Most of my weekly columns are reflections on what transpired over the weekend. Here goes. Last Saturday, I accompanied my wife, Rachel Salinel, to the Meet and Greet gathering of Filipina women leaders and entrepreneurs with former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Delia Domingo Albert conducted at the Philippine Consulate compound. She was in Dubai attending the Global Summit of Women held from May 3 to 7.
All the attendees were asked by Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, to introduce themselves. By the way, Albert served briefly under former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, from December 2003 to August 2004, becoming the first female Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.
After my wife introduced herself as the senior correspondent for TFC News of ABS-CBN and as an advocate of Journaling for Mental Health Awareness, I got the mic and planned to just crack a joke that I’m her driver but I spontaneously mentioned that I am known as the ‘Global Filipino PR Man’ who has been promoting ‘Filipino Excellence in the Middle East’ (FEME) since 2010 with my wife and that I am always urging Filipinos in the UAE to be Articulate, Assertive and Adventurous.
To my surprise, the former secretary immediately remarked that we should really be documenting the successes and accomplishments of Filipinos to create a data that would prove that we are – or we were – excellent in a certain time and in a certain place. She then mentioned about her book ‘Women in Diplomacy: The Remarkable Ambassadors in the Philippine Service’.
Here’s an excerpt from the website of Asia Society when the book was launched in November 2019:
“Ambassador Albert shares an inspiring introduction of her book and gave attendees a glimpse of her work and how the book came into being. She shares five takeaways for readers of her book: First, it reflects the Philippines’ status in gender equality in Asia as it showcases the ninety Filipina ambassadors of the Philippines – a huge number compared to neighboring countries – and documents the reflections of thirty-nine Filipina ambassadors; Second, it gives a glimpse of the foreign policy development from President Emilio Aguinaldo to current President Rodrigo Duterte; Third, it provides an institutional framework of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). She quoted former secretary Blas Ople, ‘The Department of Foreign Affairs is a country’s window to the world. It is also the gateway that enables the outside world to gain an understanding of our people’s culture, history, and aspiration.’, whilst explaining how most think only of consular functions with regard to the DFA; Fourth, the book discusses the ‘enabling environment’ for Filipino women to thrive in foreign service. Finally, the book attempts to demystify Philippine diplomacy.”
I want to reiterate what I wrote in my first column on June 13, 2022: “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 since September 2008. My appeal is for Filipino professionals, entrepreneurs, and talents to publicize their initiatives and efforts to be noticed and recognized by the global community in the UAE. In October 2010, the FEME advocacy was formally born when my wife and I co-hosted a fortnightly radio talk show on Dubai Eye 103.8 FM which ‘inspires, encourages and empowers’ listeners to be excellent as we had guests from different walks of life who shared their struggles and triumphs.
Now related to the title of my column on why we should always be prepared with our 30-second elevator pitch. The first thing I would advise individuals is to determine their 5Ws (why, what, who, where, when) and 1H (how) which will be the bases for them to develop their compelling stories. The stories can then be compressed into a 30-second elevator pitch. This becomes their personal branding which should be used consistently, with some adjustments depending on the audience.
I would like to acknowledge a friend on FB and a connection on LinkedIn, architect Christine Espinosa-Erlanda, for having remembered what I said when she posted on her FB wall about being Articulate, Assertive and Adventurous.
Here’s what I wrote in my 3rd column on June 28, 2022, with the title ‘Be Proud and Call Yourselves Global Filipinos in the UAE’.
“We should therefore think and act as Global Filipinos – Articulate, Assertive and Adventurous.
Articulate. Filipinos are widely known to always smile even if they are troubled and disheartened. They rarely express themselves on how they really feel. Being in the UAE and with English as the universal language, we should regularly convey our views and thoughts in English, the American version, with our work colleagues to further build our self-confidence. Once comfortable with the daily usage of English we will then become more expressive and employers or top management will notice you which can open more chances for professional growth. Or even entrepreneurship opportunities.
It’s true that your work output will speak for yourself but there will always be encounters that you will be asked and speaking articulately, not even grammatically correct, will come in handy. Employers and manager are not mind readers. Open your mouth and utter the words that you had longed wanted to share.
Assertive. Filipinos, too, are very shy. Whenever they are asked to render overtime work, they simply follow and not complain. Being assertive is not being disrespectful. It is about fairness. Of course, when you assert your right just be sure you articulate your views in a calm and logical manner. There is a saying that the truth shall set you free.
I remember in my first job in 2001 as senior manager for sales and marketing of a Singaporean-owned special events company, the South African marketing head of our parent company was trying to impress my own clients by sending a ‘Thank You’ card using the parent company’s logo. I approached her and said that the clients will be confused why they are receiving a card from a company they had never dealt with. I escalated the issue with our executive director who agreed with me. A week after my clients received another ‘Thank You’ card this time with the logo of the special events company. It was the same marketing head who sent the cards.
Adventurous. This is what we are famous for. But let me set the parameters of what this trait should be in the UAE. It is being innovative, being brave to try new things that would achieve the objectives of one’s company or employer. Disruption is already a sought-after action when competition is getting fiercer every day and the market getting smaller.
Being adventurous is also following your heart, your passion. I left a very comfortable and influential position with ABS-CBN Global in 2007 when I oversaw sales and marketing in the Middle East. I wanted to resume my PR career which was my profession for nine years in the Philippines before we relocated to Dubai. It’s been 15 years that I really love what I am doing here. I even love doing it 24/7.
I also left a very comfortable and promising job with United Laboratories or Unilab as Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager. I would have been holding a very senior position now but the call to be adventurous was irresistible. My wife and I thought that we can easily return home if things do not turn out well. It’s been 21 years.”
My message again is always be prepared with your 30-second elevator pitch. You will never know that one day when, literally, you will be inside the elevator or lift and the only one inside is the person you have been wanting to meet to achieve your dreams, may it be personal, professional, or business.