By Monsi A. Serrano
For the past four years of hosting Embassy Night, The Philippine Business and News (THEPHILBIZNEWS) has built a stronger partnership with our host hotel — Japan’s pride, Hotel Okura Manila.
Here are five reasons why THEPHILBIZNEWS loves Hotel Okura Manila:
That is something THEPHILBIZNEWS and the Hotel Okura brand believe in, making both parties trustworthy partners to deliver that to our distinguished guests.
First, it’s a hotel we can trust. Trust, in this case, is both a priori (knowledge gained through logic) and a posteriori (knowledge gained through experience).
Embassy Night attracts representatives from foreign missions, but what sets it apart is the invaluable presence of the heads of these diplomatic posts — the ambassadors.
These dignitaries deserve the respect and hospitality ingrained in Filipino culture. This belief is shared by both THEPHILBIZNEWS and the Hotel Okura brand, making us trusted partners in delivering that exceptional service to our distinguished guests.
Second, we share common values. Over the three years of our partnership, Hotel Okura Manila has remained free from the misunderstandings and drama that sometimes arise in high-profile events. That’s simply not who we are.
I had the pleasure of revisiting old photos from our past meetings while preparing for Embassy Night, and it was clear from the images that there’s a delightful story behind the scenes. Behind every smile was a moment of genuine happiness in working together.
That joy is palpable, and it’s contagious — the same joy reflected in the faces of our guests from the diplomatic corps during the unforgettable night we shared.
Third, THEPHILBIZNEWS and Hotel Okura Manila respect each other’s boundaries. This mutual respect has allowed all our events to run smoothly without any unnecessary friction.
I remember how, even during the height of Super Typhoon Kristine last year, our Entrepreneurs Night was a success. Throughout the event, both THEPHILBIZNEWS management and the Hotel Okura Manila team maintained professionalism, with no egos or “diva vibes” — just smooth collaboration.
Fourth, transparency is key. For anyone looking to replicate such a partnership, transparency during negotiations is essential. This has been one of the core ingredients of our success in joint projects.
Lastly, there must be purpose. Hotel Okura Manila was eager to be part of something meaningful, and they found that purpose in THEPHILBIZNEWS’ Embassy Night. We’re aligned because we both focus on purpose-driven work, which is why neither of us seeks individual credit or tries to overshadow the other.
For all these reasons — and a thousand more — The Philippine Business and News extends our heartfelt thanks to the executives, management, and entire team at Hotel Okura Manila for being an incredible advocacy partner.
Domo arigato gozaimashita, Hotel Okura Manila. Kanpai!
