FVR: My Mentor, My President

This is the third and last part of my “tribute” piece to the people who shaped my life. I have to dedicate a whole blog for the 10^th person in my list. He deserves nothing less.

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10. President Fidel V. Ramos: My Mentor, My President

 It was difficult at first and overwhelming but eventually, I enjoyed the ride and had fun in the process. As a close-in writer, one of the biggest privileges that I had then was being present in almost every meeting (including those closed for media coverage) to document what transpired behind closed doors.

I was witness to several crises that confronted the Ramos administration and how he was able to overcome them (with great plans and military strategy, of course!). And I also heard first hand the praises FVR and the country in general got from world leaders. From US President Clinton, lauding him for the economic progress of the Philippines; to Canadian Prime Minister  Jean Chretien's candid remarks during a one-on-one meeting that it would be good for the Philippines if his term (FVR) is extended. For the record, FVR mentioned to the Canadian premier that a Philippine president is only allowed to a single term of six years. (Back in Manila, the statement of Chretien elicited a lot of reaction, with the opposition then accusing the Canadian government of meddling in Philippine affairs.)  

Definitely, the year 1992-1998 was a great time for the country. It was during this period that the international community had so much hope for the Philippines. In fact, RP then was labelled as Asia's next Tiger economy. (Oh well, those were the days…)

One of the major crises that hit his administration was the alleged unjust hanging of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Flor Contemplacion in Singapore. In 1995, amidst public outrage against the hanging of the Filipina domestic worker, FVR had to fire his Labor secretary, and worst, temporarily cut bilateral ties with Singapore.

 The public outcry and demonstrations were fuelled by leftist groups and it was at this time, if my memory is correct, that FVR's approval rating nosedived. Aware that his media handlers (that's us) were worried by the seemingly increasing negative public perception, he called the group to his private office, and what happened was unforgettable: a lecture and assurance from someone who was definitely top of the situation (even if at that time, I, personally, was in doubt). He told us: "I've seen and handled many crises, worst than this one. Wala ito…" Perhaps, amused with  the look on our faces, he laughed: "We will prevail. After a few months, this will die down… you'll see. Just do your job.Relax, don't panic." True enough…

There are lots of memories and behind-the-news happenings worth writing. These are just glimpses. I was with him on June 30, 1992 when he was sworn in as the 12th president of the Philippines, and I was with him too, in his presidential chopper RP2000, on the way to Barasoain Church in Bulacan to turn over the presidency to Joseph Estrada on June 30, 1998. In the fiirst hour after becoming private citizen Fidel Ramos, I was with him still on the way back to Malacanang park where a private limo was waiting to take him back to his residence in Ayala Alabang. But that's another story…

All I can say is: the six-years I spent as a close-in presidential reporter has been the most colorful and joyful adventure of my life yet.

 I am grateful to the man, who showed me the world– literally. The travels (40 countries) i had were simply wonderful and priceless! I was privileged to live in palaces, royal guesthouses, and private villas, treated like one of the VIPs.

I still see him from time-to-time. As a statesman, he busies himself nowadays with travels around the world, delivering lectures and participating in various international fora with other world leaders.

A biography written by a world-acclaimed journalist is scheduled to be launched soon in United States.This will be released internationally, I am told.

Thank you for everything, FVR!

A Tribute to the People who Shaped my Life (Part II)

Here's the Part II of the list of people who have shaped my life… To them, i give my gratitude…

4. Secretary Fernando "Jerry" T. Barican (FTB)

  Student leader (he was the initiator of the so-called First Quarter Storm when a group of student activists stormed Malacanang Palace to protest the declaration of Martial Law by then President Marcos), brilliant lawyer, newspaper columnist, and President Estrada's spokesperson (1998-2000). But beyond these accolades, FTB is a person with a heart of gold.

I will always remember Secretary Barican for his kindness. When my career was in limbo because of the transition from Ramos to Estrada, he plucked me out of the press office, created the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, and voila! He made me his chief writer. FTB was such a savior!

