THANK YOU MADAM PEARL: A Blog Tribute

Truth be told that people come into our lives as God’s instruments for us to grow, appreciate life and learn lessons from. The person’s existence however is limited, such that no matter how much we would love to have people stay in our lives, natural forces dictate that one has to bid farewell ahead of others. Hence, death is a phenomenon that poses a challenge to everyone concerned.

Photo taken on June 2006 during our practicum at the old CBAA Canteen. 
I was a fourth year student then. 

My journey in this beautiful world entails series of encounter with people who have made significant impact in my life. One of them is a dear fellow in the name of Dr. Perla Manzano-Calunod. My first encounter with her was during my college years where she served as my Academic Adviser. I felt privileged and cared because I always had full academic load every semester which made me finish the academic requirements of BSBA Entrepreneurial Marketing in less than 4 years; not to mention that I didn’t take summer classes and that I was a consistent academic scholar then. While I was under her advisory in various subjects such as Mktg 104 (Advertising), Mktg 198 (Marketing Research), and Entrep 109 (Entrepreneurial Competency Development) among others, I could not recall any moment when she reprimanded me. Perhaps because I managed to submit all the requirements on time and followed all her comments and suggestions on my research and paper works. 

I was 4^th year by then, when she encouraged me to join the department as a faculty. With my goal to immediately land a good job, I grabbed the opportunity. It was a momentous decision for me to explore the world of teaching because it was not my chosen degree. With Ma’am Pearl’s task of assigning me basic and/or foundation courses in Marketing such as Mktg 101 and Mktg 51, I was able to cope up with the demands of teaching the students even if meant an ordeal to me. It was also during my early years of teaching that I acted as her personal secretary, encoding communication letters and modules for her online instruction. Her penmanship must not be so good but I became adept at understanding what she meant through context clues and her unique strokes of alphabet writing :D Through this, I learned how to easily prepare correspondence and I am so thankful for the learning.

This was during the first department meeting on May 8, 2014 under my 
administration as Chairperson.

There came a point in our work relationships when we had a conflict due to the establishment of Entrep 110Pahayahay Resto – a business laboratory for the BSBA Entrepreneurial Marketing students at the commercial center. I thought all the while that it was due to the large difference between the schools of thought we advocate, i.e. the traditional and innovative ways of teaching. But it was about coordination, of letting them know my plans and advocacies and having them involved in the decision making. This conflict lasted for 4 long years, yes four long years… to the extent that he wouldn’t enter the office because I was around. There were a lot of instances that we crossed paths where I consistently greet her hello and good day but she remained snob. But God is gracious that He set things in order. At the time when we had elections for the Department Chairmanship, she expressed out all her grudges, heartaches and disappointments towards me. I never reacted but listened to all what she said until I had the chance to reply. Thank God we were reconciled. It was such a relief. From then on, we went well along. 

Then came our Department Team Building and Strategic Planning on May 2014. All the faculty members of the Department were around which added to the merriments of the activities. We explored the beautiful islands of Socorro, Surigao del Norte and ventured into sea adventures like swimming, snorkelling and diving; plus caving and scenic views watching. It was really a wondrous experience where everyone of us enjoyed each other’s company and each of us appreciating the awesome beauty of nature. 

Coincidentally, our getaway fell on Mothers’ Day Celebration. After our sumptuous dinner together, I surprised her and Ma’am Codas necklaces made from shells. Both of them got teary eyed being moms to their kids. Ma’am Pearl happily said that she won’t remove the necklace while we sleep. “Dili nako ni tanggalon, hatag baya ni sa Chairman,” she expressed. True enough, she had the necklace on while we travel back from Socorro to Iligan City.

God also gave us another chance to work as a team during the Ideaspace Technopreneurship Bootcamp held at MSU-IIT. I was amazed when Ma’am Pearl responded positively to my invitational text that we are joining the bootcamp, even if the notice was sent 3 hours before the event. The seminar-workshop included a business pitch competition where innovative ideas are showcased to a panel of judges.

