Part 1 is here.
.: Lost Gems Of Philippine History: Ang Tala-Arawan Ni Diosdado Macapagal, Part 2:.
It took me a while to decipher these bits and pieces, but here’s the second half of the very telltale parts I found in the late Diosdado Macapagal’s diary. I hope you appreciate the great public service I have rendered in showing you these entries.
25 January, 1963,
I was introduced to Gloria’s first boyfriend today. He seems very nice. Magaling at matalino siyang bata. I’m glad she decided to date this young man instead of that other boy who kept on visiting Gloria. He reeks. Parang naligo sa dagat ng basura, eh.
Then again, whenever I see that other boy with Gloria, there’s a twinkle in her eyes I can’t quite explain. Maybe there’s more to this than meets the eye.
15 August, 1964,
Out of concern for her well-being, I asked Gloria if she’s been getting any exercise. “Plenty,” she said. I’m glad.
Apparently, Gloria had recently taken up a new hobby for her health. She’s running. She keeps running and running everywhere. I have this feeling she’ll keep on running for a long time, even when she’s not supposed to run anymore.
10 May, 1965,
It looks like I’m not getting elected for a second term, given the exit polls. It disheartens me, but I suppose this will be the end of my political career. Gloria is furious. She swears she will avenge me someday. I don’t quite know what that means, but I don’t like the sound of it.
After ten years, Gloria is *still* 4’11.
10 July, 1966,
This young man named “Jose Pidal” is asking my daughter’s hand in marriage. Who is this guy?
11 July, 1966,
I stand corrected. His name is Mike Arroyo.
02 August, 1968,
Today, I give Gloria away. I know Mike will be a good provider and will do whatever it takes to give my daughter nothing but the best. He is a great businessman, and he has the broadest band of resources available to make it happen.
26 March, 1969,
Today, Mikey is born. He will be a great man someday. Perhaps even greater once he gets married.
But if my count is correct, it’s only been less than nine months since Gloria got married. How is this, I can’t even... premature, maybe?
28 July, 1984,
Is it just me, or did she just get implants? Why?!?
22 February, 1986,
People are gathering to demonstrate against President Marcos today. Will he step down against all this pressure? Gloria called me on the phone to tell me that she’s taking notes on this as we speak. I wonder why.
10 October, 1987,
What a chip off the old block. Gloria was asked by President Aquino to become assistant secretary in the Department of Trade and Industry. Could this be the start of bigger and better things for my little princess?
Also, Gloria is *still* 4’11.
02 May, 1990,
I am very alarmed by the state of our country. Although democracy has been restored, the stench of bureaucracy and corruption has emanated far worse than it ever has in a time of democracy. I am very disturbed by it, and I would rather that my cherub wash her hands of this grime.
03 May, 1990,
As difficult as it was for her to acquiesce to my wishes, Gloria has decided not to seek public office in 1992. Whew. Crisis averted.
10 November, 1991,
Gloria has reneged on her promise to me, and decided to run for Senator next year. As betrayed as I felt, I understood when she explained that she is running because God has called her to.
30 June, 1992,
I’m proud of Gloria. Apparently, God has indeed called her to the Senate, as she topped the polls and has garnered a lot of good will all over the country. Surely, she will not repeat her old man’s mistakes and know that the Senate is a great place for her to ply her trade in, where she can do the most good for the country as a fiscalizing legislator who will know how to continue to raise the country’s economic standing.
15 April, 1997,
This will perhaps be my last entry, as it’s been increasingly difficult writing while here in the hospital. As my last dying request from my daughter, I asked Gloria to not seek higher office come 1998. She has done so well in the Senate, and I know that she will do the best work that she can while she is there. I fear that if she ran for higher office in 1998, it would irreversibly corrupt the sweet, innocent child she has always been to me.
She promised me this morning that she will honor my wishes and my name. Surely, she will not go back on her word to her dying father.
I always thought she’d at least be 5’ by now, but I was sadly mistaken.
21 April, 1997,
I’m surprised at how well I’ve been recovering. I might actually just make it past all of this, and... wait... who cut the wires to my oxygen tank? Y-you – how could you? Oh, no...
And with that, his diary entries came to an abrupt end. Most interesting, don’t you think?
Showing posts with label lost gems series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lost gems series. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Lost Gems Of Philippine History: Ang Talaarawan Ni Diosdado Macapagal, Part I
.:Lost Gems Of Philippine History: Ang Tala-Arawan Ni Diosdado Macapagal, Part 1:.
After much digging, I actually found the authentic copies of the lost diaries of former president Diosdado Macapagal. I know this sounds too good to be true, but it’s very much true. I wanted to scan them for you to see the actual words in his writing, but I was afraid of damaging the pages from the diaries.
The former president wrote extensively in his diary, but I wanted to pore over the segments where he wrote details about his daughter, Gloria. He appears to like writing in a mix of English and Filipino, which is weird, since I was expecting him to write predominantly in Capampangan, but who am I to judge him, right?
