Merry Christmas unto OUR ESTEEMED CHIEF JUSTICE…

You’ve brought unto our judiciary the much aspired-for PEACE;

You employed much fervor to stabilize a highly-politicized COURT – –

Your dedication and your WORKAHOLIC spirit, IN FACT, proved much WORTH;

Our people are PROUD and HOPEFUL, as we’re in good hands while you hold unto the SC’s FORT…

Profuse lauds and laurels have come your way, contained in such commendable REPORT!

 

NOVEMBER  6 SCORPIOS are passionate and romantic INDIVIDUALS…

As your good looks, I was told, has made you popular among COLLEGE GALS;

SCORPIOS’ relationships are the center of their LIVES – –

Though they may seem serious, whence jolly they’d enjoy doing HIGH-FIVES;

They know how to have a good time, as they aspire staying amidst good VIBES…

As an SCORPIO like you are possessed with good conduct; and bad conduct indeed, an SCORPIO  PROSCRIBES!

 

 

 

 

Your laudable feats at SC, evolved towards approbation of OUR PEOPLE, and it was truly in good TASTE…

As perceived by both our nation’s nobles and those of the lower CASTE;

So crucial indeed unto overall JUDICIARY’S SUCCESS, your SUCCESS too, as OUR CHIEF MAGISTRATE – –

And you’ve been dubbed as the: “PERFECT CHIEF JUSTICE FOR THE TIMES”,

Being biased in favor of COLLEGIALITY, which in our present tone and need HARMONIZES like virtual RHYMES …

It has proven to be most opportune, apt and proper during these crucial CLIMES!

 

Took hold of his pre-law education in B.S. ECONOMICS at the LYCEUM UNIVERSITY…

Thence, obtained his law tutelage at the ATENEO, with a Bachelor of Laws DEGREE;

Started working as a trial attorney at the OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL – –

3 years later, was conferred the MOST OUTSTANDING SOLICITOR, which seemed to him as AU NATUREL;

As he’s indeed so diligent always, faced with the challenge of studying or working NON-STOP…

He was then acknowledged as one of OSG’s topnotch STAFF!

 

The best part of leading the judiciary, according to CJ GESMUNDO is: “the challenge of working NON-STOP”…

‘Twas his virtual riposte, as he spoke to the JBC,  during his plea for the top post, not wanting his aspired-for stewardship to FLOP;

“HE’S A WORKAHOLIC!” – – as one of CJ  GESMUNDO’s former staff  in  SANDIGANBAYAN, said as COMMENT – –

And CJ GESMUNDO took on lead roles in several committees on REFORMS and LAW REFINEMENT,

But as he put up a too low profile, not indeed mindful of  “SATISFACTION RATINGS”…

Still,  CJ GESMUNDO, won’t give up on his goals, akin to the main lesson in the movie: “LORD OF THE RINGS”!

 

A fellow SC magistrate describes CJ GESMUNDO, as a very private PERSON…

He’s pictured as good, kind, humble and meek just like an exacting  CHURCH PARSON;

He’s also averse to the spotlight, as he shuns the limelight, and to be the center of ATTENTION – –

For being HUMBLE indeed, is one of SCORPIO’S (born on November 6) main DESCRIPTION,

As in the traditional CHIEF JUSTICE MEETS THE PRESS, he brought the entire EN BANC with HIM…

And they in fact even sung with GUSTO, the SUPREME COURT HYMN!

 

 

Since CJ GESMUNDO took the helm in April 2021, at the SUPREME COURT in PADRE FAURA…

Extraordinary things that merited headlines, rained in news prints, like MANNA;

The issuance of strong and rare public statements against attacks on lawyers, was FOREMOST and FIRST – –

And the contested power of Metro Manila judges to issue search warrants outside of their spheres, GOT BURST;

Most markedly, the SC required police officers to wear body cams on operations, pointedly, those DRUG BUY-BUST…

With charges of extrajudicial killings purportedly by the police, “wearing of body cams” is now a MUST!

CJ GESMUNDO is a native of SAN PABLO in the province of LAGUNA…

According me some sort of affinity, as it’s the province of my late MAMA;

I was in fact born in LAGUNA’s capital, the town of SANTA CRUZ – –

And I was baptized as an AGLIPAYAN, as my clan in our town, always serves as Philippine Independent Church’s (“PIC”) HOST;

In fact, my maternal grandpa was one among AGLIPAY’s  minor CHURCH BOSS…

While my first cousin (i.e. Bishop RAUL TOBIAS) was once the P.I.C.’s HEAD BISHOP in NORTH AMERICA, evangelizing about 4 MILLION FILIPINOS!

CONGRATULATIONS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS, ONCE AGAIN,

HON. CHIEF JUSTICE ALEXANDER G. GESMUNDO!

