Great Family with the Grand Sporting Tradition

By Cristine Antonette B. Catu

It is the legacy that the Banzon family are carrying on that competitive spirit reigns.


It was a pleasant surprise to catch a brood of the Banzons who regularly meet for lunch in what they called a family room during Sunday in a compound located in San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City along West Avenue.

This sprawling family room went through major restoration after a fire gutted it completely in 1994. It housed the first generation of the Banzon’s when they became one of the recognized families dedicated to sports in the country.

This year, the Banzons are flying to Macao to celebrate their parents’ 50th anniversary. Dr. Conrado Banzon Sr., 83, a first cousin of Doña Aurora Banzon Magsaysay, got married to Nenita Delgado. Conrado Sr. is an EENT specialist who has practised in UST hospital for many decades. Though not as competitive as an athlete as his offsprings, Dr. Banzon has won numerous tournaments as a golfer. Honoured in 2000 as one of the most outstanding physician in the country by the Professional Regulators Commission, his long list of professional achievements has cascaded down to his children in a manner that bespeaks of commitment and excellence in whatever it is they do.

The Banzons have a strange yet wonderful tradition. Would you believe that almost every one of them graduated in Assumption and Ateneo de Manila University? Plus all the Delgado sisters were married on September 12.

Aside from the fact that the Banzons are all Blue Blooded, what binds these athletes together is their passion for sports. Name it: track and field, long jump, triple jump, tennis, karate, golf, bowling, baseball, volleyball, basketball. It is this tradition that they carry on with a competitive spirit.

It was actually the late Conrado Jr., or fondly called “Radito” Banzon [HS ’75, Management Engineering ‘78], the eldest among the family of seven, who started sports in the family particularly in basketball and track and field at Ateneo. Unfortunately, Radito, the track captain died due to heart attack after crossing the finish line in the 1981 MILO Marathon, thus making him the first casualty of the said annual event.



With fine looks, comes a great heart

There’s nothing shocking with the fact that Marcel Banzon [HS ‘76], who’s next to Radito is also into track and field. Undeniably, the Banzons led the legacy in track in Ateneo. The only doctor in the family, Marcel specializes in Pediatric Opthalmology. Moved by his new passion in education, he teaches part time at St. Scholastica, UST, and Makati Medical Center.

Marcel has been married for 20 years to wife Nina Raymundo, the muse of ‘76 La Salle basketball team, whom he met during a date arranged by a common friend. At that time, Nina was already employed in Far Eastern Bank while Marcel was having his internship at UST.

The good-looking couple is blessed with four children – Luigi, 20, Carlo, 18, Gianna, 16, and Radito, 10. “When our youngest child was born, I stopped working because I wanted to focus on my kids,” the former muse says. “All of them are currently baseball players and members of the Philippine baseball youth teams.” The couple believes that engaging in sports will keep them balanced and will keep them away from any form of distractions such as joining the wrong group.

Joining the Blue Eagles Basketball Alumni since 1980, Marcel was one of the pioneers who helped the organization during its [two] shaky championships. At 48, he is still an active participant in the Ateneo Alumni Basketball League (ABL) and has been a part of the champion team in 2004.


Competition stems from the heart

An Atenean through and through, Rene Banzon’s [HS ’78, Business Management ‘82] kids, Leandro, 12 and Roque, 9 used to be a Blue Eagle until one day they found themselves in the Integrated Montessori Center [Pasay]. But they hope to go back in Ateneo for high school.

A former member and champion of the Philippine Shooting team, Chikee, Rene’s wife, had competed in several SEA Games competitions. Once again, adding to the already sports-laden bloodline of the Banzon clan.

Flashback to 1974, the Atenean spirit was quite different than now. During Rene’s times, there was more intensity.

Having started early, his co-athletes witnessed how Rene metamorphosed into a brawny, vigorous, yet sensible man. He started as a football player in high school, carrying on the belief that the football program develops agility, foot work, and patience.

A member of the Ateneo varsity basketball team, Rene capped his achievements when he won the Athlete of the Year in 1978. Some of his teammates during the NCAA season were Ogie Narvasa, Steve Watson, Padim Israel, and Jojo Gamboa.

With his accomplishments in the world of track and field and basketball, Rene stands out from the rest when he was recognized into the prestigious Hall of Fame – Fabilio No. 9.

