March 25, 2009

It has always been said that there are things in life that are worth the wait. This implies that there are things in life that should be handled with patience, care, understanding and good judgment.

In today’s fast paced world, people tend to go for what is fast and easy. Thus, there are drive thru food establishments, the ready to wear items, the speed dating events, the shortened school curriculums, the hope for fast and quick route to fortune via lotto or STL, the medicines that could make one taller or slimmer faster, and the like. These things seem to make life more convenient and hassle free. Everybody apparently wants to have what they want fast and immediately. There seems to be no tomorrow. What is quite interesting to note is that some people do not believe in the old adage of “no pain, no gain”. There seems to always be a quick fix and shorter route to things.

I do not belittle people who go for such or put them down but what I am saying is that there is still value in working hard for something we desire, need and want. One’s perseverance and commitment can lead to reaching one’s seemingly impossible goals or the best he or she could ever attain. I believe in always going for one’s dreams, needs and wants and not settling on second best, what’s available or what’s easier to obtain.

I would like to think I’m a person who loves challenges. I go for what might seem to be hard, unattainable or a long shot. I have practiced such with my school choices, career decisions and relationship options.

In school, I chose Ateneo to be my alma mater in college even though I am a Lasallian from Kindergarten to high school and no one from my family has attended school in Ateneo De Manila University. I also chose AB Economics as my course as I feel I should develop and improve my skills when it comes to dealing with numbers and analysis. Luckily, despite not being that good in anything that has numbers, I even was a Dean’s Lister. I also decided to study in an international school, the Asian Institute of Management in its Executive Program despite being only 23 then and the youngest in my batch in AIM. Furthermore, I chose to get my Masters in Public Management major in Local Government Administration from the University of the Philippines-Open University Diliman Campus even if I was only 23 years old, one of the youngest in my batch, and I was working at that time and even in the latter part of my schooling transferred my residency to Iloilo City. The travel time, the distance, the schedules I had to endure took its toll on me but it was all worth it as I obtained my Masters Degree at a very young age. This is also true with my Doctoral Degree in Management with concentration in Public Management program from the Central Philippine University as I again am one of the youngest at age 27 when I started and will hopefully earn the doctoral degree at only age 29. I thank God for such blessings and the support of my parents and family.

In my career decisions, I do also go for the road less traveled. I decided to be an IT Analyst at first even though I wasn’t good with computer language. At that point in my life, I became technology savvy, and saw and harnessed the power of Information Communication Technology. I then became a New Business Development Assistant that was tasked to help out my manager with new businesses and new product launches when San Miguel Corporation was undergoing its regional expansion program. I didn’t have a marketing or communications background but my job dealt with marketing, advertising and research. I enjoyed my job so much and learned so much from it as well as it was applicable to my present job now. After a couple of years in SMC, that was the time I then decided to go home to my place of birth, Iloilo City. I worked as a public school teacher that dealt with different kinds of young people and also a private post graduate degree university professor when I was only 25 which meant that most of my students were older than me. It was my first experience in teaching and I had 2 good full years of teaching experience. I was even acknowledged and recognized by the students and the school administrators as the best teacher for certain school years. I had a great experience as I was sharing knowledge and molding minds. Moreover, Iloilo City has also made my dream come true as I influenced people especially the youth in a bigger and wider capacity and scope as a media personality by becoming a TV host, Radio anchor and newspaper columnist. It made me share my thoughts, beliefs while also getting inputs from others and exchanging ideas. My tri-media programs aim to give voice to the voiceless and recognition and importance to those who are seemingly left out. Most recently, in 2007, I ran as city councilor in a place that wasn’t my family’s bailiwick and I seemed to be a long shot winner of a seat in the 12 man City Council. I was also the youngest candidate and winner at age 27. I am now living my dream career and that is as a public servant who is trying to do his job excellently for the people who gave him their trust, support and mandate. I thank the people of Iloilo City, my leaders, my supporters, my parents, my family and the Lord for giving me the chance to serve others in a bigger and more influential capacity.

In matters of the heart, I had my first puppy love when I was 16 and she was two years my senior. She was a model and a popular girl. It was in college at age 20 when I met my college sweetheart and first fiancée. She was a model, theater actress and a student council officer. We were together for 4 years. This was followed by relationships with other women from abroad or from the Philippines. Now, at age 29, I am still single meaning not yet married. I’m not in a hurry or in a rush. My dad married when he was already 36 and my brothers married at age ranging from 32-34. I also have one more older brother who should first take the plunge. I never allow myself to be pressured by others. I always trust the Lord that He has that right woman for me. I also didn’t want to just settle for anything less than what I want. The woman I want and need is a woman of substance, grace, compassion, beauty, intelligence and has concern for others. In an unexpected time and place, I met a good friend of mine who I haven’t met and talked to for a certain time who asked me if I was interested to meet someone. At that time, I politely said maybe next time since I was still in a complicated situation. Every week after such, my friend and cousin again called and asked me if I am interested to meet the same person that I was supposed to date and described her as a “great catch”. After a certain time, I felt I was ready and prepared and I even got to know about the lady with the help of modern technology and she seemed to be a great catch. For the first time in my life after being elected to the post, I gave myself a break from my normal busy schedule and gave focus on another aspect of my life. I traveled the distance and took the risk. I finally was introduced to her. It was only supposed to be a small talk that led to long interesting conversations. She is so pretty, intelligent, has a great personality and has a heart for helping others. She really is a great catch. It took me 29 years to meet and find someone like her. I feel so blessed and lucky just for the simple fact that I know her. The question is will I be able to keep her? She seems to be worth the wait and the risk. I thank God for this ultimate blessing. He truly works in mysterious ways. Fate such as serendipity does happen.

Let us not be impatient or be controlled by what people say or by pressures coming from different sources to do this and that. Let us go for something we want at the right time. The right time happens when we truly are forward looking, prepared and ready...then we pray and hope that everything will fall into place.

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