NICK JOAQUIN

Last week, a National Artist passed away. There were no long TV coverages. No breaking news interview with relatives and friends. No long processions to the cemetery. There weren't even any conspiracy theories or scandalous tidbits about his life.

It was worth just a few minutes on the TV. A few articles in the newspapers. It was all so antiseptic. No sadness. No sense of loss. No care.

I guess attention like that are just reserved for matinee idols who die in beach resorts and talk show hosts who get beat up.