The Filipino now: Heart and Soul

Business leaders

These are the times that try men’s souls.Thomas Paine wrote this line in another time and another clime. But it could very well refer to ours right now.

We Filipinos have gone through many revolutions, against  foreign oppressors and, sadly, our very own tyrants. As if it were not enough that a world war left us scarred, and even scared, and pathetically still in awe of the so-called foreign liberators who transformed us into little brown brothers and robbed us of our right to stand valiantly on our own.

With our wounded soul, we continue to inflict damage on our national psyche. We who cannot fully love our very own, we who cannot embrace what is dignified and true, we who thrive on politics, strife and disunity and are often doomed to endure corruption and depravity — do we just smile and laugh through it all? How much more can our heart and spirit take?

On this, The Philippine STAR’s 32nd anniversary, we asked business leaders, game changers and movers, vanguards of public service, agents of culture and the youth: Who and what is the Filipino now? What makes Filipinos happy? What changes do they want to see in the country? What qualities make Filipinos unique?

Read their answers from sections E to O. And see if you find yourself within these pages.                     

Tessie Sy-Coson - Vice Chairperson of the Board, SM Investment Corporation; Chairperson, BDO Unibank

What makes me happy? I am happy when I don’t expect too much from my surroundings.

Filipinos now are more carefree than other nationalities because we do not live in a rigid society and because of our strong spiritual beliefs .

For our country, my hope is that we all work together for progress in various aspects.

Michael Tan - President and COO,  Lucio Tan Group Inc. Director, Philippine Airlines

Filipinos go through so much hardship as they try to make a living. So when there is time to go out with family and friends, that really makes them happy. This is also what makes me happy.

For our country, I would like to see more discipline among our people. It’s so sad to see our streets littered with garbage. We should learn to throw away our own garbage. The discipline of the Japanese is so amazing, I wish we could learn from them. Our lawmakers like Senators Cynthia Villar and Senator Loren Legarda are doing a good job at working on measures to protect our environment and save our seas and earth. It is good to see the big picture, but I wonder if we should also look at our streets first.

I also wish we would avoid taking shortcuts. And think of our country first.

Manny V. Pangilinan - Managing Director and CEO, Pacific First Company Limited

I would describe the Filipino now as promising.

My dream for the country?  To be a First World economy.

We need more jobs!

We need less bureaucracy, the bane of democracy.

What I love about the Philippines is its people; what I hate is bureaucracy.

I am passionate about sports because sports is a metaphor of life.  Lessons in sports are lessons in life. Let me quote H.E. Kevin Cardinal Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery of the Vatican: ‘‘Sports is a meeting place of all levels and social conditions, united by a common aim. Sports is a formative vehicle; those who participate in the world of sports exemplify generosity, humility, discipline, sacrifice and selflessness. Sports highlights the meaning of mission.’’ Our national teams need  our total support

The future of communication is  in digital.

The one thing I wish would be invented is wealth for everyone.

When people ask me about Filipinos, I say  I am a Filipino.

I am inspired by the people I work with, and relate to.

The things that make me happy? When I make people happy, when I see our youth striving, and fulfilling themselves. ­ —T.T.L.

Fernando Zobel de Ayala - President and COO,  Ayala Corporation

What makes me happy is being with my family, being with friends and my yearly motorbike trip with friends in different parts of the world ­— in that order!

What makes Filipinos happy? Being with their families.

I feel that Filipinos today are more confident about themselves and more confident about the growth prospects for the country. We have an enormous amount of talent in our country. 

For our  country, I hope for more inclusive growth. Our country has been consistently growing for many years but this growth has not had a significant impact on the poorest in our country. We must make sure that the poorest can also benefit from this growth. 

Robina Gokongwei-Pe - President and CEO,  Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc.

It makes me happy seeing the UP Maroons men’s basketball team winning more games. Hope they get into the Final Four this season and I will be deliriously happy.

Filipinos are happy seeing their children walk up onstage to receive their college diplomas.

Today, we see more and more entrepreneurs.

My hope? That we have more and more entrepreneurs.

Isidro Consunji - President and CEO, DMCI Holdings Inc.

I am happy when the things I do really work and the things I plan really happen. Learning, traveling and sharing also make me happy.

Family and prosperity make Filipinos happy. They also find happiness in traditional celebrations like fiestas and Christmas.

Filipinos today are easygoing, tribal and shortsighted.

I wish for economic development, better education and health for our country. And the belief that only we can shape the future we want.

Michel Lhuillier - Founder and Chairman, M. Lhuillier Group; President and CEO, Cebu Safari and Adventure Park

There is no easy way to measure happiness. To achieve every single goal I have set out for myself: this gives me much joy. Failures have never discouraged me. In fact, it drives me on more. One has to be very persistent in pursuing happiness. That is how it should be.

