Manila’s Finest

Dito po sa mahal kong Pilipinas, things happen for no apparent reason. 

When things do happen for a reason, the basic reason for the event is most often than not, flawed to start with. 

Let me spin you a tale about  “Manila’s Finest”, a long tradition of police brotherhood organized to serve and protect the good people of the City of Manila. 

“Manila’s Finest”, is a feel-good slogan for the long decaying status of the Philippine National Police.  The forerunner of the PNP is the PC-INP (Philippines Constabulary, Integrated National Police) which was crafted to be a military force masquerading under a so called “civilian authority”. 

Being a creation of the military, the PNP or PC-INP in not known to be a defender of the people but rather a tyrant’s tool in enforcing totalitarian rule in our fledgling democracy. 

There were no “suspects” under this ideology. In military blunt-speak, a civilian who crossed a person in authority was either considered an enemy of the state or a combatant who does not deserve human rights.  

For years, this has been the sad story state of the PNP. This has been resonated in whatever branch you might want to call it. 

Yesterday, August 23 Y2010, is another dark day for my beloved Philippines.  A Senior Police Inspector of the Manila Police Department held hostage a tourist bus with 26 souls for 12 hours. 

What was his flawed premise? He claims that the Ombudsman had no jurisdiction to hear his alleged corruption case since it was already investigated by the NAPOLCOM (National Police Commission) Internal Affairs division. 

For a member of Manilas Finest who served for 30 years prior to this incident, he sure forgot about the basics.  In my beloved Philippines, cases or complaints versus government officials are lodged through the office of the Ombudsman.  It’s S.O.P….it’s in the rule book of the Civil Service Commission.  So you see, the basic premise of his grievance if wrong. 

Perhaps he was boxed into a corner? Perhaps he flipped over the deep-end? Or maybe it was just an act of desperation for someone who felt that he has served his country well and this is what he gets a year before he retires. We will never know, for Manila’s Finest made sure that the old saying holds true once more ..“Dead Men Tell No Tales”

Beyond the Years

When the odds are against you, don’t call the A-Team. Call Gih-Gih and you will see a silver lining in your darkest moments.

A year older, a year wiser and all those usual bla-bla-bla’s that come during your birthday are always given in abundance from the bottom of our hearts.

Some see you as an Ate, Friend, Colleague, Defender, Witch, Sorcerer, and a tough Bitch.  I see you as who you are.

Our happiest  thoughts go with you today! Don’t forget to send back the beer. Happy birthday to you Gih-Gih.

Conversations

“I never felt coached by my boss in my entire stay with our company, how about you dude?”

 “Hahaha..coaching? Ano ba, wala sa aming coaching kasi halos araw-araw nag uusap kami.”

 “Eh kung wala kayong formal coaching, paano mo nalalaman kung tama o mali ginagawa mo?”

 “First, my boss would call a Spade, a Spade. Kwentas-Claras sa lahat ng ginagawa ko, lalo na’t bulilyaso ang transaksyon! Doon mo malalaman kung tama o mali ginagawa mo.  Kung “coaching”hinahanap mo, hindi siguro ako ang dapat mong tanungin kasi iba and kalakaran sa amin…..ganito na lang, siguro imbis na “coaching”ang binigay sa akin at sa mga kasama ko sa grupo, ang ibinihagi niya ay ang kanyang tiwala para kami ay kumilos ng kusa, mag-kamali, at matuto”.

 “Eh sa akin kasi, I don’t have feedback if I am doing good or bad, If I am right or wrong,..or how shallow my work is.   It’s all work, no personal touch”

 “Kaibigan,…I pity you! The talent and hardwork are all in you. But I know it does not compare to someone who guides you from the heart”.

 “In my almost five years of stay, I got a feedback for the first time in my persformance appraisal report —GOOD IN MARKETING!  I t also said I was creative, a good coach/mentor, and good in project execution.  I had it photo-copied so that I can readt it during my “low-points” ! Kulang na lang i-pa-frame ko noh!”

 “Hahahahaha! OMG! For the last ten years, I never, N E V E R, read my performance appraisal because I DID NOT HAVE TO!  I already sense my rating in my daily dealings with my boss.”“Low Point” ako these day’s because my mentor, boss, and friend has moved on to better things.”

 “Yeah, he was a good man. Give my regards to him. Don’t tell him na lang that I opened up to you”.

 “Of course not mare, I will shout it out on my blog! …O, ano naman ang wish list mo kung CEO ka bukas?”

 “Eh ano pa, eh di ito : I will demand all Senior executives to do regular coaching to middle managers who are key to implementing the bank’s vision and strategy..”

 Reality bites my friend, but we will get through this, for we are the “Second Wave.”

Pollilio Island

The beautiful island of Pollilio is situated North-East of Quezon, Island of Luzon. It is a secluded paradise with endemic plants, flowers, trees and animals found only in my beloved Philippines.  River systems criss-cross the tiny island which provides the inhabitants with filtered water originating from the sea. 

Pollilio Island has a delicate ecological balance that supports nature without the intervention of people.  For this reason, it has become a well guarded secret for nature and beach-lovers.

However, every last quarter of the year, the island is cleansed by tropical storms. Pollilio Island also has the nasty reputation of being a storm landing front, being at the gateway of the biggest Island in Luzon. The island acts as a natural barrier for storms that will enter through Quezon province. 

But during the months from March to May where there is only drizzle of rain, this is the place for eco-tourists and lovers.

This is where the story of Anya and Alejandro flourished. 

