By Nestor Cuartero
“A business absolutely devoted to service will have only one worry about profits. They will be embarrassingly large.” – Henry Ford
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LANDMARK BAKERY BURNS: The accidental burning of Kamuning Bakery, that 79-year old fugon-style bakery in Kamuning, Quezon City on Feb. 5 is a sad day for its large clientele and loyal followers. Revived by writer-entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores, Kamuning Bakery has become an important hub among artists, showbiz folk, politicians, not only for its wide range of breads, but also for lots of conversations.
Today, let me pay tribute to Kamuning Bakery and its proprietor, Wilson Lee Flores.
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AT KAMUNING BAKERY’S PANDESAL FORUM: Trust Wilson to assemble the most unique guest list in his twice or thrice weekly Pandesal Forum at Kamuning Bakery, along Judge Jimenez Street near the corner of Kamuning Road in Quezon City.
At a recent forum, guesting in various time slots on the same day, the World Pan de Sal Day were the likes of Vice- President Leni Robredo, Sen. Bongbong Marcos, and Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.
Imagine if these personalities sat on the same head table at the same time.
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ITAGA MO SA BATO: Gen. Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa recently urged church officials to knock on the homes of known drug personalities in their communities to help arrest the drug menace in the country.
Such was Bato’s reaction to common criticism from church authorities regarding the government’s controversial anti-drug campaign.
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REMEMBERING JUDGE JIMENEZ: In another similar forum, Kamuning Bakery honored the late Judge Damian L. Jimenez, after whom the street on which the 78-year old, fugon-style bakery sits.
Judge Jimenez was the first secretary of the Quezon City Council in 1939 under the administration of Tomas Morato, mayor. He was a native of Lopez, Quezon whose cultural workers, led by newsman Julianito Vilasanta, came in full force to celebrate the contributions to jurisprudence and letters of Judge Jimenez.
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PAY UP: Social Security System commissioner Pompee La Vina said recently in another Pan de Sal Forum that before SSS increases the monthly dues of its members, it should first run after big corporations that have outstanding balances with the agency.
These debts amount to millions, if not billions, he added. La Vina also stated that he is investigating allegations of bribery against two SSS executives named in an administrative complaint he filed.
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FIREWORKS AND FIRECRACKERS: At the height of the Christmas season, Jovenson Ong, president of the 300-member strong Philippine Fireworks Association, cleared that firecrackers aren’t banned per se. They are allowed only in designated places as stipulated in Executive Order No. 28. Meanwhile, pyrotechnics or pailaw are allowed for use anywhere.
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CESAR MONTANO ART EXHIBIT: Last year, in an eclectic turn, Cesar Montano exhibited a dozen or so art works in the same Kamuning Bakery. Months later, the veteran actor was to be named head of Tourism Promotions Board.