Archbishop Jose Palma: The Gentle Giant's Watermark

A Tribute to the Archbishop of Cebu from 2011 to 2025

by Fr. Andrei R. Ventanilla

Archbishop Jose Palma may be a shepherd of few words but he’s got style—his own figures of speech that contribute to the unique branding of the gentle giant that he is.

Allow me to share four of these expressions as my tribute to the Archbishop Emeritus of Cebu, Jose S. Palma or AJP as we fondly call him. For those of you who know him well—from the laity, religious or clergy—you know what these expressions sound like. Enjoy listening to them again!

Classic AJP

“Uyyy…!”

Like I said earlier, AJP is a man of few words—literally! “Uyyy” is his version of the Visayan “Kuan” (or the English "Hey"). This expression can mean many things, depending on the intonation. It can mean that he is happy, satisfied; it can mean that he is upset; or simply, “meh.”

However, he mostly uses it to greet someone especially those he meets for the first time. With him uttering it, one immediately feels his gentle and fatherly embrace. As his personal secretary for five years, I’ve witnessed how people felt at home every time they are greeted by this expression. Just imagine a giant baby-talking to you. It will literally wipe out all your megalophobia!  

“Okey man!”  

This expression can be a source of confusion—or even the starting point of criticism—because one might think that he’s not minding what you are saying. For example, I used to give him detailed reports or proposals for the Youth Ministry of the Archdiocese when I was the Youth Director. When I asked for his comments, he would simply respond, “Okey man!”, leaving me perplexed. Of course, this happened not just to me but to many others who were working for him.

At first, such response can be puzzling, even disturbing. But I brought this matter up during a heart-to-heart talk with him and realized that while he may not be expressive with his reactions, he truly listens. Until now, this expression still leaves me and many other people confused especially those who may be be expecting more concrete answers from him. Nevertheless, I know he is always sincere.

Archbishop Jose Palma was the Archbishop of Cebu since 2011. He retired last March and became Archbishop Emeritus in October 2025. Photo: Facebook/The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu.

“Da Best!”  

This expression is the most uplifting one for me. AJP is like a stage father in that he is never reserved whenever he shows appreciation for work well done or even in the midst of mistakes.

This expression goes with him raising his two thumbs up, pouting his lips and swaying his body from left to right. In one of my Facebook posts about him, I wrote:

“It's worth noting how much he drew out, trusted, highlighted, appreciated and valued the good qualities of his sheep.”

In all his homilies and speeches, there was never a failure to mention words of gratitude to all the people who’ve exerted their effort to make any celebration or event successful, meaningful and fruitful.  

“Ka-lousy man…”  

This last expression is bonus trivia although it may seem anti-climactic. It is an answer to the question, “Does AJP ever get angry?” I never saw him push the anger button although there were a few moments when he did show dissatisfaction.

The expression “Ka-lousy man…” is not a strong expression when one hears him saying it. He even says it in his usual gentle tone. But when he tells you that, it really means you’re in a big trouble!

But here's what makes AJP a true father to us: he never lets his dissatisfaction towards you prevail. He will try to understand you. He will even still try to make you feel comfortable around him. But one can never forget when you are told 'ka-lousy man' by a person who rarely expresses his dissatisfaction. Relax, though, this happens only once in a blue moon.

Photo from the author.

Fourteen Years as Archbishop of Cebu

As a public figure and a shepherd to the local Church of Cebu for fourteen years, he had his share of appreciations and criticisms with some people expressing their “What ifs?” or “Could-Have-Beens.” If one would ask me, “Who was AJP to you?” my response would be these four expressions and how I interpret them.

And I’m not standing alone from this vantage point. Many would also agree with me. And a lot of you out there must have known him better, with memories even more enriching than what I’ve known him to be.

One thing is clear though, he is an archbishop who is well-loved by many and he has made his mark with style. Indeed, his watermarks are embedded in the lives of all of us whom he has touched.

About the author

Fr. Andrei Ventanilla was one of the personal secretaries of Archbishop Jose Palma from 2016-2021.

He was assigned as a seminary formator from 2021 until April 2025.

He was the Archdiocesan Youth Director from 2019 until April 2025.

At present, he is pursuing further studies in Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.