Anyways, a few select excerpts from his diaries...
05 April, 1947,
I still recall Purita sometimes, but I’m grateful Evangelina is still by my side. Today, I welcome to this world a bundle of joy, Gloria. I named her for the glory that I feel befits our country, and the poise, grace, stature, and integrity I know I and Eva will instill in her. I hope she turns out tall, just like me.
08 May, 1947,
Today is Gloria’s baptism. It was so difficult to take her to the church. She was crying so hard. Poor child. She must be afraid of such big places.
22 January, 1948,
What a milestone! Gloria said her first word! She said “no!” Come to think of it, I don’t know if she said “no”, or “noh”. Hard to tell.
30 March, 1948,
This is odd, but it appears Gloria learned to run before she could walk. I guess that makes her very special. Such a special child.
12 April, 1952,
Last week was Gloria’s fifth birthday. In a bizarre turn of events, her nanny cheerfully hung herself in the middle of Gloria’s party. It was such a disaster. I’m glad we managed to get a new nanny on such short notice, though. Although she’s an expat, Mrs. Baylock seems to get along just marvellously with Gloria. I just wish they didn’t keep that fierce-looking dog they found, though. He’s downright menacing.
05 April, 1955,
Having turned 8, it’s unbelievable that Gloria is already 4’11! Such a tall child for her age.
04 September, 1956,
Nahuli ko si Gloriang nangungupit sa pantalon ko. Ulit. I’m glad she apologized, though. She told me she was sorry for her lapse in judgment. How can I stay angry with a sweet girl like that?
30 June, 1961,
It’s odd making the transition now, having won the presidency. Gloria has been exceptionally happy about moving into Malacanang. She says she wishes she could stay here forever.
19 July, 1962,
After her classmate mysteriously got expelled from school, Gloria, who was originally their vice president, ended up becoming class president today. I’m so proud of her. I’m sure she’s on her way to greater things.
Unfortunately, she's *still* at 4'11.
After much digging, I actually found the authentic copies of the lost diaries of former president Diosdado Macapagal. I know this sounds too good to be true, but it’s very much true. I wanted to scan them for you to see the actual words in his writing, but I was afraid of damaging the pages from the diaries.
The former president wrote extensively in his diary, but I wanted to pore over the segments where he wrote details about his daughter, Gloria. He appears to like writing in a mix of English and Filipino, which is weird, since I was expecting him to write predominantly in Capampangan, but who am I to judge him, right?
Anyways, a few select excerpts from his diaries...
05 April, 1947,
I still recall Purita sometimes, but I’m grateful Evangelina is still by my side. Today, I welcome to this world a bundle of joy, Gloria. I named her for the glory that I feel befits our country, and the poise, grace, stature, and integrity I know I and Eva will instill in her. I hope she turns out tall, just like me.
08 May, 1947,
Today is Gloria’s baptism. It was so difficult to take her to the church. She was crying so hard. Poor child. She must be afraid of such big places.
22 January, 1948,
What a milestone! Gloria said her first word! She said “no!” Come to think of it, I don’t know if she said “no”, or “noh”. Hard to tell.
30 March, 1948,
This is odd, but it appears Gloria learned to run before she could walk. I guess that makes her very special. Such a special child.
12 April, 1952,
Last week was Gloria’s fifth birthday. In a bizarre turn of events, her nanny cheerfully hung herself in the middle of Gloria’s party. It was such a disaster. I’m glad we managed to get a new nanny on such short notice, though. Although she’s an expat, Mrs. Baylock seems to get along just marvellously with Gloria. I just wish they didn’t keep that fierce-looking dog they found, though. He’s downright menacing.
05 April, 1955,
Having turned 8, it’s unbelievable that Gloria is already 4’11! Such a tall child for her age.
04 September, 1956,
Nahuli ko si Gloriang nangungupit sa pantalon ko. Ulit. I’m glad she apologized, though. She told me she was sorry for her lapse in judgment. How can I stay angry with a sweet girl like that?
30 June, 1961,
It’s odd making the transition now, having won the presidency. Gloria has been exceptionally happy about moving into Malacanang. She says she wishes she could stay here forever.
19 July, 1962,
After her classmate mysteriously got expelled from school, Gloria, who was originally their vice president, ended up becoming class president today. I’m so proud of her. I’m sure she’s on her way to greater things.
Unfortunately, she's *still* at 4'11.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Lost Gems Of Philippine History: Cory's Last Unsent Letter
.:Lost Gems Of Philippine History: Cory's Last Unsent Letter:.
Dear Kris,
I know I don't have long, given my condition. I've been very weak, and I've fought a long battle. In the end, there are very few things I'd really want to say.
In the end, all of it boils down to two statements: I know, and I understand.
