There he was, in a sky-blue, short-sleeved shirt, and there I was, inches away and all I could say was, “Good morning, you look great! What’s your secret?” Oops, what did I just do, besides opening my big mouth?

But he replied, calmly and with half a smile, “I chose my parents.”

He chose his parents. (How many of us can do that?) Before I could even think of analyzing his reply, we saw his mother approaching the seat reserved for her. She was in a pantsuit in a pinkish shade of peach, a most becoming color on her.

The arrival of Mme. Imelda Romualdez Marcos, followed immediately by that of Cardinal Charles Brown, the Vatican’s ambassador and head of the diplomatic corps, signaled the start of the “official rite of welcome at Malacañan Palace for Our Lady of Guadalupe Philippine Pilgrimage” last week, June 11.

With first lady Liza A. Marcos serving as host, the mass began promptly at 10 a.m. in the Malacañang chapel. Most Rev. Jose Colin Bogaforo, bishop of Kidapawan, spiritual director of the Guadalupe Pilgrimage 2025 executive committee, led the prayers. As the good bishop pointed out, Our Lady of Guadalupe is the celestial patroness of the Philippines who “through centuries of faith, through storms and struggles, through joys and triumphs has accompanied our nation with gentle care.” Red roses were offered by FL Liza’s guests, one rose per guest, during the Offertory.

An early lunch followed for no more than 100 guests – sinigang, prawn cooked in coconut milk with french beans, roast chicken, green salad, fresh fruits and leche flan. But I did not see PBBM. (In ancient societies, kings and queens did not dine with ordinary mortals because, it was believed, eating reduced them to the same human level as their guests.) But I did see Nenuca Blardony, Tricie Cepeda Sison, Cita Rosales, and a Miss Philippines from one or two generations ago.

Twenty-four hours later, PBBM would be back at work, in full view of the people, presiding over the June 12 Independence Day ceremonies at Rizal Park. In your next life, dear reader, would you wish to be president? Not for me, no, thanks, not if I have to rise and shine with the sun!