Star Rtn. John Bryan “JB” Pallasigue: All Things Positive

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every aspect of human life. It has altered the way we work, learn, shop, dine and even interact, as many things have shifted to virtual mode. The pandemic has brought new challenges to each of us. Amidst all these, there are those who got stuck and found themselves focusing on the negatives and then there are those who saw it as a positive experience. Star Rtn. John Bryan “JB” Pallasigue is a good example of someone who slowed down and reflected, and then adapted to the new norm during this challenging time. He continues to be productive and does not let the pandemic paralyze him. A tourism advocate and a businessman serving the energy and utility sectors, he is always on the go— although more for business now than leisure.

Learn more about his positive and insightful ideas and how we could take the pandemic to our advantage. Get to know him better as Star Rtn. “JB” Pallasigue shares his love for travel, his interests and hobbies, the best thing that happened to him during the quarantine, and what he looks forward to in 2021.

Rhea Vitto Tabora (RVT): As a new Rotarian, how would you describe your experience so far? How has it changed your outlook in life?

John Bryan “JB” Pallasigue (JBP): I was admitted as a Star Rotarian in 2020, at a time when quarantine, lockdowns, and virtual meetings became the norm. Typically, as what I had seen from my father’s experience as a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Diliman, meetings and activities were held in-person. Unfortunately, the pandemic changed all that. Zoom as with many other adjustments became the acceptable form of meeting family, friends, and business associates—and the meetings in the Rotary Club of Manila are no exceptions to that. I admire the RCM’s leadership to adapt to the new norm by embracing technology to conduct its activities. The virtual meetings among other communication platforms, allowed me to be in touch with other club members, learn from guest speakers, and more importantly be updated and inspired by other members’ service activities in the country. What I’ve seen so far from the RCM meetings I’ve attended is that the “Spirit of Service” is even more alive during these trying times. RCM didn’t stop helping despite the limitations brought forth by the pandemic.

As the saying goes, “Life must go on!”. We must learn to adjust and adapt to the challenging times. The pandemic is just a bump in the road… and we just go through it and continue with the journey.

RVT: The COVID-19 pandemic has a huge impact on the tourism industry. As a tourism advocate, what advice can you give to enterprises and operators to boost business recovery and win traveler’s confidence—at least in the domestic market?

JBP: For the Philippines, I view the pandemic as an opportunity to “catch up”. The tourism and allied sectors must use the lull to improve themselves. For instance, local hotels and resorts (not part of a chain) must work with local providers to bring their products/services at par with international resorts/hotels. Allied services like souvenir providers and local delicacies makers must be creative in coming up with relevant and new products. In addition, providers must present attractive packaging of their products to bring it to a level acceptable by the international market. Of course, for the businesses that provide food to tourists like restaurants, hotels, resorts and pit stops, the sourcing of food and its quality must not be neglected. There must be a quality supply chain in place to make sure the food that’s being sold is not only great but healthy. Strong marketing of tourism products and services are important. Nowadays, providers must harness the power of social media to reach their intended markets. It is through this that they can lower their business cost which eventually translates to competitive price for customers—and this will attract more clients to travel during these difficult times. We don’t want a resort or hotel to be a hub for spreading the COVID-19 virus. For the domestic tourism providers, adherence to health protocols must be strictly observed. I believe people will feel safe and go for places that follow such protocol. By that, we can encourage people to go, spend money, and experience some “normalcy” in their lives when they visit places that are safe.

RVT: How do your companies, Sunertech and IES help in greening the environment?

JBP: Sunertech and IES serve the energy and utility sectors. We provide service and equipment to modernize the power industry. In our manufacturing and logistics processes, we adopt “green” policies that help reduce pollutants to the environment. For instance, we require all suppliers to adhere to our “no plastic” delivery packaging, among others. We also do “smart segregation” in the plant where we re-cycle, up-cycle, or re-purpose items such as boxes, containers, wires, etc.

RVT: What was your dream job/dream business when you were growing up? Have you landed your dream job or has your interest changed when you got older?

JBP: What I wanted growing up was to become a public servant or an NGO worker. I’ve always been involved in service projects in school and our community and that’s what gives me joy. However, my interest shifted after university as I found new avenues to serve the marginalized while in the business sector.

RVT: If you could talk to the teenage version of myself, what would you tell him?

JBP: I’d tell young John to help more, inspire more, love more. The world needs more dreamers and doers.

RVT: If you can travel for leisure now, where will you go and why?

JBP: I’m always on the go for leisure and business. However, the lockdown due to the pandemic limited my travel purely for work, as we are an exempt business. If I go on a leisure travel, I would go to places where I can be with nature. The lockdown made me realize that city-dwelling is boring. No place in particular, but I’d like to go to the mountains, or the beach and go “glamping”—camping in style.

RVT: Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?

JBP: Every new place interests me. The world is a huge labyrinth. There’s so much to see and experience.

RVT: What are your interests and hobbies? What do you do when you are not at work?

JBP: When not at work, I usually socialize and drink with friends. Sometimes, when in the mood, I concoct cocktail drinks. I’m a mixologist and obtained my certification from London and Amsterdam. Also, I ride a big bike out of town with friends, when schedule permits.

RVT: What’s the best thing that happened to you during the quarantine?

JBP: The quarantine allowed me to slow down, a bit! It provided me respite from work and has allowed me to reflect on what truly matters in life.

RVT: What do you look forward to the most in 2021?

JBP: 1. Getting a vaccine—so I can regain freedom to travel again. 2. A stable economy—we cannot continue to live knowing that most of our countrymen are jobless or are in poverty. 3.To actively be part of RCM—as this is one avenue where I can continue to help the last, the least, and the lost, of my fellow Filipinos.