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Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Adaza: At the rear window of the guv's office
By Merle F. Adaza
LAST Wednesday was the first time I had a tête-à-tête with Governor Oscar Moreno up close and personal in his office at the capitol.
I visited him in his office with some friends with the purpose of presenting to him the project of the PMHA Search for the Best Mental Health Program in the Public Schools of Cagayan de Oro City and province of Misamis Oriental as well.
Not only were we impressed with his immediate positive response regarding our intention but also the air of welcome, accommodation and friendliness provided the air of familiarity, which made my friends and I feel comfortable. The charisma of bureaucratic power and authority, which is expected from men of his stature, was present but not intimidating.
The climate was conductive for a positive discourse of the goings-on in the Capitol and the province.
As we entered his office he led us to his rear window and we caught a good view of Mc Arthur Park which got a good face-lifting in a matter of six months since he sat as governor, not missing to note the newly--constructed comfort room at the far end the structure of which can pass an office.
We watched families enjoying the green-grass with children romping under the trees and taking sips from well-placed drinking water fountains.
Couples comfortably sitting and whispering private notes, some hikers making their rounds on the paved pathway, high-school students from nearby MOGCHS starting to walk in groups also found their places in the park.
I thought this open space is now being used, as it should be. And enjoyed by people who want to take a break from the toil of the day--and not remain as a dark, littered place, which serves as a recluse for undesirable vagrants.
In the evening this place should even more beautiful to watch with the lights in the park and the floodlights directly illuminating the capitol building from the street upward.
What with the cool evening breeze to complement the total climate, it can serve as a haven for the weary souls.
As we watched the refreshing scenery the good governor read to us a thought-provoking passage of the late Pres. Manuel A. Roxas, which goes... "Our minds will be eased from the weariness of toil by the thought that our goal is our people's happiness." The vista we sere watching was indeed a translation of this passage.
Then he started singing the revival of Michael Buble's "The Way You Look Tonight". I joined him in singing this song. This new revival has its own magic, since the song has again found prominence among song lovers.
We tried other standard tunes, until we finally talked about coming up with a mini-concert where we would tap some singing congressmen who would be willing to help us raise some revenues to infuse some economic energy to the dehydrating spirit of the PMHA.
I was tasked to conceptualize this project. As an afterthought, I know this is an enormous task, which will need time and energy.
I need to revive the passion in me to be able to organize and produce a show of political stars who would become Cagayan de Oro's idols. Well, let's see how this weary soul can soar again.
We congratulated him for a newly refurbished Capitol with its classic furnishings (no frills) just the essentials with subdued colors giving it a touch of class.
If by chance you go up the stairs and wonder where the portraits of the past governors of Misamis Oriental have gone.
Well, they were removed and will be placed prominently in a more appropriate section of the capitol per advice of national artist Napoleon Abueva.
From that vantage point of the Capitol glass window the thought of Central Park in Manhattan New York viewed from the glass window of our suite in the five star Essex Hotel and Manhattan Club in the fall of 1995 and 1998 courtesy of Ching Herrera, Mrs. Phils-USA Centennial, the daughter of my good friend Vangie Herrera crossed my mind.
As I reminisced I knew the present view was just a mini version of the incomparable vastness of Central Park.
Come to think of it Central Park--the vast area, the wide inner roads traveled by a big carriage drawn by a white horse, driven by a uniformed cochero (a tourist pays $25.00 for a leisurely round), the classy restaurant--The Tavern in the Green with its collection of giant European chandeliers, the trees and shrubs, how blessed are the people who had early leaders who had the foresight of envisioning how the Central Park of New York would look today.
I concluded this visit, which touched my senses and awakened my desire to serve in a greater capacity even as an extended arm of a leader to watch.
Indeed we can find comfort in the thought that the governor is a simple person who can easily find relief just by watching happy people enjoying the simple joys of life, of pensive yet grateful that after a day's toil one can stretch out and relax and breathe in the free gift of God which is abundant to all.
(February 16, 2005 issue)
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