MANILA, Philippines - Loren Legarda has a secret weapon on the campaign trail. He is a good-looking young man, so articulate, and so charming. His name is Leandro Legarda Leviste and he is the most brilliant 20-year-old I know.
I should know because Lean is a fire-breathing columnist in our Young Star section who writes about stuff that would interest readers twice his age. If he has become wise beyond his years, blame it on his mother who has exposed him to too many intellectual pursuits that he probably found no time to play. Did he ever read Harry Potter? Did he ever watch Rock of Ages? Perhaps he was more interested in Harry Truman or the Age of Enlightenment.
Lean was in the highest honor roll at the International School Manila where he was student council president. A champion debater in debating contests held in places such as Scotland, Malaysia and now Yale University where he is a phenomenal achiever. This incoming junior majoring in Political Science was secretary of Yale University’s student government this year. He is an active member of the Yale Debate Team.
“I love learning about the world,†Lean says. “I have learned from my mom that the best place to help others is from within government.â€
Which is perhaps why he decided to help his mother during the election campaign, going with her to remote provinces, shaking hands with people in markets, joining candidates for grassroots activities and even delivering speeches during rallies.Lean alsocontributed to campaign strategy and planning, media messaging and social media operations.
Obviously, his past experience as an intern to East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta helped a lot. And so did his internships at The Economist in New York and the Philippine Mission to the United Nations.
One of his most memorable trips is meeting Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar.
So much has been written and said about Loren Legarda as a journalist, patron of culture, environmentalist, public servant and topnotcher senator. But not enough has been said about her as a mother. Perhaps the best way to gauge her success as a mother is to look at the success of her children.
Her sons Lean and Lanz (who is currently finishing post-grad studies in Europe) are proof that Loren Legarda is also a topnotcher mother.
LOREN LEGARDA says:
A good mother is someone who loves unconditionally and selflessly.
A good son is someone who respects and honors his parents and is grateful for all the sacrifices of his parents.
The best lesson I have taught my sons? Being resilient in life, being grateful for what you have, learning to forgive, learning to move forward.
The best lesson my sons have taught me is there is no substitute for a good and loving relationship between siblings and I am so blessed they are close and loving to each other.
I am proud of Lanz because he has talent, passion and integrity.
I am proud of Lean because he has leadership, passion and brilliance.
LEANDRO LEGARDA LEVISTE says:
A good mother is one who imparts to her children good values and raises them to be good citizens.
A good son is one who honors his parents and brings them honor in every word and deed.
The best lesson my mom taught me is that nothing is impossible. With enough hard work, perseverance, and your heart in the right place, you can achieve anything.
The best lesson I have taught my mom is that technology can make your life so much easier if only you give it a chance. Learning how to e-mail and text has changed her life!
I am proud of my mom because of everything she has achieved in life. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Neither has her personal or professional life been easy. But she has lived her life with a passion, resilience, and love for country that make her a real life superhero to me and the many people she inspires.