A short stint as Production Assistant in ABS-CBN – with “2+2” (Vic Sotto and Dina Bonnevie), “VIP” (Vilma Santos), and “Spin-A-Win” (Jean Young), she gave vent to her aesthetic talents after finishing AB-Communication at UP. As a Legislative Staff of Congress, she was introduced to politics. As a Nurse, her compassion for health care and the masses heightened. Being a Teacher was an exposure to management and human behavior. When she became a business entrepreneur her financial skills were enhanced. Now, as the elected Vice Mayor of Balilihan, Maria Pureza Velos-Chatto (PVC) has gone full cycle, with her previous and present undertakings coming in handy to make her a compleat leader, an Ace in public service. This interview took place at the People's Mansion at 10AM (Friday) right after she planed in from Manila.

LMP: How does it feel to be a First Lady?

PVC: (Laughs) I have been into this kind of role since we got married because Edgar was already a Mayor at that time, then he became Vice Governor, Congressman, and now Governor. The challenge is getting heavier, but I have learned to enjoy the role.

LMP: Does it follow that when it started, you did not enjoy it?

PVC: It's a process, of course. (Laughs) It's a process of getting used to it, loving the job itself, and the lifestyle that we have. I was a very private person. But even before we got married, I was somehow, exposed to that kind of public life that the Governor has.

LMP: You knew each other when you were still teenagers?

PVC: We were schoolmates in high school at Divine Word College, as well as in UP (University of the Philippines). He was two years ahead of me.

LMP: So, you really became close, when you were in UP, not here.

PVC: Yes, because we were together in UP's Kadugong Bol-anon, wherein he was a very active leader. Actually, he was my postman... delivering my letters to my parents in Bohol, because he came home every Friday, being the President of Kabataang Barangay and an ex-officio Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. He was also the carrier of my allowance, food, and other things sent by my parents. Practically, he was our postman, very safe and very efficient. (Laughs) That's how we started, but it was not until I finished college and was home when the affinity developed.

LMP: You finished Mass Communication, right?

PVC: Yes, I finished Bachelor of Arts in Communication major in Broadcasting in 1983.

LMP: When you graduated, he was not at UP anymore.

PVC: Yeah, but at that time, he was a first year law student at Ateneo.

LMP: So, the acquaintanceship, the relationship went on?

PVC: Yes, as friends.

LMP: When did the love story start?

PVC: Actually, he had girlfriends before, and I used to be his back-up. We started as good friends. Sometimes he would ask me to buy him cards for his special someone. I think, it all begun when his Dad ran for Assemblyman, because he would made me tag along in the campaign trail to the different municipalities. When his Dad became Congressman, I was offered a job at the Batasang Pambansa, as a Legislative Staff. That was in 1984-86, we were plain friends, but that's how we became very close. At that time, he still had a girlfriend. It was only in 1986, when I was already here, and was studying at the DWC-College of Nursing. Actually, he was one of those who convinced me to take up Nursing. (Laughs)

LMP: How did you know that the friendship turned into something more special?

PVC: I cannot forget our first date, it was at Bohol Beach Club. (Laughs)

LMP: Your marriage date?

PVC: June 22, 1991.

LMP: You only have one daughter, what is her real name?

PVC: Esther Patrisha. The former means “star”, and the latter means “noble.” She finished AB European Studies at Ateneo de Manila University. Now, she is a freshman student at the Ateneo Law School.

LMP: How old is she now?

PVC: She just turned 21 last November.

LMP: When is your birthday?

PVC: I was born on December 16, 1962. According to my Mom, when she was conceiving me, she liked to stare to the statue of the Blessed Virgin at the Divine Word Chapel. That is why, I was given the name Maria, and Pureza for “purity.”

LMP: Where did you have your elementary studies?

PVC: From kindergarten to the middle of my second grade, I wasenrolled at Holy Spirit School, and the remaining years were spent at Divine Word College, where I graduated in 1975. All of my other siblings were also transferred because my Mom was already a Professor at DWC at that time. I finished high school in the year 1979. I went to UP, and took up AB Communication (1983), and BSN at DWC (1990). While I was teaching, I had my Masters in Nursing Education.

LMP: After you graduated from UP did you become a Legislative Staff at the Batasan?

