GoNegosyo::Ang Sagot Sa Kahirapan

Archive for December, 2009

2010: A year of great promise

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

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.

Most people would say that Christmas went by so fast, it just slipped, or they hardly felt it. I guess it is an indication that we should slow things down a bit at this time of the year. You won’t notice time if you are still too busy this holiday season. Take time to be with your family, with your love ones, your old folks or sick friends and family members.

This is also the time when we realize our mortality. Even if Christmas is one of the happiest times of the year, we realize that we are getting old. When we were kids, we waited long for Santa. We never wanted Christmas to end. Now, as adults we are the ones who play the role of Santa Claus. Before we know it, all our children have grown so big and we don’t get to be Santa Claus anymore.

Our Christmas was different this time. My wife Marissa missed the presence of her dad who had been playing mother and father since her mom passed away. But, the annual children’s Christmas program had to go on, with the smaller kids initiated by having to perform. All these are great bonding moments. The funny part, in my case, is trying to look for a dentist to solve a toothache problem. Luckily, I was able to get painkillers to get me through the weekend. I then saw a dentist on Monday. Our youngest two-year-old, Isabella, is more aware of things now and has been excited as Christmas approached, especially as she opened her gifts from Santa and others. This is the same feeling we had when we were kids. Now, I guess that somehow wanes, as we get older and more emotional.

Among the gifts I received, my daughter Monica gave me a simple plaque. It was not an expensive gift, but it definitely made my Christmas day. It read:

To you my dad…

For being there to guide me and lead me to make the right decisions when I face crossroads in life…

For your hard work and sacrifices to support us in our moral and physical sustenance…

For your faith in God, which gives us light and makes our family strongly united in times of sunny days and rainy weather…

For continuously inspiring us and loving Mom so tenderly…

To you my father, I say thank you for all these and may the good Lord reward you for your devotion to your family and for being a responsible steward of the task entrusted to you by God.

Tonight is New Year’s Eve. What is in store for 2010 is quite exciting as a new President by June will renew confidence on the economy even further, coming from a strong economic position. Definitely, the Philippines has progressed significantly. But yes, many more things are needed to fight poverty, the country’s biggest problem.

We will see commodities maintain more or less the same levels we had in 2009. I don’t expect to see an abnormal increase in inflation. Interest rates will continue to be low. The Peso will hover between 45 and 48 through the year. Our stock market will depend on the USA markets, which I feel is due for a correction, although the correction in Asia will not be as big. Overseas remittances will continue to grow and the Philippines will continue to benefit from the outsourcing being done in America and other countries. More and more people will consider starting their own negosyos, as we are receiving quite a number of inquiries. Investments will continue to come in and our tourism sector shall benefit from this.

We shall expect greater competition in all business categories, as many small and medium players will get to be empowered and as the market continues to be conducive, especially for new business models and innovative and better value-products and services. In the end, all of these will benefit the more demanding and discriminating consumers.

It will continue to be a challenge for us negosyantes, but it will depend on how good we are in spotting new market gaps and grabbing opportunities on how we can be more creative and innovate on our product offerings.

Yes 2010 will be an exciting year and a great year. It will depend on each one of us on how we make the most out of it.

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Let me share with you something from a proud daughter.

Hi Joey. My father (a miracle stroke survivor) enjoys reading your columns. He wanted me to share this passage with you. He wrote this after the onslaught of Ondoy. I believe it could serve as a simple yet profound inspiration to your readers. It is a great read for the coming New Year.

All the best,

Faye Fuentes Viray

I WOULD RATHER

by Ferdi Fuentes

Be the solution than the problem. Be an active player than a mere spectator. Be useful than useless. Be simple than complicated. Be a man of deeds than a man of empty words. Be busy than idle. Be a man of integrity than a man of dishonesty. Be a good citizen than an instant celebrity. Be a peacemaker than a troublemaker. Be a friend than an adversary. Be loving than uncaring. Be grateful than complain. Be a giver than a receiver. Be pro-life than anti-life. Be heroic than a coward. Be sincere than a hypocrite. Be authentic than untrue. Be better than good. Be a cooperator than a competitor. Be hopeful than hopeless. Be reading than gossiping.

Be right than wrong. Be competent than ineffective. Be a food producer than a consumer.

Be fair than greedy. Be early than late. Be better than good. Be early than late. Be clean than dirty. Be happy than sad. Inspire than discourage. Praise than criticize. Plant than cut trees. Reuse than abuse nature. Walk than ride. Smile than frown. Have less than more. Have a pure heart than material possessions. Serve than be served. Pray than waste time. Blaze a trail than stand still. BE A CHILD OF GOD.

