March 17, 2017 Friday
As much as possible I avoid going to Makati on Fridays to escape the heavy traffic. Good that our board meeting is off hours, 12-2 pm so this will not be so bad.
It’s been a while since the Philippine Trade Foundation aka Philippines, Inc. had our last board meeting.
The directors and trustees are all busy so it’s hard to find a date that all of us could be present at the same time.
We’re not serious. We just look serious. Or pretending to be serious.
Atty. Opap Villongco, me, Fausto Preysler
One of our board director, Atty. Miguel Varela, Jr. passed away a few months ago. We voted Felix Ang (Mercedes Benz) as Mike’s replacement. Original trustee and one of the founding members, Oscar de Venecia is resigning because of health issues. Tony Lopa nominated and we seconded, Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. to take his place as board trustee. Serge is also one of the founding members. We formed this group while we were in Austria during the presidency of FVR. Our original name was Team Philippines.
(clockwise): Atty. Leo Macatangay (Siguion Reyna Law Firm), Atty. Opap Villongco, Atty. Annie C. Tan-Yee (OMB Law), Consul Gen. Fausto Preysler, Vanessa Lee and RP Manhit, Tonyboy Cojuangco, Tony Lopa, Susing Pineda,
We discussed the past activities and the forthcoming trade and investment trips to Australia, New Zealand and Washington DC. Tony Boy requested that we no longer go inside the offices of the senators in Capitol Hill and inside the White House because walking long distances strain our legs and feet. Eh tumatanda na kaming lahat. Madali na kaming mapagod. The first time we went, in 2014, we walked far and wide. Inside the Pentagon pa lang, kilu-kilometro na ang lakad.
Tony Lopa and Susing Pineda.
Gigi Montinola was late. He informed us beforehand that he would really be late. How nice of him, even if he had a tight schedule, he made it a point to show up. I first met him at a dinner in Paris, in one of the presidential trips of Pres. FVR. Tagal na yun. I really think Gigi is such a nice person. Despite his stature, he has remained humble. During our meetings, he is just there, tahimik lang, well poised, naka ngiti. He doesn’t overwhelm us with his presence. Kaya when he opens his mouth I give my full attention kasi I want to hear his opinions and inside stories.
Our next General Membership meeting is next month at the Manila Golf big meeting room.
Another ohmybuhay long day…..
Is Fausto Preysler related to Isabel Preysler?
Most likely