Perhaps, FTB was the most generous boss I ever had. In October 1998, while waiting for a flight back to Manila from Singapore, we were passing time by shopping at Changi's duty free shops. He entered a shop selling expensive watches. Casually, FTB asked me to choose which design I liked for him. I chose the special rose gold edition of the watch. I told him: "Sir, it suits you best. Very elegant." He bought the watch.  

I was surprised (more of a shock, really) to see a familiar box on top of my desk when my birthday came a month later (November). He gave the watch to me as a gift. Grabeee… it's one of my most cherished possessions today. Kahit magipit ako, di ko isasangla o ibebenta yun for sentimental reasons.

From him, I learned to be generous and share whatever blessings (big or small) i have, first and foremost, with my family and then with people who need help. I haven't seen him for some time but I wish him well…

5. Press Secretary Jesus "Jess" Sison

  Tatay Jess, as we fondly called him, was press secretary of FVR. A veteran newspaper man and respected columnist (Malaya and Abante) before he became my boss, Secretary Sison was like a father. He was "tatay" to all the members of the press covering the presidency.

Knowing how meager my salary was at that time, Tatay Jess would give me extra allowance every month. My favorite was during presidential foreign trips coz there will always be "pang-shopping" (in dollars!) for us, his children.

I also came to know the members of the Sison family. I became close to Mrs. Sison and their children, especially Ate Millen and Ate Izza. To them, I give my thanks…

(Tatay Jess passed away last July)

6. Press Secretary Hector "Chito" Villanueva

 Secretary Villanueva was Tatay Jess' successor. From him, I learned how to handle stress and controversies well. He was "Coolness" personified. Always in control even under pressure. While holding the press secretary portfolio, Chito was also the cuncurrent presidential spokesman. How stressful it must be for him to answer burning issues everyday– but still, at the end of the day, he remained "cool" ready for his after office gimik…

He taught me how to have fun and work at the same time. 

Talk about work-life balance…

At present, Chito is the head of the Philippine Postal Corp. (Philpost).

7. Carmen "Ching" Suva

  A grand daughter of Efifanio de los Santos (yes, EDSA), Tita Ching was Press Undersecretary Deedee Siytangco's successor. She was also the "Mother hen" of the Malacanang press, always, always putting the interest of her wards on top of her list.

When we had some messages (ok, favors) to relay to "Tatay Jess," Tita Ching was our intercessor. I always admired Tita Ching for her motherly care. A career professional, she rose from the ranks starting from a press office staff during the time of President Diosdado Macapagal. In 1992, she was appointed assistant press secretary by FVR until she became press undersecretary, a position she held both during the time of President Erap until she retired a few years ago under President Arroyo.

Tita Ching is a true-blue "PR" practitioner. Even until now, I still seek her help on some PR concerns. She knows everybody in the media industry. That's how huge her network is. But despite that, the woman remained simple, humble, low key. She would share with me some secrets of the trade to build lasting relationships with these people. Actually, the key, she said, is offering people with genuine friendship. 

I will never forget our shared experiences. We were together in all the presidential trips of FVR! Oh, how we enjoyed the world, Tita Ching! 

She is now VP for marekting and public relations of Manila Bulletin and The Manila Hotel.

8. Renato "Ato" Salud

He was the youngest presidential deputy spokesman of his time. He was only 27 when FVR appointed him in 1992 as the deputy of then presidential spokesperson Annabelle Tecson-Abaya.

A favorite of FVR way back when he was still Defense Secretary of Cory Aquino, Ato was his speechwriter. So, it was Ato who trained me to do speeches and statements (well, some of them) when FVR became president. HE trained me to learn the ways of our boss, especially his thoughts. Soon enough, I was drafting press statements on my own.

Before FVR's term ended, Ato went to Harvard for advance study and eventually joined the corporate world. I was left in the palace, serving the presidency of Estrada and then Arroyo . But I was surprised and touched to learn that even while he hasn't seen me for years, he has actually been looking for opportunities for me. I was surprised one day to receive a call from my present company, inviting me to join if i'm interested. Yes, he was head of Corporate Affairs of  our company at that time. And yes, he was instrumental for my eventual regularization.

He initiated me to the corporate world… and for that, I am grateful. Ato is now an expat in Singapore, holding a top regional position in his present company. Godspeed, Ato!

