PUREGOLD ERRONEOUS ADVISORY GOING VIRAL: A Marketing Strategy?

Viral Marketing is the name of the game. It is a creative, well-thought and intentional attempt of the company / advertiser to make a buzz in social media. It appeals to people's ideals and emotions - eliciting reactions and poking fun. When more and more netizens engage themselves, it leads to a massive online conversation with thousands of likes, shares, comments and uploads.

This strategy when well-executed becomes effective - allowing advertisers and companies to reach their marketing objectives (raise awareness, increase demand, attract customers, improve sales, augment revenues, etc.)

PureGold's recent post has gone viral because it features one of the challenges brought by the pandemic; i.e. rules on who are allowed to go shopping - age as the criterion.

The buzz will continue to draw more reactions and without people knowing, they are already buying products inside PureGold stores because the brand has reached their choice heuristics, top of mind awareness, curiosity, etc.

The next time you see an erroneous content of an advisory, think twice Companies like Puregold have their proofreader, top management and employees who are grammar nazis, and simply, creative advertisers

#ViralMarketing #PureGold

Sunday Service: WHAT SHALL WE DO IN TIMES OF CRISIS

WHAT SHALL WE DO IN TIMES OF CRISIS

Yesterday (March 15, 2020), the Crossed Over Citi Church in Illigan conducted an online Sunday service so we can still praise and worship God in our respective homes. Our Senior Pastor, Pastor Bayani Areola shared God’s message on what shall we do in times of crisis.

We are in a situation right now where everyone is panicking because of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). People flock to stores to buy groceries, face mask and alcohol because of fear. Others even resort to hoarding so they could have more than enough. There’s a spirit of fear, a spirit of death, and a spirit of sickness. This is the kind of challenge we are most fearful of because we can hardly see the virus: who’s infected and how does it actually transmit to others. But worry not, we are under God’s control.

In Matthew 24:7-8, Jesus speaks about the last days. “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” The sign of the end times is likened to an expectant mother who suffers from pain before giving birth. This is also what happens before the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. People around the world will face tribulations of all sorts: calamities, war, hunger and diseases. Presently, the world is combatting Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) which has become pandemic, meaning it is prevalent throughout the entire country or the whole world. COVID-19 has significantly affected economic activities and people’s lives. More than 50 countries have been infected with the disease and in our nation, there are over a hundred persons confirmed with COVID-19. This raises a huge concern because we never know how long will the disease affect our lives. But we have to remain hopeful and come to the Lord in prayer. Even in the olden days during the time of Moses, God inflicted 10 plagues to Egypt in order to force Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to depart from slavery. The 10^th plague: Death of the Firstborn was the most heartbreaking but God has spared the people of Israel by letting them mark a lamb’s blood above their doors inorder that God will pass over them. In the same way that our God will spare us from the devastating effect of COVID-19!

So, what shall we do in times of crisis like what we are facing now?

1. The first thing that we need to do is found in the book of 2nd Chronicles 7:12-14. "The Lord appeared to him at night and said: ‘I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land.’”

God is calling us to repent and turn away from our sins. This is the right time that we come and humble down ourselves to God. We need His divine intervention because we never know the extent and impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Let us seek God for his intervention through our constant prayer. Let’s continue what we have started this week especially the 3:00AM prayer everyday.

2. We have to realign our priorities. We realize that we have been too busy with our work, schooling and we keep on travelling from one place to another. But now, we are discouraged from going out our homes because we can hardly see the virus. There’s a high risk of getting infected if we keep on meeting people, that is why mass gatherings are suspended. This is indeed a serious matter – a life or death situation. But God will fight for us. He will not forsake us. We just have to realign our priorities because this is the most opportune time to establish, restore and strengthen relationships with our family. This is also the best time to have an intimate relationship with God by reading the Bible, by doing the daily devotional, and by sharing the Gospel online.

3. Release your faith, instead of fear. The health crisis has made people panic and most resort to hoarding as much as they could have because of fear. We all experience fear especially that our city is under community quarantine. But God reminds us to pray so we can have peace of mind. We need to release our faith, instead of fear. Fear can paralyze us. It will greatly affect our decisions. In 2nd Timothy 1:7, it says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Let us stay calm because God is in control of the situation. He will never forsake us.

