An American book author whom I’ll identify here only as Bill V. sent me this e-mail yesterday, September 20, 2011:
Dear Mr. Carillo,
I would like to submit to you a topic for your Forum. I am now living in the Philippines with my son and fiancée.
I see this happening all over. I also witness that it is a common error among teachers, who are supposed to be teaching the children of the Philippines.
What I am talking about is the difference between “3rd place winner” and “3rd runner up.” I see it in all the Miss Fiesta contests all over the country. Now I see the same English teachers saying it about the Miss Universe contest. They are saying the Philippines “took 3rd place.” I try to explain that Miss Philippines was “3rd runner up” and that means “4th place.”
Thank you for reading this and God bless. Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Bill