Most Filipinos dream of a better life. Though it may sound simple, it is a difficult feat for reasons too many to mention. I believe that both the government together with the private sector must look into ways to assist Filipinos to reach their dreams, as everyone truly deserves the happiness that comes along with life.

The Filipinos today are more educated, intelligent and globally exposed. With  academic and vocational institutions offering more course choices and apprenticeship programs, we are producing more professionals and tradesmen than ever before that will benefit us and the rest of the world.

Without a doubt the Philippines is certainly one of the greatest countries in the world and I sincerely wish every Filipino believes so as well. I hope this nation will be more environmentally conscious, continue to promote the beauty of our people and our islands, genuinely safeguard our rich natural resources and be more prosperous in more ways than one.

Kevin Tan - CEO, Alliance Global

What makes me happy is seeing my accomplishments come to fruition. And spending time with my family.

What makes Filipinos happy is family. It is an important consideration for most Filipinos. It’s at the center of most Filipinos’ lives. 

Filipinos today — especially the young — are more exposed to the world because of the Internet. We rank second in the world with regard to number of hours spent online, and third in the world in terms of number of hours spent on social media.

Filipinos are also more well-traveled today. So they are now more exposed to standards and trends from abroad. This can only mean that the Filipinos’ tastes and affluence are increasing.

I hope our economy continues to grow and be one of the best, fastest-growing economies in Asia. I also hope that this economic growth becomes more inclusive.

Erramon Aboitiz - President and CEO, Aboitiz Equity Ventures

Personally, being able to lead an organization that is able to make a big difference in our communities gives me a great sense of happiness and contentment. For me, there’s no greater happiness than one that’s anchored on? purpose. It’s both a great honor and an endless source of inspiration.

Filipinos generally appreciate being of service to others?. It makes us happy if we’re able to serve others and ??help? them? out even in the smallest ways. It speaks a lot about our warm and hospitable nature as a ?people?.

I think that today, the younger generation’s perspective has been changing and expanding. For example, in the area of sustainability, in the past, conserving resources was more about reducing costs. But today, it’s about doing what’s good for the environment. People are more conscious about their resources and how they consume them. There is also more concern about their community rather than just themselves.?

We’re at an inflection? point, aiming toward higher and sustainable economic prosperity. Opportunities for many Filipinos? and the country? are within reach more than they? were? in the past?. ?It? i?s my hope that we? capitalize on this opportunity and take our country to a different level.

Hans Sy - Chairman, Executive Committee of  SM Prime Holdings Inc.

Many things make me happy, but at the top of my list is seeing a society where people are considerate, mindful and altruistic towards others. 

What makes Filipinos happy is having stability in all aspects of life. This is an important factor not only for Filipinos. Also, receiving credit and acknowledgement where it is due makes people happy. 

Observations on Filipinos today? Filipinos today are very talented and creative but the opportunities to enhance or develop these gifts are a bit inadequate. 

My hope for the country is that there would be less of a hurdle for our nation to move forward, if people would work together and support innovative ideas instead of criticizing and finding fault with no alternative solutions to an issue or problem.

Nedy Tantoco - Chairman, Rustan Commercial Corporation and Stores Specialists Inc.

What makes me happy is seeing our younger generation find fulfillment by being involved in the Rustans companies and contributing greatly to its growth. 

What makes Filipinos happy is a good-paying job that can support the needs of the family.

What I observe about Filipinos today is they are better educated, they have ambitions, because they have better opportunities in life.   

And my hope for the Philippines is a government that is supportive of Filipinos in business.

Anton Huang - President, Stores Specialists Inc.

It makes me happy seeing how our business has grown tremendously in the past 30 years, how we have been instrumental in shaping the taste of the Filipino shopper and putting meaning to the concept of “lifestyle.” It also makes me happy when I see the local market patronize global trends. It cements the unique position we are in of shaping markets, setting trends and cultivating a well-lived life by the Filipino.  

Filipinos are more discerning than ever before. With the continuous interest in foreign travel, and the Filipinos’ adaptation to  the modern, digital world of commerce, the Filipino consumer now knows what he wants and gets it when he wants it. There is a premium put on experience and satisfaction, making it an exciting field for the world of retail. Providing the hippest merchandise or the latest collections is no longer enough; we also have to make the Filipino shopper savor each moment of the shopping journey.

My hope is that the economy will continue to flourish and the business landscape maintains its robust state. A growing economy means more jobs, more livelihood for people, more opportunities for a better life. It places myself and others in this industry in a position to be the gateway for the Filipino to evolve, to be more eclectic in his choices, to enhance his life and, ultimately, curate the life he wants to live. 

