Waking up early is an extra challenge for this DAILY TRIBUNE columnist. My sleeping time is always before the Cinderella hour. Getting eight hours of sleep is sacred in my life, knowing that I am a few years shy of being a senior citizen.

Of late, I had needed to break this cycle of mine for two close and special encounters with the bagong hari (new king) of Philippine show business Coco Martin and the First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos.

New ‘king’

Seven a.m. was the official call time of the transport assigned to bring the Southern-based reporters to the event that was the launch of Coco Martin as the new brand ambassador of Jimm’s Coffee. The Malabon Sports Center in Malabon City was the venue of choice. We arrived at the designated transport area by 6:50 a.m. The waiting game was until 7:30 a.m. Then off we went to see the ambassador.

The official program started at mid-10 a.m. with Coco Martin performing for the packed crowd whose response to him was electric! The actor had two numbers on stage and when he went down to be nearer his fans, he did not mind all the pulling and pushing, the reaction of his fans who wanted to touch, hug and take selfies with him. He obliged all the requests.

When he came up on stage after that longish interaction with the audience, Martin said: “I love you all. Hindi ko kayo palagiang nakakasama kaya ngayong narito ako, at nandito kayong lahat, salamat! Mahal na mahal ko kayo (I don’t get to be with you all the time. But now that I am here, and you are all here, thank you! I love you all)!” And as the shindig progressed, Martin always punctuated his statements with an “I love you” and “thank you.”

Aside from Martin’s production numbers, the activities of the day included free samples of Jimm’s Coffee Mix, an energetic dance session, fun games and raffle prizes.

“Beyond the fun, these gathering highlights Jimm’s Coffee’s commitment to wellness, natural energy and functional benefits,” said Michelle Tiu Lim-Chan, the company’s president and chief executive officer. “We have a created a coffee with Korean ginseng that supports the energy, focus and stamina needed to power through their day.”

Being a brand ambassador was just a dream, even wishful thinking for Coco then. “Every time this happens, I am always thankful. Siyempre, napakasarap sa pakiramdam na pagkatiwalaan nila ako (Of course, it feels great that they trust me). Being treated like I represent all Filipinos who, on a daily basis, work hard, fight for their families, who never stop and make sure that all the people they love are getting the best.”

“You know my life and struggles — bukas na aklat naman (it’s an open book),” said Martin. “Bago nangyari ito, naging (Before all of these happened, I was a) janitor, waiter, tricycle driver at dishwasher ako, and lahat ‘yun endo (most of it were on a contractual basis). But I never gave up. I know that God has a plan for me. He alone knows when is the right time. And when he finally gave me the opportunities, mas lalo kong pinag-igihan ang pagtratrabaho, mas pinatindi ang pasasalamat at pagdarasal (I made it a point to do my best and continued to pray even harder and be more thankful).”

He admitted that Jimm’s Coffee gives him a total energy boost and Martin gave credit to its Korean ginseng ingredient. The coffee is now a staple in the pantry of FPJ’s Ang Batang Quiapo.

Coco added, “I am committed to do two films with director Eric Matti and producer Dondon Monteverde and they are On The Job, Maghari and May Pag-Asa: The Battles of Andres Bonifacio. I will work with Inang Olive Lamasan. And a film tentatively billed Father’s Day. May isa pang TV series (There is also a new TV series).”

First Lady

By this time, OFWs and their respective families are enjoying the relaunched OFW Lounge at the NAIA Terminal 1.

When it opened, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, together with business mogul and New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. head Ramon Ang, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, graced the event and cut the ceremonial ribbon.

It was my first close encounter with FL Marcos and from where I was stationed, I could see and feel the warmth she exuded, in a simply elegant ecru hued sleeveless dress. She exchanged pleasantries and looked at the eye of the person she spoke with.

The FL intermingled with the guests in a more relaxed atmosphere since there was no visible presence of the Presidential Security Guards. When she was seated next to OWWA administrator and a singer performed a couple of fast Christmas carols, she swayed with the beat of the music.

It was when she stood up to tour the lounge when this DAILY TRIBUNE caught the eye of the Fl and she said “Hi.” Literally starstruck and all I remembered saying was, “Good morning, Mrs. Marcos.”

In the dining area, she was served arroz caldo, she took three dainty sips and said: “I am happy!” After seeing that she had her fill of the flavorful bowl, I mustered enough courage, introduced myself, said my name, the paper, and then I saw her eyes lit up and she said: “Oh… how nice.” Then I asked for a photo opportunity.

My photo with the First Lady was an unforgettable moment and I will forever remember her graciousness and warmth.