Over the years I've noticed that little by little Christmas practices/traditions/rituals have been disappearing and newer "trends" have been emerging. Some have remained although not observed the same way we did when I was still a kid.
WHAT's OUT:
1) Christmas caroling the old fashioned way: used to be you could just go caroling anytime.Now,because of the ban on caroling, you have to send in advanced notice otherwise they won't let you into subdivisions.
2) Candy canes-when I was a kid Dad used to buy 2 large peppermint candy canes and hang these on one of our walls;I dont see these around anymore.
3) Christmas trees from real pine or agojo trees - Christmas trees are made of plastic or foil. There are even trees with built-in Christmas lights.
4) The traditional Belen under the Christmas tree - these were made of cardboard and you set these up like a diorama.
5) Sending Christmas cards-Used to be you would buy these and send them so many months in advance so they would reach the addressees in time for the Holidays.
6) Personalized Christmas cards- These were printed with the family photo at the front and customized greetings inside the card.
7) One Christmas Eve Mass only-it used to be held at 12 midnight and end after about an hour. Noche Buena followed. Nowadays,there can be as many as 3 evening masses.
8) The many corporate displays outside office buildings- Coca-Cola, Pepsi Cola, Ysmael Steel,COD. These would have movable displays which would be watched by people during the Christmas holidays.
9) Christmas shopping only in December- that was the only time we shopped for gifts and Christmas music was played.
10) Christmas vacations and celebrations at home-it used to be that people just stayed home or went to the provinces but still stayed inside homes during Christmas vacation.
11) Giving gifts that come in boxes and painstakingly gift-wrapped with ribbons and all. The bigger the gift the more expensive it usually was.
12) Dressing up for the holidays.
13) Home made parols and lantern parades in schools-used to be part of the pre-Christmas vacation activities in schools to have lantern parades.
14) Home-cooked Noche Buena
15) The Nativity story would be televised frequently.
WHATs IN:
1) Christmas shopping as early as July
2) Non-traditional Christmas decor and more brightly lit,flashy,high-tech lanterns.
3) Christmas vacations in hotels and resorts
4) Christmas gifts in bags and preformed boxes
5) Noche Buena meals in quick service restaurants or food delivered to your homes.
6) More monetary gifts or donations to the poor made in your name.
7) As times get tougher,more cookies and baked goods are given as gifts.
8) Nowadays, the smaller the package the more expensive the gift (e.g cameras, mp3s or ipods)
9) Sending electronic greeting cards or actually face to face greetings via webcam.
10) Christmas movies shown in so many channels but less of the Christmas story as told by the Bible.
11) Christmas masses held as early as 9 PM.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
A REFLECTION ON SIN
It's Advent once again. Last Sunday's Gospel was about John the Baptist calling on sinners to repent for the Messiah was coming. The reading from the Old Testament used picturesque words to describe the repentance that was required for one to be prepared for the Messiah..."make way for the Lord...you shall flatten the hills and valleys"...as if to suggest that if you've got one hell of a sin,you've got to clear it out!
When I was in Grade 1, our Catechism book illustrated the difference between venial sin and mortal sin. I still recall drawings of three boys: one whose heart was pure white(sinless);the second had some spots on his heart (venial sin) and the really bad boy had a black heart (mortal sin.) Whoever drew that picture is to be commended because I really believed that was how sin affected people. When I saw a broadcast of a heart surgery done on TV I wanted to see if the patient had sins. I was looking for the black spots on his heart that would tell me if he had mortal or venial sins. So it came as quite a shock to me when I realized that sin wasn't something you could see marked on one's heart.
But now that I am older and wiser,I realize that the imagery of sin as something blackening one's heart is really closer to the truth than I realized.
My realization is that sin has a way of deadening one's capacity to love (as symbolized by the heart.) For example, if a man cheats on his wife,I'm pretty sure that the first thing to react is his heart.It starts to pump faster because it knows something wrong is happening. The man's guilt can't be hidden. Over time though,after the man has rationalized his sin,the heart no longer reacts...because it has already been blackened by sin...it no longer feels.
No wonder that men find true repentance difficult!It will require the effort of" levelling the hills and valleys" to clean one's heart, and bring it back to a state where it can love and feel again.
When I was in Grade 1, our Catechism book illustrated the difference between venial sin and mortal sin. I still recall drawings of three boys: one whose heart was pure white(sinless);the second had some spots on his heart (venial sin) and the really bad boy had a black heart (mortal sin.) Whoever drew that picture is to be commended because I really believed that was how sin affected people. When I saw a broadcast of a heart surgery done on TV I wanted to see if the patient had sins. I was looking for the black spots on his heart that would tell me if he had mortal or venial sins. So it came as quite a shock to me when I realized that sin wasn't something you could see marked on one's heart.
But now that I am older and wiser,I realize that the imagery of sin as something blackening one's heart is really closer to the truth than I realized.
My realization is that sin has a way of deadening one's capacity to love (as symbolized by the heart.) For example, if a man cheats on his wife,I'm pretty sure that the first thing to react is his heart.It starts to pump faster because it knows something wrong is happening. The man's guilt can't be hidden. Over time though,after the man has rationalized his sin,the heart no longer reacts...because it has already been blackened by sin...it no longer feels.
No wonder that men find true repentance difficult!It will require the effort of" levelling the hills and valleys" to clean one's heart, and bring it back to a state where it can love and feel again.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE
I attended the 25th anniversary of Fr. Leonido "Nonie"Dolor as a priest last Monday(December 4) at the La Salle Lipa Sentrum. In attendance were his brother clergy from the Lipa archdiocese and from the neighboring religious orders,which included among others,the Redemptorists,to which he once belonged.
At one point during the ceremonies I could not help but notice the number of priests and religious,many of whom were probably my age and maybe younger. I thought to myself that had I not left I would probably have been one of them.
The next thought that struck me though was the realization that these men and women were really giving up a lot to be of service to God and their fellowmen. Now that I have experienced the joys of married life and having children, I couldn't help admire the sacrifice these people were making.
At one point during the ceremonies I could not help but notice the number of priests and religious,many of whom were probably my age and maybe younger. I thought to myself that had I not left I would probably have been one of them.
The next thought that struck me though was the realization that these men and women were really giving up a lot to be of service to God and their fellowmen. Now that I have experienced the joys of married life and having children, I couldn't help admire the sacrifice these people were making.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
WHEN NANNY KNOWS BEST!
The kids and I watched Nanny 911 last Sunday and it was an interesting example of how sometimes,Nanny really knows best.
The episode was about the Finks (Geesh what a name!) who had 3 sets of twins for kids! The first set, Amanda and Alex were both adopted.The next two sets were apparently theirs. The couple's problem was that the kids were always whining, crying and showing aggressive behavior--- as in hitting their siblings if they didn't get they want.
The couple called on Nanny 911 for help,and the Nanny who came to the rescue assessed what was going on then came up with a set of rules. The parents,upon hearing what the Nanny was prescribing as solutions and seeing the written rules were skeptical about calling in the Nanny. There was even a shot of the wife saying,in a rather sarcastic manner, that it won't work.
But was she proven wrong!
When one of the kids started whining about something,the Nanny coaxed her to use words and say what she wanted. The kid stopped crying and said what she wanted! The parents were flabbergasted.
When another kid started throwing a tantrum because he couldn't get what he wanted, Nanny picked him up and gave him a choice...say what you want or get locked up. The kid said his piece and the crying stopped.
Apparently, what had been happening was that the husband had been leaving the care of the kids to the wife,who,unable to cope with the kids dysfunctional behaviors didn't do anything to correct them and started harboring ill feelings toward the husband. In the process they started not communicating. Pretty soon everyone in the household was not communicating with each other. The only way they knew to get attention was to whine, cry or get aggressive.
The episode ended with the nanny finally saying goodbye after she saw that the Finks had alreazdy learned how to communicate with each other. Mrs. Fink confessed thsat the house was now so quiet and peaceful,she could even hear herself think!
The episode was about the Finks (Geesh what a name!) who had 3 sets of twins for kids! The first set, Amanda and Alex were both adopted.The next two sets were apparently theirs. The couple's problem was that the kids were always whining, crying and showing aggressive behavior--- as in hitting their siblings if they didn't get they want.
The couple called on Nanny 911 for help,and the Nanny who came to the rescue assessed what was going on then came up with a set of rules. The parents,upon hearing what the Nanny was prescribing as solutions and seeing the written rules were skeptical about calling in the Nanny. There was even a shot of the wife saying,in a rather sarcastic manner, that it won't work.
But was she proven wrong!
When one of the kids started whining about something,the Nanny coaxed her to use words and say what she wanted. The kid stopped crying and said what she wanted! The parents were flabbergasted.
When another kid started throwing a tantrum because he couldn't get what he wanted, Nanny picked him up and gave him a choice...say what you want or get locked up. The kid said his piece and the crying stopped.
Apparently, what had been happening was that the husband had been leaving the care of the kids to the wife,who,unable to cope with the kids dysfunctional behaviors didn't do anything to correct them and started harboring ill feelings toward the husband. In the process they started not communicating. Pretty soon everyone in the household was not communicating with each other. The only way they knew to get attention was to whine, cry or get aggressive.
The episode ended with the nanny finally saying goodbye after she saw that the Finks had alreazdy learned how to communicate with each other. Mrs. Fink confessed thsat the house was now so quiet and peaceful,she could even hear herself think!
Sunday, November 12, 2006
A BARBECUE IN THE DESERT!!!
I caught a feature on Animal Planet about the life of sand grains in the Namib Desert. It tracked the years-long journey of the desert sands travelling from the desert of South Africa to their end in the ocean.
The documentary showed some of the hidden dramas taking place in the desert and one of these was the way the spore spiders trapped and killed their favorite prey...the Namib ants.
The spore spider digs a hole in the sand and at the entrance of its lair it mixes its web with sand to camouflage the trap. The spider then hides in its tunnel which is also cooler than on the surface and lies in wait for its victim.
When an ant gets caught in the web it struggles to get free but in doing so, it sends vibrations throught the sand particles which the spider detects. But here's the interesting part!
The spore spider just traps the ant in its jaws then lets it roast under the sun until it cooks to its death...ready for the spider to eat!
A desert barbecue!
The documentary showed some of the hidden dramas taking place in the desert and one of these was the way the spore spiders trapped and killed their favorite prey...the Namib ants.
The spore spider digs a hole in the sand and at the entrance of its lair it mixes its web with sand to camouflage the trap. The spider then hides in its tunnel which is also cooler than on the surface and lies in wait for its victim.
When an ant gets caught in the web it struggles to get free but in doing so, it sends vibrations throught the sand particles which the spider detects. But here's the interesting part!
The spore spider just traps the ant in its jaws then lets it roast under the sun until it cooks to its death...ready for the spider to eat!
A desert barbecue!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
BOOKS...BOOKS...EVERYWHERE! BUT DOES ANYBODY READ THEM?
One of the routine things we do when we go malling on Sundays is drop by a bookstore. Usually this is Powerbooks at Alabang Town Center,Fully Booked at Rockwell or any of the National Bookstores in any mall.
I've often wondered if anybody really reads these books and why there are so many authors writing on the same subject. What with all the stuff you can get for free over the internet...and in a more exciting format at that!
Many of these books, after staying on shelves for so many years usually go on sale sometimes at 70%-80% of their original price during book sales. Maybe an indicator that they're not really that saleable!
Recently, though I had an experience which made me realize why having books around are important.
I'm supposed to put together a "book" on "Inspirational Leadership" for Chowking. It should be written in a simple style that would make it easy reading even for our cooks. It should also be interesting, informative and yet not comre across as intellectual.