Donnie Tantoco - President , Rustan Commercial Corporation

What makes me happy? I went to the Holy Land recently. I learned that when you fix your eyes on Jesus, you can be happy and be positively engaged in any circumstance. Good relationships, especially with my family and whatever team I am part of, makes me happy. When I feel I am adding value, contributing to a larger purpose, I am happy.

What makes Filipinos happy? Family, a decent quality of life, tapping into the immense talent and creativity that we have. Great relationships and a strong sense of pride and belonging to a team, and a community. Having our day-to-day needs met, watching our children grow and succeed, being optimistic about the future makes us happy.

I am very happy about the social consciousness and the bravery that I see in Filipino millennials. It may be evolving, but their convictions about what is right and wrong, how to have a truly fruitful life (like work is not the be-all and end-all of joy), their values, how we should enjoy but also care for the earth, inspires me and gives me great hope. Whatever they believe in, they express it fully, sincerely and courageously.

I hope that the country will make continuous progress towards developing a large, educated and empowered middle class. The elite will need to want this to happen and work selflessly to make this happen systematically and deliberately. I wish for the gift of strong and benevolent leadership, not only in government but also in business.

I hope we can just keep creating meaningful jobs and growth opportunities. A job is not just a source of livelihood; it is also a source of dignity, growth, self-respect and empowerment. Organizations have to change not only to adjust to external market conditions, but also to provide more purpose, better quality of life and growth for our employees and their families.

I wish our country could learn to unleash the power of unity and diversity. I wish for our country to be integrated with the world but with our own very strong Filipino identity and culture.

Doris Magsaysay Ho - President and CEO,  A. Magsaysay Inc. Corporation

My children and grandchildren and my family always make my heart feel full. Aside from this, being with people who have enthusiasm, passion and conviction for their beliefs, work, advocacy and craft make me really happy.

Filipinos have one thing — the family — that many societies have lost because of demographic shifts and social media. We make time to be with family and friends and to listen to each other. Hopefully we don’t lose this unique quality that gives life meaning.

I find it so exciting to see more and more young Filipino entrepreneurs who are creating wonderful products and services. They are more open to collaborate and share their knowledge and ideas than my generation ever was. There are also so many young people who are giving their time and energy to non-profit work or social enterprise. Perhaps this new generation will create the inclusive world we need to create.

I fervently wish that government, business and civil society can put aside differences and distrust to work together. We have the opportunity to develop and implement a strategy to create production clusters where we are competitive around the country. There are just too many Filipinos who are left out and must be given the chance to contribute to and benefit from a better future.

Ben Chan - Chairman, Suyen Corporation Creative Director and Founder, Bench

Travel makes me happy. 

Filipinos are happiest when they’re with their family. It pains me to see homesick Filipinos working abroad always yearning to be in the company of their loved ones. If only I could tell those Pinoys left behind to value the love, hard work their relatives go through living abroad just to give them a brighter future. 

Filipinos today, especially millennials, have a more global outlook. They are less interested in finding security and staying in their comfort zones, instead looking for challenges and adventure in their lives. They believe in themselves and who they are. And they seem totally unintimidated by the older generations! 

A corruption-free government leads to more efficient government institutions, which will look after the greater majority. This in turn will encourage the business sectors — local and international — to invest more in the country, creating more jobs and opportunities for our countrymen so that they will never have to leave the Philippines to seek employment overseas.??

My dream is to bring back Pinoys to their loved ones. The separation has been causing social diaspora and deterioration of values among the families left behind. And we have all heard of mistreatment of Filipino workers abroad. We have to heal the damage in our culture by cleaning house first. Then the Philippines can be a home for all Filipinos again. 

Dennis Uy - Chairman and Founder, Udenna Group of Companies

Spending quality time with my family, friends and employees makes me happy. Also doing what I love: working, competing in sports and reading a good book.

Being with their family and loved ones, and of course, eating and singing make Filipinos happy.

Filipinos today are naturally happy and very resilient and optimistic about the future of the country.

I hope for Filipinos to be prosperous, and to have leaders who love our country above all.

Bernie Liu - Chairman and CEO, Golden ABC, Inc.

What makes me happy is witnessing my work come to fruition. And touching the lives of many. Knowing that I am a better person today than I was yesterday. Having the family’s younger generation join the business and seeing them enjoy what they do at work.

Filipinos are happy when they are able to share their life’s blessings and experiences with loved ones.

I‘ve observe that Filipinos today are very adaptive to the digital age while keeping true to their values.

I hope for prosperity and peace for all so we progress as one nation united and bound by our common heritage and values as a people.

Patxi Elizalde - President and CEO, ELRO Retail Corporation

What makes me happy are my family, firstly my wife and seeing my kids grow up into upstanding and responsible citizens; and seeing the Philippines slowly getting recognized globally for its growing economy.

