DIM MAK Book Launch

XXX

The launching of the long awaited book of Vic Corpuz was finally implemented last Thursday evening. The title on the paperback is America’s Dim Mak Points – a political treatise on unrestricted warfare in the 21st Century. The affair was held at the Powerbooks Store in Greenbelt 4 Makati. I have attended book launch affairs before but this one had a comparatively large reception area with a lot of sitting. That turned out to be a good thing since there were a lot of people who came.

After the publisher officially opened the affair, guest speakers were called to the podium. The first speaker was environmentalist and writer Odette Alcantara. The other speakers were the controversial Romulo Neri of the ZTE case and Batch63’s Jimmy Gonzalez who was introduced as a brother of Victor (effectively). Batch 63 came out in force and lined up on one side of the hall like all the others to get Vic’s autograph on their book page.

The guys that joined in the photo session at the back of the hall were Jaime Ortigas, Aderito Yujuico, Vince Misa, Boy Palanca, Mon Zaragoza, Joey Angeles, Bert Saenz, George Cunanan, Lito Quiogue, Art Alvendia, Nilo Villanueva, Joey Estagle and Oni Mayo. I understand that Jack Arellano, Doug Marcaida, Lito Domantay and Ramon Arnaiz also came and went. Meanwhile, Poldy Arnaiz, Babes Alvarez and Gabby Valdez couldn’t make it but did place their order for the DIM MAK book.

Due to the many people who bought books and who queued up for the signing, the crowd had not dispersed even after the official speeches had long ended. Instead they partook of the nice cocktails and milled about. This turned out to be an opportune thing since the would-be fourth speaker came late. The delayed speaker, former president Fidel Ramos, came true to form as he enjoined the audience to buy more books. He did not resist a political dig at GMA as he talked about her State visit to the USA. He ended his civil commentary about it with: “Yes, she’s meeting with Obama in the US . . our traveling president . . . what’s her name?” Shifting from English to Tagalog, the former president showed his sense of humor by also taking digs at China and USA, subject of the book. After each ‘dig’ done in Tagalog, he would end with the question: "Are there Chinese here?" Translation: China, you’re OK! And then he would do the same routine for Americans and America.

The book launch affair was not enough entertainment for the restless Batch63. Most of the group decided to go have dinner at the accommodating Greenbelt mall. The Good Earth restaurant was not too crowded and so that’s where the gang had their Chinese dinner and amusing conversation. And then, that was still not enough. Soon after, the Dirty Dozen among the gang ended up at Sly’s bar in Quezon City. At Sly’s, it was odd to see the DD partaking of the fares offered there but imbibing coffee and tea instead of the usual alcoholic beverages. Alas, diabetes, broncho pneumonia, high-blood pressure, cardiac conditions, etc have toned down the former machos. They now have to ration their intake of abusive substances.

But then I rationalized that Vic Corpuz - the military strategist - would have been proud of this tactic. If that’s the way to live to fight another day, then it’s fine. Batch63, you’re OK!