Showing posts with label success. Show all posts

Mga Batang May Pangarap

…tulad ko rin noon

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Isang tanghaling katatapos ko lang kumain sa pastilan ni Luz, ay biglang may nagdatingang mga grupo ng kabataan….mga pupils ng Tacurong Pilot Elementary School. Ang pastilan ay malapit lang sa eskwelahan at sa labas ng plaza. Noon ko lang napansing alas dose na pala ng tanghali. Sabi ni Luz, sa kanya kumakain ang mga bata kapag “bitin” ang pera nila kaya nagkakasya na lamang sa isang balot na pastil na halagang Php10 at yong okey lang sa kaning tutong, ito ay libre na, pati ang sabaw. Kaya pala kung minsan ay wala akong naaabutang tutong. Akala ko ay inuubos ni Luz na mahilig din sa tutong. Ang ilan sa mga bata ay nakita ko na sa palengke na nagtatrabaho bilang tagatapon ng basura ng mga tinder at “errand boys”. Umamin ang karamihan sa mga batang wala silang pambili ng pastil at sumama lang sa mga kaibigan nila upang mamasyal sa plaza kaya ginawan na lang ng paraan upang lahat sila ay makakain ng pastil.

Maliban sa dalawa na Grade 5 pa lang, ang iba ay Grade 6 na kaya tinanong ko sila kung gusto pa rin nilang mag-aral sa Tacurong…sa National High School. Tatlo ang nagsabing sa Griῆo National High School, sa barangay Griῆo para hindi na daw gagastos sa pamasahe….taga-roon kasi sila.  Nang tanungin ko kung gaano kalayo ang bahay nila mula sa school, binanggit nila ang estimated distance mula sa kinalalagyan namin hanggang sa isang maliit na mall…na ang tantiya ko ay isang kilometro ang layo! Ganoon kalayo ang lalakarin nila mula sa bahay nila hanggang sa eskwela sa umaga at pauwi sa tanghali para mananghalian at babalik para sa klase sa hapon, at pauwi na pagkatapos ng klase….total na lalakarin sa isang araw ay 4 na kilometro!

Yong isa ay kukunin ng tatay na nasa Cebu…hindi na ako nagtanong kung bakit nandoon ang tatay at baka may makabagbag-damdaming madiskubre lang ako tungkol sa pagkatao niya. Yong iba ay sa Tacurong National High School na lang daw dahil may mga “suki” sila sa palengkeng “pinagtatrabahuhan”…pagtatapon ng basura at bilang “errand boys” kaya maski papaano ay may kikitain sila.

Lahat sila ay may mga pangarap na “maging” pagdating ng panahon. Apat ang nagsabing gustong maging pulis, dalawa ang gustong maging “army”,  ang iba ay gustong maging titser at ang isa ay gustong maging engineer.  Ang isang nahiyang kumain ay binigyan ko na lang ng pera para may pambili siya ng kanit banana cue kapag nagutom dahil may mga nagtitinda naman sa labas ng gate ng school nila. Pero binulungan niya ako ng, “babaunin ko ito bukas, uncle…”.

Bilib ako sa kanila dahil lahat sila ay malinis ang pinagkainan…wala ni isang mumo (wasted rice) na naiwan sa dahon ng saging na pinagbalutan ng pastil at pinggan.  Wala ring natirang sabaw sa mangkok. Ang mga pinakita nila ay palatandaan na karapat-dapat silang tulungan.

Nakita ko sa mga batang nakausap ko ang buhay ko noong nasa elementary ako na nag-aaral din sa “Pilot” na ang dating pangalan ay “Tacurong Elementary School”. Hindi kalayuan sa kinaroroonan naming carinderia ni Luz ay ang bakery na pag-aari ng mga Garcia at sa tambakan nila ay namumulot ako ng mga pakikinabangan pa, lalo na mga malalaking plastic na supot na ginagamit kong “bag” para sa mga gamit ko sa eskwela at ang mga mas malalaki pa ay pinagtatagpi-tagpi ko upang maging rain coat. Ilang dipa lang din mula sa carinderia ay ang kapitbahay naming may puno ng sampalok na ang mga lagas o mga nahulog na hinog ay pinupulot ko upang ibenta sa eskwela para may pambili ako ng papel man lang. Meron din silang puno ng balimbing na ang mga manibalang na bunga ay hinihingi ko para ibenta sa palengke pati ang mga hinog na bunga ng kaimito (star apple) namin, tuwing Sabado at Linggo. Nagtinda din ako noon ng pandesal sa madaling araw.

Tulad ng mga bata ay nangarap din ako noon…libre lang naman kasi!

The Power of Self- Encouragement

By Apolinario  Villalobos

FRANCIS LAMA TORRES…blazing his way to the top

By Apolinario Villalobos

Here’s the story of a country boy, born of a big family at the foot of the Dagoma mountain range and raised by struggling parents who depended on the earnings of their father as a photographer. He is practically blazing his way to the top without let up.

I had my first glimpse of Francis Lama Torres, the guy whom many Notre Dameans and Tacurongnons have been mentioning as an excellent event host. That was during the first institutional reunion of the Notre Dame of Tacurong College several years ago, during which I was the “voice” of the college alumni, Carlo Romero for the high school, and City Mayor Lina Montilla, for the elementary. I was very much impressed by his fluency in English and local version of Hiligaynon.

Several months ago, during the birthday party of a cousin, Hazel, her close friend, Bing told me that she found somebody whom she found to be an excellent host. The guy whom I mentioned earlier and the one whom Bing mentioned were, I found out, to be the same.

The next time our paths crossed was when I visited a restaurant known for its indigenous dishes, the FUDZ RESTO, along the highway fronting the Notre Dame of Tacurong College. He was manning the cashier’s drawer. I learned from Cathy, the supervisor of the food outlet that Francis and her son Daryll are business partners and the resto is their first venture. I learned later still, from Cathy that some of their offerings are cooked at home by Francis, himself, early in the morning and which he brings to the restaurants on his way to his nearby office, the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SUKELCO). And, most admirable is his lending a hand at the FUDZ Resto during his lunch break!

