OPENING A BUSINESS: DO WE EARN OR SPEND MORE?

(Goodpage Weekly Editorial)

Despite the Philippines being an agricultural country, a hefty number of high school graduates are enticed to take up business courses more than any other.

This might be the result of intensive campaigns for Filipinos to try entrepreneurship—resulting from the motivation that most of those who get rich are not the academically-gifted, but the street-smarts.
 This idea devoured so many Filipinos to the point that business wannabes are not only those who completed business courses but also dropouts, and professionals who chose to shift careers.
On the other end, it is in the government's best interest to keep the economy healthy by, among all other things, ensuring an encouraging environment for small and large businesses. Included in the list of government interventions intended to uplift new entrants are tax incentives, creating multiple money streams, and providing a big data hub.

However, it is apparent that government interventions have not been enough to stave off failures in operating a business. This holds true among those who engage in the micro and small category—those who have to secure a loan to finance their ventures.
In Ormoc City, more than 1,000 new businesses opened in January 2018. Ten months later—October—about 300 right away applied for closure, unable to contain heavy losses wrought by competition, and low sales, stiff government control measures—and utter lack of buying capacity among potential customers.

While government appears to intensify its drive to promote investments, stringent control measures imposed by it are actually among the main reasons why businesses flop just as easily as they pop up.
When someone opens a store, for example, one of the most nagging difficulty is building regulations—setback, occupancy documents. You fail in one of these and you fail in everything.

So the question now is simply whether the emphasis is really on motivating would-be businessmen, or exuding a “pildi-gana” stance by luring them into pouring investments at the start of the year—and pushing them to a forced shutdown at the end of the year.

(Credits to Sir Rene De Los Reyes for editing)

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE

Students, as much as I wanted to acquaint you in my class with ways on how not to commit the same mistakes I or people of my age had committed, I am being halted everytime I remember that we have so much to finish within a very limited time. All that being said, I am caught in total despair that if I cannot do that inside the classroom, may be in some other medium. So here I am writing in wee hours of the night all for your consumption.

I think I have to begin by saying that I made more memories in High School than I did in college. That is for me not to invalidate your feelings or fear of parting with friends whom you have shared all your peaks and troughs with. That's normal. Pretty normal. To console you, I guess it pays that I mention the fact that I still have most of them in my life now and I cannot describe the pain in the stomach we get everytime we talk about all the memories we've made in high school. But my dear, you cannot look back if you haven't gotten too far yet. And you can only continue journeying after making one important decision. Do you already know what I am talking about? To stop you from guessing, let me disclose it---CHOOSING THE RIGHT COURSE!

I cannot overemphasize the need to figure it out as early as now. After all nothing is more frustrating than realizing that what you have worked on for so long is not actually what you really wanted. Yes, it is a decision that can impact your entire life. I'm not saying I regretted the path I took, because if you know me well enough, I need not convince you that I do not. What I am saying is, I know a lot of people who did. And I don't want you to be just like them.

Having been to your shoes I know it is not as easy as changing your tassel from right to left. So, I have outlined some things to consider in choosing the right career path.

1. DISCOVER YOUR NATURAL BENT. Although there are several exams that will help you gauge what  are you more inclined in, I still believe that  no one else, not even your teacher, can determine what you can do without lifting a finger except yourself. This can be something that you are born with or perhaps you have developed over the years, you being a product of your environment. While there is a merit to the statement, hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard, I still believe that If you naturally possess the abilities needed for a particular course you are at an edge compared to those who do not have it. Learning will be a lot easier, trust me. You will need a shorter time to study. Remember, in whatever endeavour you are into, time is always a limited resource. You may begin shortlisting the options you have, then research or ask around about what are the necessary competencies in that particular course.

2. PICTURE OUT YOUR VISION. Just like a company that's trying to start up, you need to answer the question how do you see yourself in the long haul. Only when you know what your end goal is will you be able to lay down the steps on how you are going to achieve that. It is like developing an action plan. For example if you want to be a public servant then a course that may effectively prepare you to becoming a lawyer will suit you. For some, this vision might be a childhood dream.

3. FINANCIAL CAPACITY. It's a pity that there are some that need to forego all of the choices they've made earlier just because of this. But I have made this the last because I believe this is the most important. There were a lot who were forced to drop out from school just because they could no longer continually finance their college education. But just because you might be confronted with this doesn't mean to say it's the end of it. It is also in this aspect that there could be a myriad of possible ways. For example, you can apply for scholarships. If you're brave enough not to give up on what you really wanted, you can juggle work and school all at the same time.

