Morning Fun at The Residence Inn Zoo

For a typical weekday, most office hours start at 8 o’clock in the morning.  At the same hour, in a Saturday morning, the sun welcomed me to the windy Tagaytay City. I’m gonna meet animals! Yes, a bunch of wonderful animals!

Spending a day or two to travel and explore distant places, far from daily paperworks and client engagements, help us feel refreshed. At least, our mind rests from rush works, strict deadlines and everyday heavy traffic in the metro.

The Residence Inn Zoo offers a unique experience with both nature and animals. Kids and adults would truly love the experience with awesome creatures from all around the globe.

Birds come with different sizes and colors. It’s nice to stare at them moving inside their cage as if they are the stars of the whole zoo. They are so cute but remember neither to tickle nor tease them because they might think you’re going to grab them. J

But wait, there’s a spot where you can feed the hungry birds!

I actually had an encounter with one so cute bird!

Snakes! Spiders! Your knees might tremble while heading towards the Serpentarium but there’s nothing to worry. Snakes and spiders are scary creatures so they are highly secured in thick glass home. Their home is also child-friendly.

 The encounter with the animals is a precious moment. The usual home pets are dogs, cats, love birds and gold fish. Here, the animals are those we don’t usually see. Aside from animal encounters, the zoo is surrounded with trivia about the animals.

Hey, turtle! How about giving me a cowabongga kick!

Here’s Aslan! This white lion was too lazy to entertain the guests. I suppose he was tired and sleepy. I need to zoom the camera to get a nice selfie photo of the king of the jungle! Roarrrr!

There’s an animal show at 11am. While sitting pretty at the theater-like seats, talented animals showcase their talents. Guest volunteers are able to touch the amazing animals such like cute parrots, lively lizard, hairy tarantula spider and weighty yellow snake!

I think this creature from the Middle East won’t get tired of chewing. He’s so prepared with the selfie shot.                                                                                                                                                           

WARNING. Meeting these animals can cause kids (and adults too!) to miss them. The zoo has thought of that already so they put a Zoovenir Shop! Huggable and lovely animal stuff toys are available.

Don’t miss this zoo-per fun experience of watching tigers show off its might! The clawed huge cats are trained and tamed so that the guests can have a souvenir photo with them. Oh, don’t be surprised that this 2-year old tiger drinks fresh milk like a baby!

The Residence Inn is one of the strategic places where you can appreciate nature, meet beautiful animals and have fun. One more thing: Don’t miss the zipline!!!

Discover more

Perhaps, the happiness of a child is influenced by the things he discover in life. The first times are so precious- when he learned to use spoon and fork, say "Daddy" and "Mommy", then eventually ride a bike, sing a song or use the toilet bowl. The things he learned at the first time remains in memory.

As we age, we tend to forget to discover many things. The fun has ended. Discovery became a thing in the past. We do things that are normal, routinary and scheduled. What really spices up life is when we discover that we can do something we thought we can't do, experience things we thought we can't experience and have things we thought we can't have.

We still have time to discover more things. Learn how to swim. Taste different coffee flavors. Try spending time on the top of the mountain. Discover great places. Eat mouth-watery and great tasting food. Buy new rubber shoes - or buy your dream shoes. Inspire more people. Volunteer in events helping the poor. Talk about love. Learn more soft skills. Enroll in a music school, or in an art school.

The only person who will hinder us to do such things is ourselves. The question is, "what stops us from discovering more?". Why don't you take time to discover more? Get out of the ordinary life and grab some fun.

Breaking Traditions

For more than a year, I have been fascinated with few web projects, service freelancing and late morning exercise. Nothing new except the calendar days. There came a time that I only watched the clock ticking, doing nothing. For me, breaking these routines are very challenging. It seems that it would last till forever.

Have you found yourself stuck in a consistent daily schedule? Are you in an environment where change is unwelcome and tied with lots of traditions?

Perhaps, the more serious question is--- what would you to do challenge the current set up? Well, it won't be easy.