Francis currently holds the position of Manager of Area 2 Services Department, but previously, was the entity’s Administrative Services Manager. Still, previous to those jobs, he also taught at the NDTC for 4 years. As an Area 2 Manager of SUKELCO, Francis covers Bagumbayan, Isulan, Esperanza, as well as, Lambayong and its 4 barangays, Matiompong, Katitisan, Kapingkong, and Tambak.

He shared that he is from the beautiful barangay of Masiag, Babumbayan, having been born there in September 18, 1978. He finished his elementary  at the Masiag Central School and high school at the Notre Dame of Masiag, but finished his college at the Notre Dame of Tacurong College.  His father, Francisco E. Torres, Sr., is a photographer who started his craft as a teen-ager while his mother, Candelaria Dapitan Lama, is a typical housewife and a doting mother to him and his 8 siblings. He is next to the eldest, a priest  assigned in Thailand,  while their youngest is taking up Social Work at the Notre Dame of Tacurong College. Francis and his brothers fittingly accorded their parents with a special gift by jointly hosting their Ruby wedding anniversary.

While in high school, he has developed his skill in public speaking and when he studied at the Notre Dame of Tacurong College, it was further honed by Felizardo Lazado, one of the faculties who used to administer the school museum and a writer in his own right who continues to express himself through blogs in the internet today. From then on, he has been tapped to host events and his popularity as such spread even after his graduation. While with the SUKELCO, he kept on hosting various events, both of local and national level.

Our short conversation revealed his long-ranged vision for Tacurong, his adopted home. He shared his bright ideas on how the tourism industry of the city could be further developed by utilizing what are already on hand, hence, all doable. His vision goes beyond his course, Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Banking and Finance) enhanced by his Masters in Business Administration, as clearly, his mind is also set on community development, as well.

I could surmise that the guy could go further, having proved that one need not graduate from a big university to be an achiever, especially, because he loves challenges, as he admitted that he prefers field work to that of an office-confined one.

What Achievements Can Do

By Apolinario Villalobos

I have been blogging about achievers and their success, and I would like to add that such feat could generate the following:

There is no problem with the positive effects of achievements such as admiration and satisfaction. The problem is with envy, as it may result to:

Bashing and harmful jokes are the negative “gains” from the high technology that rules life today. Simply said, anybody can create hundreds of identity in the internet and use them for malicious intent, and SIM cards can be bought from sidewalk peddlers for as low as Php15, already with free text and calls to be used in sending anonymous messages or making calls to poor victims. On the other hand, the development of ill feeling towards the achiever occurs among selfish people who want everything in life at all cost. Their ego made them feel that only they are capable of succeeding in life.

Many successful lives have been ruined by the egoistic and selfish people who cannot stand the achievement of others…that is one of the reasons why the world is beset with disharmony. Man has no choice but to live with that reality. Meanwhile, what the achievers can do is thank the Lord for their success and restrain themselves from wishing bad karma for their detractors for it may just happen as dictated by the “Golden Rule”.

By Apolinario Villalobos

When does one say, “I am successful”.

Is it when he has become the head of a country?

…graduated from a prestigious university

    with the highest educational degree?

…married and  have children

    to constitute a big family? or

…become the president of a company

    and enjoy the luxury of money?

Success is more than money…

more than an educational degree…

more than a prestigious job…

and  more than a big family.

Success is that which the heart desires,

contentment in life regardless of how far one has gone,

having used to the fullest what God has given,

for it is how we are measured when our life is done.

Success is having shared one’s blessings with the less fortunate

without expecting something in return;

It is that ecstatic feeling when you made someone happy

even with just a word of advice or

just being beside him as a needed company.

Success is that immeasurable feeling of happiness

when at a ripe age you have no guilt to amend for,

remorse to cry for, and  indebtedness that should be settled

before  your sight is dimmed and you sighed your last.

Mga Kuwento ng Tagumpay at ang Inutil na

Educational System ng Pilipinas

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Dahil sa pagputok ng balita tungkol sa disgrasyang inabot ng mga estudyanteng patungo sana sa Tanay (Rizal), kanya-kanya na namang hugas-kamay ang mga ahensiyang may kinalaman sa edukasyon. Sa tindi ng pagkawalang puso ng may-ari ng eskwelahan, nagsalita pa ang isa sa kanilang opisyal na ipagpapatuloy pa rin daw ang sinasabi nilang leadership training. Mabuti na lang at may kumilos upang ito ay mapigilan dahil sa tindi ng ngitngit ng mga magulang ng mga namatay, nasugatan, at mga nakaligtas.

Wala na talagang pinagbago ang CHED at DepEd dahil hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin silang ginagawa upang matigil na ang walang silbing mga field trip at kung anu-ano pang kataranduhan ng mga private schools na hatala namang ginagamit lang para sa junket. Pwede namang gumamit ng documentary films na kuha sa aktwal na pasilidad na gusto nilang pasyalan, bakit hindi nila gawin? Ang sinasabi ng iba ay nakakalibre daw ang ilang titser at opisyal ng eskwelahan sa pagsama sa mga estudyanteng gumagastos ng kung ilang libong piso para lang “makapasa”. At ang matindi, ay ginagamit pa ito ng ibang eskwelahan upang pagkitaan! Kung pinatigil man ang mga walang silbing “field trips”, ito ay PANSAMANTALA na naman!

Walang silbi ang diploma sa panahong ito dahil karamihan ng meron nito ay wagas na nagsasabing pampayabalang lang daw naman nila, at sa pag-apply ng trabaho, bahala na daw kung may makita o wala . May alam akong walang interes sa pag-apply kaya apat na taon mula nang makatapos ay istambay pa rin. Kung babae naman, nagkandalosyang na sa kapapanganak ay ni hindi man lang nakapasok maski probationary job. Ang kailangan sa panahong ito ay tiyaga at sipag na maaaring dagdagan ng diskarte. Yong iba ay namumuhunan lang ng laway o “sales talk”, pero kumikita….pero wala silang diploma. Hindi nangangahulugang ayaw ko nang mag-aral o makapagtapos ng kurso ang mga kabataan. Ang ibig kong sabihin dito ay baguhin ang pananaw tungkol sa edukasyon at ang sistema upang hindi mahirapan ang mga estudyante at mga magulang…hindi yong eskwelahan lang ang kumikita.

