Pope Francis’s impact on the Filipinos defied all our highest expectations. On the other hand, President B. S. Aquino 3rd’s performance as host of the state-portion of the Pope’s four-day apostolic and state visit exceeded our worst fears.

The 78-year-old pilgrim Pope renewed our spirits and took our hearts away while Aquino made us puke for his ill-disguised boorishness and lack of state manners. Today, as we thank and say goodbye to the Pope, we also bid Aquino goodbye and good riddance.