Ambassador Toshinao Urabe

In my opinion, he exemplifies what a diplomat should be. Officially, he has been cited for his outstanding efforts in enhancing bilateral relations between the Philippines and Japan.

I learned this from the remarks given by Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario at a farewell lunch in his honor. Moreover, President Benigno Aquino decorated him with the Order of Sikatuna, rank of Datu  (Gold), the highest possible decoration given to a non-head of state.

From my personal observation, Ambassador Urabe has not only excelled in his official relations with the government, but has gone out of his way to reach out to the opinion leaders and the private sector of the nation.

Now that I am in the private sector, I do not expect any meaningful communication from ambassadors except of a social nature. Much to my surprise, Ambassador Urabe conscientiously sends regular personal (not for attribution) newsletters to his many friends in the private sector. He discusses international and bilateral events which impact Japan.

In my experience, no other foreign ambassador has done this. On a social basis, I have been privileged to attend small dinners in his residence which can best be described as a gourmet meal. Japanese ambassadors have the privilege of personally selecting a chef who accompanies him to the designated post. His premium sake and wines are from his personal stock, some of the finest from France. During his own farewell reception last week, there was an overflow of guests into the garden despite the heavy rains. The guests included past and present  members of the cabinet, congressmen and senators, CEOs of the top corporations, columnists,  members of the diplomatic corps and his host of personal friends, especially his golf mates from the Manila Golf Club.

The large turnout was a manifestation of the respect and affection accorded him and his wife. Toshi Urabe and the charming Etsuko demonstrate the effective and elegant simplicity of what a diplomatic couple should be. My wife, Olivia and I extend our best wishes to the couple. I am sure we will see them again.

Urgency for resiliency

Last November 2013, Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr., the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) addressed the Makati Business Club. He updated them on the Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study made by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). I will not dwell on the details of the study at this time, but he summarized its impact as follows: Assuming a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale, there would be 37,000 fatalities, 604,000 injuries (ranging from slight to very serious) and total economic losses amounting to P2.473 trillion.

The study also estimated the losses assuming a magnitude of 6.5, which was reduced but no less devastating. The key question was how do we prepare for and reduce risks from such a major earthquake. That is a question that must be answered by the government and the private sector with the help of new legislation and guidance/support from other countries and international organizations.  As of today, there is no magic answer, but I write about it just to raise the issue once more in the hope that many more will understand the nature, importance and urgency of getting our act together.

SWISS RE recently made a study of cities at risk…to be precise an analysis of 616 metropolitan areas. There are five perils defined: storm, storm surge, river flood, earthquake and tsunami.   Most people affected, aggregated for all five perils (in millions) are: Tokyo-Yokohama (57.1); Manila (34.6), Pearl River Delta (China) (34.5), Osaka-Kobe (32.1), Jakarta (27.7), Nagoya (22.9), Kolkata (17.9), Shanghai (16.7), Los Angeles (16.4) and Tehran (15.6).  The study further listed the to 10 in earthquakes: 1.Tokyo- Yokohama; 2. Jakarta; 3. Manila; 4. Los Angeles; 5. Osaka-Kobe; 6. Tehran; 7. Nagoya; 8. Lima;  9. Taipei; and 10. Istanbul.

The Carlos P. Romulo Foundation, the Zuellig Family Foundation and the Manila Observatory recently held a conference entitled Partnerships for Disaster and Climate Resilience. At that conference, we announced that we would embark on a three year project on resiliency. Our first project, with the help of UNICEF, will focus on 12 municipalities in Samar, one of the most affected and least publicized affected areas during Yolanda. We are particularly grateful to our sustaining partners: San Miguel Corporation, UNDP and PLDT/Smart as well as our sponsors: AIG Philippines Insurance, Federal Phoenix Assurance , Zuellig Pharma and our media sponsor, The Philippine STAR. As we proceed with this project in the next three years, we urgently appeal for more support from the private sector and multilateral agencies. 

My experience with airlines

I am not privy to the reasons for the return of the airlines to the Lucio Tan Group nor is it my business. In a previous column, I was somewhat critical of my experience with PAL. During the period under the management of Ramon Ang, there have been noticeable and dramatic improvements. The Manila to London flight has been favorably reviewed by my friends. The forthcoming direct flights to New York would be very welcome.  It is hoped that the new management will continue with these changes.

Rumor has it that Etihad, the highly rated UAE airline will soon be a partner.  Last April, I had to cancel my Etihad flight to Paris because of medical reasons. Mr. Juan Torres of Etihad kindly accommodated my cancellation and request for refund. I hope that the promised refund will be sent soon.

Allow me to comment on frequent flyer programs. On the face of airline advertisements, they all seem very attractive.  I have often been a frequent flyer of the highest level in Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines. The courtesies and access to sumptuous lounges are great. But when it comes to redemption of flights, I suggest you do so during off-peak season. If you try to redeem during peak season, even five months before your trip, these airlines are not very accommodating.