In my search for a "model" for this type of book, I came across Andrew Matthews' "Being Happy." I had used this book before as a reference for a Crew Leader develpment program I had packaged for Jollibee over 20 years ago.
While browsing through the book to check out its style, I couldn't help but read the passages I had used to teach our Crew Leaders before on how to change their mindsets in order to change their lives. And while doing so, I stopped to reflect on my own life and see whether I had put these principles to good use myself.
It was good to be reminded again!
And maybe that's what books are for...at first they serve as sources of information...later on they serve as reminders...and we can use a reminder time and again!
I've often wondered if anybody really reads these books and why there are so many authors writing on the same subject. What with all the stuff you can get for free over the internet...and in a more exciting format at that!
Many of these books, after staying on shelves for so many years usually go on sale sometimes at 70%-80% of their original price during book sales. Maybe an indicator that they're not really that saleable!
Recently, though I had an experience which made me realize why having books around are important.
I'm supposed to put together a "book" on "Inspirational Leadership" for Chowking. It should be written in a simple style that would make it easy reading even for our cooks. It should also be interesting, informative and yet not comre across as intellectual.
In my search for a "model" for this type of book, I came across Andrew Matthews' "Being Happy." I had used this book before as a reference for a Crew Leader develpment program I had packaged for Jollibee over 20 years ago.
While browsing through the book to check out its style, I couldn't help but read the passages I had used to teach our Crew Leaders before on how to change their mindsets in order to change their lives. And while doing so, I stopped to reflect on my own life and see whether I had put these principles to good use myself.
It was good to be reminded again!
And maybe that's what books are for...at first they serve as sources of information...later on they serve as reminders...and we can use a reminder time and again!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
DA VINCI PREDICTS THE DA VINCI CODE
Here's a cartoon I made about the Da Vinci Code. For all we know Leonardo must've "predicted" it all along! :-)
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
TAI CHI LESSON: SLOW DOWN TO ENJOY LIFE
It just struck me that because of my seminary upbringing (i.e.,"Never waste time") and regimented programming, I tend to do things quickly and in the process not enjoy or savor the moment.
Maybe that's what my attempts at learning tai-chi has taught me recently.
There are really a lot of enjoyable things happening around me but whether I will take pleasure from these or not will really depend on me. Perhaps if I slow down a bit and appreciate things in slow motion,like the movements of tai chi,then maybe I can enjoy life more!
Maybe that's what my attempts at learning tai-chi has taught me recently.
There are really a lot of enjoyable things happening around me but whether I will take pleasure from these or not will really depend on me. Perhaps if I slow down a bit and appreciate things in slow motion,like the movements of tai chi,then maybe I can enjoy life more!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
FIDEL CASTRO:HOW THE FATE OF A NATION HAS RESTED ON THE FATE OF ITS LEADER
I watched a NatGeo documentary on Fidel Castro last week. He has been in power since the late 50's (1959 if I heard it right) and to this day Cuba's destiny depends on what Fidel says it should be. I don't remember much about the Cuban Revolution but Fidel and his Communist guerillas overthrew the administration. Cubans who supported Fidel hoped that he would lead them to the prosperity they dreamed of. However, it was not to be. Fidel had a vision of great things for Cuba,but he only made promises. Anyone who openly criticized him was persecuted...or killed.
When Communism in Russia was finally dissolved,Fidel was in a dilemma. He had modelled his country after the USSR but now the model was gone! According to the documentary this was a great blow to Fidel. But what is more amazing is how come the Cubans have not managed to rid themselves of Fidel's strong man rule even after other countries have deposed their tyrants.
As one of the commentators mentioned, Fidel's charisma still exists. I saw a footage of him, old and haggard-looking walking up a podium to give a speech, wearing rubber shoes and a small Cuban flag on one hand. He didn't look very threatening...but still he is revered.
So maybe, the Cubans cannot blame anybody but themselves for the hard times they are experiencing. After all, they are the ones who have been tolerating Fidel all these years!
When Communism in Russia was finally dissolved,Fidel was in a dilemma. He had modelled his country after the USSR but now the model was gone! According to the documentary this was a great blow to Fidel. But what is more amazing is how come the Cubans have not managed to rid themselves of Fidel's strong man rule even after other countries have deposed their tyrants.
As one of the commentators mentioned, Fidel's charisma still exists. I saw a footage of him, old and haggard-looking walking up a podium to give a speech, wearing rubber shoes and a small Cuban flag on one hand. He didn't look very threatening...but still he is revered.
So maybe, the Cubans cannot blame anybody but themselves for the hard times they are experiencing. After all, they are the ones who have been tolerating Fidel all these years!
Monday, October 16, 2006
BRAZILIAN PASSION
I watched an Atlas Discovery channel feature on Brazil last night, and of course central to the film was something about the Carnivale. I learned that the word meant "to shun away from meat" (carne=meat) since the festival usually fell during the season of Lent,which in Catholic countries is observed with abstention from meat. "Meat" here though could also mean the "pleasures of the flesh," so in sensual Brazil, "carnivale" does mean a great sacrifice.
What was interesting to know though was that the preparations for Carnivale take place many months before the celebration and that many of the people who work on the huge floats and decor work for free.What motivates them simply is passion for Carnivale,and the thought that because of their contribution,their "school" might win in the annual competition.
What was interesting to know though was that the preparations for Carnivale take place many months before the celebration and that many of the people who work on the huge floats and decor work for free.What motivates them simply is passion for Carnivale,and the thought that because of their contribution,their "school" might win in the annual competition.
Monday, September 25, 2006
THE ROUT @ THE RYDER CUP 2006
I watched the Ryder Cup over the weekend and from the Day 1 performance of the USA team I had a feeling it was going to go the way of the Europeans. They just looked too stiff and tense while their European counterparts were all smiles...pumped up and enjoying themselves. Of course, it helped a lot that they were on home ground,but so were the Americans last time around,and yet they lost!
So in spite of all the talent in the USA side (Tiger Woods #1, Phil Mickelson #2, Jim Furyk#3) they couldn't muster enough points to win back the trophy that has been in Europe's hands for the last three outings. This, too,in spite of the preparations Tom Lehman did to make sure he had a "team."
From my standpoint,what Team USA lacked was passion! They didn't seem to want to win! They seemed to be just going through the motions and were not putting up enough good golf to really give the Europeans a real challenge.
Maybe if there were just enough money at stake in winning the cup...then maybe the Americans might have been motivated enough! Ha!
Anyway, that's golf for you.
So in spite of all the talent in the USA side (Tiger Woods #1, Phil Mickelson #2, Jim Furyk#3) they couldn't muster enough points to win back the trophy that has been in Europe's hands for the last three outings. This, too,in spite of the preparations Tom Lehman did to make sure he had a "team."
From my standpoint,what Team USA lacked was passion! They didn't seem to want to win! They seemed to be just going through the motions and were not putting up enough good golf to really give the Europeans a real challenge.
Maybe if there were just enough money at stake in winning the cup...then maybe the Americans might have been motivated enough! Ha!
Anyway, that's golf for you.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
THE VIEW FROM MY WINDOW:AN INDESCRIBABLE LOSS
Once again,I looked out my window this Monday morning and observed parents as they brought their sons to the entrance gate of Lourdes School. I noticed a familiar pattern of behavior...more like a ritual...,and one which I performed every morning when I used to bring my own two sons to the same school.
After bringing the kid to the gate,there would be this last words of advice (or admonition),then a kiss and finally, a lingering look, as the parent watched his or her son disappear into the crowd of boys. Only then would the parent move on.
It's that lingering look that caught my attention this morning. Why did we parents instinctively do this? We knew our kids were safe, after all we personally accompanied them to the gate. And yet after we let them go,we just would stand there and watch.Perhaps we also knew instinctively that our kids would glance back and check us out and give us a last goodbye wave.
Or maybe it was because for a brief moment,we would be amazed at how our kids had grown!
Whatever the reason for lingering, I'm sure when each of us parents looked at our sons we were looking at them with love.
And that's why I guess, not being able to ever see them alive would be the worst feeling any parent would have to bear in his or her lifetime.
One of my former classmates from Grade school is going through this right now. He lost his son and to make matters worse,he wasn't able to be around for his funeral.
The indescribable feeling of loss was best pictured by another former classmate, Sonny Hernandez, when he pointed out that we had terms for a husband who loses his wife (widower),or for a wife whose husband dies (widow.) A kid who loses his parents is called an orphan.
But a parent who loses a child...there are no words to describe this...just a s no words will probably be able to describe the loss.
After bringing the kid to the gate,there would be this last words of advice (or admonition),then a kiss and finally, a lingering look, as the parent watched his or her son disappear into the crowd of boys. Only then would the parent move on.
It's that lingering look that caught my attention this morning. Why did we parents instinctively do this? We knew our kids were safe, after all we personally accompanied them to the gate. And yet after we let them go,we just would stand there and watch.Perhaps we also knew instinctively that our kids would glance back and check us out and give us a last goodbye wave.
Or maybe it was because for a brief moment,we would be amazed at how our kids had grown!
Whatever the reason for lingering, I'm sure when each of us parents looked at our sons we were looking at them with love.
And that's why I guess, not being able to ever see them alive would be the worst feeling any parent would have to bear in his or her lifetime.
One of my former classmates from Grade school is going through this right now. He lost his son and to make matters worse,he wasn't able to be around for his funeral.
The indescribable feeling of loss was best pictured by another former classmate, Sonny Hernandez, when he pointed out that we had terms for a husband who loses his wife (widower),or for a wife whose husband dies (widow.) A kid who loses his parents is called an orphan.
But a parent who loses a child...there are no words to describe this...just a s no words will probably be able to describe the loss.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Sunday, September 03, 2006
The View from my Window: Father and Son
This morning as I watched the students of Lourdes school being accompanied by their parents to the gate, I noticed this dad and his kid in particular because from the way dad behaved you could tell his kid was special!
For one, he was lugging the kid's trolley bag even though I thought the boy was big enough to do it on his own. While they were walking towards the gate he was talking to him as if going through a checklist of things. I could just see it now:"Oh, do you have your handkerchief?Your assignment was it done na?"...and so on.
When they finally reached the gate,doting dad didn't just kiss son goodbye and saw him off. He bent down,cupped his son's face, said some words before kissing him. Then...and this is what got me...he lingered for a while making sure his son was safely in. Then as if this was not enough he went behind the sign on the gate and spent some seconds playing peek-a-boo with his son before waving goodbye.
He hurried back and luckily he did, because some traffic aides on patrol were looking his car over because he seemed to be blocking traffic. After some explanation he was let off.
It was a great sight because it's something I did when TJ and James were still small(although not as mushy as doting dad). I kind of miss this but am also thankful that I also gave my own sons some memorable mornings by going through these rituals.
For one, he was lugging the kid's trolley bag even though I thought the boy was big enough to do it on his own. While they were walking towards the gate he was talking to him as if going through a checklist of things. I could just see it now:"Oh, do you have your handkerchief?Your assignment was it done na?"...and so on.
When they finally reached the gate,doting dad didn't just kiss son goodbye and saw him off. He bent down,cupped his son's face, said some words before kissing him. Then...and this is what got me...he lingered for a while making sure his son was safely in. Then as if this was not enough he went behind the sign on the gate and spent some seconds playing peek-a-boo with his son before waving goodbye.
He hurried back and luckily he did, because some traffic aides on patrol were looking his car over because he seemed to be blocking traffic. After some explanation he was let off.
It was a great sight because it's something I did when TJ and James were still small(although not as mushy as doting dad). I kind of miss this but am also thankful that I also gave my own sons some memorable mornings by going through these rituals.