Currently, the former hard court star is part of the Ateneo Sports Foundation. He tries to help the Blue Eagles in terms of exposing the players in a competitive level of sports development.


The accidental, but fulfilled athlete

“I chose Ateneo because my brothers are all there,” started Lizette.

An accidental athlete herself, Lizette Banzon Cojuanco [Interdisciplinary ‘83] revealed to BlueBlood that since her brothers was athletes, whether she likes it or not, she had to patiently wait for them after training. So instead of just waiting, she decided to join the track and field team. During her stint, it was the time when Ateneo was able to gather a lot of women for the varsity track and field. Winning second place in the 100 meter dash against Asia’s fastest woman, Lydia de Vega, was a major achievement for her. She trained long and hard to hone her athletic skills but mused that she did so while having an umbrella on the field.

Husband Miguel “Mickey” Cojuanco [HS ’79, Legal Management ‘83] and Lizette started as good friends in college. Unknowingly, they would end up with each other.

Perhaps, it’s the Atenean philosophy and fundamental principles that stirred their chemistry. “I think I’m blessed to have the Chinese and Western philosophy. It helped with most of the things that I have now,” Lizette candidly says.

She realized that even in business, you must have an exposure in philosophy to be able to get a wider scope and wider point of view in life because it makes you a more creative person.

Having a reputation of a true Blue Blood, Mickey thought that his Atenean education formed him to be balance in studies and to enjoy leisure life – studying smarter and studying harder at the same time.

A combination of athletic skill, good-breeding, and confidence, Mickey believes that belonging in the Banzon family is something else. The couple tries to extend that tradition to the next level. In fact, their son Anton, 16, is part of the varsity basketball while their daughter Ivy, 14, is into softball.


The Plyo-Man is SportsMan for Others

Much as sports equates to a world of record-breaking competition, Raul – the fifth of the brood – carries this reverent passion to have young athletes surpass the records he had achieved all through his athletic career.

Apart from often being remembered by his batchmates as the “Athlete of the Year” awardee, Raul became national champion in the long jump division and a multi-titled track athlete in the UAAP. He graduated from Ateneo High School in 1983. A year and a half later, he was sent to the U.S. to pursue an Olympic dream in track and field as a member of the Gintong Alay National Team and attended college at the California State University in Long Beach.

Needless to say, it was time well-spent for this was to become the very concept that inspired Raul to found the sports training company, PlyoSports, now “the” country’s training haven for all athletes who nurture the passion to excel in the sport they had chosen.

Raul is married to Ritzie Ampil Javier, who herself comes from a family of Ateneans. She is an alumna of the Assumption in San Lorenzo, belonging to High School Batch ’87 and a Cum Laude graduate of the Broadcasting Communications course in U.P. Diliman, which she stood for as a muse during the UAAP opening in 1991. Despite such an accolade with prior advertising and marketing work experience in some of the country’s most prestigious firms, Ritzie chose a career as a full-time mom, appearing in television commercials from time to time. “Of course, there’s always a trade-off.”

The beneficiaries of these parents’ devotion are nine-and-a-half-year-old Quinito and younger brother, Julio, who had just turned 7. Naturally, both kids train at PlyoSports to hone their basic athletic skills at the very least. While Raul restrains himself “with much effort” to impose his choice of sports on his own sons, he is quite content to see them enjoy dabbling into basketball, soccer, badminton and even taekwondo.

Besides being a great family man and sportsman for others, Raul is also an entertainer and a gifted sax player. He had been part of the pop rock band, Overdrive, since its beginnings in 1984, and for five years since its reunion/revival in 2001. Recently, he managed to form a new executive band which they call “Working Stiff“, playing smooth jazz fusion (a genre close to Raul’s heart), in hopes of developing jazz appreciation for both the young and the young-at-heart.


From volleyball to family star

Her effort to raise her eight kids [Nicky, 20, Mickael, 18, Chiara, 17, Mauro, 15, Sandro, 14, Bea, 13, Martin, 11, Emilio, 6] didn’t go unnoticed. She was able to run her own Personal Care Products business with her own brand Handguard and Candy. In a few months, she’ll have a cologne line for teens as the target niche.