It was October,Y1968 and an engineering class of the Univ of the Philippines were having an environmental assessment  program on Pollilio Island for Northern Luzon’s  Submarine-Cabling project . 

Alejandro is a photography nut. An addict with the camera. He does not seem to mind the hours spent taking pictures and perfecting his first passion.  He spends his allowance on books and catalogues to enrich his knowledge in this craft. Perhaps he has a natural eye for light, shade, and colors and the ability to capture it in perfect timing.. Alejandro also has a second passion. A secret passion for his best friend, Anya. 

Anya is a nature lover. She loves the weekend “get aways” to provinces she has not visited before.  She enjoyed being in engineering because of site visits to remote places in the Philippines where communication towers were being studied for construction. It was a free pass to exotic places where nature is abundant with all it’s blessings.  She keeps dozens of albums of pictures  all the places she’s been to. Most of the pictures were given by Alejandro who has been a best friend since their freshman year. 

The two friends who are now in their senior year are enjoying the last rays of the day along the peak of a mountain.  Alejandro felt this is the time to let Anya know of his feelings. But he does not have the words to articulate them. Instead, he reaches for Anya’s hand and gives her a firm squeeze.  Anya is not surprised as they have held each others hands many times in the past without malice.  Alejandro wraps his shoulders around Anya and waits for a punch or slap on the face. It does not come. Anya quietly rests her head into Alejandro’s heaving chest.  They take a moment of silence, waiting for what will happen next. 

Anya looks up to Alejandro, wraps her arm around his neck and pulls him to her waiting lips. Their first attempt at lips-locking was a resounding success.  They break off for air and instinctively find each others  lips once again. This time, kissing with passion and gusto.  After what seems to be an eternity of lips-locking, the couple settles on the cool grass and embraced tightly.  No words were said. None would make meaning.  It was a moment that they have already crossed which could never be undone. They were no longer just ordinary friends, they were already lovers. 

They rejoined the main group as the last streak of light is replaced by the beautiful twinkle of night stars.  During summers in Pollilio Island, one has to lie down on the cool grass and view the majestic display of the heavens. You can clearly see the stars sprawled in our milky way as if it was a canvass of paint. 

The evening seemed to pass very slowly for the two lovers now masquerading as friends.  It was first uneasy on both but they soon got the hang of it. Secret winks, stolen glimpses, and occasional catching of each other’s hands sent electrifying pulses to both of them. 

After a heartfelt dinner and drinks, the two proceeded to Punta De Sta Maria, the highest point of the camp and set-up telescopes to monitor the incoming tide. The sea was illuminated with lights from the fishermen’s lanterns.  They were like fire-flies wading on top of the water.

They put down their gear and settled in together with their equipment.  They covered the cool surface floor with an insulating blanket and they lay down  side by side.  With no further words required, the lovers searched for each others kiss.   With the half-crescent moon overcast, Alejandro and Anya made love. 

The morning after was quite surreal for the couple.  In a matter of less than 24 hours, their four year friendship blossomed into love.  The next two days on the Island was like a scene from a tropical movie wherein lovers enjoyed the bounty of sea and land without a care in the world. 

October 31, last day on the Island of Pollilio.  Anya was in very high spirits as she stowed away her gear and was getting ready for the water-craft to bring them back to Sariaya, Quezon.   Alejandro was not in the camp.  Frantically, Anya searched for Alejandro and caught up with him at Station-II, his gear still unpacked.

Anya asked why he wasn’t ready yet.  Alejandro replied…”I have a lot of things in my mind” 

“Oh really? Asked Anya”…”  …“I  would like to know what” 

“Anya..I am not yet ready for a commitment”… 

The statement caught Anya of guard and sent a stinging blow down to her gut.  She paused for what seemed to be an eternity. 

“Alejandro…I don’t know what you’re trying to say but I will not hold you accountable for what happened last night. I wanted it to happen…”  as tears now flowed on Anya’s cheeks. 

With his most humble tone, Alejandro blurted out ….“No, it’s not that.  I just can’t see myself having a commitment at this time although I am sure about my feelings for you..” 

This statement blew Anya away.   She has nurtured this secret feeling of love for Alejandro all these years and now when things were out in the open, it was about to be thrown out the window.

“Alejandro, commitment is something we work on together, it is not just about you”…countered Anya. 

“ I hate to break your heart Anya, but I am not yet ready, I am really sorry”….. 

“Don’t be sorry Alejandro , I am the fool who expected more than friendship because you never did say you loved me”….. 

Alejandro could do nothing but bite his lips. He could not explain the mixed feelings he was having.  At this point in time, he could simply not commit to a relationship.

The landing craft was boarded by mid-day and the two sat as far away from each other.  The rest of the school year passed uneventful. Anya never joined another out-of-town trip as she became reclusive until graduation. 

Forty-two summers have passed  and Alejandro has a family of his own. However, once a year, during the month of March , he takes a solitary break to the Island of Pollilio, hoping to catch a glimpse of his beloved Anya. 

His memory is already faltering as he could not remember the exact year when his beloved Anya took away her own life in this same island,  years after they left UP. 

Courage if the fuel that fires commitment. The first step in every relationship. 

He hopes Anya will find it in her heart to forgive him when they meet again at the Pearly Gates and recover the lost experience of Pollilio Island

Yosi

Patila na ang ulan, dalawa na lang kami na nag hihintay sa bus-stop sa Cubao. Ayoko ko pang sumakay dahil puno pa ang mga bus na nagdaraan.  Yong bebot na naghihintay pa rin ay medyo aligaga at panay tingin sa kanyang relos at cellphone 

“Tang-ina nya..late na naman siya” sambit ng babae. Galit na ito. Hindi lang ulan ang pinalagpas nito.  Lumapit ako ng konti at sabay tanung.. “Miss, pasensya na, baka may lighter ka?” 

