Just this week, we were invited to the Filipino Brand of Service Ex- cellence (FBSE) awarding ceremony that the Department of Tourism (DOT) hosted for its key FBSE trainers, advocates and key partners. The FBSE program is spearheaded by DOT to banner the best of the hospitality and service excellence that Filipinos have to offer.
The program started with a welcome remark given by DOT Undersecretary Shalimar Hofer Tamayo who welcomed everyone present and gave everyone a hearty smile when he reminded everyone of 100,000 target trainees that the DOT Secretary gave earlier this year. DOT Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, who championed the program, gave everyone the luxury of having to walk down memory lane with a very detailed presentation of how the FBSE project came about, the research and development works, citing the consultants and people behind the preparations for this year’s program. With almost a decade in the making, the FBSE is another project that tells us how perseverance and commitment to a desired goal can really go a long way.
The Honorable DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco graced the occasion and shared a well applauded speech that gave sincere appreciation to everyone who gladly supported the agency’s thrust to pioneer the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence despite the hurdles and challenges in the pilot implementation in 2023. She was kind enough to acknowledge the difficulties that came with the program roll out and she was gracious to enunciate that the project went through several hiccups. As I sat in one of the front row tables, intently listening to her unscripted speech, I can’t help but admire the genuine smile she exuded as she went through her talk. I saw a woman who was not spared of the controversies of the agency this year, but one with firm resolve and resilience. I have nothing but respect for her for rallying this vulnerable industry with the gentleness of a woman and the strong will of a Filipino leader who has withstood the test of the times.
While we are all a work in progress in every endeavor that we do, we want to recognize people’s ‘passion to make things happen in the Tourism and Hospitality industry. We want to celebrate the love to promote our own. The FBSE awarding invite indicated that this is a celebration of love and indeed it was. Megaworld Hotels and Resorts received the award on behalf of its National Capital Region properties namely: Kingsford Hotel Manila, Savoy Hotel, Belmont Hotel, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Richmonde Ortigas and Hotel Lucky Chinatown in the Binondo Area. A recognition given by no other than NCR Regional Director Sharlene Batin. Twinlakes Hotel represented by its GM Rowena Relucio at the same time was recognized by Calabarzon Regional Director Marites.
We have all this time looked up to other countries, recognized by their well-known manner of greeting and here we are at the doorstep of really creating our very own. A gesture of placing our right hand over our heart that goes with a sincere head bow while simultaneously saying, “Mabuhay!” or “Mabuhay! Love the Philippines!” We sincerely hope that this campaign gets embraced by our fellow countrymen.
It does give the Filipino vibe of respect and courtesy. It is a simple act of gentleness and humility. A way of showing how we value someone’s presence and time. A gesture that we are glad to welcome them and have a golden chance to showcase the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence.
