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**