In Psalm 56:3-4, it says “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” Everyone experiences fear because it is part of our emotions. But don’t let fear overrule your life. Trust the Lord in every situation of your life. Every time we praise God and declare his word, faith will arise. Whenever you feel fear, start praising God. Start declaring God’s promises to your situation. God will supply all your needs. The Blood of Jesus is our covering and protection. God will protect us from all plagues, pestilences and calamities. Don’t declare negativities in your life. Don’t panic in the bad news. We still believe that there is good news. The Devil is trying to create fear in the hearts of men. But it is also the avenue of God to speak to our hearts. This is the time of great harvest. People don’t know what to do. Tell other people that there is no other hope in this world except God. Jesus is coming very very soon. It is written in the holy scriptures. This signals God’s second coming.  

In Romans 10:17, it says “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Let us allow God to touch our hearts. Let’s continue reading the bible and performing the daily devotional. It will strengthen our faith and we will be able to share the good news to everyone.

In Psalm 112:7, it says “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Blessed is the man who fears the Lord. They will not be afraid of bad news because they put their trust in God. Their faith is unwavering because no matter what happens, God will always be there.

In Philippians 2:8-11, it says “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on the Cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Jesus Christ gave his life to you and me. He died on the Cross. God exalted Jesus to the highest place. Jesus Christ is Lord!

JESUS’ NAME IS ABOVE COVID-19!

JESUS’ NAME IS ABOVE FEAR!

JESUS’ NAME IS ABOVE SICKNESS!

JESUS’ NAME IS ABOVE DEATH!

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OVER MY LIFE!

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OVER FAMILY!

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OVER OUR COMMUNITY!

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OVER OUR CITY!

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OVER THE NATION PHILIPPINES!

JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OVER THE WORLD!

YOU ARE PROTECTED BY THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS! AMEN!

BLOGAPALOOZA CONNECTED EVENT 2018

My IBS family with Ms. Ace Gapuz, CEO of Blogapalooza, Inc. 

I started attending Blogapalooza in 2016 and I am always grateful for the wonderful learning opportunity in digital marketing every time. This year’s Blogapalooza has the theme ConnecteD which gathered a huge number of bloggers, social media influencers and content creators from various places in the country. It also served as an avenue for brands to showcase their products and connect with the digital influencers.

  

Ms. Ace Gapuz, CEO of Blogapalooza, Inc. gladly welcomed everyone to the event. “We are on our 8th year and we are very lucky to have great brands as our event partners,” she said. “Blogapalooza provides a platform that connects brands and digital influencers in effectively communicating the products to potential and existing customers,” she added.

Of the various topics presented, I got hooked with Data Analytics and Influencer Marketing. Miko David, a digital marketing expert emphasized the importance of a data-driven marketing strategy. The advantages include defining clearly the target audience, their preferences and behavior. So, reaching them will be a lot easier. He also stressed out ways of analyzing the brand’s performance in social media in terms of reach, engagement and clicks. Doing this gives strategists helpful insights on what works best in a certain timeframe and group of audience.

I also got the chance to learn from a former news anchor Christine Bersola-Babao how she embraced digital technology to remain relevant to her target audience, especially these days when there is an increasing number of Filipinos going online for information and entertainment needs.

I also learned directly from successful youtubers the journey they have had when they started. Video blogging is one of the most effective tools to convey a message and promote brands. I hope to try it very soon. 

One thing I like the most during the event was the giving of a creative artwork to the speakers featuring the gist of their presentation. 

Thank you so much Blogapalooza Family for another fun-filled learning. Indeed, it was one for the books. More than the learning about the trends in digital marketing, we also got the chance to network with a wider blogosphere and I was able to reconnect with my Iligan Bloggers family :) 

Experiencing PAL: the “Heart of the Filipino”

Whenever I have a scheduled trip, I always consider booking a flight with Philippine Airlines because of their commendable customer service and management. Just last October 26, 2018, I got to experience once again the heart of the Filipino when we attended Blogapalooza ConnecteD in the City of Dreams Manila and these are the 3 things I like so much with PAL.

First off, I like how PAL manages entry of passengers for boarding. They make sure that together with business class customers, elders, parents/guardians with infants/kids and persons with disability are accommodated first before calling in the rest of the passengers. Doing this results to a systematic, organized and smooth flow of the passengers for boarding. 

Secondly, I really love receiving snacks while comfortably seated on the plane. I think, this is where PAL truly reinforces their tagline as the heart of the Filipino because one great way to touch a man’s heart is by filling his stomach with food. Yeah, and it really makes me smile to receive my share every time. The flight attendants are also kind enough to give passengers extra cup of coffee, tea or water as requested. 

