An urgent pitch for Koko

THE RECLUSIVE national arts matriarch, last seen in public during the 2004 funeral of National Artist Nick Joaquin, did a Greta Garbo and made a brief appearance.

After a haggle, Ms Virgie Moreno agreed to swap a bottle of red wine, handled by a male nurse in fresh  white uniform, for a copy of the small novel. She had insisted on purchasing the book that was being launched.

This was on Wednesday afternoon at the classy Executive (Blue) Building of the Mandaluyong City Hall Complex off Boni Avenue (Maysilo).

Gilda Cordero Fernando, eternal muse, broke away from a crowded schedule to grace the occasion. She   got a copy of the book (whose completion she had hugely encouraged) before rubbing elbows with her favorite art-world characters that included poet-novelist Erwin Castillo, celebrated painter Danilo Dalena and the respected Antonio G. Austria, who rendered the exquisite illustrations for the novel.

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This column comes out three days off schedule, but we had to beg for this space lest our heartfelt gratitude be swamped by the supreme bedlam on election day.

Yes, it was a simple but successful launch of the small novel (Tales from My Lost River) but credit should go mainly to those who braved the cruel summer heat, the impossible gridlock traffic, not only to get a copy but help in a fund-raising that was the main reason behind the mid-week affair.

For sure, the author, a regular at the Mandaluyong City wet market, enjoyed a clear hometown edge, based on the number of jeepney drivers, fellow regular commuters, not to mention his vendor friends who attended the charity affair. A couple, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Della, flew all the way from their cozy nest in Sacramento, California.

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Anyway, firming up that hometown advantage was the presence of City Mayor Benhur Abalos, a sure-fire re-electionist and a valued kumpadre of the fledgling author.

Ambassador Antonio Cabangon Chua, son of the saintly riverside storekeeper Aling Inga, showed up as promised. The self-made tycoon contributed generously and confirmed that he indeed used to dive for catfish (kandule) for a living in the old Pasig.

Tagging along with Mayor Abalos was re-electionist Councilor Jess Garcia, once again a heavy favorite to finish in the Top Three, despite frantic efforts by envious rivals to smear the wholesome image of the well-loved former OFW, more known as Konsehal ng Pamilyang Mandaleno.

You see, people in our job are being discouraged from, as much as possible, making any election endorsement.

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This may not count as an outright plug but, for senator, there was in my initial list Richard Gordon, Teddy Casiño and Koko Pimentel, in that order. This list has undergone minor revision.

Senator Pimentel, lawyer-son of my original idol, the intrepid Sen. Aquilino Pimentel, is now at No. 1.

Credit—or blame—this on a distress call from a trusted ally and supporter, a reclusive successful trader with the initials L.Y.

L.Y. swears he’s worried about Koko Pimentel.

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“He’s not very popular with the media,” L.Y. explained.

What do you mean?

“He’s either shy or just didn’t want to play it cute or cozy with reporters.”

What’s your worry?

“He’s one honest, hardworking, competent and truly incorruptible fellow. I want to make sure he wins again.”

What do you want me to do?

“Please ask you friends in the media to help him.”

Ok, but isn’t it already too late? For one, I see Koko Pimentel winning.

“No, I’m not exactly worried about him, he can fight his own battle.

So why worry?

“I fear for the Filipino people; it would be a big loss for us if Koko doesn’t make it.

L.Y., who had worked as a cub reporter in the 50s and played football under the legendary Mayor Arsenio Lacson, says we must not squander this rare chance of having another Jose Diokno or Lorenzo Tañada in the Philippine Senate.