Q & A portion during Business Pitch Competition

I asked the organizers if faculty members can join the contest and they readily said yes because it was open for all interested participants. I immediately formed a team of 3 with Ma’am Pearl and Sir Nash. We got so excited learning from the mentors who happened to be grand winners of the Ideaspace last year. They are simply inspiring because they were able to turn their ideas into reality with the help of Ideaspace. Then the time for the business pitch competition started where we needed to present our business ideas in 3 minutes so the audience and the judges could determine the best idea

Pictorial with the top 3 winning teams, Ideaspace personnel and judges

Our team was the 4^th presenter among 8 contenders. After my presentation, Ma’am Pearl and Sir Nash joined me in facing the judges’ queries. After thorough deliberation, the winners were announced with a canned drum roll… Starting off with third place, second place and the first place – E³ Radical Ventures… Ma’am Pearl jumped off her feet for joy which I seconded after I set aside the things on my lap. Thank you so much Lord for such success. I give credit to Ma’am Pearl for naming our business idea as E³ Learning because it used to be E³ Radical Ventures (now the company name). We received Php 5,000 worth of cash prize with Ideaspace shirt, notebook and other items. The judges and our mentors warmly congratulated us for our win. Ma’am Pearl kept on smiling, we hugged each other and cherished the moment. So glad that we had this chance together. After the event, I gave her Php 1,000 because she didn’t join the delegates for dinner. Thank you so much Ma’am Pearl for joining even if it was too close to the schedule.

Sharing happy moments of receiving the rewards... :)

Another moment we shared was during the Grand Opening of the New CBAA Canteen. I found it unusual to have Ma’am Pearl join the entire program because she doesn’t want to be recognized by the emcees. As the Adviser of Entrep 197 (Practicum in Entrepreneurial Marketing), I delivered the welcome message during the program. After my speech, Ma’am Pearl congratulated me. But instead of a handshake, she put her palm on top of mine. I just disregarded it but by the time I learned that she already passed away, I interpreted it as a gesture of goodbye, like there was a message through it that goes, “Take care of the Department Richard.” It has always been Ma’am Pearl’s concern on what will be the future of the CBAA Canteen. Huhuhu. I honestly feel pressured this time because a big responsibility is at stake. With what happened to my brother, I think of resignation from my job anytime soon. But with Ma’am Pearl’s last signs, I am having second thoughts. I lift unto God this confusions and plans and may He direct me in everything that I do.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the New CBAA Canteen

These are parcels of our lives that we both share, moments that are really unforgettable and memories that will be forever cherished. Thank you Ma’am Pearl for the following lessons:

1.       Be open and be prepared to opportunities. I must have been very prepared to become a teacher because the moment you showed me possibilities, I readily grabbed it. I dedicate these successes I have in my career to you Ma'am Pearl. Thank you so much for the encouragement so I could join the faculty workforce of the Marketing Department.

2.       Be open for reconciliation and be willing to forgive. Our reconciliation was one of the biggest blessings I have in my career of dealing with people with different personalities. That 4 long years was enough for me to bear and it was truly a relief when finally we got reconciled. I wouldn’t be at peace now had we not solved our conflict.

3.       Be generous in showing gestures of love, concern and care to the people around you. We never know when will be the last time that we get to interact with the people we love. Don’t hesitate to give a flower, a card, a present or anything because we never know how significant it is for them. Appreciate, love and show some care. Nothing will be lost from you.

 I must have made this post quite long. I just want to express how thankful I am to God for having Ma’am Pearl as an instrument of faith, hope and love.

In pace requiescat Ma’am Pearl.

On the quest for #Justice

        The thought for seeking justice invokes fears, worries and apprehensions of what might happen to me and my family, of whether it may lead to success or just a failure, and of people’s indifference. While we have overcome these doubts, the ongoing act in itself poses more challenges on our safety, on our future and on our rights. Truth be told that these killings have become rampant in the society and just because nobody dares to complain outrageously, such practice will become the norm.

