June 18, 2019
We have a nice building in San Francisco bought in the 70s to house our consulate.
The lobby had been recently renovated and medyo nagulat ako kasi lumuwag tingnan.
We toured the offices, the kitchen, the secret passages, and into the main receiving lounge where we had an informal discussion.
Some 25 years ago I had an office on the 25th floor of Tektite Towers in Pasig. I designed our office with a display area at the entrance for Philippine-made products.
If you have an office, try doing that too. Devote a bookshelf to display some handicrafts with the names of the manufacturers. Just a small way of helping promote our country’s products and helping Pilipino entrepreneurs. Even if no one comes to your office, your employees would see those. It’s just a small way of showing pride for our country.
I can’t do that now in our current office because handicrafts and cars don’t match.
There are some set of guidelines imposed by Ford.
Today was a busy day and the tiredness showed on my face.
I don’t remember how many Philippine Consulates I’ve visited in a span of thirty years.
And every single time there’s a certain feeling of pride inside of me. I am proud of our career diplomats who are dedicated to their jobs. They put their best foot forward in representing our country. They are careful with their actions and don’t just let out a word without thinking if what they will say brings goodwill to our country and people. They help promote our country, our talents, products. They invite foreign investors. They are soldiers. Soldiers of peace, good manners, and goodwill.
