TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP), the country’s undisputed automotive leader since its rebirth in 1989, has a new president. Atsuhiro “Hiro” Okamoto, only 51, has a tough act to follow in his predecessor Satoru Suzuki, who is now a top gun in a major subsidiary in Tokyo’s Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC).
In my rather intimate chat with Okamoto-san during TMP’s traditional Thanksgiving Media Dinner at the swanky Hyatt Manila at BGC, he said he will do his best to maintain what Suzuki had done to keep “Toyota always No. 1” in the Philippines.
In those precious minutes, I found Okamoto, an economics degree holder from Keio University, to be straightforward, firm and committed to his job, which is not a surprise, indeed, as he is coming in fresh from his challenging post as executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific (TMAP) based in Singapore. That was the position of the eminent Vince Socco until his retirement late last year. But because Socco-san is that good a soldier, Alfred Ty, the youthful TMP chairman, has recalled Vince to head a major GT Capital subsidiary dealing chiefly with dealership concerns.
Anyway, here’s Okamoto’s speech on January 27:
“Good evening, I am Atsuhiro Okamoto. You can call me Hiro. I am excited to meet all of you.
“I heard so many wonderful stories about Philippine media friends! While you are experts in having fun during good times, you also know how to help others in tougher times, such as now.
“The eruption of Taal Volcano during my first month here in the Philippines is very unfortunate for many Filipinos, as well as our operations.
“But it also gives me a glimpse of the famous Filipino bayanihan and resilience. The ability to hope amid very challenging times is truly a wonder. I believe this is what moves this country forward. I look to make this my second home in the coming years.
“Let me tell you something about myself.
“I joined Toyota Motor Corp. in 1992. For the past 28 years, I gained experience in sales, and marketing, for Toyota and Lexus brands.
“For the last five years, I had closer understanding of Asean markets through my assignment in Toyota Motor Asia Pacific.
“Unlike my predecessors, this is my first assignment in the Philippines.
“Unfortunately, my wife has to stay in Japan with my two young teenagers, one of whom is about to enter the university. That means, I have so much time available for more work….
“I love to eat and drink, that’s why I have to do some activities to balance with health. I look forward to some days of running around safe parks in BGC, and spending some weekends playing golf.
“I heard the media team won third place in last year’s Waku Doki Football cup. Well, I don’t play football, but I was a rugby player many years ago. So let me try, ok? Please don’t get your expectations up.
“Speaking of Waku Doki, I look forward to being part of the many exciting things planned for 2020.
“Just today, we signed the memorandum of agreement with Anton del Rosario, one of the best players of the Philippine National Football Team, the Azkals. Anton will help us kick-start our Start Your Impossible Sports Event: Toyota Football for Tomorrow. Through this activity, we hope to encourage indigent kids to do sports and have a shot at joining the national team.
“By the second quarter, we anticipate the start of this year’s Vios Racing Festival. Now on its seventh year, Toyota’s Motorsports Program aims to have a more inclusive and grassroots participation through a regional autocross challenge and eSports.
“Finally, let me take this opportunity to thank everyone of you for joining us tonight. I heard that the Toyota media thanksgiving parties in the past were always legendary.
“However, this year presents to us a very special situation. We have decided to downscale this year’s party, and reallocate funds to support the victims of the Taal Volcano eruption, particularly the evacuees currently hosted in various centers in Batangas province.
“With your understanding and support, Toyota Motor Philippines has donated a total of P2 Million, which will go to evacuation centers in Batangas and Santa Rosa, to provide funds for necessary supplies to support thousands of families displaced by Taal eruption.
“I thank you, our friends from the media, for joining us in this sacrifice.
“In closing, I would like to ask you to be my Facebook friends as I am new here in TMP. I look forward to seeing each one of you in my Facebook, and in all our succeeding media events.
“Thank you very and enjoy the rest of this simple but meaningful dinner.”
Standard DNA
John B. Echauz, the president and CEO of Standard Insurance Co. Inc., wrote me a letter that lifted the spirit. Here:
“Dear Mr. Mendoza,
“Thank you very much for mentioning Standard Insurance in your ‘full tank’ of January 24, 2020. It is commendable you remember what Standard Insurance did for its customers during Typhoon Ondoy. We are writing to answer your question: ‘Will Standard Insurance do the same to our ashfall victims?’
“We are proud to say, Yes.
“We wish to bring to your attention what Standard Insurance is currently doing for ashfall victims.
“First, just like other car manufacturers, we also posted advisories on how people should clean their cars and their houses, especially their roofing, which may be subject to corrosion if left unattended. We are sharing our ad and social-media posts to you for reference.
“Standard’s comprehensive car insurance customers, affected by heavy ashfall, may contact us at [02] 8845-1111 to book for car detailing that covers not just car body cleaning, but also areas where small ash particles [like our air-conditioning system and the vehicle air valves] may be affected. This is to ensure that the life of their vehicles is not adversely affected by the ashfall.
“We hope we answered your question. And our sincerest thanks again for remembering what we did for Ondoy, something that has been ingrained in the Standard DNA. As climate change escalates the incidence of catastrophes, you can be assured Standard Insurance will be quick in anticipating the needs of customers.
“Very truly, John B. Echauz.”
Thank you, Sir. If all businessmen are like you, this country will move forward primarily for the common good. May your tribe increase.
PEE STOP Here’s a glass to the members of the Pampanga High School Class 1958 who will celebrate their 62nd reunion on February 8 (10 a.m. onwards) at Villa Victoria Multi-Purpose Hall, Barangay Dolores, San Fernando City. The members of the organizing committee—Red del Rosario (United States), Jake P. Ayson (Philippines), Millet Lacsina, Lulu Lusong, Glo Yutuc, Ceny Wy, Noel Perez, Elias/Gigi Miranda and Vangie Cayanga—deserve commendation for their unselfish support in making the event a reality. Cheers!