By Antonio Go Chairman, Equitable-PCI Bank |
This shows Johns ability to seize the moment, ensure an opportunity is not missed, and keep the customer happy.
The Newspaper and The Overcoat By Uy Ching Shiong Childhood friend |
While visiting Elizabeth who was then studying in the US, John needed an overcoat. Instead of buying a new one, he picked up one from his used-clothing store. He wore it to visit Bia and his future mother-in-law. He did not know that he was wearing a ladys overcoat.
By Henry Sy SM founder |
After this deal, John and I would be at cocktails, and people would be wondering if we were still talking. Of course we were. On a personal level, John and I are friends. I remember on his 65th birthday, we toasted him. As he raised his glass, I saw his eyes with a thoughtful, faraway look. I whispered: "John, I know what you are thinking. Three things. One, everyone knows your age. Two, you are wondering who your future in-laws will be. (To this, his daughter Robina said, Thats true.) And three, you are wondering how you will spend the rest of your time."
Now, regarding his possible retirement, I think it is difficult to give up something one enjoys doing. Just the same, Ill only believe it when it really happens.
By Jess Sassiloc Bodyguard since 1992 |
One day when he was still at PCI after office hour Mr. John finally decided to go to the barber. We go to the nearest barbershop he knew at Atrium. We go around and around, he keeps on looking for the place. Finally he saw it but the place is closed already because its 8:30 p.m. Luckily, we saw one downstairs. It was called Head Zone barbershop. Thank you, I said quietly to myself, finally Mr. Johns hair will have the edge of scissors. The last time we visited the barber was already six months ago, to be exact. When we entered the shop, Mr. John said, "Meron barber?" "Yes, Sir," a woman replied. After 30 minutes and the artistic moves of a gay barber, the art is finally done. Mr. John is a new man again. After that, its payment time. Mr. John approaches the cashier and brings out his wallet from his purse. He asked, "How much?" The woman replied, "P120 Sir." When he opened his wallet, he looks for money, unfortunately he could not find anything. The only things inside were a bunch of credit cards and a bunch of scratch papers. "Do you accept card?" Mr. John asked the cashier. "No Sir, we are only accepting cash." When I heard that my heart begins to pump like the drums of the symphony orchestra that Im always hearing from the car stereo of Mr. John because I have only P20 in my wallet, which was enough for my daily transportation to go home. Mr. John asked me, "Do you have money, Jess?" I said, "Sir, I dont have. Wait lang, Sir ha? I will look for my co-bodyguards, I will try to raise money." It took five minutes to locate my first co-bodyguard. I asked him, "Meron ka bang pera?" He replied, "Meron!" I asked him, "Magkano?" "P50!" "Oh my," I said, "akin na." He replied, "Bakit?" I answered, "Basta akin na." And then I asked, "Where is our driver?" He answered, "Nasa parking." I ran to the parking to look for our driver. When I found him I immediately asked, "How much money do you have in your wallet?" He said, "P100." "Good," I said, "give me." "Why?" he asked. I said, "Just give, I tell you later." And then I ran back to the barbershop to pay our dues. When I arrive Mr. John is staring at me. He asked me, "Where did you get the money?" I said, "We chip in. Sir." And Mr. John unleashed his big laugh.
By Gabriel Singson Former Central Bank governor |
After golf, we always had a snack in the clubhouse, ordering our favorite pansit lomi, costing at that time P30. We used to order only one bowl and split the lomi equally. I told myself that when the Governor of the Central Bank and the top businessman in our country share a P30 pansit lomi, then this country can be a tiger economy, if only for its austerity.
After two years, John stopped playing golf, saying that it was too hot in the afternoon. So I suggested we play in the morning, but he said that he cannot wake up early. But I was convinced that the real reason for his giving up golf is that he realized he cannot be the top golfer in the country. As we all know, John is highly competitive, and he always wants to be the best in all his endeavors, whether in business or sports.
Wack-Wack golf course is now quiet on Sunday afternoons.
By Jess Sassiloc |