Here’s another report from Funfare’s "beauty experts" Felix Manuel, Gery Yumping, Joey Cezeare and Francis Calubaquib:

Beauty-queen-turned tv host, Hemilyn Florez Escudero will represent the country in the 2006 Miss Petite International Pageant to be held today at the Jewish Community Center Kaplan Theater in Houston, Texas.

The 24-year-old 5’5" stunner has joined various pageants in the past, which include, among others: Ms. Globe International 2005 where she was adjudged as Ms. All Nations, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2005 (semi-finalist), Miss Photography 2004, Ms. Global Queen 2003 (semi-finalist), Ms. Fort Ilocandia 2004 (Ms. Friendship).

She was appointed by the Philippine Modeling Agency to represent the country in this year’s search for women exclusively below 5’6". She finished her BS Computer Science degree at the AMA Computer College in Tandang Sora.

During her send-off press conference last Sept. 9 at Bar Uno in Timog, amidst the citywide flashflood, Hemilyn entertained members of the press with her singing prowess until the flood subsided. Asked if she would try the movies, she said yes but she prefers to be known as a singer.

RPN-9’s Kapatid is a 30-minute public affairs show that brings hope and cheer and is hosted by Dr. Joel Mendez and Hemilyn. The show has a livelihood segment, a portion on health problems and a feature on people who have overcome great difficulties, thereby inspiring others not to lose hope.

The Ms. Petite International pageant system was created in 1991 in Houston, Texas by Kathy Wheatley, a former pageant winner and Miss USA director. Dissatisfied with the opportunities for petite women in most existing pageant systems where tall contestants have historically fared better, Kathy decided to create a competition exclusively for women 5' 6" and under.

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