I attended an interview in Mandarin hotel a couple of days ago and the interviewer was a Professor In Stockholms University doing some research work with the CALL CENTER INDUSTRY. Of course, he is Swedish and happily married to a Chinese woman but he has been visiting the Philippines since 1980.

We had a nice time talking about the ins and outs of the business and almost anything that pertains about the Industry.

After our long talk, he commented. As I quote, " Americans are very much lucky that they are being serviced by Filipinos. " I asked him why? He said that I have known Filipinos for quite sometime now that is why I am enjoying my stay, although I am not a resident but I always make it a habit to visit the country once every year.

"In Stockholms, sometimes I talk about the Philippines and there greatest asset which is their people. I'm proud to say that I have meet them and experienced their warmth hospitality and their friendly smile."

One student asked him,"how come they can smile if they are poor?"

"He just said that Filipinos are not poor in spirit. Although they are in poverty, they are rich in spirit. They have learned to adopt ways on how to survive. Stockholms has abolished poverty but the suicide rate is at it's peak because they are not happy. In the Philippines, it is the opposite."

I was stunned that he is talking about our greatest values. It has been proven already but it just hit me today. We are not just hospitable but we are also adaptable with our environment most of all, we are a happy person.