PSG man talks about serving as Pope’s food taster
January 20, 2015 9:09pm
While millions of Filipinos could only get a glimpse of Pope Francis from afar during his five-day visit in the Philippines, a member of the Presidential Security Group was just a plate away from the pontiff.

Having served two presidents—Corazon Aquino and now her son, Benigno Aquino III—Special Police Officer 3 Jaime Castro was instantly chosen as the pope's food taster during his pastoral visit.

Castro admitted that it was challenging to make sure the meals prepared for the Pope were safe for the pontiff to eat.

"Kasi Santo Papa po 'yan at baka in the future maging santo rin 'yan eh," he explained.

Meeting the pope

Although he was the checking the Pope's food and drink, Castro never got a chance to have a close encounter with him because it was the Vatican police who brought the meals to the Pope. But fate was on his side.

Before Pope Francis flew back to Rome on Monday, Aquino introduced Castro to him.

"Sabi ni [President Aquino]... ako ang nag-act as pope noong bago siya dumating tapos ako ang food taster na naka-assign sa kanya [Pope]," he explained.

Upon hearing this, Pope Francis thanked Castro with a smile and said, "God bless you." He also gave the food taster a black rosary and a photo of the pope with his coat of arms on the back.

So how does it feel to have performed such an important role for the pope?

"Parang nasa iyo ang Holy Spirit. Iba ang pakiramdam, parang maluwag," Castro said.

Memorabilia

Because of his role during the papal visit, Castro had the chance to keep the drinking glasses that the Pope used, which will be kept in a special room in the PSG office. He even drank the water left in the Pope's glasses.

He also said he will not wash the clothes he wore when he met the Pope and got his blessing.

But more than the material keepsakes, Castro said that the greatest gift he received from the event is the honor to have served the well-loved head of the Roman Catholic Church.

"He will give you [more] confidence kasi parang may divine guidance na ang lahat mong galaw," he said. Trisha Macas/BM, GMA News

Go to comments



We welcome healthy discussions and friendly debate! Please click Flag to alert us of a comment that may be abusive or threatening. Read our full comment policy here.
Comments Powered by Disqus