        We just want to tell the world that KILLING IS NOT THE SOLUTION IF OTHERS THINK IT IS. Here are some of the reasons why:

1.    Life comes from God, only Him can take it away from us. He gave us this gift so we can do something for the betterment of our society and that we get to enjoy what the world offers. 

2.    Right to life. It is stated in Article III, Section 1 of the Philippine Constitution that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws. We should be aware of this because everyone of us deserves to enjoy this most basic of all human rights. If this can hardly be protected in this democratic country, then this nation is doomed to destruction.

3.    Due process of law. Our constitution has enumerated what actions violate the law and its corresponding sanctions. I just hope that it will be strictly implemented by those in authority. Here comes in, the role of the PNP for instance, in arresting those who disobey the law. If it leads to imprisonment, why not?

I know I am just being idealistic because it is what I learned from schooling and what I hope this world does. The disparity between ideals and reality just makes me feel sad and it makes me uncomfortable being an educator.

Whatever that is, we continue this call for justice until the concerns would know how important life is, how we value such and how we desire to have due process of law.

Join us in this call for justice. Please click here for your email signature. Thank you so much. God bless.

#JusticeForEuvie: A CALL FOR JUSTICE to DOJ

Join me in this call for justice. Please click here for your email signature. Below is my petition letter to the Secretary of Department of Justice re Killing of my brother Euvie. 

31 October 2014

Atty. Leila M. De Lima

Secretary, Department of Justice

Manila, Philippines

Dear Atty. De Lima,

Greetings of Peace!

Our family mourns for the death of my brother EUVIE SERRANO CELESTE, a resident of Purok Gumamela, Aras-asan, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, 31 years of age, married with three (3) children with ages 9, 7 and 1. He was shot dead at Brgy. Bacolod last Sunday, October 26, 2014 around 9:20PM by two unidentified gunmen riding in tandem. Based on accounts of reliable witnesses, he was shot once and tried to survive but he was also stabbed to death using ice pick. His companion was shocked and managed to reach our village bringing the bad news. Hoping for second life, he was brought to Marihatag Hospital but the working staff declared he was dead on arrival.

It is stated in Article III (Bill of Rights) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws (Section 1); and No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law (Section 14).”

We therefore request your good office and other concerned government agencies and institutions to:

1.    Conduct immediately a thorough and impartial investigation through an independent fact-finding team on the killing of EUVIE SERRANO CELESTE. The investigation should not just look into the act itself but also on the root cause of the issue.

2.    Provide security for the immediate family of the victim.

3.    Implement measures by the local police to prevent any further killings similar to the incident concerning the use of motorcycles and loose firearms

This is our desperate call for justice being the bereaved family and we represent those families suffering from the same dilemma. We have high hopes in your administration that you would give priority in the promotion and protection of human rights, hence this request.

Respectfully yours,

PROF. RICHARD S. CELESTE, MBM

  Faculty, Mindanao State University

            Family Representative

Join me in this call for justice. Please click here for your email signature. Thank you so much. God bless.

The Tragic Death of my Brother Euvie

                Our family mourns for the loss of my brother, Euvie Serrano Celeste. We send this message that we will do our best so justice could be served. It may seem impossible considering our limited resources but I personally could not afford doing nothing and let the event be just part of the past. I have been a law-abiding citizen, personally conscious of our basic rights as human beings; I have been an advocate of education and teachings about the do’s and don’ts, the ideals and the freedom of expression; and I have always believed of the bright future of our native land. Hence, this shoutout so our voices be heard.

             That fateful night on Sunday, my brother was shot dead at Brgy. Bacolod by two unidentified gunmen riding on tandem. Accordingly, he was shot once and tried to survive but he was stabbed to death. His companion was shocked and managed to reach our village bringing the bad news. Hoping for  second life, he was brought to Marihatag Hospital but the working staff declared dead on arrival.

