Jesse Robredo, a man who truly lived a full life

Five years ago, as a freelance writer, I had the rare privilege of being asked to help write a script for a film documentary that would pay tribute to the “Ramon Magsaysay Laureates for Democracy and Good Governance”. I was given several mini biographies to read and among these was of a respected public servant from Bicol, a province in Southern Luzon — no other than the late Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo, who was then making a difference in the lives of his constituents in a profound way, as the Mayor of Naga City.

There was little the general public knew about the late Secretary Robredo at that time, but today, the Philippines gives this exceptional Filipino funeral honors fit for a president. A little over a week ago, Robredo and two others perished in a plane crash in the island of Masbate, as he fulfilled both his role as public servant and dedicated father, rushing home from a public speaking engagement to attend the awarding ceremony of his youngest daughter Jillian, who won in a swimming contest of the Palarong Panglungsod (Naga City Games).

“The man felt most comfortable in shorts and rubber slippers. But the funeral rites in his honor were fit for a head of state and would certainly discomfit him,” wrote TJ Burgonio of the Inquirer, on the day Robredo’s body was brought to Malacanang Palace.

During the eulogy at Malacanang, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras called Robredo’s brand of leadership “Tsinelas Leadership”. The tsinelas (slippers), t-shirt and shorts were Robredo’s signature attire. A getup of someone who had no qualms about getting his hands and feet dirty to fulfill his duties and responsibilities, and who did not set himself apart from the people he served just because he held an office, but always made himself available to lend an ear or a helping hand.

I met the late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo in 2010 in his hometown in Naga. We were in a mall where our Shell Active Chess competition for the youth was being held. I spotted Sec Jesse donning his signature shirt, shorts and tsinelas. We were having merienda in one of the local fast food chains, where he was waiting for his takeout food for his family. I approached him and told him how I admired him for his great work. He offered a smile and had no hint of pride at all in his demeanor, oblivious to his own his greatness of spirit. He was just a simple man doing his job, and on that weekend, he was an ordinary family man who was enjoying a leisurely weekend, just like everyone else.

He did not seek greatness but greatness sought him

A very simple and unassuming man, Robredo wasn’t one to hog the limelight, but was known to be a quiet and conscientious worker who earned the respect of those around him through the honorable life he lived.

I learned from the people behind the Ramon Magsasay Awards Foundation (RMAF) that it is not like the usual awards where aspiring awardees nominate themselves for the recognition. The Ramon Magsasaysay Awards, often considered as Asia’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize, particularly gives honor to men and women who have achieved distinction in their respective fields and have helped others generously without anticipating public recognition. The RMAF keeps their eyes and ears open, following the trail of greatness left by people who follow the example of former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, a man who exemplified integrity in government, courageous service to the people, and pragmatic idealism within a democratic society. Without their knowing, the candidates for the Ramon Magsaysay awards are carefully studied and observed by the RMAF through a rigorous research and verifying process on the candidates’ quality of character and their genuine transformational contributions to society. To be a laureate of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is even a higher distinction, and Jesse Robredo was among those whose lives stood out among the rest, and this we recognize today.

HIGHEST HONOR. On behalf of her late husband, Leni Robredo receives from President Aquino the Philippine Legion of Honor, the highest award that can be given by the President without Congressional approval (Photo by Malacañang Photo Bureau). In his eulogy, President Aquino paid tribute to his Cabinet member, comrade in advocacy and good friend. Aquino said, “Jesse was truly a model public servant: focused on others and ready to sacrifice. Among the many I have talked to, he is the person who hates flattery. In Jesse, what you see is what you get.” … “He was not content with the status quo; he showed in Naga that change is possible. He showed that the prevailing system can be overcome, that we can defeat politicians who have long ruled and used their position for their personal interest.” … “He showed you can succeed in politics without being a traditional politician.” … “He has accomplished his mission in this world.” … “So let’s not cry. Instead, let us be grateful. In the short time he was here in this world, we were blessed with the opportunity to be with Jesse Manalastas Robredo.” (Excerpts from President Aquino’s eulogy delivered after the State Funeral Mass for Robredo)

Everyone a Robredo

Indeed, when you are confronted by such magnanimity of spirit, you cannot help but be uplifted and edified. I remember that as I immersed myself in Jesse Robredo’s life story to be able to write the script I was assigned to do, it was as if my own spirit rose, inspired to follow his example and be a better Filipino, a better human being. I guess you can say that of people like Robredo, who, despite their attempts to remain low key and unnoticed, cannot let their greatness of spirit be contained for very long. Like a sweet perfume, a pure soul’s essence will escape and pretty soon, its pleasant smell is bound to be noticed. As we, and even people from other parts of the world, watch the nation’s tribute to the late Jesse Robredo and listen to the countless anecdotes of the many ways he has touched people lives, we feel a sense of loss but also a sense of continuance for the good work he has sown.

As Ateneo School of Government Dean Tony La Vina put it in his column in Manila Standard, “Everyone a Robredo”:

“The Persian poet Rumi wrote, ‘Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.’ In losing Jesse Robredo we have lost friend and champion, but we should not lose faith, hope, and love in our country and our fellow human being that he had. As many testimonials have offered, the best way to celebrate his life is to emulate his life, and share it with others. To become like him, not just in demanding good governance, but in working towards it: every man and woman a Robredo, whatever our station in life. In memory of a good friend, perhaps it’s important to remind ourselves that we are not powerless, that we have the resources to make good governance possible. Robredo has done so for Naga and the DILG—why can’t others both in and out of government do so for our own cities, for our country? Why can’t Naga’s and Robredo’s DILG story, and his story, be our country’s story as well?

Far better than to mourn death is to celebrate life that was lived. This should now be the rallying cry we offer to the memory of such an amazing life.”