PVC: Not yet. After graduation, I had a short stint at ABS-CBN as Production Assistant of the “2+2” sitcom of Vic Sotto and Dina Bonnevie, “VIP”, the Vilma Santos Show. The most challenging part of my job was, when I became the researcher of Jean Young's “Spin-A-Win.” I had to make all sorts of questions with answers. Other than that, since they also had guests, I had to compose an introduction upon their arrival in the studio for the host.

LMP: How long did you stay with ABS-CBN?

PVC: I only lasted for months. I had my apprenticeship at DYRD as a DJ and Newscaster. I was also a researcher of Kompass-Philippines. We gathered data of all businesses in order to create a directory. After that, when Edgar's Dad became Congressman, I was his Legislative Staff, until it was abolished in 1986. That's how my political inclination started.

LMP: Why did you enter politics?

PVC: I believe it was a calling. For 22 years, I am a hands-on political wife. I attended activities which Edgar cannot attend, especially when he became Congressman because he was in Manila, and I was here. There was even a time when I was rumored to run for Congress because I was exposed to the barangays. But it was not on my mind, it was purely a public service, for and on behalf of my husband. When Mommy ran for Mayor in Balilihan, I was actually their first choice, but I said, “No, there should only be one politician in our small family.”

LMP: What happened was, you were considered, but your mother-in-law took the step.

PVC: Because I did not say yes.

LMP: When did you finally decide to enter politics?

PVC: Last day of the submission of substitution in the last election. (Laughs) At that time, I went into different meetings, and there was already a challenge of who to put as Vice Mayor because Manoy Efren would not run anymore. Then I said, “Count me out, count me out!” I always had that in my mind. It was really Edgar who motivated me to accept the challenge. He never attempted to talk to me about that, it was Manoy Efren who did.

LMP: Who filed first for the Vice Mayor's position?

PVC: Marian Domivee, she is the daughter of the Mayor. The night before the deadline, Edgar talked to me, and I know he meant it. That was the first time ever he tried talking to me about running. I was teary-eyed at that time because once he talked about it, that would be it. I could not say no to him. But he said, “I'm not going to force you, just pray over it, consider the pros and the cons, and then you can decide tomorrow. I will leave the papers, certificate of candidacy on the table, should you decide, just get it, and sign it.” For me, it would be a total change in my life. I have been a private person, but if you are already in the position, you really have to do your work because you would be accountable to the people.

LMP: Right from the start, you understood that it is really a very big responsibility.

PVC: I know. But I told Edgar, “If I will run, how can I do all this work in your political campaign?” He could not give me an answer, but he also needed a Vice Mayor in Balilihan. So, the following morning, during our breakfast, he asked for my decision. I started crying again, especially when I saw my name on the Certificate of Candidacy. It took me sometime, to affix my signature. I believed it was already a calling. I saw the necessity of my entry to politics. At the start of the campaign period, one of their plans was a house-to-house visit, but I was still a little bit hesitant to join them. To cut the story short, I finished the whole 45-day campaign period without missing any single activity. I did the house-to-house from six to ten o'clock in the morning. I climbed the highest peak of Balilihan, and lost several pounds. (Laughs) That's why I said, I already won. My daughter, Trisha was with me the whole time until the end. At the last day of the campaign, Trisha and I just woke up, and I told her with tears rolling in my eyes, “Trish, you know what, even before the election is over, I already felt I am victorious. You know, I am a reluctant candidate but I finished the 45-day campaign without any missed. That is already a victory for me. If I win in the election, then, that's good because that is really the intention. But if I lose, it is still good, because God knows that I did everything.”

LMP: Now that you are a Vice Mayor, it is a different thing.

PVC: Yeah, it is. What helps me much is the Sangguniang Bayan is all aligned with me. They know that I am new, so we support each other. We discuss, argue, debate, but at the end of the day, we come up with a collective decision. In our session, we observe proper decorum, and we are serious in deliberating on whatever we have to work on. But outside the session hall, we are all friends; we attend fiestas and visit the barangays together. They call me “Ate” because I am the only girl, and a bit older than them. We practice pre-session to iron things out, before going to the session proper. Once we decide, it should be a collective decision, and the voice of the majority.

LMP: To all the roles you have been through, you were a broadcaster for a brief time, you were with ABS-CBN, a Nurse and Clinical Instructor for seven years, and you also have a review center, what's the name again?

PVC: Bohol HRD Center, Inc. It started like a public service because at that time the students must have to go out of Bohol to review. So, I reasoned out...why don't we bring those good reviewers here, so that they can cut on cost? Some would ask me, why I have a small number of students? I don't market, people come to me, and they get the full service of the review center. My reviewers are all from Manila, I have two staff (Nurses), and a driver. I am not into gaining more profit, because I am more concerned on customer satisfaction.