Tumingin muna siya ng pa ilalam sa akin at saka sinabi… “meron naman, pero pahingi ng yosi ok?”..Tugon agad ako ng… “deal”. 

Ang lalim ng hithit ng babae at sabay sabi… “ako nga pala si Jane”…… “Noli de Leon…at your serbis ”  ang sagot ko

“Mukang na-Indian ka ng hinihintay mo? 

“Hay naku Noli, hari ng mga Indyan yang boyfren kong si Mark”…. 

“Eh ganu katagal ka na bang naghihintay?” 

“Siguro mga isang oras na rin” 

“Wala nang ulan Jane, gusto mo sabay na tayo sumakay ng bus pag tapos mag yosi?” 

“Maghintay pa ako kay Mark sandali, baka dumating na rin yon”.. 

“Di pa naman  ako nag mamadali, samahan muna kita, kung mag-ku-kwento ka tungkol sa inyo ni Mark”… 

“Ihanda mo pa baga mo, marami rami tayong yosing mauubos”… 

Ang unang pagtatagpo ni Jane si Mark ay dala na siguro ng tadhana. Sa emergency room ng Ospital ng Maynila sila unang nagkita.  Sinugod si Jane isang hapon ng Oktubre sa pagamutan ng OnM ng kanyang mga kaupisina dahil sa isang atake ng epilepsy.  Dahil nakalimutan niyang inumin ang kanyang maintenance medicine noong pananghalian, ayun, nangisay na parang hito sa buhangin si Jane. 

Duty Nurse si Mark noon at siya ang nagbigay ng paunang lunas upang di makagat ni Jane ang dila niya. Sinaksakan din ni Mark ng “intravenous water-bag” sa braso ni Jane. Kailangan ito para di madehyrdate sapagkat sobrang paglalaway habang ito ay nag-kukumbulsyon.

Noong magkamalay si Jane ay hinahanda na ni Mark and kanyang ER discharge slip.  Sinabi nito na napaka swerte niya at naitakbo siya agad kung hindi ay maaring nabagok na ang kanyang ulo.  Laking pasalamat ni Jane kay Mark at hiningi ang cellnumber nito. Para daw makabawi sa kagandahang loob ni Mark ay aayain niyang kumain ito sa labas pag maganda na ang kanyang pakiramdam. 

Makalipas ng dalawang linggo, nag text na si Jane kay Mark at doon nagsimula ang mabuting pagkakaibigan. Dumating ang isang biyernes na pareho sila ng oras ng labasan kaya’t silay kumain sa labas. 

Sa dinner pa lang, may iba nang kuryenteng nararamdaman si Jane sa mga sulyap ni Mark sa kanyang katawan.  Sexy, bilugan at maituturing na malaking bulas si Jane. Si Mark naman ay maitim, matipuno, kulot, di kagwapuhan pero malakas ang sex appeal. 

Pag-katapos ng dinner ay niyayang manood ng sine si Mark. Walang pag aalinlangan sumama si Jane. Sa loob ng kadiliman nagsimula ang kamunduhan ng dalawa. Walang usap-usap ay naghalikan ang dalawa. Sinalat agad ni Mark ang malulusog na dibdib ni Jane at pinaglaruan ang mga nagtatayuang holen ni Jane. Sa kalagitnaan ng sine ay tumayo na ang dalawa at tumulak na sa isang motel.

Nagsalo sa init ng  libog ng  katawan ang dalawa.  Lahat ng maaring gawin sa kama ay kanilang ginawa, inulit, at muling sinimulan.  Tabla ang galling ng bawat isa pag-dating sa kama.Dito na naging magkasintahan ang dalawa.

Ngunit mahirap magkaroon ng boyfriend na duty-nurse. Parating shifting. Pa-ibaiba ang day-off. Minsan pa, streyt-streyt  ang duty, meaning walang day-off. 

Siempre sa simula, lahat ng kompromiso ginagawa ni Jane at Mark para alng magtagpo ang kanilang mga skedyul.  Masarap at matindi ang mga pagtatalik nila lalo na’t pag matagal silang di nagkita. Kapwa sila sabik na parang mga uhaw na hayop kung mag-talik. Minsan, sa pinto pa lang ng kwarto, hubot-hubad na sila at nakakaraos ng hindi lumalapat ang mga likod sa kama. 

Pero sampung buwan ang nakalipas, madalang na madalang na sila magkita.  Mas madalas na hindi makasipot si Mark sa mga takdang oras ng kanilang tagpuan.  Tampuhan at sakitan ng damdamin ang madalas kinakauwian nila. 

“Ayun, ganun talaga ang buhay pag may boyfren kang nurse”…sabi ni Jane. 

“Parang nasa-abroad ang pakiramdam kasi di kayo mag katagpo-tagpo”… 

“Ang lungkot naman Jane” 

“Ok lang, ganyan talaga siguro kapalaran ko”…

“Ah eh, baka gusto mo munang kumain?” ,para kasing nakakaramdam ako ng konting libog sa kanyang katawan. 

Tumingin sa relos is Jane at sabay sabi … “Tatlong oras na,lecheng lalaki yan” … “uuwi na muna ako Noli, baka dumating na sa apartment ang mister ko!”….

15

Fifteen years is fifteen years. To some, it is already a lifetime. To others, a fleeting moment. For many, a  period of time shared with family friends both in good and bad situations. 