I know it will be inevitable people would lose sight of the freedom they now enjoy, and choose to focus on my mistakes rather than what I fought for in life, and what Ninoy stood for in death. I understand that most of them will not have lived through the horrors we have lived through, few of them will know the pain of losing the man you love at what appeared to be his moment of triumph, and in understanding, I pay the price. I'd rather they took me for granted, rather than they'd have nothing to take for granted.
I know I will be revered to the point of sainthood by some, but I certainly wish that weren't the case. I am not an extraordinary person with talents available only to myself. I was merely a person who was in the right place and at the right time, and did what she thought was best at each step of the way. To say I am special and above everyone else denies people the right to aspire to become good, upright people, and provides them with an excuse to mire themselves in complacency and mediocrity. I understand how hard it is to find a hero in these times, but all they need do is look at themselves and believe they can be that person. I was never perfect. I was never a saint. I made more mistakes than I'd care to count. Despite that, it is not the man with no fear who is courageous, but the man who faces the fears he is beset with.
I know people will feel pain over those who choose to belittle the spirit of EDSA: a spirit that is certainly bigger than me alone. I find it the opposite: it is a cause for celebration. That these people are free to express their sentiments, no matter how upsetting it may be, is proof that the spirit of EDSA has done its job, perhaps imperfectly, but it is still a job that has been done. I understand. There's still so much more to do, and what we as a nation have done from 1986 is but one step in a long journey.
I know some people will choose to complain rather than to understand what is going on. Maybe they'd complain about a TV coverage happening in the middle of some girl dancing provocatively, or complain about traffic and weather getting in the way of whatever they want to do, or complain about how you, dear Kris, will inevitably say something so brutally frank some might feel you are merely using me. I understand, but know all too well that it is your unabashed honesty, to the point of tactlessness, that I can't help but love about you: there is no need to second guess anything about you.
I know some people will ride the wave of my death, and use it to elevate their status. They will attempt to pretend that they are one with the people, but in the end use the people much the same way they have always been. I understand them. That does not mean I condone them, or the way they use me in death as some of them have used me in life. They may ride the coattails of history for now, but they will expose themselves for what they truly are, sooner or later.
And lastly...
... I know some people will confuse my impending death with President Arroyo's. Our names are rather similar, we're both female presidents, we're both Capampangan, to name a few things that could confuse people. I know some people would wish it were her instead of me to be laid to rest soon.
I understand that. ;)
Love,
Mom
Dear Kris,
I know I don't have long, given my condition. I've been very weak, and I've fought a long battle. In the end, there are very few things I'd really want to say.
In the end, all of it boils down to two statements: I know, and I understand.
I know it will be inevitable people would lose sight of the freedom they now enjoy, and choose to focus on my mistakes rather than what I fought for in life, and what Ninoy stood for in death. I understand that most of them will not have lived through the horrors we have lived through, few of them will know the pain of losing the man you love at what appeared to be his moment of triumph, and in understanding, I pay the price. I'd rather they took me for granted, rather than they'd have nothing to take for granted.
I know I will be revered to the point of sainthood by some, but I certainly wish that weren't the case. I am not an extraordinary person with talents available only to myself. I was merely a person who was in the right place and at the right time, and did what she thought was best at each step of the way. To say I am special and above everyone else denies people the right to aspire to become good, upright people, and provides them with an excuse to mire themselves in complacency and mediocrity. I understand how hard it is to find a hero in these times, but all they need do is look at themselves and believe they can be that person. I was never perfect. I was never a saint. I made more mistakes than I'd care to count. Despite that, it is not the man with no fear who is courageous, but the man who faces the fears he is beset with.
I know people will feel pain over those who choose to belittle the spirit of EDSA: a spirit that is certainly bigger than me alone. I find it the opposite: it is a cause for celebration. That these people are free to express their sentiments, no matter how upsetting it may be, is proof that the spirit of EDSA has done its job, perhaps imperfectly, but it is still a job that has been done. I understand. There's still so much more to do, and what we as a nation have done from 1986 is but one step in a long journey.
I know some people will choose to complain rather than to understand what is going on. Maybe they'd complain about a TV coverage happening in the middle of some girl dancing provocatively, or complain about traffic and weather getting in the way of whatever they want to do, or complain about how you, dear Kris, will inevitably say something so brutally frank some might feel you are merely using me. I understand, but know all too well that it is your unabashed honesty, to the point of tactlessness, that I can't help but love about you: there is no need to second guess anything about you.
I know some people will ride the wave of my death, and use it to elevate their status. They will attempt to pretend that they are one with the people, but in the end use the people much the same way they have always been. I understand them. That does not mean I condone them, or the way they use me in death as some of them have used me in life. They may ride the coattails of history for now, but they will expose themselves for what they truly are, sooner or later.
And lastly...
... I know some people will confuse my impending death with President Arroyo's. Our names are rather similar, we're both female presidents, we're both Capampangan, to name a few things that could confuse people. I know some people would wish it were her instead of me to be laid to rest soon.
I understand that. ;)
Love,
Mom
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