ECHO  USED  SURF  BOARD  TO  RESCUE  'ONDOY'  VICTIMS

MANILA, OCTOBER 1, 2009 (MALAYA) STUDIO WHISPERS by ETHEL RAMOS (‘It was difficult, not to say, dangerous, as there was the possibility of his being swept away by the rampaging floods.’)

JERICHO Rosales would not have wanted this known, much more, publicized.

But when we heard from a reliable source that Echo was able to rescue several stranded victims of typhoon Ondoy in Marikina, where he grew up and currently resides, we felt we should give him the credit due him.

Echo reportedly used his surf board (he is a surfing enthusiast) to rescue people. It was difficult, not to say, dangerous, as there was the possibility of his being swept away by the rampaging floods. But Echo kept telling himself God will not abandon him.

True enough, he was able to bring so many people to safer ground.

"As I listened to them whispering their thanks, gusto kong umiyak. What a nice feeling malaman mong nakatulong ka sa ‘yong kapwa," Echo told our source.

To think that Echo actually is a victim of typhoon Ondoy, too. The plush subdivision where he resides, together with other celebrities, like Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto and GMA director Rico Gutierrez, got flooded, too. An area in Loyola Grand Villas (yes, that’s the subdivision) was devastated.

There was even a report in another broadsheet mentioning the name of a former telecom executive who died when a wall in his Loyola Grand Villas house collapsed, pinning him down.

***

Lani Mercado is definitely running for congresswoman of Bacoor, Cavite, where the incumbent mayor is her brother-in-law, Strike Revilla, younger brother of her husband, Senator Bong Revilla.

Lani has Senator Bong’s blessings. In fact, he promises to support Lani in her campaign even if he’s running himself for reelection.

"I believe that Lani will make a capable politician. She is not only talented but also has the will na makatulong sa tao.

"She is one of my secret weapons. And I must admit, she played a big hand in my political career," said Senator Bong.

Lani did once run for mayor of Bacoor.

Unfortunately, she lost.

"But this time," Lani cuts in, "palagay ko naman, na-prove ko na sa tao na sincere ako in my desire to serve them.

"And based on how the residents of Bacoor react to me now, malaki ang paniniwala kong iboboto nila ako."

Strike will run for reelection. So far, he has proven his worth as mayor of Bacoor in his three years in office.

***

Here’s good news to all aspiring performers.

The Film Development Council of the Philippines, assisted by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), will be opening auditions for the full-length musical, "Emir," to be directed by acclaimed director Chito S. Roño.

The production is looking for aspiring actresses, ages 20-25 years old, with pleasing looks and personalities. Those interested must have an excellent singing voice, dancing skills and acting capabilities.

What is needed when applying for an audition is a current bio-data and headshot of the talent, a 3x3 picture and a prepared Tagalog-English a capella song (in the event that the applicant is requested to sing).

Auditions are today Oct. 1, 1 p.m., at the Dream Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

For more details, kindly contact April C. Espinosa (0923-5327722), Che-Che Repase (0922-5585807) or FDCP Office (632-9512/634-6984).

***

Dr. Vicky Belo, together with Dr. Hayden Kho, was among those who went to Mt. Batulao in Batangas to witness for herself the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Canada-based healer Emma de Guzman.

There were more than a thousand who came, according to Dr. Belo. The day was the eve of the birthday of Mama Mary, Sept. 7.

Like the rest of the pilgrims, Dr. Belo prayed and hoped that Mama Mary will manifest on her, as she did to Emma and the people with her who went to Mt. Batulao, now known as the "Mountain of Salvation."

Emma has been holding healing sessions in Mt. Butalao every two years. And one of those who attended the said healing session and got cured of her cancer was a friend of Dr. Belo.

She was with them.

We asked Dr. Belo if the Blessed Virgin manifested herself on her.

"Well, I guess she did," she replied. "Kasi at a certain point all of us pilgrims looked up to the sky and saw the moon dancing. Which is unusual, ‘di ba?"

Emma, on the other hand, claimed she saw the Blessed Virgin Mary, with angels joyfully chanting while they occupied the entire mountain.