Robert Zane Fansler, the Regional Sales Manager of Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) also known as the Royal Mint in Spain talks about his thoughts and ideas on being a member of La Camara for seven years. FNMT is a public business entity of Spain that works with the Ministry of Finance and Public Function. It is the institution involved in manufacturing coins, bills, stamps, and other related official government documents and certifications.
Zane Finsler’s thoughts on growing up bi-cultural
Discussing his childhood and early formative years, growing up bicultural as a Filipino child in Spain, he emphasizes the close historical and cultural ties and similarities that the Philippines and Spain have. Spanish culture is still visible in the Philippines today after the country gained independence from Spain 125 years ago. Some cultural habits that Filipinos have adopted over the years, and these customs have become a part of life, from Hispanic surnames to religion, food, and even some Spanish habits like siesta or afternoon naps, and beso or greeting friends and family with a cheek kiss.
Benefits of joining La Camara
Then he shared that he is a La Camara member since 2016, and joined the board last April 2022, believing the advocacy that La Camara is a multicultural community that helps businesses in Spain and the Philippines cultivate deeper economic relationships with one another by holding business, cultural, and social events that members can attend to network, learn, or experience Filipino and Spanish culture first-hand.
Ideas on how technology can be both of an ally and a foe for businesses
When asked if doing business today is easier or more complicated, he mentioned the realities that businesses today face, on how technology can aid or cause further challenges. “There are some things that have become easier and made more efficient through digital transformation. But it also has complicated matters by increasing the speed at which everyone has to react to various different challenges.”
How Filipino consumer behavior evolved over the past decade.
The conversation continued with a discussion about Filipino consumer behavior, and how purchasing demands evolved over the past decade. “I think that the Filipino consumer has become more sophisticated as they’ve been exposed to more products and services. This of course is very much the result of the digital transformation that we’ve been going through, especially over the last 10 to 15 years.”
Being exposed to international consumer behavior through social media and the internet, Filipinos have acquired a more elevated taste in products and services. Today, they are more discerning about the products and services they avail. Consumers seek online reviews, ask opinions from friends and family who made the same purchase, and conduct research before making a more informed purchase.
What’s next for Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre?
When asked about his goals for Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) he enthusiastically shared that “[He wants to] see FNMT re-engage more with our regional clients and central banks throughout Asia. Something that was complicated by the recent COVID lockdowns and so on. So we’d like to [pick up] where we’ve last left off.”
The year 2020 has truly possessed a lot of obstacles for all nations around the globe, and FNMT is not an exemption from it. The COVID pandemic changed and forced businesses and organizations to adapt, evolve, and realign in order to cope with the restrictions held. Now that we’re all back to normal, economies worldwide have started to bounce back, goals and aspirations that were halted are now back on track and ready to prosper once again in a world where everything that we were once used to has changed.
La Camara is delighted that one of our board members, Zane Fansler, looks forward to more events in the future. When asked about his expectations from the organization, he mentioned “I would like to see La Camara follow through with its goals of expanding its membership and increasing its exposure or bringing Spanish culture to the wider business community through events such as our inaugural signature event called la Fiesta.”
Few notes on his home country, the Philippines
Lastly, Fansler expressed his love for his home country, the Philippines. “My friends and family are here. Having traveled around the world, I find that the Philippines really has a lot to offer to everyone. No matter what their cultural background may be. I think everyone is welcomed with open arms and big smiles.”
The warm hospitality, the culture shared for centuries, and the same goals for the future are what bind the Spanish and Filipino people and businesses together for a prosperous tomorrow that benefits the people of both wonderful nations.
