1998 vs 2008

(excerpt from the speech entitled “Of Family & What You Can Do” delivered during Asian Land’s general kaizen meeting held in Malolos City last January 15, 2008)

2008 is going to be a very special year for me. It is the year that I will be celebrating my 10th year anniversary with Asian Land.

If you would ask me now as to how different is 2008 with 1998, here is what I would tell you:
In 1998, people were more trusting of their colleagues and their leaders. They were more believing – for the vision that was cast, for the goals that were set, for the mission that was on hand. They were willing to be led even when there was then no proof of success from what was being preached. They were generous and more giving; and, sacrificing for the other, for the team. They were willing to give without counting the cost. They were willing to contribute their share in whatever way, shape, or form. They were always excited and were very disciplined in their ways.

But alas, that was 1998… a far cry from the general attitudes of today. Today, people seem to be skeptical with every move, decision, policy, etc. People have generally become more selfish of their motives and less sacrificing (for others) in their efforts. They have put self above team. People have become “makuwenta” – asking what is in it for them before they even act. People have become a lot more materialistic and difficult to please.

As an aside, then newly elected US President John F. Kennedy’s famous words (delivered during his inaugural address on January 20, 1961 that will forever reverberate in the walls of history) went something like this: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

During the Asian Crisis of 1997, central banks across Asia were almost on the verge of collapse. All affected governments rushed to find solutions to avert such a collapse for their respective economies. They had to be creative and come up with countermeasures because if a country’s central bank collapses, a country’s currency will be worthless. Their financial markets will collapse. Trading with other countries will be suspended. Foreign investors will move out of their country. Millions of jobs will be lost.

Thailand was one of those countries really hard-hit by the Asian Crisis of 1997. When the king of Thailand appealed for support from the people, you know what the people did? They donated their personal gold jewelry – not even mindful if they were going to see these pieces of jewelry again after they had parted with them. They came in droves. They stripped themselves clean of their personal gold and donated it to their government which needed it badly. All this gold was melted and made into gold bullions – which formed part of their “reserves” that backed up their currency… until they were able to eventually fully recover from the disastrous effects of the 1997 Asian Crisis.

Question: Can you even imagine Filipinos doing this? (How I wish.)

Look at where Thailand is now. Before the Asian Crisis, the Philippine Peso and the Thai Bhat were neck-and-neck in terms of value (relative to the US Dollar). But now, notwithstanding the recent appreciation of the Philippine Peso, the Thai Bhat is a lot more superior in value. Whereas the Philippine economy was only second to Japan’s in 1969 (and Thailand was way, way down the cellar), Thailand’s economy now is one of the better performing “tiger” economies of Asia (and the Philippines, not even close).

Why? Because they have a people willing to sacrifice for their country… because they have people who are willing to give without counting the cost… because they were disciplined enough to cost-cut, make do with what they had, and work hard… because they have people who are willing to serve their country especially when their country needs them. Unless and until we Filipinos become more giving and sacrificing for our motherland will we have the chance to see this same development happen on our shores.

And there are a lot more examples – Singaporeans uniting for a better Singapore during the reign of Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew starting in 1965; the Japanese and the Germans working hard to help their countries rise from the ashes of defeat immediately after World War II; the Americans standing tough as they fought their way out of the Great Depression in the 1930s; and many more.

So, why am I telling you all of this? Because I want you to relate that same sacrifice we have to make for our company – Asian Land.

Personally speaking, the last 10 years for me have been transformational as they have been magical! Being with this company has literally (and figuratively) changed my life. It has helped me grow as a leader and as a person. It has molded my thinking and changed my perspective. It has given me the means to do more and be more. It has provided for daily needs as much as it secures future ones as well. It has given me hope as much as it has passed on that hope to countless others.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I owe a lot to this company. And so do you. I think I can say the same thing for most (if not all) of you in this function hall today. In 10 fruitful years have I seen lives similar to mine – change for the better, evolve into something greater, transform into something more beautiful.

And so it is. The same company that has provided for a lot of our needs and fulfilled many of our dreams now beckons for your help. It is calling on you to be there for her. The same company that has always been there for you (through the years) is now asking you if you will be there for her (now that she calls).

Ask not what your company can do for you – ask what you can do for your company.

Mayor Buhain has always mentioned this about Asian Land: “…daan-daang tao ang nabibigyan ng trabaho… libo-libong tao ang nakikinabang!”

You know, Mayor is right. Asian Land is not about him nor about Ma’am Ann. Asian Land is about the people it serves and cares for. Asian Land is about you and me. Asian Land is about today and tomorrow. The better it does today, the longer it serves tomorrow. Will you help her live longer? Will you be there for her?

Once upon a time in its history, we did exactly that for her. In 1998, we were there for her. We did what we could. We gave what we had. Big or small the contributions were, we were there for her. And she repaid us back all that sacrifice we shared, blood and sweat we shed, and, time we spent… yes, she repaid us back – and more. In 2008, she calls us back to do the same.

Will you be there for her? Will you be there for mother Asian Land?

Ladies and gentlemen… friends… family. Let us go back to the ways of 1998. Our company needs us. Asian Land needs us. It’s about time, we give her back what is due her. “Sama-samang lakas ng pamilya Asian Land para sa tagumpay!”

Asian Land, atin ‘to pare ko!

Mabuhay tayong lahat.