Some will be surprised. Some will be happy. Others will be puzzled. Few will ignore. Handful will be clueless. No matter what happen, change is inevitable.

I have recently joined a prominent online store company with functions in Southeast Asia region. It offered a very neutral environment, far from my traditional employment setting. Being in a start-up company for more than a year, I have learned how to adjust 100% and adopt the current environment so easily. Plus, I need to wake up early in the morning to surpass the morning traffic.

Breaking traditions has a lot of benefits--- if we will only stretch our thinking and understanding. Landing in a new job means everything is new. You may know all things in your chosen field but accept that not everything is applicable to your new environment.

For those who are in the same arena of breaking traditions, I must say-- WELCOME.

Metro Blogger First Night Out!

One of the many things that we should be thankful for in life is the gift of acquaintance. Meeting new people excites me most because I got to discover things I don't know yet, and I got to share my own story too. 

Mr. Ong Pang Seng, CEO, Rapid Cloud Singapore and Mr. Jess C. of Metro Blogger for an Instagram-inspired photo.

Passionate writers from lifestyle, fashion, travel and food joined Metro Blogger's first night out held at Gramercy Skypark on 22nd of October 2014. 

It's nice to know that most of the bloggers met each other just that night! Now, that's what made the night significant for all of us.  

Metro Blogger is a social circle of bloggers around the metro that aims to be an avenue to disseminate information, event invitations, new products and services campaigns that are of great interest to everyone. Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroBlogger.Org

The lady bloggers of Metro Blogger.

The event was made possible with the help of our dear sponsors:

Rapid Cloud Singapore - a top Singapore Web Hosting and E-Business Consulting Company specializing in Domain Name Registration, Dedicated Server Hosting, Website Design, Website Development and Application Programming. Rapid Cloud Singapore is a company that delivers results; other SEO Services includes Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click or Search Marketing, Directory Submission, Link Popularity Building and Social Media Marketing.

 

​Mr. Jess C. and Ms. Ana of Metro Blogger with Mr. Ong Pang Seng of Rapid Cloud Singapore and Ms. Fion Lee of Emerge Systems.

HAWK Bags - a brand that has long been recognized for its craftsmanship and quality. The brand has a wide range of bags suited to match every lifestyle delivering high quality products with the finest materials available, superior craftsmanship, durability, innovation and exceptional design with practical functionality.

Slimmers World International - the Philippines’ foremost name in Slimming, Health, Fitness and Beauty with over 35 years of excellent service in providing great bodies & great skin. Slimmers World currently operates in twenty three (23) centers in Asia. Slimmers World will be celebrating their Mr. and Ms. Great Bodies 2014. For more details and ticket inquiries call 536-3333 | 091-SLIMMERS.

Thank you also to Emerge Systems Sdn. Bhd., iTWORKS and Kingdom Magazine for gracing the event by being our sponsors too. 

​Mr. Simon Miller, Managing Partner for iTWORKS Global Solutions

Ms. Fion Lee, Head of Sales for Emerge Systems Sdn. Bhd.

​Representatives of Kingdom Magazine.

Event Freebies:
Metro Blogger Notebook

Metro Blogger Pin

Metro Blogger Pen

Slimmers World International Gift Certificate

Emerge Brochure

Getting Over Your Circumstances

Are you prepared to face the truth about your discomfort?

Just few days ago, a friend of mine asked me straight questions that most of us would ask upon having an unbearable event of life. I pondered for few seconds and asked her this: “Why have you thought about those questions?” It seems like hope is impossible for her to believe and as if faith doesn’t exist. Has time come for you to think that there’s no way to go over your unpleasant situation? My Dad went up to be with the Lord in 2011 and the succeeding events have been a surprise to me. I had to face difficult decisions that I was never prepared for. In my pursuit for answers, I have come to realize essential ways that can lead us to overcome the struggles we are in.