 

Maligayang kaarawan sa iyo “my suave nephew” ROMMEL…

Poging-pogi talaga “and he could dance so WELL”;

Habuling-habulin po ng mga ATENISTANG KOLEHIYALA- –

Pero mapili’t pihikan sa larangan po ng pag-ibig TALAGA,

Mukhang ang hanap nya’y prinsesita o PRINSESA!

Star dancer siya nun ng Company of ATENEO DANCERS…

Was a star too at CLARET during his jolly high school YEARS;

Though a real terpsichore expert and a dance WHIZ- –

He did not go against his loving and caring parents’ WISH,

Opted to focus on his scholarly pursuit, indeed his collegiate STUDIES!

I remember that he emerged as a true CHAMPION…

During a badminton tourney, in our clan’s playful REUNION;

ROMMEL really gave his best, and gave it ALL- –

With tears of joy cascading from his EYES,

‘Twas the taste of imminent victory and the sight was so really NICE!

Now as a responsible and diligent officer of MOTOLITE COMPANY…

He’s tremendously filled with energy just like the batteries’ EXPRESS DELIVERY;

With ROMMEL as part of the MOTOLITE group with a volley belles TEAM- –

Hope that if IRIS JANELLE TONELADA is still UNENGAGED,

Could she be ROMMEL’S tandem like love 💓 birds 🦅 in a CAGE!

Greetings on your natal day my debonair looking and a bit shy of a NEPHEW…

You’re full of will-power and much artistic talents, known only to a FEW;

You’re mysterious and also, so very INTERESTING- –

You rarely enjoy taking the center stage like a KING,

As you’d prefer working  on the sidelines or even behind the SCENE!

 

 

Happy birthday again to my nephew with keen INTELLIGENCE…

Your remarkable loyalty to friends, indeed truly make SENSE;

As you have the ability to bond with others on a spiritual LEVEL- –

In case you’d wander off to a place near a seeming TOWER OF BABEL,

You’ll be the unifier and the “uniter”, perhaps like the virtual king ZERUBBABEL!

And then and there you can marry a princess , or a QUEEN, or any righteous lady but not a JEZEBEL!

Happy happy birthday ROMMEL!

WELCOME TO THE

PHILIPPINES!

HER EXCELLENCY

AMBASSADOR MARYKAY LOSS CARLSON

BIENVENIDAS! Her EXCELLENCY, our ELEGANT  ENVOY who’s a pulchritudinous LADY…

You truly possess much diplomatic talent, on top of your BEAUTY;

And you regard our nation as the oldest TREATY ALLY in ASIA – –

FRIENDLINESS indeed emits and can be seen from your comely AURA!

You were once the DEPUTY CHIEF of MISSION in INDIA…

Served even as ACTING AMBASSADOR, managing 4 U.S. consulates as far as KOLKATA;

Guided by a humane trait of treating VISA suitors, with RESPECT- –

Respecting VISA suitors indeed, even non-qualifier, is totally CORRECT!

Your FRIENDLINESS is so truly ADMIRABLE and AMAZING…

You’ve shown your meekness, by joining those “MAHILAON”, for a pic, whose usual surname is SINGH;

I admire too your spiel, alluding to a long history of sacrifices between our PEOPLE – –

My DAD was a World War 2 USAFFE hero, as he was awarded a U.S. GOLD MEDAL!

Though I am now almost 73 years OLD…

I just had a 10-month FIRST granddaughter named ALEYNA, who’s so active and BOLD;

Her PATERNAL grandparents are raring to see and embrace HER – –

But they’re in CA, USA, and they want ALEYNA at XMAS to be THERE!

But my daughter SHAYNA who’s ALEYNA’s MAMA…

Lost his OLD PASSPORT which contains her still valid US VISA;

May I request a special accommodation for my daughter SHAYNA, from HER EXCELLENCY – –

It’d be a VISA RENEWAL (my daughter SHAYNA was told)  but the ONLINE QUEUE is so very FAR and HEAVY!

MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS , SU EXCELENCIA!

You’ve been so  nice and so pulchritudinous my dear NHA COLLEAGUE…

And I believe that you’re the GREATEST architect, for you indeed belong to the BIG LEAGUE;

You were PRESIDENT of the UNITED ARCHITECTS OF THE PHLIPPINES twice, in its WONDROUS years INDEED – –

Starting from the days of yore, you were already, a competent and skilled NHA EMPLOYEE, who knows her DEED,

You’re always the topic of our talks, as you’re beauty and brains, and that’s said with a NOD, meaning ‘tis AFFIRMATIVE!

In those OCCASSIONAL get-together then, among ENGINEERS,  ARCHITECTS, and others, you’re the TOPIC…

As you have risen from the ranks; has matured and has eventually retired after becoming an EPIC;

Retiring from your NHA job with HONORS and awards that have become the award-grantors’ CUP OF TEA – –

You’ve become a great PRIDE to your clan especially unto your FAMILY,

You’ve proven yourself as PARAGON, for your clan’s and your architectural league’s POSTERITY!

