The United States ambassador to the Philippines is Kristie A. Kenney. Ambassador Kenney has been serving in this role since March 17, 2006. Before her arrival the United States went through a period where a number of different ambassadors served over a short time. When Kenney arrived on the scene, I had never heard of her before, and knew nothing about her. Of course as an ex-pat living here in the Philippines, it is my hope to always have a good ambassador representing my country, so I’ve kept an eye on her and her actions over the years.
I must say, I have been very impressed with Ambassador Kenney. I really believe that she is just the person that the United States needs to represent their interests in the Philippines. She can be tough, but overall her persona is that she is a friendly, fun loving lady, who is here showing genuine friendship to the Filipino people. I believe that’s very important, and helps advance the image of the United States here in the Philippines.
Over the weekend, Ambassador Kenney was featured on a local talk show on TV. The show is called Private Conversations, with Boy Abunda, and his program is always a conversation with one person, just talking about them and their life, often revealing unknown facts about the person. Generally, it’s an interesting show to watch. When Ambassador Kenney was interviewed, I really enjoyed it, and learned a few new things about her as well. Because Kenney was nominated by President Bush to her post, I always assumed that she was a Republican, but she clearly proclaimed on the show that she’s an Independent. I was also impressed that she, being the diplomat that she is, easily danced around questions looking for her opinion on politics. While not sharing her specific political views, she answered the questions in ways that were informative, and also quite helpful to Filipinos watching her. I liked her performance very much.
Prior to her assignment as Ambassador to the Philippines, Kenney served as the US Ambassador to Ecuador. Kenney speaks Spanish fluently, and also speaks a bit of French as well. She told Boy Abunda that she is working on learning to speak Tagalog too, but is finding it difficult. She did say that she is pretty good at understanding Tagalog, but has trouble speaking the language.
To show her fun-loving spirit of friendship toward the Philippines, have a look at her appearance on a morning TV show here in the country:
I think that it is hard to stump Ambassador Kenney too. The closing question on her appearance on Private Conversations was this:
Boy Abunda: Do you like the lights on, or off?
Ambassador Kenney: Lights Off, but with many candles!
That was a quick retort, and a good response in my opinion.
I don’t know for sure, but a couple of years ago I was told by an embassy employee that Ambassador Kenney reads my blog’s daily. Maybe she does, maybe she doesn’t. But, Ambassador Kenney, if you happen to read this article, I’d just like to say hello to you, and urge you to keep doing the great job that you’re doing for our country.
Hi Bob –
Would have expected Boy Abunda to ask, “Boxers or Briefs?” 😆
The YouTube snapshot showing Ms. Kenney with Edu Manzano first had me thinking that she made it to the finals on “Game KNB”! 😆
(Am trying to stay cheerful while collecting Typhoon Nina damage control reports from Ilocos Norte – so far, so good). 😐
Bob
Great credit to this lady for this performance, it can’t have been easy for a diplomat to slip into this performing role but she looks natural and obviously is very comfortable in this situation.
i am trying and failing to imagine a british diplomat being so comfortable in this role, we are so formal, the more relaxed style suits the Filipino way, yes we all know there are times when we need to be serious and i can assume this lady representing your country can do that role to but great credit to her
Hi Paul – Of course, Edu is on many shows, so you never know where he may pop up!
I am sure that all of our thoughts and our feelings are focused on Northern Luzon where the typhoon has passed through.
Hi rick b – I don’t ever remember seeing the British Ambassador on TV or in the news. I don’t know if it is because I have not watched for him, or if he is not often featured.
I do feel that Ambassador Kenney is a real asset for the USA. Although we have had some good Ambassadors in the past too, I don’t ever recall one that had the fun-loving spirit that Kenney displays, and I think that is a huge asset for her.
Hi Aunt Kennedy ! Guess who?
Hi brian – That’s Kenney…. not Kennedy! 😆
She seems to be a good representative of the United States and as for your opinion on her political side she does what many in such positions doesn’t, she leaves political bias aside. Thats one of the reasons I love being in the Philippines I don’t have to watch the political trash on TV.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – I fully agree with you regarding the politics. A Diplomat should not be political, and the fact that she leaves that aside is one of the things that I love about her.
Hi Bob,
Sadly, that video seems to have disappeared from utube this morning.
Hi Jim Hannah – I just checked the video and it works fine for me.
Yes folks, it’s back; the video now works fine. Looks like youtube had a glitch this morning. It’s very short though, I thought it was going to be the whole interview. Is there any way of viewing the whole interview?
Jim
Hi jim hannah – That video is not of the Interview show that I talked about (Private Conversations), it is from a Morning Show that Kenney did. As far as I know there is no video of the interview online.