A life that did not fear hardships, inconvenience and even death

Atty. Leni Robredo’s quiet dignity at this time of mourning for the death of her beloved husband is something admirable. Her grace in embracing her husband’s fate with peaceful joy is imminent in her words, when she said that Jesse lived a full live and she knew in her heart that he was more than ready to reunite with his Creator.

Only an equally honorable woman could help a man like Jesse Robredo come to full bloom. She is, in every way, a match for this great man. As they say, behind every great man is a great woman (and in Secretary Robredo’s case, four women). We thank Atty. Lenny and their three daughters for generously sharing their family’s treasure with the Filipino people.

The Robredo family. The late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, his wife Atty. Leni and their three daughters Patricia, Aika and Jillian.  Robredo’s wife says her husband always made time for family. Aika’s description of her dad when he was still Mayor of Naga aptly describes his dedication as a husband and father: “He eats lunch and dinner with us seven days a week, even if it means he has to take two or three more meals because he has to attend a constituent’s wedding or birthday reception. No occasion is too trivial for him. He is there for us not only during PTA meetings or piano or ballet recitals, but even when my math homework gets a little too difficult.”

Jesse Robredo’s life was utterly spent in public service. He was an epitome of the Lord’s servant-leadership. Below are just some of the kind words of remembrance I have heard these past days recounting the life of the well-loved Jesse Robredo:

• His staff at the DILG would always come to the office finding Secretary Robredo had already an earlier start at work
• Despite his position, he would stand in line at the elevator, and even let others go ahead or take the stairs if the elevator was already full
• He was one to always volunteer to do the most difficult and daunting tasks in government, and his fellow Cabinet Secretaries would often hear Jesse utter the words, “Sige na, sige na, ako na” (Let it be me). He would also say to his staff and co-workers, “I will not ask of you what I am not willing to do myself”
• Jesse would rather bite his tongue rather than uncharitably lash out when he was angry
• He was always cheerful, never hot-headed, a simple and unassuming man. He was more concerned with authenticity – with being true to himself, than winning the praise of others
• He was always the first to clear the mud after a flood, and the first to champion the battle cry of a worthy cause

One of the best descriptions of Jesse Robredo was written by his own daughter Aika, who won the grand prize some years back as a 15-year old high school student for the 2003 Ramon Magsaysay Student Essay Competition, where she wrote about her father (excerpt of the winning essay from the RMAF):

“Now that I am a little older, sometimes people would come up to me to tell me what great things my father has done for them. I feel proud. But what puts a smile in my heart is knowing that he also did small things for some people – things like bringing back a wayward son to his distraught mother, helping a male employee patch things up with his wife, or playing basketball on a street corner with the neighborhood kids. Such things may appear inconsequential, but they have brought great joy to others and made them feel important.” (Words from Aika Robredo, eldest daughter of the late Secretary Jesse Robredo)

“The immensity of the public response to his death and the collective grief being displayed give us comfort that his efforts have made their mark. We did not expect this kind of reaction. I am sure Jess did not expect this either,” said Leni Robredo, wife of the late Jesse Robredo. She said that her husband felt that the greatest gift he could give his children was a good name. “In death, he gave my children that gift and the best way we can all honor him is to guard that name and make him proud,” she said (Left photo by Philippine Star, Right photo by Malacanang Photo Bureau).

As my own gesture of gratitude to this wonderful soul, I hope to add to the online tribute to Jesse Robredo by sharing excerpts from the script I drafted in 2007 in honor of the Ramon Magsaysay Laureates for Democracy and Good Governance:

====================================================================================

SCRIPT EXCERPTS

Guardians of Democracy … Models of Good Governance … Great Men and Women of Asia.

“LEGACY OF GREATNESS: The Ramon Magsaysay Laureates for Democracy and Good Governance”

===================================================================================

In the Philippines, a young, non-traditional politician was creating an impact with his progressive, innovative, clean and efficient mode of governance …   

In a country where democracy was constantly being undermined by the corruption and incompetence of its leaders, Jesse Manalastas Robredo, Mayor of the City of Naga, demonstrated that democratic government can be good government …

Robredo abandoned a lucrative corporate career to heed the call of public service at the age of twenty-nine …

As Mayor, he was faced with a formidable task … assuming the burdens of a third-class city with a huge budget deficit …  

Robredo was determined to bring progress to Naga and enlivened everyone with his vision for the City…

More a manager than a politician, Robredo ran his city as if it were a corporation … And his decisive management style proved effective …

Armed with an MBA and strong corporate background, Robredo applied business techniques to raise performance, productivity and morale among city employees …

He introduced a merit-based system of hiring and promotion and reorganized city employees on the basis of aptitude and competence …

He freed the City from the grip of vices and fostered a culture of excellence among his constituents …

The young mayor gained the respect of his people for his moral authority and leadership by example …

Robredo spent the City’s funds wisely, prioritizing the provision of basic services, employing creative yet practical solutions to the City’s nagging problems such as traffic and squatting, minimizing graft and corruption and enlisting the partnership of NGOs and the urban poor to reach the goals of progress …

Robredo’s enduring legacy to the cause of local autonomy is his “empowerment ordinance of Naga City”, which institutionalized the participation of NGOs and People’s Organizations in the act of governance …

JESSE ROBREDO: “Our people have proven that given the opportunity, we can rise above our parochial interests in the pursuit of a common good. Given a choice, we will opt for good government despite the attendant obligation it requires.”

Under Mayor Robredo’s leadership, Naga experienced nothing less than a renaissance in ten years, catapulting it from a third-class city to a first-class, model city, with its people enjoying the fruits of prosperity …

JESSE ROBREDO: “Indeed, yielding power to the people is perhaps my greatest achievement as City Mayor.  And the greatest lesson I have learned is that public servants should feel obliged to heed the people’s will always.  Public servants are servant leaders. Their mission is ‘to serve and not to be served’.”

