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!";-)
Friday, March 31, 2006
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
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
A CLAMOR FOR THE NEXT R&R
Recently,there have been email exchanges in our ex-Juvenate egroup about the next R&R. I participated in the discussion expressing my view that a reunion in the United States would be a great idea. I know for a fact that there are quite a number of ex-Juvenists who have migrated to the States and who would probably want to reconnect with other brother Juvenists if only the reunion were held there.
Today Bobby Demigillo sent an email saying that Fr. Ron Murray had just returned to Mariposa after having been hospitalized for...of all things...chickenpox! But the reality that at anytime anyone of us can go is being recognized by the now aging ex-J's...so maybe that's why there's a clamor to have a reunion more often (while everyone is still alive.)
I sent a message that assuming everyone stays healthy,then we ought to have a Grand Golden Jubilee of the Juvenate in 2011. That would be 50 years from the time the frist Juvenate was opened in Baclaran. It's not far off...just 5 more years!
Meantime, I suggested we hold more get togethers to plan for this big event and to also look for more ex-Juvenists so next time around there will be more of us reliving the good ole' Juvenate days.
Today Bobby Demigillo sent an email saying that Fr. Ron Murray had just returned to Mariposa after having been hospitalized for...of all things...chickenpox! But the reality that at anytime anyone of us can go is being recognized by the now aging ex-J's...so maybe that's why there's a clamor to have a reunion more often (while everyone is still alive.)
I sent a message that assuming everyone stays healthy,then we ought to have a Grand Golden Jubilee of the Juvenate in 2011. That would be 50 years from the time the frist Juvenate was opened in Baclaran. It's not far off...just 5 more years!
Meantime, I suggested we hold more get togethers to plan for this big event and to also look for more ex-Juvenists so next time around there will be more of us reliving the good ole' Juvenate days.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
NEW MILESTONES
My only daughter, and youngest child,Natasha Marie, graduated from elementary at St. Paul's College,Pasig last Saturday. Two weeks from now,my second son, James Benedict will also be graduaing from High School at Lourdes School Mandaluyong. So this year is a banner year for producing graduates as far as the Millbrae Mendoza's is concerned.
So next year,I will have two kids in College and one in High School. How time has really flown! Or is it really that the kids have grown so fast!
It seemed like only yesterday that I was accompanying my kids to their respective classrooms to attend their first day in school. Then, I was more concerned about whether they'd like school and by any chance, also excel in school like I did.
TJ, my eldest cried during his first day in nursery school. He did pretty well in elementary,sometimes finding himself in the Top Ten of his class, and sometimes doing pretty well in extra-curricular activities,like his famous "Dirty Hands" elocution competition. He didn't have any problems in High school though he could have done better. There were ups and downs in College all because he can't get himself to focus on his studies. But, in a year he'll be finishing College hopefully.
James,enjoyed nursery school...passed elementary grades without really studying hard(that's why we called him "The Amazing James") and just barely made it through High School.
Tasha,surprised us all.She only had several months of nursery and made it to Kinder at St. Paul's. Then considering she was into gymnastics she still managed to do good in school.
So whether they'll like school and survive is moot and academic now.They've all shown that they can pass the grade...although none of them really excelled academically.
Now,it seems my concern is how soon will they be able to finish College and be able to fend for themselves.
I can't wait for the next milestones in my kids' lives.
So next year,I will have two kids in College and one in High School. How time has really flown! Or is it really that the kids have grown so fast!
It seemed like only yesterday that I was accompanying my kids to their respective classrooms to attend their first day in school. Then, I was more concerned about whether they'd like school and by any chance, also excel in school like I did.
TJ, my eldest cried during his first day in nursery school. He did pretty well in elementary,sometimes finding himself in the Top Ten of his class, and sometimes doing pretty well in extra-curricular activities,like his famous "Dirty Hands" elocution competition. He didn't have any problems in High school though he could have done better. There were ups and downs in College all because he can't get himself to focus on his studies. But, in a year he'll be finishing College hopefully.