             REASON: Drug dealing. While it may be true that He does it, Oh God, it’s just occasional and on a limited basis just to make ends meet. But even that perhaps he is involved with this illegal activity, shooting him to death is unconstitutional, inhuman and unjust. I would have to cry out loud for this reason of his death. When his wife and children came home, I couldn’t help myself but be catharsized to tears. What would happen to these kids with ages 9, 7 and 1? Huhuhuhuhuhu… I feel anxious for their future. If it must have been hard when their father was still alive, how harder it would seem now when it’s no longer about financial aspect that they need to go through but even the emotional pain and the trauma of moving on further. They surely need help.

               ON FINDING WAYS TO MAKE A LIVING. It was on October 21, 2014 – 5 days before his death, that we had communication through phone. He requested me some financial assistance and I highly suggested that I would raise funds for his selling business. It was also the time when I had to tell Him to change for the better. That let it be that Jesus Christ will be his Lord and personal savior.huhuhu.

                CALL FOR JUSTICE: I am setting my foot forward to seek JUSTICE. I will do my very best to tap all related agencies leading to justice. Dear Local Government Unit of Cagwait, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Justice and all other organizations, I have high hopes in your REASON FOR EXISTENCE. I would request what is necessary, what is due us, and what the law says. 

Join me in this call for justice. Please click here for your email signature. Click here for the petition letter to the Secretary of Department of Justice re Killing of my brother Euvie. 

Speech: Product Launching Festival

Speech of Prof. Richard S. Celeste, MBM during the 2nd Product Launching Festival of the Entrep 103 Class of the Marketing Department, Mindanao State University, Marawi City.

 

Everything great starts from an idea. An innovative idea worth transforming into a tangible product. An idea with the goal of satisfying people’s needs and make their lives better.

I would like to request the Entrep 103 students to please stand and be recognized. Tap the shoulder of the person to your right and say, Congrats, you have made this far. And then tap the shoulder of the person to your left and say “It feels great to be learning with you. A round of applause. My warmest congratulations to all of you for surpassing the many challenges of pursuing this activity. To the class officers and members of the core team, please remain standing as others take their seats, I commend you for your persistence, motivation and dedication to lead the class and the entire Entrep 103 students towards the achievement of a common goal. You deserve a resounding round of applause. Requesting Sir Cha to stand. You deserve acknowledgement for guiding the students in practicing what they learn. Continue to push them harder so they could appreciate the benefits of having all these. Thank you. If I may borrow the lines of the Little Prince that goes, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eyes.” Some people might only focus on the tangibles without minding how you went through because behind this is a series of struggles, sacrifices and selfless acts just to get things done and so with that you all deserve another resounding round of applause.

There lies an entrepreneurial child in each one of us: a child who is daring, confident, determined and courageous, a child who always thinks he can do anything, and a child who believes everything is possible. Question: Do you think you still have that great confidence, courage and determination now?

Over the years, the level of self-confidence diminishes not because we are not capable but because we have been programmed or influenced unconsciously by the people around us like our parents, even teachers and the society at large who would tell us that we cannot do things. Example: You say, Gusto kong maging Doctor and your mother would reply, Pag sure dira Nak, di gani ka kabasa og tarong. How about the teachers reprimanding the students if they fail the exam or if they fail to memorize the definition of a term? How about the larger society with negative people who would laugh at us when we fail? We have then become conscious of what other people may think of us which adds to the limiting beliefs we set to ourselves. And then we say, Hindi ko nga talaga kaya, so when opportunities call you to do so, you hold back and retreat.

Added to that is our educational system with the requisites and emphasis reflected in 3 purposive statements: Study hard, get good grades and land a good job. These draw serious implications. For instance, the fear of committing mistakes hinders the creativity of the students. One becomes static and dependent largely on books because a minor mistake can be fatal. I can’t help myself but be amazed with a 20 year old boy in the name of Gian Javelona who is the Chief Executive Officer of his company Orange Apps. He said, “I think education is the main problem. All of us are molded to be employees – not employers. If you ask a student today, what they want to do after graduation, most will say that they want to work for a big, local company or go abroad and earn big money.” This is a sad reality but it’s never too late to do some things.