Begin with yourself.
What your mind and heart have entertained and embraced becomes the truth. You may come to a point that you think there’s nothing good about you anymore just because a lot of people have fed you of what has been wrong. On the other hand, sometimes, even the nicest words from a love one or close friend won’t really matter. We are trying to understand yet our human intelligence is limited to the vastness of life’s entirety. We have to realize that change will start from within us. Begin with being honest of yourself. Accept that you are in a deep situation and regain your confidence by going back to the ‘goodness’ on you. This isn’t easy and will never be. But, when we begin to see ourselves as unique and significant, you start to appreciate yourself, something better will rise within you. I was filled with tons of disappointment. Almost every decision I made contributed to the pile of such discomfort each day. I have decided to talk to my inner spirit and became honest of what I feel. Though the most difficult person to convince is my own self, I really need to challenge my discomfort and begin to pull up what has been good.

Take a sweet escape.
Being in a different environment opens the door for personal reflection. Perhaps, your ears are tired of listening to regrets, disappointments and dissatisfaction. Few days of solitude, away from your normal world, will help you see your present circumstance in a different way. Mingling with new friends breaks the silence you have kept for several days or months. It’s also true that you have to face the issues but a sweet escape can help you determine the ‘real issue’ you are in. While writing this post, I’m in a national convention of a huge organization for their team building in Subic, Zambales, which is almost 4 hours away from Manila. I am part of a fantastic group of event organizers which I had a chance to know each member for the first time. It was a delightful experience. It ignited something inside me that says, “Hey, there’s always a brighter side of where you are now.” When you want to hear yourself clearly, go to a place where you can be honest about yourself, away from the voices you hear every day.

Live refreshed.
Once you have done the first 2, you need to sustain the freshness you got. How? This won’t be too easy but it’s important. You have to change the way you speak, think and act. Is that simple? No. Think that your temperament and ways were unpredictable. You have been into devastation. (Figuratively speaking) It’s very unnatural for someone who is passing through a dark tunnel to act like there’s nothing wrong in life. And there you are, so refreshed, so renewed and so happy facing your life’s challenges. To maintain being refreshed:
- Be firm with the change. It must be consistent.
- Be aware of your actions. It must be inspiring.
- Be good to others. It must be admirable.
By the grace of God, you can do what’s difficult. By His strength, you can do all things. Remain in faith and you’ll live life refreshed.

I always believe that nothing happens accidentally. Each puzzle piece of life is essential to our character building. There are a lot of inspirational quotes out there but you must experience the change within in order to believe what others are saying about overcoming your unpleasant situation.

You may find yourself being consumed by your circumstances. You think you are still the person you used to be but unknowingly you are already changed, sadly, not for the better. It’s not easy to get over your problems but you can begin to step up till you reach the top of the mountain.

The 4 Valuable Things in Starting a Business

Anything that fills your daily life with exuberance is truly valuable. It could be work, hobby, gadget or a friend or love one. No matter what or who they are, you simply enjoy the day with them. However, its lost can bring (extreme) pain and longing.

Being a start-up entrepreneur is no joke. I am used to early morning travels and evening meetings, seeing wonderful people and creating value to the business I am in. Yet, when I decided to take the path not everyone is willing to pass through, there are things I found so valuable.

PEOPLE
The people I used to talk with. Friends who are waiting for me in the office so we can have our morning coffee together and chat for few minutes. The mentors who are willing to spend time uplifting my spirit to be excellent in personal and professional life. The friends whom I go out with for lunch and talk about life at work. Sometimes, we enjoy the job not just because we earn but because we have friends. Having my own business made me realize that I can have the luxury of time meeting people while, unfortunately, my friends are stuck in their 8 to 5 world, less of travel time. I end up alone, waiting till someone is available. Having someone to get to know about your journey helps you feel lighter because as you share your story, you'd find yourself inspiring the person you are talking to.

MONEY
On the road to entrepreneurship, money is an integral thing. Being employed secured me for monthly earnings that I can use to pay my bills. The truth is, the bills for home utilities continue each month but my income is still unpredictable. When things turned around, it takes faith and determination to be able to raise up funds and spend for monthly expenses. As an employee, I used to complain about the salary I am receiving. Now, as an entrepreneur, I am being trained and disciplined to be happy with every single money that comes from real hard work.

