A chat with the Paleco Boss

By Divine Quizon

Eye contact is very important in any interview. The reason, say communication boffins, is that looking at your interviewee eye-to-eye while firing queries establishes focus and attention and gives more credibility to the interviewer. This really happened during a minute of interview with GM Ponciano “Pons” Payuyo of PALECO (Palawan Electric Cooperative). Ok, not because I really wanted to be credible but because I was struck with the dimples and his pink Hollister shirt.

A different angle is what we had in mind during our chat session. And as a neophyte in one-on-one interviews, my heart beat faster and my knees trembled as I began. I realized later GM Payuyo is the kind of subject who can engage you and make you feel at ease. What a guy.

The lighter side. Used to meeting controversies head-on as the Paleco honcho (what with brownouts and all), GM Pons was delighted that we wanted to talk about non-Paleco stuff for this interview.He gamely revealed to us that we are the first persons to interview him about his personal life, but he didn’t hesitate to respond to the questions that we asked of him. “I’m very hands-on in my work. Tingnan nyo nagtambakan na ang mga reports dito sa table ko. Kasi I see to it na talagang na-chechek ko yung mga nangyayari sa Paleco”.

Beneath a happy face. GM Pons is a family man. It shows in his mien. Perhaps the tragedy of the loss of a child, Pauleen, steeped his commitment to prioritize his family. “Kasi hindi laging andiyan tayo diba? At hindi natin hawak ang panahon”. He recalled how Pauleen died in May from a heat stroke. He knew that the sooner he got over the loss of a loved one, the better for him and his family.

Parental Guidance. “The kids are my only possession that I will forever treasure,” he said. GM Pons made sure they are prepared for life’s challenges, instilling discipline and values as they mature. Francis has graduated from UP (Sports Science) and has married. He has his own two babies (Frances Nicole and Alexa) is the pride of GM Pons. Ellaine Anne, is reviewing for the CPA board and is regarded by Dad as the sweetest among the siblings. “Yan ang anak ko na sobra talagang sweet, at laging nag-ti-text ng mga sweet quotes and inspiring words na talaga namang nakakagaan ng pakiramdam”. He says Kathleene is the prettiest, a 4^th year ECE at AMA. “Yang anak ko na yan ang pinu-push ko sa pag-bobroadcast dahil may ganda at matalino rin naman”. Ponce Paolo, 2^nd year also taking up ECE at the same school with her sister is the “Chick-boy” of his siblings. “Nakakatuwa yang anak kong yan dahil nahuli yan ng mom nya na dalawa ang girlfriend nung first year niya pa lang sa Manila.

And the “palangga”, the youngest Patrick Franco, a grade schooler, is regarded as “the Paleco Baby”.

Bonding Moments. GM Pons is a self-confessed “Kikay Dad”. He habitually buys her daughters stuff like dangling earrings, ‘kikay’ dress and trendy stuffs for L.A. and Kathleene. “Sometimes I buy them their undies. Expert ako sa pag-estimate ng sizes kahit tingnan ko lang alam ko na…(laughs)…”