Being Pinoy The Secret To Global Success

Overseas Filipinos are touted as the new heroes of the nation. But perhaps a more apt description would be that they are ambassadors of the Philippines to the world. Wherever there is a Filipino, a spectrum of Pinoy qualities – resourcefulness, diligence and natural creativity – is displayed.

For three years and running, the BPInoy Awards champions the enduring Pinoy-ness of Filipinos abroad in honor of the excellent service of overseas Filipinos. And this year’s awardees prove to be just that.

The two awardees, Josie Natori and Rico Hizon, are both trailblazers in their fields. One is in the glamorous world of fashion and the other in the exciting field of broadcast journalism.

International fashion tycoon Josie Natori is one remarkable proof of Filipino creativity and the ability to adapt to different environments. Though Josie had an exceptional career in banking as the first female vice president of investment banking of financial services giant Merrill Lynch, she had shown immense creative talent as a child. At the age of nine, she played the piano and performed alongside the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra.

But entrepreneurship was in her blood. The daughter of Filipino contractor F.F. Cruz, Josie ventured into various enterprises ranging from car wash to fast food. But Josie found the perfect endeavor when she got a buyer from the upscale American department store chain Bloomingdales interested in Philippine hand-embroidered blouses sent to her by a friend. That was Josie’s quiet entrance in the world of fashion.  

“I believe that Filipinos are creative and artistic in nature, which makes us both unique and successful,” explains Josie.

She founded The Natori Company, a multi-million dollar fashion empire based in New York known for its elegant, high-end lingerie. Now on its 31st year, The Natori Company continues to expand in the spheres of RTW, children’s wear, home furnishings, fragrances, and eyewear. 

The detailing, embroidery, rich colors, and appliqué work that adorn Josie’s exquisite lingerie lines hearken to her proud Filipino heritage. She also cites that values passed on by her entrepreneurial family account for much of her success in the fashion industry.

“I am very proud to have built a global brand, which exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship of the Philippines,” Josie affirms. “It is the entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipino people coupled with deep family values, which creates such a strong foundation for the amazing growth of overseas workers whose contribution to the country’s GNP has been a godsend in today’s global environment!”

Josie’s heart is still very much in tune to the welfare of her countrymen. To provide employment for her home country, Josie established a factory in the Philippines to handle 50 percent of The Natori Company’s production. She also serves actively on the boards of the Asian Cultural Council, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, the Philippine American Foundation and Women In Need Organization.

Aside from the 2008 BPInoy award, Josie was given the Galleon Award by President Aquino in 1988 and the Lakandula Award by President Arroyo in 2007.

“I applaud the many Filipinos who leave their country and home to find work overseas,” shares Josie.

Likewise, Rico Hizon has brought great pride to the Philippines as the first Filipino to work for global broadcasting networks British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) and CNBC Asia.

Rico’s career in broadcasting began in GMA-7 where he anchored Business Today, GMA News Live, and Stock Market Live. His talent and hard work eventually landed him the job of presenter on BBC’s Asia Business Report and an anchor on World Business Report, programs aired in over 200 countries. 

“Receiving the BPInoy Award is a particularly significant recognition for me because I feel that my life’s work has been acknowledged and my passion, validated,” expresses Rico.

He cites the uncanny Filipino ability to adapt as a factor in his global success. According to Rico, Filipinos generally find it easy to work with anyone regardless of age, gender, or race. 

“We fit in and adjust easily because we recognize that we can accomplish more when there is harmony,” he mentions, “Our intense desire to do the best in our jobs makes the Filipino among the most sought-after employees and/or colleagues, especially in a global workplace.”

Even as he lives abroad, Rico and his wife, Melanie Syquia, continue to advocate and promote Filipino artists in Singapore. He plays key roles in Singapore-based organizations like the Philippine Cultural Society, the Philippine Bayanihan Society, and NAMFREL-Singapore chapter and is involved in the feel-good Filipino news website GoodNewsPilipinas.com.

Besides being a 2008 BPInoy Awardee, Rico was also named Yes The Filipino Can! awardee of RFM Corp. in 2008 and was recognized for his achievements in international journalism and community Service as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of 2006.

 “I have always felt that it was more than enough of an honor that I get to represent my country every single day that I go on air,” says Rico. “I am incredibly blessed that my work allows me to do what I love and I am very grateful to BPI for appreciating what I have accomplished.”

Rico and his wife hope to pass on some of their Filipino values to their son Migo. “There is no shortcut to success,” Rico emphasizes, “But if you work hard, value the people around you, and trust the Lord, there is no limit to what you can achieve. That’s what I want my son to inherit from us.”

Indeed, from the examples of the lives of Josie Natori and Rico Hizon, the Filipinos have got what it takes to make it big globally. All you have to do is just Be Pinoy.