Nick Joaquin’s entertaining but ‘sipsip’ biography of GMA
January 13, 2003 | 12:00am
Madame Excelsis: Historying Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
By Nick Joaquin
Philippines, Inc./Strategic Advantage, Inc.
245 pages
What is it that makes the enigmatic President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tick? What in her past experiences motivates her major political decisions, such as the surprising Rizal Day announcement that she will no longer seek reelection? How will she respond to or parry the various accusations and even the most salacious rumors incessantly hurled against her for many years? How did she evolve from an Assumption-educated honor student to the driven and ambitious politician, the only child of a president and the only economics professor to also become a Philippine president?
What are the numerous information lacking in this biography, which would have made this book on GMA more complete. These include the following: There was no detailed account about the important offer of Speaker Joe de Venecia, during his birthday party held at his home, for GMA to become his running-mate, and that GMA surprisingly did not ask him for anything in return; there was no mention of the name of President Diosdado Macapagal’s first wife, who was the sister of actor Rogelio de la Rosa. Not much was discussed about Macapagal’s colorful political rivalry with then Senator Ferdinand Marcos and its impact on GMA’s political evolution, or GMA’s reaction to her father’s electoral loss to Marcos while she was still studying in the US. Not much was discussed about GMA as economics professor in St. Scholastica, Assumption, UP and the Ateneo; not much was discussed about her younger brother, the brilliant investment banker and her confidant, Buboy Macapagal, and not much was discussed about the Edsa 3 phenomenon and GMA’s earnest courting of the pro-Erap masses. Although the book actually ends upon GMA’s assumption of power in January 2001 and narrates in some detail the tumultuous events leading to Edsa 2, not enough of the legal, constitutional and other justifications of her tumultuous rise to the Presidency were offered in this biography, which could have made it more interesting.
There is a wealth of information in this biography about GMA, such as her childhood with her maternal grandmother in Mindanao, her two years of being Georgetown University classmates with future US President Bill Clinton, whom she remembers as being handsome, intelligent and popular. The book recounts how GMA got to meet the spoiled rich boy Mike Tuason Arroyo at a party thrown by his cousin and Greggy Araneta’s sister Patty Araneta. It reveals their long courtship and his role in her political career. Previously unknown facts include Mike Arroyo’s father having been so afraid of the possible anger of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos that he was deliberately absent at her son’s wedding to Gloria Macapagal, causing father and son not to talk for some years.
Among the numerous questions the public have about the GMA phenomenon will be addressed in this readable book. How did GMA shift from her original college course of foreign service to economics? Why was GMA the only child of former President Diosdado Macapagal to continue with his political legacy of running for public office, instead of her father’s original preference for younger brother Diosdado "Buboy" Macapagal, Jr.? How important was the Nora Aunor gimmick in GMA’s electoral victories, or was this factor overly exaggerated, as declared by Buboy Macapagal? What about the hot rumors of illicit romance between her and Justice Secretary Nani Perez, with the latter having even created a new pink orchid he christened "Malvarosa Princesa Gloria" as his gift? What were the circumstances that made GMA not to run under her father’s Liberal Party, her later abandonment of Laban for the Lakas Party, her co-habiting with then President Estrada as his Cabinet member then later resigning when Erap was already troubled by controversies? Was it true GMA wept for days after her decision to cut ties with her political mentor Ed Angara? Was it true she expected to be made chairman or president of Lakas, but former President Fidel V. Ramos instead proposed Senator Teofisto Guingona as party president? What about accusations by her political enemies regarding her alleged involvement with jueteng through Bong Pineda, who also hails from her hometown of Lubao, Pampanga? Is it true that Mike Arroyo and his group were prepared for bloodshed during Edsa 2 in their campaign to oust then President Joseph Estrada from Malacañang?
These are the numerous interesting topics discussed in detail and with much candor by Nick Joaquin, the 85-year-old National Artist for Literature and the country’s finest living novelist, in his new biography of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Unexpectedly, GMA recently regained the political initiative with her December 30 speech, after months of being on the defensive from mounting attacks by her political foes and after the worsening of her survey ratings. All eyes are now on her next moves. Is she sincere in doing away with the perceived politicking in her past? Can she now push bold policies, such as family planning, cut her utang na loob to various lobby groups, improve peace and order in order to attract tourists and investors, curb excess public expenditures this year before the election season to lessen the budget deficit, and other daring policies? Will she drop her grandiose-sounding yet unpopular "Strong Republic" rhetoric, stop the inane musical chairs of giving disliked Cabinet men new jobs and appoint more brilliant men to her inner circle for a more efficient republic?
The master storyteller Nick Joaquin has authored a very entertaining account of the life of GMA, but the sipsip title Madame Excelsis: Historying Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo seems too lavish in its praise and already forewarns the readers that this authorized biography is unabashedly and obsequiously part of her image-building efforts. Although there are many limitations to what Nick Joaquin can do in this book commissioned by 20 well-meaning top tycoons of Philippines, Inc. who expect flattering descriptions and praises of the President, this well-written new book is significant for giving much new information on GMA’s personal and political life. Admirers and critics of GMA will find numerous new insights into her life, career, her innermost thoughts and aspirations, and perhaps giving us clues on how to foretell the country’s future direction under her. Nick Joaquin’s engaging book tells a good story about GMA, the complex political phenomenon upon whom rests the Filipino nation’s destiny and economic future. After reading this book, one will realize that it is grossly unfair and untrue to describe GMA as simply a boring politician or technocrat surrounded by many uncharismatic and inefficient officials. She is one of the most colorful and complex political leaders in Philippine history, whom friends and foes should never underestimate or quickly write off. GMA is hardworking and highly-educated, but can she rise above politics and the incompetence of her many officials to aspire for great leadership? The Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presidential saga is not yet finished, and she has 18 more months to rewrite Philippine history for good or ill. Allies and critics alike will gain a better appreciation of the President from this well-written book. This authorized biography will certainly become an important resource material for future definitive, dispassionate and objective biographical works about the true Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her legacy.
