Huge burial ground

Now it can be told. Maguindanao is one big burial ground. Buried there are dead bodies, cars and tons of guns.

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The news says the Ampatuans have 23 mansions. I asked a priest-friend what he had to say to this. He said nothing at first. Then he said: “Wow!” As he made the sign of the cross.

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The bannerhead says: “Crackdown by military continues.” This is a serious matter. No one should crack a joke about it.

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An official of a Mindanao city was quoted as saying: “The proper course of the law must be followed in Maguindanao.” Okay, let it not be the proper curse.

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A reader called up to express his views on the Maguindanao problem. He said: “The deplorable situation in Maguindanao wouldn’t have come to pass if only the troublesome allies of the President were not treated with powder puffs when they misbehaved.” He sounded very angry as if he thought I was the President.

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“Well,” I said, “humot man kaayo ang warlords. Makapadaug og kandidato nga mipangga nila. So gipasagdan. Migara. Na-spoiled. Di na ma-control. Nangmasaker. Confident that they could get away with it ... Maynalang duna pay gamayng sense ang Presidente. Mideklarar og martial law ug gipanikop ang mga hawod.”

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There was a Thank You Day affair in Manila recently. “Affairs like this must be encouraged,” says photojournalist Loy Jurado whose advocacy is the promotion of the sense of gratitude in every man.

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Loy told me a story about a relief-giving activity he covered recently. “Would you believe that of the l00 recipients of the so-called bundles of joy, no one said thank you or salamat?” Loy said. “Sad, isn’t it?” he lamented.

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While the political camps are busy preparing for the May 2010 elections, the lovers of Cebuano cultural heritage are busy preparing for the Halad 2010 led by Sir Dodong R. Gullas, chairman of The Freeman-Banat News combine. Halad is short for “Halad Kultura ug Kinaiyang Sugbuanon.”

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Halad 2010 is slated to be held this coming January. This is the third edition and it promises to surpass the grandeur of the first two. During the Halad, Cebuanos who have played important roles in the preservation and promotion of Kinaiyang Sugbuanon are recognized in a big way, that is in a manner that befits the greatness of the honorees.

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Halad 2010 is scheduled at the Waterfront Hotel Grand Pacific Ballroom on January 3, 2010. The first two Halads were held at the Casino Español (2007) and Cebu International Convention Center (2008).

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