A blue-eyed Filipino, other notable 'Pinoys' a confluence of events

Today is Saturday, and scores of readers, myself included, will miss the column of Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ. He is now hibernating in Our Lady of Peace Hospital, after having written a weekly column all these years, and having just celebrated his 93rd birthday.

From Fr. Reuter’s columns, written in a simple, readable style, there was always a lesson to be drawn — moral, social, philosophic or religious. In those columns, he often stressed his love for Filipinos whom he described as the gentlest and friendliest people in the world. He has lived with us and served us for so long that Congress made him an honorary Filipino citizen, thus rendering him possibly the only blue-eyed ‘Pinoy’ in our midst.

Fr. Reuter’s fans, friends, followers and admirers are legion, and this may be explained by his having engaged in various disciplines. Basically a theater man, he has directed scores of plays, many of them his own. Incredibly, he recently wrote and directed a play to mark the golden anniversary of St. Paul’s College (University Manila). His theater activities in St. Paul’s College in earlier years spawned the “Reuter babies” — girls he directed in school plays, and who, thereafter, came to regard him as a second father. Fr. Reuter also conducted, with notable success, the Ateneo College Glee Club.

Through the years, he periodically gave spiritual retreats. I attended one of these as a high school student in St. Scholastica College and I distinctly remember two things he propounded in his lectures. A winner, he said, is like an athlete who, aiming to win the race, will begin running as fast as he can, and upon reaching his maximum speed, start to increase his pace! Fr. Reuter also kept emphasizing this part of the Lord’s Prayer: You can’t be forgiven your trespasses by the Almightly unless you forgive those who trespass against you.

I’m sure many of Fr. Reuter’s friends and admirers visit him in his tranquil abode, and I hope to do that myself in the near future.

There is another Filipino I’d like to single out: the English-born Brian R.N. Murray, president of Murray Management Corporation. (I have not ascertained the color of his eyes.) Brian, who has resided in this country for years, way before he married his genteel American wife Leslie, became a naturalized Filipino citizen in 1982. I’m certain he has accepted and become resigned to both the virtues and shortcomings — the eccentricities and peculiarities — of Filipinos who heartily welcome him as one of them.

I don’t personally know Hans Bruman who, according to a newspaper report, has also become a Filipino citizen. I recently featured Bruman’s joint exhibition with National Artist Arturo Luz whose designs Bruman crafted into exquisite jewelry pieces.

Hopefully, by this time, the CA has approved the appointment of Mercy Arrastia Tuazon as ambassador to the Vatican. Mercy is a cultured, refined, intelligent, warm and gracious woman who possesses what diplomats need most: savoire-faire. Mercy is a lady in the truest sense of the word.

Confluence of events

Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney sent out invitations to the exhibit “Picturing America”, a collection of masterpieces of art and photography by American artisans, artists, craftsmen, photographers and architects. The exhibit, which opened at the Atrium June 23, will run through July 5.

Last Thursday, the exhibit “First Impressions, Early View of the Philippines” opened at the Yuchengco Museum in celebration of Phil-Spanish Friendship Day 2009 under the auspices of the Spanish Embassy and the Philippine Map Collectors Society. The exhibit ends July 30.

On July 3, the Broadway musical “The Fantasticks”, which is being re-staged by Repertory Philippines, will open Onstage, Greenbelt, Makati. Baby Barredo is director; Julie Borromeo, choreographer.

Also on July 3, Ivi Avellana-Cosio’s, exhibit “Floriade 5” will open at Le Souffle Rockwell, Amorsolo Tower, and will be on view until July 31. A soiree, with the singing to be led by Ivi, will follow the opening.

Also on July 3, the Rotary Club of Alabang will present eminent pianist Cristine Coyiuto and her daughter, brilliant flutist Caitlin Alisa, in a concert for the Benefit of Tuloy Foundation at the Audi Alabang auditorium.