June K the mediaman I envy to the hilt

“Stray Dogs Cause Village Problem” -- Headline. That's not as bad a problem as stray bullets, is it?

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A man who was abandoned by his wife ran amuck and killed seven people in Cavite. Never heard of a woman who ran amuck after being abandoned by her husband, have you?

*E**

Firecracker makers can't elude the ban on changing the names of their products. Like renaming the Bin Laden with Pope Benedict or Super Lolo with Limping Lola.

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The Philippine population is expected to hit 97.7 million this year. “So what?” says a friend of mine. “Only 24 senators and some congressmen will still call the shot for this 97.7 million.”

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The election gun ban starts Jan. 13. This ban is only for the licensed gun owners, right? The owners of loose firearms are covered too. But who are they? Where are they?

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Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ, my favorite Jesuit priest, has passed away. Let's hope the Good American spirit he was known for did not die with him.

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Father Reuter was not only a Good American but also a Good Filipino. He spent most of his 96 years in Phl doing good for this country. He could have been our President had he been Pinoy by birth.

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The suspension of Gov. Gwen Garcia reminds me of the suspension of Manila Mayor Arsenio Lacson. Known for his acid tongue, Lacson made fun of his suspension. He had his car bear the license plates worded “Illegally Suspended Mayor.”

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June Kintanar (who doesn't know June?), a media colleague and a good friend whose standing in the community I envied, has passed away. Tsk. Tsk.

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My very high regard for June Kintanar was not based only on his being a good mediaman but more on his being a good human being. He was humble -- oh, so humble -- even amid his achievements as a mediaman and public official.

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Basketball fan Joseph Estacio says: “It's the year of the snake. Expect the SWU Cobras to make good again this year in the CESAFI and later in PCCL.” I join you, Joseph, in your expectation. But there's no telling what the UV Green Lancers have in mind in this year of the snake.

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OVERHEARD. Two college girls were talking about the high cost of refreshment food these days. Said one: “Mahala na sa merienda ron sah?” Said the other girl: “Bitaw oy. Gahapon nag-merienda mi sa akong BF, siomai ra gyud ug Seven-up.” First girl: Maynalang diay tong merienda namo sa akong BF. Pan Pransis gituslob-tuslob namo sa bulalo noodles ug duna pa mi tagsang Coke Solo.”