Lastly, PAL manages very well requests for flight changes. Like during our flight back to CDO, the supervisor gladly granted our request for an earlier flight. One good thing is that there’s no fee for being accommodated for an earlier flight.  

This extra legroom while onboard PAL is just awesome :) Thanks to the kind crew who assigned me a seat near the exit row.

Thank you so much PAL for making letting me experience the heart of the Filipino. I dream to try your Business Class offer in my future flights. God willing.  

Exploring the City of Dreams Manila

With my IBS family taking a pose at the venue hall.

Joining the blogosphere in 2010 was one of the best decisions I made while I was in MSU-IIT taking up my masters degree. It has given me wonderful opportunities such as availing a sponsored travel, staying in a high-end accommodation and indulging with delectable dishes. This year's Blogapalooza gave me another moment to remember especially so, that their major partner is Nobu Hotel in the City of Dreams Manila I must admit that everytime I pass by City of Dreams, my mind wanders thinking what's inside the beautiful facade next to its brand name about "dreams." 

Photo Credit: City of Dreams Manila

The City of Dreams Manila houses three high-end hotels namely Hyatt, Nuwa and Nobu. It is is a 6.2 hectare entertainment complex located at Asean Avenue Corner Roxas Boulevard, Entertainment City, Parañaque. If you are travelling from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it’s just a 10-20 minute drive to reach the City of Dreams. A couple of weeks ago, we attended Blogapalooza ConnectEd and we were accommodated at Nobu Hotel. Since we took the last flight from CDO via Philippine Airlines, we arrived past midnight at the hotel. This was our beautiful deluxe room with comfy bedding which gave us a good night rest. 

One of the things I love the most at Nobu Hotel is having a breakfast at their resto because of the wide array of dishes for a sumptuous and nutritious breakfast. I could stay there for more than an hour to savor the delectable dishes.

Enjoying breakfast with my fellow Iligan blogger Sir Mike

Then there’s a beautifully made pocket garden that refreshes one’s mind because it’s mesmerizing, picturesque and just awesome. 

And yes, Nobu Hotel has a spa with a refreshing ambiance :)

Thank you so much Nobu Hotel, City of Dreams Manila for such a wonderful experience. I dream to be back again with my family in the near future.

Miracles happen everyday...

Miracles happen everyday...

Time has come that I have to personally take good care of my parents before it’s too late.

My Tatay and Nanay have been diagnosed with diabetes. Last week, my father was in pain because of a wound on his toe. He consulted a doctor and he was advised to take medicine. The pain was recurring that he decided to be admitted at Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center in Tandag, Surigao del Sur last Sunday, August 10, 2018. He was given antibiotics through IV and other meds to cure his infected toe. I was in close contact with my mother who served as my father’s personal watcher. Every time I make a call to check them, my father would say that he’s suffering from excruciating pain every now and then. He barely had enough sleep because of his illness. There was an instance when my mother called me up while I was on my way to meet my students for a research class. (08.14.18) She cried because my father’s foot has worsened. I then thought of going home immediately because my mother requested me to visit them ASAP because my father’s attending doctor recommended for a surgical operation to remove his infected toe.

08.15.18
Bothered as I was, I contacted Dr. Porferio Serrano, my 2nd degree cousin who I consider as a dear nephew. I requested him to check on my father’s condition and he readily said yes. Consequently, he visited my father and took a photo of my parents as well as the infected toe of my father. I was totally disturbed to see my father becoming thin now with his foot swollen because of the infected toe. I sought Perper’s advice and he told me that another laboratory test has to be conducted to check whether the blood circulation on his feet is still okay.

08.16.18
My beloved sister Jane Arbo told me of an alternative medicine because her daughter Dian Arbo shared that many diabetic persons have been healed with Kings Herbal. I told myself, we have to give this a try. I googled Kings Herbal Iligan, called the posted number and searched the actual location in Tibanga but after exhausting myself looking for it, I was told that they no longer have their branch now. I then googled Kings Herbal CDO. I tried calling all the numbers until I got to talk with the attendant about the details. Thankfully, I got to buy 4 bottles at Php 1,000 each.

08.17.18
After a 17-hour gruelling and butt-numbing trip from Iligan to Tandag, I arrived 1:10AM at the provincial hospital. At 2:30AM, I let my father drink 30ml of Kings Herbal. As advised, it should be taken at least 20-30 minutes before meal. Before lunchtime, we increased his consumption of Kings Herbal to 60ml.