You’re indeed a BIG LEAGUER, being a licensed architect, an environmental planner, and an ASEAN architect, TO BOOT…

The  4th lady president and 24th National President of the prestigious UAP, but you were never a SNOOT;

A graduate of the UST in Architecture, who holds a Diploma on Infrastructure for Low-Income Urban Housing from the Leicestershire UNIVERSITY – –

As well as armed with Diploma on  Shelter Design and Development, from Lund University in Sweden, that’s gracious architectural DIVERSITY,

And with  Masters degree on Government Management from the PLM, an esteemed university in our own COUNTRY!

You are  open-minded, SENSIBLE, CIRCUMSPECT, and so RESPONSIBLE…

Sensible means practical and reasonable and if you’re wearing sensible shoes, they’re sturdy, so COMFORTABLE;

You are also so caring and is prone to show much COMPASSION – –

Being one of the TOP BRASS then at NHA, you’ve indeed reached so much FRUITION,

Your family, I am sure,  got so excited, and you clan has experienced much JOYFUL FRISSON!

As a SAGITTARIAN,  who’s truly  CHEERY, CONFIDENT, in fact, an optimistic PERSON…

You like to do things differently, a little bit stubborn, despite the sermon of a seeming PARSON;

But you’re also very good-natured and you’ll not argue until your face is BLUE – –

Your life is always like a roller-coaster ride, as though waiting to ride in a QUEUE,

And you’d been so headstrong, at times, but with a surprising valid reason…SURPRISE indeed ala PEEK-A-BOO!

SAGITTARIANS like you  are a bunch of so very hopeful PEOPLE…

Mostly, they’re curious pals who love people, as they pine too to emerge as a lovable COUPLE;

You need and aspire for a positive FEEDBACK in all of your AFFAIRS – –

‘Tis only au naturel, for in work, and in love, as well  as about family, a SAGITTARIAN truly CARES,

And you are an admirable personality too, who also verily SHARES!

As you see, I want you to really help me with your still efficacious NHA CONNECTION…

People at NHA cannot surely say NO to a lovable and a BEAUTIFUL PERSON;

My litigation with NHA’s LEGAL has been so tedious and so kilometrically LONG – –

With your help, I hope that my poor clients, will praise you to high heavens with a SONG,

I will belt  the SONG  for you, attired in my TUXEDO suit, with an accompanying CUMMERBUND!

Happy birthday Sir, Attorney  Jack CASTANEDA…

Based on your zodiac sign Sir, you’re truly adored by your “INAMORATA”;

For you’re delightfully charming, broad-minded and PLACID – –

Affectionate and tenderly caring, making your lover label as truly VALID;

And in terms of FRIENDSHIP, you’re a true AMIGO, as your concern is so AVID!

The BULL born on  May 15  can be described as a team PLAYER…

You’re a lawyer who’s also marked out as a very hard WORKER;

People can count on you, as you are down to EARTH – –

You’re even sexy with a nice physique, sans a bulging GIRTH;

Honest and compassionate too, that’s why some women (I was told), unto you would FLIRT!

You desire the simpler things in life as opposed to EXTRAVAGANCE…

You love your home though and enjoy entertaining, SANS ARROGANCE;

And being a May 15 birthday boy means that you’re classically ACCOMMODATING – –

Most  TAUREANS  are foolish romantics who feel as though IN LOVE they’re quick in FALLING;

But you yourself is actually  so idealistic and child-like when it comes to seeking companionship, that’s your unique BRAND of LOVING!

You’re creative too and you seek to put things in a proper PERSPECTIVE;

Do not be surprised as with age, more friends will come to you, as you’re truly  FASCINATED;

Those friends value most your sagacious and clever ADVICE- –

All of them consider you as truthfully and so aptly WISE;

You seem to get your counsel from out of the SKIES!

Your appellation “JACK”, actually means “GOD IS GRACIOUS”…

That’s why perhaps most people feel your friendship is so very PRECIOUS;

You’re so pleasant and easy to get along with and you’re so TRUSTWORTHY – –

You’d surely do a charitable act pro bono, and would even refuse a fee even a PENNY;

You truly have pictured yourself among your patrons as KIND and DANDY!

You’re truly blessed with intelligence, charm and with rich IMAGINATION…

You’ve faithfully served our government, you’re a true asset to our NATION;

A true-blue THOMASIAN, who proudly carries its preeminent SEAL – –

A lawyer par excellence who labors and serves with unending ZEAL;

And would dish out so customarily a very reasonable BILL!

