Boy Abunda: Reflections on a reluctant public servant

(Word has it that President-elect Noynoy Aquino asked Boy Abunda, the celebrity talk-show host and public relations practitioner, to join his Executive Cabinet, preferably as Secretary of Tourism. After much trepidation, and eliciting mercurial reactions in the process, Abunda declined the offer. A group of college classmates from the Ateneo sat down and gave their two cents’ worth.)

MANILA, Philippines - Tourism will have to take center stage in the Aquino administration if we aspire to have a robust economy and a resounding global presence. With a vibrant tourism industry, millions of sustainable jobs are generated nationwide and the Philippines becomes a favorite destination hub in Asia. Our Tourism Secretary, therefore, should be a “breakthrough” thinker-creative, innovative, and committed to pushing the boundaries of everything admirable and fascinating in this country.

The unique, human talent that is Boy Abunda is one such thinker. He understands pop culture and entertainment, mass-market strategy and what sells. Equipped with an amazing work experience, Boy can impart fresh insights to a tired, underachieving tourism program. As an entertainment icon, his bold ideas will be put to good use – as an outstanding communicator, he can change the face of tourism, non pareil.

Even our President-elect realizes this gem indeed, so we may not see the end of this as yet.

Boy Abunda as Tourism Secretary? Why Not! – NINI SANTOS BORJA, President, InterMatrix Document Solutions Inc., Bottomliner

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President Noy Aquino says Abunda is an icon and such quality is an asset in the Tourism Industry.

The Aquino family personally know Boy to be competent, incorruptible and trustworthy. He enjoys the trust and confidence of President Noy and the Aquino family — a hands-on Secretary who will have a good understanding of travel, environment, arts and sports and developing destinations in the world market. – WINNIE JIMENEZ, Manulife Associate Unit Head

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The role he played in the last election may usher in the next phase of his life. A Cabinet post has been offered to him, not out of political payback (this policy belongs to a soon-to-be previous administration), but anchored on the president-elect’s genuine belief that Boy will do a good job, in synchronicity with the campaign promise of good and clean governance.

Our anger comes from the fact that we do not only know Boy personally. The point is, we believe in him. We know what he is capable of, we know how he has risen to every challenge in his life in a remarkable manner.

His success also speaks of his character. He has managed to maintain a high level of professionalism and integrity. He has kept his nose clean in what could be muddy waters in the industry he is in. – NATO CALUAG, Advertising Consultant/Pastoral Counselor

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 “I think it’s unfair to make all sorts of derogatory statements about Boy Abunda. He has, after all, surpassed people’s expectations many times over -– given all his accomplishments. He has triumphed against all odds, so he can say what else can he do – this time, for the country? He has the intelligence, the drive, the connections, and so much more to offer. – ELMA PLANA-TETANGCO, wife of the Central Bank Governor

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The Boy Abunda you see now is the same one I knew many years ago, when he was a classmate in college. As a student he was intelligent, hardworking and conscientious as he came to class always prepared. And yet he was energetic and tireless in his involvement with school and extracurricular activities. In his sophomore year, he was already the vice-president of Ateneo Management Association and he was likewise one of the lead actors of Tanghalang Ateneo.

He has not changed after all these years. He is easy to get along with and he remains a good friend.

Having said this, Boy is an asset to any organization where he may be a part of because he is responsible and very much capable and qualified to handle any task that may come his way no matter how daunting it may be. — ATTY. AGERICO PARAS, Managing Partner, Paras & Manlapaz Law Office

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Boy is so down to earth he can relate/communicate with people from all walks of life — he can be an ambassador of goodwill.

Excellent communication skills — he can effectively market the Philippines abroad so our country becomes a major tourist destination.

Boy is a businessman, he manages, he can execute major decisions, he knows the bottom line. Handling a company/department is not anything new to him.

Boy is an excellent PR guy (public relations) — we need somebody who can be a big defender of the Philippines, who can package and brand the Philippines well.

Boy is a true-blooded Filipino — he can help work on establishing a greater sense of nationalism among us Filipinos.

He also helped corporate bigwigs/political leaders to be more within the reach of the common people — this is a skill! — LALA ILAGAN, Regional Business Development Manager, Edge Medical Devices & Services Inc.

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I personally know Boy Abunda, as he was my classmate in Ateneo and a co-officer of the Ateneo Management Association. Ever since, he has shown good managerial and entrepreneurial acumen, integrity and intelligence, which can be put to good use in any position he may be given, be it in the private sector or in government. — VERANIO P. CONCEPCION, AVP, Trader Royal Bank/Bank of Commerce (ret.)

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From an educator’s point of view, Boy Abunda is a very credible person. He has carved an image of respectability with the way he talks, how he speaks his mind and the respect he projects to his audience. He speaks with authority, able to assert himself with the right choice of words. He has the gift of gab, and he can articulate his points. Students in the field of Journalism want to emulate him and his journey to success. — MITOS POSADAS-SANTOS, Asst. Principal for Academics, San Isidro Labrador Catholic School

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I had known Boy since college and saw him rise because of his immense talent and creative gifts. He excelled in a lot of things but people only see the showbusiness side of him. He endeavored to learn and study hard to get that elusive diploma despite the fact that he has made it not only in the entertainment industry but in business as well.

A few years back he has been planning to go beyond the showbiz world and this he discussed with us during some of our get-togethers. There is so much talent overflowing in this person, no matter what industry you put him into, he will excel. More importantly for me, he has proven to be honorable and honest in all dealings. I have seen lot of corruption around me and like many Filipinos, we would like the new government to start clean and remain clean in order for our country to rise from the doldrums.

I have read a couple of criticisms about Boy’s ability to be in government. Sadly this maybe due to lack of knowledge of his capabilities. This is why I am coming to his defense and staking my name for the people to know the real Boy who I believe can be an asset to our nation. — MARY ANNE TOLENTINO, Chairperson, Phil. Internet Commerce Society, Managing Director, Niches Worldwide, Inc.

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We speak on behalf of the 160,000 Filipinos working and living in Australia.

Boy will make an excellent promoter of Filipino tourism. He could ignite this sector of the economy so that Philippine destinations could compete on a global and professional level.

Boy brings to his job a level of efficiency that is tough to follow, in view of his celebrity status and high media profile.

We have heard the name Boy Abunda mentioned overseas in such places as airplane cabins, restaurants, hotels, bus stops, newspaper editorial rooms, fashionista gatherings, movie premier, etc. years before the name Manny Pacquiao became a global household name.

Boy’s intellectual sharpness is a rarity and should be tapped to serve a higher ideal, that of fulfilling the national cause.

Boy’s professional abilities, will effectively articulate and communicate the need for expatriate Filipinos to come home for a visit, spend their hard earned foreign currency, support the motherland and help develop their country. — NIC CELINO DAHOYAG, Expat in Sydney, Australia