BOOKS
Learning is an investment that anyone should not neglect. I took advantage of the huge sale of books recently and grabbed expensive titles for half of their selling price. It's important for me to learn new things and acquire success principles I would be needing while I'm establishing the business. It's an honest confession that I don't know everything but I am very eager to learn new things. Most influential people I know personally - C.E.O.s, General Managers, Managing Directors, Presidents are investing on books. Why shouldn't I?

EXCITEMENT
It's easy to get excited about the new business. It's fun to say I am on my own and do things my way. Yet, the ultimate challenge is how to sustain that excitement. Losing that butterfly in my stomach will consume the dream I am building. Just when I feel that excitement will subside, I'll talk to friends - those who are have their own business and share the passion, those who are in need so I'd feel I'm not alone in a struggle and those who are fun to be with so I can laugh out loud. I hug kids too to feel I'm not getting old enough.:)

The value you offer to your customers is directly proportional to the value you create for yourself. This famous saying reminds us that we must be committed to add value to people, including ourselves.

ProTips + YOUnique: Discover your Unique Professional Potential

Looking for an event to boost your potential? Here's a FREE event for you!

Protips + YOUnique: Discover Your Unique Professional Potential featuring speakers Maloi Salumbides and Jayson Lo on June 14, 2014, 2-6pm at Powerbooks Greenbelt 4.

This learning opportunity aims to equip you for success through discovering your unique potentials and committing to pursue excellence and become key players in the marketplace.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Maloi Salumbides is a broadcaster, motivational speaker, author and life-long learner. She has exemplified in her life the value of excellence as she encourages her readers and listeners to “be a blessing in the workplace” through her best-selling ProTips books and radio broadcast. Her featured book for the seminar, ProTips: As You Enter the Race, “GETs you ready for the workplace with a winning mindSET that will make you GO with confidence, influence and excellence!”

Jayson Lo is a public speaker and adviser to companies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. He desires to help people achieve their fullest potential. He also authored the best-selling book YOUnique and its youth version, YOUnique Youth.

As practicing professionals, both speakers understand the challenges and demands of the workplace. Their willingness to share their expertise and experiences through this seminar stems from their desire to create positive influence and promote godly values in the lives of individuals.

For more information, you may email partners@csm-publishing.com, call 852-7301 to 04, or visit www.csm-publishing.com.

See you there!

Why people succeed?

Why people succeed?

When this is asked, a lot of words pop up: Determination. Patience. Leadership. Hard work. Intelligence. Strategy. Vision. All of them contribute to the success of a person. Their work performance beats others easily. But, have we ever asked ourselves why some people perform better than the others?

Here's an interesting fact...

Having a high IQ alone may not necessarily equate high rate of success. Other "intelligent" factors such as self awareness, impulse control, persistence, self motivation, being able to build and sustain inspiring work environments as well as engage others through empathy and positive relationships are qualities which set apart leaders who excel.

Increasing emotional intelligence makes individuals more efficient, productive and successful. Organizations can become more productive by hiring emotionally smart people and by offering opportunities to enhance these skills in the workplace

Success is defined as your ability to set and achieve your personal and professional goals. Let's take a look at how the IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) matter to the success of an individual:

IQ’s relevance to success is estimated to be low (According to Sternberg (1997) 4 to 25 percent, may be no higher than 10 percent)

EQ’s relevance to success is estimated to high (According to Stein & Book (2000) estimate 27 to 45 percent of job success)

It's important that everyone, especially the working professionals, should be aware of their emotional quotient to be able to workout in what particular area they are weak at. A salesman's top performance in numbers won't guarantee that he can be an effective manager and team leader. His ability to manage people is highly important.

