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.