What I appreciate most in the company that I work for is the culture. It does not have a sense of entitlement. I see the CEO and I call him on his first name. I see other companies and government agencies where employees call their bosses "Sir" or "Madam" or "Boss". There's nothing wrong with that, really, because it's a sign of respect. What I don't find okay is how it gives a different kind of feel in a Filipino community. When I was first called "Ma'm" a few years after I started working, I felt a sense of pride. I felt superior and I started acting superior. I guess that's how other people felt too. No wonder they boss around like they do. People I've worked with felt inferior too and so they keep to themselves more and act in fear. It didn't feel right. 

People act according to the title placed before your name too. Whether you have an Atty for attorney, a Dr for doctor, an Engr for engineer, and so many others that just doesn't make sense. Yes, you may argue that you've worked hard for that prefix. I respect that. I respect you. However, wouldn't respect be sweeter when it's deserved and given because you're you?

For me, these titles are hindrances to collaboration. Take a look at the government officials. They attend barangay festivities just so they could be honored with a special mention that starts with "the honorable blah blah". They act like they're on a pedastal. It's where corruption starts. In the company that I work for, we value collaboration. We value respect. We also understand that managers and engineers are all roles that we play. The level of accountability is different. No one is above the other. We are paid equally. We even boast of a dual career path... and it's true! Each one of us has careers to build. Each one is valuable. We just differ in the roles that we take. Wouldn't it be good if our whole country adapts the same? I really do think the Philippines will be a whole lot better.