Pinoy Potter's Chronicles

A good friend is really rare nowadays, but what are the odds for one to be able to find a friend who is almost identical with your personality (even a few mannerisms and preferred animes) and goals (literally)?

Like I mentioned in my previous blog entries, this year marks the unfolding of a new chapter in my life. Part of that transition is meeting a whole new cast of characters. However, only a few made an effort to make me part of their lives and showed interest in becoming part of mine, and that becomes more evident when the person goes “an extra mile”. One of them came along on a peculiarly good time, and that gratefulness of mine for that person was reinforced with the fact that we have a lot of things in common (in fact, quite identical), and it all started with my job search and “bulalakaw” story.

My struggles seem to continue piling up, mostly goals-related, and a few other personal concerns. Just a while ago, I was able to emit a lot of problems. Had it been another person, he or she would have stopped finding time listening and giving advice to my recurring and growing frustrations. Thanks to this good friend and companion of mine, not only did I have a positive perspective of things that give me pressure, I also met someone who is hopefully willing to be a sounding board during tough times especially in the absence of my family, even if I'm stupid in nature. Haha.

I met a handful of new people from different walks of life this year. Among those people, a few made a difference and made a mark in my life. It happened that today is the birthday of one person that made a mark by inspiring me to pursue a very challenging career in the field of finance. I really value his trust and friendship because he is the very first person that believed in me even if I keep on feeling frustrated because of the challenges that I'm currently experiencing (heck, I even felt and is somehow still feeling that I won't last in this field). He is even more patient than me. Art, as I fondly called him, is really such a noble and helpful friend, even if I've caused him several inconveniences (I've practically lost count). I will always be grateful to him for being there not only as a friend, but as a father figure to me.

On his birthday, I wish him nothing but more intangible blessings, especially those that really matter. I also wish him more health for him and his family, especially her daughter.

May the Lord continue to watch over my friends like Art.

I know some find it overrated when people crave for the new Christmas season drinks of Starbucks Coffee because of stamps in exchange for a daily planner. Yup, it's stamp collecting season once again. For someone who is a frequent customer of Starbucks, this is something that is already a routine. Well, I did look forward to this.

For the record, I think that the previous editions of the planner are better. The 2008 planner is nice, except that it doesn't look formal and is not really something useful for someone who works in a corporate setting. Also, it is actually crazy to spend roughly Php3,000 just for a planner.

However, I know I will not be alone in collecting my stamps. Haha. As of this writing, I only have five stamps, but four of them actually came from my colleagues from the office (thanks to our intern and my principal for being so generous to me). Just a few hours ago, I was actually at Starbucks with my colleagues.


I will not force myself in completing the stamps especially if I will have to rely on my own initiative (and pocket). It's not practical, but with the help of nice friends, I might just be able to get my 2008 planner. I don't mind if I will be able to complete it until January of next year.

Besides, I know a lot more people who are really so darn crazy in completing their stamps soon.

Last Monday, me and my colleagues Kacel and Miss Kathy decided to play badminton for the next day. Keena ,not wanting to miss the fun, decided to join us. We were so excited to the point that I had to rush at Rockwell Powerplant Mall the same evening just to buy a badminton racket.
The next day, we left the office at exactly 6:00PM. Mind you, we had a lot of trouble going to Powersmash Badminton courts. We were standing at the side of Dela Rosa for an hour just to wait for a cab, and it was traffic, but all the troubles were nothing compared to the fun we had, even if we were amateurs in this sport.

We had so much fun. In fact, we decided to play badminton once again. We just had our second time this morning, together with another colleague Roschelle Lim. Well, when Roschelle joined, I realized how amateur I am in this sport. Too bad we didn't have a camera this time.

Badminton is one heck of a sport. At least I now have an alternative to bowling. I hope I'll get to play badminton with my other friends despite our busy schedules.

More photos of my first badminton experience at my Multiply and Flickr.

Intuition is "the immediate apprehension of an object by the mind without the intervention of any reasoning process" [Oxford English Dictionary].

Intuition is "1 : Immediate apprehension or cognition without reasoning or inferring 2 : knowledge or conviction gained by intuition 3 : The power or faculty of gaining direct knowledge or cognition without evident rational thought and inference." [Merriam-Webster]

This very same word is something that I badly need to work on and improve within me. Based on my self-initiated diagnosis and dosage of the reality check drug (which, by the way, turned out to be a bitter pill to swallow), my current sickness is weak intuition. It is the driver that contributes to my current struggle. Understanding the theories and rules in my chosen pursuit are hard enough, but it's a whole lot harder appreciating these in a more intuitive manner.

Unfortunately, the reality check drug can only help me notice or recognize the problem and not really to cure it (not even gradually). I still need to find the right vitamins or supplements in order to gain intermediate intuition or to exercise the intuitive side of my brain.

