I am torn into two. I can choose to meet Virgilio Almario, a Philippine national artist for literature or to hear Al Franken, a liberal political pundit, share in the joys of revealingthe lies and untruths foisted upon America by the Republican politicians and conservative pundits. A choice between culture and politics, between Pin@y and Americana, between the unknown and the known.

It has been several weeks since I bought and read the book Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them. Finally, I found a political pundit of the left who can bash with the best of them. Joy to the World! Rejoice! Hallelujah! And as an added bonus, Al Franken is someone who actually does research. He uncovers the varnished truth hidden by those sneaky devils! The book is totally enjoyable in its humor, wit and in-your-face attitude. But it is downright mean when it comes to honesty. Al Franken takes to task all the Republicans who liberally sprinkle their diatribe with inaccuracies that make liberals appear as Godzilla. Zellerbach will be filled with people. It will be a damned liberal love fest. I can feel the liberal tingle now.

In contrast, the Balagtasan lecture is the quiet event. It is an art form not heard in the US. Balagtasan is rooted in the colonial period. Prof. Almario is the dean at the University of the Philippines and his art is limited in access to the Philippines and some myriad Pin@y scholars in the US. PErhaps at most 30 people or so. This is my chance to meet a legend. The Philippines does not give away the designate national artist till one is close to death. Perhaps... perhaps I choose balagtasan. to meet an artist.