James,enjoyed nursery school...passed elementary grades without really studying hard(that's why we called him "The Amazing James") and just barely made it through High School.
Tasha,surprised us all.She only had several months of nursery and made it to Kinder at St. Paul's. Then considering she was into gymnastics she still managed to do good in school.
So whether they'll like school and survive is moot and academic now.They've all shown that they can pass the grade...although none of them really excelled academically.
Now,it seems my concern is how soon will they be able to finish College and be able to fend for themselves.
I can't wait for the next milestones in my kids' lives.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
MY TOP TWENTY MOST MEMORABLE R & R MOMENTS
Watching the videos of our Grand reunion that Tom Borja shared over YouTube brought me back to the event and got me recollecting what for me were the top twenty "most memorable" moments.
20. When we (Edwin Guevara, Gerry Luistro & I) put up the humongous photo backdrop that showed the Juvenate and it looked like the building had been resurrected.
19. Seeing the USA and other internationals happy with their experience and hearing from them that it was worth their trip.
18. Getting the picture of OMPH as a token of appreciation from the guys.
17. Trading stories with the batch of 67 & other guys after the "Tribute" program
16. Being able to announce that 51 participants out of 57 expected showed up for the Reunion.
15. Fr. Reg's "Tink you!Tink you" & his formal announcement of Chito Desuasido's being a graduate.
14. Fr. Ron Murray singing the "Green Green Grass of Home"
13. Jorge Emmanuel's "You are being honored" skit
12. Gerry Luistro's & Jorge Emmanuel's recitation of Lord Byron's poem'There was a sound of revelry by night..." Jorge still knew every line of it!
11. The meals that were highly appreciated specially the buffet and the Casa Rap lunch
10. Clem Bautista's speech and his choking at the memory of his co-teachers and his experiences in the Juvenate.
9. The group photos session. The weather held up until we were done with all the groups.Then it rained!
8. The closure that individuals shared during the Get To Know You Night
7."Because of you I was able to write speeches for 3 Presidents,Cardinals etc." Archie Inlong paying tribute to Fr Reg during the intro night.
6.The sign of peace during the Day 2 Mass
5. The response after the showing of the "Back to the Juvenate" video
4. Fr. Reg Ahearn's "Was it a waste of time?" sermon during the Mass
3. Tied for 3rd: Fr Reg Ahearn's arrival( it was like a celebrity had just arrived!) & Fr. Nonie's the "catalog" faux pas which Fr. Reg corrected..& got laughs during the Day1 lunch
2. Merienda (Day 1) I was seated at table with Fr. Nick Abella, Lito Palapal,Joe Vergara,Rodel Macasaet & we were just exchanging stories like it was during Juvenate days...no boundaries of seniority.What was memorable was the most senior(Joe Vergara 1961) and the most Junior(Rodel 1975) were seated together.
1. "Joe Vergara is that you?"
20. When we (Edwin Guevara, Gerry Luistro & I) put up the humongous photo backdrop that showed the Juvenate and it looked like the building had been resurrected.
19. Seeing the USA and other internationals happy with their experience and hearing from them that it was worth their trip.
18. Getting the picture of OMPH as a token of appreciation from the guys.
17. Trading stories with the batch of 67 & other guys after the "Tribute" program
16. Being able to announce that 51 participants out of 57 expected showed up for the Reunion.
15. Fr. Reg's "Tink you!Tink you" & his formal announcement of Chito Desuasido's being a graduate.
14. Fr. Ron Murray singing the "Green Green Grass of Home"
13. Jorge Emmanuel's "You are being honored" skit
12. Gerry Luistro's & Jorge Emmanuel's recitation of Lord Byron's poem'There was a sound of revelry by night..." Jorge still knew every line of it!
