When you get to middle age as I have and after seeing the real world all those years, it is difficult not to get cynical in our assessment of people, especially of those in the public eye.
Many affect a very approachable demeanor when in public, but turn quite the opposite when the cameras are off. As a media man, I have seen this many times over.
Perhaps it is this general impression that causes us to inwardly cheer when we do meet personalities who are supposedly bigger-than-life and yet who walk on terra firma even in their most unguarded moments.
I have had the good fortune of meeting a few of these personalities and I treasure it when they refer to our relationship as a “friendship.” It is a singular honor to have the acquaintance of people who make a difference in our lives and to know that they are down-to-earth in their dealings with those of us who are mere mortals.
One gentleman of the first order that I openly admire is Gov. Oscar S. Moreno of Misamis Oriental. Although I have written about him a couple of times in this space, I can?t help but feel that I have been remiss in trying to convey the reasons for my admiration of the man.
He is so unassuming that it comes as a surprise when made aware of his achievements as a banker, lawyer, legislator, local government official and sportsman.
I first met him a few years ago in the course of a broadcast assignment but I had long held him in high esteem from the time I first heard him as a congressman speaking on fiscal and economic matters. Even then, as a neophyte legislator, I found that he talked sense. When he played an important role in the impeachment prosecution team in the Senate in 2001, I became a fan.
When I met him, I was happy to find out that my admiration was not misplaced. He was just as easy to talk to and even more accommodating as I thought him to be. He gave me a bit of history of his province and its past leaders when I told him I was impressed at the number of prominent personalities that came out of Misamis Oriental.
He is most animated when he talks of his province and his people and his passion for sports.
Gov. Moreno and I have kept in touch since and whenever the opportunity arises, he asks me to backstop him in some sports projects where I could be of help as a television man.
But more than the projects that I periodically do for him, I look forward to our talks which sometimes go up to the wee hours of the morning about almost every topic under the sun. And I assure you, when Gov. Moreno talks about things that are important to him, one is bound to listen and be enthralled.
Another remarkable personality whose acquaintance I am honored to have is that of businessman-sportsman Tony Aldeguer. The Cebu-based boxing manager and promoter is another guy who selflessly devotes a major part of his waking hours to the chore of taking care of his boxers.
It is a well-known fact that most pugilists come from the poorest of the poor. Aldeguer has made a career out of picking them up from the slums, and not just getting them good opportunities in the sport, but most of all for them to gain the dignity as good and decent working men.
For the ALA Stable does not churn out just plain boxers, rather good and upright citizens who know how to conduct themselves in the presence of whomever happens to be within range. They are taught not only outstanding boxing skills, but are given the necessary communication and personality training that would arm them wherever their trade takes them.
ALA boxers are also the most-disciplined around, and are given guidance in their financial and familial concerns. The kind of personal touch that Aldeguer shows for his wards is one-of-a-kind and it is good to note that he has passed this on to his son Michael, who is equally into the sport.
The other day, I was privileged to get Gov. Moreno and Aldeguer together to work on a boxing project in Cagayan de Oro this coming October. Although I had introduced them last year and thereafter Aldeguer has invited the Governor to several of his boxing promotions, it is only now that they will be working as partners to bring boxing entertainment not only to Misamis Oriental, but nation-wide via television.
As I write this, the plans are jumping out of the drawing board, and I have no doubt that with these two dedicated and decent men at the helm, the event will definitely be a resounding success.
I will update you as developments occur.