The SWAN and a NatGeo special on Wolves
TJ and I watched a portion of the SWAN finals last Saturday. We were really amazed at what cosmetic surgery can do to transform these once Ugly Ducklings to jaw dropping bombshells! What I noticed though was that those with really good features to start with really looked good after their treatments and with very little alterations too.
It was also sad to note that those who were blessed with good looks to begin with didn't really take good care of themselves...especially their self-esteem...hence their deterioration into Ugly Ducklings.
I also managed to catch a feature by NatGeo on wolves. One interesting scene showed a pack of wolves that had trapped a male elk. The narrator said that strangely enough if elk didn't run their chances of surviving increased and I could see why. Although the wolves had their prey cornered they couldn't get near it because one swipe of the antlers could kill or maim them. If the elk had run it would just get tired and make easy pickings for the wolves.
Another scene showed some elk actually prancing confidently even if the wolves were near. It was sort of a risky bluff to the wolves,showing them that they could outrun them if they dared chase them. Unfortunately for one, the wolves called the bluff and dragged her down.
Wolves and bears,it turns out, are mortal enemies too. There was a scene were a mother bear and her cub were surrounded by a pack. The wolves kept a safe distance because the bear could easily break their backs with its claws. However,mama bear couldn't distance itself too far from its cub so it just fended off the wolves until they realized they were going nowhere and gave up.
It was also sad to note that those who were blessed with good looks to begin with didn't really take good care of themselves...especially their self-esteem...hence their deterioration into Ugly Ducklings.
I also managed to catch a feature by NatGeo on wolves. One interesting scene showed a pack of wolves that had trapped a male elk. The narrator said that strangely enough if elk didn't run their chances of surviving increased and I could see why. Although the wolves had their prey cornered they couldn't get near it because one swipe of the antlers could kill or maim them. If the elk had run it would just get tired and make easy pickings for the wolves.
Another scene showed some elk actually prancing confidently even if the wolves were near. It was sort of a risky bluff to the wolves,showing them that they could outrun them if they dared chase them. Unfortunately for one, the wolves called the bluff and dragged her down.
Wolves and bears,it turns out, are mortal enemies too. There was a scene were a mother bear and her cub were surrounded by a pack. The wolves kept a safe distance because the bear could easily break their backs with its claws. However,mama bear couldn't distance itself too far from its cub so it just fended off the wolves until they realized they were going nowhere and gave up.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
LIVING WITH ONE'S LIMITATIONS
I just got my lab test results. The 2-D Echo and Holter Monitor results validate that there is something definitely wrong with my heart. I have atrial fibrillation according to the Holter monitor findings and the echocardiogram said I have ventricular hypertrophy. I had to look these up in the internet to understand what was going on inside my body.
In a nutshell,my heart is beating irregularly and the danger with this,at least in my case, is that some blood may not be pumped out of the atrium. This blood may coagulate and form clots which if dislodged may be transported to the brain and cause what is known as an embolic stroke. One treatment for this is to give medication (warfarin aka Coumadin) that will help thin the blood so that clotting does not form.
Now as to why I had this condition in the first place I don't really know. I have engaged in regular exercise, I have controlled my intake of "bad-for-the-heart" food and I can say I am not under any form of stress, and yet this happened.
So I guess this is one of life's surprises for me!
In a nutshell,my heart is beating irregularly and the danger with this,at least in my case, is that some blood may not be pumped out of the atrium. This blood may coagulate and form clots which if dislodged may be transported to the brain and cause what is known as an embolic stroke. One treatment for this is to give medication (warfarin aka Coumadin) that will help thin the blood so that clotting does not form.
Now as to why I had this condition in the first place I don't really know. I have engaged in regular exercise, I have controlled my intake of "bad-for-the-heart" food and I can say I am not under any form of stress, and yet this happened.
So I guess this is one of life's surprises for me!
It's just another one of those events that makes me realize my limitations and maybe challenges me to still live fully in spite of these.After all, I did not wish for this.
One positive thing has already come out of this...I got to review my basic anatomy and are more familiar with terms related to the heart's functions! I sort of understand what I'm up against...and as the GI Joe slogan goes..."Knowing is half the battle!"
I also know for sure that the Good Lord wants me to slow down and enjoy life! Thanks to my seminary training I realize I've been programmed to rush through life so as not to waste time.
Maybe this is the Lord's way of giving me a much needed break!
One positive thing has already come out of this...I got to review my basic anatomy and are more familiar with terms related to the heart's functions! I sort of understand what I'm up against...and as the GI Joe slogan goes..."Knowing is half the battle!"
I also know for sure that the Good Lord wants me to slow down and enjoy life! Thanks to my seminary training I realize I've been programmed to rush through life so as not to waste time.
Maybe this is the Lord's way of giving me a much needed break!
Monday, August 28, 2006
ON MENTAL TOUGHNESS AND ON SLOWING DOWN
I watched Tiger Woods win the WGC Invitational yesterday. He almost gave it away when he couldn't keep his lead in regulation play. But during the playoff with Stewart Cink,who battled him hole for hole,he showed why he was a champion. In the fourth playoff hole,he stuck his approach shot within 8 feet while Cink's went into the bunker. Given that opportunity Tiger sunk the birdie putt for the win. Cink had his chance in the previous hole but didn't capitalize on it...therein lay the difference. Both were under a lot of pressure but I guess Tiger handled it better...was mentally tougher than Stewart...that's why he came out on top...for the fourth straight time!
Now that I have this nagging problem of an irregular heartbeat I realized once again that perhaps the Good Lord wants me to slow down some more.Maybe enjoy life a little bit more in the process. After all, I did my best in trying to stay healthy & yet my genetics seems to have acted up in the process.
This is just another obstacle I have to work around.
Now that I have this nagging problem of an irregular heartbeat I realized once again that perhaps the Good Lord wants me to slow down some more.Maybe enjoy life a little bit more in the process. After all, I did my best in trying to stay healthy & yet my genetics seems to have acted up in the process.
This is just another obstacle I have to work around.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
THE GRASS IS GREENER IN OUR BACKYARD
These past two weeks,I had the chance to visit two of the Philippines'famous resorts:Dos Palmas and Pearl Farm.
We went to Dos Palmas when it was raining so we didn't get to see many of its attractions like the schools of fishes and colorful corral reefs that one would normally see if the water is clear. We had a delicious lunch at the Isla Puting Buhangin, about 15 minutes by ferry boat from Dos Palmas and in spite of the rain we still marvelled at the beauty of the place.
We had better luck when we went to Pearl Farm. The weather was perfect so that when we docked at the wharf you could see fish swimming in the clear waters along the shore. We visited the island of the Floreindo's and checked out the villas which were being rented out to tourists. If I had the money and the time to waste this would be an idyllic place to do it. It was so peaceful..and restful.
No wonder many foreign tourists who have heard about these places...and do have the money,come over to our country!
It is unfortunate that many who live in our country can't even afford to see such sights which are right in our own backyard!
We went to Dos Palmas when it was raining so we didn't get to see many of its attractions like the schools of fishes and colorful corral reefs that one would normally see if the water is clear. We had a delicious lunch at the Isla Puting Buhangin, about 15 minutes by ferry boat from Dos Palmas and in spite of the rain we still marvelled at the beauty of the place.
We had better luck when we went to Pearl Farm. The weather was perfect so that when we docked at the wharf you could see fish swimming in the clear waters along the shore. We visited the island of the Floreindo's and checked out the villas which were being rented out to tourists. If I had the money and the time to waste this would be an idyllic place to do it. It was so peaceful..and restful.
No wonder many foreign tourists who have heard about these places...and do have the money,come over to our country!
It is unfortunate that many who live in our country can't even afford to see such sights which are right in our own backyard!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Sunday, August 06, 2006
REFLECTIONS ON TWO TV FEATURES
This weekend I watched two documentaries on TV which got me thinking about the oddities of life,but more specially how one's beliefs affects the way one behaves.
The first,which was shown on Discovery channel's "On the Run," was about an international scam artist and the second,which was on National Geographic, was about Mennonite's search for their "perfect world."
The first feature reenacted the hunt for a Chinese guy from Malaysia named Mr. Wee,who managed to swindle people of over $4 M and ended up getting free after serving short terms in prison. His modus operandi was to sweet talk people into investing their money on businesses which he promised would give them profitable returns.
The segment I caught showed him putting up a magazine in Netherlands called Publique. He convinced most of his employees except a certain Ellen, to put in money in the venture. Then he spent their money on his personal pursuits until the business folded up. It was this Ellen who helped put him in jail eventually.
What was interesting to note was that Mr. Wee was a confirmed psychopath and yet he was able to convince intelligent people into giving him their money! I couldn't help but recall Rose Balajay and her Multitel scam operation which robbed many people (including my sister & law and my wife) of their life's savings! The lure of easy money does blind people and makes them believe what they want to believe.
The piece on the Mennonites was also on how one's beliefs influences one's actions.
It showed families and individuals belonging to three different colonies of Mennonites; two in Mexico and one in Bolivia. One colony in Mexico which was called El Capulin was a "progressive" one which allowed its members to use electricity and rubber tires on its tractors. With electricity the community could produce more products (e.g. milk and cheese) and enjoy amenities like TV, which in most Mennonite circles is forbidden.
I was puzzled at first about the issue on rubber tired tractors until it was explained by one of the men interviewed. He explained that having rubber tires on tractors would allow their boys to "steal" away to town and drink beer. Having only metal wheels would discourage them.
The other two colonies were less progressive but the Mennonites there preferred that kind of life even though they wished they had more money so they didn't live poorly! As the feature progressed I understood that the perfect world they were after was one in which they could practice their religion and basically live in peace, away from the trappings and temptations of civilization.
These people who shunned the more progressive colony of El Capulin to live in the more desolate colonies did so because they believed this was the correct way of living their faith!
The first,which was shown on Discovery channel's "On the Run," was about an international scam artist and the second,which was on National Geographic, was about Mennonite's search for their "perfect world."
The first feature reenacted the hunt for a Chinese guy from Malaysia named Mr. Wee,who managed to swindle people of over $4 M and ended up getting free after serving short terms in prison. His modus operandi was to sweet talk people into investing their money on businesses which he promised would give them profitable returns.
The segment I caught showed him putting up a magazine in Netherlands called Publique. He convinced most of his employees except a certain Ellen, to put in money in the venture. Then he spent their money on his personal pursuits until the business folded up. It was this Ellen who helped put him in jail eventually.
What was interesting to note was that Mr. Wee was a confirmed psychopath and yet he was able to convince intelligent people into giving him their money! I couldn't help but recall Rose Balajay and her Multitel scam operation which robbed many people (including my sister & law and my wife) of their life's savings! The lure of easy money does blind people and makes them believe what they want to believe.
The piece on the Mennonites was also on how one's beliefs influences one's actions.
It showed families and individuals belonging to three different colonies of Mennonites; two in Mexico and one in Bolivia. One colony in Mexico which was called El Capulin was a "progressive" one which allowed its members to use electricity and rubber tires on its tractors. With electricity the community could produce more products (e.g. milk and cheese) and enjoy amenities like TV, which in most Mennonite circles is forbidden.
I was puzzled at first about the issue on rubber tired tractors until it was explained by one of the men interviewed. He explained that having rubber tires on tractors would allow their boys to "steal" away to town and drink beer. Having only metal wheels would discourage them.
The other two colonies were less progressive but the Mennonites there preferred that kind of life even though they wished they had more money so they didn't live poorly! As the feature progressed I understood that the perfect world they were after was one in which they could practice their religion and basically live in peace, away from the trappings and temptations of civilization.
These people who shunned the more progressive colony of El Capulin to live in the more desolate colonies did so because they believed this was the correct way of living their faith!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
ON DEATH AND DYING
It's been two weeks since I started having heart palpitations and because of its effects on me sometimes I can't help but think about death and dying.