For me, fifteen years is a basketful of stories that started with my boss. He eventually took me under his wings and became my mentor. He has been  a critical coach who would give me constructive criticism when things do get fucked-up.  However he reinforces me with pats on the back for tasks that were well executed.  Over that long journey, the friendship became our bond.

When he eventually let me go with the skills and knowledge that he so unselfishly shared, he made sure I was well grounded.

As I look back to that point in time when he hired me, I can still remember what he told me.  He basically told me to listen and learn well.  Pick up what is useful and throw away what is not. 

He stressed the value of continuing education, formally and informally. We should learn not only from our bosses but most importantly from the people who support us.

As a final after- thought,  I have learned from him how to value the principles I firmly believed in.    
 
Hail to the Chief! 

Maraming Salamat po Sir Boyie!

Sophia

My shooting buddy,Pia, would be leaving soon. 

It’s been great knowing her. However, it was the best having her as a friend.

To my mind, she stands the moral high-ground today  because of two things ; her love for God and respect for her parents. 

She has touched the lives of so many with her gentle candor but firm opinions. She has gamely mingled with all of us during happier occasions. 

I admired her the most during the toughest moments when she lost her father.  If not for her deep rooted faith, she would not have bounced back as a more resilient Pia. 

I am glad that she has found someone to share her passion and life.  Like two apple halves, Mon fit snuggly into Pia’s heart. 

I am glad that she has chosen to learn more in order to improve herself.  Sacrificing work for education is indeed a tough trade-off. I have no doubt she has already statistically looked at the odds of success before she decided to do this. 

For my own selfish reasons, I want Pia to stay put.  The fact that I know Pia  as a selfless person who will give back more with what she will learn, I am happy that she is leaving. 

I will miss you Pia. Thank you for the prayer of Michael the Archangel you have given me along with the book, Climbing the Mountain. God Keep you and may Michael the Archangel watch over you.

                                                Prayer to St Michael the Archangel

            Defend me in the day of battle.

            Be our safeguard in the wickedness and snares of the devil

            May God rebuke him, we humbly pray

            And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host

            By the power of God, cast into hell Satan,

            and all the other evil spirits who prowl through the world

            seeking the ruin of souls.

            Our Lady, the Queen of Holy Angels, Pray for us, Amen.  

A SECOND CHANCE

Last June 30, 2010 would be marked in my book as the day my beloved Philippines was given a second chance in achieving a purposeful democracy.  Winning by a popular vote, Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III was sworn in as the 15^th President of the Philippine Republic.  More popularly known as Noynoy, he has captured the imagination and hope of the Filipinos that this country can be great once again. 

The tyrant that held power for more than nine years was sent-off with boos and heckling which was a welcome sight.  She was lucky that she didn’t get lynched or car-bombed as her convoy left the turn-over ceremony. 

She stole the presidency from FPJ. No doubt about that. What makes me ashamed  as a Filipino is that we went along with the ride, knowing full-well that her presidency was not legitimate. 

We turned our backs on the truth because we feared that if another  “actor” will take the helm of my beloved Philippines, this country would be another banana republic.  We sure paid the price for our collective cowardice.  The “economist” we allowed to be called president almost stripped the country of all its wealth and dignity. 

Noynoy maybe an agent of change but he cannot do it alone. It will take all of us to make the country change.  He is just the catalyst that brought us here today with a new hope of regaining our dignity as Filipinos.  I do not honestly believe that Noynoy is on a quest to relive the legacy his parents have left.  I believe he is there to point us in a direction where we all know will be a tough road to take.  It’s not up to him for the country to change, it’s really up to all of us to make change happen. 

Mr. President, thank you for giving us a second chance.  My fellow Filipinos, let’s not fuck this up again.  It’s time we repair the decays a malevolent bitch left us to rot.  It would be a crying shame if we do not seize the opportunity to be collective agents of change.

STANDING MY GROUND

I got a call from a very good friend last weekend. It is always a pleasure to get in touch with “S-3” because she has is one of my true friends, True friend in the sense that she will never hesitate to tell me the truth no matter how painful it maybe. That’s probably why I don’t tell her everything that’s happened in my life. Not in real-time anyways. 

It’s good that her reason for calling isn’t about another sad story(Angela, God Bless Your soul) .  Like a true friend, she’s checking up on me regarding professional issues because of organizational movements in our :”NAVY”  circle of friends. 

I told S-3 that I was fine and was eagerly waiting for things to unfold . No need to get concerned because I am anchored in my present work and not seeking bluer oceans to sail. With that said, S-3 shifts to light conversation and we relived  old moments. 

For me, this is not the time to move. This is the time to stand firm and hold ground.  No matter what movements the present storm brings in, survivors don’t quit. They claw, chew, bite, and do everything to endure. In the end, survivors make it through any rough situation that presents itself. 

For now it’s better to not to think so much about the future. The present is developing so fast, I could hardly catch my breath. 

TOUGH LOVE

Sometimes, sacrifice is required for a team to overcome a tough situation. The ultimate sacrifice would be a voluntary act of taking a “hit” for the team. 

Taking the hit for the team dissipates the foreseen onslaught of a tactical mistake that a team member has done.  Whether the mistake was an honest one or not, it will make the team  appear to be weak. If there is an opportunity to deflect the weakness by an act of “taking the hit” by a team-member, take it. 

Making mistakes is part of experimentation and learning. However always remember the lessons learned from making that mistake and assure yourself that this will never be repeated. 

