FMG: There’s bliss in retirement

Freddie M. Garcia, president of ABS-CBN (or FMG as he is known in showbiz circles), retired in 2003 when he hit the mandatory age of 60. However, he still sits on ABS-CBN’s board of directors and programming committee. A pillar and an icon, his contributions to Philippine television are unquestionable. One of FMG’s strengths is that he has the pulse of the “masa,” and he makes no distinction whether he’s talking to a caddie or to a CEO.

FMG’s tandem with ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Gabby Lopez was undoubtedly a partnership to be reckoned with. They brought the company to unprecedented heights, and their commitment to serve Filipinos all over the world is undeniable.

When he retired, FMG admitted that he fell into a bit of depression. Having spent most of his years working at least 12 hours a day, he now has lots of time on his hands. Thankfully, he was able to snap out of this rut and found ways to keep himself busy. He played golf, went sailing, learned farming and travelled with his family. He also became an on-camera talent as a judge on Pilipinas Got Talent for four seasons (2013 to 2016), until his wife Gloria was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her illness prompted him to quit so he could take care of Tita G, as she was fondly called.

Tita G was FMG’s college sweetheart back when they were students in the University of the Philippines. They have four children — Miguel, Ana, Richie and Carlo — and nine grandchildren. FMG would often say how grateful he is that Tita G was understanding and supportive of him. They were married for 50 years and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in Japan on Jan. 8, 2017. A year later, she passed away on March 1, 2018.

Now a widower, FMG has moved out of the home he shared with Tita G to a penthouse unit he acquired many years ago in Makati. I asked him if he has acclimatized to condo living and he admits to feeling claustrophobic sometimes. Once, he tried to open the windows but was disappointed when they opened just a few inches. When he gets cabin fever these days, he just goes down to the mall. But he still maintains his palatial home in Ayala Alabang, which has a sprawling garden. His eldest, Miguel, still lives there, and this is where FMG’s children and grandchildren gather for lunch every Sunday.

FMG’s only daughter Anna G. Jose is an interior designer, and she helped him redo the Makati condo. When FMG acquired the unit more than 20 years ago, it was leased by the Japanese embassy for one of its officers. Now that he’s staying there, he gave it a major renovation by changing all the bathroom tiles and fittings. He also brought in his favorite art pieces and rugs to make it feel more like a home. Admittedly, his favorite spot is the bar which he claims is magical. During the day, it looks like a cabinet; but when you open it up, the bar is revealed. In the evening, he sits in the living room while listening to music and cradling a glass of scotch, grateful that life is good.