Though the palpitations are less pronounced,thanks to the medication I've been taking,I feel some difficulty breathing properly since my heartbeats are irregular. When I do something that requires some effort like walking upstairs or taking a walk to Shangrila I can't do it as quickly as I used to because I feel some heaviness on my chest and some weariness.
I tried doing a light work out the other day and though I could easily lift 30 pound weights prudence dictated that I just stick with very light weights. I didn't even sweat...soit didn't count as a work out!
It's a bother really.
So am I just waiting for the big attack? I try not to think of it because I know I've still a lot of things I want to do. And when I think of my wife and kids and how my passing away will affect them...I get the motivation to keep on living.
Perhaps what God wants me to do right now is just slow down and enjoy life as much as I can.
Though the palpitations are less pronounced,thanks to the medication I've been taking,I feel some difficulty breathing properly since my heartbeats are irregular. When I do something that requires some effort like walking upstairs or taking a walk to Shangrila I can't do it as quickly as I used to because I feel some heaviness on my chest and some weariness.
I tried doing a light work out the other day and though I could easily lift 30 pound weights prudence dictated that I just stick with very light weights. I didn't even sweat...soit didn't count as a work out!
It's a bother really.
So am I just waiting for the big attack? I try not to think of it because I know I've still a lot of things I want to do. And when I think of my wife and kids and how my passing away will affect them...I get the motivation to keep on living.
Perhaps what God wants me to do right now is just slow down and enjoy life as much as I can.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
CALLING ON HEAVEN FOR HELP DURING A TIME OF CRISIS
It came so suddenly I was caught off guard!
I was having dessert after a heavy buffet lunch last Wednesday when I started having palpitations. It was not the first time I had such an episode but this was different because the palpitations were quite strong and went on for a prolonged period of time that I was starting to feel some pain on mychest from the pounding.
I was in a seminar at the time so I had to excuse myself and be driven by Jaja to the Medical City ER for a check up. The resident on duty detected the abnormal heartbeat and saw that my BP had risen to 150/100 but the ECG they did on me showed things were normal! They gave me some meds and I took the rest of the day off.
I was able to attend the whole session Thursday and even went to the gym afterwards.However, come Friday morning I was feeling the arrythmia again so I decided to take the day off. I thought that resting would revive me and rid me of the pain but I was wrong. It seemed to have gotten worse such that in desperation I cried for help from someone whom I had forgotten for a very long,long time...Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Her picture was just beside our bed and at the height of an attack I asked for a miracle...that she take the malady away.
I didn't get relief at once but as I have experienced time and again,my prayers seemed to have been answered in a different way. For one, I had some restful naps where in I felt some relief. Then yesterday, Sunday, my sister arrived from Cebu and through her connections I got a different medicine which seemed to have worked better than the one prescribed to me before.
I was having dessert after a heavy buffet lunch last Wednesday when I started having palpitations. It was not the first time I had such an episode but this was different because the palpitations were quite strong and went on for a prolonged period of time that I was starting to feel some pain on mychest from the pounding.
I was in a seminar at the time so I had to excuse myself and be driven by Jaja to the Medical City ER for a check up. The resident on duty detected the abnormal heartbeat and saw that my BP had risen to 150/100 but the ECG they did on me showed things were normal! They gave me some meds and I took the rest of the day off.
I was able to attend the whole session Thursday and even went to the gym afterwards.However, come Friday morning I was feeling the arrythmia again so I decided to take the day off. I thought that resting would revive me and rid me of the pain but I was wrong. It seemed to have gotten worse such that in desperation I cried for help from someone whom I had forgotten for a very long,long time...Our Mother of Perpetual Help.
Her picture was just beside our bed and at the height of an attack I asked for a miracle...that she take the malady away.
I didn't get relief at once but as I have experienced time and again,my prayers seemed to have been answered in a different way. For one, I had some restful naps where in I felt some relief. Then yesterday, Sunday, my sister arrived from Cebu and through her connections I got a different medicine which seemed to have worked better than the one prescribed to me before.
Friday, July 14, 2006
A LESSON ON CREATIVITY FROM A MOVIE: SOMETHING THAT CAME FROM GOD
I happened to catch a movie showing on TV this afternoon entitled: "Something that Came from God" about Dr. Alfred Blalock and his African American assistant,Dr. Vivien Thomas. Both were involved in the historic cardiac operation that led to the saving of many so-called "blue babies." These infants had congenital heart abnormalities which made their heart pump more un-oxygenated blood into their system thus causing them to turn blue.
In their effort to find a solution to the blue baby syndrome they of course went through a lot of basic analyzing of how the problem came about. But what was "creative" was that they tried creating the problem by experimenting on normal dogs, so that if they knew how the problem came about ,they could undo it.
They had failures in their experimentation but that led them to the correct way of doing things and even serendipitous solutions.
The inspiring angle of the movie was that Dr. Viv Thomas was a carpenter who had dreams of becoming a doctor. He never had formal education on medicine, but learned on the job. He died in 1985, accorded an honorary doctor's rank by the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
In their effort to find a solution to the blue baby syndrome they of course went through a lot of basic analyzing of how the problem came about. But what was "creative" was that they tried creating the problem by experimenting on normal dogs, so that if they knew how the problem came about ,they could undo it.
They had failures in their experimentation but that led them to the correct way of doing things and even serendipitous solutions.
The inspiring angle of the movie was that Dr. Viv Thomas was a carpenter who had dreams of becoming a doctor. He never had formal education on medicine, but learned on the job. He died in 1985, accorded an honorary doctor's rank by the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Friday, July 07, 2006
INSIDE THE BEEHIVE: MY JOLLY YEARS AT JOLLIBEE #1
Out of the blue,I just decided I'd write about my years at Jollibee while I can still recall them:-)
When I'm asked about what I did for Jollibee as it's Training Manager,(a post I held for over 11 years) my ready answer is:
"When I joined Jollibee in 1985 it had only 20 stores.When I left in August,1999 it had grown to 348 stores! So whether good or bad,I may have had something to do with the 320 stores that opened!"
I wouldn't have stayed that long if I didn't love the company.Fact is, I never really left because today,I still do work for the JFC group as a Training Consultant for one of it's brands,Chowking.
So what was it like inside the beehive? Maybe I ought to go back to 1985 when I joined Jollibee.
THE PRELUDE:OPPORTUNITY AT A TIME OF CRISIS
I was still working as a Training Specialist at Foodmine Inc.,the local franchise of KFC, when the opportunity to work at Jollibee presented itself.This opportunity though came in the form of a crisis that was facing the organization.
KFC under the Quesada's had just gone through a wildcat strike and so things were not good inside that organization. Morale of store managers was so bad that there was a mass exodus of managers starting late '84 (just after the strike) up to the 2nd quarter of 1985. The company President Efren Quesada,or EQ as we called him,was coddling the labor union so they wouldn't threaten to strike again. In doing so however,he alienated himself from the Store Managers who had sided with him all throughout the almost month-long strike.
Many of these managers left and looked for work at Jollibee,which was then starting to move up the ranks of the fastfood chains.
If I recall correctly,Leonie Antonio,Connie Mendoza and Jimmy Ramos were among the first ex-KFC's who were hired by Jollibee for it's expansion plans. The blow to KFC came when sometime in March of 1985 Jimmy Enriquez,who was then a KFC Area Manager,Raffy Selga (Training Store Manager),Meann San Juan(Store Manager and Jimmy's girlfriend) and a newly-hired Management trainee named Livia Pinggoy,all went to Jollibee. Their jumping ship gave a signal to everyone else at KFC then that things were going bad.
To stave off any further resignations, EQ and his VP for HR and Administration,Atty. de Leon, HR Manager Conrad Donato and Operations Manager Raffy Vallejo started having one-on-one sessions with the Store managers left pleading with them not to resign and promising them a better future at KFC.
Meanwhile, I had to contend with the problem these resignations were causing.
My boss then and former classmate, Joseph Hernandez,also resigned his post leaving me as the OIC of the training department. Since there were now vacancies for Store managers in about eight of the 12 KFC stores we had to fill up these posts immediately.
As a stopgap solution,some of the senior managers who had stayed behind had to manage two stores at a time. We at the Training department came up with a two week crash course for management trainees so that after that time we could field them immediately at any KFC store that needed a manager.
What made matters worse for us was that Raffy Selga,who was then our Training store manager,was part of the diaspora so we needed to have someone who could train these new recruits on actual store operations.Fortunately for me,there was one relatively new manager, Ma. Lourdes "Iyoh" Sordan, and Raffy's assistant manager at KFC Tomas Morato, who agreed to take on the role.
Sometime in February of 1985,I made a decision to start looking for a better option than KFC. I was just about a year and a half into my marriage and my wife,Jaja, was pregnant with our first child. I definitely couldn't afford not to have a job.
Jollibee was an option and since I was hearing good things about the company from the likes of Leonie and Connie who were already there I decided to send in my application. As luck would have it,the person in charge of recruitment, Susan Rosales (now de Guzman),was a friend of my sister in law. When she learned I was with Training,she informed me that Jollibee had plans of putting up a Hamburger University soon and had in fact hired a former professor,Dr. Butch dela Cruz, from the University of Maryland to spearhead the project.
I became more optimistic about my chances of joining Jollibee when I was interviewed by Ms. Fe Labayen,the HR Manager, who told me that my credentials looked good and that she would recommend me for a post in the HR Institute,as they called it.
Back at KFC,things were coming to a head. Many more managers were resigning so that EQ told his Vice Presidents that they were to do duty at the stores in order to keep operations going. I didn't like to work in our stores then since the employees were no longer in good terms with management specially after the strike. I told myself that if I was to be forced to work in the stores, I would leave and take my chances with Jollibee even as a management tainee.
My friends who were already at Jollibee (like Meann San Juan and Connie Mendoza)would call me time and again saying that I was needed there because their Operaions Manual needed revising and that they could use a guy like me in Training over there.
June of 1985, my wait was finally over when Jollibee called me up for a final interview with Dr. Ambrosio "Butch" dela Cruz,whom I think I impressed enough to give me the OK. WhenI finally passed my physical examination and submitted all my requirements, I was home free. The only thing left was to hand in my resignation.
Atty. de Leon tried to dissuade me from leaving,revealing to me that KFC had plans for expansion but which were just put on hold temporarily because of the current problems besetting the company. EQ didn't try to persuade me to stay but at one point sort of tried to make me feel guilty. Why was it that I was leaving when he needed my help most. He did wish me good luck though when he knew I was gettiing a better offer and couldn't match what Jollibee was going to give.
I said my tearful goodbyes to my colleagues and best friends in the Training department,Au Acosta and Chie Narvas. It was a sad parting but they understood it was for the better.
As a fitting and somewhat hilarious ending to my KFC stint I cooked KFC chicken.
It was a Saturday morning, and I had just come from my 1st day orientation at the Jollibee headquarters in Culmat building. On my way home I decided to pass by KFC Morato to say goodbye to Iyoh,who was on duty at that time. Coincidentally, one of her cooks hadn't reported for work yet and her chief cook needed to go on lunch break. She asked if I could take charge of cooking chicken for the lunch period until her cook finished his break.
I agreed to do this and I'm happy I did because it was a good way to end a chapter in my life.
When I'm asked about what I did for Jollibee as it's Training Manager,(a post I held for over 11 years) my ready answer is:
"When I joined Jollibee in 1985 it had only 20 stores.When I left in August,1999 it had grown to 348 stores! So whether good or bad,I may have had something to do with the 320 stores that opened!"
