Top 5 lessons my mother taught me

“My mama always said life is like box of chocolates you never know what you gonna get” – Forrest Gump

That quote is just one of the many teachings learned by Forrest from his mother. I am no Forrest Gump. I don’t have a childhood sweetheart named Jenny. I don’t have that athletic ability to make a touchdown at a major football event or beat a Chinese in a ping-pong showdown. I didn’t have the chance to be provided a room at Watergate Hotel and inadvertently helped the US Government to expose the Watergate Scandal forcing President Nixon to resign. No, I am not the one who taught Elvis Presley his hip-swinging dance move. And most of all, I don’t own a Bubba Gump.

But just like Forrest, I also have a collection of quotes and simple lessons that can last me a lifetime – lessons my mother taught me. Let me share a few of them here.

Lesson #1: Education is the great equalizer. Among my sibs, I am the only one who had the chance to start the primary levels in a private educational institution. Our life is still good at that time and our parents had the capacity to send us to private schools and we can afford the latest X-Men edition cards and toys. Bibo and makulit as I was, I had several “courtesy calls” at the principal’s office. When I was in Grade 2, I skipped certain classes to spend the remaining school hours tinkering and playing on a machine then called ‘Personal Computer’ at the school library (at least sa library ako tumatambay haha). After school, I noticed that my ‘gangmates’ at that time were being picked-up by their dads and moms in either a Pajero or a Corolla (the popular vehicles at that time) while I am being picked up by a jeepney school service. During a lunch, I asked my mama “Di ba nag-aral na mag-drive si papa? Bakit wala pa tayong kotse?”. My mother answered “Meron na kaya lang kulang pa ng turnilyo. Pag naka-graduate ka na, ikaw na ang bibili nung turnilyo para ma-deliver na yung kotse”. At that time, I wonder how expensive the ‘turnilyo’ might be.

Lesson #2: Love your work and your work will love you back. This lesson was handed to me when I was in Grade 6. I have just won a string of journalism competitions back then and I was heading somewhere in Mindanao to compete at the national level. My mother was my very first writing coach. In preparation for the upcoming tilt, I would practice writing features and editorials which I would hand to her for comments. Her usual comment was “Parang kinahig ng manok talaga ang sulat mo. Maganda naman. Ayusin mo lang yung sulat mo baka di maintindihan ng judge”. But I believe, I never ceased to impress her as I saw her reaction right after reading my work. She was not that showy to us. When I was about to enter the airport (my first time to ride an aircraft by the way), she said “Basta lagi ka lang magdadasal. Mahalin mo yung ginagawa mo para di ka kabahan o mapagod.”

Lesson #3: Do it with feelings. I went home from a basketball game one afternoon. I was surprised to find one of the barangay kagawads in our living room. My mother had enlisted me to join an amateur singing contest without my knowledge and Kagawad was there to hear me sing! Waaah! I was really really hesitant and shy. But when I learned that the prize money was big enough for me to buy a Spalding basketball, I finally gave in. Rehearsals were conducted at our living room with the help of our newly-purchased karaoke. I committed a few sharps but it didn’t matter to her. She’s more concerned with singing with feelings. Showmanship. “Lagyan mo ng feelings. Dapat galing sa puso”. I really found it ‘dyahe’ because I’m not used to singing with pa-emote emote effect just like Martin Nievera or Gary V (eventually mimicked by Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola), ang baduy kasi! Ironically, I won the competition because of it (don’t ask me about the details please haha).

Lesson #4: Help those who are in need even if it means sacrificing some of your own. Ask anyone in our place in Antipolo. Ask them if they knew my mother and you’ll definitely get a positive response. My mother had been known for being helpful and kind to those in need. As a child, I witnessed many people visiting our home to ask for her help, both financially and in kind. Even it means letting go of some few kilos of rice in our table. We’re neither rich nor middle class by the way. She’s really good in building connections and relationships with other people. I admire her guts in dealing effectively with all kinds of people. I bet had she decided to run for a public office, she’ll definitely have many supporters. On her unexpected demise, hundreds of people came in to pay their last respects to her. One of our elementary school teachers had commented during her wake, “Kung may isang magulang lang na pwedeng gawan ng istatwa sa school, siya na yun”.

Lesson #5: Big waves start from small scribbles. This is what I consider the most valuable lesson she taught me . I think big. I have a lot of big dreams. But most of the time, I don’t have the patience to deal with the nitty gritty. We were talking about the conference I have attended and I shared to her who the speakers and guests were. “Mga bigatin sila”, that’s how I described them to her. I said to her about my plans after passing the board. I said I want to fast-track. But she said, “Wag ka magmadali. Lahat ng bagay dumarating sa tamang oras. Lahat ng malaki nagsisimula sa maliit.” When I entered the workforce, I found out that everything she said was true.

I fondly commemorate all these lessons with her as I celebrate the All Soul’s Day. Mothers had their own ways of explaining things to us. As Forrest said, “Mama always had a way of explaining things so I could understand them”.

Indeed, mothers know best.

Heavygat Habagat

August 8, 2012, 9:30PM – Nagsimula na namang bumuhos ang ulan sa labas. Balita ng PAG-ASA, hanggang bukas pa o maaaring hanggang biyernes pa ang walang-patid na pag-ulan sa buong metro manila at mga karatig-probinsya. Kakatapos ko lang tumawag kay “mine” at inalam ang lagay nila. Nag-evacuate na sila sa lubog nilang bahay sa Marikina at nag check-in na sa pinakamalapit na matutuluyan. Mas mainam na iyon dahil mula martes, nagtitiis sila sa cupcake at noodles sa siksikang 2^nd floor ng kapitbahay nila dahil lubog na lubog na rin ang kanilang bahay. Mas mainam na rin dahil nabalitaan nilang nasira na ang flood control ng Marikina at maaring magpakawala pa ng tubig ang dam.

Unang beses kong naranasan ang baha mula nung lumipat kami ng tirahan. Hindi pala madali. Dahil sa walang puknat na pag-ulan, umaga pa lang ay wala nang masakyang tricycle palabas ng subdivision. Alas sais pa lang pala ay tinigil na ang pasada dahil abot-hita na ang tubig sa kalsada. Nagdesisyon akong mag-leave muna habang pinapakiramdaman kung magdedeklara ba ng suspension ang opisina namin. Nakapagbihis na ako ng pambahay nung mga bandang alas otso, nung nagtext ang opisina at nagsabing suspended na ang trabaho. Mabuti naman.

