BOMBO GREG was once a household name in Bacolod City, stirring the airwaves from 1993 to 2001 with his hard-hitting commentaries on local, national, and even international issues.
Today, that same voice belongs to a respected public servant — Honorable Greg Gasataya, who has gone undefeated in politics from 2001 to 2025. From councilor to vice mayor, to congressman, and now mayor-elect of Bacolod City, Greg’s rise is nothing short of extraordinary.
No one really imagined that Greg would reach this level of political prominence — not even Greg himself.
What sets him apart is that he is neither a product of a political dynasty nor born into wealth or influence. He is the son of a jeepney driver and a humble housewife.
His life has never been easy. Like many Filipinos, Greg’s journey is one marked by sacrifice. But his story stands out because of the grit and resilience that turned him into a fighter — one who battled real-life challenges head-on.
From a simple boy with dreams of making a name through broadcasting, Greg wielded the microphone of Bombo Radyo like boxing gloves — fighting against the odds and building a noble narrative, one punch at a time.
SILENT STRATEGIST
Greg’s greatest political asset is his quiet but effective strategy and performance.
True to the Greek origin of his name — Gregorein, meaning “vigilant,” “alert,” or “watchful” — he has always played politics at his own pace, with calculated risks and well-thought-out decisions.
He knows when and with whom to align himself. He knows when to speak and when silence is more powerful.
He chooses his battles wisely and understands the value of remaining neutral when needed.
Greg is not a loud or flamboyant politician — quite different from his days as a broadcaster. Instead, he speaks only when there’s substance behind his words.
Yet behind the quiet persona lies a mind constantly calculating the winning formula — one that others fail to decode or disrupt.
NO ODD
Many wonder what makes Greg one of Bacolod’s most “blessed” politicians — winning every election, never knocked out.
The answer? Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t have ODD — Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
In medical terms, ODD is defined as a behavioral condition characterized by frequent irritability, defiance, and vindictiveness.
Greg displays none of these traits.
Instead, he carries himself with calmness, humility, and grace — earning love and respect from the people around him.
VIVID FAITH
Of course, Greg is not perfect. He has his own flaws — whether personal, familial, or political.
But he remains resilient in the face of imperfections. His strongest weapon? Candidness.
He never pretends to be a saint. Rather, his clear-eyed faith in embracing both the positive and negative realities of life has helped him overcome attacks on his person, family, and career.
In every political battle he has fought, Greg has managed to hit a home run — time and again.
SEEING THE GLASS HALF FULL
Another one of Greg’s strengths is his ability to always see the glass half full.
His optimism is unwavering. He takes criticism and negative situations and transforms them into sources of strength and positivity.
This is no ordinary trait — it takes guts and mental toughness to remain optimistic in the face of adversity.
At 55, Greg has mastered this art.
What makes it even more admirable is that he learned everything through experience — without the guidance of a political coach or mentor.
Greg is, in every sense, a student of his own journey, refining his craft with every lesson politics throws his way.
ASTUTE
Now that he is stepping into a new chapter as mayor, Greg is more than ready to face the challenges that await him.
He told this writer that he already has programs and projects in place — designed to benefit all sectors, especially the elderly.
One of the biggest burdens he inherits is the P6.4-billion loan left by the administration of outgoing Mayor Albee Benitez.
Starting in 2026, the city will begin paying ₱600 to ₱700 million annually for 15 years — a daunting responsibility.
Yet Greg says he’s ready to “take the splash” and prove to Bacolodnons that he is an “abbas” — serious about leading the city to greater heights, whatever the odds.
In a nutshell, Greg is astute.
Whatever name you call him — Bombo Greg, Congressman Greg, or now, Mayor Greg — one thing is certain: the name Greg will continue to resonate within the halls of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), echoing the voice of a leader worthy of praise and respect./PN
