Several years back, the original staging of Dinagyang was done sparsely at the San Jose Church at Calasanz Street with a handful of people mostly Augustinian priests and members of the Cofradia. I should know since I was once a student of the late Father Sulpicio Enderes, OSA who was one of the priests who brought the statue of the Holy Infant from Cebu to Iloilo City way back in 1968.

The evolution of what was once a simple veneration became a mammoth event that not only the locals anticipated but a much sought event to be and enjoyed. Through the years Dinagyang developed from a simple procession of devotees to a grand parade of unfettered revelry.

It was an event that was in search of a name. Several tags were proposed but the entry of the late radio personality Pacifico Sudario won and the tag, Dinagyang sticked and is still faithful to the original meaning of the Ilonggo term, unfettered fun.

The two-day mega event started with a high mass at San Jose church. Afterwards competing cultural groups started presentation beginning at the Freedom Grandstand and culminating at the last reviewing stand located in the so-called Iloilo City Central Market. The second and final day is showcased by the interpretative dancing and chanting of besooted youngsters depicting the traditional Atis of Panay.

To some it is a hodgepodge of themes, color, costumes, and motifs borrowed from the Mardi Gras, samba parade of Brazil and Ati-atihan of Kalibo, they may be correct, they may have educated guesses. Whichever it is, it doesn't detract from the color, measured elegance and artistic restraint of the Dinagyang.

Lest this piece be misconstrued by zealots belonging to any of the business ventures I will mention later, I'm not criticizing any pastor, kapatid, ingkong, appointed son, nor kurikong. I am unfit even to pass judgment on the veracity of their claims that they converse with God through a direct line either pre- or post-paid much less laugh derisively at the curse given by the appointed son of god, PACQ (we, Ilonggos tend to read this aloud as "PACK YOU") on Bro. Eli to the generous effect that the latter has only six months to live this "dutang luhaan".

Instead, I wish to solicit the opinions of upright thinking persons on how they perceive the organizational savvy and managerial competencies of the likes of Apollo Quiboloy, self-styled appointed son of god and presumably head honcho of the Kingdom Nation based in Davao, Eraño Manalo of the Iglesia ni Manalo eheste, Kristo, Eddie Villanueva, erstwhile presidential bet but continuing head of JIL, Eli Soriano, unique source of biblical interpretation of the Ang Dating Daan with the kilometric name registered with the SEC and the head of the El Shaddai whose name escapes me.

Should you have the luxury of time and inclined to share your opinion, you may find these query points useful:

1. If they are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, can they be engaged in exchange of goods and services, consultancy, or trading of securities and assets?

2. What are their strategies and tactics to support their phenomenal growth from buying block time several hours removed from prime time to cornering prime time slots to owning several television and radio stations nationwide?

3. Lastly, if ever their managerial and organizational skills are catalogued and intelligently translated to do-able skills, can these be taught or transferred to Filipino students in the secondary or tertiary level?

And so I take on the challenge of doing this hobby of ours, alone. I decided to try out a new place in Iloilo called the Bluechili Teahouse conveniently located in the heart of Iloilo City at the 2nd floor of Urban Inn, Luna Street Lapaz. You can always drop by the place even if you have your own wheels, or you just take the public transport vehicle. When you look at it outside you can immediately decipher that it is a restaurant with an Asian flair. I have tried some gourmet restaurants catering to that menu, and well, if must compare, in terms of taste and price, it was worth it. In terms of ambiance, the choice of colors and furniture was well suited, but since it is a teahouse in a building, it was rather warm inside. The air-conditioning unit was not fully functional. Too bad, especially if you order tea and some chilies to go with your dumplings. Their business card says that they cater to small parties, corporate and intimate meetings. I would say that it could be recommended as long as they improve on their A/Cs. The staff was hospitable and courteous. So I asked what was their house specialty, and the waiter serving me happily obliged with a detailed description of Bluechili’s specialty, which is dimsum. I ordered pork siomai and lomaikai (I can’t even pronounce the name of the dimsum). When it comes to food, I like a little bit of mystery and adventure, so I thought, okay here it goes! Well, Lomaikai was satisfying to the palate, and I was not disappointed with my choice. Its steamed sticky rice combined with ground pork, dried shrimp, and blackbeans wrapped in banana leaves. After finishing my meal, I decided to wash it down with their Herb Tea Honey Vanilla refillable tea. And I say to myself, “I feel good!” Afterwards, it was time to go check out their lavatory. And well, well, well it was clean! I’m impressed.

