DRESSED FOR SUCCESS: Joee C. Guilas
Meet Jose Edwiniel C. Guilas, popularly known in corporate world and broadcast industry as Joee C. Guilas. He’s a news anchor for People’s Television (PTV4) and Director for Corporate Communications at Resorts World Manila.
Born on July 27, 1969, just a few days after Gloria Diaz captured the first Miss Universe crown for the Philippines, Joee is success personified. This cordial and glowing guy has an eclectic taste in fashion. Yet Joee, an economics graduate from the University of the Philippines, is never afraid to wear his mood, his personality at a given time. He also loves shopping!
Joee currently enjoys his stint in government service (as news anchor for PTV4). For this respected guy, working for the government means serving the people.
“People who have known me for years would know that being in PTV is my very first foray into government service, having worked for some of the country’s biggest private companies in various capacities. I’d say working as a professional would have the same kind of a motivation for everyone whether they be in government or in the private sector—and that is to earn your keep and ensure your family will eventually have food on the table coming from fair and decent means. However, I guess the difference lies in who you do your job for when you think about working in those two worlds: more than economic reasons, when you work for the private sector, you basically do it for yourself; for your own personal fulfillment and career goals. When you work for the government, you must always realize that you’re doing it for the people—for government service means serving the people. And I am glad that working in PTV constantly reminds us of doing the news “for the nation.”
Joee’s message to bashers of government:“There are no perfect institutions, no perfect systems. Be it in the private or government sectors, there will always be a mix of good and rotten fruits in the basket. People in government, however, get caught more easily since they are inevitably more open to public scrutiny being users of the people’s money. In terms of hard work poured into their jobs, however, I’d say both private and government professionals work pretty much at the same level, with the same goals of doing great jobs. Who wants to be a failure in what they do, anyway? Let us not be quick in judging people who work in government and hope instead that they succeed in their efforts to serve the people well.”
1) How do you define success for yourself now?
“At this point in my life, I’d say I‘ve already had enough of selfish success. Modesty aside, I think I already have in my possession what most people would dream of achieving in their entire lifetimes. What I am working on now, is ensuring shared success. I have always believed that success would be worthless if it is not shared and if it will not redound to other people and the rest of humanity.”
2) How do you define sexy?
“Being sexy, to me is being comfortable in your own skin, which takes the willingness to let go of all your wishes to be somebody else and the full acceptance of who you really are. Confidence is, after all, reflected in your eyes, your smile and the way you relate with people– which, together, create the magic that will draw people to you.”
3) How do you choose the clothes/outfits you wear?
“I would consider myself to have an eclectic taste in fashion. I somehow have a knack for throwing random pieces of clothing together that not only allows me to make my own individual statement but, at the same time, makes me look stylish enough not to be on the “arrest-list” of the fashion police. I am not afraid to wear my mood, my personality at a given time. For newscasting, for instance, it shouldn’t really be surprising to see me wearing a standard navy blue business suit one night and then a soft, old rose ensemble the following evening. I value self-expression.”
4) What keeps you going?
“The thought and reality that time is a limited resource. Even our time here on earth is measured by the minute, by the day, by the months and years. We must get as much things done as we can while we still have the chance. At the end of our life journeys, it is only when we look back and see just how much difference our lives have made on other people—and in the world, that we will be affirmed whether or not our life truly mattered.”
5) How do you strike a balance between family and career?
“Striking a balance between the two happens when you consider them as two separate goals that counterpoint each other. It takes a realization that there is no way for you to succeed in one if you fail in the other. You cannot possibly give your 100% at work when your family life is in shambles. On the other hand, you will not be able to provide the best life for your family if you are such a flop in your career. You truly have to go the extra mile and ensure success in both fields.”
6) Who are the people you idolize?
“Kind people—big or small; rich or poor. Real talk: we all live in a harsh, cruel world. We all face huge challenges every day in our lives. We all exist in an environment wherein survival is key. Given all these realities, it is difficult to just be kind. Truly kind people, those who look after somebody else’s welfare before their own, or without any agenda in mind, are a rare breed. These are the people I admire and idolize.”
7) When did you learn to say no?