I wouldn't have stayed that long if I didn't love the company.Fact is, I never really left because today,I still do work for the JFC group as a Training Consultant for one of it's brands,Chowking.
So what was it like inside the beehive? Maybe I ought to go back to 1985 when I joined Jollibee.
THE PRELUDE:OPPORTUNITY AT A TIME OF CRISIS
I was still working as a Training Specialist at Foodmine Inc.,the local franchise of KFC, when the opportunity to work at Jollibee presented itself.This opportunity though came in the form of a crisis that was facing the organization.
KFC under the Quesada's had just gone through a wildcat strike and so things were not good inside that organization. Morale of store managers was so bad that there was a mass exodus of managers starting late '84 (just after the strike) up to the 2nd quarter of 1985. The company President Efren Quesada,or EQ as we called him,was coddling the labor union so they wouldn't threaten to strike again. In doing so however,he alienated himself from the Store Managers who had sided with him all throughout the almost month-long strike.
Many of these managers left and looked for work at Jollibee,which was then starting to move up the ranks of the fastfood chains.
If I recall correctly,Leonie Antonio,Connie Mendoza and Jimmy Ramos were among the first ex-KFC's who were hired by Jollibee for it's expansion plans. The blow to KFC came when sometime in March of 1985 Jimmy Enriquez,who was then a KFC Area Manager,Raffy Selga (Training Store Manager),Meann San Juan(Store Manager and Jimmy's girlfriend) and a newly-hired Management trainee named Livia Pinggoy,all went to Jollibee. Their jumping ship gave a signal to everyone else at KFC then that things were going bad.
To stave off any further resignations, EQ and his VP for HR and Administration,Atty. de Leon, HR Manager Conrad Donato and Operations Manager Raffy Vallejo started having one-on-one sessions with the Store managers left pleading with them not to resign and promising them a better future at KFC.
Meanwhile, I had to contend with the problem these resignations were causing.
My boss then and former classmate, Joseph Hernandez,also resigned his post leaving me as the OIC of the training department. Since there were now vacancies for Store managers in about eight of the 12 KFC stores we had to fill up these posts immediately.
As a stopgap solution,some of the senior managers who had stayed behind had to manage two stores at a time. We at the Training department came up with a two week crash course for management trainees so that after that time we could field them immediately at any KFC store that needed a manager.
What made matters worse for us was that Raffy Selga,who was then our Training store manager,was part of the diaspora so we needed to have someone who could train these new recruits on actual store operations.Fortunately for me,there was one relatively new manager, Ma. Lourdes "Iyoh" Sordan, and Raffy's assistant manager at KFC Tomas Morato, who agreed to take on the role.
Sometime in February of 1985,I made a decision to start looking for a better option than KFC. I was just about a year and a half into my marriage and my wife,Jaja, was pregnant with our first child. I definitely couldn't afford not to have a job.
Jollibee was an option and since I was hearing good things about the company from the likes of Leonie and Connie who were already there I decided to send in my application. As luck would have it,the person in charge of recruitment, Susan Rosales (now de Guzman),was a friend of my sister in law. When she learned I was with Training,she informed me that Jollibee had plans of putting up a Hamburger University soon and had in fact hired a former professor,Dr. Butch dela Cruz, from the University of Maryland to spearhead the project.
I became more optimistic about my chances of joining Jollibee when I was interviewed by Ms. Fe Labayen,the HR Manager, who told me that my credentials looked good and that she would recommend me for a post in the HR Institute,as they called it.
Back at KFC,things were coming to a head. Many more managers were resigning so that EQ told his Vice Presidents that they were to do duty at the stores in order to keep operations going. I didn't like to work in our stores then since the employees were no longer in good terms with management specially after the strike. I told myself that if I was to be forced to work in the stores, I would leave and take my chances with Jollibee even as a management tainee.
My friends who were already at Jollibee (like Meann San Juan and Connie Mendoza)would call me time and again saying that I was needed there because their Operaions Manual needed revising and that they could use a guy like me in Training over there.
June of 1985, my wait was finally over when Jollibee called me up for a final interview with Dr. Ambrosio "Butch" dela Cruz,whom I think I impressed enough to give me the OK. WhenI finally passed my physical examination and submitted all my requirements, I was home free. The only thing left was to hand in my resignation.
Atty. de Leon tried to dissuade me from leaving,revealing to me that KFC had plans for expansion but which were just put on hold temporarily because of the current problems besetting the company. EQ didn't try to persuade me to stay but at one point sort of tried to make me feel guilty. Why was it that I was leaving when he needed my help most. He did wish me good luck though when he knew I was gettiing a better offer and couldn't match what Jollibee was going to give.
I said my tearful goodbyes to my colleagues and best friends in the Training department,Au Acosta and Chie Narvas. It was a sad parting but they understood it was for the better.
As a fitting and somewhat hilarious ending to my KFC stint I cooked KFC chicken.
It was a Saturday morning, and I had just come from my 1st day orientation at the Jollibee headquarters in Culmat building. On my way home I decided to pass by KFC Morato to say goodbye to Iyoh,who was on duty at that time. Coincidentally, one of her cooks hadn't reported for work yet and her chief cook needed to go on lunch break. She asked if I could take charge of cooking chicken for the lunch period until her cook finished his break.
I agreed to do this and I'm happy I did because it was a good way to end a chapter in my life.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
THE INTERESTING PHENOMENON OF EVOLUTION
I caught a snippet of a National Geographic feature on how a type of ants called the Pelagius evolved into a slave capturing kind. Since their mandibles are built for killing they are useless when it comes to taking care of themselves so what these warrior ants do is pillage and capture another type of ants called the Formica. The latter class have cutter type mandibles used for foraging food and which are useless for battle. When the slave Formica ants grow old and die, the Pelagius go out and hunt for Formica ant nests. They ruthlessly attack helpless Formica ants and carry off the eggs. When these eggs grow in the Pelagius nests these become future generations of slaves!
Very interesting!
Very interesting!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
LESSONS FROM JAMES' APPENDICITIS
My second son James Benedict had a case of acute appendicitis last Friday so he had to have an appendectomy that same day.
It was completely unexpected. He was fine Thursday evening when he went to bed. Twelve midnight he started having stomach pains which he tried to bear until 1 AM when he couldn't take it anymore. When TJ,my eldest son, woke us up and told us about James' predicament,he was breaking out in cold sweat so I rushed him to the nearest hospital.
There were "lessons" I learned over the weekend when I had to deal with James undergoing his appendectomy and recovering from the operation.
1. It pays to trust your instinct and to be decisive: Although James wasn't feverish I knew there was something terribly wrong with him already because he was breaking out into cold sweat. I made a decision immediately to rush him to the nearest hospital where at least he was given temporary relief via antibiotics.
2. It helps to have contingencies ready: When the doctor in the emergency room diagnosed James as possibly having appendicitis I had to check on the cost of the operation in case they needed to do the procedure. The estimate given to me was 50K which would include both the hospital and doctors fees. Although I knew it would be a drain on my finances it helped that I knew I had money to cover the expenses. If I hadn't saved money I would be in a terrible bind.
3. Call for help---if you have other options use them: I texted my eldest sister, a doctor,informing her of the emergency. Since it was 3 AM,I didn't expect she would answer back at once. When she finally called me back in the morning she suggested I call one of her classmates who had done the procedure on her son, Johann last year. I'm glad that option was open to me because her friend didn't charge any professional fees which saved me a considerable amount of money.
4. Prayers definitely help and so does assurance from friends: I sent a text message to one of my former classmates about James' condition. I found out later on that he had emailed members of my egroup about it because I started getting text messages saying that they were praying for James and telling me things would be just fine. One message came all the way from Canada! The fact that James recovered quickly from the operation must have been the power of prayer at work.
5. Good things can come out of unfortunate incidents ---It all depends on your perspective or outlook: In all appearances the whole thing looked like one big hassle and one which any parent would not want to experience. Funny though,I didn't feel abit stressed by the situation. For one,I had a whole weekend of bonding with my son. It made me feel like a real father again! I was amazed at James' attitude towards the whole thing. He even seemed excited about going under the knife! He wanted to see how his appendix looked like and wanted to get the specimen after the operation (unfortunately they didn't give it to him.) We watched several shows on TV (like Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 and the World cup match between England and Trinidad-Tobago) and we enjoyed it. When his barkada and cousins visited him he was grinning from ear to ear and loving the attention.
It was completely unexpected. He was fine Thursday evening when he went to bed. Twelve midnight he started having stomach pains which he tried to bear until 1 AM when he couldn't take it anymore. When TJ,my eldest son, woke us up and told us about James' predicament,he was breaking out in cold sweat so I rushed him to the nearest hospital.
There were "lessons" I learned over the weekend when I had to deal with James undergoing his appendectomy and recovering from the operation.
1. It pays to trust your instinct and to be decisive: Although James wasn't feverish I knew there was something terribly wrong with him already because he was breaking out into cold sweat. I made a decision immediately to rush him to the nearest hospital where at least he was given temporary relief via antibiotics.
2. It helps to have contingencies ready: When the doctor in the emergency room diagnosed James as possibly having appendicitis I had to check on the cost of the operation in case they needed to do the procedure. The estimate given to me was 50K which would include both the hospital and doctors fees. Although I knew it would be a drain on my finances it helped that I knew I had money to cover the expenses. If I hadn't saved money I would be in a terrible bind.
3. Call for help---if you have other options use them: I texted my eldest sister, a doctor,informing her of the emergency. Since it was 3 AM,I didn't expect she would answer back at once. When she finally called me back in the morning she suggested I call one of her classmates who had done the procedure on her son, Johann last year. I'm glad that option was open to me because her friend didn't charge any professional fees which saved me a considerable amount of money.
4. Prayers definitely help and so does assurance from friends: I sent a text message to one of my former classmates about James' condition. I found out later on that he had emailed members of my egroup about it because I started getting text messages saying that they were praying for James and telling me things would be just fine. One message came all the way from Canada! The fact that James recovered quickly from the operation must have been the power of prayer at work.
5. Good things can come out of unfortunate incidents ---It all depends on your perspective or outlook: In all appearances the whole thing looked like one big hassle and one which any parent would not want to experience. Funny though,I didn't feel abit stressed by the situation. For one,I had a whole weekend of bonding with my son. It made me feel like a real father again! I was amazed at James' attitude towards the whole thing. He even seemed excited about going under the knife! He wanted to see how his appendix looked like and wanted to get the specimen after the operation (unfortunately they didn't give it to him.) We watched several shows on TV (like Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 and the World cup match between England and Trinidad-Tobago) and we enjoyed it. When his barkada and cousins visited him he was grinning from ear to ear and loving the attention.
Friday, June 02, 2006
SOME HEAVY THOUGHTS ON A HOT,SUNNY AFTERNOON
It's supposed to be raining 'round about this time in June but surprisingly the day's been hot! Some ideas crossed my mind as to things I could do to make a contribution to the organization.
1. Note to myself: Develop a series of 10 minute Lectures on my readings from John Seely Brown/Innovation and Impossible Thinking and share these during the Area Managers' monthly meetings.
2. While reading on JSB's discussions on 2 schools of thought for gaining competitive advantage namely: the core competency model and collaboration model, I realized that we've got to have both in Chowking.
For example, we have the competence in developing new, delicious products. However, these tend to be very costly because the raw materials are expensive or it will be costly for us if we carry the SKUs required to produce the new products. Following the thinking of collaboration perhaps it will be to everyone's advantage if our suppliers find a way to improve their processes so they can give their raw materials to us at a lower price so we can offer these new items in the market cheaper.
Because surely our sales will increase then demand for their supplies will also increase. Everyone wins in the end. Also, in the exchange of ideas on how we can keep improving our products we can learn together with our suppliers and they can improve themselves in the process too.