So, what’s my over-all assessment of Bluechili Teahouse? I give this hangout a thumbs up!

1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
I was REALLY listening but the guy who did the talking was an expert in monologue.
2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
This is one gift that I must think twice in giving hugs, kisses, pat on the back and holds to my officemates least they'll be screaming, "sexual harassment!"
3. THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
I hesitate to give this twice over, the first time I scribbled a note to the officemate, she returned the note saying, "If you're here to ruin my eyesight with those ugly scrawl, don't even think about it!"
4. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
The last time I uttered a simple and sincere greeting, I was hit right smack on my head. All I said was, "Today is your birthday, much as I like to give you a present, I'd rather give you a past."
5. THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
I did this too but every time I go out of my way to do something kind, I forgot the way back in.
6. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
This is where I excel the most, now everybody refers to me as that dysfunctional introverted guy who is a legend in his own mind!
7. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The last time I got bawled all over was slapping everybody's back during internment.
8. THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
At times the ravages of old age show themselves all at the ill-opportune time. I vow never to laugh boisterously with my loose dentures on. How can I help it? The guy's a killer at the punch line!

I, too was stuck long enough in a junior executive position that the last time I check with the mirror, there were streaks of silver growing in my sideburns! And I wasn't going anywhere up the ladder. Seeing to it that the boss has just finished lunch and about to take his nap, I knocked and was admitted to his office. Here's a transcript of what transpired.

I: Sir, I'll be candid and di na magpaligoyligoy pa. Lucky you, this is the 2nd time you were promoted and about to leave for Metro Manila for your new assignment. Me, I'm stuck here for five years now. Can you please tell me your secrets?

Him: Ok I'll also be candid. There are three secrets I'll share with you. Secrets so simple enough you can apply immediately. First, I always keep things simple, I say my truth plain and short. Nobody likes to listen to longwinded lightning and thunder speeches signifying nothing. Simplify.

Second, always do more than what is expected. Any supervisor will appreciate that extra thing. Big bosses are mostly lonely guys. If you're alone in the executive office, it can be creepy at times. So as a lieutenant, every time I say my goodbyes to him, he always let me stay another extra day, to keep him company, to offer a shoulder where he can confidently shed off his frustrations and fears. Now this is working extra, since keeping him company is not in my job description form but no, I stayed with him.

Third and last, keep Sunday for the family. They too long for my companionship and care.

I, the tactless I: Sir, excuse me. Which family are you referring to?

End of interview and goodbye promotion.

"Meron ka bang nagawang mabuti at kaaya-aya?" Tanong ni San Pedro.

"Meron pong isa," ang bulalat ng tao.

"Nung pumunta po ako sa Sangang Daan, Tondo, me nakita po akong mga barakong bikers na gumugulo sa isang dalaga."

Sinita ko po sila na pababayaan na ang dalaga, ngunit hindi sila nakinig.

Nilapitan ko po yung pinakamalaki at pinakatadtad ng tattoo at sinuntok sa batok, sinipa ang kanyang motorsiklo, nilabnot ko ang kanyang hikaw sa ilong at inihagis sa lupa. Sinabihang ko pang, "Hayaan nyo siya o magsanib ang balat sa tinalupan dito."

Bilib na bilib ang San Pedro. "Kailan ito nangyari?"

"Mga ilang saglit lang po."