Habang dumadaan ang araw ng martes, panay naman ang buhos ng ulan. Malakas. Biglang hihina. Titila. At magsisimulang lumakas muli. Sa mga panahong ito, iisa lang ang pinag-aalalahanan ko, si mine at ang nanay niya na taga-marikina. At di nga ako nagkamali, nasa second floor na raw sila ng kapitbahay nila dahil unti-unti nang nilalamon ng tubig ang bahay nila.

Aligaga ako sa sobrang pag-aalala. Nariyang mag-text ako na lumikas na sila habang tolerable pa ang taas ng tubig. Pero tulad ng iba nating mga kababayan, mas pinili na lamang nilang manatili sa mga 2^nd floor ng mga bahay nila.

Sa bahay naman, dahil sa napaliligiran na rin kami ng tubig-baha, naisip ko na hindi malayong tumaas pa ang tubig at pasukin kami. Kaya habang maaga pa, dali-dali akong kumuha ng plastic at isinilid doon ang wallet at cellphone ko. Kasama ang bunso kong kapatid, sinuong ko ang abot-baywang na baha at naglakad ng halos dalawang kilometro para makalabas ng subdivision at makabili ng mga grocery. Hindi biro ang pagsuong pala sa baha. Nariyang naglalakad kami habang sa tabi pala nami’y may mga lumalangoy na palang ahas kaya pala yung mga tao nasa gilid lang at hindi pumupunta sa direksyon namin. May mga parte pa ng baha na itim ang tubig. Kung minalas-malas pa, ay maaari kang mahulog sa manhole. Mabuti na lamang at kabisado ko na ang daan dahil sa lingguhang pagbibisikleta ko sa village at hindi kami napahamak.

Dalawang oras kaming naglalakad sa baha ng kapatid ko – isang oras papunta sa grocery store at isang oras pabalik sa bahay. Malayo talaga dahil malapit na kami sa dulo sa floodway. Nilalamig na kami at sobrang sakit na ng hita dahil sa nilalabanan namin ang water current ng baha lalo na yung malapit sa ilog. Di ko pa makakalimutan yung biglang nakuryente ako sa ATM habang nagwiwithdraw. Basang-basa kasi ako mula ulo hanggang paa kaya grounded. Pero tolerable naman kaya tiniis ko na lang ang kuryente sa tuwing didikit ang daliri ko sa keypad ng ATM.

Pagbalik ko ng bahay matapos ang dalawang oras na paglalakad, nakaramdam ako ng pagod. Di mo pala mararamdaman ang pagod habang nasa baha ka dahil iniisip mo yung mga taong nangangailangan ng pagkain. Sa puntong ito, naisip ko, mahirap ang maging biktima ng baha pero mas mahirap pala talaga ang maging isang rescuer. Kaya saludo ako sa lahat ng mga rescuer na buong-buong tumulong at di inalintana ang ginaw, maruming tubig, ulan, puyat, pagod at ang malayo sa kanilang pamilya na malamang ay binabaha rin sa mga oras na nagre-rescue sila.

Dumating na ang gabi. Magdamag akong nagbabantay. Di nga nagkamali at pumasok na rin ang tubig sa first floor ng apartment kaya tulung-tulong kami ng kapatid at tiyahin ko na maitaas lahat ng mga gamit. Ganun ang naging eksena hanggang kinabukasan. Humupa lamang ito mga bandang tanghali nung tila sumilip na ang araw nang kaunti. Pero di pa rin nawawala ang tubig.

Hanggang ngayon mataas pa rin ang tubig. Yung mga dinaanan kong di pa lubog sa baha masyado kahapon, lubog na lubog na lahat ngayon. Hirap nga ako sa pagpepedal ng bisikleta ko dahil sa malakas na current ng tubig. Sumakit pa ang kaliwang braso ko dahil ito ang may bitbit ng bigas at mga pinamili at payong habang ang kanang kamay ko naman ay nasa manibela ng bike. Mga isang oras lang naman na ganun ang itsura ko hahaha! Tingin ko mga 800 kcalories din ang na-burn ko doon. In fairness, nakapag work out ako hehe.

Habang sinisulat ko ito, di ko maiwasang mag-isip. Sa dinami-dami ng pwedeng itanong ng mga reporter sa mga tao, tama bang itanong sa mga kababayang binaha ang mga tanong tulad ng “Nakita po natin na inuuna nyo pong ilikas ang mga bata, matatanda at mga maysakit. Bakit po sila kailangang unahin?”, “Hanggang baywang na po ang tubig dito sa bahay nyo, malalim na po ba ang tubig dito?” at “Nalulungkot po ba kayo dahil binaha kayo?”. Parang gusto ko silang itulak sa Recto underpass kasama ni Mike Enriquez na panay ang singit ng kahambugang comments habang nage-explain pa si Mayor Bistek.

Pilipino nga naman. Nagagawa pa ring ngumiti sa gitna ng kalamidad. Pero ok na rin yun dahil kahit papaano’y naiibsan ang lungkot at paghihirap na nararamdaman ng bawat isa sa mga ganitong panahon.

Hanggang sa mga oras na ito, umaapaw pa rin ang mga ilog na pumapalibot sa metro manila. Hindi pa bagyo ang tumamang ito sa buong western Luzon pero ganito na ang kinahinatnan. Sigurado, ganito na lang lagi ang mangyayari sa atin tuwing may malakas na pag-ulan kung kaya’t kailangan maging handa.

Huwag isisi sa gobyerno ang lahat. Hindi kasalanan ng gobyerno kung bakit sa tulay ka nakatira o sa gilid ng ilog dahil ilang beses ka na niyang sinabihan na umalis na doon. Hindi kasalanan ng gobyerno na umapaw ang dam at kailangang magpakawala ng tubig dahil sadyang ganoon ang function ng mga dam. Hindi kasalanan ng gobyerno kung barado ang drainage system dahil sa sangkaterbang plastik na bumabara doon.

