My Journeys

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Ginang Milyonarya

     Ginang Milyonarya was a TV show that was popular among Filipino televiewers during the 1970s and it was shown on channel which was then known as BBC or Banahaw Broadcasting System. The lead role of a female philanthropist was played by the late Chichay and his chauffeur cum errand boy was played first by Rudy Manlapaz then by Yoyong Martirez. In every episode, Ginang Milyonarya would discretely help those who are in need. The TV show is worth watching since it imbibes among the viewers, particularly the children, the value of helping the less fortunate and sharing with them one's fortune.

Kuwentong Kutsero


     The TV sitcom Kuwentong Kutsero was a big hit among prime time audience during the mid 1970s. The show was actually a satire of the events that take place every day in Philippine society. Not only does it make fun of the foibles of regular Filipino citizens but also members of the Philippine government. Almost each member Philippine society is represented by the characters in this TV sitcom which opens with the horse talking and setting the tone for the evening's episode. Some of the characters I  remember are the lawyer  Attorney Diskurso, the scholar Mr Luningning, and the Chinese shop owner Akong Santosi. The showing of the sitcom was momentarily stopped after one of its stars, comedian Casmot, died in a car accident. He was later replaced by Ruben Rustia who made it appear that Casmot's character survived the accident and underwent reconstructive surgery.
    The other stars of the show were Matimtiman Cruz, Luz Valdez, Rolly Papasin, Subas Herrero, Nena Perez, Rubio, Manny Castaneda, and he late Ric Tierro.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Good-bye Tatay

Last August 10, 2015, Tatay Ben passed away due to complications brought about by the surgery done to seal the hole in his small intestines. His passing away broke the heart of my wife who blamed herself for bringing Tatay to the province to have a short vacation. For my wife, Tatay might have lived a bit longer had she not brought him to the province. I do not blame my brother-in-law or my sister-in-law since both of them did an excellent job of taking care of Tatay. Neither do I blame the doctors at the Batangas Medical Center where Tatay was confined and operated on. They did an excellent job of relieving Tatay of his stomach pain.

In as much as I do not want to, I blame Tatay for what happened to him. Perforated ulcer is caused by taking non steroidal pain killers like Naproxen. When Tatay was still with us, I advised him to take the med only when he feels pain in his joints. With regard to the antiobiotic which he took daily, I advised him that it is bad for one's health. But no matter how hard we try to explain, he always says he is right since he knows what his body needs and what it does not need. He would often go into a fit whenever we try to dissuade him from taking strong medicines.

Do I miss him? In spite of the arguments that we had had since 2003, the house feels empty without him in it. He is much a part of our home like the pieces of furniture that we have there. I hope in his passing away, he would find the release from his pain that he had always longed for.