Filipino Winner Jonathan Yabut Speech at The Apprentice

Asia Finale Party


Jonathan Allen S. Yabut, one of two Filipino contestants

in the TV series "The Apprentice Asia," emerged as the

winner of the show's debut season. This was confirmed

with the airing of the toughest job interview's season-

closing 11th episode on July 31 over AXN.

What makes Filipinos excel in challenges like these?
Filipinos are so insecure; we always feel like we're the

underdogs, that we have to prove so much about ourselves

because we know who we really are.

To be honest, that's the reason why I joined "The

Apprentice." I felt sick and tired of people ganging up

on Filipinos thinking that we just send a bunch of

domestic helpers out there. We are so much more than

that. I wanted to show them that Filipinos in marketing

and sales are arguably the best in Asia. "The Apprentice

Asia" was the platform for me to say that.

What was the most valuable thing Tony Fernandes taught

you?
Humility, because Tony is a very humble guy. Off camera,

he would talk to the camera men, the artists — even if

you're already up there, you know how to put your feet

on the ground. In the end, people will die, people will

forget about you, but your legacy is how much you

imparted and shared with people.

He [went into] the airline business because he wanted

every Asian to fly. That was his passion. There's so

much tourism to develop in the Asian region, yet no one

is flying in.

Now that you're hired, what's the first order of

business? What are the perks of your new job?
My first day of work is on August 15. I will be flying

to Kuala Lumpur as the chief of staff for Air Asia,

reporting to Mr. Tony Fernandes. I am very excited and a

bit scared, but that's how life is. It's always about

change and I'm ready to take on the challenge. It's more

of business development, finding new businesses for Mr.

Tony, for Air Asia."

There's a US$100,000 contract that comes with it, [but]

for me it's not about the money. The prize is the kind

of mentorship that you will get from Mr. Tony Fernandes,

the kind of learning, the people you will meet and all

other opportunities that come with it.

[i"m] very proud, very happy. Like I said, it's not

about me, it's about the Philippines.

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