No laughing matter

Everybody commutes whether it’s behind the wheel, with a chauffeur or by public transport to school, to church or wherever work takes us, and we count ourselves among the multitude of city dwellers that endure the seemingly endless hours spent on the road, day in and nights out (pun intended).   Nowadays, one cannot set an appointment without the chronic traffic situation in the metropolis being factored in, as traveling between two points, even a few kilometers apart, in the same city could take almost an hour.  Invited as the guest of honor and speaker during the joint luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila headed by president Roberto ‘Obet’ Pagdanganan and the Rotary Club of Forbes Park headed by president Frank Adriano, your columnist shared his two cents’ worth on the subject.  Citing news reports that show billions of pesos lost in resources, aside from wasted man-hours, due to traffic congestion, poor state of roads and inefficient law enforcement, we deem the topic should be elevated to a matter of national importance.  The people clamor for change.  We hope the Rotarians and other distinguished guests at the McKinley function room of the Manila Polo Club were enlightened by the wit and wisdom of yours truly.  It was an honor and a pleasure to speak before Asia’s first Rotary club!  

A new GM for Edsa Shangri-La

An intimate gathering of noted personalities from the social and media circles as well as the hotel industry was hosted by Edsa Shangri-La, Manila to welcome its new general manager, Patrick Schaub. The Swiss hotelier, with over 18 years of hospitality experience, brings with him a wealth of insight and perspective in general hotel operations with a key focus on food and beverage gained from working in Thailand, USA and Switzerland. Lobby Lounge, one of the hotel’s elegant bars, was the chosen venue for the event where guests enjoyed overflowing wines and delectable cocktails prepared by the hotel’s talented chefs. Welcome Patrick and more power to your newest endeavor!

A true philanthropist

Filipino perfume icon Joel Cruz was recently chosen as one of the 48 “Heroes of Philanthropy” in the Asia-Pacific region by Forbes Asia magazine.  In its June issue, the magazine reported that the donations of the founder, president and CEO of Central Affirmative Company, Inc. were concentrated on “children and teenagers who are abandoned, troubled or sick, as well as the elderly and disabled.”  The report added that Joel’s company even pays its employees to do volunteer work for a day.  Joel completes the Philippines’ “Big(-hearted) Four” of leading philanthropists, namely, business tycoons John Gokongwei, Jr. and Henry Sy, Sr., and noted architect Jun Palafox, Jr.   Congratulations to Joel and all the other awardees!  May your tribe increase!