You’re an ubiquitous presence at the UST…

It would seem that alumni affairs have become your cup of TEA;

You’re diligently  active too in those yearly BAR OPS – –

Seeking and aiming to bring Thomasian bar examinees to ascend unto the TOPS;

That’s the reason perhaps for the succession of favorable results where UST, is OKS!

A true native of one of the richest agricultural regions of the PHILIPPINES…

Owing to its diverse cultural heritage rooted in centuries of glorious history, it SEEMS;

The PANGASINENSES’ way of life which is a delightful combination of tradition, innovation and CREATIVITY – –

Being a warm, and polite people, they carry the FILIPINO HERITAGE brand of HOSPITALITY;

In addition, you belong to a class of hard-working and fun loving people, which measures up to a sufficient dash of JOVIALITY!

On this your natal day, a sage adviser of this group, our revered Sir JACK…

I wish  to greet you with a loud hooray and much resounding WHACK;

The BAR exam’s wondrous achievements of your Alma Mater’s GRADS – –

‘Twas a result reportedly of your motivation, cheers, roots and PRODS;

You ought to be conferred an AWARD with  unending PRAISES and LAUDS!

Maligayang kaarawan po, Sir/Papang JACK!

Happy birthday Sir, Attorney  Jack CASTANEDA…

Based on your zodiac sign Sir, you’re truly adored by your “INAMORATA”;

For you’re delightfully charming, broad-minded and PLACID – –

Affectionate and tenderly caring, making your lover label as truly VALID;

And in terms of FRIENDSHIP, you’re a true AMIGO, as your concern is so AVID!

You’re creative and you seek to put things in a different PERSPECTIVE …

Do not be surprised as with age, more friends will come to you, as so truly  FASCINATED;

Those friends value most your sagacious and clever ADVICE – –

All of them consider you as truthfully and so aptly WISE;

You seem to get your counsel from out of the SKIES!

Your appellation “JACK”, actually means “GOD IS GRACIOUS”…

That’s why perhaps most people feel your friendship as so very PRECIOUS;

You’re so pleasant and easy to get along with and you’re so TRUSTWORTHY – –

You’d surely do a charitable act pro bono, and would even refuse a fee even a PENNY;

You truly have pictured yourself among your patrons as KIND and DANDY!

You’re truly blessed with intelligence, charm and such a rich and powerful IMAGINATION…

You’ve faithfully served our government, you’re a true asset of our NATION;

A true-blue THOMASIAN, who proudly carries its preeminent SEAL – –

A lawyer par excellence who labors and serves with unending ZEAL;

And would dish out so customarily a very reasonable BILL!

You’ve an ubiquitous presence at the UST…

It would seem that alumni affairs have become your cup of TEA;

You’re diligently  active too in those yearly BAR OPS- –

Seeking and aiming to bring Thomasian bar examinees to ascend unto the TOPS;

That’s the reason perhaps for the succession of favorable results where UST, is OKS!

On this your natal day, a sage adviser of this group, our revered Sir JACK…

I wish  to greet you with a loud hooray and much resounding WHACK;

The BAR exam’s wondrous achievements of your Alma Mater’s GRADS- –

‘Twas a result purportedly of your motivation, cheers, roots and PRODS;

You ought to be conferred an AWARD with  unending PRAISES and LAUDS!

Maligayang kaarawan po, Sir JACK!

 

 

 

We are all destined towards the REFORMATION of PVAI…

The call for REFORMATION that will guide us all, BY and BY;

For it is the LEGACY of our heroic fathers that is at STAKE – –

We must continue to raise funds for PVAI and must try not to be PROFLIGATE;

For our funds are ebbing low, and the withdrawal of funds from AMWSLAI was utterly a MISTAKE!

As a LEAGUE  of brave and courageous fathers plus their sons and   DAUGHTERS…

We must continue to foster the FILIPINO HERITAGE’s traits, for everyone and all the OTHERS- –

HONESTY, RESPECT for one another, COURTESY and all wholesome DRUTHERS;

Browbeating a colleague is simply not an option, much more unto our BROTHERS and SISTERS!

It indeed is a wonderful opportunity to be part of the REFORM TEAM… 

Those we have to REFORM simply cannot be part of this SCHEME;

For REFORMATION must involve some kind of HIBERNATION – –

They have to undo the wrong that was done, and act out what was OMMITTED;

For if this REFORMATION is ignored, PVAI will continue to be so damaged and even so INFECTED!

I was then some kind of an  ON-CALL Legal COUNSEL…

Due to court hearings can’t attend all of those board meetings SO WELL;

If only my advice was asked about the AMWSLAI DEPOSITS- –

I would have given a good advice to continuously maintain the high INTERESTS;

But someone  in the BOARD was hurrying it UP,  no categorical approval, the withdrawal was done in a BLITZ!