I have my shares of sacrificial hits. I have also witnessed others who have taken the sting in order for the common good to survive. For that, my mental thanks goes to all of them. I will never forget their sacrifice.

Funky Innovators

It is really true, and I am a firm believer of this saying – “ We learn something new everyday”.  

The learning’s may not always be profound. The learning’s most often than not are actually experiences in humility.  But once in a while you are treated to learning that is something really new and exciting.

Having worked so long with Operational Policies, Regulatory Guidelines, and tons of Control Procedures, one tends to be critical when it comes to the topic of “Breakthrough Innovations”.

It really takes a leap of faith into the realm of the unknown to get yourself into the groove of imaginative or innovative thinking.

Today, we were asked to be little children again.  Today we were taught to ask “HOW” instead of “WHY”.  It is in asking more of the “how’s” and not minding much of the “why’s” we  are reined back to think innovatively like most children.  By focusing more on how a concept can be improved rather than rationalizing a concept can we make our selves really think out-of-the-box.

Most inventions are made out of necessity. Great inventions are stumbled upon by accident..  While the goal of an  innovation is to take a necessity to the next level, it is sometimes achieved by serendipity or a “fortunate accident” to make that breakthrough.  This is where the culture of experimentation is encouraged to make fortunate accidents turn out to be innovation.  In the culture of experimentation, we are allowed to make mistakes.  The mistakes are lessons in themselves so we may build upon  positive reinforcements.

To really take matters into a different and higher level, we were taught to be “Funky Innovators”.  I admit I was taken aback when I heard the concept. But hey, this is not the day for rationalization so I just took it in stride.  It’s the day of the “How’s” so we all gave it a shot.  In “Funky Innovators”, you were given an existing  product or a service and you are asked to innovate that product or service in two hours time.  Jeez, not much lead time since the textbook says it normally takes fifteen days to accomplish such a daunting task.  

To be a “Funky Innovator”, you and your team mates put in their crazy ideas on innovation one after the other and you build on them like blocks. The crazier the idea, the better it is for the product.  There are no out-of-bounds for ideas for they are only concepts.  We all had a blast innovating on an existing product because we were not bound by budget and  physics. We just kept building on the “how’s” and not minding the “why’s”. 

In the end, we came up with an innovation concept of a product that is not only “funky” but what can be called a “Wicked-Cool-Innovation”.

I learned a lot of things today.

1.For me, the business side of innovation could not be made possible without taking brave steps into the unknown and  

not being afraid to try new things.

2. Teachers only transfer knowledge while true Educators prepare us for life’s ever changing events.

3.  Even though you are aging in birth years, you are not necessarily getting wiser.

4. Every once in a while, you should get in touch with the “child” within yourself and you will see fresh perspectives in an 

otherwise gloomy world.

The bell shrills and it’s 6:00 pm, classes over. Finished or not finished, it’s time to pass the paper.

Ocean Deep

We have been taught a new management approach in dealing with Market Innovation called the  “Blue Ocean” concept. 

In this topic, you are taught not to lock horns with your business rivals or what is known as a “price-war” to get market share.

The concept of Blue Ocean starts with “scanning the waters” or checking the industry where you are presently competing with others.  After you have plotted where you are versus the rest of industry, do an honest assessment of your product or service, meaning you do a SWOT(strength,weakness,opportunity,threat) analysis. After doing your SWOT, determine if there is a unserviced market that your competitors have not yet tapped yet. If you can find that “unserviced market” then you have found your Blue Ocean or an opportunity where you are not directly competing with your business rivals but can get more market-share. 

In the Blue Ocean concept, you do not have to engage in a price-war otherwise your product or service begins to be a commodity.  In the Blue Ocean concept, you find innovations in your product or service so you can differentiate your self from the rest of the pack and be a leader in a potentially untapped market. 

This strategy is not limited to business concerns but also in your personal lives.  If a guy is trying to win the battle of “hearts and mind”  for a very special woman and there are several key competitors, the “Blue Ocean” concept can be applied. How is it done? Study the competition.  Look at their common traits, styles, and approaches.  Do your SWOT and look for things they haven’t covered yet.  If the woman is always getting the gifts, flowers and fancy dates, you may want to try a different approach.  It maybe old fashioned but try writing good “love letters” ( in ink, paper, hand-written). It worked for Pepe Rizal in the late 1900’s, why shouldn’t it work for Pepe Smith at the dawn of  Y2010. That’s differentiation for you, in a novel way of course.

Independence Day

JUNE 12, 2010 may well be marked in Philippine history as a new page in an otherwise dark chapter of the Filipinos plight for the last nine years.

It is the first Independence Day we celebrate after having proclaimed Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino as the 15^th President of the Fifth Republic of the Philippines. This is really a day of celebration for we have been trapped in tyranny from a thief who has pretended to be the president of my beloved Philippines. The President-elect, won by a majority unseen before in Philippine history. The Filipinos have spoken, enough of the corruption, end the tyranny, end it now.

The Filipinos do not believe anymore in “popular uprisings” as can be seen in the result of the May 2010 elections.  The people chose to go out and vote against all odds to correct a mistake that is known as GMA.  Today’s popular uprisings have puppet-masters pulling the  strings in God knows what direction. In my book, EDSA I is the only popular uprising that has the moral ascendancy and legitimate support of the general public. All the other popular uprisings that came after were poor “wannabees”.

Independence is an effect of Freedom. In a causal loop, freedom must first be earned before you can declare independence.  We must never forget that freedom is a privilege that you must fight for. It is not a right as we have witnessed from our history. If we are ready to live our lives on the waves of what is dished to us, we will be robbed of freedom.  And as freedom is snatched from our very eyes, independence goes along with it.

