By Alex P. Vidal
“There will always be rivalry on the field. Off the field, we are friends, but on it, we have to do our job.”— Shikhar Dhawan
THOSE who followed the Meta or Facebook pages of political allies-turned-nemesis Iloilo City long district Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda and Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas would easily notice a striking similarity in the way they recently handled some photos taken in public gatherings where they were both present.
In group photos posted on their respective social media accounts, they deleted each other from the group but retained all other political personalities present.
Those who followed only Treñas’ social media page where the photo or photos were posted, couldn’t see Baronda, for instance, in a round table where fellow high-ranking government officials were present.
Vice versa if social media followers saw only Baronda’s account and didn’t see or follow Trenas’ account.
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Although this may appear hilarious others who noticed this eerie treatment of social media photos did not really find it uncanny considering the fact that they are now estranged and, in fact, potential rivals in the 2025 election.
When two partners have severed their ties, we should always expect some rib-tickling and comical scenarios. Politics has always been full of amusing synopsis and waggish entertainment. And there will be more to come as the contest heats up.
Their rivalry and cold war might escalate into a battle for appearances in more projects, public activities and programs, and social media followers.
Meta or Facebook, Instagram, X of formerly Twitter, TikTok, Youtube, Reddit, Linkedin, Tumblr, among others social media platforms, have become part of the major propaganda campaign platforms.
Technology—the Artificial Intelligence (AI) most particularly—will definitely play a key role in the next elections worldwide.
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A RETIRED former manager of the of the government-run television network Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation or IBC-13 has expressed relief that finally the long-overdue retirement pay for a total of 145 former employees would be released.
But the retired former manager, who requested anonymity until after he has made sure he was qualified to receive his part, was “half happy and half sad,” he said.
“Anohon pa ang damu kon patay na ang kabayo (What use will it be for the grass if the horse is dead)?” lamented the retired former IBC manager who is now based in the United States, referring to some of his former colleagues who have already died and could no longer enjoy the retirement pay.
But he said he was ready “to give credit where credit is due” if it is true that it was President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. who really pushed for the release of their retirement pay.
It was reported recently that Presidential Communications Office (PCO) chief Secretary Cheloy Garafil has confirmed that settling the retirement pay of the former IBC employees was one of the marching orders of President Marcos Jr.
Around 200 families benefited from the development, according to IBC-13 president and chief executive officer Jimmie Policarpio.
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NO MAN IS AN ISLAND. The reason why a seesaw was made for two persons is that when you go down, there would always be someone there to lift you up again!
UNCOVER THE GIFTS. Happiness doesn’t come in brightly colored packages as gifts from others. It comes when we uncover the gifts within us and use them to serve others.
ALLERGIES. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about allergies New York City Health + Hospitals:
-My throat is sore, how do I know this is not an infection?
Post nasal drip from allergies can cause irritation leading to coughing and sore throat. Your Virtual ExpressCare provider can help you understand how this is different than a throat infection.
-My eyes are red. Do I have pink eye?
Seasonal allergies cause a type of pink eye called allergic conjunctivitis. This is not an infection and is not contagious.
-I have been using a nasal steroid spray for 24 hours, but my symptoms haven’t improved. Should I stop?
Nasal steroid sprays (fluticasone) can take up to 48 hours to fully take effect. Be patient, they will bring you relief. Call us for options for more immediate relief.
-There are so many allergy medications at the pharmacy, how do I know what’s best?
Allergy symptoms are caused by a complex immune system response. Different allergy medications block this response at different levels. Having options is good, but it can be overwhelming.
(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)
