Stepping into the Santé Philippines’ Go for S.P.E.E.D. Gala Night earlier this month was like walking into a room with pure positive energy. Smiles were everywhere, enthusiasm filled the air, and it was clear this gathering of distributors from across the Philippines, alongside top executives from Indonesia (a market Santé has already successfully entered), was something special.
Held at the Marriott Hotel, the night was all about celebrating achievement. Top performers were recognized with awards, and the prizes were truly impressive: cars, real estate, and luxury international travel were all up for grabs. The room was packed with excitement, and the atmosphere was inspiring. The lively hosting that night was courtesy of Cat Triviño and James Deakin.
Paul Caluag, managing director of Santé Philippines, anchored the night’s theme – S.P.E.E.D. – Synergy, Passion, Energy, Excellence, and Determination. His speech resonated with the crowd, emphasizing the importance of more than just effort.
“You need to make a lasting impact. You need more than just effort. You need acceleration. So the question is, how do we achieve that? How do we unlock the next level of growth and impact? Through S.P.E.E.D. – Synergy, Passion, Energy, Excellence, and Determination,” he said.
Caluag’s enthusiasm was infectious. He dissected the acronym, explaining the significance of each element.
“SYNERGY reminds us that we are stronger together. It’s the collaboration between our corporate leaders, business owners, and stakeholders that drives our success,” he said. “PASSION fuels our purpose. It’s the part that keeps us going even when the road gets tough.”
The energy in the room reflected his next point: “ENERGY is what keeps us moving forward, and you see that energy in every one of you who tirelessly builds your Santé business.”
Caluag set a high bar with, “EXCELLENCE is our standard, and we will never settle for anything less.”
Finally, he emphasized the importance of resilience: “DETERMINATION, this is our weapon to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. These values are not just words. They are the foundation of everything we do. They enable us to fulfill our mission of helping people live better lives.”
He clarified the true meaning of “speed” in this context. “As we embrace S.P.E.E.D., let us remember that this is not just about moving fast. It’s about moving with purpose. It’s about moving with heart and with intent.”
Caluag then offered practical advice. “Set clear goals and act immediately. Let us not put off for tomorrow what we can do today. Procrastination is the enemy of progress. Do you agree?” He added, “Adapt to change. The world is evolving rapidly, and so it must be. Whether it’s technology, new strategies, or personal growth, let’s embrace change and use it to our advantage.”
Integrity was also key: “Work with integrity. Always do what is right, even when nobody is agreeing. Remember, the foundation of lasting success is trust and respect.” He concluded his topic with, “Be grateful. Gratitude transforms challenges into opportunities and ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Let’s appreciate the journey and the people who walked it with us.”
The evening wasn’t complete without words of inspiration from the board of directors. CEO Joey Marcelo quoted Mario Andretti: “As Mario Andretti said, ‘Speed is never a problem, only the lack of it.’ Let’s commit to a future fueled by speed, innovation, and unwavering pursuit of success.”
Peter Hope, managing director of Sante New Zealand Limited, echoed: “In the words of legendary driver Dale Earnhardt Senior, ‘You can’t win a race by standing on the sidelines.’ So as we navigate the ever-changing track of our industry, Santé must always be pushing the limits, seeking new opportunities, and seizing every advantage. Let’s commit to maintaining our lead and crossing the line first in every aspect of our business.”
CFO Eric Maranan drew inspiration from Jackie Stewart: “Like a well-tuned engine, Santé must constantly be optimized. Let us constantly push the pedal to the metal, seeking out new ways to accelerate our progress and make innovation the driving force of our joy. As Jackie Stewart once said, ‘If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.’ Let’s strive for the accelerating speed that pushes us to new heights.’”
Chief product officer Minerva Carag quoted Emerson Fittipaldi: “Our vision extends far beyond the current lap. Just as a champion driver never settles for second place, we must strive for excellence in everything we do. Through our unwavering commitment to progress, we endeavor to shape a future where everyone can reach their full potential. Let’s remember the words of Emerson Fittipaldi, ‘The important thing in life is to have a great goal, an objective, and to work hard to achieve it.’”
Caluag returned to the stage, quoting Jim Clark: “So, as we raise our glasses, let us all toast to the exhilarating journey ahead. May speed and innovation fuel our every move. With a burning passion for progress, we must seize every opportunity to accelerate towards victory. In the words of the legendary driver Jim Clark, ‘The only way to find the limits is to exceed them.’ Let’s maximize every opportunity, push boundaries, transcend limitations, and drive Santé to exhilarating success.”
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