To say the guy’s reputation preceded him is an understatement. Back then, he was already popular for bringing back order to the once-chaotic Davao City. Whether his policies were appropriate is still subject for debate, but they were effective.
Tourism Malaysia officials accompanied us on this trip, and they requested me for some photos of Digong visiting the Sepang Circuit for promotional use. No problem, I reckoned. Plus, I supposed I would have the chance to meet one of the most colorful
personalities in Philippine politics as well.
We finally caught up with Duterte in Kuala Lumpur. It was lunchtime and we were brought to a lakeside restaurant. He handed his calling card, and I swear it was like the scene from the movie Bedazzled, in which Elizabeth Hurley hands over her “The Devil” calling card to Brendan Fraser. His immaculately white card only had his name and the title “Vice Mayor” written on it. Not making this stuff up!
"Do you ride?" he asked. “Because I have an extra Harley-Davidson I want to dispose of."
As it turned out, he wasn't joking, despite the smirk that followed his query. He really was looking for someone to take the Harley motorbike from his hands because he hardly got to ride it.
"Just take it if you want it," he added.
Now, I had ridden a motorcycle when I was 12. I had also taken a 400cc bike around the block, but for me to say yes to a Harley? That would have been way beyond my league. So I politely declined the offer.
Tourism Malaysia officials accompanied us on this trip, and they requested me for some photos of Digong visiting the Sepang Circuit for promotional use. No problem, I reckoned. Plus, I supposed I would have the chance to meet one of the most colorful
personalities in Philippine politics as well.
We finally caught up with Duterte in Kuala Lumpur. It was lunchtime and we were brought to a lakeside restaurant. He handed his calling card, and I swear it was like the scene from the movie Bedazzled, in which Elizabeth Hurley hands over her “The Devil” calling card to Brendan Fraser. His immaculately white card only had his name and the title “Vice Mayor” written on it. Not making this stuff up!
"Do you ride?" he asked. “Because I have an extra Harley-Davidson I want to dispose of."
As it turned out, he wasn't joking, despite the smirk that followed his query. He really was looking for someone to take the Harley motorbike from his hands because he hardly got to ride it.
"Just take it if you want it," he added.
Now, I had ridden a motorcycle when I was 12. I had also taken a 400cc bike around the block, but for me to say yes to a Harley? That would have been way beyond my league. So I politely declined the offer.
Lesson learned from the encounter?
The next time Rodrigo Duterte says something, take him seriously for it. The
Harley motorbike went to some other guy; let's just say he's grinning from ear
to ear right now.
Photos and article for Topgear Philippines by Mikko David
Topgear Philippines article: https://www.topgear.com.ph/features/columns/the-drive-by-shooter/duterte-at-motogp-race-a29-20160630
Photos and article for Topgear Philippines by Mikko David
Topgear Philippines article: https://www.topgear.com.ph/features/columns/the-drive-by-shooter/duterte-at-motogp-race-a29-20160630
No comments:
Post a Comment