TRAPPED IN MARRIAGE

PHILIPPINE'S FIRST COUPLE

AUTHOR'S NOTE: THIS CHAPTER IS PURE ENGLISH CAUSE THE ELLE MAGAZINE THAT INTERVIEWED THEM IS ELLE KOREA.

ELLE TALKED TO MIKE (Note: Elle interviewed them on separate occasions)

The President (then Senator), who has become the youngest elected to the highest position of the country, takes a rare break from his 19-hours workday to tell Elle about his strict upbringing, political plans and priorities, and his beautiful wife.

The man who is is the only child of one of the richest families in the country turned his back to his father Don Manuel Bustamante's wish for him to work for their family business and run for an office in government to serve his country men.

He took Environmental Science and Public Policy at Harvard and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He became Mayor of Makati at age 23, the youngest Mayor in the country, Congressman at 26 and Senator at 35.

ELLE: How do you define yourself as a leader?

Michael: When I was young I have always wanted to serve people. To serve the country. One time I even tried to join the military so I went to take the exam at the Philippine Miliotary Academy, sadly, I didn't pass.

ELLE: You were so young when you wrote DREAMS OF MY FATHER, Why did you decide to write a book at 20? It's even hardbound and expensive huh?

Michael: Honestly, I don't have any idea. Hahahaha . I justthought Maybe I should use the graduation gifts my uncles gave me, so instead of buying a car which I already have or spend it with my friends who have money themselves, I decided to write about my father.

ELLE: When did you first realize that you wanted to become a President of the Philippines

Michael: In Elementary. I was Class President from first grade until I graduated at Harvard. I was president for all the clubs that I joined in. I was always elected to represent them. You see, my friends are not only the ones who have money. Of course I have rich friends, close rich friends who do not mind eating banana cue at the cafeteria with our friends who have less than we have. Rich friends who do not mind eating nilagang talong na may asin at a friend's house. These friends that I cherished up until now. And only two of them are working with me. The rest of the barkada are either abroad or working at private companies and have not asked favors from me since I became an elected official. Pwera na lang kung nagiinuman na ako ang pinagbabayad sa bill.

ELLE: Now, let's talk about your lovely wife. How did you meet her?

Michael: Honestly? Well I remember when she was about 5 or 6 she spilled water on my shoe. I was going to a rally then. Jonathan, my Chief of Staff brought his little sister cause there was no one at home who will take care of her. So he brought her with him.

ELLE: Isn't that unprofessional? I mean did you allow it?

Michael: He actually brought her with him for the female apprentices to look after. He had no choice but to bring her. So spilled juice on that white sneaker, and when I was att he rally, they asked me what happened to my shoe and I told them a young girl did it. I got a cheer from the crowd. They thought they wanted a Congressman who does not mind a dirty shoe. I won. But what the crowd did not know was i shouted at the little girl and made her cry.

ELLE: And?

Michael: And I forgot all about her. Then one day I met her again. She's this beautiful, tall young lady they introduced me to. She's a knock out, an angel and very very young.

ELLE: So what did you say? did you hook up immediately?

Michael: Of course not. I shouted again. I even cursed at her brother for bringing her again in the office. But unlike before she did not flinch, did not react to my yelling.

ELLE: That hit you right?

Michael: You bet. But she was so young. I even complained she looks like my daughter. But love moves in mysterious ways. Here we are, in love, married.

ELLE: Some people say that you married her so you will win in the election. It's for convenience.

Michael: Well, I will not try to convince anyone to believe me and Margaux. I guess, time will tell if we did that for this. But you know, marrying her is the best ever decision I have made in my life.

ELLE: Next to presidency?

Michael: No, better.

ELLE TALKED TO MARGAUX

ELLE: He said that you were terrified when you met him for the first time?

Margaux: Did he say that? I never thought he would remember.

ELLE: Were you?

Margaux: I was. Then the second time we met, I was trembling with fear but I did not show it. It was like, You can't frighten me with your yelling and bullying. He was a bully. No erase that, he's a bully with his staff especially when I'm around. Maybe he's just showing off.