This is not me being all-knowing. I am not smarter, just more experienced.

I hope you gained clarity out from this article. But just in the very event you fail to make the right decision, just remember that you can always make the decision right, if you truly will.

Be careful what you wish for because in the end, Success might be just like the attic of the house, the topmost part but generally the most empty. So while its imperative for us to feel the need to labor so hard to be successful, I think to bang away to be happy is also of paramount importance.

GLINT OF INTENTION

"The Untold Story why I almost abandon my Dream to become a Lawyer"

So, I am reminded....If I had not stopped, I am now only a year away from Law School Graduation.

If anyone gets to be asked, their initial reaction about me stopping would probably be that I was a fool for quitting. I don't know why, but the fact that it had been my childhood dream was a reason not strong enough to fuel me to keep going. Yes, I almost fell into the pitfall of believing just as the people esteemed. It had even gone too far in making me believe that Lawyering is not my cup of tea.

Given I had all the resources needed, people kept wondering why. But, every time they will ask me, I couldn't give them a definite answer. I would always end up fabricating stories. What will they expect from someone who herself was devoid of the exact reason.

I didn't know my random decision to re-enroll would turn the tide. Learning had been a lot more easier for me this time. Evening classes became an idea I always look forward to.

In my pursuit to understand why, I have searched for reasons in every corner of my heart until I reached the realms of re-examining my intentions.

The first time I enrolled, I thought it was because I have dreamt to become one even before I have learned to pronounce the word. But no, I remembered during the interview before admission, I have disclosed that what made me decide to further my studies was the fact that I was thinking it could be a way for me to redeem myself after all the frustrations I had in college. So, there. I was able to trace where all those rooted from. I was driven by my desire to look good that is why learning became more of a burden to me.

It's just funny how I find pleasure in going to class now. Now that I no longer feel the need to be validated. Now that I finally believed I am done proving myself. Now that I embrace the thought that I am enough.

I guess what spelled the difference is that now, the only reason I'm left with after all the limiting beliefs about myself disappeared, is I should because....KNOWLEDGE IS KEY and Education is a privilege denied to many.

So friends, heed my advice! Whatever you are up to, always check your intentions. After all, your intention creates your reality.

If I had it my way, I'd still take the longer route.

2017 MISS ORMOC: REACTION

The first runner-up, Miss Niña Sherra Tagalog was my bet at the start of the competition. In my opinion, she had been the most beautiful among them.

But I think Carla Meneses, the newly crowned Miss Ormoc, deserves the crown more than anybody else. If my memory served me right, she was the only contestant who was able to give a definite answer to the finale question, "How do you describe a Modern Ormocana?"

I cannot remember how she worded it, but she exclaimed that Ormocanas are resilient as manifested in how they stood up again after all the trials.

That was exactly the answer I was expecting from them. Truly, not only are we a city of beautiful people, but also a home of brilliant minds.

If I was one of the candidates I would have answered it this way.

"For me, I can compare a modern Ormocana to that of a phoenix. It being a symbol of death and reborn. Many times Ormoc had been a victim of a series of unfortunate events. We all know how devastated we were after the Ormoc Flash flood and the typhoon Yolanda but with grit and tenacity we are standing strong today."

TEACHING AS MY AVOCATION

Before I became one, there was not a time I dreamt of becoming one. In fact, I had often questioned my Mom's love for it. I often tell my students how accidental my becoming a teacher was, that there are times I think of going somewhere else to look for a greener pasture, but I guess the wrong train took me to the right destination. Day by day I became grateful of how teaching served as an avenue for me to tell my students the things which I wish I was telling my younger self if only I had the chance. I am thankful that through teaching somehow in the four corners of the classroom I am in, there is that one student whose life has never been the same because she had the chance to know me. The list could go on. But above all, I am grateful for because of teaching I need not work even a single day in my entire life. Truly, there is no such thing as greener pasture. I am where I am supposed to be. I should bloom where I am planted.

TO ALL THE FRIENDS I'VE LOST

Hey, it's me. Does my name ring a bell? I have to admit it's hurt, betrayal and abandonment that moved me to write this. 

I think a part of me will always be upset with you. I have always been asking what gave you the nerve to leave me hanging when you know for a very fact that I don't do well when it comes to parting.

You have no idea how hard it is for me to wake up everyday knowing I've lost you for good. Reminiscing all the good times is all that I can do. For a long time I've struggled to be okay with it. But time is such a good friend. Little by little I am starting to reckon with the truth that I don't matter to you anymore.