I'm supposed to be in the "work in process" stage. However, if I were to thoroughly assess myself, I can't say for sure if I'm already in that stage, or if I'm still the same raw material produced by my Alma Mater (note the emphasis on the word in bold). I'm not sure where the problem really lies. Is it because of the weak foundation I had from college? Is it my low capacity utilization? Is it my age? Is it my lack of discipline and complacency (an attitude that I imposed to myself since college)? Is it because of lack of time (the fact that there are only 24 hours a day)? Is it because of my excessive exposure to the internet and boob tube? Is it because I'm in the wrong place, or am I at the right track but doing things the wrong way? Is it because I'm really not smart enough? Or is it most if not all of the above + the possible factors not known to myself?

I dunno. I guess I'm just glad that I'm aware of what the problem really is. It is important for me to work on the problem because I've been wanting to do and pursue certain things successfully with certain people, for myself and people whose opinion and impression really count. After being able to fully recognize the problem, I thought I should do things slowly, but surely. I just hope that I am not and will not be too slow.

During one lunch break at the office, we (the new associates of our company) just found ourselves talking about TV shows that we used to faithfully watch when we were kids. To my surprise, we all had the same TV habits when we were younger. All of us were talking about Shaider and all the stuff identified with the defunct japanese action series. From the characters in the persona of Alexis and Annie, up to the unique weapon of Shaider such as the Babylos (whenever he enters the time-space warp) and Bluehawk. We even found ourselves laughing when we reminisced the "zhigi zhigi" theme. At the course of our discussion, I even felt disappointed that I failed to recall Shaider's weapons and dialogues.

Shaider was one heck of a classic. Those were the days when television can be considered as a really good friend. Alexis and Annie made me stay glued to my chair when I was a kid.

That's not all. During that particular lunch break, we just kept on discussing from one TV classic to another. We reminisced the Maskman and Bioman days, as well as the good old animes during our teenage years, including Samurai X.

As of this writing, I've downloaded the soundtrack of the aforementioned TV classics of my younger days. I surely miss the good old days: the days when I have lesser problems and the days when I could afford to be innocent and carefree. Well, it's not like I've managed to stay away from my "immature" side (as evidenced by my neverending fondness of animes such as Pokemon). I just couldn't help but recall the good old days.

How come that whatever is ideal does not conform with what is real? I have always wondered why these two do not get along, be it in reference to a person, thing, or event.

There are people whom you want to get to know and be associated with, but the moment they show their real self to you (which, by the way, is not always negative), somehow your pictured person starts to fade away. It's never a crime to be just the way you are, especially if your real self does not really bring harm to anybody. It's just that, sometimes the real image of the person does not get along with the real you. Weird, but it happens, even if it's not what I wanted. There are times that even if the person tests my patience, I try to accept the person.

I have been a victim of this myself. There are quite a handful of people with whom I managed to create initial rapport, but the rapport was temporary because of certain differences amongst ourselves. In the past, I remember trying to change a part of me to prevent the rapport from fading away, but it didn't work. Believe me, a lot of people parted ways or disconnected with me because the real me is not someone who is ideal to them.

Even in terms of tangible things and certain events in my life. Take for instance my career. I have always been idealistic about succeeding in the arena of finance. In fact, I want to become an investment banker, and who knows, maybe I can become a financial journalist. However, when I started to get a dosage of reality, I never thought that it is so darn difficult. No, I never thought that I will experience difficulties, something my that idealism failed to see.

Why does life have to be so complicated?

I'm just glad that there are a few people who sees me for what I am and accepts me just the same. My sincerest thanks to these people. I just hope that I'll never get tired of either making what is ideal compatible with what is real, or accepting and improving myself and certain circumstances or events in my life based on what is real.

This is probably one of the best recently forwarded emails in my inbox.

There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:


1. He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!
2. He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.
3. He still lives in the same small 3-bedroom house in mid-town Omaha , that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.
4. He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.
5. He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.
6. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis. He has given his CEO's only two rules.
Rule number 1: do not lose any of your share holder's money.
Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.
7. He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch Television.
8. Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.
9. Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

His advice to young people: "Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself and Remember:
A. Money doesn't create man; it is the man who created money.
B. Live your life as simple as you are.
C. Don't do what others say, just listen to them, but do what you feel good.
D. Don't go for brand name; just wear those things in which u feel comfortable.
E. Don't waste your money on unnecessary things; just spend on those who really are in need.
F. After all it's your life so why give chance to others to rule your life."

I did a little research on the veracity of the forwarded email. So far, everything seems to be for real. No wonder he is such a blessed man. More than his managerial and finance skills, I really wish that I can have the same discipline as him. Seems like there's another person included in my "Who I Want to Meet" list.

Previously, I mentioned about two experiences that humbled me. This time, this forwarded message about Warren Buffett served as another humbling reminder. It was kinda timely. This past few days, I have again been feeling insecure of certain people at my age whose learning curve seem to become steeper and steeper, and whose career phase seem to be at a quick pace. Knowing how far they have leaped in the road to success kept me bothered these past few days.