Merong mga eskwelahan na sumisingil ng “security fee”, pero wala naman silang security guard. Ang para naman sa mga magulang, kung hindi kaya ang gastos sa kolehiyo halimbawa, bakit hindi ipasok ang anak sa TESDA? Ang masaklap pa dito, dahil sa K-12 program, sa halip na 4 na taon lang ang high school at pagkatapos ay pwede nang mag-vocational school na mura, nagkaroon pa ng dagdag na gastos sa extended high school na tinawag na “senior high school” na bukod sa mahal na tuition ay halos wala ring napapag-aralan ang mga bata.

May isa akong kaibigan na nagkuwentong ang nanay nila ay hanggang Grade Four ang inabot subalit naging matagumpay bilang negosyante na ang inumpisahan ay isang maliit na sari-sari store. Lahat silang pitong magkakapatid ay nakapagtapos ng mga matataas at mamahaling kurso tulad ng “Engineering”. Noong nasa elementary pa daw siya, tinuturuan niya ang nanay nila kung paano isulat ang tamang spelling ng mga pangalan ng produktong tinitinda. At, ang nakakatuwa, madalas daw umutang sa kanila ang principal ng kanilang eskwelahan…at lahat ng mga titser niya! Ang sabing pabiro sa kanya ng nanay niya minsan, “….kita mo na, kung naging principal ako, hindi ko kayo napag-aral lahat…”.

Yong isa ko pang kilala, hindi rin nakatapos ng high school kaya nagtanim ng palay at mais at namili pa ng mga ito, pati bigas bilang negosyo. Ngayon, may gilingan siya ng palay at mais at dumami na rin ang mga taniman ng palay, at may international resort pa na sikat sa internet!

Yong nakausap kong babae sa isang karinderya sa Sta. Cruz (Manila), akala ko ay katulong, yon pala ay may-ari. Hanggang Grade Two ang inabot subalit may karinderya pa sa Blumentritt, Cubao, Pasay at Baclaran. Yong isa namang akala ko ay driver ng isang SUV na mamahalin, yon pala ay mismong may-ari at ang malaking junk shop sa di-kalayuan ay kanya….hindi rin siya nakatapos ng high school.

Masama mang sabihin, pero karamihan sa mga kabataan ngayon ay lulong o adik sa mga gadget at barkada kaya maski simpleng report na gagamitan ng English ay hindi magawa….at karamihan ay mayayabang pa.  Makapag-submit man ng project na ni-research daw ay kinopya pa pati tuldok (period) at kudlit (comma) sa internet. Kaya pagkatapos gastusan ng magulang, pagkakuha ng diploma at maisabit sa dingding, balik uli sa mga bisyo – barkada, basketball, lakwatsa, at gadgets. Ang mga masisisi diyan ay mismong mga magulang at ang inutil na educational system ng Pilipinas!

THE COURAGE OF MARCIAL (BUNNY) GAMALINDA TO SUCCEED

By Apolinario Villalobos

I remember seeing Bunny whose real name is Marcial T. Gamalinda on the early evening I,  together with new recruits from Mindanao, Abet Yu and Fred Derequito, arrived in Manila Domestic Airport (today, Terminal 4) during the later part of 1975. He was issuing tickets at the Ticket Office. I also saw that evening, David Lim, who I was told by Bunny during our conversation, was their Cashier, but today is among the acknowledged think tanks of Philippine Airlines, holding a position of Senior Vice-President. During the time, the Ticket Office Manager was Teresita Al (Tessie) Luna, who at the time of her retirement was PAL’s AVP-Metro Manila. Bunny also mentioned the supervisors, Mon Lomuntad and Jun Garcia.

Our conversation brought us back to the time when he was interviewed in 1974, as an applicant by Mr. Ricardo G. Paloma, “Mr. Tourism” of the Philippine tourism industry during his time, as Regional Vice-President for Philippines and Guam. His last position was SVP-Finance when he finally retired from PAL at 65.  One question that triggered his outright hiring was the question, “are you willing to be assigned anywhere?”, though such, was introduced with an explanation that the fluidity of the frontline job in PAL is such that, a personnel can be pulled out from his current assignment and transformed to another anytime as necessary. His profound “yes”, impressed Mr. Paloma.

As the Reservations Office in Cebu (RSPC) which was based at the Mactan International Airport was In need of additional staff, Bunny was assigned there after his training, although, his position title was Ticket Freight Clerk (TFC), as the training for which also included basic aspects of Reservations. His supervisors at RSPC were Raffy Gonzales and Loven Fernandez. What touched me was when he told me that he accepted the assignment in Cebu despite his having no relative or acquaintance in Cebu City. To put him at ease, he just considered the assignment as some kind of adventure. In no time, he was made to feel at home by his colleagues at RSPC, some of whom were also from other areas, and most especially, by the congeniality of his Cebuano colleagues, especially, the supervisors.

He did not stay long at RSPC-Mactan/Cebu for he was recalled back to Manila for an assignment at the Domestic Airport Ticket Office as Ticket Clerk. It was during the time that he joined the hectic frontline, and during which he worked with fellow Ticket Clerks, Dennis Balictar and Abel Santos. Not long after, he was taken in by the PAL Development Academy (PDA) as an Instructor. During the time, the training center was under Pinky Cuenca as Director and under her as Division Managers were Mila Abad and the late Cesar Lamberte.

His talent and skill brought him, after a few years at PDA, to Manila Station-International during the time of Jun Martirez who took over the directorship from Dodie Ramirez. He was designated as Staff Assistant of the Director, after which was promoted as Supervisor, a little later as Duty Manager and finally, as Division Manager. His position as Duty Manager opened the vast opportunity to be assigned as Station Manager at various airports abroad which further broadened his knowledge and honed his decision- making as regards airport operation. His unquestionable reliability, finally landed him on the position of Division Manager which he held until his retirement from PAL.

After discussing retirement plans with his wife, Desi (Maria Lourdes), they enrolled in a training center for business entrepreneurship, in which they chose laundry business. But, when they were about to embark on it, he was told by a friend that Tiks Yngente (Francisco Yngente IV), a colleague in PAL and whose last position when he retired was Vice-President of PAL’s Airport Operations Department, based at Termial 2, was with the Sky Logistics-Manila. Instinctively, he called the office and talked to Tiks with an intention to just say “Hi!”. On the spot however, he was asked if could join him (Tiks), to which he outright said yes. Foremost in his mind was their friendship which is founded on the Filipino adage, “may pinagsamahan”, and in English, “what are friends for?”.

Today, he is with the Sky Logistics-Manila, providing support to its President, Tiks Yngente, as the latter’s Executive Assistant. Their tandem provides Sky Logistics in Manila with the ever reliable leadership that steers the company towards indisputable credibility in handling PAL’s airport services needs, thanks also to their well-chosen staff who give them their all-out support.

Bunny and his wife, Desi are blessed with three children – all professionals, Paolo, Katrina, and Denise, as well as, four grandchildren. Paolo had a short stint with Philippine Airlines before joining San Miguel Corporation. Katrina also had served PAL as an Integrated Ticket Representative assigned at Cubao Ticket Office before joining the Dexterton Corp. as Executive Secretary to the President. On the other hand, Denise, who works with SMART as a Computer Business Analyst based in Manila, is now assigned at Auckland, New Zealand.

THE “DRIVE” OF A PERSON

SPELLS HIS SUCCESS

By Apolinario Villalobos

There are people I know who graduated as summa cum laude or magna cum laude or have taken up post studies for Masters and Doctorate, yet, they failed to succeed vis-à-vis with what they have gone through coupled with money spent, without mentioning the time. On the other hand, many average graduates who finished ordinary courses from far-flung colleges have immensely achieved success. Of course, being at the right place at the right time can help, but the most essential factor here, is the “drive” within a person. In this view, the school and books could be necessary but not guarantees for a bright future if those who benefited from them lack the enthusiasm and energy to crash through the hurdles that block their way towards success.

This is the real situation in finding an ordinary job by fair means and working one’s way up in the corporate ladder: Graduates, regardless of their course and where they graduated, undergo a series of interview and examination, so it doesn’t matter if one is a graduate of a provincial college or a high-end university in a city, as what matters, is he passes the tests. From the lowest rung of the echelon, he works his way up based on his performance and other on-the-job criteria, and not on how he fared when he graduated as such record is already in his 201 file. The current basis is his performance, diligence, relationship with colleagues and bosses, and punctuality. If the guy is one who does not complain every time added work is given to him, he gets a plus, and also when he shows a congenial teamwork capability and respect for time.

The problem with many new-hires today, especially, the snooty graduates of high-end universities, is they complain every time they are given added tasks. They view such tasks with disdain for being not part of their job description, instead of considering them as opportunities for advancement. As a result, because of their high regard to their high-end alma mater, they always expect to find another job if they resign after a short span of stint in the job. On the other hand, graduates of the unassuming colleges have more reasons to work hard and grateful for being hired and recognized for their willingness to learn more by doing added tasks with gusto, which in effect prepares them for better opportunities as they strive for the next rung of their career.

Meanwhile, many graduates are so conscious about the “management” attached in their course. It does not spell any difference at all in the face of highly competitive job-hunting today. One typical example is when we had an on-the-job trainee who was taking a two-year secretarial course. She was admirably punctual and even made attempts at editing our drafted memos which we sincerely appreciated, because we were not always sure if what we scribbled to be typed by her were grammatically correct all the time. She put the topsy-turvy office file in order and did not mind rendering overtime if necessary despite her being just an OJT.  After completing the required time, she left and somewhat affected us. When we were in need of a secretary, we put our Human Resources office to task by demanding that we want our former OJT or nobody at all. It took them some time before locating her and finally giving her the job. Today, she is an Executive Secretary…liked by all her colleagues in the office including her boss. 

THE “DRIVE” OF A PERSON

SPELLS HIS SUCCES

By Apolinario Villalobos

There are people I know who graduated as summa cum laude or magna cum laude or have taken up post studies for Masters and Doctorate, yet, they failed to succeed vis-à-vis with what they have gone through coupled with money spent, without mentioning the time. On the other hand, many average graduates who finished ordinary courses from far-flung colleges have immensely achieved success. Of course, being at the right place at the right time can help, but the most essential factor here, is the “drive” within a person. In this view, the school and books could be necessary but not guarantees for a bright future if those who benefited from them lack the enthusiasm and energy to crash through the hurdles that block their way towards success.

This is the real situation in finding an ordinary job by fair means and working one’s way up in the corporate ladder: Graduates, regardless of their course and where they graduated, undergo a series of interview and examination, so it doesn’t matter if one is a graduate of a provincial college or a high-end university in a city, as what matters, is he passes the tests. From the lowest rung of the echelon, he works his way up based on his performance and other on-the-job criteria, and not on how he fared when he graduated as such record is already in his 201 file. The current basis is his performance, diligence, relationship with colleagues and bosses, and punctuality. If the guy is one who does not complain every time added work is given to him, he gets a plus, and also when he shows a congenial teamwork capability and respect for time.

The problem with many new-hires today, especially, the snooty graduates of high-end universities, is they complain every time they are given added tasks. They view such tasks with disdain for being not part of their job description, instead of considering them as opportunities for advancement. As a result, because of their high regard to their high-end alma mater, they always expect to find another job if they resign after a short span of stint in the job. On the other hand, graduates of the unassuming colleges have more reasons to work hard and grateful for being hired and recognized for their willingness to learn more by doing added tasks with gusto, which in effect prepares them for better opportunities as they strive for the next rung of their career.

Meanwhile, many graduates are so conscious about the “management” attached in their course. It does not spell any difference at all in the face of highly competitive job-hunting today. One typical example is when we had an on-the-job trainee who was taking a two-year secretarial course. She was admirably punctual and even made attempts at editing our drafted memos which we sincerely appreciated, because we were not always sure if what we scribbled to be typed by her were grammatically correct all the time. She put the topsy-turvy office file in order and did not mind rendering overtime if necessary despite her being just an OJT.  After completing the required time, she left and somewhat affected us. When we were in need of a secretary, we put our Human Resources office to task by demanding that we want our former OJT or nobody at all. It took them some time before locating her and finally giving her the job. Today, she is an Executive Secretary…liked by all her colleagues in the office including her boss. 