Ganyan na talaga ang mangyayari tuwing uulan at babagyot. Baha.

Heavygat talaga itong habagat na ito! Stay safe!

Yes to RH Bill

Last saturday, the CBCP staged a rally in protest of the Reproductive Health Bill. The rallyists come from parishes all over the metro and nearby provinces and were funded by the church, of course.

They "evangelized" their opposition to the proposed law and all I can do is to cover my ears with my hands. I know I am now alone in this. Because some members of the rally crowd, mothers and sisters, are actually pro-RH Bill. They were just "hinakot" from their chapels and churches to join the CBCP in their rally. But mind you, most of the "nanays" there are actually pro-RH Bill.

Mothers know best. They understood the RH Bill and its importance. They are just obligated to support their churches in respect to their parish priest. This Filipino value is called "utang na loob".

On the other side, I will not be elaborating why I support the RH Bill because like other Filipinos, I may not be well-informed of the provisions and the salient points of the bill. Rather, I will be reposting here Senator Pia Cayetano's blog entry (http://www.mydailyrace.com/?p=2376) which aims to educate our citizenry on the controversial bill today.

Ten facts about the RH Bill

Last year, I sponsored Senate Bill No.2865, otherwise known as the Reproductive Health Bill. It went through the process – we had hearings, then we made our committee report , which embodies SB 2865. Since then, there have been many questions raised by the public and rightly so, given that intelligent debate and discourse are essential in crafting the best version of any bill.

Senator Bongbong Marcos and I (inset) presiding on one of our committee hearings on the RH bill

In fact, it took almost a year before the RH Bill hurdled the interpellation period (debates where I answered questions posed by my colleagues) at the Senate, where every provision was explained, rehashed, and clarified until it was blue in the face. I am not exaggerating.  Finally, the bill has moved on to the period of amendments during which the Senate can incorporate changes to further improve the measure.

My co-sponsor Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago and I defending the RH bill on the Senate floor

However, it is unfortunate that intelligent discussion is overlooked, sometimes even abandoned altogether by those who mean to distort the meaning and purpose of the bill. Many people are misled by these ill-informed notions. They pass judgment on the RH bill based on misinformation. Don’t take it from the grapevine and learn the facts before taking a stand. Here’s the real deal about the Senate RH Bill.

FACT 1: #RHBill gives a person freedom to choose what family planning method to use, or NOT to use any method at all.

Once and for all, if you do not want to use any family planning method, if you choose to use an artificial mode of family planning or natural family planning, that choice is yours and yours alone. This is made very clear in the following section of SB 2865.

FACT 2: #RHBill does not legalize abortion. In fact, it explicitly adheres to the penal law on abortion. 

As I repeatedly explained during the debates, the provision below is meant to ensure that every woman, like every Filipino, deserves optimal health care which includes compassionate care.

In fact, during one of our debates on the Senate floor in September last year, Sen. Vicente Sotto III, who is vehemently opposed to the RH bill, conceded and even agreed with my position that women with post-abortion complications seeking emergency attention in any medical facility should not be treated like criminals. Instead, they must be treated humanely and given compassionate medical care, which is precisely what Section 3 (i) calls for. For more details on that discussion, click on link here: ‘RH Bill won’t legalize abortion’ on my official website.

Sen. Pia Cayetano [explaining Sec.3 (i) and (j) to Sen. Sotto] : ’It shocks me that there are people who believe that women who have gone through an abortion need to be treated like criminals because they have committed an act which is defined as a crime in our country.’

‘…In fact in many hospitals they are treated badly, they are pushed around to the side. In fact, some of them will bleed to death because they will not even be attended to, to punish them for that crime. And I will fight for the right of this woman to have the care that she needs because the emotional, psychological trauma that goes through to have an abortion is something that we, who have not been through an abortion, can never understand and she deserves that from the State.”

Sen. Vicente Sotto III [agreeing with Sen. Pia's remark]: ’Yes, Mr. President, I do agree. As a matter of fact, I will be by the Sponsor’s side in defending that woman.’

Sen. Pia Cayetano : ’Then we have no problem.’

Source: RH plenary debates (September 5, 2011)

FACT 3:  #RHBill does not impose an ideal family size and leaves this decision to couples.

The provisions quoted below is self-explanatory and puts to rest any misconception there may be on this matter.

FACT 4: #RHBill respects the religious convictions and cultural beliefs of all. 

I am aware that certain religious groups are anti-RH. I respect their position. But I cannot adopt their position because it would be depriving other Filipinos who have other views on reproductive health and on the reproductive health care and services that they need and want. As I said in my sponsorship speech, it is my job as a duly elected public official to represent every Filipino, not just one religion. Having said that, I repeatedly clarify that those who do not want to use contraceptives are not being forced to. Each person is at liberty to decide for his or herself.

FACT 5: #RHBill will not teach a 10-year-old how to use condoms. RH education is age- and development- appropriate. 

Time and again, sex education has been taken out of context. As I explained in my sponsorship speech, sex education shall be age-appropriate. It includes a child using the proper name for their body parts. It includes understanding the biological function of their bodies, such that they know that babies grow in mommy’s tummy and do not come out of bamboo trees.

FACT 6: #RHBill promotes BOTH natural & artificial methods.

Again, there is so much disinformation spreading that only artificial family planning shall be promoted under the RH bill. This is false.

 

FACT 7:  Contraceptives are safe and effective family planning tools 

Anti-RH advocates repeatedly raise the issue on the safety and effectiveness of contraceptives. That is a  valid concern. But like any medicine or medical device, all contraceptives  shall be approved by a government authority, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). And like medicines, there will be respect for choices. Couples must decide what is best for them with the advice of their health care provider. Clearly, vasectomy or ligation will not work for a young couple who may want to have more children in the future. On the other hand, some women prefer to use the pill or the IUD. These choices are personal ones. Contraceptives is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution.

FACT  8: #RHBill will not indiscriminately distribute condoms to all.

During the Senate RH debates in October last year, Sen. Ralph Recto repeatedly stated that “Parang nagtutulak tayo ng contraceptives!” (It’s like the government will be ‘pushing’ or peddling contraceptives) in connection with the bill’s principle of “universal access” to reproductive health care services (Section 2) and the provision mandating mobile health care services (Section 12).

