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| Atty. Jesus Antonio Matamorosa Carpio |
Heaven as depicted in the world of creativity. “Cloud nine” referred to by some. Reality check: it was just the indigo sky full of fluffy cumulus clouds. And, I was seated next to my boss, a former high ranking government official. He was a Director and I was the aide-de-camp.
Admittedly, I enjoyed everything about being a trusted chief of staff. All I had to do was make sure he was well taken care of which means I had to do my homework. The scope of my responsibilities entailed knowledge of vital details. We were frequent flyers. Baggage must be protected as essential documents are kept inside. The time of flight departure and arrival as well as contingencies for delay or cancellation were duly noted. Travel to and from the airport to the destination should seamlessly happen like clockwork.
Perks of this duty were
rewarding. When you were with a VIP the chances of rubbing elbows with the same
crowd was expected. Although later on you realize that they were the same as
regular folks. Being courteous was the quality that I developed and practiced
during those times. We attended meetings for business or with friends and to
more people who participated in conferences. The venues were almost always
high-end and the people well-heeled with a dash of millionaires or even
billionaires.
Passion for public service
with a vision for nation building was his drive for making a difference and
making an impact for the country. I remember one time we attended a conference
with the theme related to Federalism. Common sense really because our country
is an archipelago. Many millions of Filipinos are going to and residing in the
metropolis of Manila to make their dreams come true. Progress will come when
the whole country is fully developed, even distribution of resources should
take place and the gap of the rich and poor, narrower.
Yes, I listened too when he
and other resource speakers take the podium. He was a widower with children and
grandchildren. It was during his golden years that I served him. He would ask
his daughter if I were available to assist him if ever he needs to go
somewhere. And he was quite easy to get along with. He had a lot of stories to
tell. He was a soft spoken man so you needed to concentrate intently to every
word he said.
Fun was part of his life like
any other. He read novels by Grisham or Ludlum and countless others. He was a
writer and a published author. He loved the cinema. One time I was given the
honor of seeing The Hunt for Red October with him. He would read the newspaper
and answered the crossword puzzle daily. Jogging was his exercise.
A typical day in Manila, we
were in his car and we passed along a big avenue and he saw the commuter train
that was the talk of the town. It was newly opened to the public. And he told
me, “Jim, I want to take a ride on the MRT.” The Metro Rail Transit is a train system
with above the ground rail tracks and underground as well. The next day, the
big event began at the start going south. I practically knew the blueprint of
the MRT system. From the elevators, escalators the best time and which wagon to
take. It was like a ride in an amusement park. He looked out the big windows of
the train and enjoyed the view of the skyline. What an awesome adventure? He seemed like his inner child full of joy. It
was his first and last trip.
There was this conference
that took place in beautiful Bohol. Scientists were the participants of the
event. It was a recurring meeting of people from other countries. Amusingly, no
matter how hard I tried to understand the speakers I could not get the essence
of what the subject was or any other pertaining to the matter being discussed.
One word: Physics. And I had to attend two of those in my lifetime. During the last
night of our stay, we had dinner and a vibrant conversation with our hosts. The
stories were aplenty and the Director was taking quick glances at his wrist
watch then he said he had to pack and he asked me if I was done packing. I told
him yes. He chuckled. So that’s why you were so relaxed. Through the years I
still could surprise him.
His deteriorating health
began to take its toll on his body. Slowly his vision started to get blurry. He
had to undergo operations to fix that. I was there along with others to help
him in any way we could to make him comfortable.
Even during those moments his
mind was sharp and alert. I reported to his law office to attend to his
confidential files. What seemingly began as a routine chore turned out into a
treasure hunt. I found bonds that were going to mature soon. When I told him
the good news he was glad but calm. He has already retired. It was a blessing.
Red tape in government
offices was usually what entertained the citizen in processing documents. For
the chief I had to arrange the health papers for him to become eligible for
benefits. I did it in twenty minutes. Boy, was I happy with the result.
‘Twas a sad day when we
learned that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It was the same illness
that Saint John Paul II had when he was alive. I fondly remember we were among
the crowds that went to see the then Pope for his 1995 visit to the
Philippines.
Some of the things that he used
to do he stopped doing eventually and gradually. He had trouble eating because
he had a hard time swallowing. Ice cream would save the day. He was contented
with that dessert. It soothed his throat somehow. It was a relief to all
present.
Day by day he spent on
meditation and prayers. He was steadfast and kept reminding us that the enemy
will take its chance on an unsuspecting soul. The prayer he contemplated on
most was ‘The Our Father.’
And I wait for sundown, soon my day is done… his own words, written in a Shakespearean sonnet, “A Song to Our Fourteen.” On May 26, 2010 he passed away.
You are probably looking down
from heaven. The real thing. Smiling. Beaming even. It was a great honor and
privilege to have served you as your aide-de-camp. My mission accomplished.