LMP: You are also with First Flower Avenue. How did it happen?

PVC: It was in 1999, because Manoy Efren has a big flower farm in Baguio. They decided to put up a flower shop in Bohol, and asked me to manage it. But I told them, “I don't know how to arrange flowers. I do not even know the different kinds of flowers.” (Laughs) And they said, “You don't have to know how to arrange flowers. You just have to know how to tell what is beautiful and what is not.” I have three florists and a driver.

LMP: Among these roles, where do you enjoy most?

PVC: My first priority is my family. I have to support whatever my husband does. That is why I said, “I take care of the Governor for Bohol.” We need to have a Governor who has a happy environment, a peaceful life, and contented, so that he can function well. Taking-care of my family is my topmost priority. For Trisha, I always find time for her everytime she needs me, even how hectic my schedule is. I am a fulltime hands-on mother and wife to my family.

LMP: As a businesswoman, where is that in your priority list?

PVC: It's just a matter of time management. Technology makes my work easier. I can always call, text, or email my staff. But if there is a big project, I am there, to attend to it personally. On ordinary days, I just follow-up my staff on their reports every week, the same thing with Bohol HRD.

LMP: How often do you go to Balilihan?

PVC: Everyday, Sir Loy. I know Edgar is happy with what I am doing. Because I told him, “I may be a reluctant candidate, an amateur in politics, but I don' want mediocrity in my position. I want to be a good Vice Mayor. I attend the flag ceremony at eight o'clock in the morning on Monday, Tuesday is our market day, Wednesday is for our session, and Thursday and Friday are for meetings and other activities. I am a fulltime back-up of the Mayor.

LMP: What are your projects for Balilihan?

PVC: Actually, we are about to start reviewing our investment code, tourism code, etc. but it was derailed because of the earthquake last October. As of now, our focus is the rehabilitation of our Municipality. Personally, I am helping in the construction of three transitional classrooms. These are temporary classrooms made from native materials that can stand for two to three years, until such time, the permanent replacement will be constructed. The BCCI (Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry) is also funding for the construction of more classrooms. Aside from that, I supported the construction of some houses. It gives livelihood to the people because they are the ones building these houses. Week after the earthquake, I visited the barangays onmy own. I feel I have the obligation to look into the welfare of the people because I am attached to the name of the Governor. I even volunteered on behalf of the Governor to visit the badly affected towns because he had to attend to the arrival ofour national officials. We went to Antequera, Loon, Maribojoc, etc., to let the people feel that we are here, and we reported everything to the Governor, their needs and the situation they are into.

LMP: You are still very active with organizations, right?

PVC: Yes, presently, I am the President of the Girl Scouts-Bohol Chapter. I used to be the President of the Jaycees, and now an Adviser. And of course, the Secretary of BCCI.

LMP: And you would claim that you have enough time for all of these things?

PVC: Yes. (Laughs) It's just time management. Actually, I sleep very late every night because I want to finish what I have to do that day, so that I would make a fresh new start the following day. I don't accept schedules on Sundays because it is intended for my family.

LMP: What is your philosophy in life?

PVC: Be the best of whatever you can be. That why, I always say, “I don't want mediocrity, I want everything done well, whatever my hands dip into.”

LMP: What makes you happy and gives you fulfillment?

PVC: When the people are happy and they give you a smile. When the earthquake happened, my prayers were for Edgar. I asked God to give him strength, guidance, and enlightenment to manage the crisis that we are in right now. I feel so proud and happy upon hearing the feedbacks, especially from the President, that we Boholanos are making our best efforts to stand up and move on. These are affirmations that we are doing it right. I feel that I am a very important part of that because I take care of the Governor. And that is already a fulfillment on my part. No one else can do it, except me.

The interview was interrupted when personalities from the Rotary Club of Tagbilaran and supervising Doctors of the PHO came with some members of the Rotary Club 3000 of San Miguel, Manila to hand boxes of medicines donated to Bohol through the Provincial Governor. From having a serious taped conversation as a private persona, Maria Pureza Veloso-Chatto metamorphosed into a convivial personality as she helped her husband entertain the guests. This woman wears many hats all to perfection, a perfect foil to an achiever-husband who happens to be the Governor of Bohol.