JUN-JUN BINAY: THE MAKATI MAYOR IS A SINGLE PARENT
[PHOTO - Photo is loading... Father of four: "I have to buy my own shoes, clothes, bags and all those things for my children, too," says Makati Mayor Jun-Jun Binay.]
MANILA, JANUARY 16, 2011 (STAR) SINGLES AT WORK By Aurora Diaz-Wilson -He has known great joy and family love. He has also lived through sorrow. Some people may describe Jejomar "Jun-Jun" Binay Jr.'s life as an odyssey designed to mold him to be a leader. When his father, Jejomar Binay, became the mayor of Makati in 1986, Jun-Jun was only nine years old. Ever since then, the Binay family has been the guiding hand in Makati City, and Jun-Jun grew up knowing that running the local government of the financial district of the Philippines was their responsibility.
As a teenager, Jun-Jun was active in civic groups that involved the youth: roles in the Rotary clubs, K-9 Search and Rescue Foundation, and duties as a city councilor of Makati were intertwined with his schoolwork. A master's degree in Public Administration from UP was about to be complemented by an additional degree in urban planning until fate interrupted his plans. His wife, Kennely Ann or "Ken-Ken," pregnant with their fourth child, had to have bed rest. Jun-Jun decided to dedicate his time to his family. Sadly, Ken-Ken died a few hours after prematurely giving birth. His sorrow overwhelmed him and made him want to retreat. He was a reluctant candidate but when he was elected as Makati City mayor in 2010, Jun-Jun stepped up.
Today, our bachelor, Mayor Jun-Jun, 33, is looking at the future. From his office window, he sees the beauty of the city that he has to lead. Specific goals have been identified and websites, including Facebook entries, keep the citizens involved. His ambitious dreams of turning Makati into an eGovernment city is going as planned; personal contacts in Google are teaching students how to scale Makati City in 3D. Here he reflects on the role of destiny, giving advice and a tub of macadamia ice cream.
My father would often tell me in order to know what the people want and need, I have to go down from my office and walk the streets.
What makes me happy is being with people that I love. I love being with my family, especially my children. Whenever I am with high school friends and some of my other closest friends, I feel much lighter in spirit. I don't fancy attention from so many people. I try my best to let things be normal in my life, but I guess it is difficult when you are in government. It is serious because of the politics involved to get things moving.
For grooming and style I rely on myself. Ever since my wife died, I have had to buy my own shoes, clothes, bags and all those things for my children, too.
Best quality about me is my patience. I am very patient.
Worst quality I can also be short-fused towards people who waste other people's time.
The last thing I bought and loved is a bag. I have to be much more organized now.
The site that inspires me is my working office. I rearranged it and now my table faces the Makati Central Business District (CBD). It is a beautiful sight because I know I can do good things for the city and our people.
In my fridge you'll always find macadamia ice cream.
A while ago I was browsing Wikipedia because whether it's running a city or managing my children's homework, a lot of research is involved. I'm researching different methods of public healthcare in other countries and how they are managed. Our public healthcare system in Makati is the best in the country but part of my job is helping make it continuously better.
I am proud of the time that I can spend with my kids in the evening.
(PHOTO - Meeting at his conference office: "I know I can do good things for the city and our people.")
Beside my bed are my phones, my book, my rosary.
In school, I learned a lot. This is a topic of discussion I have with my friends from Ateneo. You learn to be a real person when you go to Ateneo because of its formative lessons during your early years. Your mind is conditioned to be a man for others and that is something that really sticks with you … even the most hardcore business-minded Atenean tycoon will think of the social aspect when the subject is brought up and will actually come up with good and well-run programs to make it happen.
I know my work is a success when projects we have envisioned for the city come to reality and everyone else gets behind it.
The sport I do the most varies. This morning I put on my running shoes and jogged around the streets of Pembo.
The advice I give myself is to just take it one day at a time.
A good piece of advice I have given is that time or distance cannot change destiny. If it will happen, it will happen.
I remember an embarrassing moment at work when I said happy birthday to one of the officials. It was not his birthday and there were about 15 of us together. Apparently it was just a simple gathering.
The last time I cried was three days ago when I remembered my wife, Ken-Ken. I'm still shaken by how death and childbirth happened so suddenly. I thought I would lose our child but thankfully she survived.
After being in politics I realize that I am still here. On Nov. 11, 2009, it came to a point that I had decided not to go into any elective office. I said, "Mom and Dad, I would rather not get into any elective position." My wife had died, I have four kids and I did not want to be surrounded by any controversies. I had just brought my daughter home after two months from the hospital. It was kind of rough for me at that time. It all happened so suddenly. After about two weeks, my dad asked for me to run for mayor and I did.
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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