The privileged many

Some time ago, a friend came up with the phrase “the privileged many” in reference to the number of people from all sides of the economic spectrum who are allowed to break, ignore and defy the laws of the land. I agreed with him then, and I still do now, that it is not merely the rich and powerful who blatantly violate rules but also those who come from the D and E sectors.

This came to mind when I recently passed C-5 on my way to Makati via Kalayaan avenue. I noticed that several residential and commercial shanties that had been there for the longest time were being demolished. Those affected by the operation were out on the streets, denouncing the demolition work being done by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Even as my heart bled for them, I knew that as informal settlers (the politically correct term for squatters), they were in fact violating the law by occupying land that was not theirs to begin with.

This is why I continue to marvel at the determination of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando to enforce the law even at the expense of being regarded as anti-poor — a tag he hardly needs at this time when he has already announced his plan to run for the presidency in 2010. He just wants his call for order and discipline in the metropolis to be heeded by everyone — sidewalk vendors, informal settlers, vehicle drivers, and even by the rich and mighty whose business structures encroach on government land. In that, he has shown consistency.

If Fernando does away with the privileged many and pulls off in Metro Manila the same miracle that he did when, as a three-term Mayor, he transformed Marikina into a model city not only in the country but in the region, his bid for the presidency should cause jitters to the rest of the candidates.

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I’m not one to regale my readers about social functions that I occasionally go to. However, one particular gathering I attended bears notice. Last November 21 saw the joint celebration of public relations guru Reli German’s birthday (which was on the 25th), his son Lito’s promotion and assignment to BMW’s regional office in Singapore, and the 20th anniversary of Reli’s public relations outfit, Agents International Inc. Held at the Quezon City Sports Club, the guest list ran the gamut of notables from business, politics, media and showbiz.

After dinner, four of Reli’s five good-looking children (eldest child Chinot resides in London with her family) — Mayet, Techie, Lito and Alan — welcomed the guests. It was far from a stiff, formal greeting, though; the Germans are a fun, irreverent bunch. The siblings’ sharp wits and lively exchanges drew chuckles and applause from everyone.

I spotted Secretary Gabby Claudio with his wife Abby, Congressman Iggy Arroyo with Grace Ibuna, Palawan Governor Joel Reyes, Trade Ambassador Atty. Romela Bengzon, PNOC Alternative Fuels Company chairman Rene Velasco, Judge Tony Eugenio and wife Lily, Land Transportation head and DOTC Asst. Secretary Bert Suansing, Bureau of Customs XRay Inspection Project head Lourdes Mangaoang, Dept. of Foreign Affairs Legal Counsel Atty. Raul Dado, and Ted Lopez from the United States Embassy with his wife Lennie. From the business sector, there were Ray Orosa, Andrew Ong, Jun Dulalia, Penny Sibal, Manny Sibal, Bing Limjoco and Tina Ferreros. Reli’s associates in Agents were in full force, of course. Aside from Alan, present were Nilo Barberan, Ike Gutierrez, Mildred Juan, Malou Torregoza, Inigo de Paula, Izzy Gonzalez and Nicky Tesoro.

Reli’s lovely better half Bunny (who I understand, put the whole party together) did a special solo rumba with her dance instructor, Ayeth Ong. After that, the German family, including granddaughters Samantha and Sari, took to the floor with a lively swing number. Media lady Baby Dimalanta followed suit, as did Merlee Jayme of DM9JaymeSayfu, Congressman Ed Zialcita, Popsy Aquino, Nena Lim and many others who had professional DIs as partners. Reli’s close buddy, Optical Media Board Chairman Edu Manzano could not be persuaded to do his signature papaya dance. He was, however, all over the place, acting like one of the hosts, making sure that everyone was having fun.

It wasn’t just all ballroom dancing that night as the singer wannabes also had their share of action. With Ferdie Borja doing the accompaniment on the keyboard, Reli did a stirring rendition of “That’s All” in “Salinawit” which is the translation of the song in Pilipino by writer/poet Pete Lacaba who was with his wife Marra Lanot. Among the jammers who contributed song numbers were Ed Feist of Abbott Nutrition International, Congressman Zialcita, Social Security Chairman Romy Neri, Judge Jenny Delorino, Alex Syfu of DM9JaymeSyfu, multi-awarded actor Ricky Davao and professional songstress Girl Valencia. Talent for music obviously runs in the German family, as Mayet and husband Sandy, Techie and husband Phillip, Lito, Alan and wife Doris belted out numbers like nobody’s business.

I hold the opinion that reputation is temporary and fickle. Actual relationships are the real test of ties between individuals and groups. Judging from those present that night, Reli, his family and Agents International have built some very strong relationships, indeed. The camaraderie between them and their friends was a celebration, not just of one family’s or company’s success, but a testimony to bonds built over the years.

The field of public relations isn’t just one big bash. In its long career, Agents International has been responsible for the ascent and favorable public reception of many politicians (Reli has been actively involved in the campaigns of two male presidents and the two female presidents who replaced them), and the good image of its corporate clients. In the 20 years that Agents has been in the business, one can only imagine the creative spins it has used for its clients, the trends it has set, the campaigns it has planned and implemented. It may be difficult to fathom what the local political and business landscapes would be like if public relations practitioners like Reli and his people in Agents weren’t around.

Three cheers for Reli, Lito, and the people at Agents!

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My e-mail:[email protected]