I thought that I was able to cure my insecurity, but to no avail. However, this forwarded email by my current boss seems to be a good partial cure. After reminding myself with a humbling stanza from Desiderata, the story of Warren Buffett seems to be a good vitamins for the soul.

My issue with my biggest competition remains, as I mentioned in my previous blog entry. I really hope that time will be able to minimize all of the insecurities I feel, the Warren Buffett way.

And for the record: I still have no internet access at home because my PC is screwed. However, I felt the need to drop by an internet cafe here at Ayala just to post this.

You might accuse me of redundancy. Why say "feat" if I am referring to the "champions"? Well, I guess that's just the way it is. The San Beda Red Lions are champions already, but apart from being champions, they really won, not only the most-coveted basketball trophy, but also the hearts of the Bedans all over the world. To be honest, I feel sorry for myself because I am preoccupied with my work. I had to miss the red-filled stadium and the indian yell. I had to miss being with my Bedan friends shouting out of joy. Lastly, I had to miss singing the Bedan Hymn. Geesh, I can't even record the news on primetime and late-night television about the championship because my computer crashed last night.

My sincerest congratulations to San Beda Red Lions for bagging the championship trophy in the 83rd season of NCAA.

I had to miss the games because I am still at the early stage of my own battle in life: the battle for a successful career.

Speaking of my own battle, when will I ever succeed in conquering the first stage of this prolonged battle? A lot of my friends now have made their major leap in moving on to the next stage of their respective battles, but I am still at the positioning point.

The following are my favorite lines and phrases from one of my most favorite poems ever, the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann's

...If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time...

However, even if I do my best to remind myself of this line, I can't help but feel insecure at times.

Want to know the real hard part of it? The biggest threat in succeeding to this chosen battle of mine is not others. Neither my friends that are making the leap, nor colleagues or people I know from the same industry succeeding in the finance and corporate ladder. The biggest threat is no one else but MYSELF. Specially, the threats within me are my insecurities, my changing moods, and my brain which seems to be running out of space to accommodate more knowledge.

When will I ever claim feat in my own battle?

If you think I had enough dosage of reality check at my current workplace, then you are so wrong.

Last Thursday, I was given an invitation by an investment banker who believes in my potential to attend the Manila Info Session of Columbia Business School at SGV, Ayala. It is one of the most formidable MBA schools in the United States of America. The likes of Washington Sycip, founder of Asian Institute of Management and SGV, and Arthur Ty, the man behind the leadership of Metrobank, were a few notable alumni of the said school. Of course, my investment banker friend also came from this school.

Excited and curious, I didn't hesitate to attend the scheduled info session. It was a really informative session. In fact, the Admissions Officer wasn't simply selling the school, but also the idea of preparing an aspirant to improve his chances and be ready for the life of Graduate School.

However, when the alumni were asked to share about their daily life at Columbia Business School, my "excessive" idealism was suddenly shut down by reality. Pursuing further studies in a competitive environment requires heavy ammunitions and major retooling. It's never enough to get a superior score in GMAT, have an outstanding professional recommendation, and to simply have the money to pay for the continuing education.

Suddenly, I admired law students who had to suffer sleepless nights just to pass their recitations. I suddenly admired journalists who had to cut on their hours of sleeps just to get a 3-minute story done (and probably contribute to the ratings). More importantly, I suddenly admired businessmen who never seem to run out of business and management issues. I suddenly had high regards to investment bankers who always go home late just to finish a company's public offering.

I have always been vocal about the flaws of my undergraduate degree (which is giving me a difficult time in keeping up to the competitive environment of my company), but thanks to the Columbia Business School Info Session, I realized that my current problems are just the beginning. There are definitely more to come, if I seriously want to have a successful career.

In addition, while I fancy completing the three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst exams, it's not a "must do" for me. However, I am more than sure that I will pursue an MBA education, regardless of the timing. It can be here in the Philippines, or abroad, hopefully at the United States. Too ideal, but there's nothing wrong in dreaming. Since I want to become an investment banker (and maybe consider becoming a financial journalist), I felt that it is really important for me to have an MBA degree from a very reputable school.

In this new and difficult chapter of my life, I already had two strikes of reality check. These recent events definitely humbled me. In fact, it looks like I can't go back to my old confident ways. San Beda was like just a small pond in this huge world, yet I used to think that I rule a kingdom.

Well, it pays to have at least someone who is already at the peak of success to believe in me. I owe that investment banker friend of mine a lot. I will probably not be humbled and I would have not seen the light if not for him. The funny thing is, he is encouraging me to get my career in shape so that I will have a fair chance in getting a slot at Wharton MBA Program of the University of Pennsylvania where the likes of Mar Roxas, Manny Pangilinan, and Lance Gokongwei. I was like, "Whoaah! Now that's being TOO AMBITIOUS!". I told him that there will only be 1% to 5% chances of me getting a chance there. He reacted, "at least it's not zero".

All I can say now is, I am really humbled by the recent turn of events and experiences I had since I graduated. I am not sure if these experiences will wake-up the sleeping serious side of me, but I hope it will. No more playing games and fooling around.

