Chasing liberty

The scariest things are usually the most worthwhile.

Observer's notebook: how Pinoys deal with business clients

I've been dealing with clients, vendors, distributors and advertising executives for almost a year now. When I start and end business calls, I would usually extend my hand for a formal handshake before and after the meeting - especially if it's the first encounter.

What's weird is that most of them, after the meeting and during follow-up client calls, would extend their cheek or pull you closer to them, indicating that you end the conversation, the coffee or dinner meeting with a peck on the cheek. "Beso," is the more familiar term for it.

It's such a Pinoy thing. We "beso" everyone. Even the people we don't really know but we think we've met somewhere before.

I would always "beso" friends when I see them in parties, bump into them in malls or cinemas, or when saying goodbye after hanging out. But "beso-ing" a client or an advertising exec after signing a contract to seal the deal is a different story.

I don't know. Am I just being uptight about it? I still prefer the handshake. Clients are clients. You meet them formally, under the premise of a professional meeting. You may become friends with them eventually, but you still met them because of something work or business-related.

I just find it weird. Until now, it still feels a bit awkward when a client or business partner pulls me closer for a "beso."

A word, finally

It’s usual for me on a Saturday morning to rush going to work. Photo finish, as we call it. Last Saturday wasn’t any different. With my hair still towel-wrapped and as I was ransacking my closet for a casual top and a pair of jeans, my phone rang.

I didn’t want to answer it since it was peculiar for someone to be calling me at that time. 3, 4, 5 rings. What the heck. So I picked it up.

There wasn’t any cordial greeting on the other line. The guy just said “hello” excitedly several times, almost shouting.

I was so sure who it was but I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

The Buddy.

Finally!

After 4 months.

We stayed on the phone for a good half an hour, exchanging updates and plans. I’m leaving for Singapore next week so I’ve been very jittery about it, knowing that he could go home anytime this September.

Call me stupid, I was even toying with the idea of ditching Singapore. This is my first major presentation with all the Asia Pacific delegates. This is MY career! So slight nahimasmasan din ako.

It turns out, he has two options – this coming month or November. Either way, however, both months are toxic for me. There is another business trip coming in November.

However which way, I know I will do something to fix my schedule.

I won’t miss the chance. I don’t want to spend another year or so still wondering about it.

At least, not this time.

I barely made it to the office on time. I was putting on make-up while the traffic light was red. And I did beat the red light twice. A minute more and I would have been served a memo for being late.

Ask me if I cared. Hahaha!