Magic 3-2

Two weeks ago, our little boy B5 recently placed 3rd in their department’s Quiz Bee. Too bad I wasn’t able to watch the contest because of work requirements. He was chosen because he is rank no. 2 in class as of the 2nd quarter. His partner was the class’ rank no. 1.

Just last week, we got his 3rd quarter grades and we’re happy that he maintained his ranking. This despite sliding a bit from an academic average of 94.50 to 93.83.

Way to go, B5!

My tip to the newly married couple : C.U.R.E

My only sister got married last Saturday. The groom and I have a number of things in common; he's a Tarlaqueno, a Bosconian, loves cars and basketball, about the same height and physique. It was a beautiful wedding, en grande in Tarlac’s standards: very organized, cool venue, great food and well attended. It helped that my sister works for the Coconut Grill Resort in Capas, Tarlac where the reception was held. The venue is very memorable for me as this was where I surprised my parents 10 yrs ago and told them that I was going to get married. There were guests who came from Tarlac, Laguna, Metro Manila and a number of US based relatives. It was also a "show of force" because of the local politicians who attended the affair: Tarlac Gov Aping Yap & VGov Bogs Aganon, Board Member Amado Go and Pura Tarlac Mayor Boying Sawit who are close friends of my parents even before they joined politics. Here's my message to the couple:

To my little sister Boopie, I still remember the when you were 17 years old and you first told me that you had a boyfriend, it came as a surprise to me and I realized that my little sister is now a little girlfriend. You are now almost 31 years old and officially married. Thank God! We were worried that you idolized Lola Bukid and Lola Ondek so much that you wanted to be a spinster.

To my younger brother Mark, welcome to the family. This may seem like a small family but let me assure you it’s one BIG family. You actually married four barangays; Barangay Soliman, Brgy. Gococo, Brgy. Pasion and Brgy. Lacsamana.

To Mark & Boopie, there is no such thing as a perfect marriage. My wife can attest to that. From a 10 year veteran in marriage, my tips can be summed up in C.U.R.E. The acronym C.U.R.E. means COMMUNICATION, UNDERSTANDING, RESPECT and ENCOURAGEMENT. Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Box Type Wonder : Life in a Condo

We've been living in a condo for the past two and half years. The reason why we choose a condo over a house is primarily because of proximity. We don't actually fancy living in this type of structure but if we had a chance, we'd still repeat the same process. In my perspective, let me share the advantages and disadvantages of living in a box.

The Advantages:
* Brown out free (even during a nasty typhoon like milenyo)
* Great view of the metropolis (at least our unit)
* Guarded 24 hrs a day
* Amenities like a gym, swimming pool and a helipad (yes, a helipad, where a helicopter lands).

The Disadvantages:
* Limited or no green (plants)
* You have to carry the grocery and luggage from the parking area to your unit. (Even though there’s an elevator to assist you, this is the part that I hate most)
* You know when your neighbors are 'doing it'
* Place is too cramped hence it will test your creativity.

Budget dictates that the place will suffice for now. We still dream of living in a real house with a big garden and a 4 car garage. In the end, we'd rather have a 4 car garage which is fully maximized than have an underutilized helipad!

Is he for real?

This is the third time I heard Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos being interviewed over the phone in the past two weeks. Now that "election fever" is up, he is considered to be THE MAN. In his interview today over DZMM, my favorite AM station, he said that he threatened to sue for libel a newspaper journalist for writing maliciously that “Comelec requested to print 49 million ballots when there are only 45 million voters.” The article seems to imply that the 4 million “buffer” ballot will be used for election fraud. Though I haven't read the newspaper today, the fact that the good chairman was bothered by the article and wanted to clear his name through legal or amicable means says well of his intentions.

In one of the interviews last week, he talked about wanting to leave a legacy. This coming mid term election is his last election and he wants to change the public's view about Philippine election. Election in Pinas is viewed to dirty both literally and figuratively. On the literal side, during the campaign period, election paraphernalia abound. I'd love to own a printing press before every election because I'd sure make a handsome profit. During election day, sample ballots practically changes the landscape in the polling venues. On the figurative-side, election is characterized by massive vote buying (before, during and after the election) and dagdag bawas or vote adding - shaving. That’s why nobody loses in a Pinoy election because everybody claims to be cheated.

Chairman Abalos was a 3 term Mayor of Mandaluyong City. He ran for Congressman but lost or rather, was cheated. He has the experience and the competence to put his planned legacy in action. Madali lang ang maglinis, Mister Chairman, hanapin mo lang ang madumi. The best cleaning agent…political will.

