The lighter side of GMA boss FLG

(Editor’s Note: While Bibsy Carballo is on her month-long annual vacation abroad, representatives from the three networks will alternate in writing Live Feed: Butch Raquel for Kapuso, Peachy Guioguio for Kapatid and Kane Choa for Kapamilya. Ev- ery now and then, Bibsy will email a story from wherever in Europe she is.)

I am dedicating my second article to a man, who has not only fundamentally changed the direction of GMA Network, but has also managed to continuously inspire passion and excellence among his people, myself included.

Because of his countless achievements in life, many people look up to him as a visionary in the broadcast industry — a game-changer — and equally as a brilliant and respected lawyer given his distinguished career in this field before managing the broadcasting business. But what not a lot of people know is that successful and still so hardworking as he is, lawyer Felipe L. Gozon finds plea- sure and relaxation in simple things.

At the end of a busy and tiring day, the chairman and CEO of GMA Network likes to pick up a good book, watch TV and relax, or to simply be surrounded by his grandchildren.

What is your favorite form of relaxation?

“Playing chess preferably with some- one I can beat easily (joke!); watching TV; and swimming or playing with my grandchildren. During long weekends, I sometimes bring my family out-of-town where I can relax and enjoy the company.”

How do you deal with stress at the workplace?

“I normally give vent to my annoyance or irritation over mistakes and careless- ness or negligence committed. I do not tolerate dishonesty.”

How do you reward yourself after a long day at work?

“I don’t normally reward myself at the end of the day. And I don’t usually work after office hours or at night. I put off unfinished work during the day and do it early the next morning at the house before I go to the office.”

What is your favorite pastime?

“Bowling with my bowling group of more than 30 years; playing chess; watching TV; listening to the AM radio before I sleep and upon waking up; swimming with my grandchildren, etc.”

If you weren’t in the broadcast industry, what would you be doing right now?

“What I was doing before I got into the broadcast industry, i.e., practicing law.”

On his love for reading...

How did you develop your love for reading?

“I suppose it was when I got hooked with the fiction books of Robert Ludlum, James Mischener, Michael Crichton, etc.”

What kind of books do you enjoy reading most?

“I like science-fiction, mystery and historical books.”

What are your primary considerations when buying a book?

“I don’t usually buy books. My wife and children buy them for me. They know the kind of books I would enjoy reading: Suspense, mystery, history or science- fiction, and the authors I like.”

What are your all-time favorite books and why?

“I like the books of Mischener because they’re based on research on the historical background around which he creates his stories.”

Are there still any books that you haven’t read that you wish to start reading soon?

“Although I’ve read the Bible many times, I’d still like to read it again and try to understand better the Revelation or Apocalypse. There is always something new to learn every time you read the Bible.”

Do you receive books from family and friends as gifts?

“Oh yes. Often. My family and friends know that I enjoy reading books. On occa- sions like my birthday or Christmas, some of my friends or people from the office call my wife and ask her if I had already read the books they were planning to get for me, or which books I would prefer to get.”

Have you ever considered writing your own book? If so, what would be the topic of your book?

“Yes, in fact I’m in the process of writ- ing my autobiography now.”

On his love for chess and bowling...

What got you started in playing bowl- ing and chess?

“I started playing 10-pin bowling after something went wrong with the cartilage in my knee, and I had to stop jogging and playing tennis. I played chess in the office to relax when I got tired of working.”

Who do you usually play bowling with? Chess?

“We have this “Mom and Dad” group composed of four couples. We started bowling in 1982, and up to now that we are “grandmoms and granddads” we still play at the Makati Sports Club. Aside from Tessie and me, the group is com- posed of Roger and Lynn Villarosa, Jovy and Alice Cinco and Ric and Et Librea. We joke that even when we can no longer hit the pins, as long as we can still throw the ball, we will continue to play.

“I used to play chess with Dick Perez at my office. Dick was the VP for Legal in GMA 7, but he passed away a few years back. I don’t play chess regularly with anyone now.”