Thank you Ferdi for supporting our column and for your great contribution. Happy New Year to you and to all Filipinos! May we all have one of the best years ever and continue to help those wanting to beat poverty. Thank you to my father, who celebrated his 78th birthday this Tuesday. Thank you for being an inspiration to all of us, your children. Maraming salamat. Manigong Bagong Taon.

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Blind men’s vision

Monday, December 28th, 2009

If you are blessed to see, walk, hear and talk, think about how your life would be if you lose one of these abilities. Most people who are even perfectly healthy with complete senses and abilities have so much fear and pessimism. Over the years, Go Negosyo has come across many people who have been a source of inspiration. And, we have come across the stories of two gentlemen who have lost the ability of sight. They are truly an inspiration to me and many other people.

Despite not being able to see, they did not succumb to depression and pity for themselves. They wanted to prove to society that they are worth what God has created them to be. Despite the odds, they worked at doing the best with their skill and succeeded.

The story of Tony and Marx – two blind men who fought poverty and continued to be a source of inspiration to many others…

Antonio “Tony” Llanes Jr. was born partially blind. When he reached the age of 28, he completely lost his eyesight.

Tony Llanes

Tony is one of the well-respected founders of ATRIEV, a computer school for the blind. After previously serving as president of the school, he now focuses on being a mentor and enabler to his students.

Growing up, Tony identified himself as an “ugly duckling” brought up in a hostile environment. He remembered people wanting to help but didn’t know how. Back in high school and college, he also rallied in the streets against imperialism, capitalism and other sociopolitical issues. When he was 18, he also spent his time as a Sunday School teacher, sharing his passion for community work.

For a lot of people out there, they would consider blindness, among many other reasons, as a concrete wall keeping them from success. For Tony, he never regarded his circumstance as a disadvantage in life.

After college, as he slowly moved on from his activist days, Tony started a small business providing computer delivery and maintenance services. He recalls when he used to literally burn his eyebrows in repairing computer parts when he was still partially blind because he needed to be close enough to see what he was fixing.

When Tony completely lost his eyesight, he started hating the world. But, because of the help of family, friends and organizations such as Resources for the Blind, he knew that he could not just simply give up. He discovered his niche in talking and in presenting his Powerpoint slides. This was the beginning of a new page in his life.

With the help of his friends and family, Tony started a computer learning center in his very backyard. They all bought computers, and with the help of a portable hardware that converts computer operations to audio output, they started teaching the blind about computers.

Aside from his teaching in ATRIEV, Tony is also an ordained Reverend of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. He is very active in also serving as a mentor and enabler in his Church.

The story of 29-year old Marx Melencio also never fails to amaze and inspire people in our Go Negosyo events.

Marx Melencio

Marx lost his eyesight in 2003, when a drunken man shot him point blank – twice. The second shot cost Marx his eyesight, as his shooter stuck the gun right at the back of his head. It caused permanent damage to his optic nerve resulting to his total blindness. He spent two months drowning himself of self-pity and depression as the doctors told him that his condition is irreversible and cannot be cured. Marx tried to figure out reasons for what happened to him. He gave himself the space and the time to feel down and depressed.

Inspired and supported by family and friends, he finished his college degree as the first graduate of UP Open University who is totally blind. After finishing an employment training program at the Resources for the Blind, Marx was employed in a writing company. From there, he put together his self-learned computer skills and his technical writing skills. For a few months, he studied productions systems and observed marketing strategies. He realized that he can start small with his knowledge with computers fused with his writing skills.

With a wife and a five-year old daughter and with a disability that most would consider as a hindrance; Marx manages his very own Grayscale Business Consultancy and Management Services which provides research services to offshore software companies, incorporating technical research writing with information technology. He employs almost a hundred skilled workers, with some who are also blind, wheelchair-bound and with other disabilities. From his company’s foundation, Marx expanded their services into web programming, phone and email support, telemarketing, customer support, among many others.

Marx was a former student in ATRIEV under their medical transcription course. Although he did not finish the course because he realized that it was not his line, he felt that ATRIEV helped him to deal with his situation. It was in that school where he was exposed to the blind community. He learned the importance and advantage of using a walking stick and shades, especially in keeping them safe. Marx will also definitely keep in mind all the friends and mentors from his former school.

Aside from ATRIEV, Marx had inspirations and mentors that enabled him to achieve his present tagumpay, such as Stephen Hawking, Resources for the Blind and Intelligraph – his former employer. Presently, Marx also serves as a mentor to others through his own business. He implements employment programs for persons with disabilities that provide them with employment and training at the same time.