Despite all these, I'm here to tell you that you played a significant role in my life. And for that I couldn't be more thankful. If not for you, I might not have the balls to fight all the demons. I may not have found the path I am supposed to traverse. True enough, you helped me a lot in realizing the grandest version of myself.

I also would like to take this opportunity to apologize. Sorry that I vent too much. Sorry that I had been a pain in your ass. Sorry for the words I've said and for the things I did that made you feel upset. I'm sorry for not being there anymore through all your bad days.

I wish of celebrating all my triumphs with you. But I guess, in my prayers, is where you rightfully belong.

IN THE END, HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED?

A wealthy man was rushed to the hospital and was informed He only has few hours to live. So, he spent the remaining time of his life bidding farewell to his family.

He told his wife, "I'm sorry for the times I didn't love you enough, the times when I made you feel that you are seated at the backseat because I was too busy earning a living and I didn't have time anymore to check how you're doing. If I have one more life to live, know that I will still choose you and if I ever have that chance I would love you even better."

He told his son, "I might have missed your graduation, I might not have seen your development as a child but know that I love you more than you know. If I could turn back time I would play basketball with you. And please son, don't commit the same mistake I did. Don't be too busy working on your career that you forget to live a life."

He told his daughter, "I still can remember you were a little girl back then and you're always excited to see me knowing that everytime I come home I always have something for you. I love you, my dear. I may not be able to walk you down the aisle during your wedding but know that in heaven, I will be the happiest to see you in a white dress."

Lesson: We all leave the planet empty-handed. You don't spend the remaining hours of your life telling your loved ones how much money you've left them. Value relationships. It may be painful to regret the things we did but it's more fatal to bemoan the things we didn't do.

IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT OF BEING ABLE TO INFLUENCE PEOPLE, USE IT WELL!

I just couldn't get enough of what happened yesterday. We had our Christmas Party and we first had a mass before the festive part. The first thing that the Priest asked my boss upon entering their humble abode was "What is your course and where did you study college?" I didn't put much color to the question but I was struck when before he started his homily he said, "Go to a big school because the training will matter. If you are going to look at, most people who are successful came from big schools." He told us he graduated from UST and had his review at UP. I have lost count of how many times he put emphasis on where he graduated from. But it was when he asked the son of my Boss where he is studying did I almost reacted violently. He said,"Good. That is a very expensive school. There are only two expensive schools in Ormoc, SPC and Saint Paul's." He told us he owns three school, but I wonder what kind of Education his students are getting given what I heard.

I was itching to talk to him before he will leave, but I didn't had the chance. I would have told him, "Even if I wasn't able to read the bible cover to cover, I learned from my Religious Education Class in College that Jesus was once a Rabbi. He taught in dilapidated buildings or even under the trees. I fear it would come to a point that you'd only let people who belong to the upper class to hear the mass and single out all the rest. You are a servant of God, live up to His teachings."

Yes! Education is an investment. But  while there are some who can afford to go to expensive schools, many are not as lucky. It's not their fault and it's totally heedless to condemn them for that.

Let us eliminate the social stigma of determining the amount of respect one should get based on his educational attainment.

It's not bad to be proud of where you came from but let it not reach the point that you become arrogant. People, don't let your schooling affect your education.

I have always dreamt of going to renowned schools, but if this is the kind of person I become at the end of the process, God, what a horror it is!

HOW TO LESSEN THE DOWNSIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Here's how you can lessen the downside of social media.

We spend an average of four hours doing facebook. I have to admit sometimes I consume more than four hours of my spare time checking my newsfeed. One time, a close friend of mine asked how a common friend of ours is doing. To her surprised I answered I have no idea. Yes! I have more than 2000 virtual friends but I follow only a few. Contrary to the belief of many, I don't use social media to meddle into other people's affairs or worse to know how fast I'm running the race in comparison to somebody else's speed. 

Social media at its worst can go too far in threatening your mental health. Studies show that people who use social media more than the advisable length of time have the tendency to be more depressed, anxious and sad.

I used to tremble at the idea that many people of my age are already starting to settle down, to be putting up their own businesses, to have realized their Eurotrip dream. It took me quite some time to realize that nobody's life is exactly as perfect as their instagram stories. If you haven't been convinced of that fact yet, then facebook is not for you. Do you need a lot of convincing? Try avoiding keeping tabs of toxic people and tell me later on how peaceful your life had become.

As for me, Facebook has been a handy book I can read wherever I go. It's a compilation of motivational ebooks, news, and a biography of successful people I wanted to emulate. 

