Cool and calm under pressure

Friends and colleagues say that  Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and COO Jaime J. Bautista, or Jimmy never loses his temper.

His calm disposition was further tested when he had to deal with striking PAL employees recently. Those were hard times for everyone, especially for Jimmy who had to make sure that everything wil return to normal immediately.

Now that PAL’s operations are back to normal, Jimmy finally found the time to share with us some trivia about himself. Here it goes:

What was your first job? How much was your first paycheck?

JJB: My first official job was at SGV as a staff auditor, although I worked as an apprentice to my professor (Faustino Viray Jr.) at his auditing firm with a small allowance. My first paycheck at SGV was P500 for a month’s salary.

How did you meet chairman Lucio Tan? How is he as a boss?

In 1980, a former colleague at SGV invited me to work for Dr. Lucio Tan. For me, Dr. Tan is a demanding and meticulous boss with a soft heart.

Can you describe working with the LT Group? How long has it been?

Working for the LT Group has been very challenging. I have been involved in almost all major corporate acquisitions. I have been assigned to some of these new companies as manager of finance, HR or operations. In 1993, I was appointed to PAL as VP-Comptroller. I have been working for the LT Group for more than 31 years.

Who plays better golf, you or your wife? What is your home course and latest handicap?

While I have a lower handicap (latest is 16), my wife plays more consistently. I play either at Manila Golf, Tagaytay Highlands or Sta. Elena.

I know that you are a doting grandfather. How many kids and grandkids do you have? Do you spoil your grandkid/s?

I have one daughter and one grandson. My wife and I agreed that we will not spoil our grandson; we will just make sure he is happy.

Have you taken any flying lessons? Do you dream of flying a plane?

No, I have not taken any flying lessons and I do not aspire to fly an airplane.

Aside from golf, what other sport do you engage in? Are you good at it? Is there any sport that you would like to learn and excel in?

I have no other sport than golf.

What do you like about running Philippine Airlines? What do you hate about running it? How many of your waking hours do you devote for PAL?

Managing the daily operations of PAL is time-demanding. It is very challenging. It has its ups and downs while also very fulfilling. A side benefit is getting to visit different places. On the average, I clock in between 12 to 15 hours a day at work.

I understand that Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima was your colleague at SGV? What do you remember about working with him?

Cesar Purisima was a serious and intelligent worker at SGV. He is very thorough about job performance.

What is your management style?

Mine is management by example. I avoid getting affected by pressure. I try to make objective judgments without succumbing to pressure. I also veer away from complex situations because I try to simplify any problem. I am also open-minded. I literally practice an open-door policy at my office, as I try to be as approachable as possible. I firmly believe in humility. I also trust people in general.

Are you a techie? What gadgets do you use?

Maybe a bit. I use an iPhone and iPad. I also have a state-of-the-art home entertainment system.

Any prized material possession? Do you collect anything?

My most prized possession is my family. I collect globes, maps, compasses and books.

What is the last book that you’ve read and what are you currently reading?

I am currently reading “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell. I am also reading “Against All Odds”, a compilation of inspiring success stories by Butch Jimenez and Flor Gozon Tariela.

Any preferred film genre? What was the last movie you watched?

I like action movies. The last movie I was able to watch to the end was Avatar.

If a genie would grant you three wishes, what would you ask for?

I will ask for only one wish – I wish my mother was alive today (she died in 1992) so I can do more to express my love for her.

What was the most memorable place that you’ve visited and why is it memorable? Any places that you would like to visit?

In 1987, my wife and daughter went to the US for the first time. We visited a lot of places, including the Grand Canyon. It was most memorable, life a bit simpler then. I would like to visit someday South America and Antartica, if possible.

How were you as a student? Why did you take up accounting? If given the chance, what course would you like to take up?

I was a working student.I had to keep my scholarship by getting high grades because my parents could not afford my schooling expenses. In high school, I even joined the school rondalla to earn a scholarship. Before graduating from high school, I saw a big house with the letters CPA after the homeowner’s name written on the front gate. This inspired me – I wanted to be a CPA.

Do you cook? What’s your specialty?

No, I don’t cook.

Any pet peeves?

I hate back-biters and rumor-mongers.

What’s a typical weekend for you?

Early in the morning, I play a round of golf; then lunch with the family at home. In the afternoon, I get to spend quality time with my grandson before going to church for Mass. We usually have a dinner out with the whole family.