Everyone
knows who Nanay Dionisia is. She is none other than the mother
of Philippine idol Manny Pacquiao who has become a media icon
in her own right. If he is Pac-Man, she is Pac-Mom. The public
agrees that “Kung wala si Mommy, wala si Manny!”
As a celebrity, her every utterance is duly quoted; her gowns
(one costs P30,000 ) and designer clothes counted and faithfully
photographed; and the price of her Rolex wristwatch (P 300,000)
transmitted to the avid public. She is captured by TV cameras
laughing and talking on the phone, wearing eyeshades with
the brand name “Dior” for all televiewers to see.
Amidst smiles and titters, one media outfit excitedly reported
about her lovelife and her suitors while Nanay smiled coyly.
During her birthday bash in General Santos City, national
and local celebrities were invited. Guests watched her change
her gowns a number of times and dance the night away. The
event was covered by national multimedia.
At the tender age of 60 years she has come into full bloom
and is enjoying every minute of her “pagdadalaga.”
And why not? She richly deserves her “pagdadalaga.”
She probably had no time for the fun things that young women
enjoy, what with early marriage, two husbands who deserted
her, and several children to raise by herself.
So why do I feel a twinge of uneasiness at the sight of Nanay
Dionisia in her finery—clothes, jewelry, dancing shoes—
in her new house surrounded by fans and admirers? Why am I
disturbed by this transformation which many say is well deserved
and rightfully earned?
Transforming Nanay Dionisia
The public knows that her son Manny and daughter-in-law Jinkee
have lavished gifts and money on Nanay Dionisia. Like all
celebrities, she attracts those who seek to bask in her glory
and benefit from her newfound status. They see in her not
only an object of adulation but also a possible source of
profit.
One can imagine the number of “admirers” who volunteered
to tutor and mentor her in her journey to the ranks of celebrity
and high society. What gowns to wear, which jewelry to buy,
and which beautician to patronize? What blingblings to give
away? What furniture, décor and bric-a-brac to decorate
the new house? What businesses to invest in?
The media has joined the fray. Behind amused smiles, they
ask inane questions which elicit inane answers, in the name
of “human interest.” They exaggerate aspects of
her personality to amuse the public. Someone cleverly superimposed
Nanay Dionisia’s face on the creations of international
fashion designers to illustrate how she would look like in
haute couture.
At the rate the media frenzy is going, she is in danger of
becoming an object of amusement instead of an object of admiration.
Where is the real Nanay Dionisia?
I am terribly afraid the public will lose the real Nanay Dionisia.
It will be difficult to find her under the layers of frothy
ball gowns, thick make up, stiletto heels and bouffant hairdos.
One cannot easily find her behind the studied poses and the
celebrity smiles.
I miss the plain-speaking, forthright, no-nonsense Nanay Dionisia
who taught her children to pray, fed them, and brought them
up all by herself. I miss the Nanay who scolded her son and
declared that she did not want him to run for public office.
I hope she does not disappear.
Of cancelled flights and fast taxi meters
Dr. Fernando Aldaba, Dean of the Ateneo University School
of Economics said he had a good laugh over my account about
missing my plane flight and being overcharged by a yellow
taxi cab driver. Earlier, I wrote about choosing a yellow
taxi cab inspite of the higher flag down rate because it was
supposed to be metered and regulated by the Land Transportation
and Franchise Regulatory Board (LTRFB).I recounted how the
driver wanted a Ph1,200 flat fee but I insisted on the meter.
I ended my story about being happy over Ph772 metered fare
and gloated over the “savings” I made. That is,
until my husband snorted that he pays only slightly over Ph300
when he takes a regular cab from the airport.
Nandy also laughed at me and teased, “Don’t you
know the yellow taxi cabs have the fastest meters of all?”
Calling the LTFRB.
Local tourism and governance
Readers must be wondering why a column about governance includes
items about tourist spots. This is because these are often
managed successfully by local governments themselves. The
Lake Balanan resort is managed by the province of Negros Oriental
headed by Governor Emilio Macias. Dolphin-watching in Bais
City is run by the city government. It is strictly regulated.
Local tourism is a major source of income for well-run local
governments.
