Mistaken identity

The recent report of a group called TEAM Asia negotiating to bring tennis darlings Maria Sharapova and Martina Hingis to Manila triggered a reaction from Gela Isidro who represents a company with the same name.

Here’s the letter from Isidro:

"An individual named Joey Fornier, who is allegedly connected with TeamAsia, released information to the effect that professional tennis players Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova will be visiting the Philippines in November.

"I wish to clarify that our company is in no way connected with this planned event. We are not engaged in any negotiations to bring these personalities into the country nor do we have an employee named Joey Fornier.

‘TeamAsia, which is the registered trade name of Hamlin-Iturralde Corp., is a strategic marketing communications firm that has been doing business in the Philippines since 1993. Our events division specializes in corporate and training events. Further details regarding our company can be found on our website, www.teamasia.com.

"Because of the popularity of Mr. Henson’s column, a number of readers have brought the said excerpt to our attention, assuming that we are the organization referenced. As such, we would be grateful if Mr. Henson might be kind enough, in a subsequent column, to note that TeamAsia should not be confused with other companies using similar trade names and/or acronyms such as the one handling the supposed Hingis-Sharapova event."

Additionally, lawyer Andresito Fornier wrote a letter clarifying Joey Fornier’s personal history.

"I wish to categorically state that Joey Fornier is not a son of the late Congressman Tobias Abiera Fornier after whom the municipality of Tobias Fornier, Antique, is named," wrote the lawyer. "Joey Fornier’s mother Cora was never a governor of Antique. She is not even a resident of the province of Antique. Neither is Mr. Joey Fornier a graduate of the University of Illinois and the Wharton Business School in Pennsylvania.

"The late Congressman Tobias A. Fornier was married to the late Encarnacion Villavert Fornier who also became governor of the province of Antique. The late Congressman Tobias A. Fornier had only four legally adopted children, namely, Asuncion, Victorino, Tobiasito and Encarnacion. Asuncion is a natural daughter of Cornelio Abiera Fornier, a younger brother of Tobias, while Victorino is the natural son of Jose Abiera Fornier, also a younger brother of Tobias. Tobiasito and Encarnacion are grandchildren of Tobias, whom he legally adopted.

"My late father, Jose Abiera Fornier, who also became a congressman of the province of Antique, is married to Loda Xavier Fornier of Culasi, Antique. They have six children — Jose, Jr. (known as Pepito), Francisco, Andresito, Victorino, Maria Hennie and Grace Victoria."

To be fair, I asked for Joey Fornier’s reaction to the lawyer’s letter. He said certain sensitive private family matters should not be made public and declined to comment out of delicadeza.

However, Trade Events Ad and Marketing Asia (TEAM Asia), Inc. president Hazel Bernadette Madrigal Cruz sent a letter to certify the legitimacy of her company in the wake of doubts raised by certain quarters.

Here’s the letter from Cruz:

"This is to clarify matters and issues raised by many regarding the legitimacy of TEAM Asia, Inc. as a company that does business in the country and is involved in the promotion of sports events among others.

"We can understand the sudden interest of both the public and some nosy curious individuals not to mention a few mean and envious ones who are trying very hard to dig, find out and uncover the truth about this company which is now earning both raves and intrigues from a lot. Likewise, we understand, too, the desire of certain individuals who would want to share in the limelight and publicity being earned by our small and unimposing company.

"Trade Events Ad and Marketing Asia, Inc. is a duly registered company at the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is engaged in marketing and promotions services, in handling events and advertising. Its incorporators are Hazel Bernadette Madrigal Cruz, Patricia Elena Madrigal Cruz, Albert Aportadeza Visitacion, Michael Correa and Attorney Henry Santos.

"Jose Christopher N. Fornier II is our chief operating officer. He is affiliated with the company and has represented the company in most of its business negotiations to our utmost approval and satisfaction. He has never misused our company and has earned the trust and confidence of each of the members of the Board of incorporators. Let it be our official stand that Joey Fornier, as far as TEAM Asia, Inc., is concerned, is credible, dependable and trustworthy. Issues being raised in one of the leading national papers such as The Philippine Star regarding his personal and private life should never be made public and thus, should remain in the confines of their family discussions. All the more should it not drag the good name of our company. That, we will never allow to happen. It cannot be helped if one would wonder if indeed, a step sister to Cinderella syndrome does exist. It dismays me to conclude that envy could eat up one’s dignity and decency to step forward and malign the character of one’s sibling. It is truly sad if not disgusting and is quite unfathomable.

"Our core values are primary and simple. It is to provide value of service, the best way we can, never paving the way for other companies to be envious nor resentful of us. Its main principle is to be dynamic and aggressive in its growth and progress, not in raising issues to the detriment of others, not in maligning the credibility of an individual whose simple desire is to earn profits the professional and legitimate way. It is working together as a TEAM, happy in the knowledge that through perseverance, we shall earn the respect of the community, offering our talents and our very selves, for love of God, family and country."

With all sides being presented, let’s hope this debate ends here.