Roman Romulo: The purpose-driven lawyer

This week’s Kikay Team: Anne Bell, Tina Daniac and Ana Kalaw

Modesty is one of Roman Romulo’s strong points. Even if he is one of the most-accomplished young lawyers in the nation, Roman keeps his resumé as pithy and straightforward as he is, and makes sure it is devoid of the accolades and even the accomplishments we requested him to list down. He e-mails, "Although I’m involved in certain foundations, I opted not to include their names as there are many others who have given more time to these foundations." Had his resume been more profuse (we had to rely on the Internet instead), we would have gleaned that Roman is active in socio-civic projects that benefit the community, particularly that of his hometown of Pasig. He is active in helping improve the livelihood, housing, and educational prospects there (concerns that composed his "three-point plan" when he ran for Congress a couple of years ago), and regularly meets with the less-fortunate residents of the city to hear their problems. But Roman discreetly leaves out the philanthropy from his bio-data.

Instead, the 39-year-old son of of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and grandson of lauded statesman Carlos P. Romulo would rather show us his capacity for appreciation. Roman thanked us "for putting time and effort" into this feature, gratitude we consider misplaced, especially since we should have been the ones thanking him for being brave enough to wear pink. Not too many men would, much less corporate lawyers. He also graciously apologized for not replying at once to a questionnaire we sent, which we followed up on during busy working hours (i.e., he was actually apologizing for doing his job instead of elaborating on his shopping habits over e-mail). Post-apology, he wished us "a great day ahead."

Roman Romulo even waxed positive about the "makeover," claiming to have had fun during the photo shoot. In an effort to counter Roman’s modesty, the Kikay Team dressed him up in prints and patterns that were anything but subtle, and gave him more lively alternatives to the polo barongs that is his daily "uniform." We exchanged his black slacks for roomy cargos and dark jeans, and didn’t resist the urge to muss up the bachelor’s usually gelled-back hair.

"It was a different experience," Roman simply says of the photo shoot and doesn’t elaborate further. We, however, think that everything turned out really well and that he looks great in the photos. Modesty, after all, is not one of our strong points.

Your chief characteristic: I’m intense in almost everything I do.

Your favorite qualities in a man: Inspiring to others.

Your favorite qualities in a woman: Sweet, good-natured.

Your favorite qualities in friends: Fun and adventurous.

Your biggest flaw: People say I am too serious – probably true.

Your favorite occupation: Engaging in sports, reading.

Your idea of happiness: Taking a vacation.

Your idea of misery: Not making a difference.

If not yourself, who would you be? Tiger Woods – without a doubt.

Where would you like to live? Manila; no other place.

Your favorite color: Blue

Your favorite authors: F. Sionil Jose, Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird

Your favorite heroes in fiction: Atticus Finch, Jed Bartlett.

Your favorite composers: Sting, Puccini.

Your favorite painters: I particularly like Filipino painters like Amorsolo.

Your favorite heroes in real life: My dad, Alberto G. Romulo

Your favorite heroine in real life: My mom, Lovely Romulo

Your favorite names: Cheskie, Cara, Maia – my nieces.

Your pet aversion: Squandering or missing opportunities.

Which characters in history do you most dislike: People who could have made a difference but did not.

The military deed that you admire most: Defense of Bataan, Battle of Britain (RAF).

The reform that you appreciate: Glasnost/perestroika

What gift from nature would you like to have: Good singing voice.

How would you like to die: Instantaneously.

What is your present state of mind: Focused.

For what fault have you most toleration: Being too emotional

Your favorite motto: Idealism should be tempered with pragmatism.