I continue to pray that our civil liberties be expanded in the pursuit of continuing independence. In particular, Section 3 of the Bill of Rights should include a provision allowing the citizenry to keep and bear arms without the fascist curtailment presently employed by the Phillippine National Police.  The restrictions imposed on law abiding citizens make it easier for the lawless to wreck havoc on the fragile peace that we know have. I will continue to support all efforts to make this fundamental right be included in our constitution.

Remember, our forefathers fought for our freedom and independence against the Spanish and Americans with little or antiquated firearms. I could just imagine how independence could have been speedily achieved have our forefathers acquired Gattling Guns and Sniper-Rifles against our colonial masters.

As the day comes to an end, I am filled the hope that this Independence Day will mark a new chapter of Philippine History. Hopeful that it will bring the justice and the change that we all need to improve the lives of every Filipino and his family.

Nahimbing Lang

Hayup naman talaga ang mga panaginip! Di mo alam kung nag o-overtime lang ang consciouness mo o talaga bang nagpapahiwatik ng mga bagay-bagay na walang katuturan. 

The dream peacefully started with an afternoon shower.To some it was a sign of blessing. To others it was also a sign of tears from heaven.

Sa aking panaginip, matapos ang halos dalawang linggo ng pag-uusap sa pagitan ng dalawang partido, nauwi rin ito sa isang mapait na sitwasyon.

When only one side is trying to achieve a win-win scenario, the ending could almost be seen as headed for disaster.

Prinisipyo lang ng “makatwirang pamumuhay” and pundasyon ng argumento ng unang partido. Ang ibig sabihin ng “makatwirang pamumuhay” ay ang isang pamilya, ng limang katao,ay maginhawang makakaraos sa kanyang pangununahing pangangailangan tulad ng pabahay, pagkain, at pananamit.  Ang makatwirang pamumuhay ay angat sa antas-ng-kahirapang pamumuhay kung saan sapat sa tatlong beses makakain ang kanyang pamilya ng lima.  Ang makatwirang pomumuhay ay tumutugon din sa taunang pag-angat ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin kasama na ang pamasahe.  

The contending party alleges that since the collaborative labor of all produced a pajillions of money,it is just right and equitable that they take more part of the money earned.  The basic premise is that this is the right time to take more than what is being offered because of the stellar performance of the organization.  Not thinking of sustainability or forecasting of future growth, the battle-cry is “give us the windfall  today”.

Ibinigay na ng unang partido ang lahat ng pasensya, pang-unawa at dagdag na benepisyo upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan. Subalit ayaw ng makinig sa paliwanag na may kaukulang kalkulasyon para tanggapin ang alok ng makatwirang pamumuhay.

Both justification and calculations are irrelevant to the contending party.  They simply want more because of what is perceived as a “good year” based on fiscal documents. Dear Lord, I truly hope you will open their hearts and minds to see that not everything they see is what it seems.  The “numbers”may look good but it may have been presented that way to address a specific need.

Sa puntong ito ng aking panaginip ay hindi nagpatinag sa posisyon ang pangalawang partido. Natapos ang araw at nawala na rin ang isang insentibong alok ng unang partido. Isang insentibo na dapat ay makikinabang ang lahat ng miyembro ng pangalawang partido lalo na’t nalalapit ang panahon ng pasukan.  Sa mga miyembro ng pangalawang partido, sila ang luhaan.

When the leadership is ready to sacrifice the majority for other vested interests, that to me, is no longer leadership but tyranny.  Oh well, I argued my case using all possible reason, logic, and emotions. I drift again to a deeper state of sleep but this time I only felt peace as if a voice was whipering in my ears ” You have fought the good fight, you stayed in the race, and you have kept the Faith.”

“TAMA NA YAN, INUMAN NA!!!!!”…….. I am rudely awakened from my dream-state with the loud blast of karaoke-music my selfish neighbors always employ on a Saturday morning. I still ponder on the roller-coaster of emotions which I felt when my eyes were completely close. I ask myself if life is any better in dreamland or is it basically the same in the conscious state. I don’t know. It’s 7:00 am and it’s time to start the weekend with a light run.

Stop, Look and Listen

It has been another long and rough week. The only relief is that pellets of rain have finally decided to visit the scored earth of my beloved Philippines. Nearing days’ end, I recap what has happened and realized I have been confronted with many issues in my head. These issues have caused almost sleepless nights.  Issues that affect not only me but also others.  I reflect on my own thought process when I am faced with issues of great consequence.

There are at lease two sides to every story. When an issue is at hand, you can bet your ass that there is a “pro”(in favor)   and a “con”(unfavorable position) that  will always present it self. 

The most important thing is that you listen to both sides before making an informed decision. 

Every issue must be dissected. An issue must be examined from the inside and out, whichever which way you want , in order to get all the facts and opinions on the table.  Only when you get the opinions out of the way will you be able to weigh the merits of the facts at hand. 

First hand observation, while may be directly used to record facts, may not always be the truth. Remember, not all that you see is really what it seems.  Things can be hidden in plain sight. Things that may appear to be obvious may truly be the opposite if cleverly disguised to create willful  confusion. If you fall into the trap of relying purely on observations without correlations, you will develop a bad habit of  over-simplification.  You will always dismiss an issue with a premature conclusion.

An issue should always be tested for biases.  If you already have a bias or preconceived notion when an issue is presented, then your decision is already clouded with prejudice.  Remember, before making a decision, test the “issue” if it can tell a coherent story.  If you can’t get a coherent story out of an issue, you are probably biased already. 

