Some selected leaders of the  Filipino community in New York gathered at the Hilton Hotel on the night of             June 26, 2008 to welcome and have an audience with Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and party which included Press Secretary Ignacio Bunyi, several cabinet members, some provincial governors and congressmen, and the respective head of Land Bank, Philippine National Bank and Philippine Stock Exchange.

Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo called on President Bush before going to New York. She was accompanied by  Kristy Kenney, the US Ambassador to the Philippines and Willy Gaa, the Philippine Ambassador to the United States.

At the Hilton Hotel, Pres. Arroyo called on the business sector to invest in the Philippines to improve the country’s economy and to help our mga kababayan.

She also reported on the impending rice crisis and added that should there be some hoarders, they will be penalized. She gave assurance that no matter what, her countrymen will eat three times a day.

Then she related the tragedy of the Princess of the Stars, a ferry that capsized off the coast of San Fernando, Romblon, carrying 800 people, more or less and that only 57 survivors have been found. She also made mention of the havoc brought about by Typhoon Frank.

The President acknowledged and thanked the United States for being the first to send aid to the Philippines.

Nagtawanan ang audience nang sabihin ng Pangulo, “Ang Mother Nature, kagaya ng bagyo, sa akin isinisisi; nagkasunog, ako rin ang may sala; bumaha, ako pa rin. Alam n’yo, kung makakausap ko lamang ang Diyos, hindi na dadanasan ng ganito ang ating bayan….. but we cannot control them, Never mention corruption. ” (He, he, he)

The First Gentleman is so pale. He has lost much weight. But the President, laging naka ngiti. She’s emblazoned with all those sparkling diamonds. Ang usap-usapan, “Baka halaga na ng isang mansion yon.”

Nasa welcome committee ako, so nakasingit  ako, “Ma’am, hindi yata kayo tumatanda.”

“Naku, salamat naman,”  ang sagot niya. 

“Puwede po bang makadalaw sa Palasyo sa susunod na uwi ko?”

“Aba, oo. Welcome ang lahat. Just talk to your Consul and do the arrangement.”

“Thank you po.” Wala na akong nasabi.

It was a joyful experience with the President of the Philippines!

About the Contributor

Geline R. Lazaro is based inNew York City. She is an active leader of the Filipino community in the said city. In addition, she is also the president of Cavinti Laguna Overseas Teachers’ Association (CLOTA),