Remember, God blesses those who work hard to attain success. While prayer is important, especially when we face great odds and challenges in life, prayer will not be the only thing that will get us through life. We need to be determined and have the right attitude.

To those who would like to help Tony and Marx fulfill their dream to help others in their community, we would gladly refer you to their organization. You may also contact ATRIEV through (02) 725.4191, atriev.inc@gmail.com or through their website www.atriev.org.ph; and GRAYSCALE through (02) 9120909 or through their website www.grayscaleservices.com.

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My Christmas wish

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Tonight the traditional Noche Buena is served, as Filipinos also celebrate the tradition of going to midnight masses and having the family come over to spend the first hour of Christmas together. Some would open their gifts and others would wait until the next day. For our family, we wait until the early morning to open gifts, especially the ones from Santa Claus. Yes, my kids still believe in Santa Claus (or they claim to believe so they would receive more gifts).

There are also incomplete families this Holiday Season, as many OFWs work abroad to seek a better future for their families. They surely miss their families back home. I know that this is not the best situation, but sometimes, sacrifices are needed to ensure a better future for the family. It is good that cell phone rates and broadband rates have gone down, so families can bond with each other through the internet via voice and video thru Skype. But still, nothing can replace being together with your love ones.

One of my wishes last year was for my wife to be able get through the pain of seeing her father battle cancer. He passed away January this year. A Christmas without parents is quite different. To those who still have both parents alive, you should cherish every moment of it.

I also lost two friends this year, Cris Lim and Franco Delgado. Both were only in their 50s and they never expected to go this soon. Their laughter will surely be missed by many.

Christmas brings about a time for us to reflect on the past year. Most entrepreneurs, who get so busy or try to be very busy, do not get to see the trees anymore. Before we know it, life has just passed us by so quickly. Then, we regret not spending enough time with loved ones, our parents, children and spouses. (Blame it on our super-connectivity phones like Nokia Instant Messaging.)

Let me share with you my Christmas wish list.

First, I would like to thank God for blessing me with a great family, loving children and wife, and a two year old who has been totally spoiled by her siblings. I wish that He continuous to bless us with good health.

My second wish is for my wife’s aunt. She was recently here for the Assumption Velada and stayed with us for three weeks. Upon going back to London, she was diagnosed with the big C and given months to live. I wish that she be given the grace and courage to go through this challenging time with acceptance and peace.

My third wish is for my parents to be continuously blessed with good health, as my father reaches the age of 78 on Dec. 29. I hope that he continues to find purpose in life and learn to relax.

My fourth wish is for the many micro and small entrepreneurs to have the courage, hope and passion to pursue their dreams, to beat poverty, and to overcome any difficult situation that come their way.

My fifth wish is for PGMA. Despite her poor popularity ratings in the survey, I wish that she continues to do what is best for our country in the remaining months of her term, to ensure a clean and honest election and to continue to lay the foundation for a strong Philippine economy.

My sixth wish is for our country, the Philippines. I wish that we will no longer be the poor man of Asia; that people all over the world will look at us with respect as one with the best economic turnaround stories, with inspiring Filipinos excelling in many fields, known for being loving and caring global citizens; that we continue to have more modern day heroes who will lift the Filipino pride and sense of nationalism; and that we deserve a future president who will continue to be pro-economy.

My last wish is for us Filipinos: that we continue to love our country and as we do so, we continue to encourage people that we do have a great country; that we encourage optimism rather than pessimism; that we continue to inspire rather than discourage; that we continue to be happy for those who are able to do better and finally get rid of the crab mentality; that we continue to help empower especially the marginalized Filipinos, and that, as a predominantly catholic country, we realize that the importance of prayer and spirituality is not just about going to church but living it.

In America, it may not be common to say “Merry Christmas”. Rather, they use “Happy Holidays”. We should never allow this to happen in our country. The reason for this celebration is the birth of our savior Jesus Christ, and so we internalize and commemorate the essence His coming. So, Merry Christmas to everyone!

In whatever way we celebrate our Christmas tonight, may we enjoy the blessings from God with our family, friends and the business we run or the company we work for. To the OFWs out there who are not able to come home to spend Christmas with their families, I do hope that you not only be blessed with a happy Christmas season, but with a brighter future for your family.

Thank you to those who have been following this column for over three years now. If I do sound too optimistic sometimes or even pro-PGMA, I am just trying to balance all the pessimism and the anti-PGMA feeling out there. Maraming salamat.

I would also like to share my column in the Business Lifestyle Section entitled Tagumpay, which features very inspiring micro entrepreneurs who went through the most difficult situations in their lives and yet have managed to achieve their “Tagumpay mula sa Kahirapan”. This column comes out Monday semimonthly.