The withdrawal was based upon the fear that deposits in the name of VETS, is WARY…

If the VET passes, collection might get lost or even TARDY;

But what is simply the solution indeed, IS – –

To require the VETS to execute a DEED OF DECLARATION OF TRUST, for precaution and EASE;

‘Tis a DEED that says the FUNDS belong to PVAI and to nobody ELSE!

And if the FUNDS were still deposited with AMWSLAI as of TODAY…

The high interest earnings will surely give SWAY;

Allowances would have not been a thing of the PAST – –

And surely every board meeting we’ll have a delicious REPAST;

Not much stress in managing the FUNDS indeed, as interest earning will come in CASH!

Happy happy birthday to you my dear friend AMON…

It would seem that you’ve gotten the street-smart traits of your TITO MON;

Indeed, as a VIRGO, born on September 15, you possess an uncanny ability to COMMUNICATE – –

You’re deemed too as HONEST,  yet you require a fantasy world to escape from harsh realities as you CONTEMPLATE;

VIRGOS like you are willing to jeopardize their reputation for a worthy cause, avoiding however CONTROVERSY and DEBATE!

You’re hardworking, analytical, organized and RELIABLE…

You will live a joyful, carefree, bright and prosperous LIFE, as long as you’re ABLE;

ABLE to set your bearings upon MORALITY, KINDNESS, MERCY and TACT – –

But if you commit a wrong and scorn people with CONTEMPT, that’s a NO-NO  in FACT;

EMPTINESSS and JOYLESSNESS will hover upon your LIFE’s TRACK!

Your delicate nature actually conceals an enticing PERSONALITY…

That’s why perhaps you’re deemed as a ladies’ man, with links to such beauties’ BEVY;

Indeed, lovers born on September 15 are affectionate and COMMITTED – –

They leave passion aside in order to build a dependable and trustworthy LINKAGE;

 And they’re attracted to persons that are as intelligent and trustworthy like them, as quoted  in an ADAGE!

Your POSITIVE traits per your horoscope READING…

Is that you’re orderly and cautious, so cautious that you’d test working on a worst case SCENE;

Helping thereby to avoid lots of troubles and results would be SURPRISING- –

You’re courageous and realistic thus living life DAY by DAY;

You’ve a domestic and reliable nature investing too much time in helping others, as you treat them like your FAMILY!

On your natal day, this WONDROUS WEDNESDAY…

I wish to do a toast and a hollering HURRAY…

As to luck, your luckiest day is WEDNESDAY, which is TODAY- –

And your lucky numbers are 6, 9, 13, 19, 26; add ONE more, for LOTTO to PLAY;

But don’t forget to  share some “BALATO” from the lottery-winning TODAY, perhaps on the following DAY!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMON!

Happy happy birthday to you Boss SANTI…

This year, I’ve greeted you PROMPT and PUNCTUAL, and it’s not TARDY;

VIRGOS born on September 8 are searchers of TRUTH- – As a retired army officer, who’d at times serve as a SLEUTH, let’s drink to that with red VERMOUTH;

But let’s wait till the PANDEMIC is gone and the conditions is no longer ACUTE!

As a VIRGO person you’re described as ANALYTIC and CHEERFUL…

Even COMICAL, a trait that’s so aptly BEAUTIFUL;

For in city life amidst the HELTER-AND-SKELTER and much HUSTLE and BUSTLE – –

One really needs LAUGHTER to serve as LIFE’S THROTTLE;

Much in need indeed, as we try to vanquish COVID in this raging BATTLE!

You’re truly acclaimed as one the best in the PHILIPPINE ARMY…

For your last posting was as VICE-COMMANDER, and that was FINE and DANDY;

You are described too as somewhat OLD-FASHIONED – –

That’s what the astrologer said, and supposedly your good DESCRIPTION;

But when it comes to ladies you surely won’t want a MATRON!

Indeed, SANTI is a topnotch friend, and among the military officers’ PAR EXCELLENCE…

Who consistently focused on PRACTICALITY with much COMMON SENSE;

You’re even deemed as so very HELPFUL and CHARITABLE – –

You were so diligent at your ARMY work, a trait that’s so COMMENDABLE;

For every one indeed in the military hierarchy has deemed you as so RELIABLE!

You’re quite FLAMBOYANT too, and a DREAMER but so ORGANIZED…

A hard worker and multi-talented, which descriptions are so PRECISE;

A risible raconteur who narrates much zany TALES – –

A fair and just fellow, who decides as though using the SCALES;

You’re truly popular and well-loved, much entitled to praises and laudatory HAILS!

Your zodiac says that you’re KIND and a GENTLE PERSON…

Offering HELP to kith and kin, to you is so COMMON;

And you truly are an individual who’s GOOD-HEARTED–

So possessed with WISDOM, as you’ve learned much on your various EXPERIENCE INDEED;

A true and genial gentleman who would help a friend in NEED!