Meet Monique Banzon Daez, 40, the widower who was married at an early age to the late UAAP basketball and track and field star, Leo Daez [HS’ 80].

Prior to her moving to Ateneo, she has already attended school affairs from grade school to secondary school. Since becoming an Atenean, she found the Blue Eagles’ haven more exciting and more alluding even when her brothers were still there. In high school, she was extraordinarily comfortable so when she got to Ateneo for college, it was nothing new at all.

A volleyball player in her senior year in Assumption, she was expected to join track in the university. “I was looking for the track Atenean spirit which I saw during the times of my sisters and brothers but it was missing. I have one solid group of friends so I felt it was boring in track team,” disclosed Monique.

She wanted a team sport to meet new faces. Among the girls, she was always athletic so there’s nothing to prove.


A woman with a distinct career trail

Due partly to scoliosis, Yvonne Climent, 39, stopped playing for the varsity team, yet still found reason to smile during Ateneo vs La Salle games. The youngest in the family, she’s one of the most die-hard Ateneo fans ever.

His husband Tonico Climent, who is a La Sallite, is not willing at all to discuss such rivalry with her. Yvonne is into real estate while Tonico is the General Manager of a pharmaceuticals company. They are blessed with three children namely Carolina 11, Rocio 9, and Antonio, 1.

The athletic bloodline does not merely stop at Yvonne’s. Tonico adds to the Banzon tradition by being one of the top Filipino tennis players of his time. He represented the country in various international tennis competitions alongside Felix Barrientos, Roland So, and Raymond Suarez. At present, he continues to be fit by doing cycling, golf, and pretty soon, triathlon.
From the late track star, doctor, Hall of Fame awardee, accidental athlete, Plyoman and musician, widow businesswoman to real estate agent… They share the same passion, which is sport. All of them give their selfless love and untiring support to their kids, serving as a role model, good example and inspiration to the next level of Banzons.

Now On Board

By Cristine Antonette B. Catu

Captain Butch is not only a member of the Presidential flight crew for the current and the past two administrations but also a pilot of his own private life.

Before the year-ends, Captain Butch will be leaving for Toulouse, France on a grant from the European Commission to be qualified as a type-rating examiner for the A340/A330 aircrafts.

Very seldom does someone without a deep passion for airplanes, become a pilot. A lot of people think it would be neat to fly, but those who made it to the cockpit are extremely dedicated in getting there. There are many hurdles, obstacles, and patience-testing situations on the road to becoming a pilot that not many people know.

But for Captain Emmanuel “Butch” C. Generoso [GS ’74, HS ’78, Business Management ‘82], “it is not a glory to become a pilot but a mission”.


Pilot-in-Command

Captain Butch, as to what he insists his pilots address him, has an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and a Flight Instructor License. He’s currently the Chief Pilot for the Airbus A340 and A330 of Philippine Airlines responsible for the airworthiness of both the pilots and the aircraft.

His aviation career started at the Philippine Airlines Aviation School 86-A where he acquired both his Commercial and Airline Transport Pilots License. From an early age, it has been his dream of becoming a pilot, and so far since 1986, he has accumulated over 11,500 hours of flight time.

At 23, he started his career as a limited first officer for HS748. He became a Captain for the Fokker 50 after training in Schippol, Amsterdam then eventually appointed chief pilot for the F-50 division. He then trained in France for the A320 aircraft, assuming the Chief Pilot of the fleet. Afterwards, he moved on to the A330/A340 aircraft as the assistant chief pilot. In 2000, Airbus Industrie selected him to be the first Asian to join their Flight Instructor pool and he taught A320 / 330 pilots from several Asian carriers in the Airbus Industrie Training Centre in Beijing. When he returned from this mission, he eventually became OIC then chief pilot for the Airbus A340 / A330.

Captain Butch is happily married to Evelyn Balcos Generoso, the daughter of an airline pilot, Captain Emilio Balcos. Capt. Butch and Evelyn now have two children, Jose Iñigo, 22 and Mikaela, 15. It was actually his father-in-law who encouraged him to go for his dream to be a pilot and avail of a scholarship that was then offered by Philippine Airlines.


Taking Flight

Overseeing twelve wide-body aircrafts that cover all destinations (domestic, regional and international) of PAL, Captain Butch doesn’t only makes sure that the engines are running but also makes sure that the pilots and manpower are in their highest level of proficiency. For the chief pilot, handling 200 pilots means recognizing 200 diverse characters.