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Be an angel this Christmas

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

ASK GO NEGOSYO
Thursday, The Philippine Star (Business Section)

by Joey Concepcion

Time seems to be moving so fast. Christmas is here again, with the usual traffic. This is a good sign for us in the food and beverage business as people are going out to shop. The increased consumer spending benefits many entrepreneurs. Profit is really made towards the last quarter of the year.

Last Tuesday, I received recognition from the Bulong-Pulungan. This media forum has been in existence since 1986. I was cited together with other Exemplar Awardees, such as Sec. Jesli Lapus, Sec. Arthur Yap, Sec. Cerge Remonde, Sec. Ace Durano, Efren Peñaflorida, Rep. Cynthia Villar, Ricky Reyes, NAIA General Manager Al Cusi, Immigration Commissioner Nonoy Libanan, Edu Manzano, Lilia de Lima, Mayor Fred Lim, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, Metrobank Foundation, and PGMA. I was cited for our “entrepreneurship advocacy for everyone”. Yes, this is the objective of our advocacy. But, Go Negosyo would not be where we are today if not for the more than 500 entrepreneurs who have joined this cause to become ‘angels’ to others.

Once upon a time, when we were just starting entreps, we were nobody. We all experienced this struggle to reach a certain level of success. I still remember my early years. I love going to the beach, but at that time, I could not afford to own a house. So, we would either stay in a cheap hotel or camp out in the beach. I also started with a small rubber boat. Today, with God’s blessing, we now have a home in the beach and I am set to finish our luxury dive boat, which we will charter out. Through those times, many people helped me – friends and family.

When someone reaches a certain level of success, it’s time to serve and be angels to others and help them fly. I am just one of the angels who founded Go Negosyo. But, we owe our success to the growing Go Negosyo community of entrepreneurs, who have realized that they also want to be angels to others.

Let me introduce some of the angels who have joined the advocacy. They are entrepreneur-educators who are out there teaching and inspiring MSMEs and young entreps.

Francis Kong is a bestselling author and a top motivational speaker. He became an Angelpreneur because he honestly feels “that now is the time for people who are blessed to bless others and people who have received much to give much.” When asked why he joined the Go Negosyo advocacy, he replied “I see the great opportunity to mold the values and shape the character of the young people in this country. I have had young people come to me and tell me that the talks they heard have changed their lives – for the better!” He was also blessed with mentors who taught him the ropes. Now, he feels that his gift from God is something to share to others.

Another Angelpreneur is none other than Johnlu Koa, the President and CEO of French Baker. With his level of success, he shares his time and genuine concern to the many Filipino entrepreneurs out there. “I feel privileged to be an Angelpreneur because it gives me great satisfaction to be able to help fellow entreps solve their business-related problems. This is also an opportune way to gain vicarious experiences and draw personal insights from the businesses of those that I have helped.” Johnlu is also a well-regarded speaker and educator in the topics of mindset and marketing.

Francisco “Pax” Lapid, the Dean of the Entrepreneurs School of Asia and an entrepreneur with a lot of business ventures, has his signature acronyms to express his thoughts and teachings:

Advocacy to prosper the enterprising spirit amongst the marginalized;

Negosyo as a form of pandagdag or pang-ipon for many Filipinos, especially for the youth

God’s blessing – my time and talent that I can share freely

Encouragement to all; that the Philippines is still a land of opportunity

Legacy; that I can leave to my family; that I have been a part of a change for a better and prosperous Philippines

Dean Pax’s partner, Ping Sotto, is a self-help guru who believes in the objectives of Go Negosyo. When we asked him about his passion to teach and mentor others: “I guess this is one of the ways I can ‘pay it forward’… I believe that service is the “rent” I pay for living in this planet. The road to success is not an easy path. But, there are tried and tested ways to get there. What we need is a change in mindset… first to focus on what we want to achieve, then believe that it can be done and continue to push.”

“I see and believe in the vision and mission of GO NEGOSYO. The advocacy creates a social consciousness in creating and inspiring people to think of realizing the dream of having a business,” says Butz Bartolome – a Franchise Guru and an AFFI Director. “Seeing people hungry to learn the ropes in getting into business and the ability to share without thinking of my vested interests propels me to continuously heighten my passion to mentor.”

Luis Cruz has been an Entrepreneurship professor for almost 10 years. He sees that being an Angelpreneur is an excellent opportunity to further contribute to the development of SMEs around the country. “I sincerely believe that the development of an army of SMEs is the only way to move this country forward and I intend to help in this in whatever way I can. Teaching is definitely in my blood and this alone drives me to provide as much assistance as I can to those who are in need of it,” Luis added.

