Despite drizzle, hundreds turn up to remember JP

  Hundreds turned up on Feb. 25 for the 4th Annual “Walk to Remember” to remember Tan Holdings executive and former Saipan Tribune publisher John “JP” Pangelinan, who succumbed to cancer in February 2008.

Family, friends, and former colleagues of Pangelinan got up early on a wet Saturday morning to take part in the early walk/run, which started at 5am by the Beach Road Pavilion in front of the JP Center in Garapan and ended at the Susupe Beach Park.

Participants paid a $5 fee for Saturday’s event, which also served as a fundraiser to benefit the Marianas March Against Cancer of the Commonwealth Cancer Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness and prevention in the islands.

Tan Holdings senior vice president Eli Arago said he has never missed the annual walk since its inception in 2009, a year after the death of Pangelinan, who worked for Tan Holdings in Guam and Saipan for 23 years.

“One thing I liked about him is that he’s a very sincere friend,” Arago said in an interview after the walk. “I can say that I’m his closest friend in Tan Holdings because he was always very honest to me.”

According to Arago, Pangelinan would share with him even the most personal of things. “He’s very down to earth and he’s very true to himself and to others,” he added.

Fr. Ryan P. Jimenez said he knew Pangelinan back when he was still at the Kristo Rai Parish.

“He was a good man and he shared with me so many stories,” said Jimenez, adding that he was able to visit Pangelinan at his office months before he passed away. During the visit, Pangelinan gave him a bonsai plant that he still keeps to this day.

Jonjie Reyes, Tribune’s graphic arts director, revealed that Pangelinan was technologically up to date. “Every year, I would join the walk to honor JP. When he was still alive, he would call me to his office to ask for help when he’s having computer issues,” said Reyes, who has worked for the company since 1993.

Tan Holdings president Jerry Tan expressed his appreciation for all walkers in this year’s event, the first time when no shirts were given out to participants.

“The weather has not been good this week so I think it’s very special to see everybody come out early and despite the rain,” said Tan. “There are still many people out there who remember our good friend JP and keep his memory alive and, at the same time, raise funds for other cancer patients.”

Tan said Pangelinan did not only have a big part in the company but also in his personal life. He said he met Pangelinan in Guam in the late ’70s “and we’ve been business partners and best friends for many, many years.”

“I’ll tell a lot of people that he’s really one of the best persons you can ever meet in your life-just very genuine and very kind person,” said Tan.

All walkers were treated to light refreshments and live music at the end of the walk at the Susupe Beach Park, where shuttle service was also provided.