THE mayor of Manila has Iskored again. After turnĀing over P7 million (as of last count) worth of modeling fees to Philippine General Hospital and the earthquake refugees of Mindanao, Isko has just reĀceived the most spectacular gift, and itās only the start of the long Christmas season.
Two conglomerates have vowed P50 billion each to help the mayor move Manila to a new decade of the cenĀtury. Their names remain āin pectoreā for the moment, but the plan is for Company A to take care of the northern part of Manila and develop a rail system while Company B will take care of the southern porĀtion.
Mayor Isko confirmed the donations during The Manila Hotelās tree-lighting ceremony last Wednesday. The day beĀfore, he and his family ā wife Dynee and three of their five children ā pushed the button to light up the all-white tree at Diamond Hotel. Between these two trees in Manila and AyaĀla Makatiās cosmos of lights, Christmas is here, indeed, no doubt. Senior citizens may take a moment to stop breathĀing and realize how time flies, for itās science that says the earth and sun are spinning at fantastic speeds.
Isko seems to be moving at lightning speeds, too. Teased about how heās leaving othĀer local executives behind, his answer is diplomatic, to say the least: āThereās lots to catch up. The other cities donāt face the same challengĀes as Manila.ā
Most, if not all, cities in the Philippines, as far as cursory sightings go, are challenged by a common tragedy. ChilĀdren abandoned by their parĀents, orphans left to their own devices, kids devoured by hunger, disease and misĀery, the hope of the fatherĀland without hope of a loving family, education, not even a future worth waiting for. In both tree-lighting events, the two hotels gathered disĀadvantaged children, includĀing former street urchins now waiting for foreign adoption at House of Refuge, to enjoy moments and music of ChristĀmas joy with the highly photoĀgraphable mayor.