Everyone wants a chunk of Manny Pacquiao. The minute the WBC Super Featherweight Champion landed on Philippine soil he was immediately surrounded by politicians, government officials, the media and just plain folks who wanted to bask in the triumphant aura of the homecoming warrior dubbed as the Pambansang Kamao (the National Fist). Imagine being the Fist of the Nation. This is a heavy burden for even for a seasoned slugger such as Pacquiao.

No wonder he looked pale and harried, per radio reports. The mob followed him around like a school of friendly piranha. To be sure, even before boarding the plane at LAX, he was already being crowded by a motley crew of hangers-on and various other colorful characters, famous and obscure. Gov. Chavit Singson was with him in the ring after the fight and on the plane back to Manila. Manila Mayor Lito Atienza was at the head of the welcoming party. Congressman Miles Roces was the designated driver. President Arroyo was waiting like an eager schoolgirl in Malacanang. And so on.

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Imelda Marcos has finally come into her own as a fashion and lifestyle trendsetter. She launched a line of costume jewelry last Saturday which is considerably less “Imelfific” than what she used to collect during her heyday. Made of beads, buttons and various odds and ends sourced from her recent forays into Divisoria, the Imelda Collection promises interesting and one-of-a-kind pieces. The collection also includes gowns, handbags, shoes (!) and gewgaws with photographs of a much younger Mrs. Marcos. The items are as unique and gaudy as Imelda herself.

But what does Imelda the brand stand for ? It may be a tongue-in-cheek send-up of the extravagant lifestyle she was once famous for. The lady has a sense of humor and a talent for burlesque. She believes her image to be a marketable commodity and she may be right. Lately, her visage has been silkscreened on a number of trendy “retro” T-shirts.

Unfortunately for the masses, the Imelda Collection is not sold in stores and may be viewed by appointment only.

Gregorio Honasan, former Senator and perennial coup plotter, was captured the other day for the nth time. The former Army colonel, on the run due to his alleged involvement is several attempts to force out the Arroyo administration, was nabbed in the early morning hours in vicinity of the house of his rumored mistress. The injured Honasan was taken into custody amid a media frenzy. So goes the continuing saga of Gringo.

Having more than a nodding acquaintance with ex-Senator Honasan, the Warrior Lawyer can attest to the man’s personal magnetism. He will look you in the eye, give you a firm handshake and make you feel that “We’re in this together, Brother”.

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