True Colours by Benjie de Ubago

Has the President gone? Is the Rizal’s statue finally standing? Phew! The battle for the [hand]shakes and photo opportunity is over.

It’s been a crazy kind of month and it felt like you were in a Survivor episode. People scampered around trying to get their name into a list — any list — whether it was for the Unveiling Ceremony for the Rizal Statue being handled by the Rizal Movement; the Filipino Community (FILCOM) event being handled by the Philippine Community Council; the Business Forum and Dinner being handled by the Philippine Australian Business group; the Parliament Dinner in Canberra; and the media.

For some, being able to attend meant a semblance of an elevated status; a delusion of self importance to be seen hobnobbing with people they don’t really know. Rules were bent by those thinking they were high and mighty ingratiating themselves for that fleeting feeling of self perceived moment of power. People were handing out invites like they were handing out candies or tickets to go see Santa’s castle. People pulled strings — hamstrings, guitar strings — as long as it got them in — while others were left simply pulling their hair in exasperation.

For the Unveiling and for the FILCOM, there were those who felt privileged to do the inviting and were using it as leverage for future favors. “I’ll look after you” was floated around to the innocent but later were left in the lurch after being dropped off the list without any notice. The “who knows who” system prevailed — and the “pulling of strings” seemed to be in full swing. Hey, some even decided to impersonate the media!

Having worked on the Rizal project since it started (or since Rizal turned 150 years old), and the words and visuals are mine, I would have wanted to see the grand finale — the unveiling of Rizal statue. It not only seemed logical — it would have been the decent thing to do. But alas, such was not meant to be.Some opted to reveal their true colours instead. Unfortunately, Rey Manoto suffered from sudden amnesia and asked me to waive my invitation when I hadn’t received one yet. Then he kept asking me for my name and address, forgetting that he had already asked me to waive the invitation I had not received. The word “please” which he uttered so frequently at all hours were wiped out from his memory. To add insult to injury, someone decided to play God and shoved my name on another list as if doing me a favor. No one from the Rizal movement even bothered to question, apologise or set the record straight. And as Manoto said, “What’s the fuss? Can we discuss this after?” I guess they’ll need time to think of some excuse for their memory lapses.

For a moment, even I no longer knew where I was or even what I was. But luckily, I made Minister Bowen’s and Ed Husic’s list.

What is it about a Presidential State Visit that brings out the best and worst in people in the community? It’s all reminiscent of the Ramos visit on which I was in the midst. Perhaps it’s the scent of an Ambassador or a Consul General that drives people to the brink of insanity and spew convoluted logic.

Perhaps it’s all the stress that comes from organising such an event — in ensuring that all the details are done and all ‘ts’ are crossed. Some performed under pressure; some buckled down under pressure; some thought they were pressured to perform; some thought they were performing when really they couldn’t; and some glorified themselves by attending meetings and simply watched others perform.

Sadly, when all is said and done, it’s back to the normal grind and the same people will be moving around in the same circles. Only this time, relationships are strained, friendships are broken and trusts shattered beyond repair. And the crux of the matter is that President Aquino won’t even remember their names nor what they wore.

One thing good about President Aquino’s visit — it sure stopped all the rumours about the false claims of another organization being the peak body. No twin peaks, my dears — loud and clear! Like it or not; like the individuals running it or not, PCC-NSW is the peak organization and has been so for the last 22 years. Clearly visible on the IDs and the banners were the logos of the Philippine Government, the Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) and the Philippine Community Council of Australia (PCC) logos. No other logos — nada!

Despite all the hullabaloo of the month, October was not all lost as there were sanity saving moments. In contrast, the sensible people of FAME caught up with rock star, MiG Ayesa over dinner and it sure was refreshing to be around someone who with all his real fame was so down-to-earth. And of course, Carol Manaloto, brings idol plus, Jose Mari Chan who takes you on a heart’s journey to unleash a myriad of emotions. (www.filipin-oz)