I just watched High School Musical 2. Taking out some of the exaggerated choreography, I was able to relate with the musical, that is why I was glued to my bed the whole time. I never really experienced that kind of summer, more so the kind of "teenagehood" that the cast had. However, I surely felt nostalgic and a bit envious. I suddenly wished that I can turn back time. A few years back, the only things that matter to me aside from doing good enough in school are to have fun and to make friends. When I was in high school, my day used to be complete after playing volleyball, hanging out in school to kill some time, or after beating my classmates to a Pokemon Battle through Nintendo Game Boy Color. I used to break my voice box shouting at the NCAA games. Shallow, but those already make my day. There was more pressure to deliver during College, but I felt that it wasn't really that difficult all in all. I had my failures and misfortunes in my tertiary years, but those are incomparable to the times that I was so lax.

But now, a lot of things have changed, and are continuously changing.

More Toil, Less Comfort
Suddenly, I found myself out of my comfort zones (and trying to find a new one). I used to take things lightly in school. Back then, be it a defense, exam or major quiz, I take things lightly because I used to have this mindset that I will pass and ace whatever is ahead of me (well, the school made things easy for me, but that's another story). Now, taking things lightly will be detrimental to my survival in this new chapter of my life. If I fail "this" one, I might have trouble getting the grips of my career. I might just not attain what I really want to become. In short, I can't mess up things. Also, someone out there is expecting me to do good. Someone believed in me for the first time, and I can't afford to fail for that someone. (Want to know who that someone is? Ask me via ym).

More Reality, Less Idealism
In relation to the previous paragraph, it is important to note that prior to my entry to the new chapter of my life, I've had a lot plans. I was so idealistic. However, when I had a peek of the real world of work and challenges, I had to change some aspects of my plans. I tried to stick to my goals, but I also became less idealistic in a sense that I had to dose my idealism with what reality showed me.

More Sacrifice, Less Spending
My Mom plans to have an early retirement. She intends to file her retirement letter before the year ends. Sadly, the company will likely not give my Mom anything. The other sad part is that my Mom failed to save a huge amount for retirement. That's why I may have to participate in paying for the family's expenditure. My lifestyle may have to change, gradually.

More Parting Ways, Less Time With Friends
Yup, more friends of mine are gradually becoming busier with their own lives. I have always been sad about this, and these friends are part of the comfort zones that I was referring to. This has consistently been part of my rants, but this time, those that are compelled to be distant and mind their own problems and preoccupations are increasing, literally. These days, I am already happy if someone remembers me, or asks for my thoughts. That is why whenever my friends need my presence, I try to make miracles so I won't miss the opportunity of being reunited with them. This is what really made me feel nostalgic after watching High School Musical 2.

The inevitability of change is usually hard to accept, especially if we are never prepared for it.

I became a certified Springfield passerby! I'm really not good-looking when animated. :D


Got this from Johann's blog, who found it through his friend. Join Springfield here.

Last Monday, the Philippines (well, at least for the case of Visayas and Mindanao) witnessed a lunar eclipse. I felt deprived because despite the fact that our office is located at the topmost floor of our building, I failed to see such a scientific phenomenon because it was too cloudy. I had to satisfy myself with the media coverage of the lunar eclipse at Cebu, Davao and Basilan.



It didn't stop there. Last Thursday, Joey De Leon naughtily reacted to Willie's shenanigans at his noontime show. He advised the latter to "explain before complain", and he teased the Senate to investigate on the "Hello Papi" first and not "Hello Garci". And you guessed it, the exchange of stupid words continued and will probably continue. Has the "real" issue been solved or put to rest? No. Did anyone win from this? No one. The biggest losers, in fact, are the network war fanatics and the masses who rely on variety shows to change their misfortunes.


Last Thursday. the government broke out the news that the Philippine economy grew by 7.5%. Just like what was expected, various economists and professionals from the financial community reacted differently. A number of them are surprised, even questioning the accuracy and integrity of the data, while others are optimistic. NEDA predicted that GDP will be anywhere between 6.1-6.7%, while polls conducted to various economists resulted a 6.3% prediction. I am not certain what really caused the huge jump in the capital formation component of the GDP, while government spending wasn't really that surprising since the country staged the Philippine midterm elections last March.

I am really overwhelmed with this. However, I don't know if the government can sustain it. The tax collecting agencies of the government are below their revenue targets, and they have been doing a lot of privatization to attain if not outperform their target budget deficit of Php63 billion.

Lastly, as Ricky Carandang puts it, has the economic growth been felt (or will it ever be felt) by the masses?


Our company sponsored a workshop on "Total Image Enhancement". The first part of the program was held two weeks ago, while the second part was conducted yesterday. It was spearheaded by Abigail Arenas-De Leon.

It was really an informative session. However, what really made me laugh is when she said that "even men have to cleanse, tone, moisturize, and protect". Some of the "rituals" of women should be done by men. I can't tell if I will be able to abide by this procedure in order to have what Abigal considers as a normal face for men.


