Isko Moreno

MANILA, Philippines — More than 1,000 business, civic and government leaders gathered at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on June 8, for the annual Philippine Independence Day and Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations Anniversary Dinner Reception organized by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) with 100 other major Filipino Chinese associations.

Some things I’ve noticed in my recent trips abroad, particularly in Asia: service robots are becoming ubiquitous. One rolled by itself into the elevator with me at the hotel where I stayed in Chongqing, to deliver room service. Also, there’s growing use of language translation apps. While not fully accurate, they get the message across. I got the battery in my room safety deposit box replaced and handwash soap delivered, even if the hotel housekeeping staff spoke no English and I spoke no Mandarin.