“If your emotional abilities aren't in hand, if you don't have self-awareness,if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.” — Daniel Goleman

To learn more about EQ-i 2.0, email Center for Creative Learning and Leadership Development: cclld.eq@gmail.com and eqff.cclld@gmail.com

Light A Candle: The Metro World Child Story

As a little child, Pastor Bill Wilson was left at a corner street in Brooklyn, New York City by his alcoholic mother in summer of 1961. Hoping his mother would come back for him, he waited there patiently - without food, water and shelter. After three days, someone reached out to him for help. It was then when he believed that even a single person can make a difference. In 1980, he founded Metro World Child.

It's nice to know that there are existing organizations who are working unselfishly for the sake of the next generation, just like Metro World Child. It is a global faith-based, humanitarian organization serving nearly 100,000 children each week with after school programs, Sunday School services, child sponsorship, special programs and personal home visits.

Pastor Bill Wilson went to the Philippines with a mission in his heart to reach the poor, unreached, inner-city kids of Metro Manila. Metro World Child has grown to over 40 partner churches in over eight different provinces including Metro Manila, Davao and Palawan. Currently, it has reach over 20,000 children on a weekly basis.

On March 8, 2014, Metro World Child started Sidewalk Sunday School in Barangay San Dionisio, Paranaque City. More than 200 kids participated in the program. During the program, the kids are taught about God's love and Bible stories.

The children enjoyed singing songs.

Had fun-filled games and lots of gift surprises.

At the very young age, the children are taught how to pray.

After the tiring but wonderful activities, snacks are being served.

In my personal interview with Pastor Bill Wilson, what he said about "recruitment of people" struck me. "The advertisers are spending millions of dollars just to communicate effectively to the young generation. They know that if they would invest in the youth, they are planting a bountiful harvest of brand recall and market share for the next generations. Same as each group of individuals who are recruiting people everyday - gangsters, fraternities, rebels, criminals, etc. Why not we do something to snatch them from being the problem of the society? We can't afford to lose a generation of righteous leaders who will walk with integrity and fear God most. Are we going to curse the darkness or simply light a candle?", said Pastor Bill.

To know more about Metro World Child, please visit www.metroworldchild.org.ph. We don't need fame or gold to be able to make a difference to the lives of many. We can help by giving, sponsoring a child, praying and volunteering at Metro World Child. It's a call for us to light a candle and give these young ones a hope for a better future.

Move your cheese

Change is somehow a word that we are tired of hearing almost every day.

“For a change...”
“Change for the better.”
“Why won’t you change yourself first?”
“You’ll never change!”
“I want to change the way I think about myself.”
“Please, keep the change.” (Just kidding.)

It’s also a tough decision to make because change has never been easy. Just imagine if you are asked to give up drinking coffee for 30 days when you used to drink at least 2 cups a day. Difficult? Of course.

(Image source: dianecossie.com)

In embracing change, we must undergo a process that will help us realize the importance of the change we are going to make and how it will affect our daily lives. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- How will I benefit from this?
- Will I be significant to others?
- What’s the long term effect of this change?
- How sure I am for this change?
- How long will this change take?

I gave up working full-time for a change. It was not an easy decision. In the course of waiting for opportunities, many things are infiltrating my head: missing everyday travel to office, chatting with colleagues, generating reports, defining sales targets, meeting clients, staying at home is boring, monthly bills arriving and so forth. Because most people are used to working from 8 am to 5 pm daily, they think I belong to a different tribe of working professional. Some are wondering that I am just wandering around. When change is obvious, people either respond or react on it. Dye your hair with red and you’ll become the talk of the town.

What are you planning to do? In this life, it’s either you change yourself or people will make you change. Don’t wait till someone moves your cheese for you. If you really want a "real" change, make it happen.

Winning is addictive

There are many things that are very addictive. Coffee. Chocolates. Sweets. Text messaging. Movies. Many more. Even love.

Silently, there's one thing that we can be very addictive of and we are normally unconscious about it. Would you believe that you can be addictive to winning?

It's nice to win an argument. It's fantastic to win in a contest. It's terrific to win over an opponent. It's great to see people celebrating with you on your winning moment. So memorable.

Think about this: When you are addictive to winning, there's a chance that you won't see failure and defeat as something that can mold your character.

