Piety & Pity. Today is Ash Wednesday. For Catholics, it is the day of fast and abstinence. But an overindulgent matron believes that there is more merit in indulgences (cakes, pastries, etc.) than in fasting.

Yesterday, 16 February, was last day to file US vet claims – one time lump sum payment of $9,000 for RP residents, $15,000 for U.S. residents. Pinoy veterans are still on fast and abstinence.

Campaign. At Monday’s FOCAP debate, presidential wannabees answered , “No” to the question if they consulted Feng Shui. But Gibo said that his green is supposed to be this year’s lucky color. “Me, too,” Jamby piped in.

Dick Gordon weighed in that although the Year of the Tiger promises to be lucky for those born in the year of the Rooster like him, he doesn’t believe in luck, but in performance. Track record of Transformer.

Others promised to pursue the “Hello Garci” chapter, but Dick wants to move on.

Noynoy challenged his absent closest rival to a 1-on-1 debate, “"I am leaving it to him (Villar) to choose the topic, whatever he likes…, we are supposed to have some degree of competence in all aspects." Hearing that he was given the choice of weapons, Villar responded, “Name the time and place.” At last, a duel like in the old days.

Bro. Mike Velarde said El Shaddai doesn’t endorse candidates, “we cannot serve two masters at the same time — money and God. But here we have the Manny that you want.” He was not referring to Manny Pacquiao.

Rep. Rodolfo Albano Jr. says Lakas has lined up for Speaker its sure-win Pampanga congressional candidate PGMA. The next President will have something to say about that.

Music. Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the song "We Are the World," a charity single to save Africa in 1985. On its 25th anniversary, the song is re-released with a cast of artists to save Haiti.

Co-producers Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian spliced in the original Michael Jackson part and his sister Maureen Jackson.

A message set to song is easily accepted by the heart…. giving the messenger a certain glow or halo. A bonus to politicians who can sing.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono released his third pop album, “I’m Sure I’ll Get There.” But it hasn’t lifted SBY from the political doldrums.

Boni Hargens, University of Indonesia political scientist, turned music critic, “Instead of trying to solve real problems, maybe he’s trying to entertain the people with music.”

Former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt recorded a piano concert with London Symphony Orchestra for Deutsche Grammophon of Johan Sebastian Bach's Concerto in A minor BWV 1065.

British Conservative prime minister Edward Heath tried his hand as conductor with a professional orchestra in Salisbury Cathedral - but he was never quite as good as he imagined himself to be.

During rehearsals, Mr. Heath was growing more and more curt in his comments.

Finally, the orchestra leader, equally exasperated, butted in: "If you don't stop being so rude to us, Sir Edward, we may start obeying your instructions."

Japanese Prime Minister Koichiro Koizumi’s was an unabashed Elvis Presley fan and proud that they have the same birthday, January 8. The highlight of his USA visit was to be accompanied by US president George W. Bush to Graceland and hosted by the pop icon’s daughter Priscilla Presley.

(Actually, George was more Pat Boone; Bill Clinton was closer to Elvis).

Western foreign ministers were always intimidated by ASEAN post-ministerial karaoke performances. But USA trumped ASEAN when State Secretary Madeline Albright appeared in black chemise ala Evita and belted, “Don’t Cry for Me Aseaniees.”

Before assuming as UN Secretary General, then RoK foreign minister Ban ki Moon was equally shy of the ASEAN karaoke nights. So I gifted him a CD he could sing to…Tequila!

After his successful official working visit in Vienna, our embassy staff and officers escorted then President Fidel V. Ramos and Mme. Ming to the plane, serenading them, “Maalala Mo Kaya.” Feedback: jaz@mb.com.ph