This clip shows one of the early brainstorming sessions bio film director Troy Bernardo and I had in La Union’ surf town.

We wanted to make a documentary on the late John Gokongwei Jr that tugs at the heart.

In other words, unique. Heartfelt.

There were already several video reports on Mr Gokongwei that highlighted his riches-to-rags-to-riches story, his business savvy, his prominence in the businessworld. “Very left brained,” as Troy put it. 

A book and podcast series — among the installments of my pioneering multimedia biography project — will be the ones that will cater to the business geeks. But movie meant to cater to a wider audience? I wanted to work with a documentarist who could bring light to the core of Gokongwei’s humanity.

So with the waves on one side, and the hills on the other in La Union, we just let the energy of this surftown move us, inspire us. We didn’t work in a confined office, or any box, when we needed creative juices flowing.

I attribute Troy’s unique touch and style in the short docu to his being so intimate with nature.

Watch the magic and heart in our obra: