Finally I got hold of the book! After zillions of years of hearing the book being advertised over a business radio program, two years to be exact, I finally read it, although it was not the usual verbatim reading style that I do back when I was still part of The Perpetualite.
It’s NeGOsyo, 50 Joey Concepcion’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Stories- the book that made me wonder if I could be an entrepreneur too someday, a social entrepreneur that is. Well, maybe yes, I don’t know but I believe I had experience then.
Back when I was still in elementary, I remember being a happy go lucky entrepreneur. It started when I and my friend Carlo saw the market for stationeries. I was in Grade 5 then. Our classmates were screaming aficionados of stationeries and so we thought of selling those. Before it was just the two of us, earning around twenty pesos a week (we sold the stationary at 1.00 each no matter how beautiful the design was). We grew into five, and later, almost all of our classmates were selling stationeries. I don’t know what happened but we just stopped selling stationeries. In Grade 6, I started selling cakes and peanuts. It was funny. Even my teachers would buy and even the high school students. Selling was also a way of getting glimpse of my crush J. However, I guess I just did the selling because I know I could earn from that and have an extra baon, but I didn’t have any plans of making it big!
Fast track in college, for the first few weeks, I tried selling a cosmetic brand but ended up not enjoying it. I later engaged in a calendar business, which was really seasonal and so I stopped. I also did selling of shoes but got frustrated when I had to return the shoes again and again because the shoes could not fit my buyer’s. I tried saving money to start up a business- a kakanin business since most of my relatives can cook but ended up not pursuing the business, until I did not sell anymore. The passion of having business just died. Although I still get to listen to Radyo Negosyo (the business program I referred to in the first paragraph) and once planned of having a Creative Production Outfit, the passion just died. I don’t have the capital and I don’t have time.
The first few stories of entrepreneurs featured in the book were like, “Yes.-Of-course-they-could-be-great-entrepreneurs-they-have-the-resources-and-all” but it was the story of Lamoiyan Corporation, the makers of Happee Toothpaste that re-awakened the entrepreneurial spirit. Mr. Cecilo Pedro’s story made me realized that, yes, you can be an entrepreneur and earn but at the same time, reach out to people and glorify God. As what the corporate motto of Lamoiyan is- “To make a difference for the glory of God”, they even have employees who have disabilities. Would you believe that?!?
So here I am, while still waiting for my mom and dad, contemplating on possible enterprise that I will soon have. I don’t have an idea on how big it would be, or what the nature would be, but I’m hoping that I too, can make a difference by having my own business to run to. For the meantime, I’m trying to give my best now with my work and hope that in this way, I can make God Happee as well.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Culture of Silence
Silence is defined as the absence of sound. On the other hand, culture is referred to as the way of life or the practices of a certain group of people. In a society, when silence and culture is combined, we will produce culture of silence or simply the practice of being silent. It is a phenomenon where in people chose to be unheard of what they feel, hear, see and experience.
In the Philippines, it is said that Culture of Silence is one of the biggest problems that we are facing right now along with poverty, corruption, malnutrition and others. More and more Filipinos settled to remain silent because of reasons like: first, they have lost their trust in the government especially those who are leading the country, second, they have become numb of what is happening around since for the longest years, the problems are the same old story, third, they have been preoccupied by their personal responsibilities in their family, friends, work place, etc. and last, which I think is the saddest of all, they have believed that there is no more hope for the Philippines.
This culture that we have can be rooted back in the Spanish Regime where in Filipinos were not allowed to speak up. Since the Spaniards considered themselves as the higher class, they were over us and they were controlling us, we being the idiots, our freedom of speech was suppressed although there were a few Filipinos who were able to fight for our rights- Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo and the likes. Another cause is the tradition of Filipino families where in the children are not allowed to answer back or explain their sides considering the fact that the father and or the mother is the authority in the house. Presently, there are still families who are training their children in that manner. It is also good to note that the declaration of the Martial Law although some said has disciplined the Filipinos, might also be the cause of the said culture of silence since freedom of speech during that time was also banned…Because of the reasons mentioned, they say that a culture of silence in the country is born.
However, during the process of writing this essay, I come to realized that the problem is not the culture of silence perse. In the Philippines, there is no such thing as culture of silence. When I interviewed people at random and when I texted friends regarding the topic: “May pag-asa pa bang umunlad ang Pilipinas? and “Paano mo nakikita ang Pilipinas sampung taon mula ngayon?” I got an overwhelming response! No matter what class of society they belong, or their age or even their educational attainment, or how busy they were during the interview, they all had the answers right away, both positive and negative even giving the explanations why they said so and their vision of what the Philippines will be in the future provided we change our leaders and practices. They also mentioned other problems which they think must be addressed. Those who seldom reply with my text message- “msta n?” flooeded my inbox with the longest answer they could give. Some even apologized for their late reply’s. A kubrador whom I interviewed expressed that if only GMA would step down in the presidency, the problems will be solved. A directress of a development center stressed that if we would all be patriotic, we will rise like in the case of Japan. The youth who are considered as party people, text addicts, and sometimes problems of the society did share their sentiments- amazingly, all were positive saying that if we could start disciplining ourselves, everything would be alright. The bottom line is this, the interview gave me the concrete picture that the problem the country has right now is not the culture of silence but the culture of knowing something about the problem and yet not doing anything about the situation. This problem is the hardest among the problems to be solved. Because in poverty, we could feel that people are indeed suffering- with all the documentaries around, we are likely to see that the Philippines is a striving third world country. In the case of under-employment and unemployment, surveys and statistics are everywhere giving us the percentage per year of those people who do not have work or are unemployed. But it the case of knowing something and yet not doing anything, there are no surveys, yes there are studies but not that comprehensive. This is because this problem is a state of mind. It is a mentality. It is hard to be seen. We know that there is problem, there is something going on, and yet we do not act. When housewives exchange chismis, sometimes it has something to do with any of the societal problems. Media practitioners do highlight the problems, do express their thoughts. You ask any Filipinos about what they could say in the country, you will definitely receive answers. Filipinos are not silent or are not reserved with what they feel. The problem is, Filipinos tend to be apathetic. Only a few act, most are only after self preservation. Unless we change this mentality, all the other problems will not be solved.
In the Philippines, it is said that Culture of Silence is one of the biggest problems that we are facing right now along with poverty, corruption, malnutrition and others. More and more Filipinos settled to remain silent because of reasons like: first, they have lost their trust in the government especially those who are leading the country, second, they have become numb of what is happening around since for the longest years, the problems are the same old story, third, they have been preoccupied by their personal responsibilities in their family, friends, work place, etc. and last, which I think is the saddest of all, they have believed that there is no more hope for the Philippines.
This culture that we have can be rooted back in the Spanish Regime where in Filipinos were not allowed to speak up. Since the Spaniards considered themselves as the higher class, they were over us and they were controlling us, we being the idiots, our freedom of speech was suppressed although there were a few Filipinos who were able to fight for our rights- Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo and the likes. Another cause is the tradition of Filipino families where in the children are not allowed to answer back or explain their sides considering the fact that the father and or the mother is the authority in the house. Presently, there are still families who are training their children in that manner. It is also good to note that the declaration of the Martial Law although some said has disciplined the Filipinos, might also be the cause of the said culture of silence since freedom of speech during that time was also banned…Because of the reasons mentioned, they say that a culture of silence in the country is born.
However, during the process of writing this essay, I come to realized that the problem is not the culture of silence perse. In the Philippines, there is no such thing as culture of silence. When I interviewed people at random and when I texted friends regarding the topic: “May pag-asa pa bang umunlad ang Pilipinas? and “Paano mo nakikita ang Pilipinas sampung taon mula ngayon?” I got an overwhelming response! No matter what class of society they belong, or their age or even their educational attainment, or how busy they were during the interview, they all had the answers right away, both positive and negative even giving the explanations why they said so and their vision of what the Philippines will be in the future provided we change our leaders and practices. They also mentioned other problems which they think must be addressed. Those who seldom reply with my text message- “msta n?” flooeded my inbox with the longest answer they could give. Some even apologized for their late reply’s. A kubrador whom I interviewed expressed that if only GMA would step down in the presidency, the problems will be solved. A directress of a development center stressed that if we would all be patriotic, we will rise like in the case of Japan. The youth who are considered as party people, text addicts, and sometimes problems of the society did share their sentiments- amazingly, all were positive saying that if we could start disciplining ourselves, everything would be alright. The bottom line is this, the interview gave me the concrete picture that the problem the country has right now is not the culture of silence but the culture of knowing something about the problem and yet not doing anything about the situation. This problem is the hardest among the problems to be solved. Because in poverty, we could feel that people are indeed suffering- with all the documentaries around, we are likely to see that the Philippines is a striving third world country. In the case of under-employment and unemployment, surveys and statistics are everywhere giving us the percentage per year of those people who do not have work or are unemployed. But it the case of knowing something and yet not doing anything, there are no surveys, yes there are studies but not that comprehensive. This is because this problem is a state of mind. It is a mentality. It is hard to be seen. We know that there is problem, there is something going on, and yet we do not act. When housewives exchange chismis, sometimes it has something to do with any of the societal problems. Media practitioners do highlight the problems, do express their thoughts. You ask any Filipinos about what they could say in the country, you will definitely receive answers. Filipinos are not silent or are not reserved with what they feel. The problem is, Filipinos tend to be apathetic. Only a few act, most are only after self preservation. Unless we change this mentality, all the other problems will not be solved.
A Taxi Story
It was around 11:45 in the evening. I was inside a white taxi cab alone with the driver somewhere in Pasig City. I was sitting at the back as we both listened to an FM station. To some, there was nothing so special about that. But for me, at that moment, I was having a mixture of emotions. It was my first time to be alone in a taxi cab since a friend who was then with me when we rode the cab had alighted already.
Earlier prior to the taxi ride, I and a friend were invited over a seminar of a networking company. I didn’t have doubts of attending the seminar since it was my boss who invited us. Only the speakers were very engrossed in discussing the business (which I did admire because of the enthusiasm and all) that they didn’t mind talking and talking. Alas! We left the company’s office at past 11!
Back with the Taxi story, I was faced with uncertainty. Negative thoughts and what if’s were overflowing but I resisted and started praying. After minutes of silence, I finally gained strength and talked to Manong Driver.
“LPG na ho ba ang gamit niyo?”
“Hindi Ma’am, may side effect daw yun eh…”
“Nakakahilo po ganun?”
My cellphone rang. My mom and dad back home were both worried. I heard my mom’s trembling voice over the phone, but I assured them that I would be safe and that they had nothing to worry about. After the phone call, Manong driver turned off the radio. Then our conversation went on.
“Ah nakikinig po ba kayo ng AM?”
“Oo… DZMM.”
“Eh di kilala niyo po sina Kombatsero?”
“Oo naman… Sina Anthony Taberna at Jerry Baja… Nakatutuwa sila…”
“Oo nga po eh… Kakaiba silang announcers… eh sa DZRH po, nakikinig kayo?”
“Ah oo… si Joe Taruc… Nakikinig din ako…”
“Eh Manong, yung station po na nasa tabi ng DZRH nakikinig ho kayo?”
“Yung DZAS ba yun?”
I was surprised and glad upon hearing that he knows 702 DZAS, a non commercial Christian broadcasting station that I listen to most of the time.
“Opo. Yung DZAS po…Yung katabi ng DZRH.”
“Oo… Yung puro Bible dun di ba?”
I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know if he would listen to me but I guessed the conversation was God’s way of unfolding realities to me. I cleared my throat and said,
“Opo. Pero may iba rin silang program…Hindi lang puro tungkol sa Bible…
Ako po nakikinig kay Pastor Ed Lapiz… “Pang 6:30 pm po yun.. Nakakatuwa rin ang program niya..”
“Makikinig nga rin ako… Teka, ano bang religion mo?”
This time, I prayed silently that I may be able to share how God has touched my life in ways I cannot explain and that it’s more than being part of a religion, it is more of personal relationship with Jesus.
“Protestant po… Nasira kasi yung TV namin dati kaya nakikinig ako sa DZAS. At malaki po naitulong nun sa relationship ko kay Lord. Kayo po anong religion niyo?”
He mentioned about a particular religion which is also very distinct in their doctrines. I found out that he used to be a faithful member of that religion in his early years but because of questions regarding their practices, he joined a Protestant group and became a choir member.
“Masaya nga eh.. di ba may mga kantahan din kayo?”
After sometime, he went back to his own religion and is now an inactive member. His wife is a member of another religion. Presently, he doesn’t attend church regularly, but I was blessed when he said,
“Pero ma’am, napansin ko, kapag may relasyon ka sa Diyos, hindi ka matitibag… Gaano man kahirap ang buhay…”
“Ay opo… Talaga naman pong relasyon sa Diyos yung mahalaga… Alam niyo po yun, kapag nagigisng ka sa umaga, may kakaibang tuwa.”
“Oo nga ho Ma’am… Totoo ho iyon.. ay.. Ma’am malapit na ho tayo sa Buendia.”
“Oo nga ho… Magkano ho lahat?”
“112 ho… Anong oras nga ho ulit yung sinsabi niyo?”
“Yung kay Ed Lapiz po ba? 6:30 po ng gabi… pero maganda rin yung iba pa nilang programa.. Basta, makinig lang po kayo sa DZAS.”
“Ano bang religion nung sa DZAS?”
“Manong, open po yung DZAS sa lahat ng religion. Matutuwa po kayo sa programs nila.. Kahit anong oras kayo makinig…Salamat Manong… God bless po…”
“Thank you din po Ma’am… God bless po..”
As I left the taxi cab, there was unexplainable joy. I wasn’t able to share how I accepted Jesus as my Savior or lead him in prayer of acceptance, but I could feel at that moment that God was working on Manong Driver’s life. He is hungry for God, I could feel. He listened to me and was even interested with the program I was saying. We came from different religions, yet we didn’t have any arguments. I was really happy meeting Manong Driver. It was an encouragement to always testify for Jesus. I was even blessed of his own testimony.
Meantime, around 12:20, I was in Buendia, still waiting for a bust bound to Southmall. All I saw were jeepneys bound to Baclaran. I was hesitant to take Baclaran route because I didn’t feel comfortable. But I was not afraid. I know God would never leave me. I was about to finally give in to Baclaran jeep but by God’s grace, an FX bound to Southmall arrived. I came home safe and sound with my mom and brother waiting for me at 7/11 BFRV.
Earlier prior to the taxi ride, I and a friend were invited over a seminar of a networking company. I didn’t have doubts of attending the seminar since it was my boss who invited us. Only the speakers were very engrossed in discussing the business (which I did admire because of the enthusiasm and all) that they didn’t mind talking and talking. Alas! We left the company’s office at past 11!
Back with the Taxi story, I was faced with uncertainty. Negative thoughts and what if’s were overflowing but I resisted and started praying. After minutes of silence, I finally gained strength and talked to Manong Driver.
“LPG na ho ba ang gamit niyo?”
“Hindi Ma’am, may side effect daw yun eh…”
“Nakakahilo po ganun?”
My cellphone rang. My mom and dad back home were both worried. I heard my mom’s trembling voice over the phone, but I assured them that I would be safe and that they had nothing to worry about. After the phone call, Manong driver turned off the radio. Then our conversation went on.
“Ah nakikinig po ba kayo ng AM?”
“Oo… DZMM.”
“Eh di kilala niyo po sina Kombatsero?”
“Oo naman… Sina Anthony Taberna at Jerry Baja… Nakatutuwa sila…”
“Oo nga po eh… Kakaiba silang announcers… eh sa DZRH po, nakikinig kayo?”
“Ah oo… si Joe Taruc… Nakikinig din ako…”
“Eh Manong, yung station po na nasa tabi ng DZRH nakikinig ho kayo?”
“Yung DZAS ba yun?”
I was surprised and glad upon hearing that he knows 702 DZAS, a non commercial Christian broadcasting station that I listen to most of the time.