How are biases developed? Two things. Maybe it was how you were brought up(nurture) or how you are genetically wired(nature). 

Not everything is what it seems.  The truck driver  that you always see in the morning picking up the garbage in your neighborhood can not be interpreted as a marginalized individual automatically. He might be temporarily be taking this job because he just moved from a war-torn province. He could also be a wealthy guy working his way up in the family business.  While the examples are quite extreme, it is the lesson of keeping an open and unbiased mind that is important. 

After you have examined both sides of an issue, learn to discern between opinion and facts. If your observations can be tested against bias, then you can make an informed decision.  After making a decision, whether pro or con, you are still entitled to change it. After all, we are all human, with faults of our own.  

If ever you find your self face-to-face with an issue that you already have a bias, remember the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi :  “ Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”

The light drizzle of rain, I consider  a blessing of this day, has stopped. It’s also time to stop thinking about the issues of the day and let both mind and body rest.. Tomorrow is another day, thank God for weekends.

KENYA

We often wonder why things happen for no apparent reason. We also wonder why despite all of the right reasons, things simply don’t happen as planned. No matter how strategic and critical thinkers we are, some things will and will not happen because it is God’s will. I have accepted that because it is my Faith.

Today I bid goodbye and goodluck to another special person who graced the pastures of our Tumana.  She is very special to me.  I remember the first few weeks of working with her. She was very bubbly and seemed to bouncing off the walls with her uncontainable energy. To my mind, that was her “planting time” as she would later grow into her own mold.

I can still remember when I talked to her seriously about her voice-mimicking of an extra-terrestrial life form which she did during work.  With a straight-face I told her that the “alien” had to go or it would be you who will take the next spaceship out.  It was both a time to weep and time to be silent. She dropped the act and became more serious in her work and attitude towards others.

Her salt or worth was proven when the crisis of May 2008 hit the Tumana and we were asked to step up our game.  She stood side-by-side with the very lean work force that we had back then.  Not minding sleep deprivation and abusive conditions of the work-place, she proved to me that when the chips are down, I can count on her. It was literally “a time to kill”the enemies and she did just that.

She matured as person because of her relationship with a very special someone which I will simply refer to as JBOY.  JBOY and his family have been a very big blessing to her.  She would share both stories and pictures of their adventures that would pretty soon end up were most happy couples eventually go.   Yet, she is not lacking in her experience of sorrow as the passing of JBOY’s parents come one after the other.  She has had her fair share of time to weep and a time to laugh.

When I realized how quickly time has passed, I asked her to explore new things outside the Tumana.  She got back to me with a definite “NO”.   I told her that she may need to explore new things like what she did four years ago when she was a newbie in our group.  After several weeks, she came back and wanted to try life outside the tumana. She had the look of a basketball power-forward who wanted the ball at crunch time.  Well, my friend, let me tell you this, winners always want the ball when the game is on the line. Whether you shoot it or create the perfect assist doesn’t matter. It is the determination to put your fate within your control is what actually matters.  This your time, Toots, to shine and be recognized in a new light.

I never called you “anak”or  “child” because that it is not what I saw in you. I would rather call you my good friend.  Thank you and good luck.

A Time for Everything – Ecclesiastes 3

 ^“There is a time for everything,
       and a season for every activity under heaven”

“a time to be born and a time to die,
       a time to plant and a time to uproot”

“a time to kill and a time to heal,
       a time to tear down and a time to build”

“a time to weep and a time to laugh,
       a time to mourn and a time to dance”

“a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
       a time to embrace and a time to refrain”

“a time to search and a time to give up,
       a time to keep and a time to throw away,”

“a time to tear and a time to mend,
       a time to be silent and a time to speak”

“a time to love and a time to hate,
       a time for war and a time for peace”

FOR THE COMMON GOOD

I had my own reservations and hesitations when I was asked to go on another mission that was clearly beyond the normal scope of my job.  It was a dog-gone mission to say the very least. But still, it is a mission assignment which I could not refuse. 

I would gladly go on a mission that involves the intricacy of cloak-and-dagger which I prefer. This game of intelligence is something that I believe keeps us sharp in mind and focused in spirit.

When you are asked to be a negotiator for the collective good of people, the mission parameters are often unreasonable.  The daunting task of bridging heaven and earth falls upon your shoulders. I must confess, I am certainly no saint, not even close to the whispers of angels and yet I am tasked to carry out this mission.

In preparation for this mission, I have dedicated at least 4 hours a day for one week reading through various materials involving negotiations of this nature.  I have interviewed people who have actually gone through the same exercise. Their feedback is always common, you are negotiating about money yet you are dealing with human emotions as well.  The two combined, makes for a volatile mixture.  I was frequently warned of tempers flaring up during the negotiations because of the economic provisions that will affect the lives of many people.  I shall bring my experiences as a soldier, spy, and human being, as resources when I sit at the negotiating table.  I do not expect the outcome to be just a  show of one man upmanship.   I expect  the parties in the negotiations are able to set aside their differences and put forth concessions for the common good. For my personal expectation, I am looking forward to becoming a better person after this mission is over.

TECHNOLOGY AND PROCESS

Last Monday, May 11 Y2010, will be etched in Philippine history as the first computerized elections. 

All the anxieties and fears were laid to rest after reports from almost 85%  of all the voting precincts confirmed that the PCOS machines were working. 

While the assistance of the computers was a technological leap into the 21^st century I must say that the election process was almost a disaster. 

