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. Read the rest of this entry »

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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