By Fil C. Sionil
Discussions in the marketplace currently revolve around the expected inflation spike, driven by increases in daily wages, transport fares, and the rollercoaster movement of petroleum pump prices—all impacting our purchasing power.
Reading about all these adverse economic issues, intensified by geopolitical tensions disrupting global trade and commerce plus strains in the local political arena, gives one a gloomy vibe about the road ahead.
For today’s piece, I’d rather veer away from taking a deep dive into the macro perspective of these multi-layered challenges. That’s right, Virginia, I’m going light this time.
Instead, this nosy parker will dish out interesting personality sightings along Valero, a busy street within the heart of Salcedo Village, part of the Makati Central Business District (CBD).
Manage your expectations, Virginia: nothing provocative, titillating, nor thrilling. But these personalities—an unassuming politician, a cabinet secretary, and a top-tier corporate lawyer—have one thing in common: no sense of entitlement.
Intrigued? First, allow me to describe Valero Street. It sits close to the main thoroughfares of Ayala Avenue and Gil Puyat Avenue (formerly Buendia), where high-rise office buildings stand alongside residential towers.
For most of us Salcedo Village dwellers, Valero is close to becoming the domain of BDO operations in the heart of the Makati CBD. Very prominent is the BDO Tower, which is normally the pin for Grab locations. A short walk away is a scattering of BDO branches, not to mention the headquarters of China Bank, another institution owned and controlled by the Sy family.
Now, back to these three personalities and their commonality. None of the three go to pricey salons for glam. They patronize David’s Salon—which I likewise frequent—known as the largest chain of hair and beauty salons in the country, offering accessible, European-style hairdressing at very affordable prices.
While having my me-time at the salon on Monday, Tourism Secretary Maria Bernardita “Dita” Angara-Mathay casually walked in accompanied by her loving husband, Robbie Mathay. It must be love, Virginia, as the former president of the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority waited patiently. A female assistant was also present to settle the bill.
While for some “kilay is life,” for Madame Secretary, “hair is life.” A salon staff member shared: “She usually comes for a blow-dry.” I fully agree with Ms. Dita that hair is one’s crowning glory, and a dash of glam was necessary that Monday noon before facing the Senate Finance subcommittee in the mid-afternoon to defend the DOT’s proposed 2027 budget.
Sharing the same “hair is life” vibe are Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel ”Migz” Zubiri and Nilo T. Divina, Dean of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law and Managing Partner of DivinaLaw. Not for blow-dries, though, but for hair treatments and coloring.
Unlike Ms. Dita, Sen. Migz and Dean Nilo walked into the salon alone—no wifey—for their hair color and treatments. It’s interesting to note that all of them are well-acquainted with the staff.
“Uy, ganda ng hair mo!” (Nice hair!), the Senate Majority Leader commented upon seeing the freshly blow-dried curls of one staff member.
This nosy parker also often sees the vehicle of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian along Valero St. whenever he visits his legal counsel-consultant. The SP is nothing like some politicians: no swag, no fleet of backup vehicles, and no flashing blinkers or “wang-wang” (sirens).
This corner of the business corridor has high respect for Sec. Dita, Senators Sherwin and Migz, and Dean Nilo for not wearing that “sense of entitlement” badge despite their positions. Truly, a cut above the rest.
Sana all!
Talk back to me at sionil731@gmail.com
