Interview by Ms. Cheryl Sevegan
Humility or humbleness as defined is variously seen as the act or posture of lowering oneself in relation to others, or conversely, having a clear perspective, and therefore respect, for one’s place in context. No matter how huge the achievements you attain, you feel small in the scheme of things- that you are just a simple, ordinary and insignificant person. It’s a trait I love most in a person and not many successful people possess it.
Gaining knowledge and wisdom in life is a continuous learning process, but sometimes people who are endowed with gifts and talents turn into egotistical conceited individuals who see their selves as above everyone else. In this modern times when success usually comes with a price tag, it is really hard to find individuals who are not just intelligent and talented, but at the same time very down to earth in their personal demeanor.
I’m glad to have met and interviewed the sole Philippine representative to the MASHAV’s Media Strategies and Social Change Seminar in Haifa, Israel last June 2014. Belonging to an affluent family from the Southern Philippines who enjoyed political and social influence in Mindanao, he exudes humility and positivity. Minutes through into our interview, his values are evident which are reflections of his family upbringing. It was clear that his parents have taught him to put importance and practice utmost humility, genuine sincerity and unwavering respect to everyone regardless of sex, status, race, belief or religion.
Born in a family with a Muslim father and a Christian Chinese mother with six (6) other siblings, he was exposed to his parents’ value of hard work, earning a living while remembering the importance of helping others. He was privileged to be raised by a fantastic combination that complimented each other. He learned through his parents, living the teachings itself.
In spite of the available “silver spoon” of the family, his father opted to “work the fields” while his mother poured all her support by attending to seven children. Now, all of them are professionals- legal practitioners in the medical field and the business sector.
It is apparent that with Aaron’s gregariousness, he pursued a career in journalism. He said it was a daunting journey for him to reach where he is now. Failures, hard work and consistency served as his cornerstones to move on and beat the odds. He believes he was just a mediocre student at college (University of Santo Thomas) but his insatiable hunger for knowledge propelled him to pursue numerous enrichment programs and trainings both locally (University of the Philippines, Nihonggo Center, etc.) and internationally, in the Arab Republic of Egypt (Qrtoba Institute and Alexandria University), Israel (Mashav’s at MCTC), all over Southeast Asia, Norway, Germany, Japan, Korea (KOICA), to name a few. More so, with his passion for service beyond journalism, he also got elected as an official for six years and participated in a number of non-governmental organizations like the Red Cross and Amnesty International. So, to continue to be able to excel and be of help to others, he made sure he learns new things, more skills and value friends from around the world.
His perseverance, loyalty and hard work are shown in his service at the News and Current Affairs Department of ABS-CBN for almost fourteen years. Although presently in ABS-CBN’s Entertainment Department as a Producer, he also does consultancy work with government offices in media relations- SPDA (Southern Philippines Development Authority and a Local Regulatory Council member of the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board).
He said that he believes we all have a purpose in life and God placed us in the world for something and that we do not need to do great things to change the world but only a simple act of kindness.
And to know further this very eloquent and productive man of wisdom, I am truly honored to share to you the conversation I had with this very outstanding and down to earth person who feels just like an ordinary folk despite his social and economic standing.
Aaron with Ambassador Mattanya Cohen, Dir. MASHAV- Israel Agency for Intl devt Coopertn (extreme right), Marie-France Racombo , SEYCHELLES Broadcasting Corporation (left), Carolina Echavarria Basy, Journalist, URUGUAY (behind) at Galatz ( Army Radio station)
With Moder Al-Momani, News reporter, Jordan TV and Radio, me, Sara Rodas, Social Media Manager, EL SALVADOR., Zikica Milosevic, Travelogue Writer/ Editor- SERBIA at the sea of Galilie
With Diego Felipe Gomez Gonzales, Govt. Digital Media Specialist, COLUMBIA, Giriraj Pai Vernekar, Special Assistant, Chief Minister of Goa, INDIA). Old city, Jerusalem.
With Darling Efua Cann, Public Relations Officer, Min. of Education GHANA., Carolina Echavarria Basy, Journalist, URUGUAY at the dead sea resto.
