Lino Cayetano: A Son’s Healing Love Language

How I met Lino Cayetano… well it’s just a brief encounter…

Sometime in 2003, I had the privilege of interviewing Lino Cayetano, the youngest of the Cayetano siblings and brother of incumbent Philippine senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, for a lifestyle magazine. Our conversation centered on his decision to donate part of his liver to his father, former Senator René Cayetano.

In February 2003, Lino Cayetano donated a portion of his liver to his ailing father, former Senator René Cayetano, who was undergoing treatment for hepatitis B at the University of Southern California Medical Center in the United States. Despite the transplant, Senator Cayetano died in June 2003 due to complications from liver cancer.

For the magazine interview, Lino and I met at CIBO in Alabang—and, save for the pricey food, the interview went well. So, that’s how I met him.

My first—and lasting—impression of Lino, now better known as Direk Lino for his television and film work was that he was extremely gentle and good-looking. At the time, he was wearing long hair. He was well-spoken and had a humble aura. I was star-struck!

If I am not mistaken, Pia, his sister and now a senator, was also there, seated at another table with another group of people. But even before I finished my interview with Lino, Pia and her friends came over to say “hi” to me or something. I am not quite sure now if it was Alan, now Senator Alan, who was also with her. What I remember was a man who was a bit low-key, and his aura was not aggressive at all. It was actually Pia who was more convivial.

I also met Lino’s mom, Mrs. Sandra Schramm Cayetano, just a simple “hi, hello” kind of meet, outside CIBO, where Lino introduced her to me. She was quite unassuming and pleasant, and her aura was very maternal.

I met up with Pia on another occasion when I handed her a few magazines, including the one that featured Lino’s article. We met at a restaurant in Glorietta, Makati City. She was also sweet, and at that time, she mentioned being actively involved in an advocacy related to her son, Gabriel, who passed away at nine months old due to a rare chromosomal disorder.

Personally, I wish Senator Pia had stayed focused on her advocacy for children. I know she has a foundation called Gabriel’s Symphony in honor of her baby. I feel that this is where Senator Pia’s light can shine most brightly and where her vibration would turn more positive. Her involvement in politics seems to have dimmed her light.

Back to Lino, this guy is really likeable. I am honored to have met him in this lifetime.

Lino has not changed much, based on his recent interviews. He is still humble and simply doing his thing, fully immersed in his artistic craft. His appointment in 2026 as General Manager of the state-owned People’s Television Network suits him. After all, he is in his element when being creative.

Astrologically, being born on 4th of January 1978, Lino appears to have come full circle in fulfilling his career destiny.

Capricorns born on January 4 are known for being sociable and friendly, with strong communication skills that make them well suited for public life. Achievement often comes through fields that require leadership, organization, and sound decision-making, such as business, administration, or long-term planning. They are likewise capable of thriving in public service, whether in the civil service, law enforcement, or local government, where discipline and responsibility are highly valued. Their natural curiosity and passion for learning also make them effective educators, mentors, or trainers. At the same time, their creativity, quick intellect, and personal charm allow them to succeed in professions that bring together people, ideas, and the performing or creative arts.

The risk he took for love

In my view, however, Lino’s greatest legacy is not solely due to his having carved a name for himself in the artistic industry, but to his extraordinary act of selfless love for his father. He donated a portion of his liver to save his father’s life—a decision that required immense courage and sacrifice.

According to the University of Michigan Health, living liver donation, while generally safe, is not without risks. Although uncommon, donors may face serious complications, including bleeding, life-threatening medical issues, and, in very rare cases, death. Fortunately, the liver is unique among human organs because it can regenerate. Even when up to 60% of the liver is removed, both the donor’s and the recipient’s livers can regrow and regain normal function over time.

Lino’s decision was a powerful expression of a son’s love and gratitude for his father. It is a shining example of honoring one’s parents through selfless sacrifice—giving back with complete devotion, without hesitation or second thoughts.