Farewell to CL

CENTRAL LUZON MONTHLY TEAM MEETING
Angelique Bldg., Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga
May 2004

This may be my last time to address you as a member of the Central Luzon team. I have an opportunity that suits me too well to say no but I hope nobody thinks I am being disloyal to the team by making this move. The 5 years working with you was like a roller coaster ride, full of ups and downs. I will continue to apply the positive lessons that I learned from you and will take careful note of the negative lessons and try not to apply them.

Thank you for the lessons learned and for making me as tough as a nail. This team prepared me for the challenges that will come my way as I enter a new chapter in my life in Smart. Thank you for the unending support and please extend that level of support to our Central Luzon teammate Lhaydee who will now lead you to the realization of the company vision, the departmental vision and our team’s vision – to be the model region in 2004.

Run Rudy Run!

Ex-New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani declared recently his intention to run for US President. One of his closest rival is New York Senator and ex-First Lady Hillary Clinton. This is part two of the Guiliani - Clinton showdown because in Y2000, they almost squared off for the NY senate seat. Giuliani backed out for health reasons.

I read his Leadership by Giuliani book and learned a handful. He concocted a management strategy called T.E.A.M.S. or Total Efficiency Accountability Management System. In simple lingo, it encourages his department heads to look into the affairs of other departments and not limit himself to intra department business. For example, the Department of Education head shouldn't have qualms about giving his thoughts to the Department of Motor Vehicles. It's like an inter department affair whose vision is the betterment of the city. It sounds simple however teamwork is something that's difficult to achieve especially in a political environment.

We have 3 things in common or at least I'm forcing that we have these in common; we both have health problems (or at least used to), he's a lawyer by profession while I wanted to become one when I was younger and he became a NYC mayor (on his second attempt) while I want to become one in the distant future.

If given a chance, I'd vote for him. I believe in him, his capabilities and that he can deliver. However, I don't think he stands a chance against Clinton. It's a timing issue. Clinton is at the peak of her political career. She’s on a roll and it seems like she’s doing everything right. Y2001 was the height of Guiliani's popularity thanks in part to 9/11 which boosted him to worldwide fame and in the processed earned him TIME’s Person of the Year in 2001. If only his health conspired.

Comverse All Star

One little two, little three little Indians, four little five little six little Indians...plus an Asian lady and an American red head. This completes the Comverse All Stars. We'll be working with them directly (or indirectly) to deliver the requirements of K&N not later than end Y2007. I’ve always wanted to experience working with foreigners. Though this was not exactly how I want it but this will suffice. At least after the end of the project, I won’t be limited to working with Pinoys. It’s practically been that way all my professional life.

Busy Bee (1H 2007)

The first month of the new year just ended...Whew! That was fast! JANUARY started with me doing my regular branch visits, attending a conference and being tapped to handle a project which was good for a year. On the personal side, preparations for my sister's wedding next month, prep for my parents 'vacation' to their homeland and our kids birthday party. By the looks of it, we'll be breezing through the whole first half of 2007 as well.

In the love month of FEBRUARY, my sister and her fiancée Mark will be getting married in Tarlac reason why my parents, an auntie and my godmother will be in town. On the business side, we'll be preoccupied with appraisal preparations, national conference and the critical first month of project K&N.

In graduation filled month of MARCH, I will be graduating from the early 30s title and move to mid 30s. Happy Birthday to me! Related to that, I need to have my driver's license renewed. Work-wise, we should be wrapping up the appraisal requirements and build up steam for the project K&N.

APRIL fools day leads this month. I won't be fooling you if I tell you it will be a busy year. My measure is my notebook; I'm old school, PDAs don't work for me. I used only one notebook last year when my average is 3. I see another 3 notebook year. We're planning to go to HKG this month and look for hidden Mickey’s in Disneyland.

The summer month of MAY will hopefully bring us closer to owning our new home. This is the month that we're targeting to apply for a housing loan. The location has been chosen, we're happy living in Salcedo village so we're looking at getting a place here. On the business side, this marks the start of project K&Ns phase 2.

The rainy month of JUNE would mean a getting our dream machine. It's time to replace our trusty ol' Toyota Revo and welcome our first real SUV Honda CRV. We're also targeting to franchise a business this month. Donuts anyone?

Through it all, I hope that my health will conspire. These opportunities will be put to a standstill if something unexpected happens. Remember, GIGO - Garbage In, Garbage Out.

DSLs VL from SL

After using the 'First Time Last Year' as the title for the RM portion of the bulletin board for the month of January, my February title is 'DSL’s Vacation Leave from South Luzon.' I was tapped to work on a temporary however critical responsibility called Project K&N. In broad terms, K&N will replace the aging ICMS. How temporary is temporary? Chances are, this will be until end of the year. In the meantime, our winning South Luzon team will be under the care of ABV. She will handle the region starting Feb 2, 2007.

Please extend to ABV the same level of support you gave me in the last 2 1/2 years. Good Luck to all of us.