Hats off to Globe

A common misconception about successful business people is that they have no time for fun. It’s always the stereotype of a stern-faced executive who has no time for merriment that comes to mind. But any person who enjoys a certain degree of success will immediately write this off as a misread. Like anything else, it all boils down to a matter of balance between one’s work and leisure time.

“We can’t always be serious in this life, especially in business. We want the Filipino entrepreneur to be able to work hard and earn the fruits of his hard work, but he or she must also be able to enjoy the things in life that truly matter. We want Filipino entrepreneurs to be able to go on family vacations and family dinners. We want them to be able to play golf, to enjoy a sport or a hobby, whatever it is that gives their lives true joy and meaning.”

These words from Boboy Romero, Globe Business head, were delivered during the recent Globe Business hat party, a tribute to special Filipino entrepreneurs who were chosen as Globe Business ambassadors. On the list are fashion icon Amina Aranaz-Alunan, maker of the Aranaz brand of luxe bags; Informatics CEO Leo Riingen; Jaime Daez, owner of Fully Booked and other specialty bookshops; Lennie Dionisio, founder of the Tomato fashion store chain; Rex Puentespina, head honcho of Puentespina Orchids; internationally-acclaimed industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue; restaurateur Happy Ongpauco-Tiu; and Rose Ann Bautista of Fino Leatherwear, Inc.

Highlighting the idea of joie de vivre, literally the “joy of living,” Globe selected its brand ambassadors not only because they are successful at work, but because they also have time to pursue their true passions. Amina Aranaz-Alunan is also a teacher, a devoted wife and a mother of three kids. Rex Puentespina is a sailor who competes in yacht and hobie craft races. Leo Riingen is an award-winning photographer and loves scholarly pursuits — he already has a master’s degree. Lennie Dionisio loves to travel and is a badminton enthusiast. Jaime Daez is an architect, an audiophile who collects CDs and DVDs, and is founder of the Philippine Graphic Fiction Awards together with his friend, international author Neil Gaiman. Happy Ongpauco-Tiu is a homemaker who is passionate about food and wellness. Kenneth Cobonpue is a world-traveler and an advocate for the environment; Rose Ann Bautista always makes time to be a mom to her kids, to travel with her husband and to engage in watersports and gym training.

That these individuals are driven by more than just success and their careers is a given. But in this modern age they also enjoy the many advantages of technology, making the work-life balance easier to achieve.

“Thanks to modern telecoms we are no longer stuck in an office all day in order to do our work. We have the cellular phone, email and the Internet to help us do our jobs, or at least monitor what’s going on, even if we’re on a trip with our family. We can attend to other things while feeling more secure about our offices, our factories and our stores; we can monitor the location and schedule of our deliveries. All of these can be done without being actually present in the office, thanks to modern telecoms,” says Romero.

The culmination of the afternoon saw the Globe president Ernest Cu putting the ceremonial Globe Business ambassador hats, made especially for the occasion by fashion designer, corsetiere, milliner and London Fashion Week award-winner Mich Dulce, on the heads of the selected brand ambassadors.

The venue had prancing ballerinas dressed as fairies, a harpist playing mesmerizing tunes, a magician performing illusions for the crowd, and popular band True Faith performing hit songs to cap it all off. See? Even the most serious of people know how to have a good time.

Just like the new Globe Business ambassadors, you, too, can streamline your business operations and enjoy your other passions with the help of Globe Business’ products, services and packages. Call 730-1288 or log on to www.globe.com.ph/business to find out more.

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E-mail me at enricomiguelsubido@gmail.com.