Tears, terror and triumph summarizes the year that was.
One of the most talked-about news in the first part of the year was the suicide of Trinidad Etong, wife of the famous newscaster Ted Failon, inside their house. Different versions of her death were speculated and we saw how QCPD made a feast out of the celebrated case.
Known as “The Master Rapper”, Francis Magalona died last March 6, after a long “Happy Battle” with leukemia. He was expected to take part on the most anticipated concert in 2009, “The Final Set” of the Eraserheads in Pasay City. But before he passed away, Kiko managed to make a collaboration album with Ely Buendia known as the” Sickos Project”.
Another controversy that became so popular and probably the most talked about not only on television but also on cyber space was the Katrina Halili- Hayden Kho sex scandal. Kho’s penchants for recording his sexual acts with his girls were documented. A senate inquiry was lunched that resulted to the revocation of his doctors’ license.
Richard Gutierrez met a vehicular accident in Cavite City in May while driving his car. His long-time P.A Nomar Pardo was thrown out and was later declared dead. The family of Pardo filed a case against Richard after the settlement issue among both parties.
After disappearing in 2 years, Ruby Rose Barrameda, sister of actress Rochelle Barrameda, was found inside a cemented drum along Navotas river. The primary suspect of the gruesome murder was his strange husband belonging to the influential family of Jimenez.
The world weeps as Pop Superstar Michael Jackson collapsed at his rented mansion and died last June 25. His death was a big surprise since MJ is preparing for his final concert tour dubbed as “This Is It”. Jackson’s memorial was witnessed by 31.1 million U.S. audiences comparable to the 2004 burial of President Ronald Reagan.
Another popular figure died a month after. Former President Corazon Aquino, the mother of democracy, succumbed to colon cancer. Her funeral lasted 8 hours passing through the streets of Manila, Pasay, and Makati to her final resting place in Manila Memorial Park in Paranaque City.
On the same month, Executive Minister of Iglesia ni Cristo, Ka Erano Manalo also passed away in his home at age 84. A mausoleum was built in INC Tabernacle beside the bronze statue of his father Felix Manalo.
The Arroyo government faced another controversy when National Artists protested her latest inductees. Past National Artists rallied signifying their objection in naming the likes of Carlo J. Caparas in the prestigious award.
Last day of July was a big day for Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as finally, she met face to face newly elected President of the United States Barrack Obama.
In GMA 7 program Unang Hirit, Presidential son Mikey Arroyo was put into the hot seat when Winnie Monsod questioned his net worth. His houses in U.S. and other assets were also mentioned.
The arrival of former Senior Superintendent Cesar Mancao in the country signalled the re- opening of the Dacer-Corbito double murder case. Senator Panfilo Lacson, who was inflicted on the case made a damaging statement about the alleged involvement of former President Joseph Estrada prompting Senator Jinggoy Estrada to retaliate.
The worst typhoon to hit the country enters the Philippines area of responsibility in the night of September 26. Typhoon “Ondoy”, devastated Metro-Manila, pouring a record-breaking rainfall in just several hours. Not only town were submerged in the water but also cars and houses. Ondoy left P 11 billion in total damages and 400 persons dead.
Still recuperating from the Ondoy tragedy, Typhoon “Pepeng” followed next. Pepeng swept Northern Luzon. Making the matter worse is the opening of the gates of several dams making the flood rise higher and quicker.
Two couples decided to exchange “I Do’s” this year. Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos had a private wedding while Mar Roxas and Korina Sanchez shared their wedding day with the victims of Ondoy.
Romeo Jalosjos and the Aquino-Galman suspects were granted Executive Clemency in November and March of this year, respectively.
November 23, will forever be remembered as the day were 57 people were killed in the Maguindanao Massacre. Primary suspect Mayor Andal Ampatuan was arrested pointing to the election as the cause of the brutal killings. 12 days after, the Arroyo government declared Martial Law in the whole province sensing that a government take-over might take place.
Two sea tragedy hog the headlines in December while Mayon volcano was in the news for the entire month.
2009 was good for Philippine sports particularly in boxing. Described as the Golden Age in Boxing, this year produces several champions in the squared ring. Manny Pacquiao won his unprecedented 7th title in the same number of weight class putting him on top of other celebrated boxers in the world. Boom Boom Bautista, Donnie Nietes, AJ Banal, Brian Villoria, Nonito Donaire and Ana Julaton were some of our World Champions this year. Phillippines placed 5th in the just concluded Southeast Asian Games after winning 38 Gold medals.
These are just the events that took place in this action-packed 2009. On my personal experience, this year is one of the worst I’ve been through, family-wise.
Great expectations are waiting for the coming year. Let’s greet 2010 with open arms and bury the bad memories of the past.
May the Good Lord bless and shower us this coming year.
Happy New Year to everyone!!!