Forgive me but facebook is just too much to give up. It has been an avenue for me to educate people.

LETTER TO MY ALMOST LOVER

Hi Dear! It's been a while since the last time we talked. I have been true to our vow not to talk to each other and to admire each other from a far instead. I still can remember how you gave me butterflies in my stomach every time your big brown eyes met mine. And of course I cannot forget how you made me laugh with your silly jokes and unmatchable flirting. Also, I cannot stop myself from smiling whenever I remember the thought of me being caught at not knowing what to say whenever you hold my hand infront of your friends.

I had been looking forward to writing every beautiful romantic word there is to caption every photo of us I share to the public. You have no idea how fervid I was to let the entire world know that in your person, I have found the man worth losing my sanity for. Not only were you the one who could sing every note of my old time favorite love songs, you also became the man behind every melody of those songs.

Who would forget that night when you brought me home,there was mental telepathy between us, we both knew what's going to happen next without us uttering a word. I felt the warmth of your hand touching my face then you slowly moved your face closer to mine. The silence was so deafening and the only thing I could hear was the beating of my heart which was thrice faster than the usual. Unexpectedly, your phone rang, I skedaddled out of your car while smirking. I was a few more steps away from our house when I felt my phone vibrating. Just before the word hello came out of my mouth I heard you say "If I was your first love, I would have not let you go!" I was about to answer, but you immediately dropped the line. The reply you failed to hear was this,"If our paths cross again, I'll thank him a hundred folds for letting me go. If not, I would have not known the feeling of finding the one who met all of my standards as clearly as I have set them."

Yes, you were the man behind the silhouette image that appears at the back of my mind whenever I close my eyes every time I see stars in the sky fall like embers.

Now, you have no idea how hard is the battle I face every time your name appears on my newsfeed just to refrain liking your posts. I'm glad you're living the life you deserve. Just in the event you'd get into another relationship, I hope it would be with someone you truly deserve. Because if not, the idea of you will haunt me forever. Please don't give me the notion that watching you turn your back on me without stopping you was a mistake.

MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA NEEDS TO END!

I don't want to relive the misfortune my depression years ago had caused me and I'm a bit afraid that after this admission, that I almost lost my identity to SAD (Severe Anxiety Disorder), I might get labeled as being "mental." Looking back, I can still remember how others grew to be more ashamed of my mental health problems than me. Yes, including my family! While their act of pulling a shroud of secrecy in the hope that people don't find out how I was really doing, was done out of love and was totally understandable given I had a name to protect, I just realized it had actually worsen the situation. Today, I am taking you back to the times when I lost my sanity. If it entails doing so to break the stigma.

I was third year college that time when I broke up with my long time boyfriend. I grew up winning and getting all that I wanted. Perhaps, that was my first serious emotional loss. I never felt ugly, insignifact and insecure in my whole life the way I did during that time. But, I can never tell anyone right? Who would think that a strong independent woman like me will actually get affected. So I had to keep it to myself. Nobody knew there were nights when I lay still, staring at the ceiling replaying all the conversations we had. I cried myself to sleep but nobody knew. I was known to be a person who laughs smiles and jokes, right? Thinking I didn't deserve being called weak, I had secretly battled everyday to survive. But then again, the hardest person to convince that you are fine is yourself. The gruelling battle I had, didn't end there. At first, it was manageable. It was only until I reached my senior year that the situation had taken its toll on me. I could no longer remember dates. I became more withdrawn. I started hearing voices. I cried for no apparent reason. There were times when I became detached from reality. It was only then that my family decided to seek professional help. People even accused me of using prohibited drugs. I had to miss school for a month or two. If I was not given special consideration, I would have not graduated. I thought it would end there, but no! My body had a hard time adjusting from the meds I've been taking. I experienced hair loss and skin discoloration. I had a hard time staying in one place and there were times when I had uncontrollable shaking. There were also times when I cannot move a part of my body. I became more irritable. So, my Mom decided to stop the psychotic meds. I started living a normal life again. Weeks before the board exam, I had the a terrible attack again. Imagine I could no longer afford to go to the comfort room alone in the fear that somebody's going to kill me. We were told that the sudden withdrawal from the meds caused me to be revisited by paranoia and delusional episodes over and over.

I even forego the opportunity to be sent to Italy by the first company I've worked with. I could go on a tirade explaining to you how this situation of mine prevented me from achieving so much. But I guess there are things better left unsaid.

