Jose P. Leviste, Jr.: Humility Personified
Posted on Tuesday, 2 May 2017
Jose P. Leviste, Jr.: Humility Personified
By Apolinario Villalobos
I almost decided not to take PR1811, the
second flight of PAL from Manila to Davao on April 30, as I was used to taking the first flight. It
could have been a Providential design because on that flight, I met a guy with
a down-to-earth character, and not just an ordinary one, but considered as an
icon in the field of industry…Mr. Jose P. Leviste Jr.
At the PAL Mabuhay Lounge before the
flight, he was with a group that I presumed to be businessmen on their way to
Davao to attend an ASEAN scheduled activity. I observed his humble personality
that somehow made him a standout. When we boarded our flight, we were seat
mates and while we were fixing our seat belts, we exchanged smiles that broke
the ice. He introduced himself simply as “Joey”, so I extended my right hand
for a handshake at the same time giving him my nick name. He also gave me his
business card and I apologized for not being able to reciprocate the gesture as
I am not using such.
When I read the name on the card, I was
struck with awe…seated beside me was no other than the Chairman of one of the
respected industrial institutions in the country. Yet, he consistently showed a
character oozing with humility. I was more than glad to learn that we were on
the same plane of interests – nature, humanity and literary. However, I was
very much elated for the opportunity of talking to a greatly accomplished
industrialist. When he asked for my personal infos, he patiently typed them in
his smartphone after which he took our photo. He also showed me his file of
business cards coded with checks to remind him which of the owners of the cards
have been met, meekly confiding about his tendency to be forgetful. His
systematic habit was just admirable which showed that he was not totally
dependent on others for all his daily personal needs.
As if on a cue, we would touch on subjects
that interested both of us. We shared what we knew about the Philippine eagle,
for instance. When I mentioned about my participation in the monitoring and
documenting of the aerial mating of the national bird in Mt. Apo, while
concealed with the Kennedy group sponsored by the National Geographic way back
in the 80’s, he added his fascination about the monogamous character of the
bird. When I mentioned about blogging, he told me that he got no time for such
but shared that he has collated into a collectible book various write-ups about
Lee Kuan Yew. He further surprised me with a confession that he had so far
written four books, humbling me with my own, one title. A great guy, indeed!
I purposely slowed down on our conversation
when I noticed that he was sleepy as I learned that since the start of the
ASEAN Conference, he and other prominent businessmen were kept busy with
meetings and social activities. He luxuriated on about twenty minutes of dozing
which resulted to his late snacks. I was further touched when he gave me the
small sachet of mango- flavoured chocolate from his platter that should have
been part of his dessert together with slices of fruits.
As our plane was about to touch down, he
confided that the reason for his coming to Davao was the inauguration of the
Ro-Ro service between Davao and Indonesia…he was the guest of honor. He invited
me to join him which I politely declined as I was on an urgent purpose.
As if the surprises brought about by the
encounter were not enough, while we were on our way to the arrival area of
Davao International Airport, one of my carry-on bags (I had three) slipped off
my shoulder and which he unceremoniously picked up and carried! I was so
embarrassed but he insisted on carrying it for me as he found me seemingly
over-burdened. His gesture left me with two more carry-ons -a bag and laptop.
What made me more embarrassed was when he told me that he was of same age with
President Duterte and Sonny Domingo…the latter being his classmate! I was
astounded as I thought he was just approaching his sixties. His being a mestizo
and having a wrinkle-free face may be the reasons for his youngish look. At the
arrival area, we parted our ways as I went straight to the conveyor to pick up
my checked-in baggage.
When I finally reached my destination after
almost four hours of travel, I texted my new friend with a message about my
heartfelt appreciation and honest admiration of his rare character. I thought,
he would not reply, being a very busy guy, but after a few minutes, I received
an acknowledgment. I imagined him to have taken a fragment of his precious time
just to send me his reply.
I coud not get over the overwhelming
feeling after meeting the humble Joey Leviste, Jr., making me wonder if there
could be other industrial icons like him. What is remarkable about him is his
unassuming attitude that keeps his feet on the ground despite the dizzying
success that he has achieved and keeps on achieving. Now I understand why he is
immensely successful and blessed!
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