Fathers & sons in PeopleAsia
• The three “Luises” of Camarines Sur – Second District Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte, Gov. Miguel Luis “Migz” Villafuerte and Luis Villafuerte Sr. – prove that blood is thicker than water on the cover of PeopleAsia’s latest issue. In an exclusive interview with PeopleAsia’s editor-inchief Joanne Rae
Ramirez, the three gentlemen open up on how they restored peace in their family. “I always say, ‘life is like a teleserye.’ There’s a lot of conflicts, tensions, misunderstandings, but in the end, you unite as family, forgiveness is important,” says LRay, the father of Migz and son of Luis Sr.
In 2013, Luis Sr. and his grandson Migz found themselves in the midst of family and political drama, as the two battled it out for the gubernatorial seat of CamSur. In a twist straight out of a TV drama, the elder Villafuerte even filed an electoral protest against his grandson, proving that the conflict, was indeed, no ruse.
These days, the wounds have healed for the Villafuerte men. The three generations of public servants are all smiles as they entertained questions fielded by the
PeopleAsia team at the CamSur Watersports Complex – one of the many projects that LRay initiated to put CamSur on the map when he was governor. LRay also built an IT Zone and Tourism Zone in the province, as well as the first call center and IT center run by local government in the Philippines.
In contrast to their macho image, the three also openly share their dreams and hopes for each other, and for their province. Both former three-time governors of CamSur and Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awardees, Luis Sr. and his son LRay are hoping to turn their club of two into three, as Migz vies for his third term as governor of the province. “I’m very happy that Migz is running for his third term as governor... He has time because he is young, but we really hope he becomes a TOYM awardee soon,” says Luis Sr.
Migz, on the other hand, opens up about his hopes for his grandfather’s return to Congress. Luis Sr. is currently vying for the congressional seat of CamSur’s Third District. “I love my lolo so much that one of my life’s missions now is to help him win back his seat in Congress because I know his capabilities,” shares Migz.
LRay, on the other hand, reveals his intentions of passing more legislative measures for the benefit of the everyday Filipino. “I already passed 20 laws, even as a first-term congressman. Noteworthy is the telecommuting act, which I’m the principal author of. It lets people work from home, it lessens traffic. But more than that, people who have retired from work can now work from home,” he says.
PeopleAsia also pays tribute to the late Henry Sy Sr., the visionary taipan behind the SM malls, through a special feature written by Iris Gonzales. Henry is remembered for his “invaluable contributions to nation-building,” in a story that chronicles his rise from a 12 year-old boy who witnessed his father’s struggles, to the opening of the first Shoe Mart along Carriedo in 1958, to his ascent as one of the most inspiring business figures in the country. PeopleAsia’s latest issue also brings readers inside the universe of Pampangueño fashion designer Mak Tumang, who shot to fame late last year when Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray commanded attention and eventually triumphed over her rivals in the designer’s now iconic creations. In time for planning those summer vacations, the magazine also gives its readers a peek inside the country’s most sought-after local destinations, such as Cebu, Iloilo and Boracay.
PeopleAsia is available in leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide. For inquiries, call Bong at 892 1854, or text 0922 8776556. PeopleAsia’s digital edition is also available on Magzter, Google Plus and the Apple Store.