Hi Bob,
with regards to the killing of Col. James Rowe, I think their is a mistaken identity of the perpetrators. The innocent was already languishing in Jail while the real perpetrators are still enjoying their freedom outside. Justice was denied for Juanito Itaas, he was convicted on the crime he did not committed.
Hi rem – I am sorry to hear if the wrong man was found guilty. Honestly, though, that is a matter for the Philippine justice system, and as a guest in the country it is not really something that I should offer my opinion on.
Hello, again, Mr. Bob!
Just like you, I have a deep admiration for Her Excellency Kristie Kenney. For many Filipinos, including myself, she is a refreshing image of the United States of America. Her qualities and performance have made her simply amazing as an ambassador of goodwill to the Filipino people. She projects a very charismatic and friendly image unmatched by most of her predecessors, and because of this, she even became a favorite public figure in the Philippines.
For instance, she does not have any compunction of sympathizing or mingling with the poor, the minorities, and the less fortunate people. She earned the respect and admiration of the Filipino public in general because of the positive actions she performed herself towards the upliftment and progress of various sectors in the country without really encroaching on our own political and domestic issues. For example, she was given the honor of being the Adopted Daughter of Albay (Bicol) by the provincial government there, because of her valuable support to the rehabilitation of the area that was heavily stricken by the typhoon “Reming”. Even the peace-loving Muslims of Mindanao adore her and are happy whenever she visits their area. (I noticed she especially loves to mingle with young children and women). Also, I think she is so far the only American dignitary who regularly visits Mindanao to sympathize with the people affected by the conflict. (I could cite more of her achievements in the Philippines, but I guess I already mentioned enough.)
Even when Filipino journalists and media-men ask her about various Philippine local issues, especially on sensitive ones, she politely declines to give her comments, because she knows it is wise and tactful to do so, given her position as a foreign dignitary. Like you said, she simply dances around questions being thrown at her when it comes to several sensitive issues.
If there is one face America would have to project to the world especially among developing (or emerging) nations, here in the Philippines, we can look no further than Madame Kenney. In fairness to the Bush administration, the appointment of this very remarkable woman to the Philippines as America’s official representative of goodwill is probably the best thing it has done for our country.
To sum it up, I believe Madame Kenney’s charisma and simply her love for the Philippines have made her probably the most popular and important (not to mention, the most generous) American dignitary the Philippines ever had. I wish someday she would be made an honorary citizen of the Philippines for everything she has done for our country in the spirit of genuine friendship and goodwill. That’s how much I admire her!
By the way, Bob, I’m glad you found another jewel there in Davao (I’m referring to Brian’s Grill or the lady dentist-I was afraid of dentists, too!). Keep on writing because I’m very sure your readers appreciate them-both locals and foreigners alike and probably even Madame Ambassador Kenney! Cheers!
Hi ProudPinoy, Jr. – I pretty much agree with everything you said about Ambassador Kenney. Just one thing that I’d like to point out though, and it is a big difference between Americans and Filipinos, and one that is often un-noticed. You mentioned “her excellency, Ambassador Kenney” – Americans would never say that! For us, Mrs. Kenney is our servant. She is hired and paid by the American people, and thus it is her job to serve us. We would never address her as “her excellency” or “the honorable” or anything like that! 😆
Hi, Bob!
I see. Thanks for that comment! It’s probably just because I admire her and her works as an ambassador to our country that I addressed her in the most formal way I can! 😆
Hi ProudPinoy, Jr. – Yep, I understand. Your comment just reminded me of this common difference in our cultures that I see often!
I would like to inform the Ambassador about how people on Tourist Visas are treated by the Philippine Immigration department when trying to get their visas extended during the holidays.
It seems that the BI Officers can take the two weeks off during Xmas and New Years week and not tell anyone. That is my experience. I don’t know how many people came to the BI Office in Dumaguete early on their extensions only to find the door locked. No sign no nothing. All of them ended up coming back on Jan 5 with past due passports and spent 3 to 4 hours trying to get it done.
A few of those people wanted to take trips, but couldn’t because they would be fined if they went through immigration to get on a plane or was asked to see their passport.
To me this is just plain abusive treatment of visiting foreigners here by Immigration here suggesting some kind of attitude towards us.
Some of the same sentiment is felt about having to travel to Manila, Cebu or Davao three times in order to apply for and receive a 13a visa. It just seems like no thought was given to the thousands of us, who are their customers, when their processes and procedures were written.
Ambassador, will you look into these problems? There are plenty of us out here who can tell you all kinds of stories about their experiences. Please email me and I will help start us telling you about it.
Thank you in advance.