by Telly G. Ocampo
Amidst the darkness, let there be the light!
The conversations of radio station dyTR today
(Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023) have been very interesting.
The presence of the two University of Bohol teachers,
Josefina Mendez Alas and Inday Charity, was a
welcome treat. They were the regulars of Ted Ayeng’s
Kwentas Claras during the pre-Covid times. And that
was more than 3 years ago. Most of us might have the
impression that their passion is like fighting a windmill.
But come to think of it, when are we going to start
thinking seriously in choosing the kind of leaders we
deserve.
It’s worth your while listening to these two empowered
women: Josefina and Inday Charity. They are very
aware of what is the “standard operating procedure”
during election. “Pinalitay lagi gyud. Ug kinsay
dunay kwarta mao gyud modaug.” I know Inday
Mendez Alas. She is highly principled, a trait she
inherited from her parents. They are simple folks who
are comfortable and contented with the blessings they
have. And they move with open hearts to listen and to
share.
The two women are articulate and open to speak out
their minds and they know where they stand on issues
discussed with Ted Ayeng and Judge Susing Arcamo.
Kwentas Claras is a dyTR program I always look
forward to each morning. Mosamot na gyud ni ug
maregular na nga mainstay ang mga University of
Bohol teachers. Mind you they are teachers in the
genre of The Man from La Mancha: To dream the
impossible dream, to fight the unbeatable foe. They are
really willing to pursue even if they are the only light
amidst the darkness.
My day starts with Fr. Tito Caluag. At exactly 6 in the
morning, I turn on the dials of my radio to dyTR. I used
to start my day with Ted Failon with Dj Chacha. Ted
Failon is a waraywaray and his fame started with M/V
Doňa Paz. I watched him grow in his career on
television. But then with so many channels to choose
from, national newscasts are heavier in the evening.
Bishop Abet Uy is my regular fare on radio. His two or
3 liners touch the very core of my heart and mind. This
is also within Ted Ayeng’s program at 6 a.m. A good
example of this is: “If you do not prepare for your
tomorrows, it’s just like preparing for your failure.”
Isn’t that mind provoking.
Not to be outdone is the program “OPEN FORUM and
NEWSMAKERS UG UBAN PA”. I enjoy listening to and
laughing with Gloria Leodivica Ines Araneta and my
bff Ardy Ines Araneta-Batoy during their noontime and
early afternoon afternoon shows. Reasons: their wit,
substance, facility of communication, varied topics,
sense of humor, chemistry and everything. I love their
recent conversations withs Victor Tambis of Guiwanon
and Ulysses Tumarong of Taguihon. Wala ko
mangampanya ha. I know Victor way way back in my
parish council days when he was younger. And I love
him more now upon knowing that he is the son of Nong
Leon Tambis. I picture Nong Leon as St. Joseph, the
carpenter. He built the call cabinet of Oyong and Oyang.
He was the main carpenter of my pagatpat house. Mao
diay nga gaan gyud ako pamati kang Victor.
I’m a resident of Taguihon, but my voting precinct is still
in the Poblacion. But i cooperate in the activities of
barangay Taguihon. No boundaries for me along that
line. Tinuod man gyud pud nga: buhat ang
pasultihon sa Taguihon. Mao na ang among kapitan
nga si Ulysses Tomarong; kugihan, mabinantayon
ug matinabangon. Dali gyud mosangpit. Ug iyang
mahimo, iya gyud nga himoon. Ug dili niya mahimo,
mobalibad sa paagi nga maayo . When I choose a
leader, my benchmarks are: what you are in your home,
what your family is in the community, and who you are
to your neighbours.
There are many candidates seeking for a barangay
position. I hope they all know the meaning of public
service in thoughts, words and deeds. Remember
candidates, you cannot give what you do not have.
