February 28, 2009

A risk, according to Dr. Bhatta, is about a sense of “uncertainty of outcome”. Dr. Bhatta added that “people prefer to take risks on the basis of a known rather unknown probability” which he calls as risk ambiguity.

Many of us apparently seem to be risk averse. We rather go for something certain, expected and sure. This might be true for some who would want a stable job rather than have a business, go into politics or try their luck in showbiz or other non stable professions. For others, it seems that being secure is more preferred than choosing the unknown even if it has potential of yielding more. Is it because of the fear of the unexpected and the dislike for change? Some people even don’t like their daily simple routine to be disturbed or altered.

I’d like to believe that each of us have our own level of risk aversion. This might be what Dr. Bhatta mentions as risk tolerance and risk appetite.

Some say that a risk is a gamble because the outcome is unsure.

I remember my former girlfriend and fiancée tell me before when we decided to go into a serious relationship, “I know you’re an economist and you take calculated risks but sometimes you should just grab a good opportunity when it passes by”. I was a 3^rd year AB Economics College Student in Ateneo de Manila during that time. I honestly didn’t think of going into a relationship with her as a risk but what she said made me think about such. She was a model of various magazines as well as a shampoo commercial model, a theater actress, and a student council officer. We were in a relationship for four years. This was about the same situation with a once special girl in my life who I met in Indonesia who is nine years my junior. Even though both relationships didn’t last same as the other relationships I had, I believe that each relationship helped me grow and made me a better person.

On a different experience, when I ran to become officer of the Ateneo Student Council in Ateneo De Manila University, I was only one of the less than twenty Lasallians out of the thousands of new Ateneans. LaSalle Green Hills and Ateneo have this certain rivalry that started ages ago. One of my opponents was a well known international debater and the other was from Ateneo high school. Some ridiculed me and told me that I didn’t have a chance since I’m from a rival school and I was not yet accomplished during that time. I even had close friends who told me sarcastically, “good luck na lang”. I was the Honors’ Class President in LaSalle but Ateneo is definitely not my territory. I was blessed to have won resoundingly and was in the student council for two consecutive terms in various positions before I graduated. I also had similar experiences with Rotaract and Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas that despite being a relative newcomer in these organizations, I was chosen and voted unanimously to become President for the former and National Vice President for the latter. My most recent experience is here in Iloilo City when I ran as City Councilor in a highly urbanized city which isn’t my families’ political territory. I was a new resident of the City and a relative unknown personality. Some told me it was an uphill battle for me especially that some did everything to block my possible political entry. I never gave up and just worked hard to gain the trust and support of the Ilonggos. I am blessed, honored and privileged to have been given the chance to serve Iloilo City. These are just some of my experiences of overcoming obstacles, believing in one’s self, believing in one’s constituents, being persevering, asking for God’s guidance and knowing that anything is possible.

Risks happen when good opportunities are seen but the outcomes are uncertain. There are risks that are considered as high risks but would also produce high rewards if managed properly. There are risks worth taking and would yield what we want best. Thus, let us look around. Let us check out if there are good opportunities. After such, let us calculate and manage the risks we need to take so that whatever happens, you would tell yourself, it was good that I tried my best and grabbed the opportunity than say in the future, why did I let the opportunity pass me by.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

Assisting in the giving out of thousands of PhilHeath cards for the barangay folks from various City Districts

February 25, 2009

According to Microsoft Thesaurus, a threat is a warning, a menace and a form of intimidation. It seems to be a signal that one is in peril, in danger or at risk.

Who among us would want someone to force us into doing something we dislike? Who among us would like someone to trample on our rights? Who among us would appreciate someone who is asking for a favor and pushes us to give it or else? Who among us loves to hear threats and intimidations? If you are the same as me that we don’t appreciate such gestures or acts, then truly we can say threats don’t work. They actually backfire and we tend to stay away from people who love to do them.

According to the book 48 Laws of Power, it is said that fear is better than love because fear can be controlled and managed while love like friendship is uncertain. Well, I still believe in good public relations, camaraderie, diplomacy and good intentions in winning people over. It is easier to deal with people who are genuine, sincere, easy to talk to and fun to be with. Isn’t it that we ask close friends of some particular people to bridge us to them for any purpose since it would be more comfortable with them to deal with people that are known by their close friends? Isn’t it easier to work with and be with people you like and have good relationships with? With these questions, I think most of us have experienced such and know the feeling.

Let us always remember that we can never get away with what we want through force, fear and intimidation. Some may succeed initially but in the long run, people know better and they would move against a villainous personality. Besides, it is best to do the charm offensive while befriending and smiling your way to your goal or desires.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

February 22, 2009

Jealousy is defined by Microsoft Thesaurus as envy or resentment. Defamation according to Microsoft Thesaurus is synonymous to slander, libel or smear.

It is sad to know but it is a reality that there are some villainous people who find joy in destroying other people’s reputation and image. They try to fabricate stories in order to insult and hit other people. I feel bad for those who are being abused, exploited, damaged and ridiculed. I feel anger and resentment for those who enjoy doing such especially to good people. Don’t they have better things to do?

Why do some do such a bad thing to others? I thought we were raised by our parents and teachers well with a culture that values kind heartedness and respect for others. The worst thing one can do is that because of envy and jealousy they try to put others down by even manufacturing false stories and spreading lies. What is good though is that people don’t like people destroying others, or talking ill behind their backs and are wise enough to discern what is true and what is just misleading. Most people feel and see sincerity in a person and they would be the best judge to know and see for themselves what truly is real.

Atun panumdumon nga masmaayu ang ginagub-an kag ginakahisa-an sang sa kita ang mangguba kag maghisa. Magsalig lang ta sa Diyos kag sa tawo nga maubayan kita sang maayu kag mapatihan ang husto. The best thing to do for those who do ill to us and who try to discredit or manufacture stories against us is to just live our life the way that nobody will believe in them.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

Giving an inspirational message during a barangay event

February 19, 2009

When I was growing up, I would always see the signs that read “look good, feel good and do good”. During that time, I was thinking how could that be? I was asking myself, how can one’s appearance affect his mood and emotions. More than that, how could that translate for a person to do good.

Let us fast forward to my grown up years. My personal experience as well as my observation of people around me show that looking good does have a connection with feeling good which translates to doing good. When we look presentable by being clean, neat and appealing, we get that good vibes that makes us confident and in a great mood. As such, we ideally then become more productive, caring, understanding, open minded, approachable and friendly.

Some say this is the reason why people go to the gym, parlors, barber shops, shopping centers, spa centers and the like especially to relieve stress. Apparently, what one feels in the inside is shown in one’s appearance and actions towards life and others.

In my case, I’d rather be known for my substance rather than my looks. Looks fade but good attitude and intelligence are long lasting and appreciated more. I’d like to thank people for having kind words about how I look and it might have helped me in my chosen careers but I hope to be known more for my performance and substance.

To all Ilonggos, let us continue to look good inside and out. As they say, if one looks good inside, it will radiate outside. Masmaayu gani kuno ang makawiwili.

Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.