Body Talk with JC delos Reyes

If the Roman Catholic Church would have its way, the Philippines’ next president should be John Carlos “JC” delos Reyes of Ang Kapatiran who topped (as expected) a recent survey conducted by the Catholics Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) among its members. In the other surveys (Pulse Asia, among them), JC ranks below zero but it doesn’t discourage him. “I will continue the fight,” he said during a recent long-table interview with the STAR editors.

A Valentine baby, JC was born on Feb. 14, 1970 in Mandaluyong City. He’s married to Dunia Valenzuela, a Filipino-Brazilian artist with whom he has three children: Gabriel, 11; Santiago, 8; and Barbara Theresa, 7. The youngest was named after JC’s mother, Barbara Gordon delos Reyes, sister of presidentiable Richard Gordon. During a “body talk” with Richard, Funfare mentioned in passing Barbara (Tita Bai to friends) who has such a forgiving heart that, years ago, she visited the convicted killer of her teenage daughter (JC’s sister) at the National Penitentiary, brought him food and forgave him.

Until he was sidetracked into politics, JC said he dreamed of becoming a priest (he looks like one, doesn’t he?). After finishing elementary at Ateneo de Manila (1976-1984) and high school at La Salle (1984-1988), JC graduated with an AB in Theology degree from the Franciscan University in Ohio, USA (1989-1993). He holds a Master of Science in Business Administration from UP-Diliman (1995-2000) and Bachelor of Laws (Saint Louis University-Baguio, 2001-2005).

JC is part of Funfare’s broken series on presidentiables to see how fit they are to lead, physically and otherwise.

Do you have a temper?

“Yeah, but it would be very hard to reach that. I’m very patient.”

What makes you angry?

“People who say I won’t win because only God knows tomorrow, we don’t know.”

How do you de-stress?

“I simply close my eyes and thank the Lord, that is my unwinding.”

How do you divide your time between work and family?

“During the campaign talagang I missed them and my daughter who is seven-years-old. Umalis lang ako, she goes into tantrums and cries. But what strengthens me is the thought that there are so many OFWs na years abroad, talagang hirap na hirap sila. I have to explain it to her. And now going back to the question, how do I keep a balance between my work and my family? I just rely on the Almighty. As a public figure and as a crusader, I’m a soldier pero ang talagang sacrificial lamb ko is my family. Awang-awa ako sa kanila. They’re in Subic.”

When was the last time you had an executive check-up?

“I never had an executive check up. Mahal, eh. If the party pays for it, then okay.”

What is your diet like?

“Oatmeal in the morning; I eat oatmeal as rice for ulam, so I pack the oatmeal and buy ulam. Oatmeal palagi, even at night. I don’t eat rice.”

Snacks between meals? Do you eat junk food?

“Sometimes, a chocolate bar just to give me energy. Rarely.”

Do you work out?

“No time, I try to jog in place.”

Any part of your body that needs improvement?

“My height. I’m only 5’5” tall.”

How do you cope with stress?

“I pray and try to have hope, imbibe hope.”

How much sleep do you get per night?

“About five hours on the average.”

Favorite sleepwear?

“Shorts and shirt.”

How’s your sex life?

“Right now, talagang wala. Kasi I don’t see my wife so I don’t get any.”

How many years have you been married?

“Twelve years. She’s a Filipino-Brazilian. Full Filipino ang father, full Brazilian ang mother. She’s an ordinary person. We met… well, she studied at St. Paul’s College in Quezon City and Fr. James Reuters set us up.”

What is the last movie that you saw?”

“How to Tame a Dragon....with my kids.”

Last book that you read?

“Just this morning, the Bible. Also, The Compendium of the Social Teachings of the Church.”

Favorite Saint?

“St. Joseph.”

What was your childhood dream?

“I wanted to be a priest but when I came back in 1993, I was disoriented. I was supposed to go to Rome and study at the St. John there. And then I came back and saw the state of our country. Ang daming brownout, killings and all that — you know, the Maureen Holtmann shooting. I saw the need to stay and help the country.”

Do you watch Filipino movies?

“Yes. I do. Actually, I like old movies, ‘yung mga Kastilyong Buhangin (starring Lito Lapid and Nora Aunor).”

If your life story would be made into a movie, who would you like to play JC delos Reyes?

“Aga Muhlach.”

How about your leading lady?

“Heart Evangelista. She’s beautiful.”

How many girlfriends did you have before you got married?

“Just two.”

After you got married?

“Wala. Talagang my wife is such a blessing; wala na akong hahanapin pa. She’s very sweet. When I told her that I was running for president, she broke down and sat on the bed. She was talagang shocked but she accepted it.”

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