[trump] n. 1. a card of a suit any of whose cards will win over a card that is not of this suit. 2. a decisive overriding factor or final resource. 3. a decisive and exemplary person. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
The former first lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, is a blood relative. When I got baptized, she stood as my godmother. Lola Carmen (my grandmother) fondly recalls her proud mentorship towards the young Imelda. When she rose to prominence, her correspondence with my Lola kept steady. I do have a copy of her sincere request for prayers for the candidacy of the young senator Ferdinand. I witnessed the rise and fall of the Marcoses. There were times that I was prompted to leverage our relations for my personal advance. Since I went to San Beda College, the presidential palace was literally a few hundred steps away. For some reasons, I kept my distance. It was rather prescient for me to do so.
The boon of politics has remained on its slippery slope. Leaders come and go. Promises are made and never kept. Yet, the world remains in a mysterious waiting stance. There is the insatiable clamor for the rise of the best president ever; the king of all kings. I remember the veil of despair when JFK's vision banished at the grassy knoll. The outstanding popularity of Obama has become a social relic. Not to mention, the demise of Julius Caesar in the hands of Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus. It is rather sad that the world's most powerful died on a spot that is now a mere bus stop known for its putrid urine scent. Kings do come and go, rather unfashionably.
Marcos held power and so do the rest. But the prophet Daniel was on to something as he declares: It is God who changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. (Daniel 2:21)
I now live in America. I will vote soon for a president. I am not deluded by the sophisticated spiels rallied towards my allegiance.
I turn to the wisdom of the prophet. It is the LORD God who holds the key.
I was told to take the role of god-parenting rather seriously. But most of the time, with casual neglect, I just forget the vow to serve the little ones. For as far back as I can recall, all that I ever got from Ninang Imelda was a tiny infant bracelet. I gave it to my daughter when she was three. She lost it at church while pretending to be a queen.
I guess, I would have to be more forgiving. The winning card can never be found in human pledges.
