Today, June 12, is the 124th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence from Spain. There are more than 11 million Filipinos outside the homeland, with more than two million here in the Middle East.
We are known more in the region as household service workers and staff in the hospitality, F&B and retail sectors, as well as in the healthcare and Oil & Gas industries. We have talented fashion designers, creative artists of all kinds, and finance and HR professionals. Moreover, there are many Filipino bands performing in clubs/bars operating in hotels.
I am very proud of all my kababayans (compatriots) as they are rendering good customer service. Very courteous. Ever smiling. Doesn’t complain if asked to do extra work and extra hours. Our nature.
I am writing this to encourage and empower Overseas Filipinos to be more assertive. To be more courageous in speaking out, in recommending ideas that would benefit his/her company/employer. A win-win situation will always be welcomed, anywhere and anytime.
I have been promoting the concept of Filipino Excellence from September 2008 till now whenever I am given the opportunity to speak in person before Filipino professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders in the UAE or online.
We are an excellent ethnic group. The 3rd largest in the emirates. We just have to re-discover and promote our potential.
The first thing I would advise them is to determine their 5Ws and 1H which will be the bases for them come up with their compelling stories, which in turn they can finally develop into a 30-second elevator pitch. This becomes their personal branding which should be used consistently, with some adjustments depending on the audience, and with conviction. You become what you believe you are so keep on believing.
Anyone or any group can reach out to me thru The Global Filipino Magazine and I would be delighted to share my time, outside my professional job of course and our service in our faith community.
Note: Art ‘Popoy’ Los Banos is veteran PR consultant with a combined 24 -year PR experience in the Philippines and UAE. He is currently the Senior Manager for Corporate Communications of the Tristar Group and is the only Filipino in the senior management team of the Oil & Gas logistics company. He was the former 2008 Philippine Independence Day (PID) organizing committee chairman in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.