On your natal day, on a WONDROUS WEDNESDAY…

I wish to do a toast and a hollering HURRAY…

As to luck, your luckiest day is WEDNESDAY, which is TODAY- –

And your lucky numbers are 50, 51, 41, and 36; add TWO more, for LOTTO to PLAY;

But don’t forget to share some “BALATO” from the lottery-winning on SUNDAY which is my BIRTHDAY!

JOKE, JOKE, JOKE!

MALIGAYANG BATI SA IYONG KAARAWAN MULI BOSS SANTI!

WITH GENERAL ERNESTO CAROLINA’S DECLARATION OF A “HOLD OVER” GOVERNANCE…

DADDY MAX SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN REINVIGORATED ON THE BASIS OF HIS RECENT UTTERANCE;

STILL OUR AIM, IS TO KEEP HIM AWAY FROM THE STRESS AND BURDENS – –

THE CALL TO REFORM PVAI WOULD SEEM TO BE THE SWAY, LIKE A SONG AND  DANCE SOIREE;

BUT STILL I’D STRIVE TO MAKE HAPPEN AN APT AND TIMELY SCENARIO, JUST AS NOT TO MAKE US SORRY…

WHICH I THINK WOULD BE NICE AND WOULD BE LOVED BY OUR KIDS’ GRANDDADDY!

IT MAY BE EASY INDEED TO FOIL  DADDY MAX INTO GETTING INTO THE PAST PEFTOK PREDICAMENT…

BY INSTALLING PERHAPS A GADGET TO BLOCK CALLS & TEXTS, AT THIS VERY MOMENT;

BUT DADDY MAX HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH PVAI SINCE 30 YEARS AGO – –

COULD NOT GO AWAY TOO SOON FROM PEFTOK MATTERS, AS IT COULD RESULT IN PAIN JUST LIKE LUMBAGO;

FOR MY LAST YEAR’S PEFTOK  HUSH-HUSH VENTURES, PROVED TO BE A NO-NO …

DADDY MAX FELT THAT I WAS ACTING TOO SOON AS PVAI PREXY, WITHOUT HIM IN THE KNOW!

WILMA AND RONNIE TOLD ME THAT FOR DADDY MAX: BEING HAPPY, BEING SAD, AND BEING ANGRY TOO, WOULD BE BAD…

THAT’S WHAT I WAS TOLD AND DADDY MAX, IF PROVOKED INTO ANGER WOULD MAKE BOTH HIM AND US, SO SAD;

I STILL DISTINCTLY REMEMBER IN MY PHONE CALLS WITH CAROLINA – –

WHEN HE LEARNED OF DAD MAX’S COVID SURVIVAL, CAROLINA MADE SOME SORT OF A  “NOTA”;

“PEFTOK PROLONGS MAJOR YOUNG’S LIFE”, YON ANG SABI NIYA…

PERHAPS, IT’S AN EXAGGERATION, BUT DADDY MAX HAS SUBCONSCIOUSLY MADE PEFTOK HIS OWN LIFE MISSION TALAGA!

THE PHASING OUT AND/OR BELITTLING OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THOSE PVAI MATTERS, I’M SURE WILL BE PROBLEMATIC…

I DID THAT BEFORE BUT THE RESULTS COULD STILL PROVE TO BE ASYMPTOMATIC;

   MALALAMAN AT MALALAMAN NI DADDY MAX ANG LAHAT NG PVAI NEWS – –

‘CAUSE MOST PVAI DIRECTORS KNOW HIS CELL NUMBER AND MERCY’S EMAIL’S POST;

KAPAG KINIMKIM NI DADDY MAX ANG KANYANG HINANAKIT …

BAKA WIKA KO, SIYA AY TULUYANG MAGKAROON NG MAS-SERIOUS NA SAKIT!

  I CANNOT MAKE SECRET THE COMING EVENTS THIS SEPTEMBER…

‘TWAS BECAUSE, HE ATTENDED THE ZOOM MEETING, AND HE’D SURELY REMEMBER;

AS HE HAS BEEN GIVEN BY GENERAL CAROLINA, AN EXTENSION OF HIS TERM – –

HE HAS GIVEN ME INSTRUCTIONS, TO BRIEF HIM ON UPDATES, ALMOST EVERY MORN;

I’LL HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PVAI’S ANNIVERSARY, WILL MAKE HIM HAPPY…

FOR HE HAS ALWAYS THOUGHT OF PEFTOK AS A SYMBOL OF VICTORY!

THE BEST WAY PERHAPS IS TO MAKE DAD MAX PRESIDENT EMERITUS…

WHEN GEN. CAYTON HAS FILLED IN, MAM SABS SLOT, THE GEN. CAN BE MADE PREXY, PERHAPS BY A VOTE THAT’S UNANIMOUS;

WITH HIS EMERITUS POST, DADDY MAX WON’T BE CHARGED ANYMORE WITH DAY-TO-DAY MATTERS – –

HE’LL NOT ALSO BE BURDENED BY SIGNING HEAPS OF DOCS AND PAPERS;

MAYBE,  GEN. CAYTON CAN ALSO COME UP WITH AN ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE…

AND THAT WILL START FOR DADDY MAX A LESS STRESSFUL TENURE!

