My Autobiography: David Balleza K(C)atague: Philippines Ousted by Cambodia as the Friendliest Country in the World

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Philippines Ousted by Cambodia as the Friendliest Country in the World

According to the latest posting of Asean Urbanist in Face Book, Cambodia is now the most friendly country in the world. The Philippines has been demoted to number 2. During the past decade, I believe the Philippines has always been rated as the Number #1, I wonder why? If you know the reason let me know.

But according to the travel.com Australia is their number 1 friendliest country in the world.

Australia tops the list as the world's friendliest country due to locals' laid-back attitude and willingness to help tourists.
Taiwan stands out as another one of the friendliest nations in the world due to locals' eagerness to assist despite language barriers.
The Netherlands, Finland, Greece, and Portugal are also recognized for their friendliness, welcoming cultures, and high quality of life.

https://www.thetravel.com/friendliest-countries-in-the-world/

Who is correct? That Depends from Person to Person based on their personal experiences during their travel or temporary residence in the country they voted as number 1.

Another list by the travel.com listed South Africa in their #1 list, followed by Vietnam and the Philippines was not even in their top ten.

Friendliest Countries in the World

South Africa. First up on our list of the friendliest countries in the world is South Africa. ...
Vietnam. Vietnamese people are noted for being quite humble and welcoming to tourists and expats. ...
Colombia. ...
Hungary. ...
Netherlands. ...
France. ...
Saudi Arabia. ...
New Zealand.

On the other hand, the most unfriendly country in the world was Iraq.

Iraq. Even though Iraq has a rich cultural heritage, many foreigners do not visit the country due to constant political turmoil. Constant geopolitical tensions have caused locals to harbor suspicion with respect to Western tourists, making Iraq one of the least-welcoming countries in the world.

The World Economic Forum ranked the world's unfriendliest and friendliest countries based on locals' perceptions of how welcoming they are to foreign visitors. Chad, Venezuela, and Russia were ranked as some of the unfriendliest countries, while Brazil, Iceland, and New Zealand were ranked as some of the friendliest.

Do you have a list of your top ten most friendly countries in the world, based on your travels or readings? I will be happy to hear from you. Meanwhile here some news about the Philippines.

President Bongbong Marcos has been included in Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2024. The annual list puts a spotlight on individuals from around the globe who have made a significant impact in various fields such as politics, business, entertainment, science, and more.

Author Charlie Campbell cited Marcos's initiatives to bring back technocrats into government positions, stabilize the Philippine economy post-pandemic, and elevate the nation's global standing, as reasons for the chief executive's inclusion on the list.

Campbell also highlighted Marcos's leadership strategy amid rising geopolitical tensions: "Bongbong has stood steadfast against Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea and bolstered his nation’s alliance with the U.S. in the face of 'rising tensions in our region and the world,' as he said last May. Many problems persist, including extrajudicial killings and journalists routinely attacked. But by trying to repair his family name, Bongbong may reshape his country too."

More Facts about the Philippines: 𝐒𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒  

Northern Luzon (Igorot, Gaddang and Ivatan), Mindanao (Non Muslim and Muslim tribes), Central Visayas (Cebuano), and NCR and Southern Luzon (Tagalog)

- The Islands of the Philippines are inhabited by a number of different ethnic groups. There are 134 ethnic groups in the Philippines, the majority of the population is composed of ethnolinguistic groups whose languages are Austronesian also known as Malayo-Polynesian in origin. Many of these groups converted to Christianity, particularly the lowland-coastal groups, and adopted many foreign elements of culture. The major( 8) ethnic groups of the Philippines are the Visayan, Tagalog, Ilocano, Bicolano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, the Igorot and the Moro. About 8% of all the Filipinos are tribal groups.

