Musings from Dennis #269. One of the greatest joys in my career has been the chance to combine event management with cultural learning. Back in 1990, my colleague and I were assigned to work with the Filipino Business Executive Group of Singapore to organize the Filipino Fiesta on Sentosa Island (we did it again the following year!) - and it was an unforgettable experience.
Representing
the Sentosa Development Corporation, I collaborated with an incredible team of
Filipino professionals from diverse industries - HR, PR, ballet, and even a movie
star. Every meeting was filled with food, laughter, and music. It was here that
I first discovered the delights of adobo and crispy pata, and witnessed the
grace of the chairperson, the country head of Philippine Airlines, who ran
meetings with precision (and a gentle tap of her spoon on a glass to bring
order).
The Fiestas
themselves were cultural showcases, designed primarily for the thousands of
Filipino domestic workers but equally eye-opening for Singaporean locals and
visitors. Filipino delicacies such as halo-halo, bibingka, and calamansi drinks
sold out within hours, while traditional festivals—Sunduan, Flores de Mayo, and
the exuberant Ati-Atihan - brought vibrancy and joy to the island.
Takeaway:
Events are not just about logistics - they are about people, culture, and
connection. This experience taught me that when we embrace diversity, we don’t
just manage events - we create memories that last a lifetime.