==================================================================================

The Ramon Magsaysay Laureates have created a blueprint of best practices in democracy and governance for people all over the world …

They are living examples of exceptional service …

Outstanding individuals who manifested magnanimity of spirit, in keeping with the ideals of the late, great Asian leader Ramon Magsaysay …

May their legacy of greatness live on. ~ [End of script excerpt] ~

===================================================================================

Once again, Maraming Salamat, Secretary Jesse Robredo, for inspiring us with the story of your life.  Thank you for showing us how to live a life of purpose and meaning.

Congratulations for a life well-lived. You have earned our applause and the applause of heaven.

You have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. We bid you farewell as you enter the joy of your Creator in heaven.

The Shell Communications Team with the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo. Photo taken in Naga City, Robredo’s hometown, in 2010.

Be Brilliant

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

– Marianne Williamson 

I was searching for an old email through my Gmail inbox and came across this quote, which I had used as part of my email signature five years ago. I had forgotten about it already. What a beautifully insightful quote! It’s a food for thought for all of us who often still sit in the shadows, timid of showing the rest of the world how incredibly good and talented we are. It doesn’t even have to be a worldwide proclamation, it can even be just among your family, relatives, friends, work colleagues or the online community.

Can you write, sing, make people laugh, draw or organize events to a tee? Are you good at sports, making sense of numbers, mix-matching clothes (a closet fashionista/fashion trendsetter) or even serving people for charitable causes? All of us are inherently good at something. We have all been given special talents. But sometimes, or oftentimes, we supress ourselves from letting these talents shine through, hiding under the guise of humility, when it is probably pride that really hinders us from exposing our true magnificence, or more likely fear that we may outshine others or that others may judge us as superior.

But whether it’s because of pride or fear, none of those really matter in the end. We only live once and each second that passes is our life on this world fading away. Each opportunity we pass to use our talents and delight the world with it is a waste and even an injustice to ourselves, to others and to the Source of all our gifts.

“It’s time to shine!” should be our mantra each waking moment. Let’s light up the world with all of our talents. Let’s be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous! Because that’s how we were ultimately created to be.

D.O.G.+ 

———————————————

About the person who wrote the quote (Marianne Williamson, entry from Wikipedia):

Marianne Williamson (born July 8, 1952) is a spiritual activist, author, lecturer and founder of The Peace Alliance, a grass roots campaign supporting legislation currently before Congress to establish a United States Department of Peace. She is also the founder of Project Angel Food, a meals-on-wheels program that serves homebound people with AIDS in the Los Angeles area.^[She has published ten books, including four New York Times #1 bestsellers.

Her book, The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife, was published in January 2008 and spent five weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list. Her latest book, published in November 2010, is called A Course in Weight Loss: 21 Spiritual Lessons for Surrendering Your Weight Forever. She has been a popular guest on television programs such as Oprah, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose, The Howard Stern Show and Politically Incorrect.

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S MONTH: Because women hold up more than half the sky

Centuries ago, women did not have the right to suffrage. There were no women serving in public office, making decisions in the board room, or studying to earn a university degree.

Today, because of the countless selfless and tireless efforts of the early feminists, women are able to hold advanced degrees in practically every academic discipline, including law, medicine and engineering, which, in ages past, used to be dominated by men. I still recall these powerful words from speeches made during the Centennial of the Philippine Feminist Movement back in 2005: We have built our lives on the backs of our mothers and grandmothers, and nurture our dreams on the blood and sweat of our sisters. It would be difficult to imagine what women would be today if our feminist foremothers and foresisters did not stand up to fight for the rights we currently enjoy.

We have borne witness to women elected into public office. In fact, nowadays, it is no longer a novelty for women to ascend to the highest positions of the land, as President or Prime Minister. Filipinos can take pride in being the first in Asia to earn the right to suffrage and the first in Asia to have a woman president. Women voters all over the world are now considered a powerful force, able to shape the future of politics in their country.

In the yearly celebrations of Women’s Month every month of March, we have probably come across people quoting the ancient Chinese proverb, “Women hold up half the sky.” But with the growing number of women and the corresponding increase in women’s valuable contributions to society, I believe women today are holding up more than half the sky.

Women are natural leaders. We manage our homes well and can more than manage a country competently. We are good economic managers and know the needs of our citizens like the needs of our own children. We are naturally nurturing, we listen and value dialogue and consultation. We are attuned to the needs of others. We care for the environment. We are prayerful. As the late Philippine President and first woman President in Asia Corazon Aquino once said, “Politics must not remain a bastion of male dominance, for there is much that women can bring into politics that would make our world a kinder, gentler place for humanity to thrive in.”

While we have gained much ground to improve the status of women, there is still much that is left to be done. Women account for half the world’s population, but also represent a staggering 70% of the world’s poor, bereft of opportunities to chart their future and make a significant, positive impact on society. These women continue to suffer injustice, discrimination, and all sorts of obstacles that get in the way of their basic needs, whether it be good health, safe childbirth, quality education or a decent employment.

Freeing disadvantaged women from these chains so that all women can enjoy the benefits of sustainable development necessitates that all of us, whether man or woman, not only take their needs into account, but put these at the front and center. After all, being a true feminist is not about gender but about believing in human rights and having the conviction to fight for the rights of women to be part of that definition of human rights.

We have a duty to uphold and enrich the noble tradition of feminism. This Women’s Month, let us remember and pay tribute to the original spirit of dignity, intelligence and vitality, which the early feminists showed, and pass on the flame to the next generation.

+D.O.G.

The Malampaya marvel

My fly-by experience to the trailblazing Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project’s offshore production platform

I’ve been part of the energy industry for close to half a decade now. This year, I’m performing a new role as part of the Upstream Industry, specifically involving the exploration and production of natural gas for electric power generation.

