Roman wasn’t built in a day

Lawyer Roman Romulo is so nationalistic that one of his first messages to the lady he was courting eight years ago — who now happens to be his wife — was, “Happy Independence Day!”

“That was one of the first messages sent to me by Roman via text. It was the only Independence Day greeting I ever received in my life!” recalls the beauteous Shalani, who married Roman in 2012 after a whirlwind courtship.

Still love-struck after all these years, Shalani is dutifully by Roman’s side as he campaigns for a seat in Congress, representing the lone district of Pasig.

“Roman has his own brand of being unique and funny. He also has a quiet sense of confidence that I admire. He works hard but doesn’t like highlighting his accomplishments nor does he boast about them. Roman is a simple person but with a noble intention — to contribute in nation building,” says Shalani, who is no stranger to politics, having been a councilor of Valenzuela from 2004 to 2013.

Shalani and Roman Romulo. www.instagram.com/shalanisoledad

Like most women (and men, for that matter), Shalani used to pray for the “right one” to come along.

“Dami ko pang requests before about traits the right one would have...Then came Roman. He is the answer to my prayer! God gave me the best! There is nothing more I could ever hope for because he loves me and accepts me as I am,” says Shalani.

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Roman wasn’t built in a day. His experience in public service goes back a long, long way.

Roman recently shared with us the gist of his thoughts and past published pronouncements on public service.

Roman says his father, former senator Bert Romulo, is his role model. “My father has always been in public service even before he ran for the Senate. I even remember when he was in the Rotary Club and Jaycees. So, growing up, nakikita na namin na talagang tumutulong siya sa ibang tao,” he says.

Roman adds, “Our parents (his mother is the former Lovely Tecson) have always told us, ‘Public service is sacrifice’.”

Roman said that his father threw his hat into the political ring in 1984, the year after the assassination of Ninoy Aquino that’s why his (Roman’s) political awakening was anchored on anti-corruption and good governance.

“So from the very beginning, yun ang intindi namin sa public office.”

Roman during a committee meeting to safeguard the right of students to quality education in 2014. www.instagram.com/roman_romulo

Roman entered public service when he was a newly minted lawyer and Daddy Bert had mixed feelings at first.

“His point was, you have to be financially secure.”

Having been a congressman in the past, and author of several bills on education, Roman says he knows what he’s getting into if elected.

“Once you’re there in position, it’s not for you to enjoy. You have to work hard. Do your homework. You really have to invest your time. You can’t take short cuts.”

In fact, Roman’s sister Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat says that when she assumed office, people who knew her dad and Roman were not surprised with her standards when it came to financial management.

Berna says, “So sometimes, when I become so strict at work, I’d hear from fellow colleagues who have worked with Dad and Roman, ‘Oh, you’re like your dad and brother’!”

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Roman was representative of the lone district of Pasig from 2007 to 2016. He was the chairman of the house’s Higher and Technical Education Committee.

Among the bills he authored was the Act Providing Scholarship Grants to Top Graduates of All Public High Schools in State Universities and Colleges.

Before he became congressman, he was an associate at the Quisumbing Torres and Evangelista Law offices and a senior associate at SyCip Salazar Hernandez and Gatmaitan Law Offices.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines in Diliman (Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Bachelor of Laws), he pursued International Development Law Institute in Rome, Italy — where else?

Shalani and Roman Romulo with Lovely and Alberto Romulo.

On Monday, Pasigueños will decide if they want Roman back in Congress.

But why does Roman want to be back?

“If you think you can do better instead of other people, might as well be the one to help out,” he believes.

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Pilgrims who joined the Holy Land, Jordan and Turkey pilgrimage organized by Catholic Travel Inc. with Fr. Dave Concepcion recently got together at Victorino’s in Quezon City. In photo are (seated, from left) Arlene Santamaria, Sol Yuyitung, Fr. Dave, Romy Limuaco, Adele Joaquin, Aly Placino and Tina Maramba; (second row, from left) Edwin and Alet Fernandez, Nancy Limuaco, Dee Dimalanta, Armi Santos, Mary Tan, Andie Uy, Glo Flores, Leonor Uy, Suan Yuyitung, Gina Garcia, Norma Tinoco, the author, Dolly Perez, Mike and Jane Tan and Ivy Tantuco; (third row, from left) Dom Dimalanta, Arnel and Minda Gonzales, Ghee Panganiban, Ed Uy, Ber tCrisostomo, Patrick Flores and Fermin Santos.

(You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)