“Flight crews are always away from their families, thus, proficiency is not our only concern but also their own domestic problems. There are cases where we become ‘emotional wastebaskets’, a term from Fr. Mac Reyes.” Fr. Mac is one of the many Jesuits that formed Capt Butch during his Ateneo days.

For pilots, time away from home is already given. Depending on his flight roster and qualifications in the airline, a pilot could be away for a day, a night, or on the other side of the world for 10 days or more at any given time! Pilots often joke that they have been gone so much that they feel they have actually been married for only half the time since their wedding date. To some, they find the world as their playground.

His values are his benchmark. As a management pilot, Captain Butch sets a good example and don’t let himself fall into any trap.

“I use for my profession the values the Jesuits taught me”, he discloses. “When you go to work, they won’t ask where you studied nor would they see what you have accomplished... Instead, they will look at who you are. This is the only way they will trust you and keep you.”


Landing

Ideally, when the Philippine President is on-board, the pilot-in-command does the take-off and landing. Everytime Captain Butch takes a flight, nothing should go wrong that’s why he has to master the system and to work with all the controllers [including the travelling, crossing, and flying over].

With anxiety in the pit of his stomach, there’s always the pressure of arriving on time, especially during State Visits.

“You have to open the door at the exact designated time given to you, plus or minus 10 seconds. You cannot be early. You cannot be late,” he reveals.” You can just imagine how long it takes to plan a visit before it actually materializes so you must deliver...”


Blue Days

Having spent his elementary, high school, and college years as an Atenean, “Blue all the way”, is how the pilot-in-command describes himself. “As far as I can recall, sa Ateneo lang kami nag-apply for school.” Captain Butch led the roster of successful Ateneans in their family. Caesar Junior, a batch lower, is already an accountant in Chicago. Ernesto is a journalist while Paul, the youngest, works at Smart Telecommunications as Trade Marketing manager.

One highlight of his illustrious Blue life was when he became a part of the ADMU football team. As a varsity player, he competed in RIFA, NCAA, UAAP, and later joined the PCSO in the professional league. It was during those years in the Blue Eagles football squad where they wound up as Champions from 1976 to 1980.

The last four decades has seen a steady drum roll of learning from his classic teachers, who even became the mentors of his son. To name a few, they were the legendary Mr. Pagsi, Ms. Chee Kee Esperanza, Ms. Gigi Katigbak dela Cruz, Fr. Hollscher, and Fr. Mac Reyes.


The inside story of flight PR-812 onboard an A330

Perhaps one of the most dramatic events of any pilots’ career is a high-jacking incident. Capt. Butch is no stranger to one. He was in fact, the key figure in one such internally covered event.

On December 2000, a commotion on board the Mabuhay class section of the aircraft seized the attention of millions around the world.

Captain Butch was the check captain evaluating the crew from the jump seat of Philippine Airlines flight from Davao City in the southern Philippines. Descending through 10,000 feet to Manila, a high jacker with a gun and a hand-grenade took control of the Airbus A330.

The first signal that something was wrong occurred the lone high jacker pulled the pin out of a hand grenade, and poked a gun in Captain Butch’s face, and said, “We’re not landing!”

Stunned for just a few seconds, Captain Butch then had the presence of mind to take control. “We’re not your enemies, these people have families. They’re not involved, and you’re making them involved. Maybe I can help you,” says Captain Butch.

It was the Atenean communication approach that worked.

During those agonising minutes, the man said he had seen his father killed. He was so emotionally disturbed, wanted revenge and draw attention to the matter. Captain Butch was able to convince the high jacker that the passengers had nothing to do with his problems. He offered to give him money so he can jump out of the plane, and start life anew.

At great risk to him, Captain Butch had the opportunity to get out of the cockpit and to talk to the passengers on the PA from the forward flight attendant position. He explained to the passengers the situation and asked from them to donate whatever cash they could give. The first time the hat was passed, only a few bills were collected.

While Captain Butch appealing to the passengers on the PA to give more, the high jacker’s gun fired accidentally in the cockpit. The ear-piercing blast knocked the 300 passengers to panic and forced them to give further. All of a sudden, the bag was full of money.

