This is not your ordinary police story, so unlike the ones we read in newspapers and see on television, not about cops caught in casinos or mulcting people or committing every crime in the book.
This is a romantic police story.
Last March 10, two cops tied the knot in Zamboanga City with no less than Pres. DU30 as principal sponsor, at the Spanish Moorish-designed Madrid Ballroom of the Palacio del Sur.
The bride: PSInsp Sofia Loren Pang-ot Deliu (Junior Presidential Security Aide-de-Camp) and Police Inspector Abdul Bassar Abdurajak. If her name sounds familiar, it’s because in 2015, Sofia, 28, a Filipino-Romanian, finished among the Top 15 semi-finalists in the Miss Philippines Earth pageant. Her wedding gown was designed by Edwin Uy.
According to Eton Concepcion, a writer for PNP Journal who contributed the story to Funfare, Sofia and Abdul were classmates at the PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy) and best friends for two years before they became sweethearts.
This is how Sofia related her first meeting with Abdul in 2010 at the hallway of PNPA Academics Building.
Sofia (a Top 15 semi-finalist in the 2015 Miss Philippines Earth pageant) and Abdul started as friends
Abdul: Hi, squad!
Sofia: Ha? Ako ba?
Abdul: Oo. Squadmate tayo nung breaking period.
(Long pause. She looked at his nameplate but couldn’t remember if she had met him. When she looked hard at the “ABDURAJAK” nameplate, Sofia was stunned.)
Sofia: Talaga? Oo nga pala.
Abdul: Sayo na ito, squad. (Handing her a bar of Snickers chocolate).
Sofia: Thank you! (Sabay walkout).
“From then on,” Eton said, “Sofia told me that they became best friends and, after eight years, they decided to get married.”
“He is a very loving man toward his family,” Sofia said of Abdul. “He is very respectful to everyone and he loves my family as much as I do.”
In his message to the newly-weds, Pres. Du30 reminded them, “Marriage is not only about exchanging sacred vows; it is also about committing a life filled with eternal love and happiness despite all hardships and difficulties. Respect and understand your differences and shortcomings and show the same kind of passion and determination at work as a peace officer in keeping your relationship stronger. Continue to grow as a couple and nurture each other as you bring out the best in each other. Best wishes on this wonderful journey as you start building your new life together.”
Makes sense, doesn't it?
Here’s an interesting obituary printed in the London Times (author unknown), which STAR columnist Anthony Suntay wants to share with Funfare readers:
Today, we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such lessons as:
• knowing when to come in out of the rain;
• why the early bird gets the worm;
• life isn’t always fair; and
• maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial politics (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little on her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by…
• his parents, Truth and Trust;
• his wife, Discretion;
• his daughter, Responsibility; and
• his son, Reason.
He is survived by his five stepbrothers…
• I Know My Rights;
• I Want It Now;
• Someone Else Is To Blame;
• I’m A Victim; and
• Pay Me For Doing Nothing.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized that he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
(Dear Anthony. I just did. Thanks!)
Switching channels?
Someone saw TDH (Tall, Dark and Handsome) reporter of a major network meeting with a top honcho of a sports network. After the cancellation of the TDH reporter’s sports show in his current network, it seems that he wants to pursue his passion and branding --- you know, hindi lang pampamilya, pang-sports pa!
He has set his eyes on really working hard --- sports reporting, hosting events and doing endorsements — and really saving since he is already planning to marry his singer-actress girlfriend soon.
James Yap will be a father for the fourth time in June when a baby girl will be added to his family.
His first child is with his non-showbiz girlfriend, his second (Bimby) is with his ex-wife and his third (Michael James or MJ) is with his current girlfriend.
MJ (in photo with Dad James) is turning two years old in August.