After work. I met with my friend Joyce Cabalagan to catch up with each other. She was the first Bedan with whom I was able to bond after graduation. We shared countless stories to each other, that we ended up leaving Starbucks 6750 at 4:00 AM. We even went to a nearby 24-hour convenience store after staying at Starbucks. It was like we haven't seen each other for a year.

I guess it pays to miss the presence of some friends. Reuniting with them will be a whole lot more fun.

Yesterday, I watched Evan Almighty with my geeky friend Jerrold (and I'm guessing that he will be proud of that adjective :-p) at Robinson's Place. Prior to meeting Jerrold, I bumped with another friend (and college classmate of whom I hold very high regard) Benjie at the escalator. Since Jerrold decided not to show up immediately (even if he was at the mall on time), Benj and I had the chance to quickly talk about life at work. He seems to be happy at Landbank Head Office, while the rest of his gang are taking up Law at San Beda. Damn, I miss school and my classmates! I really hope I will be reunited with my Bedan friends (maybe at the NCAA Season 83 Finals).

As I was saying, I watched the second installment of Bruce Almighty. While I find the way they "animated" the flood as pathetic, and even if the humor is just average for my taste, I believe it was able to send the proper message to the moviegoers. Like I always say, I am a no good moviegoer because I can't give a good review of any film. As long as I like the moral of the plot, It's fine by me.

There's a particular piece by "God" in the film that really struck me. It was a part of his conversation with Evan's wife. It goes something like this:

"If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

I can't really say much about the veracity of that quoted line. It's just that, I somehow feel that God did give me the opportunity for my prayers to be realized, especially those that I've been praying for the longest time, and also, those that I prayed for during the Simbang Gabi last year. For instance, I did pray for my first job to be better than the typical first job that a fresh graduate would usually get for the simple reason that it will accelerate my career. Right now, I would say that the opportunity is at the palm of my hands. It's just that, I am currently overwhelmed with my current job, and surviving is sure to be difficult. It's probably not the same as the job of my colleagues, but it sure is giving me a nose bleed. I've been in the company for like six weeks, and the feeling is extremes. I feel pressured and overwhelmed, yet privileged and grateful at the same time. If not for my "batchmates" in the office, it would have been more difficult.

I also asked God to help me fix some of the bridges that I burned, and at the same time, give me a new chance to build new bridges. This particular prayer was like months (and even years) in the making, but God gave me not what I exactly asked from him, but the opportunities for the realization of my prayers. In fact, just this year, I've built several new bridges, and maintaining these is now up to me. Now, I appreciate prayers more. Hopefully, I can give more meaning to my daily prayers.

Another moral of the film is for us to do one small Act of Random Kindness (ARK) at the time. This is really difficult, but I'll try.

****

Congratulations to Ralph Michael B. Dator, a really good friend from High School, for passing the June 2007 Nursing Licensure Exams. Being one of Michael's first Bedan friends, I am really so proud of him. I pray for a successful career ahead of him, and may he be a blessing to those who will need him most in his chosen profession.

I would like to give my sincerest thanks to all those who remembered, especially to my family, relatives, former classmates, officemates, and friends. This day isn't really festive, but their greetings surely mean a lot. As my own little way of commencing my 22nd year of existence, I had a little treat to my closest officemates.

However, as I unfold my life into another year, it seems that a major challenge is coming my way. This time, I would say that this will be one of the most difficult if not the most difficult problem that I will have to courageously win. I know the Lord will not give us a predicament that we can never win, but I'll try to be strong and find the solution to this. I just hope that the Lord will not make things unimaginably difficult for me.

I humbly and sincerely thank the Lord for everything. It was really such a unique journey. It's been twenty-two years of laughter, pain, failures, achievements, despair, and love. Honestly, I can't imagine that I survived. I sincerely thank the Lord for the colorful twists and turns of my life. Even my 21st year was a blast, with the closing of a major chapter and opening a new one. I am most grateful to the Lord for blessing me with intangibles, like the gift of family and friends (especially new friends). As for my wish, it's nothing more except for me to get over this upcoming major challenge in my life.

The new chapter of my life is really on the rocks, though recent occurrences are somewhat becoming favorable. However, at the middle of the roller-coaster ride of this new chapter, I met a a lot of passionate people who are of my age. In fact, as early as my job hunting days, I've meet quite a handful of fresh graduates that are pretty much serious with their goal of getting a reputable job, the most admiring of which are those that applied for management training programs of certain companies. In addition, sometimes I can't help but wonder what happened to my batchmates in high school and college. I have lost track with them, especially my friends. Some people I know are now working, while some are pursuing further studies.

