Why Cesar Purisima likes San Francisco

As chairman of SyCip, Gorres & Velayo. Cesar Purisima enjoys working till late at night. Happy hour would find him on conference calls and cocktails. His gentle approach to people makes it easy to be comfortable in his presence. The honors that different societies have conferred on him show that he is a man worthy of much respect.

A graduate of Northwestern University, this 41-year-old executive relaxes with a gentle massage and reveals here how he hopes to find the right person to marry.

Philippine STAR: On what occasion do you lie?

Bluffing in a poker game.

Which political leader do you most identify with?

John F. Kennedy offered hope. He seemed to have an ideal family, beautiful wife and a good life. Franklin Roosevelt led a nation to the New Deal despite his handicap.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

Fevic Velasquez Purisima, my mother. She grew up in Mindanao.

What is your most fervent wish?

For my mother to still be alive. And I’d like to see my sisters succeed. Definitely, I hope to find the right person to marry.

Where would you like to go for a romantic evening?

San Francisco. Maybe walk in North Beach or watch the sea and the mountains from Monterey Peninsula.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

My challenge is to shut up and think of a solution since, by nature, I am a hot-tempered person.

What sports do you like most?

Golf in Tagaytay Highlands.

Where would you like to live?

Half of the time I would like to be relaxing in an apartment in San Francisco and the other half in Manila for family and work.

What film influenced your life?

The only time I watch movies is while on planes or in hotels. Nottinghill was fun but it did not really change my life.

Which hero of fiction can you identify with?

Superman. He’s clean cut and is able to solve problems.

What is your greatest fear?

To have a difficult death.

How has your character changed since your childhood?

My barkada in Gen. Santos City, Mindanao were my constant companions. I was a happy-go-lucky kid and spent time gambling and not doing well in school. Now I enjoy working.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

My aversion to taking risks in my career and personal life.

How would you describe your career?

With a steady rise since 1980 when I joined. I became a partner in 1989, then division head, vice chairman and now chairman.

How do you start your day?

With a quick sign of the cross. Sometimes I worry that I might die in my sleep so I’m happy that I’m alive. I then turn on to CNN.

What is your motto?

Think straight, walk straight.

If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?

My citizenship. Americans have an easier time making a significant contribution to this world.