When Manny Pacquiao was knocked out by his rival Juan Manuel Marquez, it revealed his true self. He has World Boxing Titles in 8 divisions. The world loved him- advertisers, fans, politicians...everyone. Manny understood that winning and losing is part of the game. He didn't take it personally. So, what if he lost? His achievements are already chronicled anyway and no one has done the same thing yet.

How many of us would think we must win at all times? Well, winning is good. After all, we will do our best to win. We spend time studying and practicing to win, get a medal and plaque of excellence. Yet, let not winning mold us and dictate what we should become. Let losing be an experience that can reveal our true self and reflect what went wrong. Remember, we can't win all arguments. Jus let the winners enjoy their moment of being a star. They deserve it.

I tell you, no one will listen to you if you are a loser. So, take that chance to think of what you have really won by losing. You may have lost in a battle, but you may have gained much of a character. By doing your best, trying hard, sweating a lot, you are already a winner.

When An Unknown Enemy Strikes

In most movies, we can easily identify who's the enemy. The villain is, if not as strong as the main character, very clever and annoying. It can be true in the real world where we sometimes mark those who oppose us as enemies.

What if your enemy walks in silently, creeping through the night and settles inside of you? I'm gonna talk about an enemy that we usually ignore yet consumes us, more often than not- the enemy called insecurity. In this particular article, I'd like to use the definition of Merriam- Webster. Insecurity is being "not confident about yourself or your ability to do things well."

How many of us are guilty of this? Is there anyone who's exempted? Would you admit you have been insecure sometime of your life?

Now, what happens when insecurity attacks?

...you feel alone.
...you feel unloved.
...you find faults on others.
...you probably believe negative things.
...you doubt.
...you quit. And, never try again.
...you settle for less.
...you don't listen.
...you won't care anymore.
...you think everyone talks about you.
...you retaliate.
...you would believe nothing's gonna change.
...you magnify little things.

The list can be endless. Most negative thoughts and feelings are prompted by our insecurities.

I was a victim and it consumed me, for many reasons, since childhood. I figured out, like in a real life combat, the way to win over your enemy is to identify it, face it and strike it in its weaknesses.

The way to deal with insecurities, as I have learned throughout my 31 years on earth, is to humbly accept that we have insecurities, identify the areas we are insecure at and do something to overcome it. But, I tell you, it's easier said than done. I have overcome my communication insecurity by taking up a course in English proficiency. I was also insecure because I only stand 5 feet and 4 inches which is too short to be a basketball varsity player. Being insecure about my height, I thought, "These tall guys are nothing but ball players and can do nothing else." I have overcome it by accepting myself as a unique person and I dress up appropriately to look neat. I believe, God created me with a purpose and it's very liberating to know I am wonderfully made in spite of being "short of height". Then, I started to appreciate why those guys are tall. Admitting my insecurities made me think differently towards other people. I started to see the unique things they have rather than look for something to laugh at.

Have you ever took an inventory of your insecurities? Those are facts. Know what hinders you in pusuing your life goals. The process could be painful but you wouldn't know what else you can do unless you overcome what keeps you from being 'the best'.

Why leaders should watch Ender's Game

Inside of us resides a hidden potential. We need to discover where we are good at, hone it and excel.

Ender Wiggin in an exceptional child. In him was superb analytical thinking and tons of game strategies. I was deeply moved by how he was treated unfairly by colleagues and how he was highly favored by Colonel Hyrum Graff.

What if in just within 5 minutes, you would be a key to save the entire mankind? What if within that moment, you had a chance to make peace than engage in war?

Unknowingly, Ender played the best game he'd ever had in his entire life. In the course of his training, I was able to see insights that leaders-in-the-making should appreciate while in training:


Age won't matter

At times, those who are trained in life at a very early age endure pain and rejection well. We are all susceptible to lead, even in school. Yet, those who are more exposed in problem solving and difficult situations are able to identify the risks they are going to take. In the movie, Ender, at his early age, had to deal with rejections until he was able to face his mortal enemy- FEAR.