In response, I explained that reproductive health care is not all about contraceptives, but addresses real and unmet needs of women and families.  The need for a mobile health vehicle in particular is important to reach far-flung areas where health care is inaccessible. These  services may not only save a mother’s life, but will help couples plan the number and spacing of their children. I clarified that minors and the youth also have RH needs, which we should address primarily through age-appropriate RH education and counseling. But we should also not turn a blind eye to the alarming problems of teenage pregnancy (we have the highest teenage pregnancy rate in Southeast Asia) and  numerous cases of young children being sexually abused, sometimes by members of their own family. These are real issues which we should not trivialize by irresponsible statements that the government would freely give away contraceptives to the youth under the RH bill.  As I emphasized on the floor, the mobile health care unit is not a ‘contraceptive ice cream truck.’

For more details, see the highlights of floor debates between Sen. Recto and myself , ‘RH debate highlights: October 5, 2011′ on my official website.

FACT 9: An average of 11 mothers die daily. That’s a fact.

During the Senate debates, Sen. Sotto kept questioning official figures on our Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). He claimed that the figure of ’11 mothers dying per day’ had no basis, and was merely being exaggerated in media reports.

“Eh alam naman natin siyempre kung papaano dalhin kasi ng media iyong ’11 mothers die a day.’  Eh, hindi, eh..  This cannot be accurate.. So, may I ask the Committee to furnish the Senate a copy of how this survey was derived at.. If they can furnish us, I will try to urge 13 Senators to vote for this bill tomorrow on third reading…”  - Sen. Vicente Sotto III, Senate RH debates (Aug. 22, 2011)

I explained that the figure is an average generated from data provided by official  sources, such as the United Nations (UN), the National Statistics Office (NSO) and the National Statistics and Coordination Board (NCSB). I also provided my colleagues with a copy of how this number was derived, as illustrated on the table below:

•  Notes: 
• Column D calculated by dividing Column B by 1000 and multiplying result with Column C.
• Column F calculated by dividing Column D by 100,000 and multiplying result with Column E. 

So ngayong meron naman  po tayong naibigay na paliwanag, pwede na ba natin asahan si Sen Sotto to call on the majority of senators to act on the RH BILL?

But regardless of whether there’s just one woman or 11 women dying daily, the fact remains that mothers are dying from a highly-preventable cause.  If there were only 10 women or 3 women dying, is that one life not worth saving? Who are we to deprive them of access to information and supplies that can possibly save their lives?

FACT 10: #RHBill will not force anyone to act against their ethical or religious beliefs.

Anti-RH advocates often state that people are being forced to adopt a certain type of family planning method. Or that health care providers will be forced to recommend certain kinds. Fact 1 above already clarifies that each person is free to make their own choice of family planning method. Sec 18 below further provides that a heath care provider can make a conscientious objection.

Imbisibol

Walang tao.
walang laman.
Walang nakaupo.
Walang nakatayo.
Walang naglalakad.
Walang nagsasalita.


Pero...
May tao.
May laman.
May nakaupo.
May nakatayo.
May naglalakad.
May nagsasalita.


Hangin lang ako.
Imbisibol.
Di pansinin kahit nararamdaman.


(Drag your mouse above to read the text)

After the U-Turn, here comes the traffic light

Due to insistent demand by some of my staff and co-seniors at work, they've been asking me to write about what happened next after I traversed the U-Turn (http://dabluejay.blogspot.com/2011/06/traversing-u-turn.html). My first busy season as an audit returnee is officially over (except for some archiving tasks) and they (especially those who are considering going out of the audit pool and jumping in the private practice) are eager to seek my thoughts on their decision. Well, I've been very hesitant at first considering the good or bad repercussions I may cause or inflict upon them and upon the firm where I work now. I am very much cautious also since I know that some of the firm partners and managers are reading this blog. I am bound by professional ethics especially on areas of confidentiality and upholding the image of the profession.

So, first and foremost, all of the views and insights in this blog entry are personal views and insights of this author and not of any entity or organization where this author is associated.

Back to the topic, where should I start? Hmmm... I am writing this article while sipping brewed Starbucks coffee at Makati Stock Exchange (in front of Allied Bank). Two hours ago, I went to my favorite sanctuary in the middle of the business district - the Chapel at Greenbelt where I solemnly prayed and asked for HIS guidance (and motivation). I also went inside the confession room for a little "chit chat" with the priest there. I asked him "Father, why did you become a priest? And how come I am not a priest?". He said "Because this is my calling. I heard HIS call and I obeyed it. My interest, skills and knowledge are all about HIM from the moment I heard that calling". He may have already guessed what my problem is all about so he continued "God gave each one of us unique skills and talents. Look for it inside you. Develop and nurture it. Those are treasures God have given you since you were born and He wants you to use it not just for your own good but for the good of your brothers and sisters as well".

I became more puzzled. I recalled my aptitude tests way back in high school (results: "Diversified" just like San Miguel Corp) as well as my points of interests way back from my college days (I enjoyed minor subjects more than the major ones) up to my current professional life (I have only one interest - lunch break). I have developed lots of skills and knowledge resulting from my previous three employers. How come I can't still choose one to specialize into? Blame it on my curiosity at the very early age. I studied everything from astrology to soccer. Now, I know a little something of everything yet I am not really a master of any thing. I  am thinking of applying for a new name like my first name is "Jack" my middle name is "of all trades" and my surname, "master of none".


At this point, the question everyone is asking is to go or not to go. Shall I pursue my teenage dream of becoming an auditor and trusted business advisor as discussed on blog link above? Or shall I go where the market is currently trending (join PBB teens maybe)? Chase the cheese or be contented with the bread in front of me? Fundamental analysis or technical analysis?

Lots of questions. Unverified answers.

I can see the traffic lights along Ayala Avenue as I sit on the corner table. I watched how each vehicle stops each time the lights turn red. Some drivers step on their brakes hurriedly while some were gentle and slow. Some maintains the "distancia amigo" on the car in front of them while some are like kissing bumper-to-bumper. Some drivers were listening to music while some were chatting on their phones. Some have passengers, some were all alone.

The light turned green and engines started to rev again. Each driver stepped on the gas pedal and headed where they are going to. Some went straight ahead while others turned left and right. Some vehicles are shiny and brand new while others were apparently needed a carwash and perhaps a makeover.