Together with me at work is an economics graduate from UP. Despite the intellectual and professional struggles that we are experiencing at the company, she manages to stay composed. In fact, she delivers at the most unimaginable situations. Right now, I can say that we are partners (even on crime, haha). Hands down to my new partner at work. For the last 5 days, we managed to put up a sound forecast of something assigned to us, thanks to our teamwork. Two other young people joined the company last Wednesday, but due to our preoccupation with work, I really can't give my fair assessment about them. Nonetheless, I know they are very hungry and willing to learn. Most of the company's frontroom and backroom people are also young people. Mind you, a couple of those young people are Chartered Financial Analysts (Level 1). I hope that I will be granted a space in this competitive field that I have chosen.

During the Starfish Awards night, I met another twenty young people that are very vigorous in making a difference. Three of them became acquaintances. Reading their essay entries makes me think that I should not give up despite the troubles because they have experienced more challenges and unimaginable stories of hardships as early as their younger days. I am actually not surprised that I didn't win the top prize of the nationwide competition. Even putting grammar and composition aside, the unique life-changing stories of these young people are all winners. I thought that my own dwellings are already extraordinary, but the Starfish event made me realize that a lot of young people are hoping to make a minimal difference in this world, just like the "Starfish story".

At my very short Game KNB stint, I befriended an incoming PhD Optical Science student at University of Arizona. At the age of 24, he had a Master's Degree in Physics from UP and is currently at the United States to pursue his PhD as a scholar. A gifted and blessed fellow indeed. I am just glad that I have known someone like him in my lifetime. No wonder he became the winner in our Game KNB episode. What even made me admire him is the fact that he doesn't explicitly brag his intelligence. Humility is all over him.

A frequent reader of my blog of is of the same age happened to be idealistic in the field of mainstream finance, specifically in the field of investment banking. I got the chance to meet him in person and I would say that we are friends now. Surprisingly, he managed to give me a big hand when I was solving a certain task at work. According to him, my passion towards finance and investment banking, and also my idealism, drew himself to me. When in fact, whenever we converse, he seems to be more knowledgeable about the industry than me. I can tell that he has more of what it takes to survive the finance and investment banking industry.

Of course not everybody will be fortunate enough in getting stability and a sense of achievement soon. I have friends who have their own struggles like me. However, as long as the flame of determination remains despite the odds, their destiny to shine will come in God's time. (Easier said than done, haha!).

I met all these passionate young people within the span of one month or so. To be honest, I am overwhelmed after meeting all of them. I guess God had a purpose for making my paths cross with them. Somehow, I am reminded that a lot of people will be better and less than myself, and those that are better have reached their stature because they have what it takes, and they have turned their potential into something kinetic.

This blog entry is a tribute to the hardworking and passionate youth of today.

Nope, I'm not talking about my status in relationships, but my current job. While I may have been lucky since last week in terms of tangible aspects, my career is on the rocks.

I really wish to elaborate on this complication, but there are some things that are better left unsaid. One thing I can share, however, is the fact that I've been burned out these days and yet, I have not delivered or accomplished what I am supposed to do at work. In addition, my workplace is quite stiff on the professional aspect. One can't afford to be too me It's as if I'm going to have a death sentence on the report's supposed deadline. In fact, whenever you see me at work or at Ayala, you will notice that I'm disturbed, bothered, and pressured.

This goes to show that guts can only do so much. Sometimes, you really need to have the skill. In the absence of skill, attitude can help but the filling of the gap must be done. Right now, I am at that stage, yet, there's a pressure to fill the gap soon (yup, soon as in tomorrow, or as soon as the situations will require you to spit it out). Miserable, isn't it?

But hey, I have to be strong. I'll try to be strong.

Here is my entry to the nationwide non-fiction essay writing contest of Starfish Magazine, the publication arm of Ayala Young Leaders. I made this essay last November 2006. My piece made it to the top 10 among 103 entries chosen by a distinguished panel of judges (Maritono Ortigas of Filipinas Heritage Library, Zo Aguila, the EIC of Cosmopolitan Philippines, and Marites Vitug, the EIC of Newsbreak). The awarding rites were held last night at Hotel Intercontinental. (Photos here).

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My Starfish Story: Musings of a Young Financial Literacy Advocate Whenever I am given the chance to tell others who I really am, I make sure that I tell them that I am a Son of God, a Filipino, and a Bedan - proud to be a Financial Management major. I remind myself about my usual introduction for my daily encounters and musings. These three characteristics of mine have a bearing with regard to my attempts of making a difference and being able to inspire others.

However, it was never easy. I cannot deny the fact that most of the time, I have been too ordinary, not so critical, and sometimes, too naïve. There have been times when I even thought of being indifferent, just like the rest of the people in the society. What makes things even more difficult is on how to live by my introduction, or to simply put it, to be true with what I usually say. In an article from a broadsheet, Korina Sanchez was asked about her thoughts on her removal from TV Patrol. She replied, and I loosely quote, “How can you make one link sterling if the entire chain is corroded?” I used that particular quote in the aspect of making a difference, or at least, in trying to be a solution to various problems that our society is facing right now. However, for several instances, I have not found an affirmative answer to that very difficult question. Until the point of realization came when I said to myself, “It is still better to have one link sterling that may somehow prevent the destruction of the entire chain, at least there’s one chain link that you could rest your hopes on”. It is no different to the Starfish story. I said to myself, “If I cannot immediately make the entire chain sterling again, at least I could do something with one link”.

