I was happy to see Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, daughter of my late former boss Congressman Iggy Arroyo, during the launch of the reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls last January 2026. The event was attended by President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. The Office of the Social Secretary took charge of inviting members of the press and media.
Despite her busy schedule, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco never failed to attend to my queries. I recall seeing her during Manila FAME in October 2024 at the World Trade Center, where she was with First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. A few years earlier, we also met at Bahay Pangulo, the President’s Residence, when she toured selected members of the press around the premises.
During the Likhang Filipino press conference, I interviewed Myrna Bituin, a well-known Filipino furniture exporter and entrepreneur based in Betis, Pampanga. Together with her husband Jose, she founded JB Woodcraft in 1972. The company specializes in traditional, custom hand-carved furniture and has supplied pieces to international royalty.
Myrna later introduced me to her daughter, Leslie Bituin-Mendoza, who represents the second generation carrying on the family’s artisan legacy in Guagua, Pampanga.
I was also fortunate to see my former boss, Millet Martinez-Mananquil, Philippine Star Lifestyle editor, at the venue. I had a brief chat with my former CITEM officemates, Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo and Deputy Executive Director Malou Mediran. I also took the opportunity to have a photo with my former CITEM boss, Mina T. Gabor, former president and CEO of CITEM, and Josie Briones-Gonzalez.
As I exited Hall One, I was fortunate to see former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, a relative by affinity on my paternal side. She was beaming with a smile when she saw me and has maintained her beauty and composure despite the passing of the years.
I vividly recall that my late Cebuano aunt, Francisca Lopez Broce—whom I used to visit in Malate, Manila, though she resided in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, with her husband Jovencio—told me that our family is related to the former First Lady. I also remember that when I was working with CITEM, First Lady Imelda Marcos often visited the Philtrade halls. Many good memories remain ingrained in my mind. I am also grateful for the help extended to my late uncle, broadcaster Felipe “Jun” Medina Jr., executive p
roducer of Newswatch on RPN-9 and later general manager of IBC-13, as well as to my late father, actor Antonio “Tony” Medina, who worked with the Ministry of Human Settlements.
I was likewise fortunate to have a photo with current First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. Thanks to Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco for taking the photo.
First Lady Louise Marcos is humble, amiable, humane, and intelligent. She remains the same simple Louise I met in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, whenever I accompanied my late boss, former PCSO chairperson Honeygirl Singson de Leon.
Before growing tired from walking around the Likhang Filipino premises, I managed to take a selfie with Katrina Castañer Ponce-Enrile, daughter of the late Senator Johnny Ponce Enrile, and with the amiable Social Secretary Bianca Zobel.
It was indeed a women power day during the launch of the reopening of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls.
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com n