To be “In” Socially As Cover Up for

Insecurities and Inadequacies

By Apolinario Villalobos

The objective of some people in joining a social group is usually tinged with an effort to cover up their insecurities and inadequacies, as well as, the desire to flaunt unexpected success in life. Their effort to join an organization to boost their once timid personality is commendable but they should not use their identity with an organization to an overwhelming degree of arrogance which makes them social climbers.

Those who thirst for recognition may not even need to join any organization to earn it. They missed the fact that by being alone, only they will enjoy the recognition at the proper time and opportunity. On the other hand, if they are identified with an organization that might later prove to be questionable, they will eventually get a share of the stain, too.

I have met and talked to some people who joined the “Foundations” and “associations” sponsored by a politician because they were hoping that he could help them with their personal problems later on. They joined the “Foundations” and “associations” without knowing their objectives until they found out, albeit very late, that they were being used as conduits for ill-gotten funds from dubious transactions. At the end, their membership made them parties of the politician’s illegal acts. Until now, they are still being investigated.

And, here’s a story about a friend who tremendously improved his financial status because of hard-earned wage as a seafaring engineer. In due time, he was able to purchase a house in an exclusive subdivision in Tagaytay, aside from a Porsche sports car and a Benz van. In both, he has permanently stashed expensive golf sets which surprised me because he does not play golf. He also stuck stickers of La Salle, UP, Jaycees, and Rotary at the back windshield of the van, although, he has got nothing to do with them. He graduated from Cebu and not a member of any of the two organizations. I just smiled and pitied him, for he told me himself, how he struggled hard as an impoverished clerk/messenger while exerting much effort to finish his marine engineering course and capped it by passing the board. His multi-million home in Tagaytay is a mish-mash of furnishing, resulting to an overdone eclectic interior that grossly defies harmony. Such effort betrayed his inadequate social background.

Being a very good friend, I took the risk of pinching his ego by advising him to remove the stickers and golf sets from his van and just be his real self, adding that he should have more time with his family than with his seafaring buddies who enjoy rounds of beer on weekends. And, as I felt, too, that he wanted to be socially “in”, I advised him to join a religious group that is always involved in community outreach programs. He joined two groups but failed to find satisfaction so he left them. At the end, I just gave him the opportunity of joining me every time he is free during my rounds of RAS (random acts of sharing), that he found more fulfilling, as like me, he also identified himself with those whom we share simple blessings.

By Apolinario Villalobos

When does one say, “I am successful”.

Is it when he has become the head of a country?

…graduated from a prestigious university

    with the highest educational degree?

…married and  have children

    to constitute a big family? or

…become the president of a company

    and enjoy the luxury of money?

Success is more than money…

more than an educational degree…

more than a prestigious job…

and  more than a big family.

Success is that which the heart desires,

contentment in life regardless of how far one has gone,

having used to the fullest what God has given,

for it is how we are measured when our life is done.

Success is having shared one’s blessings with the less fortunate

without expecting something in return;

It is that ecstatic feeling when you made someone happy

even with just a word of advice or

just being beside him as a needed company.

Success is that immeasurable feeling of happiness

when at a ripe age you have no guilt to amend for,

remorse to cry for, and  indebtedness that should be settled

before  your sight is dimmed and you sighed your last.

Ang Kalasingan

Ni   Apolinario   Villalobos

Hindi lamang sa alkohol ng alak, ang tao’y nalalasing

Kundi sa mga bagay na sa hinagap ma’y di natin akalain

Nariyan ang kalasingan sa biglang yaman na naangkin

At  kalasingan sa karangalang, sa katagala’y nakamit din.

Hindi masama ang uminom ng alak kung ilagay sa wasto

Lalo na’t sa Misa, ito ay  simbolo rin ng dugo ni Hesukristo

Subali’t sadya yatang may mga taong sa katakawan nito

Sa labis na natunggang alak, ang alkohol ay napunta sa ulo.

Kung minsan ‘di natin masisisi, taong sinwerte ang kapalaran

Na dati ay lagi na lang kumakalam ang sikmurang walang laman

Subali’t sa pag-angat ng isinusumpa-sumpa niyang kinalalagyan

Kayamanang nakamit,  halos hindi niya alam kung paano dapaan.

Yong iba naman, lahat ng paraan, walang humpay nilang ginawa

Mangiyak-ngiyak na kung minsan dahil sa kawalan nila ng pag-asa

Makamit lang ang inaasam na karangalang sa kanila’y napakahalaga  -

Subali’t nang makamit , mga paang umangat,   hindi na maibaba sa lupa!

Ryan Natividad: 14 years old Pa Lang,

Factory Worker Na, Ngayon ay may sariling Negosyo

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Noon pa man ay interesado na akong magsulat tungkol sa mga naglalako ng mga gamit na naglilibot saan mang lugar dahil nagustuhan ko ang kanilang pagtitiyaga na magandang halimbawa sa iba na ang gusto ay kumita agad ng milyon-milyon sa negosyo.

Nang makita ko ang isang grupo na kumakain noon sa karinderya malapit sa amin, nagulat ako nang tawagin ng isa sa kanila na “boss” ang kasama nila na sa tingin ko ay parang college student lang. Nakita ko rin ang mga nilalako nilang power tools tulad ng barena. Sa kahihintay ko ng tamang panahon upang makausap ng masinsinan ang tinawag na “boss” ay saka naman sila umalis sa dating tinitirhan. Mabuti na lang at makalipas ang ilang buwan ay natiyempuhan ko ang taong gusto kong kausapin sa isang karinderya na nadaanan ko.

Siya si Ryan Natividad, 26 taong gulang at may isang anak na 8 taong gulang, kasal kay Sienna Javier, at sila ay taga-Bulacan. Sa katitinda ng mga power tolls ay napadako ang grupo niya sa Cavite.