11. The meals that were highly appreciated specially the buffet and the Casa Rap lunch
10. Clem Bautista's speech and his choking at the memory of his co-teachers and his experiences in the Juvenate.
9. The group photos session. The weather held up until we were done with all the groups.Then it rained!
8. The closure that individuals shared during the Get To Know You Night
7."Because of you I was able to write speeches for 3 Presidents,Cardinals etc." Archie Inlong paying tribute to Fr Reg during the intro night.
6.The sign of peace during the Day 2 Mass
5. The response after the showing of the "Back to the Juvenate" video
4. Fr. Reg Ahearn's "Was it a waste of time?" sermon during the Mass
3. Tied for 3rd: Fr Reg Ahearn's arrival( it was like a celebrity had just arrived!) & Fr. Nonie's the "catalog" faux pas which Fr. Reg corrected..& got laughs during the Day1 lunch
2. Merienda (Day 1) I was seated at table with Fr. Nick Abella, Lito Palapal,Joe Vergara,Rodel Macasaet & we were just exchanging stories like it was during Juvenate days...no boundaries of seniority.What was memorable was the most senior(Joe Vergara 1961) and the most Junior(Rodel 1975) were seated together.
1. "Joe Vergara is that you?"
"Nonie, its me Nick"
"Bobby Castro!" followed by a smile...a handshake or an embrace...
---for me this was the essence of the R&R.
"Long lost brothers" seeing each other after a long time and still recognizing each other...
...the embrace was like once again"embracing one's past."
...when I saw a lot of this in Day 1, I knew the reunion was already a success!
Monday, March 13, 2006
GOALS FOR THE SHORT TERM
I figured that I have a lot of time to fill in nowadays so I'm setting some short-term goals for myself (achievable within 3 months) so I will check if I've achieved these by June 15.
1. HEALTH: V-tapered look (160 lbs.) 39 in chest;31-32" waist; 15-16" guns; bigger calves &
forearms; Bench press; 160 lbs
2.WEALTH: Regularly make 3% in AMWAY or better;Additional 300K savings=2.5M
3. Learned Adobe Photoshop
4. Mastered use of my CanonA620 & taken portraits/creative shots using it
5. Developed & posted the Millbrae Mendoza webpage
6. Completed 50% of drawings for the SBC Souvenir Program
7. Read new books
8. Painted the Creation mural
9. Fixed the files/documents
10. Renewed my passport & outlined a plan for travel to the USA
1. HEALTH: V-tapered look (160 lbs.) 39 in chest;31-32" waist; 15-16" guns; bigger calves &
forearms; Bench press; 160 lbs
2.WEALTH: Regularly make 3% in AMWAY or better;Additional 300K savings=2.5M
3. Learned Adobe Photoshop
4. Mastered use of my CanonA620 & taken portraits/creative shots using it
5. Developed & posted the Millbrae Mendoza webpage
6. Completed 50% of drawings for the SBC Souvenir Program
7. Read new books
8. Painted the Creation mural
9. Fixed the files/documents
10. Renewed my passport & outlined a plan for travel to the USA
Sunday, March 12, 2006
TAKING MYSELF TO THE EDGE & OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE
I invested 100K in a 1 year time deposit this morning. My relationship banker, Claire Guiao, suggested I invest it in a mutual fund (much of which I couldn't really understand) but when she said the words I could understand:"no guarantee on the principal...risk of the principal" my reaction was to be risk averse again and just go with the low risk but low return time deposit.
The story of my life, I guess.
I don't know if when someone writes my biography the basic theme would be:"His life was predictable...and boring." And it would be true because unlike others my age, I've basically kept to a safe pattern of existence, and not thrown caution to the wind & done crazy things one reads about in novels.
I've not travelled on a backpack or hiked mountains or lived on the edge. Nor have I planned many vacation trips with the kids because my first priority has always been about saving money for the rainy day.
Not that I have not had my thrills...but I wonder what it would be like to just live it up a little!