“It basically stems from my ‘pay-it-forward’ philosophy,” shares Jorge Wieneke. “I just want my life story to be an inspiration to my fellow entrepreneurs, na kaya pala ng isang ordinaryong taong magnegosyo.” Jorge is a speaker in the topics of marketing and product innovation. The success of other people is what fuels him to continue teaching and mentoring those in need.

Randell Tiongson, a Personal Financial Management Expert, joined Go Negosyo with the dedication to bring our entrepreneurship advocacy to the whole country. “The Philippines’ biggest problem is poverty. Financial literacy and proper money management, coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset, is the key to a lasting solution to the country’s problem,” he shares.

If you feel the calling to help those who need mentorship, become an angel to others. Remember the angels who held our hand as we reached for our level of success today.

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For feedback, email me at gonegosyo@yahoo.com, or thru my Joey Concepcion Facebook account. Watch the GO NEGOSYO: Kaya Mo! Show in QTV, every Saturday and Sunday 8-8:30 am, with replays in NBN every Sunday 9:15-10:00pm

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The OFWs’ triumph over poverty

Monday, December 14th, 2009

TAGUMPAY

Thursday, The Philippine Star (Business Lifestyle Section)

I have been writing for the Philippine Star Business Section for more than three years now, with my column entitled Ask Go Negosyo that comes out every Thursday. For someone like me who was just an average student in English subjects back in La Salle and who have never been fond of writing essays, I would say that it is a feat to accomplish more than 150 columns.

Sometimes, I would wonder what would be my next story for the week. But, ever since I started the Go Negosyo advocacy, I get inspiration from the many entrepreneurs who have succeeded and the Filipino cynicism that prevails in our society motivates me. The Doubting Thomases out there who feel that we are the basket case of Asia drives me to write positive news about our country and our economy.

A lot of people might agree that it is bad news that really sells. I guess this is another reason why I continue to write. Tagumpay will not replace my Business Column. We will write more about positive things; about people who have triumphed over poverty, sharing why and how they did it; and about people who have encountered so much obstacles in their life and still continue to stand and remain optimistic about their future. We hope that Tagumpay will inspire more people to see the light and to realize that nothing is gained by cursing the government and complaining. Nothing will happen if people will just wait for government to improve. Hopefully, this column will make more people take control of their own destiny and do something about their life.

I would like to share real stories of ordinary people, who strive for a better life for themselves and their family. Regarded as our modern heroes, OFWs sacrifice their time for family in order to work abroad. Let me share with you the story of two remarkable OFW entrepreneurs and I hope that those who are about to give up would continue to try and try again.

Go Negosyo has encountered an inspiring tagumpay story of a former OFW who we recently awarded in Davao. Her name is Myrna Padilla. She is the Founder and President of Mynd Consulting and Management Services – a major player in the BPO industry in Davao.

Eldest among six children, Myrna was born to a fisherman and a housewife. They struggled to raise a family of eight in a small fishing village. At the age of eight, Myrna would dive 10 to 15 feet to gather wild seaweed and shellfish under corals. She would sell them in the market and would give half of her profit to her mother. The other half, she would spend to buy pen and paper for school. Myrna also recalls the many nights that her family would sleep on empty stomachs.

Myrna worked her way through high school. After graduation, she tried her luck in Manila with the intention of working abroad. After doing odd jobs in the Philippines, Myrna also endured 15 years of working as an OFW in three different countries. She was also able to take short technical courses in basic IT and computer secretariat during her days off.

In 2006, she had to undergo a throat and thyroid surgery. Myrna decided to go back home to the Philippines for the surgery and stay for good. Back home, she started her own IT-related business with her life savings. Three years later, she has come a long way from her diving days. Myrna is a true model for OFWs all over the world.

I encountered another inspiring OFW tagumpay story from last year’s Citi Microentrepreneur of the Year Award. I was one of the judges. During the deliberation, I came to know about the entrepreneurial journey of Mang Lino.

Elino Andres, fondly known as Mang Lino, used to work as an overseas Filipino worker in the Middle East with his wife. In 2001, he was diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of blood cancer that deteriorates and weakens the body. This was when they returned to their home in Batangas.

With his sickness, he commuted back and forth from Nasugbu to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. The expenses for the travel already became a burden to Mang Lino’s family. For months, he endured the continuous tests and treatments. As the medical expenses were hurting him as much as his disease, Mang Lino then qualified for a foreign foundation grant that funded his medication requirements.