Originally, I planned to take a degree on Accountancy. Despite my hardships, it was not meant to be. I decided to shift to Financial Management. I started to realize that it was the best thing that I have ever done in my college life, and I was able to come up with a clearer career path, which is to integrate Finance and Journalism, so that someday, I can be someone like Ricky Carandang. However, it was not really that easy. A lot of people have conclusively labeled Financial Management as a dumping ground for Accounting aspirants. To add pain to such conclusion, some students have decided to stick themselves under the shadows of such label. That challenged me to prove them otherwise. When I was offered with the Vice-President post for our program’s professional organization despite being a sophomore, I immediately accepted the post because I knew the organization will be the avenue where I can prove others wrong. I pioneered a number of our organization’s activities, and started to introduce our program to several financial institutions. Such lasted for almost 20 months. Though the experience was difficult, the entirety of my experience made me have high regard to the Finance profession. In fact, it made me appreciate more the role of financial institutions. However, the most important discovery of that particular journey is that “you don’t have to be a finance graduate to be financially literate and informed”, for such has been the stereotype.

Having realized that, I decided to become an intern, and eventually a volunteer at Colayco Foundation so that I can promote financial literacy not only to Bedans, but to our fellow citizens as well. In fact, I even decided to invest my winnings from my recent television stint on a certain investment security. At the course of my voluntary work, I met financially illiterate people from all walks of life. OFWs, construction workers, market vendors, and other hardworking Filipinos cry for having short-lived wealth and for not being able to save money that they might need in case of emergency. I even proved that the “riches to rags” legend are true. On the other hand, I met some successful individuals, like this former taxi driver named Jim Poliquit who grew up poor and practically tried almost all jobs there is, became successful after carefully managing his finances. From there, I decided to become an advocate of proper savings and investment in my own little way. I help the foundation in their seminars and in selling their financial literacy books. I also did some research for the foundation, especially for their upcoming book “The Wealth Guide”. I met the advocates of banks, UITFs, mutual funds, real estate, franchising, etc. At least I am able to help a few people to be more careful in managing their finances. Moreover, I get the chance to practice what I decided to pursue. I also post some of my inputs about managing personal finances in my blog. From this experience, I learned that there is no shortcut in becoming reach, and wealth becomes meaningless if you misuse it.

Last semester, I was given the chance to speak in behalf of the Accountancy, Financial & Legal Management Department on how to be “better than perfect”. My answer to the challenge of being better than perfect, and on making a difference is by not limiting attained achievements to one’s self. The challenge for us, particularly the Bedan youth of today, is on how far we are willing to give up indifference and mediocrity in order to become better people, for ourselves and the society at large, and later on, to help the society become better in its entirety. There is no age or timing in doing such, except that the serious efforts to eradicate indifference and to walk on the journey towards making more than one link of the corroded chain sterling should start now, no matter how little the effort is.

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Post-essay writing thoughts (as displayed at the Starfish gallery last night):

I have never thought that I have become more goal-oriented. Since the time when I became more vocal about my struggles and feats, my conscious effort of becoming a better person became stronger each day. In anything that we do, what really matters is that we find meaning and genuine happiness in making a difference. I really hope that the youth of today will never get tired of reaching for the stars without disregarding what is really essential in this world.

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Postscripts:

• I am not really sure why I made it to the top 10, but I'm certain that it's not because of grammar and composition. Feel free to correct my grammatical errors, if there's any. :D
• The event had several media sponsors, namely ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs, Philippine Star, UniversiTV, and Manila Bulletin. Who knows, you might have a rare citing of my participation in this event from any of these media entities. Haha.
  
• Unfortunately, the "rags to riches" guy that I cited in my essay writing contest was the same guy that almost deceived me in investing at Francswiss, an investment ponzi scheme that turned out to be a scam. He is in fact, one of those being hunted down by the National Bureau of Investigation.
  
• The event also proved that my blog has become helpful to a few people. Sheryl Pedroso (3rd placer) and Mary Bianca Consunji (1st placer) was able to confirm that they were finalists because of my blog. The website of Starfish Magazine loads too slowly on dial-up, and even on DSL. Thanks to my blog entry, they managed to avoid having to wait miserably for the Starfish website to load.
  
• As I previously mentioned, my entry made it to the top 10. During the awarding ceremonies, I had a few-second encounter with Fernando Zobel De Ayala, the President and COO of Ayala Corporation, and Victoria Garchitorrena, the head of Ayala Foundation and our commencement speaker. My mom attended the event with me. Sadly, no one from the school administration bothered to attend such an important occasion, though my friend and AYLC member Harold Verayo was there. Incidentally, the father of Bianca Consunji, the first placer, is also a Bedan. We got the chance to talk for a while.

