Toby Tiangco: 24/7 Public Servant

The moment Toby Tiangco entered the Pacific Light Studio, everyone went gaga and wanted to shake his hand, say hello and just about whatever! He’s not an artista, but people react to him like they would when they’re meeting Zanjoe Marudo or any other celebrity. For someone who’s very much a public figure, I know Mayor Toby Tiangco to be really down-to- earth. And that’s the truth!

It was for the sake of our badminton friendship that he willingly agreed to be "transformed" for this special shoot. Not that he desperately needs transforming, though. I’ve always seen him look his best no matter what the occasion or place, whether it’s the badminton court, during events or on his very frequent rounds in Navotas. I envy his physique! No matter how much I diet, I will never even come close to having his figure!

When it comes to fashion, Mayor Tiangco knows just how to take advantage of the benefits of having regular exercise (gym, badminton, tennis). I’ve known him to be really maporma when the occasion calls for it but otherwise, I always see him in his usual office uniform of polo barong and slacks.

"For work, I always stick to the dress code at the municipal hall. I always want to lead by example," he says.

Seriously, though, he feels more comfortable in jeans and a long-sleeved or just a plain polo shirt. I’ve known him to be a jeans-and-sneakers type of guy. Even now, Mayor Toby prefers simple cotton T-shirts on weekends, shorts or jeans, and flip-flops (if he can get away with it).

I always tease him that he doesn’t look "mayor-ly" enough. It’s true that he doesn’t look like the typical politician we know (with a legion of bodyguards and an entourage that would probably rival any celebrity). "That’s what most of my friends tell me, that I’m not very politico," Mayor Toby admits. "You might say that I’m unconventional in my ways."

How unconventional? Well, he’s known to go around the neighborhoods regularly and personally call the attention of violators like litterbugs and shirtless men. He’s also known for standing on the main roads to make sure that both pedestrians and motorists observe the traffic rules. Talk about being really hands-on!

During the shoot, we indulged in our own Navotas childhood memories. He remembers all the rivers being clean and he loved catching his favorite fish called tatampal.

Growing up in a family of businessmen and entrepreneurs, Toby joined the political bandwagon "to be part of the solution," according to him. His motto was simple: "If you want to solve the problem, then be part of the solution." From businessman to public figure, the mayor has smoothly made the transition from a strictly 8-to-5 job to an almost 24/7 responsibility. "Nobody ever told me being a public servant stops at 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.!" he says impishly.

When he’s not being Toby Tiangco, the mayor, he’s just Toby Tiangco, the dad of a fast-growing 10-year-old named Tommy. If there’s one thing this cool dad and I agree on (even if I’m no dad, as far as I know!), it’s that his son is a better version of him! At this, he laughs out loud. "That’s what my son’s teachers also tell me! And you know what, I definitely agree!" Give the guy some credit for raising a son well despite being in the public eye.

With such a busy schedule, Toby gets to bond with his wife Michelle and son only during weekends and when they go on trips abroad. "That’s when I and my son really enjoy each other’s company," he shares. "I’m just a typical dad when I’m in another country – I drive, we go sightseeing, we horse around."

From businessman to vice mayor to mayor, is there anything this guy can’t do? Navotas’s most eminent personality just laughs at this question. "I really can’t say!" he says. "There’s so much that we in Navotas can do and we have a long way to go."

But with Mayor Toby Tiangco in charge, you can be sure he gets it done.

Your name: Tobias Reynald M. Tiangco

Your nickname: Toby

Your chief characteristic: Hardworking.

Your favorite qualities in a man: Honesty, perseverance.

Your favorite qualities in a woman: Loving, conservative.

Your favorite qualities in friends: Loyalty.

Your biggest flaw: Workaholic.

Your favorite occupation: Chief executive.

Your idea of happiness: Being with my family.

Your idea of misery: Disaster, both natural and man-made.

If not yourself, who would you be? No one in particular, but definitely someone who would try to excel in his chosen field.

Where would you like to live? Philippines! Nowhere else!

Your favorite color and flower: Green; rose

Your favorite painters: The one who painted my car and the one who painted my house (hehe).

Your favorite heroes in real life: Jesus Christ.

Your favorite heroines in history: Virgin Mary.

Your favorite names: Tommy.

Your pet peeves: Work left undone or unfinished, laziness.

What events in history do you most dislike? Killings brought about by differences in religious beliefs.

The reforms you would appreciate most? Restoration of the rule of law in the Philippines.

How would you like to die? Ready to meet my Creator.

What is your present state of mind? Excited and inspired to bring about more positive changes to Navotas.

For what fault have you the most tolerance? Ignorance.

Your favorite motto: Impossible is nothing; that’s why JUST DO IT!

What do you think was the best time in your life so far? When my son was born.

The one thing I would rescue first in case of a calamity is: My rosary.

I wish I had more time to: Spend with my family.

What do you like to spend your money on? Things for my son Tommy. –Based on the Marcel Proust Questionnaire