It was an honor and a pleasure for me to attend the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) 35^th anniversary celebration at the Solaire Resort & Casino in Paranaque City.

For those not in the know, who I think would be in the minority, the ECCP happens to be the first European chamber in the world. Since 1978, it has been successfully nurturing European­Philippines interests. Its body of work is at least a level above than those of other chambers, or any association for that matter, in the Philippines. It was and continues to be a home for some of the brightest minds and forward thinkers in the country.

That celebration, held in the middle of last week, was an absolute trip down memory lane. Never mind the glamour side of the celebration where you have some of the male species coming in their tuxedos and the female variety in their sparkling evening gowns. What mattered, at least to me, was what those individuals represented.

The highlight of the night for me was seeing current ECCP President Michael Raeuber on stage with former presidents Claus Sudhoff, Henry Schumacher, William Bailey and Hubert d'Aboville.

That was one moment where I can argue that today's technology becomes a hindrance rather than an advantage. I love it that cameras are now point­and­shoot, where even someone as dumb as I can take good photos. But by being so engaged in taking photos, you most of the time forget to experience the moment and relish it, especially on special occasions. Imagine if you were in a Duran concert—Yes, I am a homer—and they were playing "Planet Earth," and you said to your friend, "Wait. I have to take a picture of this.

John will now be doing his bass solo." Duh.

How about this one? You are with your wife in Boracay enjoying the sunset and then you tell her, "Dear, I just have to take a photo of the sunset." Would that be better than just holding her hand and making most of the moment?

Last. Say you met Steven Spielberg at a cocktail event. What will you do? Have a few minutes of meaningful conversation with him? Or ask, "Mr. Spielberg, can I have a photo taken with you?"

Those are memories to cherish and retell over and over again. Having photos would just not do.

Anyway, with all five of them on stage, I just had to soak it all up and enjoy what was happening. The wide eyes and smiles on their faces as each of them went up the stage, the warm handshakes, the hugs, the friendly banters and the brotherhood, they were all there.

In one way or another, the five of them helped shape the ECCP into what it is today. I have had no interactions with Sudhoff yet, but Schumacher, Bailey, d'Aboville and Raeuber are individuals who see things in their larger perspective yet pay attention to details, passionate and tireless workers, cool and calm under pressure, and have a very good sense of humor.

Individuals can learn a lot on how to be successful in their careers, businesses, or whatever it is they are doing by just being around them. They have so many insights. If you think you are already good at whatever it is you are doing, guess again. These individuals, especially Schumacher, are more than 10 steps ahead of you.

Another highlight of the night was when ECCP Vice President and General Manager Martial Beck called on eight individuals who have been with the chamber for more than 10 years, including Vice President for Operations Gerry Constantino, network administrator Jexter Gaerlan, cash accountant and purchasing assistant Rhea Merculesia­Mangasong, messenger Dennis Mondejar, senior web site programmer Wibert Ng, events manager Jasmin Runez and accounting services manager Julieta Taguiang. Last to be called on stage was former Fairs & More Inc. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Elaine Garcia­Gatchalian.

As I have said before, loyalty has tremendous value. It is a key ingredient to any successful endeavor. It seems the ECCP have it in abundance.

Kudos to Beck and everyone in the ECCP for staging a successful event that highlighted the chambers checkered history while ushering in its future.

Talking about local music again, it was nice to see Myra Rauro­David (aka Skarlet) that evening. She and her band were the main performers at the ECCP anniversary.

I said hello to her during the sound check, had a hug, and then told her in a funny way that I would love to hear her sing "Manila Girl" that night.

Her reaction was priceless. She cringed and I think she said there was no way she was going to sing that song. I really do not know the story why this was the case, especially for a song that is deeply associated with her. Did she make a pact with her former Put3ska band mates that none of them will ever perform the song again?

I guess this is also high time for Myra, Bing Austria and the rest of their cohorts to reunite Put3ska. This is one local band that always puts on an electrifying live performance.

Source: Business Mirror, 16 March 2014