No room for fears

It's very easy to give up. Yes, I'd spoil this- Ender Wiggin quitted. We all had times to give up. Yet, when we think of the consequences of giving up, we realize that it's better for us to conquer our fears. More often than not, we are strengthened whenever someone taps our shoulders. We can be weak but we can choose to be strong and leave no room for fears.

Leading with a heart

We can choose to win. We can win a game. But, what matters most is 'how' we won it. The manner of winning is very important. It's like, everyone can be rich but the manner of getting millions is a different thing. It's essential for us to understand that leading with a heart makes a leader worth remembering. One line in the movie that hit me a lot is this: "In order for him (Ender) to become a great commander, he must learn how to face rejections."

Lastly, a leader can fail. Ender failed a particular test battle. After he won the greatest battle that saved mankind from alien invasion, he was shocked upon knowing the truth behind that game. In times when a leader has many questions left unanswered, a friend, even without saying a word, can uplift him. That's Petra.

The training Ender undergone was no joke. We too have difficulties in the course of being a leader. Let's always remember that we may have to face the challenges required for us to become a leader, let's not lose heart and compassion to others. When we are not treated well, let's not dish it out to others but rather be more merciful and gracious.

Chase the Wind

There are times that we need to chase the wind so we can escape from reality.

What we have and where we are now is true. No lies. Yet, the truth sometimes burn your passion to excel and soar high. You might be in an intersection now, as a leader of a team or so, and you are expected to decide perfectly, then what you need is to chase the wind.

Who can tell where the wind blows? Who can tell where it comes from? No one. The gentle breeze can whisper an answer to your disturbed soul.

Watch a child how he chases the wind. Notice how happy he is? Then, why not take a moment to unleash the child in you? Play video games. Walk out on the street. Buy a balloon. Watch an animated film. Sing a song.

It's easy to be consumed by stress. It's your choice, anyway. Get older soon or be merry like a child?

A Leader's Confession

Confess? Seriously? Yes.

Leaders must confess that, amidst numerous leadership quotes, books, blogs and thousand inspirational phrases, still what we 'live out in life' is the best baton to pass on.

More often than not, we know things by principles, knowledge that has been passed-on to us through education, but we fail to apply it. We can take all the available courses for credibility's sake yet the world will still measure us on the amount of value we delivered. Certificates and recognitions won't make a difference, our actions will.

I have realized that my 30-years of existence would mean nothing if I won't add value to my family, business, relationships and self.


A leader's journey can be painful. It can also be full of surprises. Can you imagine how you could have been if failures didn't hit you? You wouldn't be as strong as you are now. If not for joys and celebrations, you could have been living in misery and solitude. If not for the roller coaster ride, you wouldn't appreciate how beautiful life is.

So what are you afraid to confess? As a leader, would you hide your fears and cover it with pride? Would you take the backseat so others can shine? Do you value the limelight over relationship with your colleagues or subordinates? Are you prepared to accept your mistakes, swallow the blame and still walk in integrity? In the arena of leadership, the undignified and the weak win the crowd over the proud and the arrogant. The language of effective leadership is servanthood, being able to serve rather be served.

We demonstrate leadership through actions, not by mere words.

YOUnique: Understanding Others by Understanding You

I think this is one of the many things that we need to know while on earth. We need to know ourselves more than we know others. (The latter sounds familiar, isn't it?)

Have you thought about why people are different? Why leaders should find people who can COMPLEMENT their weaknesses rather hire individuals who just follow instructions? We all have unique personality. We are created with diversity. There's no two persons who think, act and speak the same way.

Jayson Lo's book, YOUnique, mentioned that if you have many people problems, think about this possibility, are all these people really the problem, or could the problem be...you?

You need to understand yourself first so you can understand others better. Simply, know who you are and your personality and understand that other people are not like you.

May take-away from this book can be summed up in the principle of Personality Envy and Personality Denial. That, we should avoid them.

Personality Envy is vying to have the gifts of another person. We should be thankful for our talents. We just don't know that there might be a number of people who know us and envy us for what we have.

