IF IT’S your birthday and you have just been inaugurated as the new Mayor of the City of Bacolod, I can sum up the emotion in one word: euphoric!
That was the Monico Puentevella I saw as he entered the portals of the Pavilion where he was hosting a dinner. He was larger than life before and after dinner as he went table to table to greet and thank each and everyone who gave their time to be with him in this glorious occasion.
Monico has been called many things, especially by those on the other side of the political fence. But my relationship with Newks has always been friendly and more so with Patching. Undoubtedly, Monico is a charmer, and if he cannot charm you with words, his singing voice will definitely draw you to him. And it did to all as we listened to him singing one of his favorite songs, and perhaps his battle cry, the “Impossible Dream”. The impossible dream he wants of the city which he will now govern.
It was an impassioned Monico who showed us, in video presentation, his dreams of the Bacolod City he envisions and hopes to achieve. While they are gigantic plans, there is really nothing impossible, especially if this is God’s plan for him and for the city.
The Bacolod Pavilion was filled with friends, classmates, supporters, new alliances, associates, and partners in turning the city into a mega metropolis. He tried his best to make mention all who had journeyed with him in the past months during the election and the many more who have been his true and loyal friends over the years.
What I also saw was a humbled Monico. As his plans are humongous, he knew as well that he could not do it by his lonesome self and asked everyone to be his fellow worker.
As we shook hands to congratulate him, he whispered an inquiry to join us in our NGO meetings because he will need our support and our inputs as well.
Joseph Jaworski once said: “Leadership is about creating, day by day, a domain in which we and those around us continually deepen our understanding of reality and are able to participate in shaping the future. This, then, is the deeper territory of leadership -- collectively 'listening to what is wanting to emerge in the world, and then having the courage to do what is required.”
A good leader wants to hear what people have to say because it keeps him grounded on the realities that plagues or uplifts his constituents.
I believe Monico “Newks” started on the right foot. We pray for his leadership and that God bless him more and Bacolod City.
