Diamond Motor Corporation celebrates success, longevity, hope, and God’s work

The 50th anniversary celebration of Diamond Motor Corp (DMC) was all about extending gratitude, thanking and acknowledging individuals who have become instrumental in the company’s continued success.

Diamond Motor recently gathered more than a thousand people at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, to mark the milestone event. It was a celebration and a reunion rolled into one, with different stakeholders in attendance-from employees (past and present), to principals from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, Sojitz Fuso Philippines, from media personalities, insurance companies, and suppliers, to partner financial institutions.

“While tonight is about celebrating Diamond Motor’s success and longevity, I believe the genuine motivation of our celebration begins with sincere and heartfelt thanksgiving-for the 50 years and all that came with it-the obvious victories and lessons that has helped us grow,” said Maria Dulce M. “Candy” Blaylock, the company’s chairwoman, during her opening remarks at the gathering.

More importantly, she is thankful for everyone that has been a part of Diamond Motor’s story, saying she is humbled by the many hands, hearts, and minds that contributed to the company’s success.

Blaylock also commended the “faithful and sacrificial leadership” of her husband, George, saying that “a God-fearing, generous, committed, trustworthy and capable leader, husband, father, and friend” is worth celebrating, too.

As sobering and unpredictable these times are, the 50th anniversary celebration was also about hope.

This is why, Blaylock hopes that whenever people remember the 50 year-story of Diamond Motor, they will remember the grace of God and the hope that they have in Him.

George F. Blaylock, the company president, echoed his wife’s sentiments.

George F. Blaylock and Micki Blaylock-Ingles with past and present company officials

“It’s been a long journey. Fifty years is a long time. We’ve been through ups and downs. Those who’ve been with us for a while would know this. As much as I am thankful for every one of you, this evening won’t be possible without God in our lives,” George said, during his speech at the event.

He added, “I would like to thank God for His goodness and favor… Diamond Motor turned 50 years in August last year and its truly been a journey. Let us never forget our being here tonight is because of Him. It’s not because of me or any one person in our company.”

George also said that the journey has not been easy “but God has given Diamond all of you… our partners… our friends… our family.”

George enumerated some of the firsts that Diamond Motor has managed to achieve, including holding the first skills Olympics among technicians and sales agents, as well as putting up the first air-conditioned showrooms in the country, among many others.

More importantly, George announced that there would be some major changes in how they do things at Diamond Motor.

“We are going to do things differently. There’s going to be a movement… an ‘awakening’ of sorts. We’ll be doing certain things that is going to make things exciting for us and you,” said George, who said he’ll be giving away more details of this plan in the coming weeks.

During his talk, George thanked every one present in the event, saying how lucky they were to have had great partnerships over the years-from MMPC and Fuso, to banks, to insurance industry, body builders, individuals, and employees, "the company’s most valuable asset," he said.

“I remember my mom always told me: ‘Hindi baleng maisahan ka, huwag ka lang mang-iisa.’ And that’s what our family at Diamond Motor is about… We believe in fairness and truth. This is how we succeed-by taking care of each other and our customers,” he said.

DMC employees signing the anniversary wall with their greetings

He encouraged everyone to keep working as hard as they can, persevere every day, because nothing comes easy. George thanked his wife and his children, as well as his parents who started the business in the ‘70s.

Ramon R. Sison, the company’s senior vice president, also took the stage to say his thanks. More importantly, he wanted to congratulate once more the night’s awardees-employees who were recognized for their exemplary performances in 2018 and 2019.

“Certainly, it is excellent service that has driven our company throughout the past five decades. Despite an ever-changing business landscape and a customer base that keeps evolving with the times, we have remained resilient, we have grown, and we are not slowing down anytime soon.

Diamond Motor takes pride in a continuous legacy of leadership as one of the country’s pioneering and top automotive dealerships,” Sison said.

The powerful vision of Dra. Concepcion Blaylock, Atty. Bonifacio Sison, Mr. Bennie Whisenhunt, and Mr. Frank Gonzales (the company’s founders), to bring Mitsubishi vehicles to more motorists, will continue with their hard work in an increasingly competitive business, Sison said.

“We will continue to anticipate industry shifts in the coming years, and above all, foster our commitment to one another, not just as colleagues but as a family,” he said.

Sison also thanked the younger generation of Diamond Motor employees who fuel the company with a unique outlook and fresh approach to the auto business.

Sison said: “Thank you to our leaders who continue to dedicate their talents to guiding and uniting the entire family. Together, we will continue writing Diamond Motor Corporation’s rich and meaningful history.”