There are two big international events that can make one forget their worries: Manny Pacquiao fights and the NBA finals (Miss Universe comes next but only when Miss Philippines is a strong contender for the crown). Filipinos were glued to their screens as Game 5 aired earlier this week, where the Toronto Raptors failed to secure this year’s trophy after narrowly losing to the Golden State Warriors, 106-105. During the game, viewers forgot about traffic problems, dengue fever, the water crisis, the US dollar-Philippine peso exchange rate, post-election controversies, same-sex marriage, the abortion debate, anti-drug raids, among other pertinent issues.
With the series tightened to a 3-2 Toronto lead, NBA fans have returned to reality. Regardless if the Raptors take the championship in the next game or it extends to a Game 7, life goes on. Regardless of who wins, it will make no impact on politics or the economy. In the same way, whenever Pacquiao dismantles a Mexican or American opponent, it united Filipinos in happiness.
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It should not be interpreted as a slight that New York City held the 62nd National Puerto Rican Day Parade along Fifth Avenue, while the Philippine Independence Day Parade continues to run along Madison Avenue. At least, the parade is still accommodated along one of Manhattan’s more popular and historic avenues. Not all UN-member countries are given the opportunity to showcase their cultural and religious wealth to an American audience.
Other parades held along Madison Avenue include the Greek Independence Day Parade, NYC Persian Parade, India Day Parade, among others. Meanwhile, Fifth Avenue also hosts the Celebrate Israel Parade, NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Steuben Parade, Columbus Day Parade, and Korean Day Parade.
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Many Iloilo-based media practitioners appear divided on the issue of former Iloilo Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada’s arrest after outgoing Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. filed five counts of cyber libel against him. Not all of his colleagues have come out to defend him; more likely, expressed “concern” vie text message or private message.
However, some of Mejorada’s former media colleagues hailed the arrest and congratulated the arresting team, which was led by Police Major Jonathan Pinuela. Meanwhile, on social media, netizens have been mostly sympathetic to his adversaries, like Senator Franklin Drilon and Defensor, and ripped Mejorada apart as if he were some despicable person.
After securing his temporary freedom, Mejorada has refused to lick his wounds in silence and is on social media accounts lambasting those responsible for what happened to him.
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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