For example, today is the Grand Launching of your New Products in Entrep 103. It is an opportunity for you to learn how it is to become an entrepreneur. More than this launching is a series of tests and challenges on your time management, teamwork, creativity, marketing, entrepreneurial and leadership skills.

First, the time management test. I understand that you have struggled much to make both ends meet to the extent of missing other priorities not to mention the missed classes. To those who maintained a balance in all of your subjects, good for you and to those who did not, make it a goal to balance things and manage well your time. Have a to-do list as your guide and reminder. Write the tasks on your notes a night before the day begins because while you are asleep, your mind works as to how you will accomplish the tasks and so when the day comes, everything flows smoothly, allowing you to accomplish most if not all of the tasks written because some of these will need more time.

Second, the test of how it is to work with the team. I want to emphasize this: Each one of you is a significant part of the team and when you as a parcel of a subsystem do not function well, others will be affected. Imagine how much of a delay you would cause if you don’t cooperate. Always remember that your individual contributions would lead to a group success. Create a synergy for a successful undertaking.

3^rd, the creativity test. You were given the task to represent a festival in the country and you have done it so well. With your output, you deserve a grade higher than your average score in your major written exams :D

4^th, the actual marketing test, you sure have strategies to attract customers like putting up of the streamers, facilitating gimmicks and having convincing techniques to make customers buy your product. I want you to know that you will always encounter rejections but don’t take it seriously because for every 1 No from a customer is a several Yeses from other customers. You just have to believe that as long as you have something to sell, you can make a sale.

5^th, the test on your entrepreneurial skills. Starting up a business, organizing a product exhibit and selling products are really challenging. It demands much of your time, energy and yes money. But activities like this serve as one of the ways for you to appreciate what your course is all about. BSBA Entrepreneurial Marketing calls for students and faculty alike to explore entrepreneurship by engaging into it. May this grand launching and all other selling activities be an eye opener to everyone of us to consider engaging entrepreneurship worth venturing into.

6^th, the leadership test. How patient have you become in calling for a group meeting with no one in coming. How effective you are in facilitating group consensus and agreement so you could work well together towards a common goal.

All these tests are but a training ground for you - a learning avenue where you get to develop the values of being responsible, diligent, patient, disciplined and time conscious.  

 

The theme: Today’s Innovation – World Class Delights for World Class Individuals is timely and relevant as it is in consonance with MSU’s goal to be a world class institution in 2020. It poses a challenge to both young and seasoned entrepreneurs to offer innovative products so customers will be satisfied.  With a thorough and detailed focus on the stages of the product development process, anyone can come up with a brilliant idea, transform this idea into a tangible output and satisfy customer’s needs. I highly suggest that you tap the social media in your promotional activities by posting photos and update in facebook and twitter so a lot of people will know of your products who will eventually become your customers in the years to come. More so with telling the world that Mindanao is not that horrible and horrid; that we can actually do activities safely, peacefully and successfully.

Indeed, Entrep 103 is a very good foundation for your entry to the terminal or final courses Entrep 109 for the business plan and Entrep 197 for the practicum. Make your experiences here your guide posts as you continue schooling. And I encourage you to be bolder, more daring and more passionate in the future.

Before I end my speech, I would like to leave you these pieces of advice that you can keep and apply. I call it 5 Be’s.

1.      Be hungry for learning. Take every course requirement as an opportunity for you to learn, grow and be responsible. If your instructor gives you tasks to do, don’t complain right away. Always think of the benefits it could give you and find ways to learn from it. And I tell you, there’s so much learning if theories are supplemented with applications because it is through application that everything will be put to test.

2.      Be positive and be faithful. Each one of us go through struggles and some of these challenges seem to pull us down leading to decisions of giving up. As Napoleon Hill puts it, “Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the Seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” So, don’t worry of what you are going though right now because it has a positive equivalent. Whatever struggles you have, just stay positive and never give up when you are on the verge of doing it. I want to emphasize this: Do not stop when you are tired. Stop when you are done. Also, Call unto God for interventions and believe in Him that everything will be well.

