The pre-program cocktail reception for the 8th AmCham Business
Orientation Program (BOP) was graciously hosted by Ms. Leslie Bassett, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy, at her residence in Forbes Park, Makati City last April 17, 2010.Held at the poolside with a Hawaiian theme on a balmy summer night, the informal event was well-attended by company sponsors, US Embassy personnel, the 2010 BOP participants, BOP alumni and the 2010 BOP committee, headed by Carol Dominguez, President of John Clements Consultants.
Newly-appointed US Ambassador, Mr. Harry Thomas,
also graced the event, amiably mingling with the students.
Christopher Stolk, BOP committee member and Sr. Director of Sea Change Philippines, started off the evening by welcoming the attendees and thanking the participants and sponsors for the support of this year’s BOP. Ms. Leslie Bassett, DCM, gave the welcome remarks, speaking about the US Embassy’s appreciation of the purpose of the BOP, which is to develop tomorrow’s leaders through exposure to the contributions of American multinational businesses to the country’s development.The keynote address, entitled “What the Future Holds for Young Leaders”, was delivered by
Ms. Victoria Woo of Harvard Business Publishing. Ms. Woo congratulated the students for completing the Everest Simulation, a leadership skill exercise held at the New World Renaissance Hotel earlier that day. “The simulation you just experienced is a metaphor to life—compressed into just four hours,” she said. The program is designed to highlight the importance of communication, resourcefulness, teamwork, creativeness, analyzing situations, working with people toward a collective goal, and being a leader.The winners of the Everest Simulation, namely Mariel Alfonso (DLSU), Marilie Sablan (Miriam College), Ivan Lim (DLSU), Niño Paz (UP Diliman) and Fritz Baum (CEU), were awarded by Ms. Woo and the 2010 BOP committee.
Several BOP alumni from different batches went on to share their own experiences and lessons about the program with the 2010 students, while Mr. Paul Richards, President of Mead Johnson Nutritionals and BOP Company Gold Partner, congratulated the students and expressed his enthusiasm at their upcoming company visit to Mead Johnson.
Amb. Harry Thomas also provided a few words of inspiration to the students, sayi
ng, “If we want to make the Philippines one of the Asian Tigers, it should start with you, young men and women.”Ms. Carol Dominguez, 2010 BOP Committee Chairman, concluded the program by acknowledging past BOP Chairmen such as Bill Pfluger and Dave Morin, whose efforts helped the program grow and evolve through the years. As the newest chair, she is optimistic that the BOP will continue to improve and become successful under her tutelage. Ms. Dominguez capped off the evening by thanking everyone for attending the event and supporting the 2010 BOP.
-Marge F. Friginal
Official BOP Writer