Galing siya sa isang broken family dahil grade six pa lang daw siya ay naghiwalay na ang kanyang mga magulang at siya ay napapunta sa kalinga ng kanyang nanay. Dahil sa kahirapan ng buhay, 14 taong gulang pa lang daw siya ay napasabak na siya ng trabaho sa iba’t ibang pagawaan o factory. Hindi rin siya nakatapos ng high school, kaya nang nagkaroon ng pagkakataon kalaunan ay pinasukan na rin niya ang negosyong kalye o ambulant vending sa gulang na 19 taon. Noon niya natutunan ang pagbenta ng mga power tools at kahit papaano ay nakakapag-ipon pa siya.

Sa gulang na 23 taon, naisipan niyang mamuhunan upang lumaki ang kayang kita kaya humiram siya ng 30 libong piso sa kanyang nanay upang maipandagdag sa naipon na niya. Nang lumago ng kaunti ang kanyang negosyo ay kumuha na siya ng ilang tauhan. Sa loob ng tatlong taon ay nadagdagan pa ang kanyang mga kalakal kaya ngayon, ay may apat na siyang tauhan. Nakatira sila sa isang studio type na apartment sa Bacoor City at sinusuyod nila ang mga kalapit na lunsod at bayan sa paglako ng power tools.

Sa gulang na 26 taon, nakakabilib si Ryan dahil may sarili na siyang negosyo na nagsimula sa mahigit lang sa halagang 30 libong piso. Paano na lang kaya kung ang puhunan niya ay mahigit 100 libong piso na sa tingin ng ibag tao ay “barya lang”? Sa uri ng kanyang pagsisikap, baka hindi lang apat na tao ang kanyang natulungan!

May mga seafarers at OFWs na tuwing magbabakasyon ay hindi bumababa sa 50 libong piso ang cash na nahahawakan at yong iba pa nga ay mahigit 100 libong piso. Subalit sa ilang araw pa lang nilang pagbabakasyon ay ubos na dahil sa walang pakundangang paggastos. At, kung wala nang madukot ay ang mga ipinundar na gamit naman ang binibenta, hanggang bandang huli ay uutang na. Madalas pa itong nagreresulta sa away-asawa lalo pa kung maluho ang misis. Karamihan sa mga ito ay hindi nakakaisip na mumuhunan sa isang negosyo upang maaasahan kung sakaling may mangyaring hindi maganda tulad ng pagkatanggal sa trabaho, o di kaya ay upang may “mapaglibangan” man lang para sa karagdagang kita ng mister, ang misis na naiiwan sa Pilipinas.

Kaylan kaya mag-uugaling Ryan ang mga uri ng taong nabanggit ko?

Ang Lumpiang Sariwa ni Flor Enriques-Francia

Sa Quaipo

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Mahigit apatnapung taon nang kilala ang lumpiang sariwa na binebenta ni Flor Enriquez-Francia sa labas ng simbahan ng Quiapo. Subalit ngayon ang nagpatuloy sa pagtinda ay ang kaniyang pamangkin na si Nathaniel. At, kung dati ay sa bilao lang nakalatag ang mga lumpia, ngayon ay nasa kariton na at naka-styro at may balot pang plastic sheet upang masigurong hindi naaalikabukan o madapuan ng langaw.

Una kong natikman ang lumpia noong taong 2002 nang umusyuso ako sa selebrasyon ng kapistahan ng Black Nazarene. Si Flor naman ay nakapuwesto sa hindi kalayuang Avenida dahil ipinagbawal muna ang mga sidewalk vendor sa Plaza Miranda. Sa pag-uusap namin, binanggit niyang basta walang okasyon sa labas ng simbahan ng Quiapo, sa Plaza Miranda siya nagtitinda, kaya nang bumalik ako sa Quiapo makaraan ang ilang linggo ay nakita ko nga siya doon at halos hindi magkandaugaga sa pag-asikaso sa kanyang mga suki. Matagal bago ako nakasingit upang bumili ng dalawang pirasong inilagay niya sa maliit na supot na plastic at nilagyan ng sarsa. Mahirap kainin ang lumpia kung nakatayo at hindi nakalagay sa platito o pinggan. Kailangang hawakan ang supot na parang saging at ang ilabas lang ay ang dulo ng lumpia. Pero kapag sanay na ay madali nang gawin ito.

Nang dumagsa ang iba pang vendor sa labas ng Quiapo church ay hindi ko na nakita si Flor. Inisip ko na lang na baka umuwi na sa probinsiya o baka nagsawa na sa pagtinda ng lumpia. Subalit nang minsang namili ako sa Villalobos St. ay may nasalubong akong lalaking nagtutulak ng maliit na cart at ang laman ay mga lumpiang naka-styro.  Hindi ko siya pinansin dahil inisip kong katulad lang din siya ng ibang naglalako ng pagkain sa lugar na yon.

Sa pagpasok ng huling linggo nitong Disyembre, bumalik ako sa Quiapo kasama ang mga kaibigang balikbayan upang bumili ng mga panalubong nila pagbalik sa America at Canada. Nakita ko uli ang lalaking nagtutulak ng cart na may mga sariwang lumpia. Nagtanong na ako kung inabot niya ang “original” na nagtitinda ng lumpia sa Quiapo. Ikinagulat ko ang kanyang sagot dahil tiyahin pala niya ang tinutukoy kong tindera, at idinagdag pa niya na ang buong pangalan ay Flor Enriquez-Francia. Nasa bahay na lang daw ito at doon niya inihahanda ang mga lumpia na kinakariton naman ni Nathaniel.

Halos isang taon din pala bago naitinda uli ang lumpiang gawa ni Flor at ito ay pinangatawanan na ni Nathaniel na umaming maski anong mangyari sa kanyang tiyahin, ay walang problema dahil naituro na sa kanya ang sekreto sa pagtimpla lalo na ng sarsa. Nakakadalawang hakot ng mga lumpia si Nathaniel hanggang dapit-hapon kaya malaking bagay daw para sa kanilang magtiyahin ang kinikita niya lalo pa at nagkaka-edad na rin ito kaya marami na ring pangangailangan.

Ang ginawa ni Flor ay isang halimbawa ng pagbuhos ng katapatan sa anumang bagay na ginagawa – walang panloloko, kaya lumpia man, na sa paningin ng iba ay napaka-simple, kung hindi naman masarap ay madaling makakalimutan. Ganyan dapat ang ugali ng tao… bukal sa kalooban ang anumang ginagawa maliit man ito o malaki, pansarili man o nakaka-apekta ng kapwa.