Filipinos are happy when they are able to have a better quality of life.

Regarding Filipinos today, there is more spending power in the economy. Filipinos love to shop so the more liquidity in the system, the more they can spend and improve their lives. Filipinos today, although still straddled with certain challenges, are generally happy.?

I hope for my country to one day be in the “developed” country category with all basic infrastructure requirements having been dealt with and for our countrymen to have the same standard of living as we see other countries in that category having today.?

Alice Eduardo - President and CEO, Sta. Elena Construction and Development Corp.

I’m happy when I know that what I do makes a positive impact on the lives of others: my family and friends, my team and even people I have not even met. I love plants and the actual planting and tending of them. There are great lessons of joy and fulfillment in seeing trees bear fruit and vegetables ripen for harvesting over time. I am happy seeing how life can also reward hard work and steadfast patience, as it does when you plant something and wait for it to grow.

Still the basics, I believe, make Filipinos happy. The simple joy of being with family, extended family and friends. Being able to share meals together and to celebrate milestones or just talking after a full day’s work.

Filipinos today have a much more global outlook, with the Internet, social media and overseas workers/professionals opening a wider window to the world. Filipinos now have greater access to markets for talent, services, products with the aid of technology.

My hope for the Philippines is greater prosperity and that which is fairly distributed. More access to capital for entrepreneurs. The strengthening of institutions. Better opportunities for health care and education.

Emerson Yao - Managing Director,  Lucerne Group

I’m happiest when I have a very productive day.

Filipinos are happiest when they’re able to spend time with family.

I believe as we become more progressive, Filipinos will have more access to better opportunities.

I hope we shall find a solution to our traffic problem, and build efficient public transport systems. This would make everyone more productive, allow more time with families, and hopefully provide a better quality of life for everyone.

Xandra Ramos-Padilla - Managing Director, National Book Store

I’m happy when I achieve my goals for myself, my family and my company, when things work out and the dreams we hoped for are realized. It also makes me happy to know that my loved ones are happy, too. 

Filipinos also have strong family values. Anything that positively benefits the welfare of their family makes them happy. Time spent with their loved ones makes them happy.

Our authors and publishers always tell us that Filipino fans are one of the most active on social media. They love reading, creating and learning. I think this reflects Filipinos as a whole, because we are a passionate and resilient people.

It is my hope to see all children have access to learning and books, and that they can be trained with skills that allow them to have jobs in the future.  

Kids should not have to drop out of school because they don’t have slippers, bags or baon or because they have to work. I envision that our Philippines educational system can nurture their dreams and empower them to pursue their passions.

Leo Po - EVP and Treasurer of Arthaland; Director and Treasurer of Century Pacific Group; Director and Treasurer of Shakey’s Pizza Ventures  

My children and family make me happy. Being able to reach my goals and accomplish what I set out to do give me fulfillment.

I believe that achieving their life goals and being able to enjoy the fruits of their labor makes Filipinos happy.

Filipinos today are very much apart of the global community. As one of the rising stars in Asia and the world stage, we have some much to be proud of.

I hope that we as Filipinos can further express our love of country, so that we can unite, work together and show the world that we can do great things.

Felix Ang - President, Auto Nation Group

For me, it’s my family, peace of mind, good health, overcoming challenges one step at a time.

The state of one’s happiness can mean different things for Filipinos, but in a general sense, I guess I would like to see most Filipino families improving their lives for the better, especially to see most of our underprivileged kababayans being given the same opportunities and greater access to education, livelihood and health care. 

With our 30th company anniversary happening next year, we would like to give back and do our share in the private sector to help communities and support deserving scholars.

Wellington Soong - Chairman and President,  Autostrada Motors

Peace of mind gives me happiness.

Filipinos would be happier if there was a less complicated social and political landscape.

Filipinos today are very talented, aggressive and knowledgeable.

I hope for social and political stability so we could have a safer country.

Freddie Tinga - President, Global Electric Transport

Seeing the wonders of the world will never cease to amaze me, but seeing my family happy and healthy is the ultimate joy.

Filipinos are a funny bunch. Easy to laughter and easy to smiles. We are by nature a happy people and family is a big part of that. But the real secret to the Filipinos’ happiness is food.

My observations about Filipinos today? Unfortunately the “me” culture seems to be more prevalent these days. The bayanihan spirit seems to be giving way to relentless selfies, classless bling, and the desire to make a quick buck. But it’s not too late. Good Filipinos are still everywhere. Most of them are quiet, simple and anonymous. We just need for them to come out of the woodwork to remind the rest of us how special we truly are.

I hope for a country that is better educated and less ignorant. I hope for a country that is prouder but less arrogant.

I hope for a country that is kinder and less selfish.

I hope for a country that all Filipinos will be happy to call home.