For his wife and son, despite of his condition, Mang Lino tried selling fish at the local market or working as a jeepney driver for income. He was able to observe as his innate ability to listen to his customers surfaced. He also ventured into selling eggs and participated in a promotion campaign by a major food and beverage company. Mang Lino was then loaned with a motorcycle with a sidecar. Since he was restricted to only sell the company’s products, he returned the sidecar and customized his own. With more grocery items and his egg supply, Mang Lino was able to set-up his own rolling store, which generated more sales.

Mang Lino’s next move was his “Text Mo, Deliver Ko” service. His regular customers would text him their specific orders from the public market and grocery, and he would then deliver them along with his eggs and other regular grocery items. Mang Lino’s system allows him to minimize his working capital and the need to further increase his inventory. This business enabled him to qualify for a loan from a rural bank. He used the loan to set up a small convenience store to complement his rolling store. As his business progressed, he later on ventured into artificial insemination of pigs.

At 62 years old, he takes pride in one of his greatest achievements – education for his son who finished Nursing. He feels blessed with the continuous medical support from the foreign foundation, the financial support from the rural bank, and the emotional support he receives from his family, friends, community and customers. He takes pride in overcoming his challenges, providing education for his son, and in raising a firm family.

Myrna and Mang Lino are indeed modern heroes. Their journeys are proof that nothing is impossible with the strong determination to succeed against poverty. They are only two of the countless OFWs all over the world who are struggling to provide a better future for their family. Myrna and Mang Lino are not ashamed of what they had to go through in order to survive. They are proud of both their accomplishments and struggles in life, which lead them to reach for tagumpay mula sa kahirapan.

To the OFWs out there and to those returning home to be with their families this Christmas, I do hope that this story would inspire you to plan for your future. One day, at the right time, you too can start your own negosyo and prove that the Filipinos are not destined to be poor.

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For feedback, email me at tagumpay@gonegosyo.net, or thru my Joey Concepcion Facebook account. For free business advice, visit www.gonegosyo.net. Watch the GO NEGOSYO: Kaya Mo! Show in QTV, every Saturday and Sunday 8-8:30 am, with replays in NBN every Sunday 9:15-10:00pm

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The bold step of PGMA

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

ASK GO NEGOSYO
Thursday, The Philippine Star (Business Section)

by Joey Concepcion

Months ago, rumors were going around about PGMA running for congress. When I heard about it, I mentioned to her closest advisers that it’s not a good idea. People will find it unbecoming of a president to seek a lower post, especially after serving the highest position in the country for nine years.

Looking back at PGMA’s career, she began as a teacher at Assumption College, an Assistant Professor at Ateneo de Manila University and as Senior Lecturer at the UP School of Economics. She entered the government in 1987, serving as Assistant Secretary and Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). PGMA then ran for senator, earning a three-year term during the general election. She was re-elected in 1995, topping the senatorial elections with nearly 16 million votes. PGMA also began her term as Vice President in 1998, being the first female Vice President of the Philippines. We all remember when she assumed presidency after People Power Two. She then won against Fernando Poe Jr. in 2004, by a margin of over a million votes.

PGMA has come a long way from being a teacher to being the longest serving president next to Marcos. She has done well in steering our economy towards progress. Even those who criticize her would agree. Having a low popularity, I guess, is one of the hazards in staying in the position for years. We always see this happening to anyone in power as there will always be criticisms and oppositions. But clearly, when she turns over the key to the next president, the car will be running quite well.

Despite the budget deficits, massive reconstruction efforts and capital expenditure for roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructures destroyed by recent typhoons, will be similar to the Americans’ stimulus package that will help create more jobs, and a more conducive climate for negosyo opportunities. Without a doubt, 2010 will be a banner year for the Philippines. We may see our Peso hit an all time low of P43/dollar, with the euphoria of a new president.

PGMA, if she wins, will be back as congresswoman. It is a bit unusual. But, let’s not underestimate what she can contribute again as a lawmaker. With all her experience and competence, she can do a lot for Congress and her district. PGMA will still be young and energetic as she is today. Keeping up with a very tight schedule and being prompt in all meetings and engagements are great qualities.

She is definitely taking a bold step – something that many people will not do. It is something that none of the past Presidents during our lifetime have done. But then again, we don’t know what PGMA’s destiny is. For her to muster enough votes to be speaker, she must have the majority of congress backing her up. That would be difficult if the opposition wins. As we know, the party of the incumbent President normally dominates the congress. So even if she does want to move towards a parliamentary form of government, it would not be her call by that time in Congress. She will even have to get the support of the Senate, which is even a bigger challenge.

In the end, let destiny be the judge.

