IT has been 21 months since the Business Mirror started its Envoys and Expats section with the view of providing members of the diplomatic community and expatriates to share their views on the Philippines and life and doing business in the country.
We look back on some of the personalities we have has the pleasure of meeting during the first six months of 2014.
Ambassador Asif Ahmad of Great Britain
“There’s more fun in the Philippines. It’s just that you have to make it easier to get to places once you reach Manila.”
European Union Political Counselor Julian Vassallo
“Filipinos have an enormous warmth and friendly attitude. There is something about Filipinos… as they have a natural talent to show deep care for others…”
GroupM regional director for Indonesia and the Philippines Sebastien Caudron
Caudron says Filipinos are technology-savvy, creative and easy to work with.
Schneider Electrics country manager Philippe Reveilhac
“The Philippine has a huge source of talented and brilliant young people who could drive the country to economic development.”
Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. president Jose Go
“If, despite all these advances in technology, you still refuse to maximize them to your advantage, then you are missing out on a chance.”
British Chamber of Commerce Philippines chairman Roger Lamb
“The spirit I saw among Filipinos during Typhoon Ondoy was repeated during Supertyphoon Yolanda, and the response of the people is very impressive.”
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario
“We have 97 million people, 10 million of whom are overseas, spread out in over 174 countries in 40 time zones. We are known as the department that never sleeps.”
Philippine Ambassador to Portugal Philippe J. Lhuillier
There is much room to for improvement in trade between the Philippines and Portugal. He said the major challenge is to create presence for the Philippines.
Ambassador Waleed Ahmad Al-Kandari of Kuwait
“My family and I really appreciate the fact that culture here in the Philippines is similar… and we feel that we can relate to the people here because of the similarity in cultures.”
Ambassador Akinyemi Farounbi of Nigeria
“This one of the good things about Filipinos and Nigerians. Even if we do not know something, we persevere and learn it.”
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Country Representative Bernard Kerblat
“The Philippines has taught the world the meaning of resilience during Yolanda, as we have seen how people have remarkably reacted in abject adversity.”
Solaire Resort and Casino president and CEO Thomas Arasi
“Our campaign is about creating your moments, whether that’s a sport moment, a dining moment or a family moment…”
Edsa Shangri-La General Manager Patrick B. Schaub
“You are only as good as today. If a guest had a bad experience during his stay here, then we are back to zero.”
European Union Counselor Willem Verpoest
“When I tell foreign guests about the habal-habal or Skylab, they all look at me and ask what a Skylab is. Then I tell them about it, and then show them a picture if it.”
Ambassador Rosario Manalo
Ambassador Manalo’s more than four decades stint as a diplomat did not just make her mother proud, but the Philippines as a whole.
Ambassador Constantina Koliou of Greece
“Most people think diplomats go around the world, attending cocktails and parties. But is actually a very demanding job. It is a very challenging job.”
Cooperation and Cultural Affairs Counselor of the French Embassy Michel-Stanislas Villar
“There is a rich history of political, diplomatic relationship based on trust ad common responsibility between the Philippine and France.”
Filipino educator Rayla Melchor Santos
“We need to make schools a safer ground for children if we want to strengthen children from within.”
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu General Manager Hans Hauri
“I am excited about customers. I am challenged by the changes around us and to find new approaches to drive our leadership in the marketplace.”
Alliance Française director Patrick Deyvant
“I am now at a point where I can defend the Philippines. I came here to promote my country, but I have ended loving your country and promoting it to the world.”
United Nations World Tourism Organization secretary-general Dr. Talib Rifai
“This not Hollywood. But you have fascinating scenic destinations and the best asset in the world—your people.”
Swiss Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Raoul Imbach
“I look forward to spending a day swimming with the butanding, not as part of a tourist activity, but just to quietly swim with them.”
French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines president Cyril Rocke
“The Philippines in as pen and embracing society to many cultures… As an expat, you see the rich cultural diversity here, and it makes you feel at ease.”
ISI Teletrade founder and CEO Peter Steinbach
“It’s very important to promote the Philippines in the global platform as a tourist destination, because businessmen make decisions depending on the scenic attractions.”
Ambassador Thomas Ossowski of Germany
“The business atmosphere has improved, and I’m optimistic that Philippine and German investments will be better than it used to be.”
Asia CEO Forum chairman Richard Mills
“The BPOs have shown that without a reasonable doubt, Filipinos can move from low-level jobs to junior-level jobs. Nowadays, many of them are stepping into middle-level jobs, too.”