BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THEY’RE back in each other’s arms! Thus, they’re back on “high”, spirited, highly esteemed and respected anew.
They’re the Los of Bacolod. Everybody knows that an unexpected dissension rocked the Lo family sometime in 2019.
The Los are the owners of Negros Grace Pharmacy (Negros Grace), one of the biggest pharmacy chains in Western Visayas. Such was founded by a known philanthropist in Bacolod, the late Dr. Manuel Lo and his wife, Corazon.
The attempt to sell Negros Grace to the Ayala conglomerate three years ago caused the mayhem within this very private yet well-respected family.
The 80-year-old Corazon, the matriarch and a cancer survivor at that, (really) stood her ground not to allow the sale of NGP to anyone or group. She batted on sentimental value.
But her “motherly instinct” on the matter didn’t sink well in two of her three sons – Theodore and Ian. Thus, on Nov. 21, 2019, upon order from his two sons, she was barred from entering their office or at any branch of Negros Grace in Bacolod.
She terribly cried foul, but fought “to the max”.
Mrs. Lo didn’t hesitate to speak in public through press briefing(s) and statement(s) about what’s going on to their family. Neither she was ashamed to drag her two sons to a court battle.
She bravely sought the nullity of deeds of assignment, deeds of sale, agreement, cancellation of stocks certificates, injunction and damages with application for temporary restraining order/writ of preliminary injunction against the planned sale of Negros Grace.
Thus, they became an instant “scoop”, hogging the headlines. They rocked Bacolod with their “high profile” melee next to the Yanson family.
The public though empathized with the soft-spoken and well-meaning mother. Then, the rest is history overly enveloped by hate and animosity.
‘DIVINE CHOREOGRAPHY’
Not too long, however, it is as if a “divine choreography” prevailed. The Los reconciled.
Then, a press release (PR) on their reconciliation flooded social media on Feb. 20, 2022.
The following day, it landed on the front pages of the local dailies here.
Too, was also the headline of local AM and FM radio station(s) in the city.
In sum, such reconciliation was the “talk of the town” on Monday, but the public seems so careful in discussing such.
Well, in my humble assessment, it’s a well-crafted PR full of emotions highlighted by remorseful lines. The choice of words was also superb.
The PR quoted Ian as saying: “This reconciliation means a lot to our family. We recognize that forgiveness is vital in our complete healing.”
Thus, they have all agreed to move on and leave all traces of the painful past as “lesson learned”.
It’s great! What a piece, indeed!
But what struck me was Ian’s quote: “Family is family. No pain or differences can ever destroy a family.”
So heartwarming! No doubt that everyone can relate.
I haven’t seen Ian in person yet. But I heard a lot about him – the nice and the not so nice. However, who am I to judge the guy? But having said this line: “Family is family,” I can’t help but take a bow to Ian.
I remember then what God said in Proverbs 23:15: “My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad indeed.”
Yes, forgiveness ain’t an easy thing. Swallowing of pride could be the hardest part still. But there’s this divine intervention. And no one can ever predict when this happens.
Prayer is the key, hence. World-renowned American minister and founder of Unity Church Worldwide Catherine Ponder once reiterated: “Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.”
Proverbs 19:9, on the other hand, reminds everyone that love prospers when fault is forgiven.
If it’s true that it was Ian (according to my source) who made the first move leading to forgiveness and reunification of their family, then, he’s worthy of public’s praise and salutation.
‘PAST IS PAST’
Anyways, for the Los now, “past is past”. And Ian stressed, “Whatever happened in the past now belongs to the past, and we will all face the future united in love, harmony, and peace.”
He added, “We all miss each other, and a natural family connection has bound us again. Our reconciliation will heal emotional wounds, and my late father will genuinely be happy about this.”
Quite deep with sense! Thus, for me, every word that Ian uttered in the PR led to a “magnanimous victory” for the Los. Really, ‘twas quintessential beyond ignore. And Ian hit the target.
The Los, therefore, truly redeemed their “lows” for more than three years. It is as if they never allowed hate to consume them (totally). Rather, they armed themselves with “saving grace” to change everything for good in the names of their beloved mother and deceased father.
Reuniting with their estranged mom and brother, Jonathan (founder/owner of Merzci Pasalubong), is, perhaps, Theodore’s and Ian’s enormous achievement in life leading to divine victory.
Hope the Los will maintain now their candidness and so on and so forth for it is said that nothing of real worth can ever be bought.
A PRAYERFUL MOM
On the other hand, revisiting Mrs. Lo’s previous quotable quotes rendered me “speechless” and “forceless”.
Among them were:
(a) “I am just fighting for my right as a mother and owner and co-founder of the company.”
(b) “I am still in my right.”
(c) “I have my own mind.”
(d) “I am the owner and the founder of Negros Grace yet I am not allowed to go inside my own company.”
(e) “I wish that my three sons (Jonathan, Theodore and Ian) are reunited.”
(f) “I maintain an open line to my sons.”
(g) “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you (she quoted from Exodus 20:12).
(h) “I am just human, it is beyond my strength. I am hoping for reconciliation of all my children before I pass away.”
So touching beyond contest!
Dissecting them one by one, I can say that Mrs. Lo really opens her mouth with both legal and biblical wisdom. Too, she’s a prayerful mom. She trusts in anything but God, thus, she never lost hope that someday her sons would be awakened, guided and enlightened anew.
And she won! God answered her prayer(s). And gave what she desires for.
With that, there’s truth to what American evangelist Billy Graham had echoed – only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.
AINT PERFECT, TOO
Yes, like other families, the Lo family ain’t perfect. Their well-publicized family squabble was an indelible proof that, indeed, they were never spared by real life’s challenges.
Of course, there were moments that they were “downed” and “drowned” by nasty public perception.
But their very act to pick their “shattered pieces” and let the public know how they value family ties and care for each other was a clear manifestation of their collective determination in redeeming their stained reputation and “lowest” esteem.
Such is admirable and worthy of emulation.
After all, their “imperfections” turned into “pearls” of wisdom to ponder from now on.
Hence, kudos to the Los!/PN
