Privileged with some good genes and a charismatic personality, Edsel Palma was easily one of the most popular boys in campus. He probably wore the neatest white polo shirt and pair of bell-bottomed khaki pants in class. His hair was always "planchado" with Tancho Pomade (?). His 2-1/2 inch heeled shoes were always well shined. When all I could afford to wear was KEN Cologne at P5.00/ gallon bottle, he would wear Jovan Musk Oil at P15-20.00/ small bottle.
His good looks are complimented with some brains and a good heart. In our senior year, he opted to become a dedicated scoutmaster teaching and guiding younger scouts than become a "macho" CAT officer. In a year when the "brainy" girls outnumbered the "smarty" boys 3:1, he was one of the few who graduated with "honor".
He completed his education in BA. in History & Political Science from De La Salle University in 1980. He is happily married to the former Ma. Teresa Sanchez and blessed with 5 adorable children. Currently, they live in the "Ritzy" Ayala- Alabang community.
Juggling between counting his investment profits, looking after his 5 children, and being a good husband, he maintains his close contact with the rest of the 76 members and help out in any way he can to keep the class solidly united and one happy group. He also has an important role of photographer/video director at the 76-A Reunions, year after year. His artistic talent has also been utilized to design their souvenir reunion T-shirts.
Though I don't think he has some political aspirations, his classmates ironically and fondly call him Congressman Palma. Why not ? He's got the charisma, the brains, the heart and more importantly (?) ....the marbles.
(OM, 2000)
