I BUMPED into Senator Chiz Escudero at the Legazpi airport en route back to Manila. We happened to be on the same flight.
I was tempted to ask him about his separation from his wife Christine, but it was too early in the morning for controversy. In turn, he didn’t ask me about my clarification of the rumor linking him to my friend Pops Fernandez.
He was traveling alone, unlike most politicos who bring along an entourage. When I asked him to pose for a picture, he said, “Sure pero pasensiya na. Bagong gising look pa ako.”
He seemed to have a lost a lot of weight, which makes him look all the more like rock singer Bamboo.
It was raining hard when we were boarding the plane. As I watched Chiz walk in the rain under an umbrella, I wondered if the weather was making him miss his wife. They have weathered many storms together. But this time around, looks like Chiz has to find shelter from the rain elsewhere.
Bicol stunners
I enjoyed being one of the judges at the Mutya ng Magayon 2011 in Legazpi City, Albay. Magayon means beautiful in Bicolano.
I was impressed with the innate charm and wit of the 20 stunners who hailed from different parts of Chili Land.
It was also joy to bond with my co-judges Inno Sotto, lawyer Carol Sabio, Northern Samar Vice Governor Ram Uy, Joel Mendez, Yul Servo, Isko Moreno, Direk Ed Palmos and Miriam Quiambao.
The pageant was hosted by Precious Lara Quigaman, Casey Austria and Robert John Santos. Guest performer was Guji Lorenzana.
Bicol is the new breeding ground of beauty queens. Precious Lara, Miriam, Venus Raj, Diane Necio and the late Melody Gersbach all have Bicolano roots.
Roxane Joy Jessalva from Sorsogon was proclaimed the winner. The Phoemela Baranda and Diane Necio look-alike took home P150,000 and other big prizes.
Diane is a real trooper. The wake of her dad was ongoing during the pageant, but she still graced the event to honor her commitment.
Mabalos Bicol for welcoming me with open arms. It was an explosion of fun in Mayon country!
Homecoming
Speaking of Bicol, Nora Aunor remains one of the most popular “treasures” of the province. There’s talk that she’s finally coming home on her birthday, May 21. Her homecoming has been postponed several times.
Crazy stories about her alleged gambling and financial woes refuse to die down. Ate Guy could very well be the Superstar who cried, “I’m back.” But her loyal fans are not losing hope. She ought to come home once and for all to clear speculations about her. O walang himala na uuwi siya?
PERSONAL: If you happen to visit Legazpi City, check out the yummy laing pizza and Bicol express pasta at Small Talk Café. Also a must-try is the sili ice cream at 1st Colonnial Grill. Masiram!
E-mail wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com