Overwhelmed with the money people had given, he just wanted to bail out. The high jacker was proud of his homemade parachute but he was worried that it didn’t have a ripcord. “I told him I could help him make a ripcord but it didn’t [work] because maybe I’m not a Boy Scout,” he relates.

Subsequently when he found a nice spot where he wanted to be, they opened the rear door on the port side of the aircraft.

“The books don’t say I could open that door, and I wasn’t sure it would open, but he still had the grenade, so I said we could do it.”

The guy jumped, but because of the speed of the aircraft he got pinned in the doorway with his hand (the one holding the grenade) and one leg still inside the aircraft.
A flight steward grabbed his arm and leg and helped him off the aircraft.

When he got home, a horde of reporters and cameramen jostled for a sound bite. There he got his 5 minutes call to fame. The next few days were crazy for the survivors and a traumatic experience for his family, as some news outlets CNN, BBC and local news media took to calling him.

At last, though, life returned to normal. “Alangan namang twice in your career, ma-hijack ka,” he ribs.

Mario's Kitchen @ Robinsons Place, Ermita

What used to be the hangout of mall goers is now a haven for businessmen and tourists. Known to its attention to detail and friendly service, Mario’s Kitchen is a place where people usually come as guests, with a promise to return for another dining experience.

Experience Mario’s Kitchen at Robinsons Place at its best – Mexican Continental style of architecture and a superb Latin influence makes for a perfect setting that is accessible to the Pedro Gil Wing hotels. The entire place was designed by Tessa-Prieto-Valdez, the sea princess herself, style chameleon, life crusader, and icon.

Some eye-catching features of the restaurant add distinct appeal to dining guests.

To complement with homey feel of the fine dining restaurant are a wide array of international Spanish Filipino and Continental Cuisine that cater to the discerning taste of every guest. Most meals are served in generous portions, which are not only pleasing but equally tasting as well.

From their Paellita and Mar Y Tierra’s sautéed beef and shrimps on a bed of garlic fried rice challenges the plate with its many flavours. Try the Dynamic Duets’ lengua with paella, spare ribs with chopsuey, paella with tortang talong, calamares with beef steak, to name a few.

When asked about their best sellers, Mario’s Kitchen offers the grilled pork chops rubbed with spices, one inch thick and served with a mustard sauce and mushed potatoes, bistecca pizzaiola, thin slices of sirloin marinated with spices and served with a flavourful tomato based sauce and a creamed base pasta, truly a perfect combination.

Oh yes and to top it all, they offer the fillet of fish oriental. Plus pan fried fish served with an oyster sauce and garnished with tofu and leeks.

Need we say more?

Discover the cheap thrills of their beer promo – Buy a bucket of 5 Pale Pilsen beers for only Php 100 or a bucket pf 4 SM Light for as low as Php 100.

Get it. Dine-in. And chill out for a bit. The ambiance and piped-in music contributes to the whole experience.

Mario’s Kitchen is located at the 2nd floor “Taste Buds”, Robinsons Place, Ermita and should be your next home in Manila.

Another branch of Mario’s is in Metrowalk, which is at the corner of Meralco Ave. and Ortigas Ave. Steady young professionals and executive crowd support this cozy and intimate outlet.

Visit their new branch in Unit 1115 Entertainment Mall North Wing SM Mall of Asia, Central Business Park, Pasay City. For inquiries, you may call at 556-0556 or email at marios_kitchen@yahoo.com.

The other branches of Mario’s Kitchen are located at La Tiendesitas, Pasig City. The interior carries the theme of modern Filipiniana. The veranda, mantled by native blinds in the second floor just in front of SM Supercenter is a must to see.

Highly Respectable Player

By Cristine Antonette B. Catu

From golf club to horses & long-handled mallet to karts, then lighting instruments, and finally to Samurai steel scissors… What’s next?

In 1983, Henry Yutuc started playing golf in Los Angeles with his friend, Baby Yupangco. Unknowingly, next to his recreational activity list would be horses and long handled-mallets.

Mounted on horseback

Residing in Sta. Ana near the polo fields with his grandmother, he was an avid spectator of the polo games at an early age. Ricky Yabut, a top polo player in their batch in La Salle Green Hills, invited him to watch their practices.