You are reading this because I feel alarmed of how ignorance, misconception and dismissive attitude towards mental health and neurological issues are becoming too widespread. It is preventing people from being open.

For those who are battling from depression, I was once in the same boat, if I made my way out, you too can!

To everyone, you have no idea how you could be of help. But if you're not too concern to take part, atleast DON'T JUDGE US!

SYMPHONY OF JOY

How to experience JOY?

To save you from scouring the internet trying to find an answer, I've collated some ways of how I did (I would like to believe I did).

I found JOY when...

I LIBERATED MYSELF. There is no restriction more oppressive than being dictated by the norms. I've stopped living to please other people. When I did, I started realizing what I have been born with (and how to realize each of those to its fullest potential) and what I have born for (and to go after it despite the prices I pay in exchange of it.)

I ALLOWED. When I permitted God to be in control, It had been easy for me to maneuver through rocky terrains. It was when I started believing that I was brought to every situation for a reason, that I became more thankful. When I gave in to the thought that the wrong train may take you to the right place, I started having enough courage to lose sight of the idea that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. I became like a water lily that blossomed in ugly waters.

I SURRENDERED. When I became courageous enough to accept the things I cannot change, that's when I have put myself to rest. There is no greater gift than being able to sleep peacefully at night. Although I have to admit, it takes a lot of learning to realize that worrying cannot empty tomorrow of it sorrows, it can only empty today of its strength.

Just like anyone who made their way out, it took me quite some time to FLOURISH. It was a battle hardly fought. You might be into the same or perhaps worse, but just remember, calm seas don't make good sailors.

Together let us create a world that makes JOY its favorite SYMPHONY!

WHAT A RIDE IT HAS BEEN, 2018!

The rise and fall of this year's roller coaster ride made it both scary and exciting. Somehow, I cannot help but feel a palpable sense of relief that finally we're down to the last day of this year. 

Along the way, I've lost people and I have to admit, they left a memory no one can steal. This circumstance soaked me in total despair at first but little by little, I am starting to realise it was only life's funny way of slapping me with the truth that when God takes away something from you, it is for the purpose of replacing you with something even greater. And so, He did! He sent angels disguised as mentors in place of those I've lost.

I think it's also in this year that I've fought the hardest battle. Quarter Life Crisis had been so debilitating since time immemorial but it is in this year that it reached its peak. Everything seemed painful as I watched my life collapse before my eyes. I've lost sight of every pinch of motivation and even my reason for living. But it is also in this year that I have recuperated from that torture. I don't know how, but the light mellowed me down. I came to see what am I here for in this planet. I found my Dharma and is now living the dream. I might not have reached the finish line yet but I am gracefully dancing with the beat.

And of course, I couldn't be more thankful for the job I have. Not only does it give me a living, I am also making a life out of it.

Believing that it is in counting your blessings that you will have more blessings to count, I can go on and reel off every single detail of how this year had been absolutely good to me, but I guess I'll leave you with this instead....

If 2018 wasn't a little friendly, believe that 2019 will be. If it will still not be, then perhaps all the years after it will be.

TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SPOKEN TO THEIR DAD FOR DECADES ALREADY

My life has been an open book to many. But for the benefit of those who don't know me personally, let me begin by telling you that I am one of those who have been born out of wedlock. For this reason, I grew up in the custody of my grandparents who have been good to me all this time.

When I was a kid back then, my Dad frequently paid me a visit but as I grew older I have been seeing him less and less for reasons I do not know or safe to say, I didn't bother knowing. If I remember it correctly, I was seven back then when I last saw his guise. It was not until I was in 4th Year High School that he again showed up. You can just imagine how happy I was to finally see him again. Until high school graduation came, when I was called to deliver my Valedictory Address, he was the first person I looked for in the huge crowd I was facing, I was dying to tell him that all of those were for him. Yes, all I need during that moment was for him to be proud of my achievement, but sadly, he was nowhere to be found. I cannot put into words how disappointed I was of him that time, suffice to say that he was indeed the first man to break my heart. Since then, for any number of valid reasons, I cut all the communications I had with him.

Then 2017 Christmas came. One of my cousins invited me to come over. I was a hesitant at first to give in to the invitation but then I realized life's too short to live in hatred. I thought to myself that perhaps it is about time I put an end to my struggle to overcome the great confusion and emotional turmoil brought about by my constant effort to maintain some semblance of a relationship with my father, half brothers, titos and titas and cousins.

The family is only broken when you sever the ties in your heart.

Grudges are only for those who believe they are owed something. Great is the person who is capable of forgiving.