Brighter, Better and More Beautiful

I am not sure if I will ever get a chance again to chat with someone as bright and brilliant as my last guest, Executive Coach, Trainer and Consultant, Mrs. Elizabeth Hoban of the USA.

In the four or so odd years that she has lived in, and loved the Philippines with gusto and authenticity, she has helped support a local outreach program, trained and improved the effectiveness of thousands of executives in the corporate world and has also brought about major turnarounds for senior level executives through personal and executive coaching.

During and after typhoon “Ondoy,” she with her teammates from Reach Philippines not just helped the needy with food and medicines but also held hands of the victims during their most traumatic moments. Her view towards those that suffer and those that are considered “have-nots,” was simplistic, easy and matter-of-fact. It was like…”if there is a need and I have the resources then I will fill that need and I will come from a mindset of absolute abundance. I will have no expectations and not wish for any kind of applause.” Simply stated, if the world needs it and I have the resources to give then I will give. Period!

This wasn’t just true for her. She shared stories of how her parents and grandparents back home in Virginia, Arizona and Arkansas lived and thrived in a culture of sharing, giving and adding value to the world that surrounded them then and surrounds her and her children now in the Philippines.

At a personal level, Mrs. Elizabeth Hoban also showed her bias towards developing individuals through her one-on-one life and executive coaching. She claimed to rely on the method of Dr. David Cooperrider’s “Appreciative Inquiry,” to tap into the goodness of individuals and organizations and then follow a structured plan for the growth and development of existing strengths and synergies. She claimed her efforts turn individuals and organizations into systems which are brighter, better and more beautiful than before.

She and her family are migrating to Saudi Arabia soon but plan to come back to the Philippines someday. When asked if she would anything to be different in the Philippines when she gets back, she quickly replied, “Nothing! It is bright and beautiful as it is right now!”

Raju Mandhyan, Host & Producer, Expat Insights

Brian C. Lane - The man who found his Ireland in the Philippines

He set out into the world, outside the boundaries of his home country, Ireland, with a very clear goal – to succeed in life and make a better life for his family. And 30 years after first arriving in the Philippines, Brian C. Lane is now enjoying a lavish lifestyle that only a hard-working and successful expat can afford.

In between word inventions and a very impressive Sean Connery imitation, the 67 year-old is busy with the six companies (under the Lane Group of Companies) that he manages with his brother, Gerry. It was 1979 and the country’s economy was just picking up, Brian, together with his brother, found himself awed and excited at the same time by the first glimpse he had of the Philippines – a country brimming with opportunities amid a sickening poverty.

In so many ways, he believes that “the Irish are the Filipinos of Europe and the Filipinos are the Irish of Asia.” This is in reference to the many similarities that both countries share, among which include their colonial background, putting an emphasis on the importance of family ties and values, and their love for music. “My entry into this society was relatively painless,” he says.

On business, Brian embraces competition as it always keeps one on its toes. He says thriving on competition brings out the best in people. So far, there’s probably nothing yet to set the alarm as his companies have successfully earned the lead in their respective markets. He also learned that a good family business can be the core of the economy, or a foundation of a good one. Part of this success, he notes, is the outstanding contribution of his Filipino crew.

With a little bit of Irish luck and the innate willpower of the Irish to succeed, Brian’s family set out to conquer the world – or the Philippines for that matter. “Being Irish, we are probably too stupid to understand failure,” he jokes. The Lanes are practically the bridge that connects the Philippines to Ireland since most of his family members have already settled in the country.

And today, as much as he has nothing more to ask, he has everything to be thankful for.

How you are at anything is how you are at everything.

The good news is that Canada is so huge that every person there can own and live on a property the size of Luneta and the bad news is that if you need a can of sardines from the neighboring sari-sari store, you WILL have to take a bus.

Guest Robert Gregory Forbes, on his first ever visit to his Filipino in-laws was awestruck by the sheer number of his newly found relatives. Being a Canadian ‘probinsyano,’ the last time he had seen so many people at one single time on TV was during the inauguration of President Ronal Reagan.

What he most appreciated about the Philippines is the strength of Family Values and love and respect for each. He found that only in certain rural parts of Canada. He also appreciated very much the fact that the Filipinos are spiritual in nature and have a lot of simple faith towards things. This, he claimed, keeps them happy and going even during hard times and through lack of basic resources. It makes then resilient and peaceful at the same time.

He shared one good idea, “the Philippines as a country can emulate from Canada is giving a certain amount of autonomy to every region and placing optimal control and power in the central government.” That he said works for well for Canada and there are lessons to be learned from that.

The kind-hearted Canadian Coach and Trainer has two adopted kids of Filipino ethnicity, he is the regional director of Chalice International where they are currently looking after the growing needs of 1,600 Filipino kids and in his 30 year stay in the Philippines, he has been able to touch and shape the lives of nearly 40,000 Filipinos through his seminars called “People Synergistically Involved,” or PSI.

What was most insightful about the interview was a principle he quoted from the PSI philosophy, “How you are at anything is how you are at everything.” He was, of course, talking about our perspectives and attitudes towards life rather than our looks and skills at work.

We Walk the Line

Ever since I have made Philippines my home, I have been bombarded by rumors that the Filipino…
»Lacks social and economical discipline
»Lacks in moral values and integrity
»Can be bought and is easily corruptible

This to me is an ugly misconception and a huge lie! It is a lie that is propagated by a handful of people. It is a lie that has lived beyond its expected life-span and is fueled continuously by those whose only motive is to ravage these beautiful islands and its people.

Now, I have lived in this country for nearly 30 years. I have also heard someone say that a man is nothing but a product of his own perceptions. Perceptions, as we know, are influenced by the environment. My perceptions in the last 30 years have become Filipino. Would that mean that I lack in moral values and can be easily corrupted? The answer is … try me!

I have also raised three Filipino kids and if my assessments are unbiased of my love as a parent for them, I must state that they have better values and a better sense of integrity than many grown-ups across the world. They are a product of this environment and the values that hum through this nation’s heart also hums through their souls. They are high on discipline, high on moral values and integrity. If someone ever offered to corrupt them then he could get his head chewed off. My children also, sometimes, stop me from transgressions like jaywalking, littering or even falling prey to those that are corrupt. They help me, to constantly walk the line.

There are others that I personally know or know of and whose value systems are intact. Their sense of honor is soaked in sincerity and true Filipino pride. Names like Emil Antonio, my teacher and Professor of Economics at the University of Asia and Pacific; Ms. Emily Abreraof the Living Asia Channel and Mr. Tony Melotoof the GawadKalingafame. These folks do not just walk the line but they walk tall while walking the line.

As I mentioned, the only reason such false beliefs thrive against the Filipino, is because of the few who feed off the results like vultures feed off the dead. The true Filipino rages and roars inside against this monstrosity of falsehood. He can and will very soon rise and slash off this evil dragon’s head.

I need not tell you what to do, because millions of you/us are already doing what needs to be done and the good news is that our efforts are going to spread like wildfire…the Filipino does and will continue to walk the line!