Together with Doc Perper, we requested the attending doctor that my father be discharged from the hospital on that day because I will be bringing him together with my mother to Iligan City. Thankfully, the doctor gave permission. With the help of Doc Perper, my father was transported from the hospital to Butuan via an ambulance. We left the hospital at 1:00PM and arrived in Butuan at 4:20PM. Thank God.

At 5:13PM, we took a photo of Tatay’s swollen foot and it started to get better. Then before dinner, he took 60ml of Kings Herbal. My father also took the prescribed medicine, vitamin B complex and Cilostazole to improve blood flow on his legs and feet.

We then have our overnight stay at Wayfarer Pension House, an affordable accommodation because it would be too hard for us to proceed directly to CDO.

08.18.18
My father woke up at 4:28AM and shared to us that he got a good rest, long enough to make him feel relaxed after not getting much sleep at the hospital. We then took a photo of his swollen foot and we thank God it’s fast recovering.

Thank you so much to the doctors, nurses and staff of Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center for taking care of my father including those watchers of other patients who have become neighbors of my parents for a short while. More thanks to Doc Porferio Pantaleon Serrano for all the help: from visiting my parents to preparing an ambulance for a more convenient and easier transport from the hospital to Butuan. Special thanks to our family and relatives especially Manang Jane Celeste and Diana Arbo for introducing Kings Herbal and for the financial help. Thanks also to my wife Mj Fuentes Celeste and her relatives for being so supportive of our plan of having my Nanay and Tatay stay in our home. And to everyone who in one way or another have extended help to us especially those who sent prayers, daghang salamat.

I’m sharing this post to everyone in the hope that this may also help those who are suffering from diabetes, those who are scheduled for surgical operation to remove a certain body part because it is infected and those who could not afford insulin because it is costly. Drinking the prescribed and this alternative medicine would be okay.

Feel free to send me a message for questions.

As of this writing, we are on our way to CDO via bus transpo because my father is getting better; and hopefully we could proceed to Iligan, my home away from home.

Indeed, miracles happen everyday and we thank God for everything. May all the resources we need for the total recovery of my father be made available in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

911 is real, change is here…

I was about to sleep the other night when our Baby Abraham cried out loud because he had a difficulty breathing normally due to throat irritation. He sounded hoarse while coughing that we decided to rush him to the hospital whatever it takes. We faced a challenge on transportation because it was already midnight. We did not panic but instead explored possible options. I tried calling a former classmate but understandably, it was a time for a good night sleep. Our baby still cried and I thought of calling 911 at 11:46PM. I then dialled it via my globe phone and a representative answered my call. I immediately asked her if health emergencies form part of their services and she readily said yes. She asked me important details on the reason of the call, how old is the baby and our location. After 11 minutes (at 11:57PM) while we were packing our things, someone using a mobile number called me up and he told me that he is one of the personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Risk Management Office (CDRRMO) and that they are on their way to Tipanoy, Iligan City. At exactly 12:06AM, they reached our apartment and we boarded on their van.

They warmly accommodated us and they checked our baby’s vital signs while we were on our way to the Adventist Medical Center (formerly known as Mindanao Sanitarium Hospital).

Thank you Lord that 911 really works because being a parent so concerned of his child’s welfare will really be bothered especially if he has no vehicle yet to ride on. Thank you to 911 hotline representative for the positive response of helping out. Thank you the CDRRMO staff for the very quick action. Kudos for easily locating us despite the not-so-easily-accessible location. I forgot to ask names and took photo of them because we hurriedly proceeded to the emergency room of the hospital for the baby’s admission.

To those who are in the same situation, 911 can be accessed using your mobile phones. Just dial the number and a hotline representative is ready to assist you 24/7. They will then coordinate with CDRRMO or MDRRMO depending on your location.

Apparently, we celebrated my birthday at the hospital the entire day (July 24) 😀

As of this writing, our baby is doing well and he was discharged from the hospital this morning.

Salamat Lord…

911 is real, change is here…

#PrayingForACar

This is my post in facebook that became viral.

Philippine News Agency then featured our narrative how 911 and Iligan DRRMO helped us bring our Baby to the hospital. 

PTV also featured our story as well as other news sites. 

 HOPE THIS REACHES THIS WHO ARE SIMILARLY SITUATED, i.e., THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE A TRANSPORTATION VEHICLE OF THEIR OWN FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS...