As part of getting introduced to my new job, I was invited to join a fly-by to our gas production platform offshore Palawan, one of the largest and most beautiful island provinces in the country. This was a rare opportunity as the Malampaya production platform is a no-fly zone for airplanes. However, the fly-by was organized as part of the activities in celebration of the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project’s 10th Anniversary (2001-2011) of powering the country with natural gas, the cleanest fossil fuel and also dubbed “the fuel of the future”, with its vast reserves under the ocean floor.

Malampaya: Celebrating 10 Years of Powering a Nation

Pioneering project

The Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project represents the largest and most significant industrial investment in the history of the Philippines, providing indigenous or locally-sourced and cleaner-burning natural gas for power generation, providing electricity to half of the homes, cities and industries in Luzon.

Malampaya heralded the birth of the natural gas industry in the Philippines, helping to lessen the country’s dependence on imported fuel. The discovery of an alternative source of energy was a milestone event for the country, which has historically imported fuel for its domestic and industrial power requirements.

The natural gas from Malampaya’s offshore production platform is transported via a 504-kilometer subsea pipeline to the onshore processing gas plant in Batangas, which then supplies three power stations – the 1,000-megawatt Sta. Rita power plant, the 500-megawatt San Lorenzo power plant, and the 1,200-megawatt Ilijan power plant – to generate a combined 2,700 megawatts of electric power for Luzon.

How it all began

The Malampaya project began with the discovery of a major gas field in 1992. It is the first deepwater commercial energy project in the Philippines. The natural gas field lies under some 3,000 meters of water.

The project’s daunting task was to ensure that some 2.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves and 85 million barrels of condensate from such an extremely deepwater field could be continuously extracted, processed and transported safely.

The Malampaya platform offshore Palawan, and its 504-kilometer subsea pipeline to the Batangas onshore gas plant

Long before drilling began, a full range of studies, surveys and engagements were done to identify the different social and environmental impacts to be expected from Malampaya. These were all considered and addressed in the project design. In laying the subsea pipeline, for example, the route was designed to avoid all active seismic fault lines, environmentally sensitive regions, fishing grounds and ancestral domains, as well as to have minimal disturbance to the sea bed.

Malampaya has been widely recognized for its high-impact sustainable development programs for communities near its operations.

Off to Palawan

From Manila, we took the early morning flight to Puerto Princesa city, Palawan’s capital. It was my first time to ride a chartered plane and it was quite an experience. Our light aircraft was a 19-seater, German-made, Dornier 228-212 airplane. The plane was not pressurized so we were asked to wear ear protectors. Despite this, we could still hear the loud roar of the plane’s engine and propellers. You will definitely not be able to carry a conservation throughout the two-hour flight so we made good use of our time by catching on sleep. Besides, it was still dark when we left Manila at 5:30am.

At the Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI) hangar in Pasay City. ITI engages in air taxi and air charter operations utilizing German-made Dornier 228-212 aircrafts. ITI is the only fixed wing operator accredited by both Shell and Exxon Mobil.

Ready to experience our first chartered flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It was still dark when my colleague Chiqui and I boarded the plane for our 5:30am flight.

All aboard! Chiqui, Dina and I were the only passengers for the flight. Here we are with the ITI pilots.

It’s a good thing the weather was perfect for the trip and the flight was relatively smooth. On not so good days, we were told the ride can be quite bumpy and even terrifying. The flight attendant gave us candies before boarding the plane and behind the seats there were ready bags in case someone got plane sick from motion discomfort.

Left photo: Left photo: Chiqui ready to sleep on the flight with her ear muffs to drown out the noise of the Dornier's engine and propellers. Right photo: The mist inside the depressurized, light aircraft. Seems like we are passing through a thick cloud.

After falling sound asleep to the constant drone of the plane engine, I woke up to a breathtaking view outside my window. The horizon was refreshing as can be with the bright morning sunshine and below, I saw what I only used to see in postcards of Palawan waters. Different hues of blue water, peppered with small, lush green islets, and a trail of misty white sand bars. Beautiful. It was like waking up to a dream. I immediately took out my camera and started taking snapshots through my window. Of course, the photos do not do justice to the true beauty of the place.

Beautiful Palawan. This breathtaking view greeted me when I woke up from my slumber during the two-hour flight to gaze outside the plane's window. Palawan was rated by National Geographic Traveler magazine 2007 as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia, having incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes.

Then our plane flew over the rolling hills and plateaus of Puerto Princesa. The island province’s forest cover is still very much in tact and I could not wait to get out of the plane and breathe in the clean air. I was told the province had zero carbon and I hope it stays that way!

Palawan's gently rolling hills. View from the chartered light aircraft.

Palawan has the largest forest cover in the Philippines, acting as a huge foam for carbon sequestration. The island province of Palawan maintains a zero-carbon emission level.

Malampaya up close

We arrived at Puerto Princesa airport to meet with the rest of the group that would join the fly-by. We were joined by local media, some local government officials and the very dedicated staff of our Malampaya Foundation, who implement our various sustainable development programs, such as capacity-building, health, environmental conservation and livelihood generation.

The 19-seater Dornier 228-212. The ITI pilots are trained in Germany to fly this German-made twin turboprop aircraft.

Left photo: Touchdown Puerto Princesa. Right photo: Warm welcome by the very dedicated Palawan-based staff of Malampaya Foundation, who implement various sustainable development programs for Palawan communities.

Safety briefing for the Malampaya platform fly-by

After having our weight recorded and listening to the safety briefing, we walked to the Dornier, the same plane we rode from Manila. This time, the Dornier would take us 80 kilometers offshore, northwest of Palawan, where the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power platform stands in a vast ocean of water.

This is the first airplane fly-by to the Malampaya production platform organized in the last 10 years since the project began its operations. I felt really lucky to get the chance to see the platform for real this time, after having written about it in our sustainable development reports and company magazine issues the past four years.

Flight from Puerto Princesa to the offshore Malampaya gas production platform. More sandbars!

