Five Great Patriots

When I was still studying at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, I had the chance to befriend five great men, and I'm not ashamed to write them all here because I believe that, given the chance, they definitely would contribute towards a better Philippines.

Let's start off with Bong Bongolan. Bong used to be our student Council Chairman. He ran and won under SAMASA, the dominant student political party during our time. I remember that it was during his term that I also ran for the CSSP vice chairmanship post and won. Bong is a very intelligent man. He's one of the best economists. He's now helping the government thru the National Home Finance Corporation (?). Bong has brilliant ideas and given the chance, he'll be a very good Congressman should he choose to run.

Alex Lacson was my "kuya" when I stayed for four years at the Narra dormitory (now closed after a great fire). He finished his law studies and I think, is now in private practice. Last time I heard, he ran and lost in the running for a local post in his hometown in Bacolod. We're supposed to be fraternity brothers but sadly, I choose to be with the masses.

One of Mike Defensor's best buddy (and frat brother) Miro Quimbo, finished his studies at UP Law and went on to become of one of this country's best lawyers. When Mike started his political career as a QC councilor, Miro has been with him since then. After EDSA dos, Miro was appointed as president of Pag-Ibig. I have'nt heard one single graft case or complaint against Miro. In fact, I think that Pag-Ibig is one of the best performers among government's companies. There are talks that Miro will be running for a local post in Marikina. Miro deserves to win.

There's another one, Ariel Nepomuceno, who also ran as one of our best student councilors in my time. Ariel helped form the Independent Student Alliance (ISA). The last time that we met was so many years ago. He was appointed as VP of the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI). After that, no more news about him. Should he decides to run for a local post, he'll have my firm support.

Lastly, there's another one and his name is Atty. Jijil Jimenez. Jimenez was also a former student council chairman. When he finished his law studies at the UP, Jijil decided to carve a career at the labor department, serving I think as attache. Sometime ago, he was appointed as Deputy Administrator of the OWWA. Last time I heard, he ran for a congressional (?) post in his province and lost. He's now in private practice but should he decide to run, he'll have my support.

The Fight Continues! Onward!

By the way, thanks Arlyn dela Cruz for that comment in my previous posts. It's quite encouraging. And also, as a rejoinder, the "colonel" you referred to in your event, is, I believe, retired already?

Like Ding Gagelonia over at http://midfield.wordpress.com/, I'll post our photo here. Now, to allay fears that I am now with Senator Loren Legarda, let me say that I was just invited by Arlyn in this event, along with other journalists. Legarda is not a client, nor a close friend. She's being handled by noted PR man, Willy Fernandez. Enuf said.
(photo cap: Left-to-right: Standing, Senator Loren Legarda, Arlyn de la Cruz, Patricio Mangubat. Seated, Ding Gagelonia. Event: Manila Polo Club, April 28, 2009)

All politicians and CORRUPT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS, as what regular NPR readers already know, are all FAIR GAME. Even Mar Roxas whom I castigated in my previous posts and whom I consider as a friend, became a victim of my vicious pen.

My classmate, Mike Defensor, also received a fair share of comments, especially on the ZTE and his role in the Chinese mining firm. Another classmate, Miro Quimbo of Pag-Ibig once received a fair share of praise and derision in this site.

For those who want to invite me in their affairs, they can just send their invites thru my email address at mangubat.patricio@gmail.com. No fancy whatever, no gifts please. If you want me to write about your side, then, this site is open. I believe in the Right to Reply although this does not mean that Congress should make this unwritten ethical thing a law. Send your statements thru mangubat.patricio@gmail.com.

I don't attend blogger nights or press conferences. I seldom meet other bloggers, except when invited by Noemi, Ding, Janet, DJB, Manolo, Juned and even Jester. I share an affinity with Noemi because I feel in my heart that she's a very nice person. And of course, we have a bull frog friend (BFF), whose bite is weak and unconvincing because of hunger (hungry for attention and hungry for food). Janet is also a highly respected figure in the netsphere. Janet was the only one who convinced me to attend a blogger event. After that, I was'nt able to go to her events due to commitments. Ding, you all know, is a good friend. DJB, I consider an intellectual and Manolo, of course. I met Manolo and AWBHOLDINGS last night. Jester, well, I go to his meetings (if he calls for it) because I want to pry his mind, hehehe! Same with Marck Rimorin.

If there's a chance, I want to meet RJ Marmol, Leslie Bocobo, Manuel Buencamino, Mel Alarilla and other bloggers who want to see a New Philippines emerge from the rut. I now have close to 900(?) friends over at Facebook and most, if not all, are friends from way back who know Revo, my petname when I was a student.

And for those who want to destroy PM, just check if I have political personalities as clients. I have NONE. They can all write ad hominem attacks. But, they'll never desist me from writing the truth. No. Kiss my lovely pen.

(Everyday, the NPR continues to receive emails of support from thousands of New Patriots in every corner of the country and in the world. NPR continues to improve its Technorati rankings and hits (more than 2,500 everyday). Google has also placed a 4/10 ranking for NPR)

Only God has the power to shut me up. Death will not deter Patricio Mangubat from his advocacy. Even if I die, other Patricio Mangubats will rise to continue the New Philippine Revolution.

By the way, I'll be re-setting my timer here. Mrs. Arroyo's days are beginning to shorten. Later, I'll do that. I just need to go to the camps, hehehe! (Joke!) :-)