I received a message this morning from Maj. Gen. Jose P. Magno or Gen. Joemag as he is fondly called. He said he would like to drop by my office to update me on some matters.
Although I was in Makati, I knew that it would be more convenient for him to go to Ford EDSA instead.
I was afraid to go to Makati today because of heavy traffic x friday = horrendous traffic. Lucky for me, from Makati, I reached Greenhills in less than an hour. Meron pang bonus, I fell asleep in the van. Naalimpungatan nga ako, I heard the driver saying “Mam, mam, dito na tayo”. When I opened my eyes, the face of the security guard was there in front staring at me. He was holding the door and waiting for me to wake up.
Omb——-“Guard, meron akong bisita, si General Magno, pagdating, papasukin agad”.
Omb to reception counter—–“Hi pretty ladies, I am expecting a guest, si General Magno, pagdating, paakyatin sa taas”.
Omb to second floor guard—–“Guard, meron akong bisita mamaya mga alas-tres, Si General Magno, papasukin mo”.
Omb to second floor receptionist—-“Meron akong guest si General Magno, samahan sa room”.
3:30 pm
Two female staff——“Mam, nadito na po si Senator Magno”.
Last time he’s seen Oyen was when she was 7 or 8, at the grand anniversary of the very first Ford EDSA.
Joemag’s grandson Christopher
We traveled around the world during the presidency of Pres. Fidel V. Ramos. General Magno was always beside FVR like a true brother, a loyal comrade and ally. They are more than friends, sobrang lalim ang kanilang pinagsamahan. Tila meron pang gyera.
I met him during state visits to other countries. He was with the government, me as a private sector. We circled the globe like sales agents. FVR was selling our country’s products, services, enticing investors to bet on our country. Ako naman, sama-sama lang. For whatever its worth, for whatever I could contribute as an ordinary citizen of this country.
General Magno was very gentle and soft spoken. One time, someone told me, nung panahon daw ni Gen. Magno, the mere mention of his name eh natatakot na ang mga tao. Terror daw sa military. Pero sa amin napaka approachable nya and kind.
I was happy to see him today. I haven’t seen him for about a year.
He still looks good, kala ko 75 lang sya. Yun pala 86 na daw sya and FVR is 88. These two are still very much active, wala silang mga sakit except for gout. They play golf regularly, walking, not riding in golf carts.
Gen. Magno was the President of GSIS. He is currently the chairman of Manila Toll Expressway Systems. He is also the chairman of Citra. He is the President of the Philippine-Cambodia Business Council. He is the Team Commander of the Special Forces (Airborne).
He travels a lot. I asked him if he takes sleeping pills during flights, hindi daw. I asked him if he gets nervous when the plane shakes, hindi daw because he’s a champion skydiver.