• Speaking of San Beda, Mr. Simon of Ayala Foundation, the one that handed to me my award together with Miss Garchitorrena, whispered to me while going down the stage and asked, "Are you in favor of the uniform policy?". I immediately said "no" and asked him why he knows about this chaotic policy. I found out that he was invited to be a resource person during the team building of San Beda's Student Organizational Circle.
  
• I am glad that I had the chance to meet several young people who also have their own unique starfish stories. I sincerely wish them nothing but the best in their endeavors, and of course, more blessings.

• As for my goals, they still remain as options. Indeed, I still crave for being a financial journalist. Right now, I am currently under training program in an investment house for the purpose of gaining more than enough knowledge in the finance arena so that if ever I do become a financial journalist, I will be credible in giving my reports. Ideally, I want to become a Chartered Financial Analyst first before leaping to broadcast media in the arena of business. However, my current training program is so darn difficult. I can't even guarantee if I can pass or make it to the program.
• Lastly, in relation to my previous point, my Starfish story continues. In fact, I would say that the present is one heck of a climax. God is good. In fact, he's recently giving me a lot of rewards again. However, I have two major problems and pressures. One is the "very rocky start" of my career, and the other is my health (I have a severe urinary tract infection). Nonetheless, like I mentioned in my essay, I should be willing to go far, give up indifference, mediocrity, and if I may add, my fears, in order to become a better person each day. I even claim that I am now more conscious in becoming a better person each day. I hope that I could really practice what I preach. All I can say is that as of the moment, despite this particular feat, I am currently experiencing major struggles. I hope that I will have enough strength to stand up and win the challenges that I'm currently facing.
  

Jollibee recently released its new TV ad, featuring their soup that serves as an alternative to hamburgers, fries, chickenjoys, etc., especially for the rainy season. However, what really struck me in that particular ad was the song used. It was a revision of Sukob Na, an OPM song by Neocolours.

Rainy days are back. Some say that the season signifies sadness and darkness. It also inhibits a person to travel around. Others find the rain as a major inconvenience.

However, I personally see quite a number of good things brought about by the rain. One is that it puts an end to drought, and the other is that it allows us to long for warmth. It allows us to appreciate better and look forward to the next sunlight. In relation to one's search for warmth, it either brings us closer or make us miss the people we hold dear. Lastly, the use of the umbrella reminds us that we need to be shielded every once in a while. The song Sukob Na is one of my few favorite OPMs, and it helped me appreciate the real purpose of the rain.

Let us be thankful that after so many months of major heat, the rainy season is slowly coming to minimize if not eradicate the drought. Let us pray that no major disaster will make our kababayans suffer, and I pray that the rainy season will help lessen the drought that is within each and every persons' hearts.

Kaya't sukob na, halika na! Sabay tayo sa payong ko.

This blog entry will be quite melodramatic. Another friend and a frequent companion in college is bound for the land of Uncle Sam on Friday. She invited her close friends for a despedida dinner of some sort at Dencio's Araneta last Tuesday.


I somehow don't feel good about the fact that a dear friend will be leaving this soon, but I know that she wants nothing but the best for herself. She is a United States citizen after all, and the land of Uncle Sam has more opportunities than the land of Juan Dela Cruz. Most of her loved ones are there as well, so I guess there's no other choice but to support her.

What really adds more to this drama is the fact that she isn't the first friend that went to the USA, and I will not be surprised if there will be more that will leave the country.


Geraldine Hernandez, or Din as her friends fondly call her, is a unique friend. We became close due to weird situations. She was one of those whom I can easily invite for dinner or snack whenever she is free, and she really knows how to put up any kind of conversation, be it intellectual or very personal. She is a rare kind of friend and person, and pretty inside and out, that's why a lot of people appreciate her for who she is. At the height of my "intellectual struggles" in school, and during the times that I feel incompetent, she served as an example that being genuinely smart and intelligent is not limited to tangible achievements, and certainly not limited to being the star in school. That's why for me, she is one of the smartest Bedans that I have met during my stay in college. Mind you, those that I consider smart in college can be counted by the fingers. Apart from academics, I say 70% of our friendship was really on a personal capacity. We could talk anything under the sun, be it politics, entertainment, heck, even Pokemon, and the stupid people in school and in our lives.

What else can I say Din? Thanks for being my partner at my first TV stint on Studio 23's Breakfast, for being a nice housemate even for a short while, for all the "eat outs" we had, for correcting my seemingly hopeless grammatical errors, for enjoying Pokemon anime and for the Pokemon miniatures that you gave me, and for all your honest opinions on the matters that I have consulted to you. Thanks for all the conversations and for the gift of friendship.

See you soon, Din! The people that I consider dear friends are those with whom I can learn not only about themselves, but also more about myself. Certainly, I learned more about myself with you, and you have contributed significantly to my conscious efforts of becoming a better person each day, and I hope I was able to do the same to you. It will not be easy in the United States, but you're a strong person. Always remember that I am always here for you, even if we are miles away. Godspeed!