More and more I'm beginning to see the wisdom of sharing more in order to gain more!
1. Note to myself: Develop a series of 10 minute Lectures on my readings from John Seely Brown/Innovation and Impossible Thinking and share these during the Area Managers' monthly meetings.
2. While reading on JSB's discussions on 2 schools of thought for gaining competitive advantage namely: the core competency model and collaboration model, I realized that we've got to have both in Chowking.
For example, we have the competence in developing new, delicious products. However, these tend to be very costly because the raw materials are expensive or it will be costly for us if we carry the SKUs required to produce the new products. Following the thinking of collaboration perhaps it will be to everyone's advantage if our suppliers find a way to improve their processes so they can give their raw materials to us at a lower price so we can offer these new items in the market cheaper.
Because surely our sales will increase then demand for their supplies will also increase. Everyone wins in the end. Also, in the exchange of ideas on how we can keep improving our products we can learn together with our suppliers and they can improve themselves in the process too.
More and more I'm beginning to see the wisdom of sharing more in order to gain more!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
MORE INSIGHTS ON INNOVATION
My recent interest in the topic of INNOVATION led me to clicking on related links about the subject. And reading these articles made me think about how I could put the ideas I picked up to good use,for example,here at Chowking.
One idea I got was to have a meeting with RDR and try to convince him that we ought to explore ways of encouraging NEW IDEAS GENERATION. Right now there seems to be no forum for this. New ideas that get translated into product improvement or organizational change seem to come from him. What if he's gone? What will happen to the company then.
Bill Gates is reported to take an idea retreat annually where he just reads thru suggestions of employees that can be put to use at Microsoft. Maybe something along this line might help.
I don't think our R&D is also doing R&D in the strictest sense of doing research into new products. If I were to list what really came from them in terms of new ideas that made it to the market I would say there was really none. Most came from RDR. Maybe R&D ought to be encouraged to do more experimenting & not be limited to their current way of thinking.
In the end,new ideas or innovation will have to come from people but these people who innovate must get heard by the main man otherwise their ideas just get forgotten or are eventually used by somebody else.
I realized too that the innovations do not really have to come from within the organization. The "Open source" mentality and practice of techno-geeks helped in the development of LINUX. This operating system was a product of many minds contributing to the development of a product.
Another insight I got was that INNOVATION that gets bought or used by customers is USUALLY SIMPLE and does not have to be a radically new idea. Take the case of the iPod (which I still don't have) which is simple in design and functionality. It's concept is similar to the Sony Walkman (portable music) but it allows it's users to customize music they want to listen to.
My challenge as a consultant now is how to help transform Chowking into an organization with a culture of learning, innovation and experimentation. Because only if we become nimbler than our competition in building our capacity to compete can we survive and thrive in today's business world.
One idea I got was to have a meeting with RDR and try to convince him that we ought to explore ways of encouraging NEW IDEAS GENERATION. Right now there seems to be no forum for this. New ideas that get translated into product improvement or organizational change seem to come from him. What if he's gone? What will happen to the company then.
Bill Gates is reported to take an idea retreat annually where he just reads thru suggestions of employees that can be put to use at Microsoft. Maybe something along this line might help.
I don't think our R&D is also doing R&D in the strictest sense of doing research into new products. If I were to list what really came from them in terms of new ideas that made it to the market I would say there was really none. Most came from RDR. Maybe R&D ought to be encouraged to do more experimenting & not be limited to their current way of thinking.
In the end,new ideas or innovation will have to come from people but these people who innovate must get heard by the main man otherwise their ideas just get forgotten or are eventually used by somebody else.
I realized too that the innovations do not really have to come from within the organization. The "Open source" mentality and practice of techno-geeks helped in the development of LINUX. This operating system was a product of many minds contributing to the development of a product.
Another insight I got was that INNOVATION that gets bought or used by customers is USUALLY SIMPLE and does not have to be a radically new idea. Take the case of the iPod (which I still don't have) which is simple in design and functionality. It's concept is similar to the Sony Walkman (portable music) but it allows it's users to customize music they want to listen to.
My challenge as a consultant now is how to help transform Chowking into an organization with a culture of learning, innovation and experimentation. Because only if we become nimbler than our competition in building our capacity to compete can we survive and thrive in today's business world.
Monday, May 29, 2006
BREAKING THE MOULD:NEW IDEAS FROM JOHN SEELY BROWN
I first heard the name John Seely Brown during the Marketing Conference I attended two weeks ago. The CEO of Ayala Land, Rene Almendras, cited JSB as one of his inspirations for instituting innovation in his organization. For example, at Ayala Land they encouraged people to band together based on common interests (e.g. photography, sports,or even drinking beer.) These "communities" helped break down barriers within the company and made working together easier. Why? Because they could relate with each other in an interpersonal rather than a functional manner. Trust levels were higher.
So I read JSB's works on the internet and I was fascinated by his ideas, not because they were new but because they were common sense...and obvious! And since he headed the PARC (Xerox's renowned Research center) he had experience to back his words up.
Among the ideas he put forth I was sold on developing communities of collaboration to increase the learning curve of organizations.
If I were to use Chowking as an example of the typical organization, the traditional approach is to rely on a Training Department to take care of implementing programs or conducting training to make sure its workforce is knowledgeable. It assumes that this central department is the seat of all learning and can best respond to the needs of the people in the work place.
But the reality is different. The people in our stores don't really learn because of all the training we provide. At best what they probably get is basic information and skill demonstration. All other learning they get by asking other people on the job.
I'm pretty sure that even if we have provided our cooks with manuals and training guides,they probably resorted to asking their fellow cooks for information when they needed to get something done.
So maybe what we ought to do is exploit this natural tendency of people to share information to speed up the learning process. If we could encourage collaboration, sharing of best practices more, then Chowking will probably be ahead of others in its ability to learn.
This just brought to mind a situation we had recently with a product, Yang Chow.
So I read JSB's works on the internet and I was fascinated by his ideas, not because they were new but because they were common sense...and obvious! And since he headed the PARC (Xerox's renowned Research center) he had experience to back his words up.
Among the ideas he put forth I was sold on developing communities of collaboration to increase the learning curve of organizations.
If I were to use Chowking as an example of the typical organization, the traditional approach is to rely on a Training Department to take care of implementing programs or conducting training to make sure its workforce is knowledgeable. It assumes that this central department is the seat of all learning and can best respond to the needs of the people in the work place.
But the reality is different. The people in our stores don't really learn because of all the training we provide. At best what they probably get is basic information and skill demonstration. All other learning they get by asking other people on the job.
I'm pretty sure that even if we have provided our cooks with manuals and training guides,they probably resorted to asking their fellow cooks for information when they needed to get something done.
So maybe what we ought to do is exploit this natural tendency of people to share information to speed up the learning process. If we could encourage collaboration, sharing of best practices more, then Chowking will probably be ahead of others in its ability to learn.
This just brought to mind a situation we had recently with a product, Yang Chow.
During the pilot test the feedback was that the rice tasted bland inspite of the many ingredients. This was because R&D, in the effort to "idiot-proof"the operations, had prescribed a specific amount of rice seasoning similar to that used in our Garlic Fried Rice.
One of our trainers,Choi Palermo, pointed out that this did not seem right because the amount of ingredients in Yang Chow would easily neutralize the taste of the seasoning. But since he was not R&D, he did not get a hearing. The functional unit's expertise had prevailed. If only he had been listened to, then we would not have had the problem in the first place.
JSB's thinking might seem revolutionary but he also is cautious about going overboard. He says that there must be a balance somewhere.
One of our trainers,Choi Palermo, pointed out that this did not seem right because the amount of ingredients in Yang Chow would easily neutralize the taste of the seasoning. But since he was not R&D, he did not get a hearing. The functional unit's expertise had prevailed. If only he had been listened to, then we would not have had the problem in the first place.
JSB's thinking might seem revolutionary but he also is cautious about going overboard. He says that there must be a balance somewhere.
Monday, May 22, 2006
FASCINATING THINGS I LEARNED FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Last Sunday I chanced upon a National Geographic feature about caterpillars, elephants and the emperor penguin from which I learned the following:
1. In the transformation of caterpillar to moth (or butterfly,) two different sets of DNA are operational. Once the caterpillar is ready for metamorphosis it's hormones activate the butterfly DNA. The caterpillar "dies" in the process while in the cocoon to give way to a different being.
2. Before it can even fly & feed the newly emerged butterfly must stretch its proboscis so that the two divided parts lock in like a zipper. It's crumpled wings must also stretch to allow oxygen to pass thru (since the butterfly doesn't have any lungs.)
3. The male emperor penguin takes care of the newly hatched egg,keeping it warm by balanceing the egg on it's toes and sitting on it for about 6 weeks. Meanwhile,the female goes to sea and hunts for fish which it will feed the chick when it hatches. The males huddle during cold days to keep their bodies and eggs warm and because they don't feed all this time they start to grow thinner. Just in time, the chicks hatch and the mother penguin has to be back by that time because the male might,in his hunger, go out and feed,leaving the chick to die from the cold. Once the females arrive they give out a call which only their partners recognize! When they finally reunite, the male passes the chick to the mother quickly so that she can feed it with regurgitated fish. The male then leaves to feed.
4. The elephant mother carries her baby for 22 months. The reason for this long period is that the brain of the baby elephant must be fully developed before it can come out.
5. Baby alligators must feed themselves once they hatch because like all other reptiles they don't rely on mother to feed them.
Whenever I watch fascinating things like these I can only believe that there is a God!
1. In the transformation of caterpillar to moth (or butterfly,) two different sets of DNA are operational. Once the caterpillar is ready for metamorphosis it's hormones activate the butterfly DNA. The caterpillar "dies" in the process while in the cocoon to give way to a different being.
2. Before it can even fly & feed the newly emerged butterfly must stretch its proboscis so that the two divided parts lock in like a zipper. It's crumpled wings must also stretch to allow oxygen to pass thru (since the butterfly doesn't have any lungs.)
3. The male emperor penguin takes care of the newly hatched egg,keeping it warm by balanceing the egg on it's toes and sitting on it for about 6 weeks. Meanwhile,the female goes to sea and hunts for fish which it will feed the chick when it hatches. The males huddle during cold days to keep their bodies and eggs warm and because they don't feed all this time they start to grow thinner. Just in time, the chicks hatch and the mother penguin has to be back by that time because the male might,in his hunger, go out and feed,leaving the chick to die from the cold. Once the females arrive they give out a call which only their partners recognize! When they finally reunite, the male passes the chick to the mother quickly so that she can feed it with regurgitated fish. The male then leaves to feed.
4. The elephant mother carries her baby for 22 months. The reason for this long period is that the brain of the baby elephant must be fully developed before it can come out.
5. Baby alligators must feed themselves once they hatch because like all other reptiles they don't rely on mother to feed them.
Whenever I watch fascinating things like these I can only believe that there is a God!
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
MY FIRSTS
I got to thinking about what I have really accomplished so far in my life. One thing I noticed is that in my "professional"(i.e., work) life I have been known for having achieved or accomplished many "firsts." So if I were to boast about my accomplishments I can probably cite the following:
1. Created the first videobased orientation for Jollibee ( a slideshow production which we fondly called the "Gotta Bite" production.)
2. Designed and implemented the first systematized Management Development Program for Jollibee. (the BOTP)
3. Co-wrote and illustrated the first updated Operations Manual for Jollibee.
4. Produced the first SMART (Marketing) manual for Jollibee and launched the first training program for marketing officers.
5. First to extensively use video training at Jollibee.Produced the first in-house videos on conducting P.A. discussions;Crew Training and Crew recruitment & Selection.