Basahin ang tula mula sa ibaba…sundan ang mga numero…

Matamis ang Tagumpay na Matatamo

Kung Magsisimula ka sa Ibaba

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

12..Matamis na tagumpay…maipagmamalaking karangalan!

11..Maipagmamalaki dahil pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan -

10..Palaguin ang mga ito upang tumubo ng tagumpay

9…Tiyaga at pagsisikap ang gamitin na puhunan

8…Kaya habang umaangat sa pag-akyat ay ‘wag masindak!

7…Lalo pa at patungo sa itaas ang iyong mga tinatahak

6…Mga baytang ng pagsisikap na palagi ring tingnan

5…Huwag matakot sa pagtapak sa mga baytang

4…Magalusan man ang iyong tuhod, ito’y di mo na alintana.

3…Madali kang makabangon dahil nakatuntong ka sa lupa

2…Madadapa ka lang kung may matitisod kang balakid

1…Kung sa ibaba ka magsisimula sa iyong pagsikap

Do Not Feel Bad

About Unfulfilled Dreams

By Apolinario Villalobos

There is a popular adage, “life is what we make it”. All of us have limitations, hence, it follows that the life we live is based on our best effort, but hampered by limitations. We cannot be like what others are. We can strive, yes…but the result may not be the same as what others have accomplished. The problem with some of us is that they dream to be like somebody else which is impossible. Successful people can be looked up to as models or be admired, but cannot be exactly copied.

Success is relative. The degree and kind of success varies. In this regard, to avoid getting disappointed, one should accept what he has accomplished based on his capability and just strive a little harder to be able to accomplish more. He should not feel bad, for instance, because he did not become a manager like his friend, or a physician like another friend, or a mayor, etc.

Those who develop grudge because of their “failure” supposedly, equate success to fame which is wrong. Others feel that just because they did not become famous like others, they have become a failure. I can say that such kind of feeling is a manifestation of jealousy which breeds grudge….nothing else. Success in life is the happiness and contentment one feels every morning as he wakes up to another day….it is the joy felt in what he does.

We should not be occupied with gawking at what others are doing or be jealous with what they have accomplished. Each one of us has a different kind of life to live and concerns much different from the rest. On the other hand, the jealous attitude is most often the result of unnecessary and unhealthy rivalry in offices and other work sites. This is called professional jealousy which affects the operation and atmosphere.

Finally, successful people may wonder why some friends have suddenly kept a distance from them for no reason at all that they know of. There is something for these shunned successful people to ponder about…jealousy developed by their friends who have the habit of comparing themselves with others. Such unnecessary feeling made them jealous resulting to grudge that time may not expunge easily. My suggestion: a change in attitude…by being positive in living one’s life….and changing it for the better.

Pangarap

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang pangarap ay hindi maiwawaksi ninuman

Dahil itong bahagi ng diwa’y may kahalagahan

Nagpapalakas ng loob sa maalab na pagsikhay

Lakas na kailangan, habang tayo ay nabubuhay.

May nangangarap ng buhay sa loob ng kaharian

Kunwari’y hari, sa ubod-saya niyang  kapaligiran

Sa isang ungos, mga alipi’y  ‘di magkandaugaga

Sa pagsilbi’t pagkilos, lahat ay  nagkakandarapa.

May nangangarap ng yamang hindi mapantayan

Kaya’t lahat na lang ay gagawin, ano mang paraan

Mayroong gumagamit na ng katawan, hindi talino

HIndi bale nang mabuntis, makamit lang ang gusto.

Yong ang hangad ay madaling makuhang yaman

Ang puntirya ay kahit anong  pwesto sa pamahalaan

Naisip kasi nila, saan man sa pamahalaan ay may kita

Depende sa proyektong “lalagakan” ng nakaw na pera.

Mga batang iskwater, aking nakausap naman minsan

Simpleng mga pangarap, laman ng kanilang kaisipan

May gustong maging titser, isa’y pulis, isa’y mensahero -

Mayamang kapitbahay kasi, sa Customs, yon ang trabaho!

Ang pangarap, ‘di lang umiinog sa pera o kaginhawahan

Pati rin sa esperitwal na bagay, o mga gawaing simbahan

Mga pari’y nangangarap din, sana’y dumami ang bumalik

Sa piling ng Diyos, para sa buhay na maaliwalas at tahimik.

Mangarap lang tayo, ito naman ay libre, walang kabayaran

Sa masayang pangarap ang magulong iniisip ay ating palitan

Mahirap kasing sa kaiisip natin ng problemang ubod ng bigat

Baka maikling pisi ng katinuan ay bumigay, dahil ‘di ito sapat!

Bonifacio E. Valdez: an image of hard-earned success

By Apolinario Villalobos

Friends call him “Boni”, lanky and tall, though, with a sure gait when he walks. He was the Corp Commandeer of the PMT in high school, aside from being an orator, debater, athlete, and as expected, valedictorian in their high school batch of 1972. Born to a farming couple, he and his siblings were disciplined in the ways of Ilocano – thrifty and hardworking.

Life after graduating from high school was not as rosy as he expected, especially, because he had to deal with culture shock when he left Tacurong which was a typical third-class municipality at the time, to live in Manila, where he took BS General which he finished in 1976. It prepared him for a medical course which he finished in the Lyceum Northwestern University of Dagupan in 1980.

He went back to Manila in 1981 for an internship at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center and later transferred to another hospital in Teresa, Rizal, then moved on to the Medical Center- Manila. During those years, he sold drugs on the side, the earnings from which augmented his meager allowance as an intern. Finally, he was taken in, as a company physician by the First Holdings Company, his first full-time job.

To enhance his calling, he took up Anesthesiology as a Fellow at the University of the Philippines Anesthesiologist Center for Western Pacific. His endeavor pushed him further when he got employed at the Ministry of Health, in the Sultanate of Oman where he honed his medical profession from 1987 to 1991. Another opportunity knocked at his door, this time, a better job in the United States, but he opted to go home to Tacurong where he had been dreaming to build a school.