After about thirty minutes in flight, we were told that we were nearing the Malampaya platform. From my window I searched for a glimpse of it, and after looking at the big blue ocean, I spotted a grey object at the far end that definitely looks like Malampaya.

Spotted on the horizon -- the Malampaya gas production platform, a speck in the vast blue, endless ocean.

The pilots told us they would fly as close as possible to the platform so we could see it at eye level. The plane circled the platform twice on both sides, so those seated on the right and on the left of the plane had an equal chance of seeing it. Our media guests took lots of photos and video footage of the platform, that always seemed majestic in photographs I’ve seen before, but was now dwarfed by the enormity of the vast ocean surrounding it. I have all the more respect and admiration for our engineers who work at the platform, not only for withstanding the technical challenges of operating such a sophisticated facility but for braving the isolation and the exposure to the elements, away from civilization and practically in the middle of nowhere. Because of them, I am able to sit down comfortably and write this story through the electricity generated from Malampaya natural gas that powers my home, including the light and laptop I now use.

Closer, closer and closer to the majestic Malampaya offshore gas production platform! The airplane fly-by was done in commemoration of Malampaya's 10th anniversary.

Powering Philippine progress 10 years and beyond

The Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project is an outstanding example of Shell’s technology being used to develop and extract hard to reach gas in socially and environmentally responsible ways.

Cheers to 10 years of powering the nation and many more of powering progress with cleaner energy!

Batch 2 of 3 batches of participants of the Malampaya fly-by event

*With information from “Power from the Deep: The Malampaya Story” and the official website of Malampaya www.malampaya.com

+D.O.G.

Mas Masaya sa Pilipinas! It’s more fun in the Philippines. Let’s spread the word.

“In spite of all our troubles, (the Philippines) is probably not only the most beautiful place in the world, it’s also one of the happiest … (At the end of the day,) tourism is not just about marketing, but also about love of country.”

– Quote from Philippine Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez in response to the question ‘Why should anyone come to the Philippines?’, during a one-on-one interview with Boy Abunda for the ABS-CBN public affairs program, “The Bottomline”

Official logo for the tourism campaign

The Philippine Department of Tourism just announced the country’s latest and most-awaited international marketing campaign slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.

“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable,” explains Sec. Jimenez, a top advertising executive before he was asked by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino (PNoy) to serve as Secretary of Tourism. Jimenez is regarded as a rockstar in Philippine advertising, known for being behind many successful advertising campaigns, including the widely popular ‘Chickenjoy’ sales pitch for Jollibee, the Philippines’ leading fast food chain.

As Sec. Jimenez told InterAksyon.com, Filipinos have a “special gift for transforming what is already a beautiful place into an unforgettable special place. You take two identical islands, put Filipinos in one, it’s going to be more fun there.”

We’re #1 for fun!

The campaign is set to be rolled out in international markets starting April this year, but as soon as it was publicly unveiled on Friday (January 6, 2011), #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines already trended worldwide, at first place. Its related brand hashtag, #1forfun, also trended locally. The Tourism Secretary recognizes the Filipino savvy when it comes to social media — the Philippines being the only Asian country that can cause a trend on Twitter — and counts on the Filipinos to be their campaign ambassadors in the internet, especially since the country has a relatively limited budget for tourism promotions compared with other countries.

The campaign's official brand hashtag for social media.

Even English author Neil Gaiman, who has visited the Philippines thrice to promote his graphic novels, gave his own testimonial in support of the Philippine tourism slogan.

Official Campaign Photographs

The new tourism campaign was conceived with the help of top advertising agency BBDO Guerrero | Proximity Philippines.

Celebrated veteran travel photographer, and one of my personal favorites, George Tapan, has perfectly captured the essence of the campaign through his magic eye and expert camera lense.

Tapan’s photographs were used for the initial campaign launch of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” (Photograph source: official campaign website: www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com). Just last year, the multi-awarded Filipino photographer’s “Into the Green Zone” photo of Palawan was named first place winner in the Places category of the National Geographic photo contest, besting about 20,000 entries from 130 countries.

Through the years, Tapan has won numerous local and international awards for travel photography. His works have been published in various prestigious industry publications, both in the Philippines and abroad. The veteran travel photographer is the 1990 Gold Grand Award winner of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). He is also the Department of Tourism, 1999 Kalakbay Award – Travel Photographer of the Year.

We “want the world not to watch but to participate” in the new campaign”. – Philippine Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez

A word and image play on "commuting", shown here as traveling by boat. Photo by George Tapan.

Photo shows "going upstairs" in the world renowned Banaue Rice Terraces of Ifugao, Philippines. Photo by George Tapan.

Posting status updates while diving? The Philippines has one of the world's most beautiful dive spots, as it is among the world's centers of marine biodiversity. Definitely just one of the gazillion things to post about on Twitter and Facebook. Photo by George Tapan.

In his blog, respected Filipino lawyer, prominent legal academician and Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines awardee for Human Rights/Legal Aid Atty. Theodore Te invites those of us who know and love the country, and who have the privilegedly firsthand experienced of the unique joy of the Philippines to ‘Complete the Sentence’:

“It is an open-ended invitation to complete the sentence and to take part in a conversation on something that I, and Filipinos everywhere else, know — that it IS more fun in the Philippines.

The understanding that one could complete this particular sentence starting or ending with ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ is an amazing exercise in citizenship, in identity, in optimism, in truth. It is also, consistent with tourism campaigns everywhere else, a great opportunity for a people to come together and agree on something.

That is why I choose to own and complete the sentence. It’s more fun in the Philippines. Indeed.”

Filipino netizens are completing the sentence, even punctuated by photographs that tell a thousand words, and posting these on Facebook. It’s their own take on the tourism campaign:

Photos below show Filipino photographer Mon Corpuz’s photo renditions of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”, also widely shared on Facebook.