THE PROPOSED FILMING OF PEFTOK’S HEROIC WAR FEATS…

WOULD SURELY TRIPLE (NOT ONLY DOUBLE), DAD MAX’S INTEREST, LIKE CONTINUING  REPEATS;

WE JUST HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT DAD MAX’S REGULAR UERM VISITS – –

WOULD BE UP TO DATE, SINCE HE TRULY LOVES TO SEE UERM WITH NO LIMITS;

FOR HE WOULD USUALLY BE ENTHRALLED WITH THE CONTINUING RENOVATION…

IN FACT, HE’D EVEN BOAST TO ALMER THAT THE IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE TO HAPPEN BY OUR OWN TITO WILSON!

ITONG MASALIMUOT NA USAPIN UKOL SA PAGPAPABAKUNA…

NAKU, NAPAKARAMI ANG MGA HAKA-HAKA AT MGA KAHINDIK-HINDIK NA ISTORYA;

MERONG KASAMBAHAY ANG KAIBIGAN KONG SI BOSS MON – –

ABA’Y AYAW NGA DAW MAG-PABAKUNA ANG MAID NILANG SI CORAZON;

DAHIL MAGIGING BAMPIRA DAW SIYA, PAG-DATING NG PANAHON!

YAON NAMANG ISTORYA KONG UKOL KAY FE , NA OFFICE COOK NAMIN AY MEDYO MAHABA…

MAGSISIMULA AKO NOONG AKO’Y KUNWARI’Y NAGTAKDA NG ISANG BABALA;

SABI KO SA LAHAT NG KAWANI NG AKING LAW OFFICE STAFF – –

DAPAT ANG LAHAT AY MABAKUNAHAN, KUNG HINDI’Y: “WORK WILL STOP”;

BIGLA NA LANG TUMIRA YARING AMING MENSAHERO, “I WILL RESIGN!”, ANG TARAY…AT AKO’Y MEDYO NA-SHOCK!

AT WALA AKONG NASABI KUNDI, “DI MAG-RESIGN KA”…

AT PARA BAGANG AAALMA PA SIYA, NAKU MAANGAS PONG TALAGA;

AT NANG NAG-PASABING SIYA’Y TULUYAN NANG MAG-RE-RESIGN – –

INARBOR PA ANG HONDA MOTORCYCLE, NA SA KANYA’Y NAKA-ASSIGN;

BINIGAY KO NA RIN, AT WALA DAW SIYANG PAGKAKAKITAAN, AND WITH MY “YES” HIS EYES GLISTENED WITH MUCH SHINE!

AT HALOS PARANG NAG-SECOND THE MOTION ANG DALAWA…

YAONG OFFICE COOK NAMIN AT ANG DATING SECRETARY KONG MAGANDA;

HINDI RIN DAW SILA MAGPAPABAKUNA PONG TALAGA – –

KONTRA DAW NGANI SA RELIHIYON YONG ISA, AT KONTRA DAW ANG MAMA NIYANG SI NENITA;

KAYA AKO’Y KUMALMA NG KUNTI, BAKA NGA STAFF KO’Y TULUYANG MAG-WELGA!

UNTI-UNTI NAMING HINIKAYAT AT KINUMBINSI SI FE…

DAHIL LUMISAN NA NGA ITONG SI ROSE, NAUNA PA NGA SI ENRIQUE;

AYAW NA AYAW NGA PO NILANG SA COVID AY MAGPABAKUNA – –

PATI NGANI KANYANG ASAWANG SI ALMER, BUTATA PA RIN SA EKSENA;

“WALA DAW SIYANG MAGAGAWA’T, AYAW DAW NI FE NA MAGING BAMPIRA!”

SUBALIT SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PANGHIHIKAYAT NITONG MGA BAGO KONG KAWANI…

SI MARISSA NA MAKULIT NANG KUNTI, AS SI JESSI NA MAPAGKUNWARI;

MAPAGKUNWARI, DAHIL MAHILIG MANG-ASAR AT MANG-OKRAY – –

PALAGING NAG-“JO-JOKE” AT KUNG MINSAN DIN AY MATARAY;

MUKHANG NA-KUMBINSI NA SI FE, BASTA “VACCINE” DAW AY MODERNA, JANZZEN, WAG LANG SINOVAC, AT AWAY NYANG MAKATAY!