“Very early on in my life. I lost my dad at the age of 6. We lost our family provider when I was still very young. I experienced how it is like to be poor. It’s a sad life. That’s why, as early as that time, the kid Joee already said with conviction: “No, I am not going to live this kind of life forever. I have the power within me to take me out of this situation.” And I did. However, doing so—required me to say no to a lot of people and to a lot of things: “No, I can’t be a loser; No, I can’t be a victim; No, I can’t be stopped from achieving my goals.”
8) When you look back at your successful career, do you think you’ve done everything right?
“No. I’ve had my share of flops and failures but I have always considered those as short, temporary re-routes. Somehow, I have managed to still find my way back to my right course, whenever I would stray to some misleading tracks. God is a good shepherd and he always makes it a point to find his sheep whenever they lose their way. I am the type who would voluntarily raise my hand and readily admit to Him that I am getting lost when I feel like I’m in unfamiliar territory and ready to be taken back to His intended route. So, while I’d say I personally am doing a good job finding my way, it is still the Lord who navigates my life journey according to His intended will for me.”
9) Can you imagine retiring?
“Yes, most definitely. Somebody smarter, better, stronger is born every day. I can’t fool myself into believing that I would still have everything that I have now forever. There will come a time when I will have to step aside for those who will take my place and do an even better job in my fields of expertise. I will look forward to that time of “slowing down” at the right time, with gladness in my heart. I guess what I can’t probably slowdown from doing is still trying to make a positive difference wherever I shall be planted when that time comes.”
10) Have you ever envied anybody in your life?
“Most certainly. As a kid, my parents raised me in a Tagalog speaking household. My eldest nephew, who was only three years my junior, was taught to speak in English very early on. I remember being so intimidated talking to him and even crying in silence not being able to communicate effectively with somebody younger than I was. That challenged me into focusing on developing my communication skills. It took a long time for me to overcome my insecurities and build my confidence communicating in English—but I somehow got to a level that is good enough to now land me an English News Anchor’s job. “
11) Tell us about your advocacy or the charity you work for.
“When my mom died of Chronic Kidney Disease complications more than 10 years ago, I thought of putting up a foundation that will help provide for the needs of CKD patients. CKD is costly, as its end-stage treatment requires regular dialysis sessions. Being a CKD sufferer myself (early stage), I really wanted to push such advocacy at that time. However, the demands of my career prevented me from pursuing the plan, so I ended up just doing my own fund-raisers and charity work for underprivileged CKD patients, whenever I am afforded the chance to do so. Likewise, having seen how education actually changed my life, I am a staunch believer that deserving young people must be supported in their education, which in turn, translates to the potential achievement of their dreams. I am currently sending some kids to college and I’d say they are on their way to actually re-writing their families’ histories with happier, better stories.”
12) Do you think being a gorgeous guy is always an advantage?
“It definitely has more advantages than disadvantages. Except for the jealous, ugly guys who may have you in their hate lists, being attractive surely has its own perks. There is even a study in the US that found out that better looking people are paid better in the work place, especially at the onset—when people are hired for their first jobs after graduation. I actually have bases from wherein I speak. I never really considered myself attractive and was even called a lot of ugly names when I was a kid. I was bullied a lot. Most of the time, people overlooked my talents and capabilities because I looked too ordinary. It had to take me some painful trips to my aesthetic doctor (not to mention sticking to a strict diet and regular sessions in the gym) to get me to where I am now. What I’m saying is, you’ve got to be willing to also invest in yourself—in the way you look—in order for you to enjoy the perks that go with looking better.”
13) In a world that idolizes the youth, how do you feel about aging? “Youth always gets a premium in this world. I wouldn’t mind spending some money to somehow slowdown the physical aging process a bit. On the other hand, I love having more maturity in terms of mind and soul.”
14) Tell us about your health regimen?
“Strict low salt and fat diet. Regular visits to my age management and aesthetic doctor. A lot of quiet time with the Lord. And a lot of laughs!”
15) How do you relax?
“I love going shopping with my kids and my scholars. Seeing the wide smiles on their lips gives me a light feeling. Cooking for them also relaxes my mind. I’d say that’s another thing that I am good at. It really makes me happy to give them a taste of the good life—both literally and figuratively.” – ROBERT REQUINTINA
