Vargas leads Maynilad’s water brigade for Pope

MANILA, Philippines - Maynilad Water Services president/CEO and Talk ‘N’ Text PBA alternate governor Ricky Vargas will lead a group of 50 volunteers to assist in managing 15 water stations and 10 water trucks deployed for devotees attending the Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Quirino Grandstand this afternoon.

Vargas and the volunteers, including his two sons, one a doctor, started the trek from their meeting point on Arroceros to Luneta late last night and pitched camp at Maynilad’s main coordinating tent at 2 this morning. Their entire mission is expected to take at least 18 hours or until the Pope leaves Luneta. Each water station is equipped with at least 50,000 cups to be dispensed during the event expected to draw six million people, including 1.5 million within a cordoned section. Maynilad also sent 20,000 water bottles to Tacloban for the Holy Father’s visit yesterday.

Vargas said Maynilad’s head for advocacy and marketing Patricia Bermudez Hizon coordinated with government agencies, police and the Catholic Church in organizing the company’s participation in the highlight of the Pontiff’s visit. He said Hizon attended to every detail in making sure Maynilad will be able to provide water to as many devotees as possible.

“The Pope has touched me with humility and compassion,” said Vargas. “Our work is purely voluntary. This isn’t a commercial effort, this is strictly public service. The only visible identity that shows Maynilad’s involvement is the logo on the tent which we couldn’t erase. We’re not out to advertise our participation.”   

Every room is booked at the nearby Manila Hotel so that volunteers spent the night in tents or in open space while waiting for dawn to break. The mobilization of resources and manpower is massive. Thousands of lay ministers are assigned to give Holy Communion.

Vargas and his wife Gloria were at the Mall of Asia Arena for Pope Francis’ “Encounter with Families” last Friday.  They were joined at the PLDT corporate suite by Metro Pacific Tollways president/CEO and NLEX PBA governor Ramoncito Fernandez, Dr. Raffy Bejar, Talk ‘N’ Text coach Joseph Uichico and wife Cathy and SBP executive director Sonny Barrios’ wife Becky. Barrios was not in the event as he was busy meeting his staff to prepare for the five-man FIBA technical team’s inspection tour here on Jan. 26-30 in connection with the country’s bid to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Vargas said the SBP is ready to make a strong pitch with the support of global heavyweights DDB Worldwide and Octagon. DDB Worldwide is owned by the New York-based Omnicom Group, one of the world’s latest advertising holding companies with over 200 offices in 95 countries. Octagon is an entertainment and lifestyle management firm based in Connecticut with a rich history of representing high-profile sports stars like Stephen Curry, Rudy Gay and David Robinson. Both DDB Worldwide and Octagon are equipped to handle projects in behalf of countries bidding to host major events.

“We want to show FIBA that the Filipino’s passion for the game is unparalleled,” said Vargas. “Our love for basketball is our biggest advantage. We guarantee our stadiums will be packed by fans with a passion for the game.” Aside from the Philippines, countries bidding for the hosting rights are China, Germany, France, Turkey and Qatar. Turkey was the host in 2010 while Germany and France are reportedly making a joint bid.

Vargas said there is a plan to take the FIBA technical team to Cebu which is in the drawing boards as host of one of eight preliminary rounds.  The 2019 FIBA World Cup will welcome 32 teams for the first time ever from 24 in Spain last year. The 32 teams will be split into eight brackets during the eliminations. The SBP intends to employ five venues for the event with the final at the 55,000-seat Philippine Arena.

Regarding the Texters, Uichico said the team resumed practice last Jan. 9. The Tropa is bringing back Richard Howell who took Best Import honors in the Commissioner’s Cup last season. Howell led Talk ‘N’ Text to a 13-0 start but the Texters lost to San Mig Coffee in the best-of-five finals. Howell, 24, averaged 19.6 points and a league-high 18.5 rebounds in 15 outings.

Uichico said Jimmy Alapag is now the Texters’ manager with Aboy Castro retiring to focus on his entrepreneurial ventures, including a travel agency and the Learning Links Academy from nursery to high school in Sta. Rosa. Howell, who played four years with the North Carolina State varsity, was expected to arrive last night.