From http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2011-11-28
By Geoff Tan
PHOTO: Coral World Park, Filipino ingenuity
You wake up to a picture perfect view of frivolously swimming manta rays and fishes or hold a meeting in a restaurant submerged in the pristine waters.
http://jpia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/palawan.jpghttp://somosophils.wordpress.com/category/philippines/
PHOTO: Geoff Tan
The writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings’ marketing division.
MY PAPER, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011, PAGE A14, VIEWPOINTSI've written twice about the warmth of the Thais and the wonderful service they provide. My recent work trip to the Philippines showed me that the friendly Filipinos fit into this category, too.
I've spoken at many conferences around the world in the last couple of years. Yet, the wonderful service that I experienced from the moment my plane touched down at Ninay Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 was distinctly impressive, to say the least.
As I was exiting the plane, I saw - to my surprise - a small group of people holding up a big sign with my name on it. I walked up to them to identity myself, and was greeted warmly with a fresh and fragrant garland of Sampaguita flowers, the Philippine national flower.
Then, I was ushered promptly past long queues at the immigration counters to a priority counter, which cleared me in no time. I breezed through Customs to be greeted by two pretty Filipinas from the event company organising the conference, and they whisked me into a car that took me to the Manila Marriott Hotel, and ensured that the check-in process was smooth and seamless.
PHOTO: I've never had so many people smile at me in a day. Everyone came across as cheerful and genuinely helpful.
http://blog.offshoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Call-Center-Agent-in-the-Philippines.jpgI've never had so many people smile at me in a day. Everyone came across as cheerful and genuinely helpful.
No one seemed to look at me to suss out who I was or where I was from, before showing me warm hospitality.
The people are just so affable (Friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to).
What enhances the Philippine brand of service is that everyone speaks English. In addition, the Filipinos go all out to deliver the highest level of customer satisfaetion.
PHOTO: What enhances the Philippine brand of service is that everyone speaks English.
http://www.keptelenseg.hu/cimke/konyha
Their love for entertainment is another thing that I appreciate. There's an outpouring of musical and singing talent among the people. The showmanship and stage presence of performers at the conference were truly exceptional.
Singapore has benefited from this, judging by the numerous Filipino bands playing at our bars, pubs, nightclubs and hotels.
PHOTO: Lea Salonga leads an impressive cast in first-of-its-kind benefit concert featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim.
http://entertainment.inquirer.net/files/2011/08/lea-for-nepales.jpghttp://entertainment.inquirer.net/10971/top-artists-of-pinoy-heritage-in-ny-gala
The Philippines has a lot to he proud of, what with stars that have Filipino roots - such as Apl.de.ap of the band Black Eyed Peas, who is part-Filipino making their mark globally.
You may not realise this but there are many other celebrities with Filipino roots, including singers Enrique Iglesias and Nicole Scherzinger, and actors Lou Diamond Phillips, Rob Schneider (yes, the funny man himself) and Vanessa Hudgens (the young star of High School Musical fame).
I can't wait to visit the Philippines again, to meet up with the many friends I made during this trip, and with many more I'm sure I will make.
By Geoff TanThe writer is a senior vice-president of Singapore Press Holdings' marketing division.
PHOTO: The Filipinos go all out to deliver the highest level of customer satisfaetion.
http://kivafellows.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/retraining.jpgHELPDESK
我的字典: Wǒ de zì diǎn
Impressive: 令人佩服 - lìng rén pèi fú
Breezed through: 轻松地通过 - qīng sōng de tōng guò
Talent: 才华 - cái huá
Celebrities: 名人 - míng rén
Reference
- MY PAPER, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2011, PAGE A14, VIEWPOINTS
- http://epaper.mypaper.sg/cnd/fvxen/fvxp/fvxpress.php?param=2011-11-28
- http://jpia.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/palawan.jpg
- http://somosophils.wordpress.com/category/philippines/
- http://blog.offshoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Call-Center-Agent-in-the-Philippines.jpg
- http://static.keptelenseg.hu/p/b87d77233ffcf9b0e528423f43db3277.jpg
- http://www.keptelenseg.hu/cimke/konyha
- http://entertainment.inquirer.net/files/2011/08/lea-for-nepales.jpg
- http://entertainment.inquirer.net/10971/top-artists-of-pinoy-heritage-in-ny-gala
- http://kivafellows.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/retraining.jpg
