IT was with great sorrow that I heard of the passing last Friday of Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, founder of the BusinessMirror.
I count myself blessed to have met and gotten to know “Amba” over the years.
He was a most hardworking man. He rebuilt his life from the ashes of the war years and slowly, steadily, constructed a business empire that offers services from womb to tomb. His companies were in diverse industries and sectors—insurance, mass media, real estate, hospitality, automotive, banking and death care.
At many points in his life, he could have retired to stop and smell the roses. Instead, he kept on creating new businesses offering a variety of goods and services, and, in doing so, generated more jobs. His actions in this regard had a positive impact not only on the economy, but on the individual lives of his employees.
He was also among the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. He was very humble, always asking others, “Ano po ang maipaglilingkod ko sa inyo [How can I help you]?” Despite all his achievements, fortune and fame, he remained grounded.
Through sheer hard work, he built an empire; through pakiki-pagkapwa-tao, he touched the lives of his employees, friends and family, of those around him.
He had many philantrophic projects, but these are unknown to most; he kept them low-key, doing what he could to help without fanfare nor publicity.
Among the most memorable projects Amba engaged in was to cause the construction of the Isuzu D-Max popemobile under his Isuzu Gencars company. The customized vehicle was donated for the use of Pope Francis during his apostolic visit to the Philippines last year.
The pope liked the vehicle, and called it a “beautiful car,” to Amba’s gratification.
In March 2015 Msgr. Chibuike Onueghala, counselor to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila, wrote Amba, “It is a blessing po that the popemobile you made and donated to the Holy Father is now being used as a model in other countries.”
Last October Amba joyfully donated a second popemobile for use in the Vatican. (The first one is kept at the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila.)
As time passes, more narratives of the people whose lives he touched will surface. This reminds me of Stephen Covey’s Habit No. 2, from his book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People—“Begin with the end in mind.” Covey advises us to ask ourselves: What do you want people to say about you at your funeral?
In Amba’s case, the outpouring of grief on traditional and social media was immediate and sincere. His is an example of a good life, one marked by grace, compassion and love for others, generosity, humility and a desire to serve. This is, indeed, a lesson to the rest of us on how we should live our own lives to the fullest
and best.
Amba, you are already missed; you will always be missed. May your life examples live on in those of us who know you, and in the countless people you helped as you traveled your journey
on earth.
Thank you, and rest well!
***
Atty. Rojas is vice chairman and general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.