To better prepare himself as an educator in the field of medicine, he took time to refine his skill in anesthesiology in the different hospitals of Tacurong, neighboring towns, as well as, the Davao Medical Center, now, the Southern Philippines Medical Center, a high-tech medical facility in Davao City. During his stint at the aforementioned medical center in Davao City, he sacrificed going home Tacurong on weekends to be with his family.

His struggle paid off when he finally established his school, the VMMC in 2002, with a system derived from what is currently prevailing in the United States. Initially, the VMMC trained caregivers for Canada where he had established tie-ups with healthcare agencies. The long-ranged planning of Dr. Valdez, earned for VMMC a reputation as the first institution in the province of Sultan Kudarat to offer an immediate employment abroad after several months of training. Today, the VMMC also offers basic education and TESDA courses, aside from functioning as a hospital.

In recognition for his achievements, he is currently involved in the different undertakings that pertain to education, health care, and medicine. He is the Vice-President of the Higher Education Institutions in Region 12; Chairman of the Red Cross - Sultan Kudarat Chapter; Board Member of the Mindanao Technical, Vocational and Educational Training; President of the Sultan Kudarat Association of Private and Technical Institutions; and Board Member of the Regional Technical Skills Development Council for Region 12.

Over a simple lunch in  an Adriatico mall, Malate, Manila, we relished the happy days in the campus of the Notre Dame of Tacurong College during its struggling days. He also shared with a hearty laugh, his experience in Manila, especially, during the twilight days of the Marcos-imposed Martial Law. He was seriously engrossed in his political activities that his name got included in the “hot list” of student activists. To save his neck, he bid his comrades goodbye and went home.

The indefatigable Dr. Valdez confided that he has other plans for his beloved birthplace. It is not surprising for a guy whose dreams and struggle brought him far despite his family’s financial handicap. Being used to a simple life, he added that he is contented with his frugal lifestyle and foremost in his mind today, is on how he could share the blessings that he earned by dint of hard work. From being a farmer’s son once, he is now an educator, resource person on community leadership and holistic health, and a medical practitioner, though, with a bigger dream….and of course, with his fellow Tacurongnons still in mind.

Pat’s Journey in Life

(for Pat Sulleza Pelletero)

By Apolinario Villalobos

The gauge of the person’s desire to succeed in life is the degree of his or her enthusiasm in achieving such at all cost. A couple of years ago, I met a girl who at a very young age became a discreet prostitute along Avenida so that she could pursue her studies until she was adopted by a retired couple who treated her like their own. Children in depressed areas that surround Divisoria, a bustling center for wholesaling of local produce, derive earnings by waking up as early as two in the morning to gather vegetable trimmings to be cleaned and sold along the sidewalk. Only when they have sold enough to earn a little for their allowance, do they prepare themselves for school.

There are more inspiring stories that can pinch one’s heart, not for pity but for admiration. One of these is that of Pat’s. Upon graduating from high school, she decided to work for her college studies to lessen the burden of her parents whose income could barely suffice for the needs of their family. When she applied as a Student Assistant in the convent of the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND), she was readily accepted because of her outstanding academic record and remarkable character.

The determination to finish her studies boosted her strength as she faced the task that lay ahead. Though a little shock was felt during the early days of her stay in the convent, she got used to waking up at 4:30AM to start doing the household chores, one of which was braving the early breaking of dawn to buy pan de sal, popular local bread for breakfast. Other things had to be done until before 11:AM as during the time, she had to teach catechism at Tacurong Pilot School until 11:45AM. The remaining fifteen minutes till noon was spent walking her way back to the convent. From noon until two in the afternoon, she had to do other chores, after which she was left with thirty minutes to prepare herself for her classes which started at 2:30PM, until 8:00PM. That was her typical weekdays and weeknights. Saturdays were for laundry and weeding of the garden and doing research. Sundays were of course for the Mass and whatever were left of the chores, and the evenings were for studies.

Hectic was not enough to describe the life of Pat as a Student Assistant, but it prepared her for more pressure when she worked at Ramie Corporation (RamCor) when she graduated. She topped the qualifying exam given by the company for applicants. During the early days of Tacurong, ramie fiber was one of the products that it proudly produced. Another company, Kenram, cultivated the fibrous plant together with kenap. As with the abaca fiber of Albay province, ramie and kenap were among the top exported products of the Philippines, until the plantations in Tacurong were supplanted with African palm.

The time of Pat’s employment at RamCor was also the height of the unrest in the area due to the Muslim-Christian conflict which necessitated the stationing of a contingent of the 12^th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. Call it fate, but due to the unrest which caused the arrival of the men in fatigue, Pat met Ed (Eustaquio Edmundo Pellero), a Cebuano, and who was a member of the said contingent. As love can move mountains, so did theirs that also moved aside mountains of apprehensions because of financial limitations.

After her stint at RamCor, Pat taught for a while at the Sultan Kudarat National High School, now a Polytechnic University extension in the province. When the situation in Mindanao improved, the couple went to Manila and finally settled in Cavite. Pat still did her part as a working mother with her employment at the Philippine National Bank, until she finally decided to quit so that she could spend her time attending to the needs of their growing family. The couple is blessed with three offspring, Brendo Amor, Satea Mae, and Jonah Maureen, as well as, grandchildren, Lourdess Gem, Lorcan Gyo and Vaugn Eric Zain.

Pat grew up in a closely-knit family that espoused discipline and fear of God which molded her character as she was growing up. The traits could have been what the OND nuns perceived when she applied for a job as Student Assistant, and by her husband when he wooed her. She tried her best to imbue the same traits to her children who became successful in their chosen careers.

Pat is a town mate and our path crossed through the facebook after more than thirty years. I knew her as a chatty gal when she was in high school and college, making her easy to go along with. She could easily set the mood of conversation into something lively to put everyone at ease. Her satisfaction in life, proved that success is not spelled by money. She was successful in her hard-earned college degree, well-thought conjugal partnership with an equally hardworking guy, having equally well-disciplined offspring and healthy grandchildren, and today, contented as a retiree. All of these, of course, she owes to the only One whom she trusted ever since in her life when she embarked on a journey along its perilous corridor, beset with challenges.