Indeed, I'm stuck on a heavy traffic right on a rush hour of a Tuesday afternoon. In just a matter of seconds, the lights will turn green and I need to step on the gas and go to a certain direction. Shall I go straight? Shall I turn left/right? Honestly, I don't know.

But I am enjoying the ride. I enjoy the cool breeze gushing through my mojacko cheeks and my eyes are feasting over the shimmering glow of citylights. I can't help but to admire the modern architecture of the tall buildings around me. I marvel on untold stories of each nameless passerby and fellow travellers I am encountering. However, each time I encounter familiar faces (friends, colleagues and former co-workers) during my ride along the highway of career success, I can't stop myself from gazing at what "car" they are driving. Some were driving top of the line cars. Some even ride on a lamborghini or a ferrari. While I am still commuting o a 50-peso shuttle ride on my way home. I am hoping that one day, I can own my dream volvo too!

One my favorite business books is Winning by Former GE CEO Jack Welch. His advise on choosing a career goes like this "Find a work that has meaning to you. That touches you. Let fate decide for your career planning. Just do your best and hold on as opportunities will chase you rather than you chasing them". I am holding on to this advice up to now as I give my best each working day (except this day. I am really "nauumay" to coaching notes lol).

Back to the million dollar question - where to go when the lights turn green? My answer: "I will be heading straight to my heart". My heart will always be the center of my being. Why? Because it's where I keep the most treasured in my life - God, my family, my future wife, my friends, my mentors and even YOU.

The world may offer me lots and lots of money and recognition but not the happiness that can be found as I come at peace with my heart.





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10 Job Interview Tips From A CEO Headhunter

Whether you're being interviewed to be an intern or a CEO, you're going to run into a few notoriously tricky questions--here's a road map of what you'll be asked, and how to craft impressive answers to even the toughest questions.

No two situations are ever exactly the same, but as a general guide, these are the types of questions that could come up in a typical interview.

1. Why don’t you tell me about yourself?

This question, often the interview opener, has a crucial objective: to see how you handle yourself in unstructured situations. The recruiter wants to see how articulate you are, how confident you are, and generally what type of impression you would make on the people with whom you come into contact on the job. The recruiter also wants to learn about the trajectory of your career and to get a sense of what you think is important and what has caused you to perform well.

Most candidates find this question a difficult one to answer. However, the upside is that this question offers an opportunity to describe yourself positively and focus the interview on your strengths. Be prepared to deal with it.

There are many ways to respond to this question correctly and just one wrong way: by asking, “What do you want to know?” You need to develop a good answer to this question, practice it, and be able to deliver it with poise and confidence.

The right response is twofold: focus on what interests the interviewer, and highlight your most important accomplishments.


Focus on what interests the interviewer

Do not dwell on your personal history--that is not why you are there. Start with your most recent employment and explain why you are well qualified for the position. The key to all successful interviewing is to match your qualifications to what the interviewer is looking for. You want to be selling what the buyer is buying.

Highlight Important Accomplishments

Have a story ready that illustrates your best professional qualities. For example, if you tell an interviewer that people describe you as creative, provide a brief story that shows how you have been creative in achieving your goals.

Stories are powerful and are what people remember most.

A good interviewee will memorize a 60-second commercial that clearly demonstrates why he or she is the best person for the job.

2. How long have you been with your current (or former) employer?

This is a hot-button question if your résumé reflects considerable job-hopping. Excellent performers tend to stay in their jobs at least three to five years. They implement course corrections, bring in new resources, and, in general, learn how to survive--that’s why they are valued by prospective employers.

If your résumé reflects jobs with companies that were acquired, moved, closed, or downsized, it is still viewed as a job-hopper’s history. Volunteer and go to events where hiring authorities may be found. Ratchet up your networking to include anything that exposes you to hiring authorities who can get past your tenure issue because now they know you. Your networking efforts have never been so important.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

An impressive and confident response shows that the candidate has prepared for the question, has done serious self-reflection, and can admit responsibility and accept constructive criticism. Sincerely give an honest answer (but not a long one), be confident in the fact that this weakness does not make you any less of a great candidate, and show that you are working on this weakness and tell the recruiter how.

4. Tell me about a situation where you did not get along with a superior.

The wrong answer to this hot-button question is, “I’ve been very fortunate and have never worked for someone I didn’t get along with.”

Everyone has had situations where he or she disagreed with a boss, and saying that you haven’t forces the recruiter to question your integrity. Also, it can send out a signal that the candidate is not seasoned enough or hasn’t been in situations that require him or her to develop a tough skin or deal with confrontation.

It’s natural for people to have differing opinions. When this has occurred in the past, you could explain that you presented your reasons and openly listened to other opinions as well.

5. Describe a situation where you were part of a failed project.

If you can’t discuss a failure or mistake, the recruiter might conclude that you don’t possess the depth of experience necessary to do the job. The recruiter is not looking for perfection. He or she is trying better to understand your level of responsibility, your decision-making process, and your ability to recover from a mistake, as well as what you learned from the experience and if you can take responsibility for your mistakes.

Respond that you’d like to think that you have learned something valuable from every mistake you have made. Then have a brief story ready with a specific illustration.

It should conclude on a positive note, with a concrete statement about what you learned and how it benefited the company.

6. What are your strengths?

Describe two or three skills you have that are relevant to the job. Avoid clichés or generalities; offer specific evidence. Describe new ways these skills could be put to use in the position you are being considered for.

7. How do you explain your job success?

Be candid without sounding arrogant. Mention observations other people have made about your work strengths or talents.

8. What do you do when you are not working?

The more senior the position, the more important it is to know about the candidate’s qualities that will impact his or her leadership style: is the person well adjusted and happy, or is he or she a company zealot?

Discuss hobbies or pursuits that interest you, such as sports, clubs, cultural activities, and favorite things to read.

Avoid dwelling on any political or religious activities that may create conflict with those of the interviewer.

9. Why did you leave your last position?

At high levels, issues that relate to personality and temperament become more important than they might otherwise. The recruiter wants to know if you will fit in with the client company. The recruiter may also be fishing for signs of conflict that indicate a potential personality problem.

