6-1-0

Most people might think that 6-1-0 is simply a numerical representation of the date meaning the 6th month and the 10th day. But for a particular group of people, 6-1-0 represents a man they revere, and whose birthday they remember today. Knowing the code “6-1-0” means you’ve worked with the man closer than other individuals have, it represents a measure of familiarity with an industry leader, a powerful and influential person, a mentor and a true friend. It also means you know the “Man” more than the myth because he trusted you enough to allow you into his space, was comfortable enough to be vulnerable and transparent with you. Was confident in himself and in your friendship, that he would on rare occasions share his innermost pain and disappointment. And when he teased you and cracked jokes at your expense, it only meant that you were considered a friend in the real sense of the word.

To those who’ve worked for him or with him, 6-1-0 was a visionary, a man full of big ideas who saw his vision through, not necessarily by direct action, but through a host of well selected individuals he determined to be highly skilled, talented and reliable for getting things done. The first thing I learned about 6-1-0 was that he had a knack for finding the right people or recognizing talent in people and he would invest his time, resources and, most importantly, his trust. He paid attention to people who delivered, who took the initiative, people who enjoyed getting the job or the project done as much as he did, especially those who liked the challenge as much as the bottom lines. In other words, you came to the table with the required skill set and you earned his trust based on your track record and character. It did not matter what school you came from or how many degrees or how sophisticated your lineage may be, it was always about track record and reliability.

6-1-0 was also an “Enabler.” He would start out sharing his idea, sit back and listen for feedback, send out a search party to find the right people for the job and then he would step back and let the team or the individual get on with the program. Yes, people around him would comment that 6-1-0 never ran out of ideas and projects but no one ever told me that he micro-managed or interfered with people’s work. I never once heard him engage in long discussions, debates or even arguments. He listened, did not talk as much as the next guy and I remember him being a “one liner” sort of person when it came to giving his opinion, but those one-liners were with authority or finality. He stayed in conversations more for the company that he enjoyed and to fill his curiosity and penchant for solving challenges big or small.

In terms of generosity and trust, 6-1-0 was much like the biblical master who left “talents” or money to his people based on their abilities and was not inclined towards reckless or wasteful generosity. People would go to him asking for things, jobs, business, even favors but he was not frivolous in giving or the type to give out or accommodate simply because he could. Yes, there were “political exemptions,” but he clearly made a distinction between “necessary political accommodations” versus personal giving or gifting. He “entrusted” you with a personal gift or favor because he felt it would bring you joy, that you would make the most of what was entrusted to you, and that you had the ability to make the gift result into better things.

In terms of focus, he would get so engrossed with projects and ideas that he would lose track of time and days. One day he showed up for work and was surprised that he arrived ahead of everyone. After about an hour he started asking the security if his secretary was in already, then he asked if so and so was in the office already. The security guard by the elevator was puzzled and sheepishly told 6-1-0 “Sir baka kasi holiday po ngayon.” He clearly loved coming to the office. It was there where he was in his element, it was there where people from different walks of life would visit, spend time with him and, as busy and as private as he was, he would always offer you a seat, invite you to join in or check on how you were. 6-1-0 was always admired for noticing and appreciating the “everyday Joe’s and Jane’s” whom he would compliment, acknowledge, check on, whether you were staff, security or utility. Time and again I have heard him speak in a local dialect clearly to make people at ease, come to think of it I never heard him speak in English except in formal business events. It was either Tagalog or Kapampangan or a mixture of both.

Yes, he was the Chairman, the President, the CEO and a whole bunch of other titles and positions in so many different companies, but I never ever heard  6-1-0 lose his temper or verbally abuse anyone publicly. It was always a one-liner, a shake of the head in disapproval or disbelief, a sprinkle of sarcasm maybe, and that was it. Whatever happened after was never for public consumption. People loved to work with him or for him because at the end of the day not only was he inspiring, pleasant and challenging to be around, everyone knew that 6-1-0 always had their interest in mind. That’s why today, on 6-1-0 many of his people, particularly at San Miguel Corporation, will commemorate and celebrate his birthday and say: Happy Birthday BOSS Danding Cojuangco.

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