SPEECH: 51st Commencement Exercises of San Antonio School

51^st Commencement Exercises of San Antonio School

Message of Inspiration to the Graduates

by: Prof. Richard S. Celeste, MBM, REB

Greetings of Peace and Prosperity!!!

Reverend Bishop Nerio P. Odchimar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Bishop of Tandag

Reverend Father Allan R. Fiel, School and Spiritual Director

Mrs. Myrna Salibay Delaluz, School Principal and one of my former teachers in Filipino.

Mr. Rosendo R. Daytol, GPTA President

Other school administrators. Please allow me to make a special mention: Mr. Diosdado S. Dagsa my former teacher in Trigonometry and Mathematics. Ginang Hyacinth Pascual-Espinoza my batchmate and former Binibining Wika.

Members of the faculty, staff, senior high school graduates, proud parents, my dear batchmates, my beautiful and loving wife Mary Joy and handsome son Baby Abraham, friends, ladies and gentlemen good morning.

It is indeed a privilege to be this year’s Commencement Speaker of San Antonio School, an academic institution which played a big part of what I am today. When Ma’am Salibay-Delaluz invited me via facebook, I readily said yes for two reasons: 1. It was a natural instinct for me to respond positively to the invitation. Time has come that my beloved Alma Mater through the able leadership of Mrs. Myrna would like to have me as the Guest Speaker and saying yes is my humble gesture of giving back to the academia. Then the second reason made me realize that we may not be successful in all aspects of our lives but we all have stories of challenges surpassed, achievements unlocked and strengths renewed; which, when shared creates a meaning to “at least one person” looking for some guidance and inspiration.  

My warmest congratulations to the pioneering batch of Senior High School graduates of San Antonio School. At long last you have succeeded the 2 more years added for your secondary education. Some of you might have complained why you needed to take Senior High School, but it is for you to be more equipped as you take a step closer to your bigger dream of getting a degree in college and/or getting employed the soonest time possible. The extensive and intensive exposure that you have in the academe have surely imbibed in you the necessary values and qualities for you to face another stage of your life. These values of persistence nga bisan kapoy moeskwela for 8 hours from Mondays to Fridays, milahutay gihapon kamo. Diligence na bisan sa kadaghan assignments, homeworks and projects, maumot og madasigon gihapon kamo sa pag submit sa inyo teachers. Being resourceful especially during monthly activities naa moy mabitbit like fruits, vegetables, decorative materials og uban pa. Patience na bisan 10 years na kamo ga skwela from elementary hantod grade 10, mapailubon gihapon inyo kasing kasing na mihuwat tapuson ang Grade 12. Time Management sa pagbansay bansay sa iyo oras unhon pagpaigo ang 24 hours a day na daghan requirements, exams og uban pang aktibidades inyo apilan. Being competitive sa sports, sa klase og sa mga kanta-kanta, sayaw sayaw og literary. Being compassionate and caring na tagaan nimo imo classmates og papel kay wala xa kadala, pati ballpen og even snacks during recess. Being religious, and all other values developed and strengthened all throughout your schooling. Let these values serve as your strong foundation because wherever you go and whatever you do, everything will be well. 

Another great blessing for your batch is the UNIVERSAL ACCESS TO QUALITY TERTIARY EDUCATION ACT or the Republic Act 10931 which was signed into law by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on August 3, 2017 and its full implementation in 112 State Colleges and Universities, 78 local college or university (LCU), or a state-run technical-vocational institution (TVI) will be this coming June 2018, the First Semester of Academic Year 2018-2019.  College students will enjoy Free tuition and all other school fees such as library fees, computer fees, laboratory fees, school ID fees, athletic fees, admission fees, development fees, guidance fees, handbook fees, entrance fees, registration fees, medical and dental fees, cultural fees and other similar or related fees.

Graduates, say to your seatmate. Swerte ta kay libre na atong college education.

Sa mga nanay, tatay, lolo, lola and relatives na misuporta sa mga bata, ingna imong katapad. Salamat sa Ginoo makalingkawas nata sa pang college sa atong mga anak, igsoon og apo. Lodging house, food and daily allowance dakan inyo preparahon puhon puhon.

