No rubber stamp

It says here that the “early ripening of grapes is linked to global warming.” Now the “grapes of wrath” is upon us.

*** Big names in the TV industry are being siphoned by TV- 5. “For their own good,” says one showbiz columnist. And MVP too, right?

*** Sir M. V. Pangilinan who owns TV- 5 was heard admitting: “Ours is the smallest network. We’re No. 3.” But MVP was heard adding: “We don’t intend to remain No. 3 for long.”

*** The TV network “war” (“don’t call it ‘ war’,” says one showbiz observer) is a three- way contest ( maybe that’s better than war). The protagonist to watch is the underdog ( call it TV- 5) now. But this underdog like all dogs will have its day soon.

*** Mayor Mike Rama and ex- Rep. Tony Cuenco have joined forces for the 2013 city elections. “No problem,” says the unfazed Rep. Tom. As the late Abe Licayan would’ve said in jest: “Let us to see.”

*** Cebu City Councilor Edgar Labella is giving serious thought on being the running mate of Mayor Mike Rama. Good material for VM, Sir Labella is. One of this most important qualifications is his having a mind of his own. “In other words,” says my friend Teddy H, “Councilor Labella is not a rubber stamp.”

*** I just read an interview by a Philstar writer with Rep. Bongbong Marcos. On some issues regarding the important basic needs of the people, his views and insights are to quote Prof. Andy Patalingjug, “no run- of- the- mill insights.”

*** The activists spread yards and yards of streamers that said: “Never Again” ( for the nation to be run by another Marcos). Never again? Problem is, us Pinoys are known for our short memories. You and I and Sen. Bongbong know that.

*** OVERHEARD. Two women playing mahjong was heard talking about their male neighbor who is in the jewelry buy- and sell business. “Nadespalko na baya na,” said one of the women, “kay pirmeng

moda’g lalaki sa motel.”