Please send comments or suggestions to wilson_lee_flores@yahoo.com or wilson_ lee_flores@hotmail.com, or P.O. Box 14277, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila.
By Nick Joaquin
Philippines, Inc./Strategic Advantage, Inc.
245 pages
What is it that makes the enigmatic President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tick? What in her past experiences motivates her major political decisions, such as the surprising Rizal Day announcement that she will no longer seek reelection? How will she respond to or parry the various accusations and even the most salacious rumors incessantly hurled against her for many years? How did she evolve from an Assumption-educated honor student to the driven and ambitious politician, the only child of a president and the only economics professor to also become a Philippine president?
What are the numerous information lacking in this biography, which would have made this book on GMA more complete. These include the following: There was no detailed account about the important offer of Speaker Joe de Venecia, during his birthday party held at his home, for GMA to become his running-mate, and that GMA surprisingly did not ask him for anything in return; there was no mention of the name of President Diosdado Macapagal’s first wife, who was the sister of actor Rogelio de la Rosa. Not much was discussed about Macapagal’s colorful political rivalry with then Senator Ferdinand Marcos and its impact on GMA’s political evolution, or GMA’s reaction to her father’s electoral loss to Marcos while she was still studying in the US. Not much was discussed about GMA as economics professor in St. Scholastica, Assumption, UP and the Ateneo; not much was discussed about her younger brother, the brilliant investment banker and her confidant, Buboy Macapagal, and not much was discussed about the Edsa 3 phenomenon and GMA’s earnest courting of the pro-Erap masses. Although the book actually ends upon GMA’s assumption of power in January 2001 and narrates in some detail the tumultuous events leading to Edsa 2, not enough of the legal, constitutional and other justifications of her tumultuous rise to the Presidency were offered in this biography, which could have made it more interesting.
There is a wealth of information in this biography about GMA, such as her childhood with her maternal grandmother in Mindanao, her two years of being Georgetown University classmates with future US President Bill Clinton, whom she remembers as being handsome, intelligent and popular. The book recounts how GMA got to meet the spoiled rich boy Mike Tuason Arroyo at a party thrown by his cousin and Greggy Araneta’s sister Patty Araneta. It reveals their long courtship and his role in her political career. Previously unknown facts include Mike Arroyo’s father having been so afraid of the possible anger of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos that he was deliberately absent at her son’s wedding to Gloria Macapagal, causing father and son not to talk for some years.
These are the numerous interesting topics discussed in detail and with much candor by Nick Joaquin, the 85-year-old National Artist for Literature and the country’s finest living novelist, in his new biography of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Unexpectedly, GMA recently regained the political initiative with her December 30 speech, after months of being on the defensive from mounting attacks by her political foes and after the worsening of her survey ratings. All eyes are now on her next moves. Is she sincere in doing away with the perceived politicking in her past? Can she now push bold policies, such as family planning, cut her utang na loob to various lobby groups, improve peace and order in order to attract tourists and investors, curb excess public expenditures this year before the election season to lessen the budget deficit, and other daring policies? Will she drop her grandiose-sounding yet unpopular "Strong Republic" rhetoric, stop the inane musical chairs of giving disliked Cabinet men new jobs and appoint more brilliant men to her inner circle for a more efficient republic?
The master storyteller Nick Joaquin has authored a very entertaining account of the life of GMA, but the sipsip title Madame Excelsis: Historying Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo seems too lavish in its praise and already forewarns the readers that this authorized biography is unabashedly and obsequiously part of her image-building efforts. Although there are many limitations to what Nick Joaquin can do in this book commissioned by 20 well-meaning top tycoons of Philippines, Inc. who expect flattering descriptions and praises of the President, this well-written new book is significant for giving much new information on GMA’s personal and political life. Admirers and critics of GMA will find numerous new insights into her life, career, her innermost thoughts and aspirations, and perhaps giving us clues on how to foretell the country’s future direction under her. Nick Joaquin’s engaging book tells a good story about GMA, the complex political phenomenon upon whom rests the Filipino nation’s destiny and economic future. After reading this book, one will realize that it is grossly unfair and untrue to describe GMA as simply a boring politician or technocrat surrounded by many uncharismatic and inefficient officials. She is one of the most colorful and complex political leaders in Philippine history, whom friends and foes should never underestimate or quickly write off. GMA is hardworking and highly-educated, but can she rise above politics and the incompetence of her many officials to aspire for great leadership? The Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo presidential saga is not yet finished, and she has 18 more months to rewrite Philippine history for good or ill. Allies and critics alike will gain a better appreciation of the President from this well-written book. This authorized biography will certainly become an important resource material for future definitive, dispassionate and objective biographical works about the true Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her legacy.
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