As an Event Host and a full-time College Professor, I’ve always been asked, “SIR YAMBAO? WHAT IS PROFESSIONALISM AND HOW TO BECOME PROFESSIONAL?”
To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. All I know is that being professional is being polished and careful with the way you interact and deal with everyone. BUT- Will you stay professional when someone treats you otherwise?
The article that you’ll be reading in the next few seconds garnered over 2,000 Facebook Reactions/Likes. It happened earlier this year (May of 2018). I am not posting it on my page’s wall to defame or vilify anyone. I am posting the article again to serve as a lesson and a reminder to everyone to stay professional, when someone is not.
unedited. All incorrect grammars and statements were preserved for authentic reading.
In this narrative, I wouldn't be providing detailed information as that is not needed and perhaps might mislead the reader. Forgive me for any incorrect grammar/spelling as I am at rage writing this.
I arrived at the reception at exactly 3:05 PM even so the Bride and their Organizer instructed me to be there even just an hour before the program. The celebration should start at 6:00 PM. I'm not just early, but too early to a point that the Event stylist hasn't put up anything yet. No table cloth and even back drop and all.
I wasn't able to anticipate the traffic when there is none. I travelled from Bulacan to Paranaque (Location) through public utility vehicles.
At around 4:45 PM, I thought to myself that I have to consider eating as I wasn't able to take lunch due to my worry of being not on time.
Then, I decided to go out and grab a burger and soda at the nearest fast food chain located outside of the vicinity. After I finished my meal, I have decided to go back to the venue even though I assumed no one needs me yet. I was wrong. A lady holding a mini bouquet was standing right in front of the main entrance. She's well dressed and her make-up was done so then I assumed that she's one of the principal sponsors or the couple's parent. I was correct with the latter as she introduced herself artlessly and her pitch were high
MOTHER: HELLO! IKAW BA YUNG HOST? KASI KUNG IKAW? BUTI KA PA PA-IKOT IKOT LANG, SAMANTALANG AKO, HANAP NANG HANAP SAYO?
I was appalled by her very unwelcoming words as I do not know what she was referring to and why there's a need for her to shout at the top of her lungs even though we were a feet closer. But then I reminded myself to be professional.
Me: Uhmm. Yes ma'am. I'm the host po. Pero, I'm sorry ma'am I'm not aware po that you were looking for me. Kumain lang po ako saglit kasi-
(She intercepted----rudely)
MOTHER: KUMAIN!? BUTI KA PA NAKAKAIN NA! PERO YUNG BRIDE NA ANAK KO NASA SIMBAHAN, HINDI KAMI MAKAPAG SIMULA DAHIL WALA KA!
Me: uhmm. Ma'am the organizer and the bride po told me that reception lang po ang ---
(Again, she interrupted)
MOTHER: AY! NAKO! BAYAD KA DIBA? SO, PAG SINABI KONG KAILANGAN KA, HINDI KA DAPAT NAGPAPALIWANAG.
I couldn't move and my eyes were dead-straight looking at her mouth as she continuously curse me and narrating how 'unprofessional' I am.
I grab my satchel bag and my Tuxedo and I followed her to her niece's car. I sat with her at the back.
I have been quiet and I have never been quiet.
I brought my phone out and showed her the Messenger conversation that I had with her daughter (Bride) and Organizer.
She did not respond instead she taps her niece's shoulder (Driver) and said
MOTHER: KUNG ALAM KO LANG NA ITO YUNG KUKUNIN NILA, SANA AKO NALANG NAG-HOST! BAYAD PA AKO! BIRUIN MO 3,000 PESOS?
She then laughed, but what surprised me is that her niece isn't conniving with her 'joke'
I remained calm as I hold on to my bag and tuxedo. Then I thought of myself and what I needed to do to be part of this event. I traveled from my province to Paranaque which is a total opposite location. I stood up riding a bus and fought hard with taxis that are requesting wayyyy so much payment for a 5 minute ride. I haven't had lunch and yet this is what I'm getting. At first, I hesitated to grab this gig due to low rate given the location. But because I and the Groom were once a colleagues that is why I ended up being part of this 'celebration'.
We arrived at the church after a 10 minute ride which felt like a grueling and arduous 2 years for me. She abruptly open her door side and jog. As I was about to open mine, her niece said "Pasensya ka na ah. Please stay professional nalang. Do this for Lovely” (Not true name of the Bride) I didn't respond instead I nod. A simple nod that sealed the deal for me not to retaliate or do something strange. God knows I wouldn't do that hence I have the rights as narrated above.
When I landed my feet on the church's red textiles the Coordinators and Organizer seemed confused.
Organizer: Sir Ian, bakit nandito ka? Mamaya ka pa!?
Me: Long story. I'll explain later. Where's the Mic?
Organizer: No, Ian. Hindi needed ng Host dito. Besides, hindi ata alam ng pari na may host.
The ceremony was concluded and the photographers were positioning everyone for a church pictorial. I booked a Grab car and went back to the reception as I needed to do 'my part' my REAL PART.
After the dinner, everything were running smoothly and spotlessly until we get to the part of PARENTS GIVING MESSAGES. I, as their host introduced the Mother with full conviction and a smile on my face as if she did not point fingers at me and shouted "UNPROFESSIONAL" at my face in front of the other suppliers an hour ago.
Her speech were okay as if shes really that nice until...
MOTHER: So, 'ayun na nga...and Oo nga pala. Salamat sa lahat nang suppliers ng anak ko pwera lang 'dun sa isa. ibubulong ko nalang sainyo kung sino. Hahahaha!
She then handed the Microphone to me. No one from the Crowd found her 'Joke' funny. Even the Groom's gestures shows disappointment towards her in-laws innuendo.
I wanted to step back and shout, curse and say something bad against her but I respected the couple and the event. Once again, I reminded myself that I should be professional all the time regardless how LOW people described me.
After the event, I usually asks my couple to have a picture with me, but that time, I am focused on getting away from that place. I booked a Grab without giving a single care as to how high the rate is given that it is rush hour.
While waiting for the vehicle. The Bride, Organizer and 2 of his coordinators approached me outside. They were endlessly apologizing for what had happened.
The Bride handed me a 4,500.00
(Additional 1,500.00 on the top of the original rate - 3,000.00)
Take note, that is the FULL PAYMENT. I did not ask for any down-payment which is a MUST.
Me: Ms. Lovely, I would be very honest. I have been in this industry for 4 years now and this is the ONLY TIME that I have encountered such treatment. John knows that (Not true name of the Organizer) I have handled almost hundreds of events and this is the only time I have felt humiliated - In front of the crowd, in front of my co-suppliers. Please inform your mother that I am professional enough to respect her regardless of how unacceptable her treating was. Because after all, I am not a College Professor for nothing. With all due respect ma'am, I'll have you this 1,500 back. 'cause that won't compensate for how consequential I was degraded.
On the contrary, the program ended very well that even some of the guests had to approach me personally and gave me a commendation for a job well done.
While I was on the Grab Car. I opened my phone, called my partner and cried endlessly.
I didn't deserve that.
I am posting this not to gather attention or to claim any sympathy from the crowd. I wrote this narrative to inform everyone that we as your suppliers deserves respect. I am not here to ruin someone's name or to throw someone under the bus. We constantly read bad feedback about a supplier not doing their job and how unprofessional they are and we acknowledge that - It is your right! You payed them! But please be reminded that no amount of money can charter or vest you the rights to disrespect them.
So, NO! CUSTOMERS ARE NOT ALWAYS RIGHT.
End of narrative, Posted on Wedding Suppliers Philippines Group, May 21, 2018 - 1:00 AM