HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPEVINE: OUR NEW ABNORMAL
If there has been a national treasure throughout this new century, I’d put a wager on my claim that it’s the Filipina. In diversified arenas over the last 23 years, I’m constantly amazed by how it’s the Filipina that out-performs, over-achieves, and brings accolades to our nation on a global stage. Just look at sports, and how despite so often getting the short end of the stick when it comes to budget allocation from the governing sports commissions, it’s the women who bring home the medals! Weight-lifting, boxing, tennis, golf, skateboarding – we see so many of our lady athletes ending up on the podium, reaping the much-coveted hardware.
March is Women’s Month, and it’s really time we recognize how women are taking their rightful place in the spotlight, and proving that dedication, determination, courage, and performance are as much their domain, as it is for men. The great thing is we don’t have to look far to see how this is happening in a myriad of ways, both big and small; and in a variety of areas and activities.
While it may not capture the nation’s heart in the manner that Hidilyn Diaz did, a recent trip to Bangkok for the American Standard Asia-Pacific regional brand relaunch was a microcosm of just how active and integral a role women are playing in business, industries, and corporate events. And I for one, am happy to raise the flag in recognition of this.
AT THE AMERICAN Standard media launch in Bangkok, Issa Litton moderates, with seated (from left), Liz Cancino, Satoshi Konagai, and Antoine Des Horts of LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific.
A recognized and prestigious global name in bathroom and kitchen fixtures and accessories, American Standard is a 148-year old company that now exists under the LIXIL corporate umbrella, along with INAX and Grohe. As Satoshi Konagai, Leader LIXIL Water Technology Asia Pacific was proud to say, American Standard now thrives on the three pillars of health and well-being, sustainability, and urbanization. This was reenforced by Antoine Besseyre Des Horts, Leader LIXIL Global Design Asia Pacific, who said that their design identity is centered on being dependable, inviting and pioneering; all under the new people-centric slogan of Life Love Home.
In our three-day itinerary, the morning of the second day was devoted to an interesting retail forum, where trade partners such as Wilcon Depot, AllHome and CW Depot, got to listen as research experts talked about post-pandemic spending trends, and how these impact on retail. The afternoon was entitled Design Catalyst Live, a hybrid event that was streamed throughout the region. One of the main speakers was our own Cathy Saldana, CEO of Projects Design Plus Architecture Management Corporation (PDP).
Cathy spoke about residential towers, connecting it to urban living, population density, the high cost of land, vertical real estate, city life and work proximity, the convenience of vertical living, and the maximization of real estate. It was a succinct exposition, with lessons that could be applied to a regional context. Well-applauded for how articulate she was, and how clear and concise her talk was; she connected very well with her audience.
POSING ON THE GLASS TRAy of the Mahanakhon Tower SkyWalk, Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper; LIXIL Philippines, and their architect and interior designer guests, with ‘Woman power’ represented by Emily Besavilla of LIXIL in the center, and Cynthia Almario and Cathy Saldana to the right of Emily.
During the trade and media launch of our third day, a pleasant surprise was in store for the Philippine delegation of architects and interior designers, trade partners and media representatives. Leading the launch, right beside Satoshi-san and M. Des Horts, was Liz Cancino, leader Brand Marketing LIXIL Water Technology Asia Pacific. Yes, Liz used to work with LIXIL Philippines; and six years ago, was invited to make the move to Singapore, where she now strategizes and executes brand marketing across the whole Asia Pacific region.
Our proverbial “mother hen” during the Bangkok trip was Emily Besavilla, leader marketing Philippines; and Emily was more than great taking care of us, and ensuring we all had the opportunities to make the most of the trip. Visits to showrooms, factories, and first-day sightseeing coupled with a river cruise, made this American Standard Bangkok trip a truly productive adventure.
And I’d be remiss to not mention that also carrying the Philippine colors for this regional launch was forum moderator and trade launch host, Issa Litton. Over the full two days, Issa facilitated with ease, engaged the audience from the different countries; and impressed them so much, that the representatives from Vietnam and Indonesia purposely asked for photos with her, and mentioned how they wished she could host their own country’s internal launch later in the year.
Like I said, it may not reach the heights of an Olympic gold medal, but the American Standard regional launch had its own share of Filipinas making our country proud, just by stamping their everyday work with competence, dedication, and excellence. And I salute them, and Filipinas all over the world.