* * * * * * *

While working with various government agencies during the last four years in developing a template for entrepreneurship in the Philippines, I have come to see that there are many in the government who are very competent, hardworking and dedicated.

Go Negosyo has been working closely with DTI led by Secretary Peter Favila. He also Chairs the Micro SME Development Council. His Undersecretary, Merle Cruz, has been a strong supporter of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). They understand the needs of the MSMEs and see the value of a strong partnership with a group like Go Negosyo to provide the needed mindset change, entrep education and mentorship and complement their various programs.

We have also already launched, together with DTI, National Livelihood and Development Corp., Landbank and President’s Social Fund, the “Tagumpay Mula Sa Kahirapan” campaign. It will showcase many micro entreps who have beaten poverty through negosyo. To support that campaign with capacity building, we have also started in Davao the series of Negosyo Seminar (Negosem), which trained 800 entrepreneurs last Saturday. Our Go Negosyo Angelpreneurs like Ping Sotto, Pax Lapid, Nonoy Espeleta, Jorge Soriano, Tess Dimaculangan and Mon Lopez were there to teach and inspire all these entreps. The goal is to train 10,000 microentreps in 20 Negosems in all parts of the country in the next six months.

Another hardworking lady is Lina Amata, the President of NLDC. Lina works with microfinance units, making sure that they get the necessary support in funding, as these micro-finance institutions are important in directly helping microentreps. The partnership with Go Negosyo also helps complement their financing programs with the important Negosyo concepts and tools to strengthen the micro and small entreps’ knowhow, when they borrow from MFIs and to help train the loan agents as well.

Gilda Pico, President and CEO of Landbank, also has a special concern for micro and small entreps as they continuously provide financing to the micro and small entreps. She attends every awarding ceremony of the SIKAP Awards and sees to it that Landbank remains supportive towards the development of MSMEs.

We also have Patricia Sto. Tomas, Chairman of the Board of the Development Bank of the Philippines. Having been a former Secretary of Labor, she knows that the formula to beating poverty is having the right positive enterprising attitude, no matter what our role is in society.

These four women have the strong passion to help Filipinos fight poverty. They realize that the solution to poverty is through a negosyo mindset and knowhow. There are a lot of MSMEs, as we speak, who are beating poverty by putting up a successful negosyo. Yes, they struggle and many fail, but with the help of these women, the right character, the right entrep knowledge, Filipinos and entreps have hope.

Go Negosyo can only do so much. It is the men and women in government today that can make a big difference. Through partnerships, this can be explosive.

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We would also like to congratulate Mary Joy Abaquin for being recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines. Joy, who is the Directress of the Multiple Intelligence International School and one of the Go Negosyo Angelpreneurs, was recognized for pioneering her school that serves students who have specific thrusts for leadership and entrepreneurship. Congratulations from Go Negosyo!

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Promise

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

ASK GO NEGOSYO
Thursday, The Philippine Star (Business Section)

by Joey Concepcion

About a week ago, my uncle Raul Concepcion and his wife Menchu celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary together with friends and family in their place in Antipolo. I remember that my parents also celebrated their 50th last June 15, 2007.

My father, Joecon, and Uncle Raul are twins, with basically the same good and bad habits. Both are workaholics. Both are very involved in socio-civic work through their advocacies: Raul for consumer price watch; and my father, who is the founder of NAMFREL, serves as a barangay captain. Both turn 78 on Dec. 29. Being twins, both also have the same mannerisms. They also have frequent quarrels with their respective wives. They love to collect documents and papers, and do an inventory of almost everything. Their funniest similarity is that they sometimes walk around at home in their underwear. Thank God I didn’t inherit that.

My dad and uncle also have very patient wives who bear with the argumentative Concepcion trait. With all their similarities, the most important thing is that both keep to the promise they made during marriage – to have one wife and to keep fidelity sacred.

With the temptation that comes with power and wealth, it is remarkable how my uncle and father have kept their marriage vows intact. Of course, their wives are largely to be credited, being spiritual and family oriented. With the times today, so many marriages break up due to temptation. Most OFWs also experience problems in their marriage and family because of the distance. Keeping a promise is now harder these days.

Even for us negosyantes, success is not measured only by material gains. Success should include a balanced approach. A successful marriage brings about a better family and strengthens the spiritual relationship of all. You can own every business out there, but at the expense of your marriage, family, spirituality and even your health. In the end, you leave all these material things behind when you move on to the next life.