“In 1988, Enrique Zobel’s two children met an accident in an airstrip. Jake, Mr. Zobel’s only son, was rushed to the hospital. So the riders said: Henry, have you heard the bad news? You’re joining us next practice,” he shares.

At one point, Enrique of the country’s influential Ayala family gave him the opportunity to play polo. It is a team sport played on horseback in which the objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Mr. Zobel provided him the helmet and mallet except for a pair of boots and a whip, which he brought. His father questioned him on what he was getting into. “This is cheaper than golf, dad,” he insists. Henry purchased the horses in a farm in Lipa, Batangas that was granted by his father so that it won’t be a humiliation on their part.

As a rookie, Henry played in the opening polo cup of the first season. He even scored the winning goal and he was able to finish the three qualifying race. From 1988 to 2000, Henry played polo but confessed to Animo that it is the second most dangerous sports next to Formula One.

Karts on an outdoor track

Richard Joson, one of his golfing buddies said: Bumili ka na lang ng go kart. Hindi mo pa pinapakain everyday. After some time, he sold his horses and bought an open-wheeler motor sport with simple, small four-wheeled vehicles called karts.
Kart racing is usually used as a low-cost and relatively safe way to introduce drivers to motor racing. Karting is considered the first step in any serious racer's career. It can prepare the driver for high-speed wheel-to-wheel racing by helping develop quick reflexes, precision car control, and decision-making skills.
He recalls the time when he was practicing kart racing. “Your ass is one inch above the ground. It doesn’t have controller. I was then wearing t-shirt [not a suite]. Syempre si Henry eh. It was after the blister when I felt it because my adrenaline rises.”
In addition, it brings an awareness of the various parameters that can be altered to try to improve the competitiveness of the kart that also exist in other forms of motor racing. Many, perhaps most Formula One racers grew up racing karts.


Art of lighting

Henry’s first attempt at the art of lighting can be tracked back when he became interested in it. A renowned director from Kapuso, who happens to be his friend, told him that if he wanted to get into cinematography, he has to hang out with him during their back pack shoots.
His first project as a Lighting Director for GMA 7’s Extra Challenge taong grasa episode was shot in Payatas. “You move from one location to another so we don’t use the same lights. Well, I already know how strong the lights are but the bottom line is when you set it up to your taste, you should check out the monitor,” he says.

Indeed, the most important thing that he learned when he trained as a Lighting Director is the discipline of making lighting and camera choices when recording images for the television shows. Light is necessary to create an image exposure on a digital target. The art of lighting for cinematography goes far beyond basic exposure, however, into the essence of visual storytelling. The control of light quality, color, direction and intensity is a major factor in the art and science of cinematography.

Secret to rock hairstyle: samurai steel scissor

From the entertainment business, Henry moved on to special cosmetology as a hair stylist because he wants to go back abroad. For 3 months, he trained for a vocational course at Franck Provost, the most modern brand in luxury styling, enhancing the elegance and beauty of women. Then after 8 months, he took up advance courses (In what? Please be specific.)

Stefan, of course is Stefan Wilczynski, the other half of Rockwell and Shangri-La’s supreme beauty hub, Basement’s German wonder duo, negotiated with Henry. “We’ll try you for 5 days. You can be our hair stylist and you can get your friends for free here in the salon.”

As an upscale hairdresser, Henry caters to the rich and famous likes of top print and TV ad model Bianca Araneta, model turned host Phoemela Baranda, Tatler Magazine fashion editor Carla, award-winning actor Joel Torre and Captain Barbell’s Richard Gutierrez.

“Little did I know that I if I cut, I’ll learn something new. A bad cut is if your client didn’t come back anymore. First, you have to establish how short they want or how daring do they want. You should ask if it will fit their job. They’re telling me about this geometry [which I flunk]. I watch this German guy every Sunday in Blow Out.” From the creators of NBC's series The Restaurant comes "Blow Out," an unscripted series that follows renowned hairstylist Jonathan Antin.


At the end, you’ll realize that Henry Yutuc doesn’t go to work but to play. He doesn’t plan things but he does things that will interests him. And when Animo asked what kind of golfer, polo player, karter, lighting director, and hairstylist he is, he’d probably respond with a wince – HIGHLY RESPECTABLE. That’s Henry!