Note: There are 195 countries in the world today. This total comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and 2 countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine.

https://www.worldatlas.com/features/countries-by-area.html?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR28hYWbJaXGEGGwlS_JFAd64FrApEIb0mrJbQGPVQ7xefHXtdts4EXIbh4_aem_ATo49IRBFagKiSD1Bdm9lneJRCtS1hagfyWuh0rG9eBV2Fj7WGbu1vBBB0lYvFaXdr0dapR0H0aRzGJg8hsISdIY

Lastly,  here are 5 of the must-visit destination in the Philippines for Tourists 
 | The Philippines is home to a multitude of breathtaking tourist spots that showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural richness. 
1. Palawan: Known for its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, Palawan is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River and the idyllic beaches of El Nido and Coron.

2. Boracay: Famous for its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, Boracay is a popular destination for those seeking sun, sea, and fun. The island offers a range of water sports activities, luxury resorts, and delicious dining options.

3. Banaue Rice Terraces: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Banaue Rice Terraces are an awe-inspiring feat of ancient engineering, showcasing the intricate farming practices of the Ifugao people.

4. Cebu: A bustling province in the Visayas region, Cebu is a cultural and historical hub with attractions such as Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, and the vibrant Carbon Market. The nearby island of Mactan is also a popular diving destination.

5. Bohol: Home to the iconic Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and historic churches, Bohol offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Visitors can also enjoy cruising along the Loboc River and exploring the vibrant underwater life in Panglao Island.
These are just a few of the many incredible tourist spots that the Philippines has to offer. Each destination provides a unique and memorable experience that showcases the beauty and diversity of this tropical paradise.

May I add Number 6: Marinduque- My Island Paradise and Location of Chateau Du Mer and Number 7- Iloilo-The Province of my Birth and Teenager Years.  Good Day to All and Have Good Weekend! 

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Highlights of My Professional Career

In my more than 40 years of professional career, I have experienced both working rank and file, as well as supervising the work of subordinates. I have worked in four private firms and the Federal Government, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where I retired. I enjoyed the challenges and difficulties of both types of job situations. This is the highlights of my work experience story.

My first job after completing my doctorate degree was a Chemist for Chemagro Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. It was a subsidiary of Bayer Corporation, a German conglomerate. I worked for the analytical chemistry department comprised of about fifty people; half that number was either chemists or biologists. My specific task was to develop analytical methods for the detection of pesticide residues in plant and animal tissues. I worked on my own, similar to six other bench chemists, and we all reported to the same supervisor.

The firm sponsored my visa conversion from a student to a permanent resident, and I was able to legally work and reside in the United States with my family. The company generously took care of its employees. At the end of each successful year, everyone received a 13th month salary bonus. The employees and their families celebrated wonderful annual Christmas parties in a downtown Kansas City hotel, with dancing and free drinks for the whole night.

Inasmuch as I enjoyed and loved working for Chemagro for five years, I found a new job which offered a substantially higher pay. Due to my exemplary work performance, my supervisor preferred and lobbied for me to stay with the company. I had to turn him down because they could not match the package presented by my new employer. It was also a chance for me and my family to move and live in the US west coast, where the mild winter climate is bearable compared to the Midwest.

My next job was at the agricultural research division of Shell Development Company in Modesto, California. I was a Research Chemist, and again I worked individually, same as five other chemists who all reported to a supervisor. My specific duty was similar to my previous job. I worked for them for five years, until the company decided to get out of the pesticide business. They closed their research facility affecting the jobs of more than 200 employees.

My third industrial job was with the agricultural research division of Stauffer chemical company, located in Richmond, California. I was a Senior Research Chemist doing the same project as my two previous jobs. I worked for twelve continuous years for the company, with outstanding annual job performance. I became a Principal Research Chemist, the highest attainable non-supervisory position.

One day in 1986, my supervisor informed me that my job had been eliminated, and I had one day to vacate the facility. It was the most dreadful lay off experience in my life. I felt anger, sadness and humiliation to be dismissed from work with one day notice, after all the years of hard work invested for the company. This was an unforgettable incident and was the gloomiest point in my professional career.
The company terminated sixty research employees, who were upset of the bad news.