During the night of my uncle’s anniversary celebration, I would say that many of his friends who were there share the same belief on the importance of a promise. His friends were couples like Joey and Vicky Cuisia, Jesus and Marge Tambunting, Lani and Conchitina Bernardo, Oscar and Connie Lopez, Guilly and Maria Lourdes Luchangco, Christian and Winnie Monsod, Titoy and Marilyn Pardo, Pancho and Sally Villaraza, Alex and Marixi Prieto, just to name a few. Even Johnny Litton, who loves to play the image of being single, has remained faithful to his wife Teresita Rufino for 53 years. That night, my uncle was surrounded with friends who all live up to their promise.

As we select our future leaders, we should look at those who have kept their promises sacred. How can they promise a better future for us Filipinos, if the promise made during marriage vows is broken? Congratulations to Raul and Menchu Concepcion and to the many others out there who have also kept their promise.

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We are off tomorrow to Davao to hold the last Go Negosyo Caravan for the year. The new thing in Davao is that we will be launching our NEGOSEM (Negosyo Seminar) Campaign, supported by our Angelpreneurs. We have had tremendous response coming from our Angelpreneur ad, which people found interesting. Yes, those Angelpreneurs are here to help, especially the micro and small entrepreneurs. We also received messages from a lot of people who also want to be Angelpreneurs. If qualified, we will definitely accept their support. There are just so many micro and small entreps out there who need mentoring.

In Davao, we will also be recognizing the “Most Inspiring Davaoeño Entrepreneurs”. These are the entrepreneurs of Davao who have not only excelled in business, but are good role models as well.

Eng. Remegio Salanatin’s father worked as a panday, with 10 children. He worked his way until he finished his degree in engineering. A year after graduation, he started R.G. Salanatin Construction, which is now on top of numerous projects covering commercial and industrial buildings and infrastructure.

At the age of eight, Myrna Padilla would dive for a minute or two at 10 to 15 feet, gathering shellfish and seaweed. She also worked as a domestic helper overseas for 15 years, until she had to undergo a throat and thyroid surgery in the Philippines. Myrna decided to stay home for good and she started Mynd Consulting and Management Services, which is now a major BPO company in Mindanao.

Jonathan Suy also has a story to tell. ABFI Incorporated used to be a contract breeder and hatchery, but when Jonathan realized that the partnership was not profitable anymore, he decided to run their own game. Now, their poultry business supplies chicken in all major supermarkets all over Mindanao. Aside from his poultry business, Jonathan is also engaged in a paper recycling business called Jomaray Pulp Packing Industries.

The next inspiring entrepreneur is Loreta Baroro, General Manager of the Philippine Diesel Calibration Cooperative. It started with 16 members. As the group retired from their work, they decided to start the cooperative, enduring their first six months of operation with no steady salary. After five years from its foundation, their assets reached seven million pesos as of last year.

Next is Katakus Foundation’s Executive Director, Betty More. The foundation started as a women development institute for unemployed women in the farms and households. With a financial assistance of Php 5,000 and mentorship from DEVLINK, a non-government organization producing handmade paper, the foundation focused on quality handmade paper and paper crafts.

Manuel Paul Villanueva was in college preparing to be a doctor, when he discovered his passion for business and in earning money. Manuel started putting up food businesses back in college. He enjoyed marketing, waking up early, preparing materials and goods for delivery, and in collecting profit. Today, the business he started back in college is now a reputable home-grown restaurant. Banoks (short for “barbequeng manok”) is popular for superbly marinated chicken barbeque.

A well-known Davaoeño entrepreneur, Ferdinand Marañon loves to travel, to innovate and to think. Being the President and CEO of his very own company, Ferdinand easily gets bored, especially when he’s not doing anything. Born to a family of sugar farmers, he retired from his work as a marketing manager and went into sugar farming. When a friend offered a plan to set up a trading company, he accepted it and one business led to the next. Presently, Sagrex Foods Inc. processes and exports high quality food products made from fresh Philippine native bananas.

Another inspiring entrep, Ricardo Talaboc, did not give up when the carpentry and wood shop he established was engulfed by fire. Instead of just closing, he gathered what was left from the fire and restarted his venture. Today, Ricardo’s Woodworks Kiln-Dried Products not only brings him increased profit, but also contributes to employment generation in their locality.

Last but not the least is multi-awarded orchid grower Salvacion Leuenberger. Her business is known in the whole of Davao as a business that is born out of passion and love. Before she found her true calling in growing orchids, Salvacion worked as a practicing accountant. Today, her SUL Orchid farm in Tugbok is a 12-hectare property with a whole stretch of Orchid varieties.

Congratulations to the Most Inspiring Davaoeño Entrepreneurs!

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For entrep mentors who would like to join Go Negosyo, please email us your story and your entrepreneurial journey.

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