Getting in the holiday spirit

THE SARMIENTOS. More than 30 years of wedded bliss. PHOTO AND DIGITAL ART BY MANDY AND EVIE ROQUE

Pagcor President Atty. Jorge V. Sarmiento and his wife, Wawie, put family on top of their priorities.

He says it’s important to “stay simple and humble” because, he explains, “Everything is temporary—and we’re all just passing through. When our ‘15 minutes’ are up, all we’re left with are our family and real friends. So, I treasure their love and friendship.”

When Jorge was Postmaster General, he was my student in photography.  When the photography bug bites him, his favorite subjects are his grandchildren, Zooey and Lego, aside from Wawie—who doesn’t much like getting photographed.

Here’s why Christmas is special to Jorge: “It celebrates a tale that is both simple and beautiful—about a child born far from home, to parents who are guided only by faith. Its message has remained relevant, even after more than 2,000 years, that despite differences in religion, ideology, skin color and languages, we’re all asked to love one another!” Jorge is doubly thankful for having been given the best Christmas gift ever—his family!

Fulltime wife

Wawie gave up her optometry practice to become a fulltime wife, and mother to Franco and Mika, both lawyers.

She says she’s the opposite of Jorge: She’s a city girl who has been married for more than 30 years—an accomplishment in itself! She reflects, “Christmas makes us believe in rebirth and renewal. The birth of Christ continues to be a symbol of hope for all of us!”

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