9.The One Who Got Away

It is said that people walk into our lives to teach us a lesson. If this is so, then I consider the "One who got away" one of my greatest life teachers. Through this person, I have discovered my self at its best… as well as my worst. I saw the side of me, which previously I didn't know existed. I was able to see my own demons. Through the One who Got Away, i learned my capacity to LOVE without limits (the best) but through this same person, i also learned what I am capable of doing at my worst (self-destruction). Now, I know better… and I have "The One who Got Away" to thank for…

In am devoting my next entry to the 10th and last person who made a difference in my life. He deserves to have a full blog .   *TO BE CONTINUED**

A Tribute to the People who Shaped my Life (Part I)

They are my mentors. To elevate it further, they are my Gurus. Without them, I will not probably be the person that I am now… Still on a reflective mode (must be a birthday hang over), I am listing down the names of 10 people who inspired and/or guided me to be where I am today…

(Note: I am excluding members of my family and my present bossess)

Here they are, at random:

1. President Cory Aquino

I was 21 when I became Cory's junior in-house reporter. I was star-struck when I first met her. That was August 1991. Imagine, face-to-face with the Icon of People Power and the first woman president in Asia! I only used to see her on TV and read about her in the papers.

Though I worked for her for only 10 months, she definitely is unforgettable. I was inspired by her simplicity. Napaka-low profile. She doesn't want to get unnecessary attention. Very unassuming.

She was very cautious about spending government money for Malacanang functions. Once, she treated the reporters (including me and the rest of her in-house coverage team) to a dinner at Malacanang's Heroes Hall. I overheard her telling the Household staff that she was paying the dinner from her personal fund.

My most memorable moment with Cory? I guess that will entail another blog. But let me just say briefly that it was when she visited Calauit Island in June 1992, one week before she turned over the reign of government to Fidel V. Ramos. I was privileged to see a very different Cory. Very casual. Very candid. Very ordinary. That was an experience I wouldn't forget. No Malacanang press corps– only me, documenting President Cory's activities, and some members of the Aquino family, especially her grandchildren.

2. Lourdes "Deedee" Siytangco

Now Manila Bulletin columnist, a TV talk show host, and Cory's spokesperson, Deedee was Cory's press undersecretary when I came on board. In fact, our department (the Presidential Press Staff-News Reportorial Section) was under her.

I remember Usec. Siytangco as the "mother hen" of the Malacanang press. And as a mother, she was very protective of her children. Being the bunso in President Cory's in-house coverage team, i can say that she was  extra nice to me. But she also trained me to be a reporter who must develop the "nose for news." I remember her giving me lectures (ok, "sabon") whenever I missed what she thought must be the "scoop of the day."

Deedee is also very thoughtful, always giving little things to her staff. Though I haven't seen her for years now, my admiration and fondness for Usec Deedee never wane. I miss her.

3. Joanne Rae Ramirez

She was my immediate boss during Cory's time. Joanne was the executive editor of the Presidential Press Staff. How can I forget her? She was the one who hired me! 

My final test when she was about to hire me was to write a press release on Cory's speech ( I forgot now what it was all about). I made a two-page news article. I was nervous, but she was so sweet and nice.

Being a neophyte, Joanne was so patient in mentoring me, correcting every piece i submit until such a time that I could write with very minimal editing (I almost jumped with joy, when one day, she returned a copy of the story i made without much corrections!)

And being the youngest in her team of reporters, she was also very protective of me, especially when "Mother hen" Deedee Siytangco had her bad hair days.

I will always love Joanne because when Cory's term was ending, she was the one who advised me to stay put. (After serving a few months under FVR, she moved to the Philippine Star where she is still connected until now as an associate editor.) When she was about to leave her post and i signified my intention to leave Malacanang and try to be a newspaper reporter, this was what she told me: "Jojo, you are still young. I see your potentials. Why don't you stay here for a while and give it a try? you might like working for FVR after all."

I obviously made the right decision when I heeded her words of wisdom. Until now, I still meet Joanne on some occasions. Aside from the Philippine Star, she is now the editor-in-chief of People Asia Magazine.

*** TO BE CONTINUED***