'Esquire' explores the meaning of life

MANILA, Philippines - Esquire Philippines proudly presents its first issue for the New Year — quite possibly its most remarkable one yet.

This month, Esquire interview the four living Philippine presidents and delves into the meaning of life. (Oh, and expect some culinary advice from women and a workout with Isabelle Daza.)

Interviewed by Gang Badoy-Capati and Esquire editor-in-chief Erwin Romulo, the presidents talk about their victories, controversies and legacies. One, an icon of the first EDSA Revolution, and a soldier of the highest order, Fidel Valdez Ramos. An actor-turned-politician-turned-prisoner, Joseph Ejercito Estrada is now a free man and continues to be a political force in the country. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the longest serving president out of the four, talks about success, the controversies surrounding her, and the strength she has been known for. Finally, President Benigno S. Aquino III, the son of two champions of democracy, and a man burdened with responsibilities and promises. He sits down with Gang Badoy-Capati to talk about family, achievements, failures, and his plans for the country. Selected quotes from each interview:

Fidel V. Ramos:

“Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you. Ask and you shall receive but to whom much is given, much is required because it’s a bilateral relationship. You pray as you perform but you must also perform as you pray. We cannot pray our way to progress.”

Joseph Ejercito-Estrada:

“I only have time to pray and talk to God. ‘God, I asked you to make me a successful actor,’ you gave it to me. When I ran for mayor I asked you to help me, you gave it to me. For senator, against all odds, you gave it to me. Even as vice president and president, you gave it to me. But God, I never prayed to you that you’d make me a prisoner.”

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo:

“The Luneta hostage-taking incident was a prime example of how not to handle a crisis. It demonstrated what a respected and fiercely independent opinion-maker calls ‘nobody-home’ leadership.”

Benigno S. Aquino III:

“Why do we keep complaining about whether to believe the good news or the bad news? Why is it in us that we have to look at the glass half-empty, kasalanan bang tumingin sa glass half-full?”

Also in this issue, a collection of lessons from an array of men of distinction: Washington SyCip, Wanggo Gallaga, Norman Black, Romi Garduce, Louie Ysmael, the original members of Rivermaya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tim Yap, Chef Billy King, Kenneth Cobonpue, US Vice President Joe Biden, and more.

 Luis Katigbak works out with the stunningly beautiful Isabelle Daza, an actress/model/host destined to live up to — or surpass — the legacy of her iconic mother, Gloria Diaz. Photographs by Doc Marlon Pecjo.

 What is best in life? There are beautiful women, there’s good food, and there’s this feature: advice, recipes, personal histories and guidelines for dining with and cooking for the fairer sex, by women (and men) who know whereof they speak.

Patricia Evangelista takes a fearless and harrowing look back on the Maguindanao massacre: Two years after the murders, not one case has been decided, and for one of the families struck down by this atrocity, justice and solace are even more elusive in the absence of their loved ones’ remains.

 The January-February 2012 issue of Esquire Philippines is out now. Follow Esquire on Twitter: @EsquirePh and like it on Facebook: Facebook.com/EsquirePh.