Sonny willing to try everything

MANILA, Philippines - The dreadful thought of not being able to do things when old age starts to creep in has led Aurora Rep. Juan Eduardo “Sonny” Angara to grab every opportunity coming his way.

“At my age, I’m willing to try everything,” Rep. Sonny told The STAR when asked if he also wants to try showbiz just like other politicians who get a fair share of the entertainment spotlight. “If there’s an offer, why not. I have tried writing. Last year, I got to teach. I’m in that part of my life na, ‘Uy, teka tumatanda na yata ako.’ Parang I might never get the chance to do it again. That’s why, I’ll accept everything that will be offered to me.”

The congressman admitted he also keeps tabs on showbiz goings-on. “Mahilig ako manood but I never tried entering showbiz because I know there are more qualified than I am, sa pulitika na lang tayo,” he said with a laugh.”But if after this (political stint) there will be an offer, I’m open to do hosting.”

For now, Rep. Sonny is determined to work on measures that are beneficial to Filipino people. As chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, he aims to institute reforms to make education accessible to more Filipinos as well as improve the quality of the country’s educational system. He is one of the authors of the Kindergarten Education Act which was recently signed into law. He has had filed 10 national bills that eventually were enacted into laws. Among these were the Magna Carta of Women, Pre-Need Code of the Philippines,

With the celebrity players (from left) Fred Payawan, Rayver Cruz and Gerald Anderson

Real Estate Investment Trust Act, National Cultural Heritage Act Civil Aviation, Authority Act and the Personal Equity and Retirement Account Act. No wonder, he topped the list of prolific and hardworking members of the House of Representatives.

Just a few weeks ago, Rep. Sonny authored the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and visited the elderly at The Golden Acres.

He, too, has a soft spot for kids especially those who are homeless. Thus, he temporarily hung his formal suit for a basketball jersey to bring cheers to the children of Manila Boys’ Town Complex in Parang, Marikina.

The basketball game, which happened last July 14, saw Rep. Sonny with the Boystown team having fun playing hoops against the celebrity team led by Gerald Anderson. Having scored six points during the first quarter of the exhibition game is quite good enough for someone like Rep. Sonny whose time is mostly occupied with legislative work in Congress.

 “It’s nice seeing the kids having fun in a game like this and I’m glad that Gerald and other stars from ABS-CBN accepted our invitation to have a friendly game with them,” said Rep. Sonny who chose to spend the day before his 40th birthday bonding with the children in Boystown.

For Gerald playing with the kids was a delight. “It’s heartening to see them smile; that even for a short time, we were able to bring happiness. That’s why when I learned about this (charity event), I said yes right away. Sobra talagang fulfilling, sobrang nakakatuwa rin for us.”

With the kids of Manila Boys’ Town Complex

Other Kapamilya stars who joined in the game were Rayver Cruz, Fred Payawan, Young JV and Joe Vargas. Gerald’s brother, Kenneth Alex, was also present.

Rep. Sonny and the Boystown team pulled their victory with a score of 65 – 59 at the end of the game. “Magagaling ang mga bata dito,” Rep. Sonny declared.   

Just by observing how he deals with the kids, one could automatically sense that genuine concern the congressman has for children. He obliged with a smile when the young boys pulled him to the center of the hall to do some footwork. He, too, tried his best to sway his hips in one Hawaiian dance number. Since becoming a father in 2004, Rep. Sonny shared, he easily gets affected by depressing stories of kids without their parents as role models.

Asked if he has filed a bill regarding children’s welfare, Rep. Sonny replied, “We are working on expanding the government’s scholarship program for the less-fortunate but deserving students. Baka pwedeng idagdag sa CCT (Conditional Cash Transfer) since na-identify na yung para sa mahihirap baka pwede na din idagdag ang educational assistance. Yung P500 or P1,000 a month cash assistance ay madali maubos pero yung edukasyon pang habangbuhay.”

Presently serving his last term in Congress, does his father, Sen. Edgardo Angara, serve as an inspiration for him to run for Senator?

“My dad is my idol. He has done a lot of good for the people like the free high school (education), Philhealth, the Senior Citizen law so he serves as an inspiration. There’s a possibility in 2013 (to run for a higher post) pero pinag-iisipan pa.”