Appointments

     A lot of people have been discouraging Manny Pacquiao from running for political office, claiming sports and politics shouldn't mix.  Then, add in the history of athletes in our political world (i.e. Senator Robert Jaworski, Secretary Eric Buhain) and you've got yourselves a compelling reason to agree with those people.  Let's think about it though.  What if the right athletes made the trek to the political world?  Our country may find its best government yet, so to our upcoming new (hopefully!!!) president, take a gander at these potential cabinet appointees from the sporting world.

Paeng Nepomuceno (Department of Health) - The four-time World Cup Champion and Greatest Amateur Bowler on the Planet is over fifty years old, yet he looks not a day over 40.  Still competitive against the world's best, Paeng has repeatedly stated his secret is keeping in shape.  He bikes, runs and does calisthenics, all while eating right.  My brother, who was roommates with Paeng during the Asian Games can attest to Paeng's supreme work ethic, as he wakes early every morning for sit ups/crunches as well.  Wouldn't it be great if we were all a la Paeng, healthy and looking good even at 50 years old?

Buboy Fernandez (Department of Social Welfare Development) - Undoubtedly the most important member of Team Pacquiao, Buboy has shown remarkable dedication and loyalty in taking care of Manny Pacquiao.  He is basically the "tubero," as he does all the tasks no one else does.  He scouts opponents on film, translates for Freddie Roach, provides unparalleled moral and spiritual support and performs massages on the world's best boxer.  That kind of care and dedication would be really great in taking care of orphaned and abused kids, and you know his dedication will keep him at his job 24/7, much like how he takes care of Manny.

Joonee Gatchalian (Department of Budget and Management) - The South East Asian Games Gold Medallist for bowling is as talented on the lanes as he is at Math.  I've coached and played with this guy and what astounds me, aside from his skill and ability to play under pressure, is his counting prowess.  He always knows what he score he needs to bowl to win.  It doesn't matter if the tournament is 6, 8, 10 or 16 games, Joonee will always know what he needs to bowl.  To top that, you can ask him to keep count of your score as well and he will be equally fast in doing that too, even while he is playing.  That kind of quick thinking and counting would be invaluable to the DBM and surely, counting flaws and oversights will completely disappear from the national budget.

Efren "Bata" Reyes (Metro Manila Development Authority) - Acknowledged as the greatest pool player in history, Reyes has astounded the world with trick shots, bank shots and defensive shots, causing people to call him the Magician.  His greatness lies not only in his skill with the cue, but also in his ability to see shots for balls in what looks like a crowded, impossible table.  This uncanny skill would be tremendously useful in the MMDA, which has for years been trying to solve Manila's traffic problem.  What would seem like an impossible logjam on the road would be no match for the vision and planning of the Magician.


photos courtesy of philboxing.com, insidepoolmag.com, bowlingcity.ru