“Opo. Yung DZAS po…Yung katabi ng DZRH.”
“Oo… Yung puro Bible dun di ba?”
I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know if he would listen to me but I guessed the conversation was God’s way of unfolding realities to me. I cleared my throat and said,
“Opo. Pero may iba rin silang program…Hindi lang puro tungkol sa Bible…
Ako po nakikinig kay Pastor Ed Lapiz… “Pang 6:30 pm po yun.. Nakakatuwa rin ang program niya..”
“Makikinig nga rin ako… Teka, ano bang religion mo?”
This time, I prayed silently that I may be able to share how God has touched my life in ways I cannot explain and that it’s more than being part of a religion, it is more of personal relationship with Jesus.
“Protestant po… Nasira kasi yung TV namin dati kaya nakikinig ako sa DZAS. At malaki po naitulong nun sa relationship ko kay Lord. Kayo po anong religion niyo?”
He mentioned about a particular religion which is also very distinct in their doctrines. I found out that he used to be a faithful member of that religion in his early years but because of questions regarding their practices, he joined a Protestant group and became a choir member.
“Masaya nga eh.. di ba may mga kantahan din kayo?”
After sometime, he went back to his own religion and is now an inactive member. His wife is a member of another religion. Presently, he doesn’t attend church regularly, but I was blessed when he said,
“Pero ma’am, napansin ko, kapag may relasyon ka sa Diyos, hindi ka matitibag… Gaano man kahirap ang buhay…”
“Ay opo… Talaga naman pong relasyon sa Diyos yung mahalaga… Alam niyo po yun, kapag nagigisng ka sa umaga, may kakaibang tuwa.”
“Oo nga ho Ma’am… Totoo ho iyon.. ay.. Ma’am malapit na ho tayo sa Buendia.”
“Oo nga ho… Magkano ho lahat?”
“112 ho… Anong oras nga ho ulit yung sinsabi niyo?”
“Yung kay Ed Lapiz po ba? 6:30 po ng gabi… pero maganda rin yung iba pa nilang programa.. Basta, makinig lang po kayo sa DZAS.”
“Ano bang religion nung sa DZAS?”
“Manong, open po yung DZAS sa lahat ng religion. Matutuwa po kayo sa programs nila.. Kahit anong oras kayo makinig…Salamat Manong… God bless po…”
“Thank you din po Ma’am… God bless po..”
As I left the taxi cab, there was unexplainable joy. I wasn’t able to share how I accepted Jesus as my Savior or lead him in prayer of acceptance, but I could feel at that moment that God was working on Manong Driver’s life. He is hungry for God, I could feel. He listened to me and was even interested with the program I was saying. We came from different religions, yet we didn’t have any arguments. I was really happy meeting Manong Driver. It was an encouragement to always testify for Jesus. I was even blessed of his own testimony.
Meantime, around 12:20, I was in Buendia, still waiting for a bust bound to Southmall. All I saw were jeepneys bound to Baclaran. I was hesitant to take Baclaran route because I didn’t feel comfortable. But I was not afraid. I know God would never leave me. I was about to finally give in to Baclaran jeep but by God’s grace, an FX bound to Southmall arrived. I came home safe and sound with my mom and brother waiting for me at 7/11 BFRV.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Something Small… and Simple
I’ve adopted a new practice and hopefully, it will be my lifestyle.
It started first week of October upon watching Richard’s docu called Signos. The next day, I had another share over 702 DZAS. And I know I need to do something about this pressing issue. It may not mean a lot, but hopefully, it could lessen the problem especially now that you’re reading this and would later join me with the practice (especially if you’re my kaibigang oso J).
The issue? The ever popular “garbage diarrhea” or the phenomenon of, we, humans, producing tons and tons of garbage everyday! (This will more or less contribute to the social problems that we have-flood, malaria outbreak, etc.)
