The packaging of San Pablo First Lady Gem Castillo by the local media, obviously as a prelude to the next local elections Is commendable. You will find her name and photographs almost daily in the social media showing her talent in singing, her beautification of Paseo de San Pablo, her desire to make the city at par with other tourist destinations in the country and how she deals with people from all walks of life. Very Vicente Amante! I guess she is a good learner and Mayor Vic a perfect mentor.
I haven’t met Ms. Gem personally but according to my good friend Boyet Marcelo, she is “mabait”, accommodating and always willing to help while our 7 Lakes Press Corps President Sandy Belarmino and Wednesday Herald columnist Nicolai Miranda have nothing but praises for her. I also noticed from the many photos I’ve seen on Facebook that she and the Amante siblings from the first marriage were coping well. It appears that she is doing her best to be a good mother to the children – an initial sign that she could also be a good mother of the city. You may agree or you may not and you have the right to speculate, after all, whatever will be, will be.
If Ms. Gem is being groomed to be the next local chief executive of the city, she is navigating the precise tract though a complex one. As an identified VBA loyalist, I am giving my one cent worth of unsolicited advice for her to listen and understand the plight of the common people on the ground, especially those who are trying their best to make both ends meet. Life is hard for the poor not only here in the Philippines but also in some parts of the world but it can be made easier if the people can draw inspiration from their local leaders.
San Pablo is blessed in many aspects – natural resources, beautiful and warm people, livable environment, less crime and most importantly, we are free from any kind of insurgency. The only problem being complained of by the barangay residents are the rough roads leading to their homes. If the roads can be restored to its former grandeur and those residing in the riversides are given comfortable access to the main road, then the majority of the people in the city will be satisfied and Ms. Gem can be assured of a landslide win.
Anyway, the election is still a bit far although time runs so fast and before we know it, it’s election time once again. So, we are not surprised if we see local politicos trying hard to be relevant and making a way to have their names registered in the consciousness of the voting public. From the way things are going so far, Ms. Gem has an edge over the others who are planning to run because she obviously knew the intricacies of the game of politics.
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
