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.