IF there were two things to describe Bangladeshi Ambassador to the Philippines John Gomes, it would be his being a devoted Christian and an avid golfer.
In the two-and-a-half years he has stayed in the Philippines, most of his leisure time were spent either playing golf or visiting different churches.
In an interview with the BusinessMirror, Gomes showed a more personal side of himself other than the retired army major general and successful ambassador the public is familiar with.
A devout Christian
Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country, with only 1 percent of its population Christians.
Gomes even claims to have been the only Catholic Christian major general who served in the Bangladesh Army and, now, the only Catholic ambassador from Bangladesh. Still, the ambassador clarified that in their country, individuals are free to practice their own religion.
Gomez hails from Nagori, the community where a church named after Saint Nicholas of Tolentino can be found. The church is only 500 yards away from Ambassador Gomes’s home.
He said most of the Christians in Bangladesh came from their province.
Saint Nicholas Church will be celebrating its 400th anniversary. Gomes said the church is already declared a national heritage.
“The Filipino people who are living or touring Bangladesh visit our church because of its historical importance. There, Spanish influence is very much present. Wherever you go you will see Spanish architecture,” Gomes said.
The ambassador also good-naturedly joked about the Filipinos who have already made themselves an integral part of their community and the church. “They have taken over our church. They are attending Masses, singing in choirs and reading the Bible. It is all good,” he said.
Here in the Philippines, Gomes is staying in Urdaneta Village in Makati City. He said he goes to Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish every Sunday.
Gomes proudly declared: “I have never missed a Sunday Mass, ever.”
The ambassador also told stories of the historical churches and tourist spots he has visited here in the Philippines.
“Anywhere I go, I have to go to the church first,” he said.
Gomes is fascinated with the churches because he sees their historical significance and believes that Philippine churches are some of the most beautiful architectures present.
He said he has visited Lomoc Church in Bohol after Supertyphoon Yolanda. He has also been to Magellan’s Cross when he visited Cebu, and a friend took him to the 400-year-old Guimbal Church in Iloilo.
However, Gomes thinks the most interesting religious site in the country is Mary’s Shrine in the village of Simala in Cebu. It is where he saw a lot of statues of Mother Mary in different sizes and clothing.
“It was really lovely. It is like a museum,” the ambassador said.
Gomes’s wife and son are currently in Canada. He also has a daughter and a grandson living in the United States. He is expecting them to spend Christmas time with him in the country this year.
Fore!
English writer P.G. Wodehouse once said: “To find a man’s true character, play golf with him.”
I did not really get to play golf with him, but Gomes gave us some insight into his life through the stories about his experiences with the sport.
Gomes started playing golf when he was a senior officer in the Bangladeshi army. It has been 10 years since then, now Gomes has a few victories and trophies to show from his participation in various golf tournaments.
The ambassador said that when he first came to the country, he had a 22 handicap. But two years ago he started winning some tournaments, while his handicap improved to 19.
“I recently won the championship in Group B during the American-Philippine Chamber Tournament. So I think they will reduce my handicap to 17,” Gomes proudly said.
Gomes added that never received proper coaching until he was assigned here in the country. He claims that his game has improved in the Philippines after taking lessons to improve his swing.
Gomes’s golfing buddies include Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder, Pakistani Ambassador Mohsin Razy, Indian Ambassador Lalduhthlana Ralte and Indonesian Ambassador Ade Petranto. New to their group is Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga Lorca.
He dubbed their group as the “Golfing Ambassadors of the Philippines.”
“We always play together. Somehow, I always find myself with one or two ambassadors. It is good for us. It is a way of relaxing while discussing different topics,” Gomes said.
As ambassadors, they are honorary members of different golfing clubs in the Philippines, including Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club, Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club, Tagaytay Highlands and Villamor Golf Club.
Gomes claims the Philippines is a golfing haven with a lot of good golfers to play with.
He added that he is very close with some of the Filipino golfers, including those from Bangladesh, and has even called them his best friends.
Currently, Gomes is busy negotiating bilateral ties and trade agreements between the two countries.
His faith as a Christian and the network of friends he has established through rounds of golf has been good foundations in his bid to create stronger Philippine-Bangladesh ties.
By Mary Grace Padin | Special to the BusinessMirror
Image credits: Jimbo Albano