6. Organized the first Managers' Convention for Jollibee.Emceed the first 5 conventions.
7. Set up the first MDPs for Assistant store managers & store managers.
8. Was among the first in-house facilitators of SMA, the longest running in-house MDP of the Jollibee group.
9.Launched the first Managing Director's Training Program for Jollibee.
10. Implemented one of the most effective organizational development initiatives to have an impact on the Jollibee system: Managing Service
11. First to set up a Training Kitchen for Jollibee.
12. Training manager with the longest tenure so far(12 1/2 years) and opened the most number of stores during his term (320 stores)
13. First to implement Equipment and facilities training for managers.
14. The Jollibee Beeline, a short-lived Management Digest
15. First to ever use line trainers in the system
16. First Training Manager to speak in a Learning session for PSTD & first to be Board Member of PSTD
17. First Training catalogue and training database for tracking/monitoring training programs attended by employees.
18. Organized the first Jollibee Operations Sales Rally in 1999.
19. Set up the training system for the first Jollibee Drive thru
20. Composed the Chowking Hymn and Chowking Pledge
21. Organized the first sales rally for the new Chowking
22. Published and managed the first FSC Update for Chowking.
23. Launched the first seires of management development programs for Chowking
24. Set up the cooks certification program for Chowking.
1. Created the first videobased orientation for Jollibee ( a slideshow production which we fondly called the "Gotta Bite" production.)
2. Designed and implemented the first systematized Management Development Program for Jollibee. (the BOTP)
3. Co-wrote and illustrated the first updated Operations Manual for Jollibee.
4. Produced the first SMART (Marketing) manual for Jollibee and launched the first training program for marketing officers.
5. First to extensively use video training at Jollibee.Produced the first in-house videos on conducting P.A. discussions;Crew Training and Crew recruitment & Selection.
6. Organized the first Managers' Convention for Jollibee.Emceed the first 5 conventions.
7. Set up the first MDPs for Assistant store managers & store managers.
8. Was among the first in-house facilitators of SMA, the longest running in-house MDP of the Jollibee group.
9.Launched the first Managing Director's Training Program for Jollibee.
10. Implemented one of the most effective organizational development initiatives to have an impact on the Jollibee system: Managing Service
11. First to set up a Training Kitchen for Jollibee.
12. Training manager with the longest tenure so far(12 1/2 years) and opened the most number of stores during his term (320 stores)
13. First to implement Equipment and facilities training for managers.
14. The Jollibee Beeline, a short-lived Management Digest
15. First to ever use line trainers in the system
16. First Training Manager to speak in a Learning session for PSTD & first to be Board Member of PSTD
17. First Training catalogue and training database for tracking/monitoring training programs attended by employees.
18. Organized the first Jollibee Operations Sales Rally in 1999.
19. Set up the training system for the first Jollibee Drive thru
20. Composed the Chowking Hymn and Chowking Pledge
21. Organized the first sales rally for the new Chowking
22. Published and managed the first FSC Update for Chowking.
23. Launched the first seires of management development programs for Chowking
24. Set up the cooks certification program for Chowking.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
MUCH ADO ABOUT THE DA VINCI CODE
With the Da Vinci Code about to be shown in theatres soon, it seems there are, what I would call "overreactions," starting to take place particularly from the Catholic Church.
One example was from a priest whose sermon Jaja shared with me because she thought it was a great critique against the Da Vinci Code. I think it had to with the question of whether one should watch the movie or not. The reverend father's response was something like:"Would you watch a movie that ridiculed or made fun about someone you love?"
I pointed out to Jaja that the priest might not even know what he was talking about! (Of course,this elicited a raised eyebrow from her!) I said this because in the first place, the da Vinci code was a fiction novel which was based on a specific premise,i.e., the Catholic Church was out to protect a "secret" which if known by everyone would undermine the whole foundation of Catholicism. Rome would go to the extent of killing people to prevent this secret from leaking out. There was nothing in the da Vinci Code about "ridiculing or making fun of Jesus." I had read the book in fact and just found it entertaining like any well -written mystery novel.
Instead of overreacting, the priest should just have told his liteners that the movie is fiction, entertaining but nothing to doubt their faith about since the basis for the story anyway is apocryphal. Of course, it would be a different thing if one's faith was weak and one was gullible...but that's another story.
One example was from a priest whose sermon Jaja shared with me because she thought it was a great critique against the Da Vinci Code. I think it had to with the question of whether one should watch the movie or not. The reverend father's response was something like:"Would you watch a movie that ridiculed or made fun about someone you love?"
I pointed out to Jaja that the priest might not even know what he was talking about! (Of course,this elicited a raised eyebrow from her!) I said this because in the first place, the da Vinci code was a fiction novel which was based on a specific premise,i.e., the Catholic Church was out to protect a "secret" which if known by everyone would undermine the whole foundation of Catholicism. Rome would go to the extent of killing people to prevent this secret from leaking out. There was nothing in the da Vinci Code about "ridiculing or making fun of Jesus." I had read the book in fact and just found it entertaining like any well -written mystery novel.
Instead of overreacting, the priest should just have told his liteners that the movie is fiction, entertaining but nothing to doubt their faith about since the basis for the story anyway is apocryphal. Of course, it would be a different thing if one's faith was weak and one was gullible...but that's another story.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
RECENT HAPPENINGS...RANDOM THOUGHTS
- There was a heated exchange of emails recently in one of my egroups. It all started when a private exchange of emails among members leaked out,and other members who felt offended by those who allegedly were talking behind their backs,retaliated. Moral lesson: "Never ever have an exchange of private emails with egroup members about a sensitive issue lest you push the wrong button."
- I was finally able to mail my secret to PostSecret. While I was working on it,for some strange reason I started trembling,either from fear or excitement. After I finished with it though I felt a sense of relief...a feeling of catharsis! Just by bringing it out of my system I had unburdened myself. I now realized the good that Post Secret was doing.
- Recent news about organizational changes in the JFC group somehow bothered me. But then I caught myself starting to worry and changed my frame of mind...and voila things didn't seem bothersome after all!
Friday, May 05, 2006
THE MYSTERY OF MEMORY
There he was at the hallway talking to some Marketing Officers of Greenwich while members of his Creative staff waited by the elevator.
I recognized the big eyes and the features. He caught sight of me but apparently didn't show any signs of recognition.
He was Ramon "Mon" Jimenez, now President of Jimenez Basic,one of our ad agencies, and a classmate of mine back in kindergarten.
It's strange how the memory recalls pictures of the past. The only memory I have of Mon is him wearing one of the SBC caps sold in our bookstore holding a hotdog in one hand and a bottle of Coke in the other! Maybe the reason I remember him was because he told me how much that hotdog and Coke cost.
Back in kindergarten I only had 25 centavos for my baon,and since I was rather shy, I didn't want to buy stuff at the canteen fearing I wouldn't know how to count change or afraid I wouldn't really have enough money.
When I learned from Mon that the hotdog and Coke combination cost 25 centavos, I was able to pluck up enough courage to buy these over the counter.
I never saw Mon after kinder. This was the first time I've seen him...after about 46 years! But what an amazing flashback it brought.
I recognized the big eyes and the features. He caught sight of me but apparently didn't show any signs of recognition.
He was Ramon "Mon" Jimenez, now President of Jimenez Basic,one of our ad agencies, and a classmate of mine back in kindergarten.
It's strange how the memory recalls pictures of the past. The only memory I have of Mon is him wearing one of the SBC caps sold in our bookstore holding a hotdog in one hand and a bottle of Coke in the other! Maybe the reason I remember him was because he told me how much that hotdog and Coke cost.
Back in kindergarten I only had 25 centavos for my baon,and since I was rather shy, I didn't want to buy stuff at the canteen fearing I wouldn't know how to count change or afraid I wouldn't really have enough money.
When I learned from Mon that the hotdog and Coke combination cost 25 centavos, I was able to pluck up enough courage to buy these over the counter.
I never saw Mon after kinder. This was the first time I've seen him...after about 46 years! But what an amazing flashback it brought.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
THE REENERGIZING POWER OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
Last night I was finally able to finish the drawings for the Reunion Souvenir program of my San Beda batchmates. These had been literally on the drawing board for about a year and I had been putting off finishing them since there was really no pressure to complete them. I felt more excited though as I was doing the finishing touches of the illustrations. Then finally they were done and I felt inspired to get started on the other drawings.
Accomplishing something carries with it the power to create more and do something better.Maybe that's why I enjoy being involved in the creative process.
Accomplishing something carries with it the power to create more and do something better.Maybe that's why I enjoy being involved in the creative process.
Friday, April 28, 2006
A ROCKER IN THE FAMILY
Last night the whole family went to the Indo's Strip Bar at Orosa (Malate) to watch James and his TB (Tacho Band) perform with 14 other "amateur"bands. It was his 3rd gig at a bar and the second time for me to watch him perform in public. For Jaja it was the first.
We waited for over two hours before the show started.Thankfully, James' band was third in line. The first two groups were Lourdesians from lower grades and obviously needed more practice. Specially the 2nd band which was really trying hard to sound like a reggae band.
When their turn came,TB warmed up with a series of riffs before breaking into their first song. I really didn't know what their songs were but they sounded very good compared to the first time I heard them perform. They were still rough around some edges but they were playing together.
James started out cooly at first but when they were into their 3rd song he was putting in some showmanship!
They got loud applause not only from their friends but also from the other bands who recognized they had just seen a very good performance!
Tacho Rocks! TB Rules!
We waited for over two hours before the show started.Thankfully, James' band was third in line. The first two groups were Lourdesians from lower grades and obviously needed more practice. Specially the 2nd band which was really trying hard to sound like a reggae band.
When their turn came,TB warmed up with a series of riffs before breaking into their first song. I really didn't know what their songs were but they sounded very good compared to the first time I heard them perform. They were still rough around some edges but they were playing together.
James started out cooly at first but when they were into their 3rd song he was putting in some showmanship!
They got loud applause not only from their friends but also from the other bands who recognized they had just seen a very good performance!
Tacho Rocks! TB Rules!
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
GROWING IN WISDOM
I just had an insight this morning.
As I grow older I realize more and more that being wise does not mean knowing all the answers or having all the answers.
Wisdom is realizing that there's a lot I don't know and that I must therefore be humble and learn.
That's why I believe that old dogs can still learn new tricks!
As I grow older I realize more and more that being wise does not mean knowing all the answers or having all the answers.
Wisdom is realizing that there's a lot I don't know and that I must therefore be humble and learn.
That's why I believe that old dogs can still learn new tricks!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
FEEL GOOD MOVIES FOR "NOT FEEL SO GOOD" DAYS
I had a bad case of the flu during the past three days. It wasn't so much the pain in the joints that bothered me. What I couldn't stand were the recurring,head-splitting headaches that prevented me from getting a much needed rest. Good thing was that a dose of paracetamol provided me with relief.
The only other thing I could do besides eat,sleep and pee,was to watch TV. Fortunately,there were some "feel good" movies on the tube that helped me make it through the 3 day ordeal.
One feature on the Hallmark Channel was "The Magic of Ordinary Days." Set against the background of World War Two,the story was about Livy,a pretty,educated single and pregnant woman who got herself in a marriage of convenience to Ray Singleton,a simple farmer,who agreed to the arrangment because he believed it was God's will. Livy,who was city bred and raised,gradually finds herself being drawn into and loving the simple country life. She meets and befriends two Japanese-Americans who are working Ray's farm and gets to know about their butterfly-watching hobby.
All this time,Livy has been sending letters to the father of her child,an Air Force instructor. Ray finds out about it toward the end o f the film and professes that he has fallen in love with her and wants her to stay. He gives her a ring...something he wasn't able to do,when they got married and she accepts.
