President Aquino after 2016

It seems everyone wants to know what President Aquino plans to do when he steps down from office in  2016.

At least this  question was the one most asked at last week’s 28th Bulong Pulungan sa Sofitel Philippine Plaza  Christmas party  where he  was guest of honor and speaker.

Summarizing the dialogue between the president and Bulong Pulungan core group is no easy thing, as statements made have to be cut short  due to space constraints. Still the question and answer session was cordial; the chief executive was relaxed and friendly at a forum where, he said — pardon our lifting of our bench — questions raised were “not inane,” and were “thought-provoking.” So unlike press briefings which ended with “speculative” media reports.

As the president said in his opening remarks, “Don’t we all agree that in reporting we must always get the facts right, the angle right, and the news right, if we are to truly inform our people?”

 My colleague at the Philippine STAR, Joanne Ramirez, asked if he would run for another office after 2016? 

The president said,  foremost in his mind, “is to take at least a year’s break and recharge and recover from all the tensions, turmoil and  concerns over the past six years. So I think I will try to look for the means to serve in another capacity rather than through an elective office.”

A day before Bulong, Jullie Yap Daza had watched the president presiding over  an  NDRRMC meeting, paying  attention to the minutest  details, giving the impression of being “somewhat obsessive-compulsive.”

The president responded with, “At the end of  the day, I think I’m ultimately responsible for how this government works and I want to impress upon everybody that it’s not just doing something, but rather doing the right thing.”

Thelma San Juan of the Inquirer: “ Between now and 2016 when you step down what will be your ultimate focus that you think has a long way to go?”

President:  “The focus of 2015 is more intensified: inclusivity of the  growth in the economy and the empowerment of the people, and if this is very palpable to everybody. That is the main focus for the meantime.”

To Rina Jimenez David’s query on where the president will go: “Well, going back to Times street (the Aquino residence in Quezon City), staying in my own bed, in my own house. And perhaps looking forward to the following day when I don’t have to wake up too early, I can laze around,  then perhaps, visit the neighborhood supermarket and the fast food joints.”

Sandee Masigan of Travel Life asked how young people could contribute and help the country.  The president said the next  generation would be faced with a different set of problems, so after college, the energy that you bring  for those of us who are a little less young, added with our experience, really does make finding the solutions (to challenges) that much easier.”

As to my question on what were the happiest moments in his life as president, he mentioned reading NEDA reports that  about two and a half million people have been lifted out of poverty, 1.6 million having new jobs, manufacturing companies coming in, TESDA producing graduates who have improved their lives.

Anticipating the onslaught of Typhoon Ruby, “We are ready to meet the disaster head on. We are not reacting, we are pro-active, and this makes me  happy also.”

What will he ask Pope Francis when they meet in January, asked blogger Chay Santiago. The answer was, pray for our country, in light of the calamities hitting us – earthquakes, typhoons  and volcanoes.  We shall pray for  our ability  to reconstruct better, to withstand the effects of global climate change better,  and our people spared from the ravages of the  increasing challenges.

Aida Sevilla of Inquirer asked what car the president would like to buy when he is free?  The reply: “Can I check on 2015 models before answering that?” (Laughter all around.) What he wants, though,  is a car which, when he turns the switch, will go forward.          

Bob Zozobrado of Manila Standard asked if the president found himself talking or asking help from his parents during times of crisis. The president said yes. “What I’m undergoing now pales in comparison to what they had  to undergo. My mommy used to say something like she’d pray to my dad and say, “Eh, ano ba naman itong iniwan mo sa akin?” So now, I the next generation says, “Mom, dad, ano ba naman itong iniwan ninyo sa akin?”

What is the president’s Christmas wish for himself and for the country, asked moderator Deedee Siytangco of Manila Bulletin. To have peaceful moments, was the reply, to be pausing and enjoying “something that is so intrinsically part of the Filipino culture, which is being with the family.”  

Creativity goes center stage as masterpieces from local artists are featured by BiSKeG Pangasinan Artist Collective at the Liongoren Gallery, Tapuac District, Dagupan City until Dec. 13. The show aims to showcase the vivid masterpieces of artists from distinct fields.

“BiSKeG is a fitting name to the group,” says artist Patrick Fernandez. “It means strength. The strength to hold united a group consisting of a multitude of artists from varying backgrounds and media to uphold Pangasinan culture using art as medium.”

Despite the trend and availability of digital art tools, the participants have found traditional media to have a sense of unique artistry. It allows for a definitive expression through a sense of connection with their pencils and brushes whether they are street artists, contemporary painters, graphic illustrators or art enthusiasts. 

The gallery showcases the works of participating artists, namely: Frenk Sison, Nathaniel Jovero, Kevin Auldren Vila, Patrick B. Fernandez, Anne Lacaba Rachel, Ben John Lincod Albino, Aileen Alcantara, Kat Abenoja, Kathleen Claveria, Wilfredo Tan Crisologo, Peeme Legaspi, Edz Calimlim, Jojit Solano, Glency Tirao, Jude Agas, Mark Joseph Macaraeg, Carlitz Elegado, Boni De Guzman, Denmark J. Dela Cruz, Ian Espino, Ma. Grace Carpizo, Joel Estiller, Meriam Tumolto, Kim Golea, Rosemary Martinez, Jerland Tirao, Bryan Songcuan Lyantra, Kryzzelle Pasion, Mel Casipit, Debbhie Gregorio, Kathrina Ragadi, and Boeng Miranda Crisologo.

Interested persons are invited to attend a painting session on Dec. 12, under Bondi de Guzman. 

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