Be honest and straightforward, but do not dwell on any conflict that may have occurred. Highlight positive developments that resulted from your departure, whether it was that you accepted a more challenging position or learned an important lesson that helped you to be happier in your next job.

10. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Think of a story to tell about how you first became interested in this type of work. Point out any similarities between the job you’re interviewing for and your current job. Provide proof that you aren’t simply shopping in this interview. Make your passion for your work a theme that you allude to continually throughout the interview.


Source: Heads: Business Lessons from an Executive Search Pioneer by Russell S. Reynolds, Jr., with Carol E. Curtis.

Pacquiao is still the Champ and Boxing is still about money

June 10, 2012, Manny Pacquiao lost to Tim Bradley his WBO Welterweight title. I can’t still believe it. Before the fight, I planned to make notes of highlights of every round for purposes of posting it here in my blog. Thanks to my ever reliable smartphone. It’s a big help as I scribble notes in it while watching the bout round-by-round. Based on my notes, Pacquiao won the fight by points as can be described from the notes I took:

Round 1: As with other Pacquiao’s fight, this is the “testing the waters” round where Pacquiao does not show his rapid punches yet. Bradley made the first attack with jabs hitting pacman's gloves. None of the punches landed. Pacquiao constantly help up his gloves and guard his chin.

Round 2: Bradley made several mistakes. One big mistake is making his head open to punches. Pacquiao was able to land two power straights the last being a left straight. Bradley tries to slow down manny by throwing punches on the Champ’s torso while they “hug”.

Round 3: Bradley started to slow down and keeps on bobbing and hugging. He received several blows from Pacquiao as usual in the head and mostly from Pacquiao's powerful left hooks.

Round 4: Start of Bradley's slowdown and Pacquiao's uproaring. Pacquiao thrown combination punches and even managed to put Bradley on the ropes. Bradley looks a bit dizzy. His feet are nailed on the floor.

Credits to foxsports.com

Round 5: Bradley continues to slow down. He tries to guard his right chin from Pacquiao’s left hooks but was not successful when on the 34 seconds remaining of the round, he dodged and counterpunched with his right but didn’t landed a shot. Pacquiao finds an opening and immediately released via powerful left hook on Bradley’s right cheek. Bradley shows decline in energy and starts to step back quickly to avoid Pacquiao’s punches.

Round 6: Manny can surely “kill” his opponent by this round but he prefers to get by and let Bradley do his show. But bradley can't come up and recover yet. On the last 20 seconds, Pacquiao cornered Bradley and released combinations to Bradley's body. Bradley keeps on backing and backing and obviously slowing down. He managed to throw several punches but only a few landed and not so powerful. Pacquiao showed his signature smile as he noticed Bradley slows down and catches up air.

Credits to foxsports.com

Round 7: On the beginning of the round, Pacquiao slowed down. Maybe in order for Bradley to engage by throwing more punches to him. Pacquiao wants "sabayan" as you can notice on his prior fights. He released a left hook. Brian Viloria commented that this is Pacquiao's rest round. Bradley showed signs of recovery and he skillfully weaved and bobbed manny's punches.

Round 8: Bradley continues to his weaving and bobbing. Pacquiao remains in control of the round by watchfully looking at openings everytime Bradley bobs. He managed to land powerful straights and hooks to bradley's right. Pacquiao, however, received 4 punches from Bradley’s combinations.

Round 9: Bradley looks like he has fully-recovered his stamina at the start of this round. They exchanged counterpunches. The highlight punches of this round was the right cross-left uppercut and right hook by Pacquiao. On the other hand, Bradley landed power shots to Pacquiao's body.

Round 10: I would give this round to Bradley. His dirty tricks are working now - bobbing and hugging but continuously punching Pacquiao (even below the belt). Chancing to let Pacquiao slow down. Pacquiao tried to steal the round for the last 10 secs but unable to do so.

Round 11: The boring round. There was a change of offense and defense with Pacquiao gearing towards the latter. Pacquiao's power seems to be diminished at this point. He doesn’t throw as many punches as he threw during the first five rounds. But he’s alert and still in good shape. Maybe he's waiting for that grand opening to unleash his powerful left.

Round 12: Again Pacquiao can’t speed-up. Bradley is agressively bobbing and hitting and bobbing and hitting. Pacquiao tried to release counterpunches. Despite bradley's shown energy for this round he wasn’t able to land power punches to Pacquiao. Pacquiao, on the other hand and despite his diminished speed, was able to landed four powerful combinations.

Now the decision came and we’ve got a new WBO Welterweight Champion in the person of Timothy Bradley Jr. Honestly, I am very much flabbergasted. I wasn’t able to speak for about 10 seconds and tried to figure out what happened. But my notes are clear. Pacquiao won most of the rounds – I think 70% of it. I am expecting a unanimous decision for Pacquiao.

Credits to foxsports.com

Now, I won’t give a damn whether he really won the fight because in my opinion, Pacquiao really won by points and he’s the real winner (At this point I remembered Real Steel movie where the underdog robot won the match obviously but the defeated opponent was the one declared as the Champion). What catches my attention now is the cause and effect of this fight – Why does Pacquiao slowed down and what comes next?

Why does Pacquiao slowed down? Perhaps due to his changed perspectives brought about by his conversion to religious duties such as bible studies and preaching. I remember him saying after his fight with Marquez that the bible teaches not to hurt each other and he thinks of hanging his gloves a few years from now because boxing is against the bible.

Why does Pacquiao slowed down? Perhaps, he had some difficulties in handling his increased weight to 147 lbs. Or possibly, he’s just getting past his prime (he’s already 33).

Why does Pacquiao slowed down? Maybe this is just an act. A commercial strategy for the audience around to world to still watch their planned rematch on Nov. 10. It can be noted that unlike the past Pacquiao fights, this Pacquiao-Bradley fight did not generated easy ticket revenues. So is this a business strategy? After all, Boxing is synonymous to money… lots of money. It’s still business.

What comes next? Bradley is now well-promoted (He’s also under Bob Arums Top Rank Promotions by the way). His market value increases which means business to Arum. He’s guaranteed with $5 million for this fight.

