If you had a minute with Obama what would you tell him?

It’s always refreshing news when heads of state visit our country. It strengthens relations between both countries and our visitors get to see how beautiful our country is. Every visit of foreign dignitaries, especially heads of state, is valuable to our country and creates a lot of goodwill for us. US President Barack Obama’s visit is a sign of more positive possibilities between our two nations, which we can all look forward to.

Tim Yap, columnist, eventologist, businessman

One minute with President Obama would give me enough time to first thank him for choosing to come to the country and then I would convince  him to come back  and explore the beauty  of the Philippines. I would tell him to check out our islands with his family, not as president of the United States , but as husband, as father, and as a tourist. The last 10 seconds would be spent  taking a selfie with him and my mom who’s a big Obama fan.

Tom Epperson, photographer, businessman

If I ever met President Obama I guess one of my first questions would be,  “If you were not involved in politics, what would have been your dream job or occupation?” I would probably then ask him at what point in his career that he decided to run for president and what being president has meant to him? Do you feel you have made significant changes while in office? Any regrets? If you could describe in one word what it means to be the president of the US, what would that word be? I would follow all of this with one last question and ask him if he would like to shoot some hoops. 

Michelle Arville, patient care officer, St. Luke’s Medical Center, BGC

I would tell him that since the Philippines is the strongest ally in Asia of the US, why not lift the visa restrictions? I would also tell him to try some of our  local dishes like balut, sinigang, sisig, dinuguan and kuhol.

Carlo Orosa, talent manager

Do you speak Bahasa and how fluently? I read that he studied for many years in Indonesia!

Malu de Guzman, businesswoman

Straighten up your own house first (wink, wink) before meddling in others’.

Chickee Trinidad Banzon, wife and mother

I would tell him to listen to his heart, not be discouraged by detractors and events beyond his control, and soldier on serving his people. If he saw what our political  conditions are here in the Philippines, he would count his blessings.

Philip Laude, president, Timson Securities

Is the US willing to defend the Philippines against China’s aggression?

Alyssa Valdez, multi-awarded athlete and Ateneo varsity volleyball player

What are your rituals before giving a speech? Is there something you wear or bring when you have a speech? I would also thank him for inspiring people to be who they want to be.

Angeles King, housewife

Having a crazy and hectic schedule, how do you unwind?