NAGING HULOG NG LANGIT NAMAN ITONG SI DOC NIKKO…

POGING ANAK NG  KAKLASE KONG SI MARVZ GONONG, SA UP COLLEGE OF LAW;

NAG-TEXT SA AKIN AT MAY MODERNA VACCINE DAW NA SURE SA CALOOCAN – –

KAYA AKIN NANG KINONPRONTA SI FE, PARA MAG-“YES” NA NANG TULUYAN;

AT NANGA-NGATAL NA PUMAYAG SI FE, SI DRIVER WILLY PA ANG PINAL NA NAG-PAYO DAHIL SIYA NGANI ANG HININGAN!

AT BAKUNADO NA SI FE, AT ‘DI NA BILIB NA SIYA’Y MAGIGING BAMPIRA O ZOMBIE…

TUWANG-TUWA NGANI ITONG SI ALMER, NA ANG PALAYAW AY TOBY;

DAHIL MASISIPINGAN NA ULI NIYA ANG ESPOSANG, PALAGIANG NASA PALENGKE – –

AT PAG TULUYAN NANG MA-“FULLY VACCINATED”  NGA ITONG SI FE;

BAKA MASUNDAN PA NGANI NG  PANGATLONG ANAK, NINA FE AT NI TOBY NA NGAYO’Y “LOVEY-DOVEY”!        

Happy happy birthday to you Lolo/Daddy MAX…
Lolo/Daddy MAX indeed is still suave and as smooth as WAX;
At age NINETY-NINE, he looks as though he’s just SIXTY-NINE – –
Still, Lolo/Daddy MAX can un-assisted, do unto my Law Office stairs a quick CLIMB;
He could even dance the TWERK which is famous among lovely girls who’ve sipped WINE!

Among the most descriptive adjective that is ascribable unto LOLO/DAD MAX, as a FOREBEAR…
The term DISCPLINARIAN is the most that attaches to LOLO/DAD MAX, and it’s so CLEAR;
The thick-leather thong belting episode (after I got caught street-gambling when I was 10) that made me avoid MAHJONG- –
Will always be okey with me as long as I’ll receive some part of the TONG;
And I’m sure (next year) that LOLO/DAD MAX’s 100th birthday will be most astounding, accompanied by the shrilling sound of a GONG!

I still vividly remember the Rocky Marciano-style of a punch that hit my stomach, my BELLY…
Perhaps, that’s the reason why I can make 100 sit-ups, like PACMAN, MANNY;
And the kneeling punishments that I’d usually GET- –
Made me also stronger, with SQUAT JUMPS that’s hard to FORGET;
For it has become the usual sanction when I was still a toddler and a growing BAGET!

But the most memorable teaching that I distinctly REMEMBER…
Was how to cook sotanghon soup using as “pang-gatong” a heap of CHARCOAL EMBER;
‘Twas at a time in the late ‘50s when there was some sort of a FLU EPIDEMIC – –
Only I and LOLO/DAD MAX, were not infected, ‘twas a record that’s kinda EPIC;
But the SOTANGHON SOUP, tasted so SALTY, as the bottle of PATIS sort of PANICKED!

At the former structure of our house at 19th AVENUE…
It was pure ground-earth flooring with lots of “banig”, and the SOTANGHON SOUP also registered lots of SPEW;
Lola/Mommy NORMA was down; YAM, JING, SON and BERT were all CALM – –
And our maid CLARITA was shivering cold as though a wiggling CLAM;
They all spewed the first round of the SALTY SOUP and RICE, so we had to water down the SOUP, scooping water from the DRUM!

And the seasonal mini-gladiatorial COMBAT was truly HORRIFYING and EXCITING…
When the PIG PEN needs to be cleansed and hosed, after piglets are given birth by the “INAHIN”;
LOLO/DAD MAX would look like a GLADIATOR facing the “INAHIN” in some kind of hand-to-mouth FIGHTING – –
Like a CROCODILE, the “INAHIN” will open its mouth with some “PANGIL” and would make its mouth SNAP, angling LOLO/DAD MAX’s DING-A-LING!

And LOLO/DAD MAX will always win the seeming GLADIATORIAL COMBAT in the END…
With our chickens roosting inside their PEN hooting with excitement, and with their crowing salutes they’d SEND;
And LOLO/DAD MAX will receive a nod and a pat of adulation among our renters and BOARDERS in their tittle-tattle SPREE- –
With shower of leaves as though lots of confetti from the nearby “aratiles” TREE;
And then and there, the “INAHING BABOY” will snort and sort of BRAY
and WHINNY!

And I think this ferocious type (so protective of its litters and piglets) of a PIG…
Will always be VANQUISHED, with a bamboo pole or perhaps a TWIG;
As in every birthday of our suave and dandy LOLO/DAD MAX – –
A roasted pig aka LECHON, will be prepared with its skin so oily as though WAXED;
Some kind of “karma” for the pigs’ tribe’s past fierce ATTACKS!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOLO/DADDY MAX!