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.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
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
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!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
THE 2006 EX-JUVENATE GRAND REUNION AND ITS AFTERMATH
Finally, the Grand Reunion of Ex-Juvenists, which had taken over a year of planning and only about three weeks of "fast -paced - sleepless night worrying- last minute cramming" preparations, pushed through last February 17 to 19 at the Redemptorist Retreat Center in Lipa City. Judging from the accolades, but much more, from the "wish we had more time" sentiment of the reunionists, all in all it was a huge success...and well worth all the trouble.
Fr. Reg Ahearn,who came all over from Australia to attend the reunion, said so himself in an email sent to the group."It was worth the trip from Australia."
Having been in the thick of the preparations for this "once in a lifetime event", I can only conclude that really, if God wants something to happen...then it will! And from what I experienced, heaven and earth will cooperate to make God's wish come true!
For how can I explain why almost mysteriously,the work load at the office seemed to be at its lightest...allowing me a lot of time to think and plan out the details of the reunion.
How come,providentially I may say, Fr. Ernie turns out to be the Rector of the Retreat House and he makes it available for all of us as the venue for the reunion?
Was it by some unseen design that the Chowking Conventions, which I regularly host, were two weeks apart of each other allowing me to be present at the reunion which was sandwiched in between?
If I push the questioning further and see things "in the light of faith" then I understand there was a reason why certain things happened in the past. For example:
1) Among the reunion organizers,I was one of those who stayed in the Juvenate the longest and was right smack in the middle of the Juvenate's life span. Therefore,I knew a lot of the older groups and also knew those who entered much later in the 1970's before the Juvenate closed down. I became the "logical" choice as coordinator of the reunion.
2) This is the eerie part. Years back when I was in Theology and based in Antipolo, I came across a lot of old photos and negatives lying about one of the elevator shafts of the Juvenate. many of the photos had been ruined by rain and the negatives had been left in utter neglect. I recognized many of these photos because I had arranged them in a Juvenate photo album when I was in 2nd year high. For some strange reason, I retrieved all that were still good and kept them in a photo album.
When the ex-Juvenate egroups was born and time came to share photos of the past, I had a lot of these photo memories to share because of a chance occurrence in the past!
3) Even Fr. Reg's presence was a God send. He was originally scheduled to be in the Philippines in October,2005 but could not make it because of a change of plans. However, because of this he was now more available this time around to attend the reunion in February.
4) Even the weather cooperated! During our group picture taking,there was threat of rain. But it turned out perfect for taking photos...no squinting of faces...no light streaking on camera lenses...just the right amount of haze. Then after we were done, that's when the rains fell. And it provided us just the right amount of coolness while we enjoyed our lunch at Casa Rap!
What did I get out of the Reunion? After all, I was so busy attending to the details that make for the perfect show, that I didn't really get to reconnect with everyone as I would have wanted.
But looking back, I did get my personal rewards from the experience.
One, of course, were the words of "thanks" from the reunionists specially those who hadn't seen each other for a very long time, and now got in touch because of the reunion.
Then, there were the smiles, the never ending laughter,the banter among old friends,the recollections...
There was a point during the afternoon of Day 1 when I was sitting at table with Lito Palapal, Fr Nick Abella, Joe Vergara and Rodel Macasaet, enjoying afternoon coffee and Elmo's pan de sal while exchanging stories. It was just like the Juvenate days when seniors would sit with juniors and be comfortable with each other. What was significant about that scene was we had the "oldest" member (Manong Joe) and the "latest" (in Rodel Macasaet) seated together,and behaving as if they were old friends. The only common bond each one had was we once lived in the Juvenate,though at different time periods.
Sadly, the reunion had to end. But what an ending! We were able to give tribute to Fr. Ron and Fr. Reg, who both got into the spirit of things by cracking us up with jokes and anecdotes. Then as we alway ended our gathering during Juvenate days, we sang the "Salve regina" and got Fr. Reg's & Fr. Ron's blessing.
It's been over a week since the R&R and I'm getting back to my daily grind.Before the event when preparations were at its height, I was all keyed up and sharp...visualizing what was to happen in my mind's eye. No wonder that after the reunion, I felt so tired that when I got to Boracay for our Franchisee's Convention I had a very deep and restful nap.
I miss the action and like the others wish we had more time..but maybe it was right we didn't overextend to the point that we would have wanted to get home away from each other.
The sentiment now is that we ought to continue keeping in touch...keep the flame alive. The northern Americans are planning something hopefully in Las Vegas.
God willing...that if it pushes through..I'd like to be part of that get together...not as an organizer but as a participant this time!
Fr. Reg Ahearn,who came all over from Australia to attend the reunion, said so himself in an email sent to the group."It was worth the trip from Australia."
Having been in the thick of the preparations for this "once in a lifetime event", I can only conclude that really, if God wants something to happen...then it will! And from what I experienced, heaven and earth will cooperate to make God's wish come true!
