Last Saturday, we had to come home early from a trip out of town, as my wife and daughter bugged me to watch the Backstreet Boys’ concert. Since women can be so persuasive and persistent, I gave way and joined them. The Araneta Coliseum was jampacked, mostly by women. Luckily, Vic Del Rosario, who was the promoter of the show, was in front of me. While the performers were impressive, I was totally out of place. But then again, these are only some of the things we would do to please the women in our lives.

March 8, Monday, is our second run for the Women Entrepreneurship Summit. Last year, it was one of the biggest events Go Negosyo has ever had. This year, we have doubled the halls for the venue. To date, we have a record of almost 400 booths that will exhibit different products and business models. This is double the number of exhibitors we had last year.

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Last 2008, my sister Liza and brother in law Dondi Santos gave me a unique shirt for my birthday. It drew inspiration from the polo brand shirts that we frequently use when we come from the states. This time, the shirt had the Philippine map instead of the horse.

Joey Cua’s family owns Collezione. I remember the brand from way back. I used to buy Collezione shirts when we were growing up. The brand eventually faded as they were not able to innovate.

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I have been involved in helping the PGMA administration spur entrepreneurial development for the last four years. I do not sit as a cabinet secretary nor hold any formal government position. I was simply appointed Presidential Consultant on Entrepreneurship, pro bono. When PGMA steps down, the appointed title will also be gone, unless the next president sees our efforts in our advocacy.
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For the past weeks, the election fever has started to heat up. The advertisements are starting to build up. Positioning one name, be it Villar, Noynoy or Gibo, requires research to see the strength of the name, as in marketing – a brand. In this case, the brand is the name of the candidate. Similar to a product, careful positioning is required to match the strength and unique proposition of the brand with that of the current needs of the consumers. In this case, the consumer is the electorate – the voting public.
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Early this week, my wife was leaving for London to visit an ailing aunt. She promised to see her as the illness is terminal. Our two year old daughter who slept with us was crying for her mom not to leave anymore because she would be sad. My wife could not help but to also cry.

Sometimes, we take things for granted. Someone’s absence, whether temporary or permanent, makes us realize the importance of that person. This makes me think of the countless of OFWs who leave their children and spouses to seek a better future for themselves and their family. Think about the pain on both sides. Seeing the bond between a mother and a daughter reminds me of the sacrifices of the many overseas workers. Imagine how it would be like for a permanent loss in life. (more…)

We spent our weekend in Baguio right after the long Christmas break to feel the cold. I normally go to Baguio every year, and I notice the Korean population increasing. This year, I was amazed to see the number of Koreans that have invaded Baguio City. When I went to SM Baguio to get a feel of the consumer spending there, I noticed that even the band playing was a Korean band. Starbucks in Camp John Hay was full of Koreans. When I took my two-year old daughter horseback riding, a busload of Korean students arrived to go riding as well.

If the Filipinos have raised the Pinoy flag in Daly City, California, the Koreans have surely raised their flag in Baguio City. This phenomenon is happening all over the Philippines. Pretty soon, more Asians will find it cheaper to live in the country. It is not only the cost of living but the good quality education that we have here, particularly when it comes to learning the English language. We have the best English teachers at a fraction of the tuitions of schools in Asia. Also, the cost of owning or renting a house or a condo here in the Philippines is far cheaper than in Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Japan etc.
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When we were kids, my father would insist that we prepare our New Year’s Resolution not later than a week after January 1. He would also write down his own.

It is very easy for us to write a resolution, especially if it’s about trying to lose weight, trying to be more patient with subordinates, or trying to devote more time for family and health. But, how much willpower do we have to ensure that our New Year’s Resolution will be achieved.
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Last week’s column entitled “My Christmas wish” received a lot of feedback from people who were able to relate to its message. Miguel Belmonte of PhilStar sent me a text message, saying it was good for me to point out the importance of greeting “Merry Christmas” rather than “Happy Holidays” since we are a Christ-centered country and the reason for our celebration is because of His birth.

Aside from the parties, it was also good to spend Christmas as a quiet time to reflect. In a joyful moment, one can be emotional. Maybe this is why last week’s column said it all.
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