3.      Believe in yourself. Venus Williams, an Olympic Gold Medalist said, You have to believe in yourself when no else does, that’s what makes you a winner. Never mind other people who would tell you, you cannot do things. One of the joys in life is actually doing what others think you can’t because it seems impossible. Two of the powerful statements available to mankind are: I can and I am… Can everyone say I can do it…. I can make it through the rain… And say I am confident, I am diligent, I am responsible, I am productive, I am determined, I am courageous, I am talented.

4.      Be in love. There can be no law greater than Love and there can be no emotion stronger than love. Find love in everything that you do and it will make you happy. How I wish though that I could stay in love longer with what I presently do for the years to come. To the students, learn to love your course and the things you do in your major subjects because you are on the right track. Feel proud you are a BSBA Entrepreneurial Marketing student because you have a vital role as a practicing young entrepreneur in the economic development of the country. It even gives you a rare opportunity to make a difference. And so when people ask you what course are you taking, confidently say, I am taking BSBA Entrepreneurial Marketing – a course giving me the option to the path less travelled by – that is becoming an entrepreneur. Most importantly, be in love with the Almighty, the source of everything for without Him, we are nothing.  

5.      Be thankful. There is power in gratitude that could change our lives because for every thank you we say welcomes more blessings and abundance. Say thank you to your parents, to the saleslady, to the tricycle driver and to anyone you come in contact with. More so with being grateful to the Almighty for all the good things He has done for us. Even be grateful for the green fields, fresh air, and everything that you have now. Learn to appreciate.

And so I am ending this message with “Who wants this?” Taking actions is indeed key towards success and may take one action at a time towards the achievement of our dreams in life. We can have so many goals and aspirations but only if we take actions can we make these dreams real.

Thank you so much everyone for listening. May you have more sales today and for the days coming so you could also appreciate earning a profit and satisfying people’s needs. Have a great day ahead. And May God bless us all.

Speech: HOW DO I GET THERE FROM WHERE I AM NOW

Speech of Prof. Richard S. Celeste, MBM during the Seniors' Ball of Mindanao State University, Marawi City, October 11, 2014. 

Good evening Ezer Batch! Good evening warriors! How are you feeling right now? Can you please tell your seatmate right now, You look awesome tonight! My warmest congratulations to everyone of you for making it this far! You are indeed victorious warriors!

A couple of weeks from now, you will be conferred with your respective degrees and it reminds me of the day of our graduation way back in 2006. I simply got teary eyed and couldn’t help myself but ask, “WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?”  

Where do I go from here is the most common question of the students after they will be conferred as graduates. Tonight, we will transform the question into “HOW DO I GET THERE FROM WHERE I AM NOW? Again, HOW DO I GET THERE FROM WHERE I AM NOW? This question enables you to find means and I would like to share with you 5 important steps for you to reach what you want in life.

First on the list is: SET A GOAL. Goal setting is a mental preparation of what you want to be, what you want to do and what you want to have in the future. Your goals serve as the blueprint of your journey. According to Robert T. Kiyosaki – author of the renowned “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” – Goals have to be clear, simple and in writing. If they are not written and reviewed daily, they are not really goals. They are wishes. Wishes are just mere expressions and may not come true. Ladies and gentlemen, I encourage you to write all your plans in a goals book and review it daily because GOALS become powerful and attainable as you put it in writing and review it daily. Bo Sanchez – author of the 8 Secret of the Truly Rich further added that by writing down your dreams, you open yourself to life’s river of abundance. And when you read what you wrote daily, you multiply the power of that river tenfold.” Wow! Don’t you like to achieve your goals? Then start writing your goals when you get home and review it daily.

Second is: VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE. Visualization is the power of creating clear mental images of who you will become in the near future. Doing it enables you to think, speak and act as if you are already the person you have dreamed of. Allow me to share with you a video clip showing what I have been through and my dreams in life.

