Bill Gates, wife call it a visit

Microsoft Corp Chairman Bill Gates. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates and his wife, Melinda, left for the United States aboard a private jet at 1:47 p.m. Thursday, ending a 12-day vacation at the exclusive Amanpulo resort in Palawan.

Gates and his family arrived on April 4 in Puerto Princesa City and were brought to the resort where they spent most of their time.

The American philanthropist was only seen when he visited the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, Laguna, on April 8.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supports the research and development of IRRI’s Golden Rice, a genetically manipulated variety that contains beta carotene.

At noon on Thursday, a blue helicopter landed near two identical Bombardier jets which were parked on the tarmac between Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminals 2 and 3.

Several pieces of luggage were unloaded from the helicopter which, after about half an hour, flew off.

At 1:30 p.m., the helicopter returned with the Gates couple aboard. Bill had on a blue shirt over light colored slacks while Melinda was in a white shirt and red shorts.

The couple, with no security escorts, got off the chopper and walked straight to a jet.

Shortly after, the Bombardier started toward the runway.

Gates’ two children left the country on Tuesday on a commercial flight back to the United States.–Jeannette I. Andrade