It’s common to hear stories about extraterrestrial creatures. In 1982, after E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial movie came out, aliens landing on planet Earth seemed believable. Since nothing is impossible and there seems to be evidence of some life form outside our planet, I asked people what they would do if E.T. himself or any other friendly alien landed in their backyard.
IYA VILLANIA, TV host: Being the geek that I am, I’d see it as an excellent opportunity to learn and unlock the mysteries of the universe. I’d probe his mind and ask him everything he knows about science, technology and everything else that can help make this a better world.
BILLY CRAWFORD, TV host: I would offer the friendly alien drinks and pulutan! I would ask him how he would solve the Earth’s pressing environmental problems, and how we can save our planet and mankind before it’s too late.
AUDREY TAN ZUBIRI, businesswoman: I would ask if I could ride his spaceship to see the universe in all its grand splendor and our one and only planet Earth from outer space. I’d also ask all sorts of questions about his planet and what he knows about our world.
JOHN PRATS, actor: Keep him and take good care of him and help him to get back home. And maybe give him a tour of the Seven Wonders of the World in his spaceship. If I’m lucky enough, maybe I could ask him to build me my own spaceship. With the high cost of gas these days and the worsening traffic, that would be the ultimate ride!
LEAH PUYAT, writer, stylist and entrepreneur: After the initial shock, I’d do the quintessentially Pinoy thing and say, “Kain?” and gesture to this visitor to please enter my home. I would serve him some Pinoy snacks, maybe kropek, and entreat our cook to make some adobo and kare-kare so that I could show how we Filipinos make aliens feel less alienated. I’m sure that I would also go into full Barbara Walters mode, and ask him all the big questions: Do you have a God? Does life have meaning? Are there other life forms beyond the Milky Way?
I would make sure that he’d stay to meet my entire family. When I asked my sisters the same question, Giselle said, “I would give him a phone, and ask, ‘Do you have to phone home?’” Patricia said, “I would introduce him to Kokey.” So I’m sure that if my family members met the alien, they would each have something interesting to say.
ARNEL PAPA, jewelry designer: At first I would be shocked, seeing a strange and unusual being appear in front of me. But knowing that he is harmless and friendly, I would take him on a tour of our planet. I would show him the beauty and splendor of our Earth; let him feel the astounding balance and order of our world; introduce him to our fellow earthlings; and afterwards give him a pat on the back and tell him, “What a wonderful and unique place we have here.” Then I would ask him to take me on a tour of his planet so I could see how their world is similar to or different from ours.
RENE BALTAZAR, owner, Harbour View: First, I’d invite E.T. or any friendly alien into my house, then I’d try to really be accommodating and as hospitable as humanly possible, and when he’s already comfortable, I’ll pop the big question: “What are we doing wrong and how can we reverse, if at all, the harm that have done and are doing to our once-pristine and beautiful Mother Earth?” And with his permission I would hold a press conference and invite all the local and foreign dignitaries and media. Then I would ask him to bring me to his world so I could see what is out there — but he must first promise to bring me back because I wouldn’t want to have to ask E.T. if I could phone home.
EMILIE YUPANGCO, businesswoman: I would record it on my mobile phone and upload it on Youtube and Facebook.
RANDY ORTIZ, fashion designer: Finding an extraterrestrial would be one great thrill. I would definitely invite him to enter my house so I could have personal interaction with him. Communicating would definitely be a challenge but I would like to find out more about their world: how they live, how they survive, how they think, and most importantly how they feel about human relationships. On the other hand, I would tell him about myself, and if he has time to come back, invite him to my gala fashion show on Sept. 4 and include him on my VIP guest list.
ISABEL ROCES, model/VP, Professional Models Association of the Philippines: I’d run to my bedroom, grab my camera and take a picture with him. It’s not every day that an alien drops in and even harder to take a picture with one.