This is so powerful because you will be able to attract people who will help you achieve your goals. It’s as if that the entire universe will conspire to make your dreams come true. I myself, experienced this. I visualized to be a well known and effective motivational speaker in the world and my presence at this very moment is a justification how visualization works. When Mr. Pelongo invited me to speak before you, I readily said yes. Why? Simply because this is a great opportunity for harnessing my speaking skills and soon I will be one of the most sought speakers.

Third is: PRAY AND BELIEVE IN GOD. Saying a fervent prayer and believing in God will lead us to the realization of our dreams. Faith in God is a very powerful guiding force available to mankind because as we pray, we develop in us, a positive mental attitude – making us enthusiastic and motivated in dealing life. In Mark 11:24, the Lord says, “Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. Thus, when we ask something from God, we should be happy and believe that we already received it and eventually, what we want will be realized, provided that it is based on a selfless intention. My faith in God was made more meaningful when I happened to know this passage in Jeremiah  29:11. I consider this as my guiding verse. It goes this way, “for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Everything that has happened and will happen into our lives entail God’s plans, so patterned for our own good. What we need to do is to trust God and thank Him for everything. Showing gratitude to God can also be done by appreciating His creations and by thanking every person you mingle with, even circumstances. In fact, Napoleon Hill said, “Every adversity like disappointments, failures, misfortunes and even heartaches carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.” Every time you will encounter an adversity, give thanks for it because behind it is a blessing.

Fourth: Believe in yourself. You have to believe in yourself when no one else does. That’s what makes you a winner (Venus Williams). I like Dr. Daniel Amen’s 18/40/60 rule: When you’re 18, you worry about what everybody else is thinking about you; when you’re 40, you don’t give a darn what anybody thinks of you; and when you’re 60, you realize nobody's been thinking about you at all. Surprise, surprise! Most of the time, nobody’s been thinking about you at all! They are too busy worrying about their own lives, and if they are thinking about you at all, they are wondering what your are thinking about them. People think about themselves, not you. Think about it. All the time you are wasting worrying about what other people think about your ideas, your goals, your clothes, you hair and your home could all be better spent on thinking about and doing things that will achieve your goals. (Excerpt from The Success Principles by Jack Canfield).

Another thing that I would like to emphasize is: Make it a habit to say I can, rather than maybe I can or I cannot. When you think you can, you awaken in your mind the power that can. This simply means that from the moment you think you can, you will realize that indeed you can really do it and certain forces will guide you to the realization of what you want. Thus, what your mind can conceive, your body can achieve. Also, what is your immediate reaction when you want something and the price seems too high. More often than not, we say I cannot afford it. But don’t you know that there is a better way of saying it. Just mention, HOW CAN I AFFORD IT. This question opens possibilities such as being able to raise that certain amount of money or somebody will give you some funds or simply someone will give you what you wanted.

Fifth is: TAKE ACTION! [WHO WANTS THIS ACTIVITY]. Taking action is one of the most proven strategies to achieve your goals. It is the best way to succeed in life. Set aside the self-limiting beliefs and take one step at a time. The sooner you do it, the better. With your goals written out, make it real by taking a step one at a time. The task may be so daunting but don’t give up. Keep pushing forward until one day, you reach your dreams.  

Anytime soon, you may forget all these. Perhaps this is just one of the throwback moments you will have but I would like you to remember this fifth step which is to take actions. As Ms. Fleire Castro puts it, “Life is about being brave and taking that next shot at success.” 

Want to get rich? Do business. Network with like-minded individuals. Explore possibilities. Take action!

Want your dream job? Plan, prepare and prove your worth it! Take action!

Want to tell someone you love them? Be brave. Don’t hesitate! Take action! I tried but to no avail until the other way around happened :D I’m happily into a relationship :D Thank God J

What are those five ways for you to get there from where you are now?

1.    Set a goal

2.    Visualize your future

3.    Pray and believe in God

4.    Believe in yourself

5.    Take action!

Thank you so much everyone! I fervently pray for everyone’s success! God bless us all and have a good night!