Mr. Foreward

By Cristine Antonette B. Catu

Mayor Freddie Tiñga envisions Taguig to become the premiere city of the Philippines


From humble agrarian beginnings to a bustling city of the present day, the city of Taguig is a metropolis on the move. As the city continues to boom, the local government has ensured that the city has the room, resources, and infrastructure to grow into.

Under the direction of Mayor Sigfrido R. Tiñga [GS ’78, HS ’82, BSBE ’86), Taguig has successfully implemented a Ten-Point Program, improving health and social services, education, youth and sports development, peace and order, housing and shelter for all, clean and green environment, infrastructure and employment in the city. Included in the program is the development of government services, tourism, last but not the least, Taguig civic pride.

An accidental politician


Although politics runs in the blood of the Tiñgas in Taguig, Freddie Tiñga did not really think about it until he had to. In fact, his father, Supreme Court Justice Dante Osorio Tiñga, was a former governor in their city. Never in Freddie Tiñga’s mind that soon would he take control.

In 1994, he tied a knot with his wife, Kaye Chua Tiñga, and settled in Oregon, U.S.A.. At the time Kaye was conceiving with their eldest, but when his mother had to undergo a colon cancer surgery, they packed their bags and went back in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, his mother passed away in 1996. It was a great loss but life should go on for Tiñga.

As a Corporate Planning Manager from 1995 to 1999, he implemented “saling pusa” Projects for First Pacific Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation. For a year, he became the Group Managing Director of the company, which he formed. K2 Interactive is a full-fledged Internet marketing firm that holds the client’s complete marketing plan. It is a Philippine-based business investment yet transactions are made abroad—Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Three months prior to the February 2004 election, Tiñga made a decision to run as a Mayor for the local election. He had two things in mind. First, he had to convince the Kilusang Diwa ng Taguig-People Power Coalition that he would campaign. Secondly, he had to tender his resignation in K2 Interactive. “I was then in Hong Kong explaining to our partners and investors [who even became my friends]. They invested 10 % of 4 million USD for our company.”

It was a three-way fight. Tiñga reckoned that the other party, backed up by the powerful Iglesia ni Kristo underestimated them. “That was a day and night hell of campaign for two months,” he revealed. In the end, he bested his political rivals by over 6,000 votes.

On the rise

In Tiñga’s brief stint as commander of the city of Taguig, his administration has no less than 740 infrastructure projects that had greatly benefited the people.

The Taguig mayor is committed to improving the health of his constituents. In fact, Taguig was one of the most active local government units in propagating universal insurance coverage. To date, more than 7,800 poor people have acquired health cards.

Recognizing education’s contribution to the success not only of a city but also a country as a whole, the 52 schools remain a priority of the city of Taguig. Taguig’s children are provided with good education and ample classroom space. Also, the kind of education is constantly upgraded, ensuring that the youth of Taguig gets the benefits of high-quality education.

The Tiñga’s administration seriously considers a peaceful environment not only for the whole welfare of the residents of Taguig but for its business partners as well. No wonder the city continues to attract new settlers. In fact, the new residents of the city comprise 70% of its population – a sterling proof of how conducive for quality living the city is.

In addition, Fort Bonifacio Global City now turns into Metro Manila’s leading control business district. It will soon be the site of the country’s premiere all-in-one event facility, featuring a world-class coliseum and convention center along with a hotel, office buildings, service apartments, shopping mall, and other recreational establishments.

The Lakeshore District is also an impressive tract of largely untapped prime real estate along Laguna Bay. With this, the City of Taguig is the custodian of this expanse of land.

All of the city’s efforts are geared at one thing – provide a better quality of life for the people. As Taguig continues to reap recognition for its consistency in coming up with projects that provides an image of success, the quality of life in this bustling city continues to improve.

Taguig 2020

“It is long enough that you set your foundations so that the things you try to do should be met. When you say 2010, it is not convincing so I double it to 2020.” Taguig mayor looks forward. “I like term limits. I don’t intend to be the mayor of Taguig forever,” he continues.

Tiñga confirmed that nobody from his clan will run in the upcoming [May 2007] election. If ever he will win for the third time and after his term in 2010, he is done with his mission. Furthermore, he does not want to get into politics outside of local government.

