I have been friends with broadcaster/public relations expert Joee Guilas for 20 years. (may napala ba naman ako?!) We seldom see each other because of our busy schedules (woow! feeling career woman ako!), but we took time recently to have lunch and celebrate a new chapter in his career. (di naman siguro horror chapter ito!)

Joe has been in the broadcasting industry for 30 years now. He started as a writer/reporter until he became a news anchor for several radio and television stations. (umabot pa ng ibang planeta!) Last year, the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) awarded him Best News Anchor for Television for his program on PTV4. (sya kauna-unahang anchor ng istasyon na nabigyan nyan ha!) He was also nominated  Best Television News Anchor at the  Asian Television Awards 2024 held in Vietnam (kulang nalang pati Ms Universe title makuha nya, bilang nasa Council of Advisers din sya ng MUPH ha!)

His contributions as corporate communications executive of different companies have also given him a very good reputation (may bangko, may insurance company, atbp!) His most recent post was vice president and director of Newport World Resorts.  (na humakot ng mahigit 50 local and national awards!)

He was also my co-lecturer at the Far Eastern University Communications Department for years. (sino kaya mas love ng students sa aming dalawa?!)

Joee finished BS in Economics at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He is also a product of  St. Joseph Parochial School at Torres High School. (accelerated daw sya ha!)

With all these achievements, he received the People Asia’s Men Who Matter Award and the Lifetime Achievement Recognition of the Outstanding Men and Women of the Philippines Awards. (bigyan din kaya sya ng FAMAS?!)

Last month, he took on a new challenge. (boxing ba ito?!) The Malacanang Palace appointed him as Undersecretary of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAP-IEA), under Secretary Frederick D. Go. (ay nasa Malacanang na ang friend ko!)

“I always had it in my heart to serve the people through the government and give back to the taxpayers who gave me the means to finish my education. I am, after all, a product of the public school system. “ Joee shares. (ay serbisyong totoo!)

But why the economic affairs? (lakas maka-yaman ha!)

“Why not? Hahaha! A communications post would not have been as challenging. It’s something I’ve been doing for decades now. I love doing the unexpected and taking on new challenges. I’d like to believe that I am multi-faceted and that there’s surely more to me than just my communications persona. “ (parang gusto ko maging multimedia star!)

How ready are you for this new responsibility? (handa ka na ba sabi ni Ms. Korina?!) “Well, I finished economics in UP, have been a business reporter for a long time, and landed senior executive roles in the private sector. Modesty aside, I’d say my expertise would be in marketing, communications, and management, which perfectly fits the role that I landed in government. Strategic partnerships and engagements involve selling to local and foreign investors and investing in the country. My role isn’t about crunching numbers. Knowing our country’s economic narrative very well will make me a good marketing guy for Philippine business.” (ang hirap magcomment sa hanash na yan ha!)

Did you have to take the pay cut? (Siempre private to govt ka na!)  “Yes, I did. In a major way. Hahaha! But you see, I have very simple needs, and I think I’ve been responsible enough to save for my future while in the private sector. The reward of serving our people and being a part of our country’s success is of immeasurable value.” (magpapalibre pa naman sana ako!)

In all fairness to my friend, I know he can fulfill his duties with flying colors! (matalino, masipag, mapagkakatiwaan, may puso! daming m!)

“I am here to work hard and serve them well. I don’t work to tick the box. I work to exceed expectations and succeed. We have some very brilliant and excellent people on our economic team. I can’t be anything less," Joee says. (ay Usec Joee na pala!)

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