Photo taken in Banaue, Ifugao during the Imbayah Festival 2011. Photo by Mon Corpuz.

Photo taken during the National Geographic Channel Philippines Launch - Boracay Islands, Aklan, Philippines. Photo by Mon Corpuz.

Photo taken at El Nido, Palawan. Photo by Mon Corpuz.

The happiest people in the world

People define a place. Our smiles, our hospitality, our faith, our kindness, our creativity and even our craziness! Filipinos have time and again been counted as among the happiest people on the planet, based on the Happy Planet Index and other global happiness surveys. We have the intrinsic ability not only to stay sane amid seemingly insurmountable challenges but to even laugh at our misfortunes and remain ever hopeful. We are resilient!

Most of all, we love to celebrate — whether it is with family, friends or as a nation. “Christmas and New Year are more fun in the Philippines,” shares one Filipino on Twitter. I agree! I’m still having LSS from the ABS-CBN 2011 Christmas station ID, “Da Best Ang Pasko ng Pilipino”, sung by Filipino Youtube sensation Maria Aragon. Don’t we have the longest and most festive Christmas seasons in the world? Christmas songs and decors abound as soon as September kicks in and lasts up until February the following year. Below is one netizen’s tribute to the Parol or Filipino Christmas lantern.

There's no greater symbol of the Filipino Christmas spirit than the Parol, the bright and colorful Filipino Christmas lantern.

Here is my own take on the tourism slogan. It’s not exactly faithful to the visual identity of the campaign (I am no Photoshop expert), but this is the best I came up with. Tip: Use the Harabara font, which you can download for free! . Click here for further tips on how you can create your own “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” meme.

My take on "It's More Fun in the Philippines".

No matter how much I love to travel abroad or aspire to experience working and living (temporarily) overseas, I know that my heart still belongs here. Life is definitely much happier in the Philippines. There is no place like home! - Sankie S.

We make the difference

Focusing on the country’s core strength, the new Philippine tourism campaign singles out what no other destination can offer – and that is the Filipino people. The Lonely Planet guidebook calls Filipinos ‘among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere.’

The Philippine Department of Tourism hopes to bring in 12 million visitors to the country by 2016, when President Aquino steps down from office. It’s about time people discover the shining beauty of the Philippines and its people. But it’s only more fun if we make it so. The slogan is only as true as we allow it to be. The campaign’s potency is reliant upon us Filipinos. Yes, our economy is still struggling to keep pace with other more progressive countries and we are still cleaning up our government of corrupt public officials, but the truth is, beauty and troubles are inextricably mixed not only in the Philippines but everywhere else in the world. Ultimately, it’s still the people who make the difference.

“The national line is a goal, a constant reminder to ourselves why we can tell travellers it’s more fun here than anywhere else.

It needs everyone’s support for it to stay true—we need to make sure people’s experiences in our country are positive, enjoyable, and most of all, fun.” – Philippine Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez

Exploring the Island of Bohol

There are just so many beautiful places to see in the Philippines, with lots that have yet to be discovered in the archipelago’s 7,107 islands.

The island province of Bohol in the Central Visayas region is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. Both foreign and local tourists are fascinated by Bohol’s many wonders, which include its beaches and resorts, heritage sites, the Chocolate Hills, Loboc River cruise, Philippine tarsier and peanut kisses!

I’ve always wanted to explore Bohol and this year I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to do just that.

We stayed at the Amorita resort along Alona Beach in Panglao Island, Bohol. Amorita is a very cozy place to stay, with amenities such as an infinity pool, multi-purpose hall, leisure area with in-door games, restaurant and bar.

Images of Amorita Resort. Special thanks to my colleague Linette Reodica for these beautiful photographs! Most of the Bohol images in this blog are taken by Linette, who is not only a corporate professional but is also a gifted chef, entrepreneur and hobbyist photographer.

Rich heritage

Our island exploration began with a tribute to the historical site of the “Sandugo (one blood)” or Blood Compact Monument in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, where the Spanish explorer and great colonizer Miguel López de Legazpi and the chieftain of Bohol Datu Sikatuna sealed their friendship as part of the tribal tradition, through a blood compact, on March 16, 1565. The Sandugo is depicted in both the provincial flag and the official seal of the local government in Bohol.

The Legazpi-Sikatuna Blood Compact Monument commemorates the friendship between the Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and the Bohol Chieftain Rajah Sikatuna in March 1565. The figures are lifelike and with the ocean in the background. This is an important place to visit for followers of Philippine history.

Another heritage site in Bohol is the Baclayon Church, the second oldest stone church in the Philippines (the oldest is San Agustin Church, in Real Street, Intramuros, Manila, built in 1571). Constructed in 1595 by the Jesuit priests, Baclayon Church is still very much intact and houses important relics and images reminiscent of the historic Roman Catholic religion in the Philippines. Among those displayed in the church museum are: crystal chandelier, silver tabernacle, altar with carvings inlaid with gold, life-size statues and more.

Built in 1595, the Baclayon Church in Bohol is the second oldest church in the Philippines. Left photo: The Church interior with its majestic, antique gold-plated altar with partial view of the traditional frescoed ceilings. Right Photo: Church exterior shows weathered coral stones that were said to be hauled from the nearby sea, cemented together by millions of egg whites and lime.

What is also interesting about the Baclayon Church is the imprint on its stained coral edifice resembling the face of Padre Pio, considered as one of the pillars of the Catholic Church. St. Pio was a humble Capuchin priest from Italy, who was blessed by God with many gifts, such as miraculous healing, conversion, reading of souls, bilocation and the stigmata (the wounds of Christ), which he bore for fifty years.

A unique marvel of nature

The famed Chocolate Hills of Bohol consist of 1,776 cone-shaped hills (they actually counted each one!) mostly between 30 and 50 meters high and spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers. When people first see pictures of this landscape, they can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact but are pure wonders of nature!

