What impressed everybody at the parade and fair at the Philippine festival in Washington D.C. June 3 was the sight of Philippine Ambassador Willy C. and Mrs. Gaa leading the parade along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. while others scampered for shelter. And despite the whole-day rain, many people still came because they said “it is a happening that occurs only once a year.” As far as one can remember this was the first time in many moons that the festival was marred by a whole-day rain, leading some skeptics to ask: “Sino ang malas?” The superstitious believe the gods were angry because the date was well in advance of Philippine independence day on June 12. “Perhaps, Aguinaldo was turning in his grave,” one said.

Others surmised the reason was that some of the leaders were already drunk before the festivities atarted.

Balut and San Miguel beer had a field day among guests at the fair and parade. Many American guests tried this Filipino delicacy when told it had the same power as Viagra.

***
Bayan Ko, Bahay Ko.... This is the catch phrase of the Philippine embassy to provide a venue for real estate companies in the Philippines to sell to Filipinos in America. For providing the venue and publicity, participants had to pay a very miniscule amount ...$250 for each. This allowed the embassy to host a diet-friendly lunch for guests. “Pera Mo, Pakain Ko.”

***
Hurrah! Ambassador Willy C. Gaa has finally succeeded in obtaining the money to host a “Vin d’Honneur” at the JW Marriott hotel in Washington D.C. at noon June 11 (which is June 12 in Manila.) Layman’s translation of Vin d’Honnoeur -free wine. It will be the 109th anniversary of independence. In the Philippines, only President Macapagal can host such a reception in Malacanang for members of the diplomatic corps. This time, many hoi polloi will mingle with diplomats as guests of the ambassador. Layman’s translation of Vin d’Honneur .. Vin is for vino (wine, tanga. And Honneur , of course, honor. But the real translation is: Dans les temps anciens, on offrait des libations de vin aux dieux. Par la suite, le vin n’a cess_ d’accompagner les repas des rois. Le vin d’honneur est une. Got it? If not, problema mo na iyan.

***
Voting trend in the Washington D.C district which includes several states in the south more or less followed the national average in the Philippines in the Senatorial race.
The only kinks are the “intelligent” voters who picked several candidates that are virtual unknowns. For instance, Victor Wood, an oldtime singer whose name only the Lolos and Lolas can remember got 22 votes. And for those who are faithful to Filipino movies, Richard Gomez got 56 and Cesar Montano who had visited DC several times, 79.

But the most surprising revelations of all is the co-called solid North, the Ilocano vote. While there are hundreds or even thousands of Ilocanos in the region, Luis “Chavit” Singson got only 38 votes, lower than what widow Sonia Roco got, 150. And Tessie Oreta, Ninoy Aquino’s sister, who joined the Team Unity of President Arroyo received a dismal 49. In contrast, Ninoy’s son, Benigno Noynoy Aquino garnered 177, higher than reelectionist Sen. Edgardo Angara’s 171. Sister, or rather former Sen. John Osmena performed better than Rep. Prospero Pichay with 58 and Zosimo Paredes 36.
Many unknowns got some followers in old US of A. Among them are Martin Bautista, 36; Felix (who he?) Cantal 3; Melchor Chavez 13, Ruben Enciso 8; Antonio Estrella Jamalul Kiram 19; Oliver Lozano 13, Eduardo Orpilla 3, and Adrian Sison 26.