Personality Denial is not accepting who you are and what God has given you. We can't live pretending who we are not. Our true self will be revealed at the most perfect time and it could be a painful experience. We'll only end up frustrated and disappointed.

Let's know our personality and focus on our strengths.

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YOUnique by Jason Lo is available in all major bookstores nationwide. Oh, why don't you buy this as gift for Christmas? Call CSM Publishing at 852 7301 and reserve now. It's only Php 375.00 per copy. :)

If you are a leader...

The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.

—Max DePree

The first thing you should do is communicate what you want, where to go, how to do it and predict the outcome. Many team players are lost, not just in translation, but direction. Of course, aim something that is achievable.

Then, while you are working with your team, be a servant. Offer a snack. Brew coffee. Tap them on the shoulders and commend them for working hard. Ask if there are things that you need to clarify. Don't wait till your staff mess up. Guide them and give concrete instructions.

Lastly, THANK the team. It shows that leaders can't do ALL THE WORK on their own. Every member of the team has valuable contribution. JUST THANK THEM.

Then, celebrate for job well done.

Personal Branding: A Closer Look

Personal Branding Using Social Media from Brian Hollowaty

Why Do We (Still) Have Teachers

The technology has a great impact in the education system today. Everything is in the internet. The answers are available anytime. Simply, they are just a click away. Basically, we can learn by just intelligently surfing the internet.

But, what if? What if tomorrow the teachers are gone? I couldn't imagine the world without them. I believe, amidst the advent of rising technology, teachers still exist today because of these purposes:

1. Students need a friend.
We don't need a machine to supply us what we need to know. We need someone who cares. Someone who is passionate in imparting life's lessons to the learners.

2. Students need a coach.
We need motivation. We need strategies. If not, a basketball game would be different when players play by themselves. We need someone to tap our back and say, "Hey, do good next exam. Power up your review. I know you can make it on top." That's what Google can't do.

3. Students need to learn disciplines.
Entertainment is good. It's fun. Yet, teachers show us how to be more disciplined in life. They know when we spent most of time our time in playing, we're not getting anywhere. Learning is still fun. :)

Teachers taught us how to dream and how to build that dream. Then, they deployed us to the professional world. They TRUSTED us that WE CAN achieve our dreams.

They are like our parents. They rejoice with us in our victories, achievements and successes.

Today is Teachers' Day. Let thank our HEROES who spent almost half of their (daily) lives caring for us.

It’s Your Turn

Who loves impromptu speeches? Perhaps, there are about a few. Some people tremble whenever they are asked to deliver a short message in front of a listening audience. Why are we (sometimes) scared of being “on the spot”?

In life, we missed several opportunities because they seemed to be a surprise to us. Why some great things easily slipped from our hands just because we were not able to recognize them?

Here are some tips to overcome the impromptus in life:

Preparation is the key.
Don't be caught unaware. If you dream to become a business tycoon someday, don't just count your money. Prepare for the down times too. Arm yourself with patience, integrity and wisdom. For students, take time to study your lessons in advance. By the time of surprise examination, Google won't be available to help you. You can only pick what's already in your brain. In any competition, you'll have your turn.

Expect more.
I have friends who expect great things to happen in their life. They are always excited. Fun to be with. Hanging out with them makes me feel light and happy. Being expectant prepares you emotionally to handle greater things. On the other hand, it's not wrong to think the opposite. You don't have any control over what's yet to come. Thinking for the worse will lead you to the right decision. Remember, you'll be in the center stage soon.

Be guided by a purpose.
The first and the last thing we will consider in life is the single, important and intangible word- PURPOSE. When you are called to speak in front of multitudes for 60 seconds, you can always count on your purpose why you live on earth. Then, values comes next. When you are given a chance to manage a multi-million peso business or become the awards night champion, always think of the purpose why you are in the spotlight.

Surprises excuse no one. It happens to us, not just once. The next time you'd encounter an impromptu in life, you know what to do. Now, it's your turn. Happy success!!!