April 17

This morning, I dropped by the headquarters of Jun Esperon with Miggie to see Rudy and Linda. Initially, I missed Linda who left earlier on an assigned campaign trail. I saw my classmate Rudy Esperon who looked fine and sounded like a radio announcer with his deep voice. I also met Jaime Esperon who recognized me. There were so many people in the front part of his house. In this spacious area, there was a wide screen LCD TV monitor, several cushioned seats, a number of tables, a receptionist with a laptop, two washrooms ( his and hers ) for obvious purposes; water fountain, a xerox machine, flyers, a centralized air conditioner ( what with the kind of weather ) and staff busy attending to an endless list of chores...Rudy and Jaime attended to us. I overheard schedules for the day. Not far from us was Jun Esperon having a haircut while having breakfast. He has just arrived a few hours ago ( around 3:00 am ) then he had to deal with some paperwork. That is how busy he is..Then new arrivals: Leticia Malalang who came to see Norma Esperon..and we had a few introductory chats...People inside a campaign headquarers come in and out as quick as the wink of an eye..Then Jun Esperon was done with his haircut and he came over to shake hands with us....There was reminders about a wedding, some places to visit in the pm..et ce tera..And I have not seen the busiest part yet...Well we bade good bye cuz we want to visit another place...Walking along the road going to Poblacion, we met a van with Esperon stickers..We continued walking....A minute later, a young voice called out from behind: Sir, sir balik daw kayo sabi ni Madam Linda..We turned around and we saw Linda at last whom we were trying to track since the time she arrived. I have no cel phone, she said..We had to go back to her house and we shook hands with Rudy again was surprised to see me back in such a short time..Rudy had to go and take some rest and Linda attended to us: talking about the Fiesta, activities, checking new details in the house..New guests come and go..Busy busy busy...Tonight we will attend the Gay Night at Sobol..All siblings of Gen. Esperon are helping out within all human capabilities to help in his campaign. His sisters are doing house to house distribution of pamphlets, flyers, fans, umbrellas, t-shirts, hats ( but no money )..In a nutshell, this is how life is in a campaign house...more to follow...

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REAL ESTATE PRICES...The average price per square METER of a property right now on where I am staying ( beside the Chua mansion overlooking the busy market area ) is about 5,000 pesos. Converting the amount to US or Can $$ gives you quite a hefty sum. Ownership of certain properties along this block have changed considerably through the years. Some did not. For example, one time the house of my classmate Teofilo Bugayong one time was located not far from here. Now, a massive store stands on its place. The house owned by the Lavarias family is still there. The SALVATION ARMY has opened a school around that area too. The building is quite eye catching, and I heard it is getting quite an attention ( and enrollment ) from Asingan residents.>>>>The main entrance to the market seemed to be presently on the area where the "puesto" seemed to be. That strip of stores made with wood standing a long time ago. The market entrance is marked with an arch emblazoned with the letters:PAMILIHAMG BAYAN NG ASINGAN over a governemnt seal. Other stores: PB SAPIGAO builders, then RICHPRO BAKERY hot pan desal, munay, etc. then COR FARM MART ( ANIMAL FEEDS ) and also TRES HERMANAS PAWNSHOP (TAKBUHAN NG BAYAN )..Meaning a place to run to if you have some valuables and you are short of cash..There is a constant flow of motor cycles, motorized tricycles, expensive looking vehicles ( including cars and SUVs )If you see this flow of human and motor traffic you will conclude that Asingan and the rest of the Philippines is not really in recession. The town is in the black, business is healthy, people are happy. There are jobs from well to do professionals in town who need labanderas, cooks, nannies, etc. Some of them pay as high as 3,000 pesos a month..The Philippines in recession? WHAT RECESSION??