“This is my town. At least I know the people here. I have been serious and clear with my objectives and my message to my constituents,” he shares.

But more can be expected from this city as it aspires to become the premiere city of the Philippines. And indeed the best is yet to come. What we see now were only foundations for what Taguig aspires to become in 2020.

Years from now, Tiñga chooses to be remembered as FOREWARD TAGUIG rather than Mayor Freddie Tiñga.

Shade of green and maroon

Tiñga likes the fact that he went to UP after La Salle. He carries on with the belief that he needed that public school education in order not to be detached from the real world, especially in the nature of his job.

“I don’t think people will say: Yan si Mayor? Matapore yan eh. Sosyal yan eh. Actually, I am very uncomfortable with media and social affairs.”

When Animo asked Tiñga how De La Salle helped or formed him, he responded “You know what? I have never heard that question before.” Perhaps, it is the values and the well-rounded system of education in La Salle that formed him to become Mr. Forward.

Tall Tales: Manguera and Webb

By Cristine Antonette B. Catu

Two of the tall players of head Coach Boris Aldeguer served not only as skippers of Zobel Junior Archers; they also anchored the team through victory and defeat.


Jed Bryan Rosales Manguera is definitely starting to break away from Lipa Vice Mayor Boy Manguera’s shadow.

6-foot Manguera, is slowly making a name for himself as one of the most feared defenders of Zobel in the Father Martin Cup. The junior playmaker was shifted back to the two-guard spot when he moved in La Salle Zobel varsity team after spending his grade school (Grade 1 to 5) in De La Salle Lipa and Grade 6 until 2nd year high school in La Salle Green Hills.

Being the son of La Salle’s legendary 70’s player, Manguera has quite a name to live up to. In fact, it was his dad whom he really looked up to through his entire basketball life. Thus, he wants to stretch the Manguera legacy.

He started playing basketball when he was 5 years old. Seeing the obvious talent, his then-coach invited him to join the varsity when he was in De La Salle Lipa. A veteran of tournaments such as SMAA, MMBL and MNCAA leagues, Manguera was part of La Salle’s (DLSL, Green Hills & Zobel) team that won numerous championships in the past couple of years.

Meanwhile, Joshua David Spider Webb may seem like the kind of guy who insists on speaking only English and with an American twang at that. But that’s not even close to the truth that he was raised here in the Philippines. He lived in Subic for four years, and later on moved in Manila.

Standing at 6-foot-5, Webb might as well be considered a basketball hero in his hometown. Having the height advantage, he ruled over the much shorter players in small basketball leagues. Though considerably thin and scrawny, the young Webb taught himself how to play basketball at the age 7. Playing with his friends, he realized that he could use his height to his benefit and easily discovered his natural talent.

Dominance entails confidence and Webb has already fitted in and adjusted well to the Archer system. “I was recruited by Zobel in the varsity during my freshman year [in high schoo] and I played for the UAAP. At first, it was hard for me to adjust but in my sophomore year, I was able to score more through the support of my teammates and coach,” explains Webb, who counts his co famed Green Archers Martin Reyes, Simon Atkins, Migs de Asis, Dan Salavador and David Urra as his favorite players. “They’re all my idols because they all worked hard and got where they wanted to go.”

Basketball is undoubtedly their passion but height often plays a crucial role in sports. For most sports, height is useful as it affects the leverage between muscle volume and bones towards greater speed of movement. “Its feels great to be so tall because it gives you an advantage when it comes to sports, especially in basketball. Besides tall people are very noticeable in public,” Manguera says.

Manguera revealed to Animo that he started taking up the growth-enhancing multivitamin Cherifer at the age of 12. The product tagline which says that Enhance Growth Potential instigated him to buy the innovative and leading product of INTERMED Marketing, Philippines Inc. As a result, his teammates easily noticed that he got taller.

For Webb, he regularly takes Cherifer PGM, which his mom buyss for him.

Much as sports equates to a world of record-breaking competition, both Webb and Manguera carries this reverent passion to have their team surpass the records their father or grandfather achieved all through their athletic career.

The Archers have always depended on its backcourt for those well-executed plays we see during the games. This is why the presence of a sharp yet steady 6-foot shooting guard and 6-foot-2 center is always necessary for the green-and-white squad.