One of the chemists was distressed and expressed his outrageous anger by threatening the company and its workers. He told his supervisor of his intention to bomb and burn down the laboratory. He was immediately escorted by the security staff out of the building and into his car. He was informed to leave behind his personal belongings; they will be mailed to his residence. He was warned never to show up again near the company premises or risk getting arrested.

My supervisor was kind and allowed me to take my time to pack up my belongings. It took me two days to clear up my workplace, after toiling for a long period in the same jobsite. We were provided clerical help and office space, in preparation to look for another job, such as updating our resumes, and using the computer and copy machine. We were given six weeks of separation pay plus benefits.

Fortunately, with the help of a friend who is a Church parishioner, I found another job thirty days after leaving Stauffer chemical company. He hired me as a senior research chemist and as a group leader with two technicians to supervise. It was in the same field as my expertise in my previous three jobs spanning the last twenty one years. My new employer was Chevron Chemical Company, and which was located in the same area as my former employer.

This job gave me the introduction and basic knowledge of managing the work of subordinates. I worked for Chevron Company for four and a half years. The company decided to consolidate their research facilities in Texas, and lay off all its research employees. This time I had enough distress and agony from working, and eventually getting laid off from several private companies. To avoid going through any more miserable layoffs, I made a vow that I would never again work for a private company.

In my work experiences, there were noticeable and unavoidable jobsite occurrences. One can never miss the office romantic relationships between co-workers, both illicit and permitted. Though it was frowned upon, there was a boss and staff relationship, which was used as a ploy to get ahead in the company. Some relationships had chemistry, no pun intended, but some never worked out. Oftentimes, there was a sense of distrust among bench chemists for some workers who unjustly obtained preferred work assignments.

Some employees resorted to bribing superiors to get special privileges, such as being able to attend choice conferences and meetings in exciting venues or locations. Likewise, politics was always present at the worksites. It was during an era when various forms of harassment, equal opportunity and discrimination laws were not yet enforced in the workplace. Occasionally, an unexpected chemical explosion happens in a laboratory setting, where luckily no one got seriously hurt.

In the three private companies I worked for, I was able to publish scientific journals for some of the research studies and analytical methods which I developed for the respective companies of Chemagro, Shell Development and Stauffer.

After deciding and making a vow to avoid working in the private sector, I made my new goal which was either to work for the state of California, or the Federal government in Washington, D.C. Four months after I lost my job in Chevron, I was lucky and joyful to be hired by the Food and Drug Administration as a review chemist in the fall of 1990.

In 1994 I was promoted as an Expert Research Chemist with a GS-14 rating. My expertise was on Anti-malarial and Anti-parasitic drug products. In 1997, I was again deservingly promoted to Chemistry team leader, supervising the work of six Chemistry reviewers including five with doctorate degrees.

As team leader, I was responsible for prioritizing, assigning, and assuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing and control issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Center of New Drugs.

It was part of my responsibility to give advice, instruct and promote high morale and teamwork in my group. My work in the FDA is confidential, until the drug patent on the products I worked on has expired. There are manufacturing supplements that I have approved that are now open for the public in the Internet.

In 1998, I won the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award. The citation reads, “For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the EEO Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership.” I have received numerous certificates of appreciation, awards in leadership and communications, commendation for teamwork and excellence in the accomplishment of the FDA mission. I have also received several letters of appreciation from private industry for my review work.

There are many good things working as rank and file while enjoying doing one’s job individually. It is a humbling, satisfying and productive experience, if one can work in harmony with one’s immediate supervisor. Working individually develops one’s skills in goal setting and scheduling. But in general, the financial rewards are less than a person who has supervisory responsibilities.

Managing the work of others has its challenges. Moreover, it develops one’s skill in handling and developing people, and the compensation rewards and benefits are better. Due to additional duties, responsibilities and leadership, supervisory work can be more stressful than working as a subordinate. However, supervisory jobs give one more personal growth and satisfaction, based on my personal experience. My work in FDA as a team leader managing the work of six scientists had been the happiest and rewarding work experience in my career in Chemistry. You might also like:

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Philippines Ousted by Cambodia as the Friendliest Country in the World

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