Juan Miguel Zubiri digs ‘The Little Prince’ and granola bars
February 16, 2004 | 12:00am
Bukidnon, in northern Mindanao, has grand canyons and majestic mountains, which remind Juan Miguel "Migs" Zubiri of New Zealand with its cool weather and crisp clean air.
As the congressman of the 3rd district of Bukidnon, Zubiri is now campaigning for a third term. Migs’ business interests include 100 hectares of sugar cane. A portion of their sugar produce is exported to America while the rest is sold to the domestic market, specifically ice cream and soft drink manufacturers. He also has investments in Makati’s CPK and Tequila Joe’s restaurants, as well as a distributorship of beer, shampoos and consumer products in Bukidnon.
Enterprising and articulate, Miguel, 34, combines his passion for the environment with a travel show. Our 5’8" bachelor is the host and producer of Team Explorer on Studio 23. He reflects here on horse-trading activities in Congress, The Little Prince and granola bars for breakfast.
On what occasion do you lie?
In politics, there is a lot of horse-trading in passing legislation. There are times when we exaggerate the scope of the legislation.
Which living person do you admire most?
My father, Jose Zubiri Jr. He never fails to open our eyes to the plight of the poor. He always fights for the little guys. He is one of our greatest unrecognized orators.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
My girlfriend and future fiancée Audrey Tan. We have been going out for two years and I love the way she understands me and my work.
What is your passion ?
Public service and the environment. I have two foundations – the Katala Foundation, wherein we have a conservation project on Rasa Island, Palawan. We work for the preservation of the Philippine cockatoo, which is one of the most rare parrots in the world. We started with 20 breeding pairs four years ago and now we have over a hundred pairs flying freely on the island. The other foundation is the Philippine Deer Foundation wherein we breed our endemic deer species for future release in the wild. It’s a deer breeding farm and a wildlife rescue center.
What is your most fervent wish?
To uplift the majority of Filipinos through a thorough change of our political system. The only way I believe this country will move forward is if we make fundamental changes in our constitution. How can our country move forward if we have elections practically every year and we choose our leaders either because they are good looking or moneyed?
How do you resolve your conflicts?
My conflicts now are with the opposing political parties since I am the Youth Campaign manager of Team Gloria. Even then, I have maintained close ties with my friends in the opposition.
What sports/hobbies do you like most?
I used to be into martial arts and arnis. Now I play badminton and on my free weekends, I go diving in Batangas or Palawan.
What film influenced your life?
The Mission with Robert De- Niro and Jeremy Irons. It tells the story of a heartless mercenary who never forgives himself for killing his brother in a brawl. Instead of committing suicide he lives a life of service to the Indians of Brazil forever vowing never to use the sword again. Unfortunately, the Indians were being massacred and forced to slavery by his own countrymen and he is forced to fight again for the people he has learned to love. It’s a movie of sacrifice and service.
What book influenced your life?
The Little Prince was a required reading in high school. I love the phrase "What is essential is invisible to the eye."
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
Don Quixote, who is a dreamer.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being too trusting.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Being matapobre… Condescending to people who are poor or uneducated.
How do you start your day?
At 9 a.m. with my juice and granola bar reading the papers and watching ANC news when I am not in the province.
What is your current state of mind?
Emotionally happy but physically tired.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Cars and paintings.
Which historical character would you like to have been?
A knight during the Crusades, fighting for what I believe in and giving up my life for it.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having a family, lots of children and being able to spend quality time with them in an island with no cell site.
Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?
"Think not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country."
What does your dad often say to you?
He always tells us to fight for the little guy. I remember when we were younger we would complain about the strike in the sugar mill and we asked him to speak to the workers and tell them to abandon the strike. He scolded us telling us that the plant workers have needs and rights that have to be addressed.
What is your favorite journey?
Going to Calatagan on weekends that I am not in Bukidnon. I love to drive myself. Gives me time to be alone.
What is your greatest regret?
That I did not marry early enough so I can enjoy my children now.
E-mail babycamp2@yahoo.com.uk.
As the congressman of the 3rd district of Bukidnon, Zubiri is now campaigning for a third term. Migs’ business interests include 100 hectares of sugar cane. A portion of their sugar produce is exported to America while the rest is sold to the domestic market, specifically ice cream and soft drink manufacturers. He also has investments in Makati’s CPK and Tequila Joe’s restaurants, as well as a distributorship of beer, shampoos and consumer products in Bukidnon.
Enterprising and articulate, Miguel, 34, combines his passion for the environment with a travel show. Our 5’8" bachelor is the host and producer of Team Explorer on Studio 23. He reflects here on horse-trading activities in Congress, The Little Prince and granola bars for breakfast.
On what occasion do you lie?
In politics, there is a lot of horse-trading in passing legislation. There are times when we exaggerate the scope of the legislation.
Which living person do you admire most?
My father, Jose Zubiri Jr. He never fails to open our eyes to the plight of the poor. He always fights for the little guys. He is one of our greatest unrecognized orators.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
My girlfriend and future fiancée Audrey Tan. We have been going out for two years and I love the way she understands me and my work.
What is your passion ?
Public service and the environment. I have two foundations – the Katala Foundation, wherein we have a conservation project on Rasa Island, Palawan. We work for the preservation of the Philippine cockatoo, which is one of the most rare parrots in the world. We started with 20 breeding pairs four years ago and now we have over a hundred pairs flying freely on the island. The other foundation is the Philippine Deer Foundation wherein we breed our endemic deer species for future release in the wild. It’s a deer breeding farm and a wildlife rescue center.
What is your most fervent wish?
To uplift the majority of Filipinos through a thorough change of our political system. The only way I believe this country will move forward is if we make fundamental changes in our constitution. How can our country move forward if we have elections practically every year and we choose our leaders either because they are good looking or moneyed?
How do you resolve your conflicts?
My conflicts now are with the opposing political parties since I am the Youth Campaign manager of Team Gloria. Even then, I have maintained close ties with my friends in the opposition.
What sports/hobbies do you like most?
I used to be into martial arts and arnis. Now I play badminton and on my free weekends, I go diving in Batangas or Palawan.
What film influenced your life?
The Mission with Robert De- Niro and Jeremy Irons. It tells the story of a heartless mercenary who never forgives himself for killing his brother in a brawl. Instead of committing suicide he lives a life of service to the Indians of Brazil forever vowing never to use the sword again. Unfortunately, the Indians were being massacred and forced to slavery by his own countrymen and he is forced to fight again for the people he has learned to love. It’s a movie of sacrifice and service.
What book influenced your life?
The Little Prince was a required reading in high school. I love the phrase "What is essential is invisible to the eye."
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
Don Quixote, who is a dreamer.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being too trusting.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Being matapobre… Condescending to people who are poor or uneducated.
How do you start your day?
At 9 a.m. with my juice and granola bar reading the papers and watching ANC news when I am not in the province.
What is your current state of mind?
Emotionally happy but physically tired.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Cars and paintings.
Which historical character would you like to have been?
A knight during the Crusades, fighting for what I believe in and giving up my life for it.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having a family, lots of children and being able to spend quality time with them in an island with no cell site.
Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?
"Think not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country."
What does your dad often say to you?
He always tells us to fight for the little guy. I remember when we were younger we would complain about the strike in the sugar mill and we asked him to speak to the workers and tell them to abandon the strike. He scolded us telling us that the plant workers have needs and rights that have to be addressed.
What is your favorite journey?
Going to Calatagan on weekends that I am not in Bukidnon. I love to drive myself. Gives me time to be alone.
What is your greatest regret?
That I did not marry early enough so I can enjoy my children now.
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