What comes next? Pacquiao, will go back to Congress and will focus his efforts to politics. Maybe he has plans of running to senate too so a planned defeat to a newbie is a safe ticket to exit boxing. After all, he has already proven his worth in the history of boxing. He’s the best pound-for-pound ever having won the most numbers of title belts in the history of boxing.

What comes next? Well, team Pacquiao will be busy reviewing the fight. They will prepare much early a strategy for the next fight. And yes, Chavit will be still beside Pacquiao as Michael Buffer announces the November rematch (What is he doing there anyway?).

Oh well, win or lose, Pacquiao is still richer by $26 million plus plus pay per view shares and talent fees from various business outfits embroidered in his trunks and robe.

And boxing... well it's still about money.

Every Success Begins with a Vision (a road to CPA story)

(Browsing over the net, I tried to google my account and the search engine found this post I made years ago)

I guess it’s about time to share my story of becoming a CPA

My journey of becoming a CPA is a series of numerous failures and agonies. And I used those two things to keep motivated and continue the fight.

Born in a very poor family living in the squatter’s area somewhere in Rizal.  My mother and father are jobless and we only have a small store where we sell lutong-ulam and some grocery items.   Our condition served as my inspiration to excel in school – both in academics and non-academics. Being the eldest among the siblings, the weight is on my shoulders. I want to give my parents what they truly deserve –  the good life. I managed to graduate at the top of my elementary and high school.  But when I was told by my mother that they cannot send me to college, I almost lost all the hopes in the world. I was in tears at that moment as I tried to understand our situation. But I said to myself that I won’t give up the fight. Being poor shall not be a hindrance to achieving my dreams.

Dream ko talaga noon pa na makapagtayo ng school para sa mga mahihirap na kabataan tulad ko.

So I tried to find ways to support my studies. Plan A is to look for a scholarship assistance since I don’t want to work while studying as much as possible due to health reasons.  I applied to various scholarship programs – both government and private. Luckily, I was able to pass the exams and interviews and I was able to be entitled to two scholarship programs. I enrolled in the nearest ,accessible  and affordable school.

I found the course interesting as early as Day 1 in college. Motivated and inspired again, I gave all my best to conquer every subject. Para kasi saken, napakalaking pribilehiyo ang mag-aral sa college nang libre kasi nga mahirap lang ako kaya dapat pagbutihin ko talaga. But my everyday life in college was not easy.  There were times na di ako makapasok kasi wala akong baon or kahit pamasahe man lang. Yung mga allowances ko kasi sa scholarship ko binibigay ko rin sa parents ko para sa pagkain at sa pag-aaral din ng mga kapatid ko. Madalas akong late dahil kelangan ko munang magtinda sa umaga para may pamasahe ako papunta sa school. Basta hindi ako sumuko. Give lang lahat ng kaya ko. Until one day nalaman ko na lang na nagta-top na pala ako sa mga exams at dean’s list.  The professors noticed me kasi nga lagi akong late pumapasok pero kahit na ganun, ako lagi ang nangunguna sa buong campus. So they asked me why I was always late. I told them the truth. So they endorsed me to the school President for a full scholarship grant (no tuition and other fees from then on hanggang sa review!). sobrang iyak ko sa tuwa nun! Tuwang-tuwa ang parents ko kasi they can see the light now at the end of the tunnel.

Ok na lahat until a few days before my college graduation at masaya na lahat kasi may latin honors ako, when I received a text from my younger brother that my mother was rushed to the hospital. When I arrived at the hospital, I found her body in the morgue. Heart attack! Yon na ang pinakamasakit na nangyari sa buong buhay ko. Wala na ang taong inspirasyon ko at pag-aalayan ko ng tagumpay ko. Sigaw ako nang sigaw sa ospital nun ng “Bakit di mo man lang hinintay ang graduation ko? Konti na lang ‘ma CPA na ako. Unti-unti na tayong makakaahon”.  From that time on, alam ko na na nasa akin na ang pinakamabigat na responsibilidad sa pamilya.

Natapos ang malungkot kong graduation (unang graduation ko na wala ung taong nagsasabit lagi ng medalya saken) – ang nanay ko. Armed with scholarship privileges in the review schools due to latin honor titles and grants I won on inter-school accounting quiz bees, I enrolled at CPAR and PRTC (Yung iba siguro dito, nakikila na kung sino ako). Weekdays sa PRTC and weekends sa CPAR. Focus talaga ako kahit mahirap dahil nandun pa rin yung lungkot ng pagkawala ng nanay ko at may sakit pa ang tatay ko. Pinagkakasya ko ang 3K na allowance sa loob ng isang buwan para sa pagkain at pamasahe ko. Tinitiis ko na lang ang gutom ko nun basta makapasok lang sa review class. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, this is it! This will be the major turning point in my life. Ang goal na na-set ko noon is not just to pass the board but to top it (ambisyoso noh?!) Kelangan akong pumasa, maraming bibig ang umaasa saken. I made a personal review schedule and I was able to develop my study habit on it. Lagi kong dala-dala sa bulsa ko ang picture ng nanay ko para ma-energize ako kapag nalulungkot ako or inaantok or tinatamad mag-review.

When the CPA Board result was released, sigaw ako nang sigaw sa kahabaan ng recto sa sobrang saya! Wala akong paki kung pinagtitinginan man ako ng mga tao dun na parang baliw – umiiyak habang sumisigaw at nakangiti! Di man ako topnotcher proud pa rin ako kasi di biro ang pinagdaanan ko makuha lang ang lisensyang yon.

Moral of my story: Every success begins with a vision.

To audit, or not to audit, that is the question

As soon as we passed the Board, most of us dive into the profession by starting out in public accounting firms. Most of us have this belief that it’s a good training ground for new CPAs.  But all of us at that time doesn’t really have a glimpse to the bigger picture of the public accounting profession. 

Based on my few years of experience in public accounting profession, here are my observations and insights on what public accounting is and is not.

1.Starting out in public practiceis more on investment. I guess this is the major disadvantage of starting out as public practitioner. The monetary rewards are not so high as compared to those in private accounting. You will experience living payday-by-payday on your initial years. But that’s OK. The returns will be huge as years go by. When you become a partner, you will receive multi-million profit share (depending on what kind of partner are you) plus plus other perks. Yun eh kung tatagal ka hanggang maka 10 – 15 years ka hehe.

