ENQUIRY
DEMAREE J.B. RAVAL
DEMAREE J.B. RAVAL
Chasing Obama
Sunday, 02 15, 2009
The never-ending quest of President Gloria Arroyo to have that opportunity to be seen or photographed with or, better still, to talk with US President Barack Hussein Obama is best described as contemptible, loathsome, detestable, reprehensible, abhorrent, odious, vile, abject, shameful, ignominious, shabby, ignoble, disreputable, discreditable, unworthy, and downright lowdown.
Like a fawning teenage fan of a rock star, Arroyo had no qualms about spending our hard-earned American dollars flying halfway round the world in time for breakfast in Washington DC, hoping against hope for a photo-op with Obama. Well, she came back to our shores in time for dinner, without getting even a “hi” or a “hello.” As Leina de Legazpi would say, “ni hay, ni hoy.” And Arroyo got the humiliation she deserves, her apologists’ praise releases notwithstanding for that photo with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
That’s the rebuff one gets when one tries too much.
A Filipino who did not try too much was luckier: Mike Pilares Cruz, the 18-year-old student from University of Sto. Tomas who was chosen by Reedley International School to attend the inauguration of Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America, shared with us at the Kapihan sa Sulo his personal encounter with Obama. Here are excerpts from his Statement about that wonderful experience: “I started walking to the National Mall from my hotel at around 8 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2009, to witness the swearing in of the 44th US president. All roads leading to the site were closed to traffic for security reasons. I had to walk 12 blocks from 11th street to the 23rd to be able to enter the vicinity of National Mall. Flocks of people from all directions headed for the site. It was very cold and the sun was just on its way up. The temperature was about 18 degrees Fahrenheit but because of the winds, it felt around 10 degrees. Good thing, I was all wrapped up with my overcoat, muffler… on top of the layers of clothes I was wearing under.
“I situated myself about 300 to 400 meters away from the main platform or inaugural stage. I and the other UPIC inaugural scholars got separated because of the huge number of people assembled for this event.
“I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who gathered at the National Mall from practically all walks of life, I guess. Blacks, whites, Asians (I saw some Filipinos, too) and all others were chanting jubilantly and waving the American flag, patiently awaiting for President Obama and Vice-President Biden to take their oaths of office and to hear President Obama’s inaugural address. People were grouped together probably also to keep each other warm from the cold.
“I never imagined I would be able to be part of a historical event like this. Not in my wildest dreams did I see myself among the throngs of people, I figure millions, present here.
“When they introduced Obama as the new President of the United States of America, the atmosphere instantly became euphoric. People around me were in tears or on the brink of tears. I felt quite emotional too. As a citizen of the world, I felt like he was also my President.
“While he was taking his oath, I noticed that he was not able to repeat what the Chief Justice had said, probably he was also overwhelmed by the fact that he is the core of the event. But on the lighter side, like anyone of us, he is just human. (It was the Chief Justice who flubbed the oath. –DJBR)
“President Obama has always been an eloquent speaker and his inaugural speech was nothing short of being remarkable. He delivered it with firm conviction. I think it was powerful and inspirational not only for Americans but for all peoples around the world. It seemed he was there standing right in front of you and felt like he talking to you as a friend.
“I was pleased that he made special mention in his speech about helping poor nations. Although he did not give specifics on how his administration would extend this assistance, I sensed sincerity in his words.
“Everyone left with a sense of hope and faith for the future.
“I’m back to the usual routine in school but this experience motivated me to test my leadership potential. Even though I’m still a freshmen and a little inexperienced, I’ve decided to run as assistant treasurer in our college’s student council. Hopefully, I would be given the chance to serve. My teachers and classmates have high expectations of me and for this I will strive harder to give my best to everything I do but remain grounded and modest.
“I thank God The Almighty for this rare chance. Also my parents and family for their full, untiring support and my mentors at Reedley International School for opening the doors of opportunity for me.
“I feel very fortunate and blessed that I have been given this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This part of history will definitely never repeat itself and I’m proud to say I was part of it!”
Mike was too modest to include in his Statement how he felt being with a group of young leaders communing with the most powerful man in the world, or how much luckier he is than a great many Filipinos, including Arroyo, to have received that warm handshake and toothy grin from The Man.
Arroyo should learn a little from (this other) Mike: Humility wins; it does not pay to be too forceful about one’s intentions.
News item: President Gloria Arroyo’s last foreign trip, which took her to Switzerland, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United States over eight days, cost taxpayers P123 million, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said.
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