The practice? It’s saying no to plastic! (With plastic, I mean the real plastic, composed of chemicals which I still have to research and not the literally walking plasticJ). It’s just simple. When you go to market, department store, convenient store, drugstore or any other stores, even fast food chains or whatever establishment you’ll land and you’ll be buying, say, just a pack of your beauty regimen or just a piece of that whatever in your mind, and you have a bag with you, or your pants has pockets, then refuse the plastic the salesperson will be handing you (in a nice way of course).Just place whatever it is that you bought inside your bag or if you want, just bring it with your bare hands. J
Our precious Health Guide, 2001 edition, which I only read when I would do assignments back in school, said that garbage is a major land pollutant. Let me quote, “The indiscriminate disposal of garbage has caused major problems in the cities. Always remember that illnesses are most likely to occur in unsanitary areas…”
I know, you would agree that most of the junks you’ll see around are plastics. May it be yellow, red, blue, and white, with name of the establishment or without the name on it (Plastic is a form of the establishment’s advertisement). It’s just irritating to see plastic everywhere (especially when you know that in one way or another you are contributing to those plastic dumpsites!). Believe me; the salesperson would be happy if you’ll say no to their plastic. The first few attempts I had were funny.
Straight from Southville (commercial break: visit www.southville.edu.ph), I went to this popular drugstore to buy tissue, cotton buds and shampoo. I stopped the man from putting the items I bought inside the plastic, he was shocked but he smiled and the next time I did it, he simply smiled. The other was at a convenient store; I bought three packs of stockings and refused to get the plastic. He didn’t smile but there was something in his eyes like, “oh she’s weird.”
I know, the practice might sound something small (and to some silly) but it’s simple and probably, will mean a lot to Mother Earth. Saying no to plastic does not mean not enjoying life to the fullest; rather it can be a way of giving thanks to the many blessings we have from God (especially when you become good stewards of His blessings like our Mother Earth). -30-
It started first week of October upon watching Richard’s docu called Signos. The next day, I had another share over 702 DZAS. And I know I need to do something about this pressing issue. It may not mean a lot, but hopefully, it could lessen the problem especially now that you’re reading this and would later join me with the practice (especially if you’re my kaibigang oso J).
The issue? The ever popular “garbage diarrhea” or the phenomenon of, we, humans, producing tons and tons of garbage everyday! (This will more or less contribute to the social problems that we have-flood, malaria outbreak, etc.)
The practice? It’s saying no to plastic! (With plastic, I mean the real plastic, composed of chemicals which I still have to research and not the literally walking plasticJ). It’s just simple. When you go to market, department store, convenient store, drugstore or any other stores, even fast food chains or whatever establishment you’ll land and you’ll be buying, say, just a pack of your beauty regimen or just a piece of that whatever in your mind, and you have a bag with you, or your pants has pockets, then refuse the plastic the salesperson will be handing you (in a nice way of course).Just place whatever it is that you bought inside your bag or if you want, just bring it with your bare hands. J
Our precious Health Guide, 2001 edition, which I only read when I would do assignments back in school, said that garbage is a major land pollutant. Let me quote, “The indiscriminate disposal of garbage has caused major problems in the cities. Always remember that illnesses are most likely to occur in unsanitary areas…”
I know, you would agree that most of the junks you’ll see around are plastics. May it be yellow, red, blue, and white, with name of the establishment or without the name on it (Plastic is a form of the establishment’s advertisement). It’s just irritating to see plastic everywhere (especially when you know that in one way or another you are contributing to those plastic dumpsites!). Believe me; the salesperson would be happy if you’ll say no to their plastic. The first few attempts I had were funny.
Straight from Southville (commercial break: visit www.southville.edu.ph), I went to this popular drugstore to buy tissue, cotton buds and shampoo. I stopped the man from putting the items I bought inside the plastic, he was shocked but he smiled and the next time I did it, he simply smiled. The other was at a convenient store; I bought three packs of stockings and refused to get the plastic. He didn’t smile but there was something in his eyes like, “oh she’s weird.”
I know, the practice might sound something small (and to some silly) but it’s simple and probably, will mean a lot to Mother Earth. Saying no to plastic does not mean not enjoying life to the fullest; rather it can be a way of giving thanks to the many blessings we have from God (especially when you become good stewards of His blessings like our Mother Earth). -30-
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