Christmas without Mr. SyCip
Icouldn't take my eyes off the toy carousel. I kept winding it to listen to its music. It would have been our Christmas present for Mr. SyCip and he would be delighted.
Looking for a Christmas present for Synergeia's "Chairman forever" was both a challenge and a joy. What do you give someone who has everything and has given us everything? It did not prove hard however because he took delight in every gift we gave him. One year, it was a jack in the box, the following years, we surprised him with a choo choo train, and a gingerbread house. One time, we surprised him with a small musical box. He held it close to his ear and concentrated hard to enjoy the music. The year before he passed away, we found a toy band that played Christmas carols. He was like a small boy who opened every box with pure delight. But I think the present that he liked best was a video that featured the faces of children all over the country that his generosity had helped.
On our first Christmas together, he handed us crisps peso bills. He said that he believes in recognizing and incentivizing hard work. Every staff member, including our mentors, received a share of his generosity. The following years, he gifted us with lacquered wood with inlaid mother of pearls. The wood took a different shape every year: a note box, candle holders, tray, a utility box shaped like mango, jewelry box, and coasters. He was truly proud of the craftsmanship of the Filipino and proactively supported local industry so it can flourish. He made an exception when he gifted us with ball pens and toys from his trip to China. Mr. SyCip took delight in discovering unique and interesting products.
He was there in all our Christmas fellowships and celebrated the season with festive barong tagalogs in Christmas colors. The following day, we visited him in his office and sang Christmas carols. He had trays of chocolates on his desks, and regaled us with stories of Christmas past. We learned our history from his stories of the second world war, the reconstruction period, the birth of the Republic, and the Marcos years. Our views on the Ramos years were divergent, but we sang the same tune when we discussed the Estrada and Arroyo administration. From him, we knew Secretary Salas, Prime Minister Virata, Secretary Jimmy Ongpin, and the First Lady, Imelda Marcos, a little better. He virtually introduced us to Secretary Kissinger, Mr. Rockefeller, and the former World Bank President, Mr. Wolfensohn. He introduced us to his collection of turtles and owls. The toy giraffe that we gifted him was prominently displayed on his side table. I explained that he was our Ozeki, the giraffe who always stuck his neck out. Mr. SyCip was in every advocacy and every program that was dedicated to help the poor. But his heart belonged to Filipino children. He wanted all of them to complete at least, a basic education.
I truly miss Mr. SyCip. He lent his name and goodwill to promote the importance of educating children. He gave without the need for publicity and fanfare. The only thing that he asked in return is for us to make a regular account, not only on how his funds were spent, but what were the outcomes of his programs. How many children completed schooling? How many children can read well? How many mayors have been recognized as outstanding in governance?
Mr. SyCip was like the Christmas star who guided his friends to be in the company of the poor. He ended all his speeches with the importance of helping them. He honored local and community leaders by being part of their workshops, and education summits. For him, there was no place that was far, including ARMM, or a place that was inconvenient, like a basketball court near the railroad tracks. He came without a retinue of escorts, and ate what the communities offered. He listened to our stories, and inspired us by sharing his wisdom.The most respected man by the business community, and whose advice was sought by international leaders gave us the precious gift of his presence. He came to give us hope. He came and gave us his heart. He gave us the true meaning of Christmas.
mguevara@synergeia.org. ph