2.Exposure to different industries and companies. You will be assigned to different client companies and industries and will have the chance of knowing the ins and outs of that industry. You will also be exposed to deep secrets and confidential issues that are not known by the public or even the employees of the companies themselves. More importantly, the lessons learned in school and during review will come into reality. 

3.Public practice is not for the faint-hearted. One must be bold and courageous enough to face the everyday struggle. Good health is a must. You know... the daily hustle and bustle of fieldwork, out-of-town orout-of-the-country fieldworks, meeting client demands which may sometimes looks like impossible, ability to finish the audit work papers on time for the boss’ review and partners sign-off, and of course, working until midnight/overnight without extra pay hahaha (this is true especially kung maliit lang ang audit fee ng client mo).

4.Deep bonding with your batchmates. This is one of the best part. Your batchmates will be your confidante, friends and companion as you surf the tides of audit. The load becomes lighter when you work and play together. Your relationship with them will be treasured even the years go by. You know, the accountancy profession is just a small world. Some of them will be CFOs, CEOs, Presidents of various companies, Partners, consultants etc. Sabi nga ng batch ko noon, “Kita-kits nalang sa finals”. So, start building relationships as early as your Day 1.

5.A High IQ is not so useful. A High EQ is. I’ve seen many CPA Board topnotchers, magna cum laudes, and summa cum laudes that did not last long in the profession (some quit so early andsome were counselled out). They may have high IQs and robust technical competence in accounting, audit and taxation but in the actual practice, your knowledge and skills is of only secondary importance. A good attitude,fortitude, leadership and ability to build relationships with your co-workers and clients are more important than having memorized all PFRS and PSA. Let go of your past laurels. Pantay-pantay na lang tayo pagtapak natin sa propesyon. 

6.Do not expect that you will learn everything you need to be a CFO or CEO someday in an audit firm. I think this is the common misconception – public practice will only give you the best knowledge and tools in accounting, audit and taxation but not necessarily on the operations and management side of the business. So I will say that the belief na “tataas ang value kapag nag-start sa audit” is relative. It depends on what position or industry you will jump into after you’re done with your public practice career. So choose wisely.

7.You’ll work on extremes. Kapag busy, super busy talaga lalo na kapag busy season. Pero kapag di busy season,as in wala kang gagawin kundi mag-mall o manood ng sine habang naka time-in ka,mag internet maghapon, at kung anu-ano pa. Well based on my experience, mas busy talaga sa private kasi every month-end busy compared sa audit na ilang months lang tapos lamyerda na ulit J

8.In the long-run, staying in public practice generally has higher return up to retirement. Most of the time, the retired partners usually becomes the independent directors and board members of various companies because of the trust and confidence they built in the business community (just like Wash SyCip). Ika nga, bigatin talaga!


(This is a repost from my thread in a CPA forum site)

Keep the best and brightest

(Busy season has just ended. Everybody's on the archiving mode now. Then, RL mode?! haha! Kidding aside, I am very much affected everytime I see young and promising CPAs resign due to burnout, low morale and a lot more factors. As I relax today after my series of performance evaluation discussions with each of my staff, I checked out AICPA journals's website and found out this article. It explains everything we need to know on how to maintain and retain the best and the brightest in today's audit firms.) 

Keep the best and brightest

BY YASMINE EL-RAMLY, CPA/CITP

APRIL 2012

The AICPA’s Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS) recently completed a national survey about the attitudes and aspirations of the most promising young accounting professionals. The 2011 PCPS Top Talent Study (available at tinyurl.com/6tygubv) suggests how firms of all sizes can hang on to top talent.

• Foster a culture of trust and open access to management. The survey reported decreased trust in firm leadership among 40% of high-potential CPAs. This might indicate that firm leaders did not communicate well during the recession and failed to adequately explain key decisions. To foster better communication, firm leaders should maintain a true opendoor policy for employees. That’s easier at small firms, where the hierarchy is more informal, allowing for continual interaction between staff and firm leaders. At firms with more than 10 employees, management should hold face-to-face meetings with high potentials at least once a year.

• Make work/life balance a firm priority. The brightest young CPAs are much more focused on successfully integrating their professional and personal lives than their predecessors were. High-potential CPAs rank flexible work schedules (77.5%) and telecommuting (63.1%) as the top priorities in maintaining work/life balance. Firms also should monitor work hours and travel time to make sure future leaders aren’t burning out. Regardless of size, firms should encourage staff to take vacations and address family matters when needed.

• Provide a competitive compensation package. Salary is the top factor in retaining high-potential CPAs and the second most important factor in attracting them, the survey found. That’s to the advantage of large firms (those with at least 21 employees), which usually can pay higher wages than smaller firms. Young talent also highly values retirement plans.

• Transform each engagement into a training opportunity. Involve top young talent from start to finish, ensuring they grasp the breadth and complexity of each engagement. Smaller firms can assign only limited resources to each engagement, allowing high potentials greater access to key individuals. However, larger firms can offer unique training opportunities by exposing most promising young talent to a broader portfolio of clients in multiple industries. This is important because career development ranks as the top attraction factor and No. 2 retention factor for high potentials.

• Implement diversity initiatives for women and minorities. Such programs can have a substantial effect on attracting and retaining women and minorities by enhancing their sense of belonging and recognition. The survey found that nonwhite respondents are particularly interested in tuition reimbursement, sabbatical leave, firmwide diversity initiatives, equity incentives and a mentoring program, formal or informal. Nonwhites are 97% more likely than whites to stay at an employer with a firmwide diversity program and are 102% more likely to stay with a firm that offers tuition reimbursement.

• Identify emerging partners as early as possible. With career growth high on the high potentials’ priority list, it is important to establish a career road map with top talent. This can help them enhance leadership and business development skills. Emerging partners should be exposed to client retention and client development meetings. They also should participate in networking activities, speaking engagements and business proposals involving the acquisition of new clients. This can be best achieved by pairing an emerging partner with an experienced partner.

—By Yasmine El-Ramly, CPA/CITP, (yelramly@aicpa.org), a project manager with the AICPA’s Private Companies Practice Section in Durham, N.C.

source: http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2012/Apr/20124970.htm