The process for a computerized election was not clearly communicated to all the personnel manning the precincts.

The queuing of the people to exercise their right to vote was a very annoying procedure. The average waiting time would be 2 hours. I have personally seen voters who gave up falling in line and went home. I can’t blame them. The terrible heat, cramped corridors, and poor precinct structure was compounded by the threat of a possible stampede. The queues extended into the staircase of most polling precincts and that is a death trap waiting to be sprung. The Board of Election Inspectors(BEI) simply didn’t prepare an orderly queuing process while they knew the average voting time per individual was estimated at ten minutes each. 

The segregation of Senior Citizens was not implemented properly. It was left to the discretion  of the BEI on how they handled the elderly who turned out to vote.   Their simply was no process in place.  Small “fights” broke out while falling in line because of this.  I salute all  those aged 55 years old and up who bravely trooped to the precincts to cast their vote. I sincerely hope I would have their same courage when time has left me grey and withered. 

The clustering of precincts due to the lack of the PCOS machines couldn’t be avoided. However, the officials manning the clustered precincts should have also reallocated the BEI inspectors to adapt to the ratio of precincts vs voters.  The outcome was a delay in the Verification of Voters because the BEI personnel were not augmented in the precincts.  How do they expect to finish on time with 3 BEI personnel when you clustered 2 to 6 percents at the average. 

To the credit of some upstanding voters themselves, they have sought quick representation with the BEI and volunteered to   fix the queue.  From a chaotic start, the lines were fixed by a very simple tool.  Pieces of paper with hand-written numbers were distributed.   You don’t have to queue anymore, you just observe and listen to what number is being served. No rocket-science there.

I hope the government officials in the COMELEC have learned invaluable lessons in process this time around. I would hate to think that they did this on purpose to sabotage the elections. It should never happen, that’s why I keep my beng-beng close, just in case. 

Technology and Process could be summarized in the words of an unknown voter who queued for two hours ….” Mga putang ina ‘nyo, pa kompyu-kompyuter pa kayo eh di nyo naman maayos proseso nyo! ”

UNLIMITED

Faith in God, hard work, patience, and a  cheerful disposition are the key traits that Bunso have.  She also possesses an “UNLI”value that I shall deal with later. 

Una kong nasilayan si Bunso halos isat-kalahating taong na rin ang lumipas.  Bata pa talaga siya ng dumating sa Tumana. Hindi lang “may gatas pa sa bibig” kung titingnan, pede mo ring sabihing “mapanghe pa ang kumot”.  

True enough, her resume showed she was only 19 years of age. Huh? At the back of my mind, I was asking how could she be an B.S. Education graduate with six months teaching experience at this age?  Curiosity got the better of me and I interviewed her for the job opening at that time.

 DA INTERBYU :

 “Updated ba resume mo?”

 “Opo”…

 “Tama ba edad mo rito?”

 “Öpo..disenueve anyos po ako”…

 “Paano ka naka pagtapos at naka pagturo kung 19 ka pa lang?”

 “Accelerated po ako”….

 “Ah..ganun pala, so henyo ka?”

 “Sakto lang po”….

 “May asawa?”

 “Wala pa po…”

 “Pumapatol sa may-asawa..?”

 “Ay sir, ang kati!!!”

 “O sige, tanggap ka na!”

That interview was one of the more memorable ones for me.  I reminded myself that I should keep a close eye on this kid so she does not lose her way.

Unang araw ni Bunso sa Tumana.  Pag pasok niya ay medyo natigilin ang mga kasamahan naming..Hmmm…naka Tsalekong parang manga-ngam-panya.! Iba ito. Medyo wala pa sa porma ng isang taga Tumana. Di bale isang taon lang eh aayos din ang batang ito.  Paglipas ng mga linggo at buwan, nakaka sabay na rin si Bunso sa kalakaran dito sa Tumana.  Mahalay din naman palang mag-damit, may future!  Maboka siya at listo. Hindi ako nag kamali.  May angking alindog si Bunso kaya’t nabansagang “UNLI”or ang libog. 

Through a period of more than a year, she has developed good rapport and earned the respect of her peers.  She has touched us with stories of her band, brief teaching career, and Glen-the-Adonis!  She has this energetic laughter which I always tell her to tone down. I will miss that. She rides with me at least once a week aboard the “School Bus”.  She has opened up to me some of her fears and aspirations during those long trips when it was just the two of us. I have also shared to her some of my experiences and random thoughts.  She would never forget to say “Thank You and Good Night”…simple words of endearment that will forever be in my mind.

Malayo ang mararating ni Bunso. Hindi mo ma-aalis na kailangan niyang sumubok sa ibang larangan sa labas ng Tumana. Malungkot at Masaya. Dalawang emosyon na mararanasan naming mga iiwanan ni Bunso. Mas lamang siempre ang kasiyahan sapagkat mag sisimula na siya sa mas mainam na antas ng buhay.

She is just a few years older than my own daughter, that’s probably why there is a special affinity that I have grown fond of.  I am reminded of my daughter whenever Bunso is bouncing around the room with her contagious laughter and uncanny sense of humor.

Salamat at Paalam

Life is a journey. People come, people go. What we hold on to are the memories, both good and the tough ones. If we’ve learned lessons as we travel, the journey was well worth the pain of getting to the destination. 

A teacher by profession, an Ate at heart, and a Girlfriend by fate…we say Thank You , Wennie.

You have been very patient, very accommodating, and very kind.  Youré just a stone’s throw away so we will all see you around. This time with Dennis always at your side!