"He is a cool guy!" That has been one of the first comments of one of my FACEBOOK friends after posting a photo and mentioning about Jess' visit in my residence a couple of days ago. Yes, he is indeed a cool guy - he's a cool advocate.
That's why I entitled my today's post like this.
I met him several times before - a couple of months ago in General Santos City during a lunch break in the hotel before my friends and I were leaving for Sarangani and Lake Sebu.
We are "friends" in Facebook. During our dinner in my house he testified, that he has a lot of friends. Friends in its real meaning. No wonder... .
Jesus "Jess" Dureza, an enigmatic character being a great friend and personality at the same time with short but very clear and understandable answers to all my questions.
Jesus "Jess" Dureza, leaving the political stage... . He likes to be "involved in other things" - maybe. Dureza, now publisher of the Davao City based "Mindanao Times" (by the way, my column tabloid before for many years), tells his opinion in many other publications, also in Mindanao Daily Mirror - the daily with my presently weekly Friday column "In my opinion".
Questions regarding the present political situation in the Philippines, Jess has a lot of very understandable answers. Honestly, I agree with them very strongly. Why are people asking to replace the present government in the Philippines? Crossing the line? I quote Jess: "Whether we are happy or unhappy with the present state of affairs under the PNoy presidency is of no moment. Whatever it is, that doesn't justify another "adventurism" to take place."
Jess Dureza "loves to live in Davao City, visit Cebu City from time to time and do business in Manila".
Living abroad? No question. NO!
God and religion is very important for him and his family. Family and its bounds are to be described as primarily.
Is Dr. Jose Rizal still his (national) hero? Of course, NOT. Rizal is history. His idol has been his father - a simple bus driver, who feed the whole family with this little income.
Foreigners in the Philippines are still very welcome... .
And, fears in life? Not at all. Live your life as it is!
Jesus "Jess" Dureza, a "cool guy" with simple but very meaningful answers to all questions. Jesus "Jess" Dureza", Press Secretary during the administration of Gloria Arroyo from 2008-2009... . Not only during that time - a cool advocate.
