Bayani Fernando: Metro Hero
July 26, 2006 | 12:00am
Some people look like their names; others grow into theirs; others still are the exact contradiction of the persona their names evoke.The Honorable Bayani Fernando, Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), is his name.
He has become a living folk hero, achieving this status by spearheading the reeducation of the Filipino in the basics of dignified living and responsible citizenship.His success may be traced to the sharpness of his technical skills as a licensed mechanical engineer and as a successful businessman, but mostly it comes down to the depth of his faith in the learning prowess of the Filipino."Madaling matuto ang Pilipino at sa madaling panahon" he states emphatically, adding in jest: "Look at how fast we mastered Mr. Suave and Pinoy Ako."
This man – who sees himself as highly technical in orientation and who claims not to be the sociable type – was immediately betrayed by his wit and charm, which flowed forth naturally as we sat down to talk for an hour or so inside the East Avenue MMDA Traffic Emergency Office, directly under the EDSA-East Avenue flyover.Chairman Bayani Fernando greeted us with a warm and firm handshake on a rainy Sunday, when the rest of the country’s public servants may have been on the golf course or still lolling about in bed.He spared us a few minutes on the Sabbath, a day on which he is normally out patrolling the streets of Metro Manila in an MMDA blue bus and conducting status checks on the roadways.
Fernando, who turned 60 yesterday, looked very much in the pink of health in his regulation navy-blue, button-front shirt and matching navy-blue slacks.He was definitely in his element, with the traffic office surrounded by MMDA traffic assistance vehicles, tractors and motorcycles, street signs, pink MMDA portable toilets and sundry paraphernalia to ease the burden of Metro Manila motorists and pedestrians.The members of his personal staff were as self-effacing as the man himself.They were relaxed, with none of the showy, clipped movements that are standard issue with security forces of high-powered VIPs.Instead, they were quietly alert and efficient, sparing in their words and actions that spoke eloquently of their boss.
What transpired that very rainy Sunday morning was light banter and insights coming from a true patriot armed with cutting-edge brains and a humanitarian streak; who, in spite of his brawn-packed position in government, remains simple and down-home in his personal tastes.It was an enlightening, engaging and truly humbling 60 minutes.
Favorite food:Sinigang na bangus, Sinigang na hito sa bayabas, because sinigang is a complete meal with protein and vegetables.
Favorite TV channel:The Discovery Channel: it lulls me to sleep at midnight.
Favorite actress:Ingrid Bergman.
Favorite song:A Tear Fell by Teresa Brewer and many other old standards.
Favorite city outside the country: The cities of Japan. It is a utilitarian society, crowded yet organized.
Work hours:8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.I sleep at midnight or 1 a.m. and wake up between 6 and 7 a.m.
Biggest luxury:Acca Kappa perfume.
Most extravagant thing he has given his wife:My wife is a very simple person and the most extravagant thing I have given her is my love.
Female fantasy:(Laughs heartily) Ummm… Ann-Margret.
All-time idol:No one in particular. I admire many different people for the good that they do. Of course, Jesus Christ.
Diet:I make sure I eat a wide variety of food, no vitamins, no herbal supplements.I probably eat a little bit more than the average man.
Form of exercise:Twenty minutes of stationary jogging (as prescribed by West Point Academy), ideally three times a week, on any floor surface whether in my bedroom, office or hotel room.I have been doing it for 25 years.
Form of relaxation:Singing accompanied by a pianist, which I prefer to karaoke singing, because it can be mechanical at times and because singing along with a pianist is a collaboration between two artists with passion for music.It is my way of expressing pent-up emotions.
Clothes:I buy textile for my daily uniform of navy-blue polo shirt and pants and have them tailor-made.The most difficult time to make a decision is early in the morning and I don’t want to have to bother myself with what to wear.
Shoes:I own around two dozen pairs, all made in Marikina, and mostly given as presents. This one I’m wearing is custom-made by Rico Sta. Ana.
Jewelry:None whatsoever
Watch:Not even.I find no need for it.I consult wall clocks and my cell phone when I need the time but I rely mostly on an innate sense of time.
Last film viewed:December, 2005 with my wife and one bodyguard.It was a Chinese movie, the title of which escapes me.I got sick afterwards because it was cold and I had no jacket.Aside from the three of us, there was only one other person in the movie house.
Social posse/barkada: Co-workers.I have no time for socials or for gallivanting.
Hairdresser:No one else but my wife has cut my hair in the 24 years since we were married. She does it well and in good time – five minutes.I don’t have to worry about barber’s itch and I don’t need to wait in line.
Kikay kit:A box that contains a pair of scissors for my hair and a balabal.
Funny/compromising experiences: When I don’t hit the note right in singing and when I get invited to social functions and I feel out of place.I’m not a sociable person.
Dreams:I want to pursue my art and learn to draw.I want to design things. I am very much at peace when I am designing something.
Do you see yourself in Malacañang in the future:Que sera, sera!
Thoughts on the future of the Philippines:I want to see the people in high spirits.My motto is "Metro guwapo para tao ay ganado."
Three things one needs to achieve happiness: Learning, yearning and earning.
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