I graduated high school last March 23, 2002 and a lot of questions bothered me at that time. Where will I spend my College Education. Will I ever go to College? Who would support my studies and will I ever make it? At one instance I overheard my parents discussing: “Hain nato paeskwelahon si Balanta? An ako kita sa habal-habal kay sakto da sa ato panginahanglan, my father said. “Magpatabang kita sa iya mga igsoon,” my mother replied. Tears flew silently from my eyes and I pitied myself. How can I fulfill my ambition of finishing a degree, of helping my parents and of making myself a role model to my nephews and nieces? Then the schedule to take College Entrance Test in MSU came and with my father’s hard-earned money which he placed in a piggybank/alkansiya allowed me try my luck in Mindanao State University. My father was too worried at that time that he insisted to have the 2,000 pesos be placed “alam niyo kung saan nilagay?” Yes under my briefs. Tinahi namin yon just to make sure that it won’t be snatched why I’m travelling and just imagine that it was a grueling 14 hours of travel from Aras-asan to Marawi City. Thanks to Lovella Mantilla for accompanying us. Salamat kadayaw Tay kay sa imo pagpaninkamot pag drive ng motor og pag ipon as alkansiya yakaabot ako ng MSU. Being far from my parents was really challenging on my part being the youngest in our family. Yeng2, my batchmate could well attest how we struggled during the early days of our stay in MSU, that every time we take a phone call appointment via Bayantel and PLDT, maghinalakay kami sa phone because of homesickness. I even told my parents that I will be going home and I will have my studies pursued at Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College, now a state University. Without me knowing that my Nanay went to MSU just to fetch me (wala pa kasi kaming cellular phone that time, so I never had the idea of her arrival). I was actually on my way to my P.E. class and I really got surprised to see my mother right at the commercial center road. Later on I said, dili na ako modayon pag uli sa ato Nay. Padayon na ako pag skwela ngadi sa MSU. Hilak na pud ko when my mother went home. Thanks to Sir Brian, a very dear friend for convincing me to stay in MSU.

What I did then was to focus on my studies so I could overcome the loneliness I felt with my parents and I had a goal to finish schooling the soonest time possible so I could find a job and help my parents financially. That goal was so clear to me: Kinahanglan dali da ako makagraduate para makatabang na. True enough, I completed all the academic requirements in 3 years and a half, and eventually graduated with honors. My gratitude also goes to my Manang Mary Jane and Kuya Bobot who supported me in my college education.

So, the first life lesson that I would like to share to the graduates is to SET A GOAL! Setting a goal 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 have it read daily. 

Second life lesson is: VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE and Dream Big. 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. This is so powerful because you will be able to attract people who will help you achieve your goals. The universe will conspire to make your dreams come true. Many years back, I envisioned to have a family of my own. I never knew when, where and how, until God gave me my beautiful wife and He blessed us with Baby Abraham. J Sa mga graduates, you can have this vision but don’t make it a priority for now kay moskwela pa mo sa College puhon.

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.  My faith in God was made stronger when I happened to know this passage in Jeremiah  29:11 which has become my guiding verse. It goes this way, “for I know the plans I have for you ,declares the Lord, 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. As one author puts it: We all are tourists and God is our travel agent who already fixed all our routes, reservations and destinations. So trust God and enjoy the Trip called life.

Fourth: Believe in yourself and avoid negative people. When you meet people who would tell you that you cannot do things, stay away from them because they can steal the passion in you. 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 of what other people think about your ideas, your goals, your clothes, your 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: GIVE BACK. Give back to your family, Alma Mater and Community. It is the best way to express our gratitude by helping others in many ways that we can. I got the chance to support my nephews and nieces in their schooling and I am hopeful that it will create a positive impact in our family. you can also get inspiration from the present situation in the community and from there we can extend help based on our ability and capacity. I have registered Negosyo Ta sa Mindanao in DTI which aims to empower the Mindanaoans to be enterprising. Any time soon, we will be conducting livelihood training, business development seminars and social media marketing workshops among others. Let us also not forget San Antonio School wherever life may lead us.

Before I end my speech, I would like to challenge the graduates: WHO WANTS THIS THESAURUS?

TAKE ACTION! 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 the bonus lesson which is to take actions. As Ms. Fleire Castro, Founder and Owner of Third Team Media puts it, “Life is about being brave and taking that next shot at success.”

Congratulations again graduates and to your respective families for this remarkable milestone. To the school administrators, members of the faculty and staff, continue molding the students holistically because they will be among the ambassadors of peace and goodwill in Mindanao.

Mabuhay ang San Antonio School! Maraming salamat po.