Angie Reyes: Energy, power, humor & humility

MANILA, Philippines - They say that a tree is best measured when it is down. And what a big tree Angie Reyes was! Many people will talk about the great things he has done. His continuous years of public service. His place in history. Allow me to share my own personal perspective.

I first met Angie in the mid ’80s here in Camp Aguinaldo. He was a young colonel then, but already in a position of great responsibility as head of the AFP pension fund. A soldier, he was eager to learn more about the world of finance, and as then head of the First National Bank of Chicago, I accommodated him by sponsoring his training at our head office in Chicago.

Our lives took separate paths after that. Mine into business and he into much greater levels of responsibility. But he never forgot that. And no matter how important he became or which VIP he was with at the time, whenever our paths crossed he would introduce me as having sponsored him at the bank and boast how successful I had since become. Regardless of whether he was talking to another Cabinet secretary or the President of the Philippines.  

Angie Reyes (fifth from left) with Harvard Club officers and members (standing, from left) Art Aguillar, Manny Tordesilas, Atom Henares, Ricky Jacinto, Teddy Kalaw and Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Armi Borje. Seated are  Arlene Donaire, Corina Unson, Sheila Ramos, Esther Go, Carina Agarao and Zenaida Acorda.

Angie was a humble man. And although he was very conscious of protocol with his superiors, he never let protocol get in the way of his work or relationships. I recall that he was very busy when he first moved from the Department of Environment to the Department of Energy. And when I came to the Department of Energy for a courtesy call, he was shuttling from one room to another, attending simultaneous meetings. After an hour of this he finally approached me to say,   “Sorry to keep you waiting, it’s been very busy, I have to run to the Senate now for a budget hearing. Please ride with me in my car on the way to the Senate, we can talk in my car!”

I used to humor him by saying that we were in different industries: I was in energy and he was in power. I was energetic and he was powerful. And it was true. Angie had immense access and influence, but I never saw him flaunt that power to anyone, much less to a person of lower stature.

I became closer to him at the Harvard Club, where he was president and I, vice president. We once met inside the Army Headquarters Officers Club to inspect it as a venue for a Harvard Club event. As we left to move to another location, he noticed that I was driving alone in my car. And despite his position, security concerns and protocol, he surprised me, as well as all his staff and security, by jumping into my car to accompany me.

And when I stopped at the military gate to adjust my seat, a soldier came over and scolded us for obstructing the road. I was polite, and despite his position, Angie sat quietly beside me. Because of the commotion other soldiers came close and recognizing Angie they apologized profusely , all saluted and stood at attention. He saluted back gracefully without a hint of resentment.

Angie was a hardworking and simple man with simple tastes. He would always call for Harvard Club meetings from 8 p.m. onwards or on weekends! This was torture for me, for after a long day at the office, I would have to spend long nights working with Angie on Harvard Club matters. Angie always apologized for the inconvenience. And to show his gratitude, he would reward us with his favorite snack of Sky Flakes and sardines or inexpensive food delivery!

He loved the environment. He was extremely involved and very proud of his one-million-tree-planting project at the DENR (for which he earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records) and Earth Day at the Department of Energy.

Angie loved his mother, talked of her and gave me a book he wrote about her. And that love and respect was transferred to other mothers. During the last election some people would attack Cory’s performance as President to taint her son. Despite his belonging to another political party Angie would firmly tell people to leave her alone and then lecture them on how she restored our democracy.

I never heard Angie talk derisively about anyone; he was always positive and very proper.

I still remember our last dinner together this past December. We shared a few stories and jokes and as we were leaving, I asked him, as I had asked him many times before, “Sir, as a Christmas present could you please give me an autographed photo of you at EDSA 2?” And he answered, incredulously, as he had answered many times before. “Are you pulling my leg, Atom? Are you serious? Do you really want a photo of me? With my autograph?” I answered ,“ Yes, Sir. In EDSA 2 you took a stand, you stood up for what you believed in and you put your life on the line for it.

“You saved lives and you altered the course of history. That was your defining moment and it matters less what you did before or after it.”

I told him that for this he was a hero. And that he was my hero. He paused thoughtfully and smiled. Then we parted.

It can be said on the death of Angelo Reyes what was said by Carl Sandberg about the death of Abraham Lincoln.

“Did any lover of trees have a day break dream

Of a great oak on a high hill

Under the flash of a lightning prong crashing down helpless

A loss for all time to the winds and sky who had loved him

And had not known how much they loved him.”.

We who have known Angelo Reyes, loved him. But we did not know how much we loved him . . . until we lost him forever.

Farewell, Angie. In our hearts and minds you will never die.

* * *

Delivered on Feb. 11 at the Harvard- sponsored funeral Mass for Secretary Reyes.