After three weeks recovering from eye surgery, I finally received clearance from my ophthalmologist to travel beyond the borders of Quezon.

My first destination: the highly anticipated media conference for the upcoming Puregold Channel series ‘Si Sol at si Luna.’ Beyond meeting and hearing from the stars and creators of the show, the event provided me a rare chance to meet Manila’s most eligible bachelor.

'For someone of his success and stature, the ultra-wealthy president of Puregold Price Club Inc., Vincent Co actually keeps quite a low profile. His social media accounts are set to private, and his public appearances are typically reserved for official business events. You wouldn’t expect it from a man running a company that has over 600 retail stores nationwide, which made over P10 billion in profits last year. But by all accounts, he’s a down-to-earth and grounded man, keeping tastefully elusive from the public eye.

I knew then that this press conference for Puregold’s latest online show might be my only chance to catch a glimpse of this business tycoon.

By the time I arrived at the second floor of the World Trade Center, I had eyes only for finding Vincent Co. Throughout the press conference, I couldn’t help but scan the faces in the room, trying to spot this mysterious figure. I confess, I was driven by a touch of jealousy as some of my colleagues in the media have already had the chance to meet and interview him. If this was going to be my only chance to see him, I didn’t want to waste it.

Unfortunately, he didn’t show. His famously low-key demeanor must have kicked in as when the bright lights and cameras were on, the spotlight remained firmly trained on the stars and creators of ‘Si Sol at si Luna.’ Despite my disappointment, I couldn’t help but respect his choice. I wasn’t owed or promised a meeting with him after all, and this way, he kept the attention firmly on those whose work he’s dedicated to platforming. Besides, it was a great event despite my preoccupation. Everyone spoke with passion, and even I got swept up in the excitement for the upcoming show.

After two hours at the press conference, I decided to step away to get a drink. I was parched from all the bright lights and the secretive searching. I went down to the first floor to find a stall to buy some water. Couldn’t see it when you need it.

And then I turned to the left.

No water, but just 10 steps away from me, stood none other than Vincent Co. I was starstruck. Frozen in place, I couldn’t decide whether to sneak a picture on my smartphone or to blow him a kiss (could you imagine?). As someone who just recovered from eye surgery, let me tell you, he was a sight for sore eyes. Tall, handsome, confident without arrogance. Even from this distance, I could see what all the fuss was about.

That’s Vincent Co, I thought.

Before I could stumble over or embarrass myself, his team of about eight assistants came over to check on him. They accompanied him to the escalator and whisked him up to the second floor, likely to check on the proceedings of the press conference.

I was still planted firmly in place. I’d come to see Manila’s most eligible bachelor, and I can proudly say mission accomplished.