Niño Caram: A future public servant
Niño Caram with his girlfriend
" My family said the politics is really chaotic. But it's fine with me. I really like it"
I remembered Niño Caram as an achiever based from what I've read about him. So, after we were introduced by a common friend, Troy, I knew that this soft-spoken yet direct young man is definitely going to make it to the pages of The News Today. After all, he is not just the grandson of one of Iloilo City's greatest mayors, Mayor Rosa Caram, he is also an achiever. And he's got his sights in becoming a councilor of this city after two to three elections.
So, while this 20-year-old is busy preparing for his political agenda, get to know him better.
Kathy M. Villaon (KMV): I understand you are now residing in the United States.
Niño Caram (NC): Yes. I am going to save enough money so I could run for public office here.
With his family
KMV: What particular post are you after?
NC: Councilor. And someday, governor.
KMV: When do you plan to do this?
NC: After two or three elections. So that when Lex and Jam (Councilors Tupas and Baronda respectively) grow old, it's my turn (laughs).
KMV: When did you start wanting to be in politics?
NC: During high school.
KMV: Why?
NC: The Carams had been known for a long time. But no one really got into politics after my grandmother. So, I thought, why don't I try continuing it?
During high school graduation
KMV: What does your family say about this?
NC: They are against it. They said the politics is really chaotic. But it's fine with me. I really like it.
KMV: Any political agenda?
NC: For now, I'd like to have the Caram Law implemented. It concerns the cleanliness of Villa Beach. The state of the beach now is not good.
KMV: What kind of politician will you be?
NC: Friendly and easy to approach even during non-election time
KMV: What legacy would you like to set in governance?
NC: Honesty
KMV: I understand you are still a student.
NC: Yes, I took up Masscommunications in West Visayas State University. Before, I wanted to be like Mike Enriquez, a broadcaster. When I get back to the United States, I plan to proceed to Business Management. My mother wants me to take up Nursing. We have a business in the US that sends nurses to different areas. In relation to this business, I became a caregiver for six months and I learned so much from it. It's very fulfilling.
KMV: What are your plans for Iloilo City?
NC: To regain its title of Queen City of the South. I want it to be the center of business in Visayas. More call centers ... more jobs.
KMV: How old are you anyway?
NC: I'm 20. Now, I'm a third year college student.
KMV: What, you're that young?
NC: Yes, I'm 20. But many people say that I look older than my age. They say I look 30. Grabe naman kamo ba, I tell them (laughs).
KMV: What is it about you that others don't know yet?
NC: Nothing really. I'm a very open person.
(At this note, Troy who happens to be around said that Niño is the kind of person who befriends you even if you have hurt him).
NC: Ah yes, I try to reach out.
KMV: On to the lighter side. Are you a morning or night person?
NC: Morning person. I wake up at 8 am and start work at 9 am.
KMV: How do you take your breakfast?
NC: I don't take breakfast. Sometimes, no lunch. My heaviest meal is during dinner.
KMV: What apparel brand do you prefer?
NC: I'm a Lacoste boy. I wear polo shirt most of the time.
KMV: What's your favorite reading material?
NC: Newspapers and Reader's Digest. I'm into news and current events.
KMV: Describe yourself in one word
NC: Ambitious