Nephy-poos

Im becoming more irritated every time my nephews are playing their "COMPUTER GAMES"... It's a pet peeve. They are missing a lot especially the awesome childhood we had, like 15 years ago. 

So I have decided to open the telly and let them watch scary TV documentaries. Serves you right, nephy-poos. Be afraid. Be very afraid. It's part of growing up and you will regret missing it, all because you've spent your childhood playing videogames. 

Blogs I Love #1

Let me promote my good friend Darren's blog! Although his blog is written in Chinese (He's Malaysian), his pictures are awesome especially the Lomos. His passion is contagious! He's one of the people who encouraged me to blog again. 

check out his site: www.juzlif3.blogspot.com

This was taken during his visit in the Philippines. 

My SHINDAN Experience

First, I really need to write this post so that there's no way that I will forget the awesome experience I had last week  during my Shindan Level 1 Training in Makati. Second, I promised myself to contain everything in one post, although I firmly believe that it's near impossible. (BTW, SHINDAN is a business counseling course provided by Japan International Cooperation Agency and BMSMED of DTI)

On my way to Makati City...

Makati is not new to me. I worked there for 3 months, but this time, I am excited to be back. Anyway, its a sleepless Monday morning when I left home. Worst, it's just 4 am but the buses are crowded. So I have decided to catch the next bus, regardless if I'm going to stand throughout the travel or sit on the floor. God is good he gave me the seat next to the bus driver. It has a nice view plus its a new experience for me. Because I don't have anything to hold on to every time the driver hits the brakes, I have decided to use the handle of my trolley. It was desperately done, but I never felt any discomfort during the time. God is good. 

New Friends...

My room mate was from the Mountain Province. My "night life" buddies were from Laguna, Aklan and Palawan. My groupmates were from Samar, Abra, Ilocos Sur and Cotabato. To make the long story short, I met 40 new friends all over the country--40 different accents and culture with 2 different religions (Islam and Christianity). 

The Learnings...

The whole training was all about Business Counseling. The trainors taught us on how to counsel, to mentor and to coach. Although this is nothing new and this is just a "normal thing" for all of us, we have learned a lot by emptying all our glasses. In fact, I had paradigm shifts on some theories and concepts of entrepreneurship. Special thanks to our professors during the training. Good job! And to the organizers of the training, your efforts are highly appreciated. 

The hotel was nice even though Im on the 35th floor. Glad that the view is breathtaking. I also appreciate the telly where I was able to play the Doctor Who series using my USB. Walang ganyan sa bundok.

Prof. Jay Bernardo (upper left) is my faaaaavorite speaker throughout the training. His wit is incredible. Prof. Cynthia Caballero (upper right) helped us unleash the empathizing counselor within. Prof. Jun Bernardo (below) showed us the practicality of entrepreneurship as well as the profile of an entrepreneur. We are blessed to have them as our speakers. Imagine, mga Asian Institute of Management (AIM) profs mga to mga tsong!

Being with people older than me is really a blessing. The wisdom is unfathomable. I love being with them. I thank God that I met these people! I thank God for the opportunity in general. Im really overwhelmed. 

This is God's grace at work. I heard it. I tasted it. I felt it. 

Eng Bee Tin's Custard Classic

Can't get enough of Eng Bee Tin products especially their Custard Hopia and their Mochi balls. After attending Manila Fame, we went to Binondo (Chinatown) to buy goodies. 

You should really try the custard classic. Highly recommended!!! Xiexie.

Manila Fame October Show

The opening of the Manila Fame was successfully conducted last October 17, 2012 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. I was glad that the manufacturers from Pampanga dominated the furniture sector. 

I like the statement of Ito Kish about liking "anything Filipino". I have to say that Filipino designs and patterns are unique in the world. I fell in love with native designs and indigenous materials since I entered DTI-- abaca, water hyacinth, buntal, bamboo, etc. My interest for commercialized bags was dominated by bicol-made bags. I am very Filipino! Haha

One area was allotted for our very own indigenous brothers and sisters creating works of art. I am really proud of my roots. The colorful culture seen through colorful garments is just fantastic!

Music from the south added mood to the cultural village. 

Im sure you are familiar with these naughty figurines from the north and the highlands. The ever creative Filipinos added some twists and "style" on these uniquely Filipino art. 

Outside the center was a Jeepney Arts Festival, also part of Manila Fame. They showcased the "king of the road" at its best. 

The queen of talkshow, Ms. Kris Aquino was there to feature our manufacturers. The furniture industry really neeeeeds loads of marketing from influential people. This will help a lot. 

I was able to meet(again) Ms. Alona of Betiscrafts (the tall girl in the middle). I asked her if I can take pictures of their products and post them somewhere online. Obviously she allowed me. They really want to promote not just their own business but the industry as a whole. FYI, the show is not the usual trade fair where you can take pictures anywhere. It's upon the discretion of the exhibitors to allow you because the designs of these items can be easily copied.   

I enjoyed this fair because not only I was able to know the trends of a certain industry but it's a cultural refreshment for me...to understand how complex and amazing Filipino art is and to know that we deserve a huge place in the international market. 

Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown

Earlier this night, I pondered on a random hymn from my old hymn book which I "borrowed" from church when I was a teen. I tried learning the song while relating to my good friend from the 18th Century Charles Wesley (1707-1788) while he relates it during an earlier timezone in Genesis 32:22-30.

This was the time when Jacob wrestled with God (portrayed as an anonymous traveler) as he was left alone during one of his travels. If you have read the verse, you will agree with me that it's another "divine comedy" in the ancient scriptures. Jacob wrestles with God! Isn't that fantastic? That doesn't end there. As mentioned in verse 26:

Then the man said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!" But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me".

I admire Jacob's persistence in this chapter. 

I hope we are all like that, but oftentimes, we quit and stop when it seems like God is nowhere to be found. If that's the case, let's always call him and tell him "I will not let you go until you bless me." Let us call the anonymous traveler and let us allow him to come into our hearts as he wrestles with the sins of our hearts.

Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown
Text: Charles Wesley 
Music: Traditional Scottish Medley, harmony by Carloton Young, 1963
Tune: Candler

Come, O thou Traveler unknown
Whom still I hold but cannot see!
My company before is gone,
and I am left alone with thee.
With thee all night I meant to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day.

With thee all night I meant to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day.


I need not tell who I am,
My misery and sin declare;
thyself has called me by my name,
look on thy hands and read it there.
But who, I ask thee, who art thou?
Tell me thy name and tell me now.

But who, I ask thee, who art thou?
Tell me thy name and tell me now.


Yield to me now, for I am weak,
but confident in self despair!
Speak to my heart, in blessing speak,
be conquered by my instant prayer.
Speak, or thou never hence shalt move,
and tell me if thy name is Love.

Speak, or thou never hence shalt move,
and tell me if thy name is Love.


'Tis love! 'Tis love! Thou diedst for me,
I hear thy whisper in my heart.
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
pure, Universal Love thou art. 
To me, to all, thy mercies move;
thy nature and thy name is Love.

To me, to all, thy mercies move;
thy nature and thy name is Love.

5 Reasons Why I Need to Learn Mandarin

Rua De Felicidade, Macau - the closest I've been to Old School China

1. It's the number 1 spoken language in the WOOOORLD! I thought it was English, but then I realized that the giant "Chinese Empire" had crossed their borders, influencing nearby countries and continents. 

2. I am planning to take up Asian Studies next year, dropping my MBA course. One of the requirements of my target school is that the student should learn at least one Asian language. Well, the plan to drop my MBA and take another course is still wibbly wobbly. 

3. Ok. I already dropped my MBA for the current semester (3rd semester 2012), but my mind is thirsty for some exercise. Learning a new language especially Mandarin is very challenging. 

4. As a traveler, going to China will always be a priority because of their amazing culture. There's no question that learning their language is advantageous. 

5. Its cool to speak another language. 

Festival of Trade Fairs

We are in the middle of October and I would like to announce that the 5 Trade Fairs of the first half of the month are finally over. It was exhausting but at the same time fulfilling as we see our clients find new market and institutional buyers.  

Bamboo Congress

A national activity featuring the famous grass in the country--the Bamboo. The Filipinos showed their skills and talents through the products offered during the congress. This activity was conducted last October 2, 2012 at the World Trade Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Philippines. 

Agri Link/Aqua Link/Food Link

I enjoyed everything about this fair because of the parade of colors through the products and services offered by farmers and entrepreneurs of the country. The fair was organized by the Department of Agriculture in partnership with other agencies. The fair was conducted last October 4-6 at the World Trade Center, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. 

By the way, I enjoyed the famous Pinoy-Chinese sweets and delicacies manufactured by Eng Bee Tin and the Portugese Tarts of the i-forgot-the-name enterprises (my apologies!). 

Clark CONEX

Clark Conference and Expo was conducted to promote the current technologies available for the Filipinos. Alongside this international conference was a mini-selling fair for the OTOP Products of Pampanga such as the Crab Paste of Masantol, Corn Husks of Mexico and Lanterns of San Fernando. The Clark Conex was conducted last October 10-11, 2012 at Holiday Inn, Clarkfield, Pampanga. 

National Meat Consciousness Month Trade Fair

Pampanga is well know for its manufactured foods especially processed meat such as tocino, hotdogs and longanissa. Various meat manufacturers showcased their products alongside the consumer advocacy on meat consciousness by the National Meat Inspection and Services. Handicrafts makers also displayed their products during the said fair. The fair will run from October 15-17, 2012 at the Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Barangay Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. 

Philippine Franchise Show

Because of our tight schedule, we were not able to attend the Philippine Franchise Show held last October 12-15, 2012 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, Philippines. Instead, we were able to invite our very own SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) to join the fair. Glad to hear that the show was a success, measured by the number of institutional buyers' booked orders. 

UPCOMING TRADE FAIR:

Well, my October month will not end without attending to one of my favorite trade fairs, MANILA FAME. It's a very elegant furniture show participated by the top exporters in the country. The fair will be conducted on October 17-20 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.