For how can I explain why almost mysteriously,the work load at the office seemed to be at its lightest...allowing me a lot of time to think and plan out the details of the reunion.
How come,providentially I may say, Fr. Ernie turns out to be the Rector of the Retreat House and he makes it available for all of us as the venue for the reunion?
Was it by some unseen design that the Chowking Conventions, which I regularly host, were two weeks apart of each other allowing me to be present at the reunion which was sandwiched in between?
If I push the questioning further and see things "in the light of faith" then I understand there was a reason why certain things happened in the past. For example:
1) Among the reunion organizers,I was one of those who stayed in the Juvenate the longest and was right smack in the middle of the Juvenate's life span. Therefore,I knew a lot of the older groups and also knew those who entered much later in the 1970's before the Juvenate closed down. I became the "logical" choice as coordinator of the reunion.
2) This is the eerie part. Years back when I was in Theology and based in Antipolo, I came across a lot of old photos and negatives lying about one of the elevator shafts of the Juvenate. many of the photos had been ruined by rain and the negatives had been left in utter neglect. I recognized many of these photos because I had arranged them in a Juvenate photo album when I was in 2nd year high. For some strange reason, I retrieved all that were still good and kept them in a photo album.
When the ex-Juvenate egroups was born and time came to share photos of the past, I had a lot of these photo memories to share because of a chance occurrence in the past!
3) Even Fr. Reg's presence was a God send. He was originally scheduled to be in the Philippines in October,2005 but could not make it because of a change of plans. However, because of this he was now more available this time around to attend the reunion in February.
4) Even the weather cooperated! During our group picture taking,there was threat of rain. But it turned out perfect for taking photos...no squinting of faces...no light streaking on camera lenses...just the right amount of haze. Then after we were done, that's when the rains fell. And it provided us just the right amount of coolness while we enjoyed our lunch at Casa Rap!
What did I get out of the Reunion? After all, I was so busy attending to the details that make for the perfect show, that I didn't really get to reconnect with everyone as I would have wanted.
But looking back, I did get my personal rewards from the experience.
One, of course, were the words of "thanks" from the reunionists specially those who hadn't seen each other for a very long time, and now got in touch because of the reunion.
Then, there were the smiles, the never ending laughter,the banter among old friends,the recollections...
There was a point during the afternoon of Day 1 when I was sitting at table with Lito Palapal, Fr Nick Abella, Joe Vergara and Rodel Macasaet, enjoying afternoon coffee and Elmo's pan de sal while exchanging stories. It was just like the Juvenate days when seniors would sit with juniors and be comfortable with each other. What was significant about that scene was we had the "oldest" member (Manong Joe) and the "latest" (in Rodel Macasaet) seated together,and behaving as if they were old friends. The only common bond each one had was we once lived in the Juvenate,though at different time periods.
Sadly, the reunion had to end. But what an ending! We were able to give tribute to Fr. Ron and Fr. Reg, who both got into the spirit of things by cracking us up with jokes and anecdotes. Then as we alway ended our gathering during Juvenate days, we sang the "Salve regina" and got Fr. Reg's & Fr. Ron's blessing.
It's been over a week since the R&R and I'm getting back to my daily grind.Before the event when preparations were at its height, I was all keyed up and sharp...visualizing what was to happen in my mind's eye. No wonder that after the reunion, I felt so tired that when I got to Boracay for our Franchisee's Convention I had a very deep and restful nap.
I miss the action and like the others wish we had more time..but maybe it was right we didn't overextend to the point that we would have wanted to get home away from each other.
The sentiment now is that we ought to continue keeping in touch...keep the flame alive. The northern Americans are planning something hopefully in Las Vegas.
God willing...that if it pushes through..I'd like to be part of that get together...not as an organizer but as a participant this time!
Thursday, January 19, 2006
51 YEARS YOUNG AND LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT 50!
Yesterday I turned 51! When I was younger I never imagined how I'd look like at 50 years plus...I was so engrossed at being young and solving the problems of the world I didn't think it important to visualize how I'd look when I'm old.
Good thing I didn't because when I look at myself in the mirror, I don't look like your typical 50 year old. Thanks to a regimen of exercise and diet and clean living, I think I managed to turn back ageing some notch back.
I read Late Lifer's recent blog on how at 83 + he's still engaged in active work. I guess that's the secret..never to retire and not to think I can't learn new skills and new tricks. Furthermore, I have the advantage of experience.
I still have a lot to look forward to in the next 50 years after all!
Good thing I didn't because when I look at myself in the mirror, I don't look like your typical 50 year old. Thanks to a regimen of exercise and diet and clean living, I think I managed to turn back ageing some notch back.
I read Late Lifer's recent blog on how at 83 + he's still engaged in active work. I guess that's the secret..never to retire and not to think I can't learn new skills and new tricks. Furthermore, I have the advantage of experience.
I still have a lot to look forward to in the next 50 years after all!
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