A Special Report by Goliath Letterman of the Coconut News Network (CNN)

T he Americans left the celebration of Halloween as a legacy to their former colonial wards in the Philippines. Especially among the filthy-rich elite of The Imperial Manila and their in-laws in the provinces, Halloween continues to be a tradition-like practice.

The likeness of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) as a “drunken sailor” that comes complete with her mask is one of this year’s best sellers. Another costume that has PGMA as the VATwoman is also one of the more-popular Halloween outfits. VATwoman, as explained in this article,
Humor Is Now the Opium of the Filipino People

Other popular attires have been patterned after the Gloria Dolls, as described in this article, “Gloria Dolls” Are Selling Like Hotcakes Among Overseas Filipinos

Halloween celebrators in the Philippines think that PGMA is like a “drunken sailor,” to use a cliché. Sailors in the Merchant Marine or in the United States (or for that matter, the Philippine) Navy paint the town read, to use another truism, whenever they come ashore – after a long voyage across the seas. But with apologies to celebrated Filipino-American naval personnel like Jesse Jose or Serry Sabocor or Greg Alabado (who all retired with distinguished records from the United States Navy), the Philippine President’s drunkenness is very different. According to wags like Poet-pundit Fred Burce Bunao, PGMA never becomes sober, as she is drunk with power.

But unlike the Navy guys who paint the town “red, white and blue,” to use once more an oft-quoted idiomatic expression, PGMA has been painting not only a Philippine town or city but also the entire country in black. Yes, black as in the traditional color for Halloween and mourning – even though she is not a fan of Alonzo, the NBA former great center.

To use another dictum, “power corrupts,” and PGMA is living it to the letter. She has gained the notoriety of being called the “most-corrupt Filipino President.”

The First Gentleman’s Inspired Outfits

C oming in second in popularity as inspiration for Halloween costumes is the First Gentleman. Mike Arroyo’s “Incredible Bulk” attire is a best seller. To know more about it, please click this hyperlink,

The Arroyo Administration’s “Incredible Bulk”

Another popular Halloween outfit inspired by the First Gentleman is the VATman costume.

What will Filipino wags and pundits and humorists think of next? # # #