These one-of-a-kind geological formations located in the town of Carmen have baffled geologists. It is said that the hills are weathered formations of a kind of marine limestone on top of a impermeable layer of clay. A bronze plaque at the top of the 214-step observation hill of this world-famous tourist spot bears this explanation.

The name Chocolate Hills was derived from its chocolaty color during the dry season, when the grass withers and turns into brown, resembling giant peanut kisses that look good enough to eat! Peanut kisses are, of course, Bohol’s famous delicacy made of high-quality peanuts and egg whites. Inspired by the famous American chocolate, Hershey’s Kisses, these tasty miniature replicas of the famed Chocolate Hills are perfect pasalubongs (presents from a trip) for both young and old alike.

How This Natural Marvel Came To Be: The Chocolate Hills

Fun Shots! Enterprising locals have set up a photo wall of the Chocolate Hills, where tourists can do a variety of jump shots using props such as broomsticks, bow and arrows, and butterfly wings. The photos are printed on site and can be purchased at the tourist shop where one can buy all sorts of Bohol souvenir items.

Can’t get enough of Bohol’s Peanut Kisses! These tasty little replicas of the famous Chocolate Hills make for a perfect pasalubong.

Wonder creature

Our next stop was at the Tarsier Conservation Area. The Philippine Tarsier is a famous attraction of Bohol. While this nocturnal creature is one of the world’s smallest primates, in the mammal kingdom it owns the biggest eyes in proportion to its body.

Like the koalas of Australia or Pandas of China, the Philippine tarsier is a national icon, endemic to the Philippine archipelago. An endangered species, there is an ongoing effort to preserve this unique animal in provinces where they live.

We visited these wonder creatures in the town of Loboc, at the Upper Bonbon area. The wooded sanctuary allowed viewing the tarsiers in what resembled their natural habitat, with pebbled pathways for visiting tourists. It was amazing to see up close these tiny, wide-eyed tarsiers cling to the tree branch with their four legs.

The Tarsier Conservation Area also had virtually all kinds of tarsier souvenirs, including shirts, ref magnets, key chains, wallets, bags, wrist straps, pen holders and even headbands!

The endangered Philippine Tarsier is considered among the Philippine’s tourism icons. This unique creature is endemic to the Philippines and is reflective of the country’s rich biodiversity.

Just some of the creative Bohol souvenir items you can buy – a penholder featuring a life-size Philippine Tarsier and miniature Chocolate Hills

Not your typical river cruise

The entire Bohol island expedition won’t be complete without experiencing the Loboc River Cruise. After spending the day touring around the island, it’s time to relax and fill your stomach with good food. Since the Loboc River Cruise’s vessels are floating restaurants, tourists get to enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch of local Philippine cuisine while being serenaded by guitarists, singers and sometimes even a choir; all this while taking in the scenic view of the surrounding’s lush tropical vegetation, with the river banks lined with nipa palms, coconut trees and banana groves.

The scenic Loboc River Cruise with its famous floating restaurants where tourists can enjoy local Filipino cuisine and local entertainment.

While cruising along the river, the floating restaurant stops by a little pier along the river banks, where a group of about 30 young and old folk singers, dancers and guitar players entertain tourists for a minimal donation. The group’s floating stage comes to life with their lively cultural presentation, topped by the popular Filipino folk dance “tinikling”, where the dancers skillfully dance around rapidly opening and closing bamboo poles. Tourists are often invited to join the dance or to buy the locals’ products such as small guitars and rattan baskets.

Loving your own

Based on tourism surveys, for every 100 tourists going around the country, 80 percent are domestic tourists. Both foreign and local tourists are main ingredients in helping to push the Philippine tourism industry which, in turn, propels the entire country’s economy.

In a sense, patronizing our country’s tourist spots signifies our nationalism, since every time we travel around the Philippines, we help generate local jobs, especially in remote areas where these natural tourism wonders are located. As the popular saying goes, “huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan (don’t be a stranger to your own country)”.

During his one-on-one interview with talk show host Boy Abunda at ABS-CBN’s public affairs television program “The Bottomline”, current Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez had this to say when asked why anyone should come to the Philippines: “My answer is very simple. In spite of all our troubles, (the Philippines) is probably not only the most beautiful place in the world, it’s also one of the happiest places in the world.” At the end of the day, he adds, tourism is not just about marketing, but also about love of country. With this, I totally agree.

+D.O.G.

The Filipinos’ Gift to the World

Filipinos are a great people. Throughout the globe, they are admired for their world-class professionalism, brilliant talent and ardent care, earning pride for the motherland. More than just being global Pinoys, Filipinos are modern-day heroes. Their gift of self for the betterment of their families, their country and the world is indeed truly worth celebrating.

With our Rotary Group Study Exchange Program Team at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva

Distance gives perspective. When you travel outside of your country, it is often then that you begin to understand and appreciate it more.

I had the good fortune of being selected by Rotary International to be a representative of the Philippines for their cultural and vocational program — the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program in 2010. The GSE gives young professionals the opportunity to study their vocation in another country, experience other cultures and build a strong, ongoing international network of friends and business contacts.

The Swiss GSE Coordinators welcome our team at the Zuich Airport

Ambassadors of goodwill

Our Rotary GSE Team from the Philippines was composed of five members from different fields — an NGO director for an educational foundation, an account executive for a pharmaceutical company, a television producer for one of the Philippines’ leading television networks, an educator/textbook author, and myself — a corporate communications manager for a global energy company. We were all tasked to represent our country well as ambassadors of goodwill and understanding to our host countries, which were Switzerland and Liechtenstein. For a month, we were given the opportunity to study our host country’s institutions and way of life, observe our own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

We were introduced in Rotary club meetings as the GSE team from the Philippines, traveling halfway around the world to tell them about our country and extend our message of friendship and peace. We even sang a popular Filipino song that captured our message so perfectly, “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo (The Filipinos’ Gift to the World)”, which brought tears to the eyes of our newfound European friends, after learning about how we Filipinos have inspired a peaceful call for change through People Power and lighted the world through our gifts in the arts, sciences, sports, etc.

