The Quiapo procession

If words -- bad words-- could knockout, Floyd Mayweather could have knocked out Manny Pacquiao long ago.

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T-shirts printed with slogans "Bangon Visayas" and "Bangon Tacloban" are seen worn by some people. Rarely seen but in existence are a few t-shirts with the message: "Bangon na, Sir, buntag na."

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At least 5,000 parcels are stuck at the Central Mall Exchange Center awaiting delivery. The Internet cannot deliver these packages despite all the praises it has been showered with for quick communication.

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Phl population has hit 100 million. "There are two little words that have contributed to this population upsurge," said an observer. The two little words are "I do."

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"I do?" If so, our friends in the churches, some mayors, some judges, some others authorized by law to solemnize weddings are parts of this population rise.

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I was reading a story about Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City, and I said after I was through: "By golly, if only our Michael were like their Michael."

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NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg has rejected a $2.7 million worth of salary and other emoluments, preferring to receive a $1.00 yearly pay. He pays from his own pocket the salary of some city officials.

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Bloomberg, according to the New York Times, spent $5 million to renovate the mayor's residence that he never inhabited. He lives in his private mansion which he finds more comfortable. Oh, well, this is not exactly surprising, Bloomberg having a net worth of $31 billion that makes him the no. 7 richest in America.

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You must have also seen the Quiapo Black Nazarene procession. Millions attended. "Millions joined the riot," according to a Manila radio commentator. Indeed it was a riot but Quiapo church officials call it the devotees' great love for the Nazarene.

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A group of local church people were talking about the Quiapo Black Nazarene procession last Thursday. Most of them called it a disorderly procession. One observer was heard saying: "Kanang lamok-lamok sa mga tawo atol sa prosisyon dili gyud unta na husto." Reply: "Apan gitawag na lang nga husto kay wa na may mahimo ang mga pari sa paghimo'g kalinaw atol sa prosisyon." Reply: "Gitawag sa uban nga fanaticism pero hilum lang ang church officials." Another reply: "Sagdi sila oy may tag kakita sila's solemn Pista Senyor prosisyon nato."