Hello Aaron, how are you? Could you please introduce yourself…
I am Aaron Cang Sinsuat, a broadcast journalist from ABS-CBN and a public servant working as a MEDIA consultant with the national government, particularly the Southern Philippines Development Authority-Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, and as a Local Regulatory Council member of the Movie Television Review and Classification Board. I think my name is very relevant in Israel since Aaron is Moses’ brother, haha!
What’s the reason why you are here in Israel?
With humility, I was chosen as the sole representative from the Philippines to join the training on Media Strategies for Social Change in Haifa.
Other than having the opportunity to visit the historical and religious sites in Israel, I joined the program because this will help me enrich my knowledge and competency in delivering public service with and for my fellow Filipinos. More importantly, as agents of change, I will gain new friends from around the world who share the same public service and journalism field as I do.
For how long is the program?
The program is for one month.
How many participants are there and from what countries?
We are 26 paticipants from Albania, Angola, Azerbaijan, Benin, China, Colombia, El Salvador, Ghana, India, Jordan, Kenya, Madagascar, Nepal, Serbia, Seychelles, Suriname, Uganda, Uruguay, Vietnam and Zambia.
What benefit will it give to you and our country, the Philippines?
As a media practitioner and public servant, the knowledge and network that I will gain and develop during the course of training will help me in my office’s dealing with the general public by enhancing my skills in media strategies while maintaining humility in public service to my nation. In addition, additional core areas and issues were tackled that gave me international insights on how the other countries address concerns on women equality and empowerment, international politics, and other urgent concerns like the environment, among others, which I can adopt and replicate in the Philippines.
Why do you think they have chosen you to represent the training program?
With profound humility, the organizer together with the MASHAV Israel Foreign Ministry, might have seen or recognized my dedication and commitment to inspire and be an “agent of change”. These dedications might have shown in my various exposures in both local and international trainings and the public and private sector involvement I have. In addition, it has capitalized the level of experience I have through the years. With these, they might have seen this training as an enrichment program to help further nurture my ability as a journalist and public servant.
What made you decide to join the program?
“Learning is endless, the very moment we stop/cut our passion to learn, then we start to decay”. Our very existence is to be of service to others- it is one’s true measurement of a man’s life story.
Who sponsored your expenses in coming here?
Other than MASHAV sponsoring the training, my family, friends and love ones also co-sponsored. They are the ones who are always there to share their blessings for me to expand my grasp on the essence of wisdom and knowledge.
In what way do you think you can best share to the country all the learnings you have gained in this program?
Given the honor and privilege, I would like to lead, bring and support my country (the Philippines) especially in Mindanao Island, Southern Philippines (where poverty, inequality, and injustice remain an urgent concern) and ignite her full potential towards her economic and social success to all.
How do you find Israel and its people?
“A race who understands the true meaning of dignity, respect and honor.”
Very concise description! Well said! If you have one word to describe Israel, what would it be?
Tislakhi li but 2 words, Cheryl (I am so sorry but 2 words, Cheryl) hehehe. “Meguvenet ve chashanut.” (diverse and innovative)
What was the first Hebrew word you learned?
“Shalom” (even way back home in the Philippines). So I think it is “Todaraba.” At the first instance I uttered this word, I felt a sincere connection with the people and realized such rare humility and openness of the society.
For the entire duration of your stay here, I am sure you have seen and met many Filipinos. Any observation to the OFWs in Israel?
I have met many from all over and heard some of their stories. The Filipinos here in Israel are extremely hospitable, kind and friendly. More so, they are very industrious and will endure any sacrifice for the sake of family.
On a personal note, my highest respects to each and every Pinoy here in the Holy Land- beyond their sacrifice- their courage, patience and indefatigable spirit to endure… special mention to my Aunt Gloria who have been in this wonderful country for decades.
Any words of wisdom to share to the OFWs in Israel?
With your efforts and sacrifices, you are helping our country move towards a better future and ensure your families’ stability.
MGA KABABAYAN, ITULOY NATIN ANG LABAN PARA SA ATING BAYAN AT KAPAMILYA. NASA KAMAY NATIN ANG TAGUMPAY!
With Cheryl Sevegan (the interviewer)