By Eva C. Visperas

 

WHENEVER Christmas comes, my thoughts naturally drift to three celebrations that have shaped my life in deeply personal ways: the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Dagupan City Fiesta, and the birthday of the greatest statesman I have ever met in my 37 years as a journalist—former five-time Speaker of the House Jose de Venecia Jr.

At this time of year, everyone is busy—especially among Catholic and Christian faithful—preparing for what is truly the most wonderful season. Beyond the lights, carols, and gatherings, Christmas always gives me pause for reflection.

Second only to Christmas itself is the Dagupan City Fiesta, celebrated in honor of St. John the Evangelist. This is close to my heart. Although I was born in Binmaley, it was in Dagupan—at St. John the Evangelist Cathedral—where I was baptized. Dagupan is home to my faith, memories, and beginnings.

And then there is JDV, as he is fondly called. No one in Philippine politics has achieved what he has—globally respected, nationally revered, and faithfully serving as Speaker of the House five times. His stature in public service remains unmatched.

I first met JDV when I was still a neophyte reporter, assigned to cover an event where he was guest of honor and inducting officer of the Pangasinan Press and Radio Club, Inc. at the old Vicar Hotel in Dagupan.

I was instantly smitten—not magically, but intellectually—by his eloquence. He spoke without notes, straight from the heart, delivering his message with his trademark punchy, lively style. I sat in complete awe. That was the moment I became an instant fan.

Through the years, I have listened to countless speeches by presidents, senators, congressmen, academicians, public servants, among others. But none came close to JDV. There was always something special about the way he spoke—clear, sincere, and inspiring.

When he was Speaker, Pangasinenses—especially Dagupeños—felt his presence in Congress. Media practitioners were treated with respect, particularly during the annual State of the Nation Address. We felt that our province truly mattered in the national arena.

I witnessed firsthand his influence—and more importantly, how grounded he remained despite being, as some would say, on top of the world.

Whenever he came home to Binloc to rest, Yoly of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and I (then with The Philippine Star) would interview him, and our stories often landed on the front page. Before each interview, he would smilingly ask his staff, “Who is Eva and who is Yoly?”—a small but thoughtful gesture from a man who moved with ease among presidents and the poor alike.

JDV loved to talk, loved to share ideas, and never ran out of insights. More than front-page stories, he gave us time.

Change is inevitable, as is aging. Political climates shift, power fades. But JDV’s charisma remains. Even now, people light up when they see him. One can sense how good he must have been to so many, across all walks of life.

When criticized, he disarmed his critics not with anger but with kindness and forgiveness. Ever ready with a smile, a tap on the shoulder, and a firm handshake, his gentle style made him a natural peacemaker—a title he rightfully earned as a global peacemaker.

One unforgettable anecdote involved a helicopter ride to cover an event in Manaoag. JDV offered Yoly and me the chopper, even insisting we take it while he traveled by car. As we landed, a drum and lyre corps performed to welcome JDV—only to be surprised when it was Eva and Yoly who stepped out. We all laughed, a moment that perfectly captured his humility and generosity.

As I write this, we are just hours away from his 90th birthday on December 26.

Turning 90 is truly God’s gift and grace. To reach this age with dignity, wisdom, and grace is a blessing not many receive. I am deeply grateful to have met, known, and learned from a man whose life continues to inspire—even in its twilight years.

JDV has touched my life in more ways than one. And for that, every Christmas season, I give thanks.