The story of my life, I guess.
I don't know if when someone writes my biography the basic theme would be:"His life was predictable...and boring." And it would be true because unlike others my age, I've basically kept to a safe pattern of existence, and not thrown caution to the wind & done crazy things one reads about in novels.
I've not travelled on a backpack or hiked mountains or lived on the edge. Nor have I planned many vacation trips with the kids because my first priority has always been about saving money for the rainy day.
Not that I have not had my thrills...but I wonder what it would be like to just live it up a little!
Thursday, March 09, 2006
UPDATING MY LIST OF GOALS & SOME OTHER THOUGHTS
The saying that "Life is short" was brought to fore last week when one of the members of our San Beda egroups,Simon "Tos"Santos Jr.,died of a heart attack. I think he was 52 or 53 years old. He left behind a wife and 6 kids.
It got me thinking about the hypothetical question:"What would you do if you knew this was going to be your last day?" There were a lot of things I wanted to do which I wished I could do in my lifetime. So one thing led to the other and it ended up with me looking at my list of goals and ticking off those I had already accomplished (e.g the Reunion of ex-Juvenists) & adding new ones.
Added to my list were those about improving my skills and potentials...like learning Adobe Photoshop,going back to my hobbies & interests (like photography, illustrating) ,to new sports: like aikido.
I also wrote down additional places I would like to visit (like the Bahamas,Rio de Janeiro) for a romantic weekend or an enjoyable vacation with the kids. Just imagining myself achieving these was enough to get me excited and alive again.
I know the only thing blocking me from getting these things done were my own mental blocks and the amount of money at hand.
But as I've already experienced time and again,if I really put my mind and heart to it,the resources seem to just come.
SOME OTHER THOUGHTS:
A funny thought just came to mind while I was thinking about why remain faithful to one wife. What is the promise in heaven for this? I thought maybe, the reward would be that because I was willing to put aside my sexual urges (and not to sleep with the women I've been attracted to) and be faithful to Jaja...perhaps in heaven, my reward would be I get to sleep with all those women with no guilt at all & have the most wonderful sex everyday!
How about those poor Islamic suicide bombers? I heard they were promised 72 virgins in heaven if they die for their faith. An idea for a cartoon would be to show that the virgins they were going to make love to are old spinsters or fat women...after all, Mohammed did not really qualify what these virgins would look like!
It got me thinking about the hypothetical question:"What would you do if you knew this was going to be your last day?" There were a lot of things I wanted to do which I wished I could do in my lifetime. So one thing led to the other and it ended up with me looking at my list of goals and ticking off those I had already accomplished (e.g the Reunion of ex-Juvenists) & adding new ones.
Added to my list were those about improving my skills and potentials...like learning Adobe Photoshop,going back to my hobbies & interests (like photography, illustrating) ,to new sports: like aikido.
I also wrote down additional places I would like to visit (like the Bahamas,Rio de Janeiro) for a romantic weekend or an enjoyable vacation with the kids. Just imagining myself achieving these was enough to get me excited and alive again.
I know the only thing blocking me from getting these things done were my own mental blocks and the amount of money at hand.
But as I've already experienced time and again,if I really put my mind and heart to it,the resources seem to just come.
SOME OTHER THOUGHTS:
A funny thought just came to mind while I was thinking about why remain faithful to one wife. What is the promise in heaven for this? I thought maybe, the reward would be that because I was willing to put aside my sexual urges (and not to sleep with the women I've been attracted to) and be faithful to Jaja...perhaps in heaven, my reward would be I get to sleep with all those women with no guilt at all & have the most wonderful sex everyday!
How about those poor Islamic suicide bombers? I heard they were promised 72 virgins in heaven if they die for their faith. An idea for a cartoon would be to show that the virgins they were going to make love to are old spinsters or fat women...after all, Mohammed did not really qualify what these virgins would look like!
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