(B)aliw Awards 2011 by Benjie de Ubago

People have been dishing out awards like there was no tomorrow – as we Filipinos would say “sampu-singko.” But maybe, it’s simply a case of the more the merrier, not to mention safe and guaranteed to get you on anyone’s good books. While awards are complimentary and flattering, some have made this a favourite pastime. The credibility of an award depends on various factors -— the giver, the recipient, the criteria, and the judges. Then again there are nominees and there are awardees.

But for now, it’s my turn.

This year we’ve decided to hand out the B’ALIW awards with a little twist. We’re also giving out special “TMP Awards” for those people who have “Tickle Me Pink” .

Besides, the same people have been monopolizing the B’ALIW Awards for a few consecutive years. Having been so consistent, they have now been elevated to the “Habang Buhay” (tayong iinisin) category. Just like Palawan’s Underground River which is now a Seven [Natural] Wonders of the World finalist, so too are our very own 7 wonders who definitely qualify as underground marvels and who are now ready to be castigated into the “Hole of Fame.” Hey, they’ve worked for it and they surely deserve it.

And now, the new special “Tickle Me Pink” (TMP) Awards go to….

Rod Dingle – the decliner; for while others reclined, he declined his nomination for an award. Albert Prias and the Flagcom Group — for standing up and saying “NO thank you…Please stop sending us emails.” Dingle and Flagcom also get the Most Popular Individual and Group respectively for being ever willing here, there and everywhere.

To Alpha Phi Omega and Jun Relunia and ADOLP – for having had the courage to speak up when required and proving that the word integrity does exist.

For entertainment, Dexter de Rosa – gets our entertainer of the year with most promising [award] going to Rie Manaloto. Close runners-up are Cleo Diana and Hannah Natoli.

For entertainment events: De La Salle Alumni Association for taking us right back to Taft Avenue and to Silliman University Alumni for giving us a night of class. (Nope, the Blue & White Winter Ball did not meet the criteria as they were misdirected and lost somewhere in “America”).

For Community Service: Philippine Australian Medical Association (PAMA) who took us for a tour of Las Vegas strip with our white-gown medicos unrobing to do the Zumba. Once a year, the ladies and men in white gowns give up their precious time to provide health service in remote places in the Philippines.

Brave Heart Award goes to RC Reyes, for his birthday present for Dr. Jose Rizal against all odds. Special kudos to the promising young cast of Rizal play …Jemwel Danao, Marianne Cuasay, Patrick Patacsil and young Gerard, [son of Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis].

Suspender Awards – for being ever-supportive …..Mao de Vera and Ferdie Francisco. …ever-faithful, ever true and laging handa in their own jurisdictions!

And last but not least a special B’aliw award goes to Mr. Kevin Rudd who pledged to provide assistance to the Philippines through Gawad Kalinga in the Philippines. I guess, Mr. Rudd is not aware that Gawad Kalinga has now migrated to Australia and will now be helping aboriginal communities.

My, my, my, he should have made a google search.
To be watched in 2012: the emerging on air group. I guess that translates to “nasa hangin or puro hangin.” And of course there’s…Miss Red Cross…ready to donate blood at a moment’s notice.

Quote of the Year: “Do not judge a book by its cover…I am not a book.”

My sincerest appreciation and thanks: to all our readers for their never-ending support; to all the insiders for their trust even when they mistake me as the “sumbungan ng bayan,” and to everyone with a sense of humour and for ensuring that “I get read – they get RED!” My very best for the holiday season and let the dragon roar in 2012!

Updated: 2011-12-03 — 05:28:34