The other feel good movie I saw was Big Fish. It reminded me of the 4 Antiques,specially Uncle Peds who was well known for his fish stories. It made me appreciate that I belonged to a family of storytellers,who, in their effort to make history interesting by embellishing the details, were somehow in fact,telling reality as it was!
The only other thing I could do besides eat,sleep and pee,was to watch TV. Fortunately,there were some "feel good" movies on the tube that helped me make it through the 3 day ordeal.
One feature on the Hallmark Channel was "The Magic of Ordinary Days." Set against the background of World War Two,the story was about Livy,a pretty,educated single and pregnant woman who got herself in a marriage of convenience to Ray Singleton,a simple farmer,who agreed to the arrangment because he believed it was God's will. Livy,who was city bred and raised,gradually finds herself being drawn into and loving the simple country life. She meets and befriends two Japanese-Americans who are working Ray's farm and gets to know about their butterfly-watching hobby.
All this time,Livy has been sending letters to the father of her child,an Air Force instructor. Ray finds out about it toward the end o f the film and professes that he has fallen in love with her and wants her to stay. He gives her a ring...something he wasn't able to do,when they got married and she accepts.
The other feel good movie I saw was Big Fish. It reminded me of the 4 Antiques,specially Uncle Peds who was well known for his fish stories. It made me appreciate that I belonged to a family of storytellers,who, in their effort to make history interesting by embellishing the details, were somehow in fact,telling reality as it was!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
MUSINGS ON GRADUATION DAY
Yesterday, my second son James graduated from High School. I didn't pay much attention during the ceremonies,which consisted mainly of presentation of awards to achievers in the academic and non-academic fields. I guess my behavior was understandable because James wasn't going to receive any medals or plaques.
I'm sure that if he had only excelled in academics and was going to receive medals,Jaja and I would have been very attentive. I could not help but mention to her that when I was in elementary,High School and College,my parents,specially Mommy,was probably on top of the world seeing her son going up the stage to receive recognition and even deliver Valedictory addresses (since I was class valedictorian in High School and College.)
Jaja jokingly asked how come none of our kids inherited our abilities. I pointed out to her that we did have Tasha who got medals...only it was in the field of athletics and not academics!
I replied that if we had really wanted them to excel in academics,then we should have spent more of our time supervising their studies and driving them to achieve like my Mom did to me. But,I pointed out (maybe as an excuse...or maybe out of experience),I didn't want to push them at the expense of them not enjoying their childhood.
I also remarked that from my own experience with my batchmates,it wasn't really the brightest who turned out to be the richest and most successful in life. There are in fact many from my Bedan batchmates who were not in the star section but are now rich individuals because of either business savvy, sales acumen or just plain hard work and luck! On the whole,though most of us who were above average performers did well in life and are living in comfort, some of our brightest are struggling.
Personally, I have very high hopes for James in spite of the fact that he almost didn't pass high school and doesn't show the flair for academics that his siblings show. I even predict he will be the richest among them mainly because of his business sense and people relations skills.
Yesterday, when his name was called, there was a big round of applause. When we asked him why, he said it was probably because his photo,which was projected on screen looked funny. But I would like to believe it was also because he was so popular with many in his batch!
Time will tell whether I am right or I am wrong. Maybe I'll have the answer when I'm finally driving my BMW and basking in the Caribbean courtesy of my rich son, James...the son who almost failed High School...but made it with honors in the school of life.
I'm sure that if he had only excelled in academics and was going to receive medals,Jaja and I would have been very attentive. I could not help but mention to her that when I was in elementary,High School and College,my parents,specially Mommy,was probably on top of the world seeing her son going up the stage to receive recognition and even deliver Valedictory addresses (since I was class valedictorian in High School and College.)
Jaja jokingly asked how come none of our kids inherited our abilities. I pointed out to her that we did have Tasha who got medals...only it was in the field of athletics and not academics!
I replied that if we had really wanted them to excel in academics,then we should have spent more of our time supervising their studies and driving them to achieve like my Mom did to me. But,I pointed out (maybe as an excuse...or maybe out of experience),I didn't want to push them at the expense of them not enjoying their childhood.
I also remarked that from my own experience with my batchmates,it wasn't really the brightest who turned out to be the richest and most successful in life. There are in fact many from my Bedan batchmates who were not in the star section but are now rich individuals because of either business savvy, sales acumen or just plain hard work and luck! On the whole,though most of us who were above average performers did well in life and are living in comfort, some of our brightest are struggling.
Personally, I have very high hopes for James in spite of the fact that he almost didn't pass high school and doesn't show the flair for academics that his siblings show. I even predict he will be the richest among them mainly because of his business sense and people relations skills.
Yesterday, when his name was called, there was a big round of applause. When we asked him why, he said it was probably because his photo,which was projected on screen looked funny. But I would like to believe it was also because he was so popular with many in his batch!
Time will tell whether I am right or I am wrong. Maybe I'll have the answer when I'm finally driving my BMW and basking in the Caribbean courtesy of my rich son, James...the son who almost failed High School...but made it with honors in the school of life.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
AN OLD DOG LEARNING NEW TRICKS
During the past week I've been using Adobe Photoshop to include faces of ex-Juvenists who joined our grand reunion but weren't included in the group photo. After learning thru experience I finally finished "Photoshopping in" 12 people and it didn't look bad. I asked my daughter to pinpoint those I had added and she missed about 4 so I must have done a convincing job.
I've also experimented on using the other Photoshop tools to create a poster of my son James playing bass guitar. This time around I intend to learn all the possibilities I can create using this fantastic software. I'll even extend the learning to using Adobe Illustrator for the SBC Souvenir Program.
I'm getting excited about learning something new...and something creative at that! It really proves that "old dogs" can still learn new tricks. I guess it depends if one thinks he's an old dog or not.
I've also experimented on using the other Photoshop tools to create a poster of my son James playing bass guitar. This time around I intend to learn all the possibilities I can create using this fantastic software. I'll even extend the learning to using Adobe Illustrator for the SBC Souvenir Program.
I'm getting excited about learning something new...and something creative at that! It really proves that "old dogs" can still learn new tricks. I guess it depends if one thinks he's an old dog or not.
Friday, March 31, 2006
THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGING
Just read some announcements recently coming from JFC Corporate about the changes taking place in the Jollibee organization.
Gina Navarette is moving to Red Ribbon as its GM,and Erwin somebody (I haven't met him) is replacing her as Greenwich CEO. (That should get some tongues waggling!)
People have also been identified for different posts in the new Finance organization and the newly formed Jollibee Worldwide services group,the Shared Services arm of JFC. Ces Landicho has been named the head or Team Leader of the Training Services group.
I'm still just a spectator to all these changes since I'm technically not an employee anymore of Jollibee. I am concerned of course, because I feel the changes are happening too fast and maybe...just maybe a lot is being left to chance by the think tanks of this project.
Maybe I'm becoming a "writer and critic who criticizes with (my ) pen" as Bob Dylan puts it. I just hope the transition works out for the company I can't help but love because I helped build it! I just hope the individuals running the show are not intiating the change for change's sake..(or worse...for their own personal glory.)
Time will tell. But I'm just preparing myself...just in case my services will be needed...to troubleshoot things in case they make a mess of things! Ha! Wouldn't RDR be vindicated after all!
"Blessed are the meek...for they shall humble the mighty!";-)
Gina Navarette is moving to Red Ribbon as its GM,and Erwin somebody (I haven't met him) is replacing her as Greenwich CEO. (That should get some tongues waggling!)
People have also been identified for different posts in the new Finance organization and the newly formed Jollibee Worldwide services group,the Shared Services arm of JFC. Ces Landicho has been named the head or Team Leader of the Training Services group.
I'm still just a spectator to all these changes since I'm technically not an employee anymore of Jollibee. I am concerned of course, because I feel the changes are happening too fast and maybe...just maybe a lot is being left to chance by the think tanks of this project.
Maybe I'm becoming a "writer and critic who criticizes with (my ) pen" as Bob Dylan puts it. I just hope the transition works out for the company I can't help but love because I helped build it! I just hope the individuals running the show are not intiating the change for change's sake..(or worse...for their own personal glory.)
Time will tell. But I'm just preparing myself...just in case my services will be needed...to troubleshoot things in case they make a mess of things! Ha! Wouldn't RDR be vindicated after all!
"Blessed are the meek...for they shall humble the mighty!";-)
Sunday, March 26, 2006
TRANSITIONS atbp
I got an email last Friday from a friend saying she has found her "significant other" (S.O. in today's lingo) and that we,her close friends,keep this a secret in the meantime.
I know what she's been through and I do wish this relationship works out well for her and her growing daughter's sakes.
It just made me realize how people are going through transitions everyday and the way we handle those transitions really make an impact on future outcomes.
Take Tasha for instance. She competed last Saturday in the International School Goodwill Gymnastics Competition at the new IS facility at Global City. Jaja and I recounted Tasha's first IS competition when she was about 6 years old. She didn't win anything then but she made a resolve then to do better. Now, almost seven years later she is competing at the highest category...the Open category. Since there were only two of them competing,they were both assured of medals. But,looking back,if Tash had been discouraged after that first experience she would not have even gotten this far.
This past week I've been obsessed about getting things on my "to do" list done. One of them was to learn Adobe Photoshop. First, though I had to be able to load the software onto my PC. I had borrowed pirated copies from Marketing but wasn't able to install it because of an activation security code. Yesterday, I bought another pirated version hoping I could finally get it going in my PC. Turns out I only needed to install a "crack" code and it worked.
My realization: if I really put my mind and heart to something I want done...it gets done. Now, I'm another step closer to achieving something I wrote on my list.
Bench pressing 160 lbs.,is another item on my list that will soon be crossed out by June.
Because of these small successes I'm now putting my mind and heart to:
a) Organizing the tour to the USA for my family and ex-Juvenists
b) Setting up websites for my own family and the Oranditan which will feature a composite photo of the Mendoza Progeny from Lolo & Lola Iqui to the latest additions.
c) Being able to play the acoustic solo version of the Beatles' "In My Life" which became our Reunion's theme song
I know what she's been through and I do wish this relationship works out well for her and her growing daughter's sakes.
It just made me realize how people are going through transitions everyday and the way we handle those transitions really make an impact on future outcomes.
Take Tasha for instance. She competed last Saturday in the International School Goodwill Gymnastics Competition at the new IS facility at Global City. Jaja and I recounted Tasha's first IS competition when she was about 6 years old. She didn't win anything then but she made a resolve then to do better. Now, almost seven years later she is competing at the highest category...the Open category. Since there were only two of them competing,they were both assured of medals. But,looking back,if Tash had been discouraged after that first experience she would not have even gotten this far.
This past week I've been obsessed about getting things on my "to do" list done. One of them was to learn Adobe Photoshop. First, though I had to be able to load the software onto my PC. I had borrowed pirated copies from Marketing but wasn't able to install it because of an activation security code. Yesterday, I bought another pirated version hoping I could finally get it going in my PC. Turns out I only needed to install a "crack" code and it worked.
My realization: if I really put my mind and heart to something I want done...it gets done. Now, I'm another step closer to achieving something I wrote on my list.
Bench pressing 160 lbs.,is another item on my list that will soon be crossed out by June.
Because of these small successes I'm now putting my mind and heart to:
a) Organizing the tour to the USA for my family and ex-Juvenists
b) Setting up websites for my own family and the Oranditan which will feature a composite photo of the Mendoza Progeny from Lolo & Lola Iqui to the latest additions.
c) Being able to play the acoustic solo version of the Beatles' "In My Life" which became our Reunion's theme song
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