Thanks belsvd for the article always had the unique way of providing a non-threatening sense of humor but communicated the serious of an issue and poking fun at the situation which are so real at heart.
----------------
What's this? A few weeks following the tragic accident of a tourist bus carrying mostly Iranian medical students, killing 21 and injuring scores, when another bus crashed into cement barrier, causing 15 fatalities and many injuries last Saturday.
* * *
And guess what? It happened near the area of the previous accident in Toledo, Cebu! The culprit might be the curving, downhill road but for that, all the more the drivers should have exercised care and caution.
And please don't come up with the usual "palusot" (excuse) - loss of brakes.
* * *
What have the government agencies done, especially after the previous accident involving those Iranian students?
Pity the helpless, innocent passengers whose lives were snuffed out by a single reckless driver blaming lost brakes. Such unnecessary deaths and mayhem cry to heaven for vengeance. But heaven cannot wait. Justice must be served here and now.
* * *
WORLD CUP. Head Coach Diego Maradona said Argentina "will not need the Hand of God, because it is the will of God that they will win the World Cup."
* * *
Obviously, the former soccer star who brought home victories for his homeland, is not a prophet; hence, his prediction failed. He should now say, "Lord, not my will but Your will be done."
* * *
Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. One of the reasons is it's not only a pastime or entertainment but also a national obsession and passion. For a country to win the World Cup is a national pride wildly celebrated more than a New Year's Day; but losing is national ignominy followed by days of mourning.
* * *
Countries, both governing and governed especially the masses, take the game very seriously. That's why when Nigeria got eliminated in the first round of the World Cup, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan ordered that Nigeria withdraw from international competition for two years to "enable the country to put its house in order."
* * *
I surmise that the President must have taken the loss too personally because his own name "Goodluck" failed to bring good luck to the team!
As countermove, the president of FIFA (Federacion International de Football Associacion) Sepp Blatter warned the government against meddling in football matters which could cause the expulsion of Nigeria from FIFA.
* * *
Recall how Colombia lost to the USA in the 1996 World Cup because a player mistakenly kicked the ball to the opponents' goal which made them win, 1-0.
That's not the end. When that player returned home and came out of the airport, he was shot fatally by an unknown gunman! So playing soccer poorly is hazardous to your life.
* * *
And in the 70's, Honduras and El Salvador went to war over a football dispute.
* * *
Most Filipinos don't appreciate soccer. The current World Cup never aroused the people's interest with the exception of football enthusiasts who against all odds heroically love and play the game.
* * *
Basketball is the national craze. But we are developing a sport where the chances of winning in international competitions are practically nil. And the simple reason is, basketball is a game of height which, let's face it, we don't have.
* * *
Filipinos are cut out for soccer because the game does not require height and Filipinos are good in kicking and running...including running off with public funds!
Anyway, developing soccer is something our government leaders and the Philippine Sports Commission can seriously consider.
* * *
ST. JUDE NOVENA. Got a serious problem with money, studies or exams, sickness, or marital/family relationships?
Tomorrow is Thursday. Join our novena to St. Jude, Saint of the Impossible, at the Divine Word Shrine, Christ the King Seminary Compound on E. Rodriguez Boulevard, Quezon City at 6:30 p.m.
A healing session will follow.
* * *
For comments, feedbacks, e-mail: belsvd@yahoo.com