Dressed in the traditional Filipiniana terno, we proudly sang in our native tongue as we held the Philippine flag, accompanied by a video with a Swiss-German translation of the song showing images of Filipino personalities, places and historical events that evoke Philippine pride.

Our GSE all-female team, garbed in the traditional Filipiniana terno, together with our Swiss hosts led by Rotary International District 2000 Governor Hans Butikofer

A diverse life experience 

Both Switzerland and its neighboring micro state Liechtenstein (the smallest but richest German-speaking country in the world) are ranked by the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) 2010 Report as belonging to the roster of “Very High Development Countries” in terms of providing high Life Expectancy (a long and healthy life), Education (access to knowledge; expected years of schooling), and Per Capita GDP (a decent standard of living). Switzerland is known for its financial services (Swiss banks were reportedly running out of storage space for gold bullions held by international investors and institutions in their vaults) and manufacturing industries specialized in high technology and knowledge-based production. Inflation is low and unemployment is negligible in Switzerland. For Liechtenstein, there are even more registered companies than citizens!

Visit to the Liechtenstein National Police Headquarters and Prison

Apart from the vocational tours and interactions with various Rotary clubs, the GSE allowed us to visit local businesses, government offices, international organizations, and cultural and historical sites in our host country. Our GSE area coordinators told us we were fortunate to have seen more of Switzerland than the average Swiss!

At the foot of Mt. Zermatt, with the view of the famous Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks of the Swiss alps and inspiration for the triangular shaped Swiss chocolate "Toblerone"

View of the Swiss alps from the Santis mountain

Throughout our stay, we lived with host families who were very much interested to know more about the Philippines and its people. After-dinner conversations with our host families were filled with interesting exchanges about the differences and commonalities between our countries. They were delighted to hear about our beautiful tourist spots, our respect for the elderly, our patriotism and the more than 101 ways that make us a uniquely endearing people.

With one of my host families, the Senn family, who owns and manages the countryside Hotel Wolfensberg

We also learned much from them and their journey towards financial independence. Our host mom and dad told us that because the Swiss did not have as much natural resources as other nations (mineral resources are scarce, for example), they did not live with a sense of entitlement but learned to work hard and smart to develop their industries (machinery, chemicals, watches, jewelry, textiles, precision instruments and diverse high-tech products) with an economy based mainly on the transformation of imported raw materials into high-added-value finished products mainly destined for exports. What they do have in abundance is water, which flows from the Swiss alps, and this they learned to harness for electricity through hydroelectric power, and even supply excess capacity to their neighboring states. They are an extremely disciplined people and are well regarded for their punctuality and industriousness.

Hotel Wolfensberg is located at the municipality of Degersheim, depicting the beauty of the Swiss countryside, with dreamlike meadows and rolling hills. Host mom Maria Senn, at 85, still actively manages the family-owned Hotel Wolfensberg together with her sons.

The people of Switzerland and Liechtenstein also have a high level of environmental consciousness. Understandably, as they live in such beautiful surroundings anyone would want to keep its pristine state. They are far advanced in recycling waste material. They also follow the pay-as-you-throw principle and non-recyclable rubbish are collected at a price, so that families pay for each bag of rubbish they leave out on the road for collection. Recyclable materials such as paper, carton, glass, plastic, cans, textile, chemicals and oil are all collected separately for free.

Switzerland is known for its clean, rich pastures; a country overflowing with milk, cheese (and chocolates! ).

Despite their wealth and advancement, however, prosperous countries do have their share of problems. In some affluent societies, for example, the benefits of economic growth begin to dull an individual’s sense of purpose. One of our host moms, who is a practicing psychotherapist, shared that economic prosperity can be a boon for some, as the absence of life’s challenges can lead to feelings of complacency and depression. Contrast this to our country, which seems to never be lacking in struggles and challenges, yet remains to be one of the happiest countries in the world, according to the Happy Planet Index.

A shared humanity

“Exchange visits made possible through The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange program last for only a month, but the impact of these visits on the promotion of goodwill, understanding and peace will be felt for many generations as paired districts plant the seeds of peace and develop the friendships that are built during their teams’ tour in each other’s country,” said our GSE Team Leader Ester Florendo, Past President of the Rotary Club of Tomas Morato and Rotary International District 3780 Chief of Staff.

Here I am with our Swiss GSE 2010 Chairman Ernst Walser, wearing a Rotary Pilipinas shirt

I learned from the Rotary GSE that while we may live in different countries, we still share the same issues and ideals, such as caring for the environment, maintaining peace and living a purposeful life.

“The GSE experience inspired me to dream big for our nation. The beauty and progress of our host countries gave me hope that someday, though diligence, goodwill, and unity, the Philippines will also be as developed and progressive as they are now,” said my GSE teammate Riz Figueroa.

Our presentations, discussions and conversations with the people we met in Switzerland and Liechtenstein allowed us to see ourselves and our situation as a people from a deeper perspective. We saw a Philippines filled with promise, with its vast wealth of natural resources and human talent, a country destined not just for happiness but also for prosperity and abundance.###

About Rotary International

Rotary is an international association of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, promote high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. With over 1.2 million members in over 32,000 clubs in nearly 170 countries, Rotary initiates community projects that focus on the most serious issues confronting people around the world: poverty, conflict resolution, health, hunger, illiteracy, and the eradication of polio.

About the Rotary Group Study Exchange Program

The Rotary Group Study Exchange program is one of the professional educational programs of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. It provides a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 who are non-Rotarians. The program provides travel grants for teams of participants to exchange visits in different countries. For interested applicants, visit: http://www.rotary.org