Happy Birthday Ed!

Today is my big boss, Ed Sutherland's birthday! He has a special place in my heart and I will forever cherish all the learnings he has passed on to me (consciously and unconsciously)! This year, we gave him a scrapbook containing all the memorable experiences we had with him... this was our (Elle and I) contribution!

Happy birthday Ed!!!!

Most memorable moment with Papa Ed – by Elle Marie Oplas

Papa Ed will forever remain in my heart because he was the one who comforted my Mom during one of the shocking mornings in her life - the morning I entered her life.

My mom was in mixed emotions that morning of February 2006 at Waterfront Hotel, Cebu. She was very ecstatic to know that she’s pregnant but at the same time she fears that she might not be prepared to be my mama. She is also afraid that work might affect her pregnancy and create negative impact on me. She doesn’t know what to do, she wants to cry, jump with joy, call everybody, sleep whole day so that I remain safe in her tummy but she can’t do those things because she has to assist Papa Ed in a PEARL2 event with Ambassador Sutherland.

Upon seeing Papa Ed go out of the elevator mama was tightlipped, she was torn between telling Papa Ed about me or not. Fear crowded mama’s thoughts but good thing, Papa Ed knows her so well to ask whether something is bothering her. That was the time that Mama decided to share it with Papa Ed. Papa Ed was confused as why mama had mixed emotions because for him, such good news calls for a celebration! His mere smile comforted Mama and drove away all her fears.

Papa was not there to comfort mama that morning but Papa Ed was. He may not know how much he touched our lives that morning but he and Ingrid will forever remain in our hearts for all the encouragements they’ve given our family. I love you Papa Ed!