Are you willing to risk it all? Are you risk averse? Are you somewhere in the middle?

These are very important questions we need to ask ourselves to know what kind of people we are when it comes to risk and when we decide to enter a particular endeavor.

This is true when it comes to work, career, business opportunities and to the thing we call love.

In deciding whether to be employed, to be an employer or to be both, it is essential to know what best fits our risk profile. There are many who would like to have a permanent employment since it needs no capital and might be considered the risk free choice. Nowadays though even someone who graduated from the best university with the greatest credentials can't be too sure because of the volatile business environment. On the other hand, there are those who are not content with a fixed income and would rather be an employer themselves. This involves risks and it can fail or do well depending on many factors. Some can withstand losses for a certain period of time before they realize profits and others accept defeat and close during times of economic downturn. Furthermore, there are some who would like to have the best of both worlds. A fixed monthly income to be sure that there is something that comes every month while having their own small business on the side that may possibly add to their expected monthly income. In this instance, time management and prioritization is key to making both things work well. Some may experience success for both and some might just want to try having a small business while having a fixed expected monthly income to know if a business is something they would want. There are some who do such and when their business grows they then decide to give up their employment and focus on the business while there are some who do not do well in business and decide to focus on their day jobs instead.

Risk is a part of life. The question is what kind of risk are we ready to handle and manage. Low, medium or high or non at all. In facing risks, we should be ready to win and the hardest part is to lose. If we lose, we should know when is the best time to get out and cut losses.

In entering something whether business, a job or love, we should prepare ourselves for the worst while hoping for the best. As such, we cushion ourselves if and when we fall or exceed expectations when we are victorious.

Let us thus get to know ourselves more. Always remember that not everything we decide to embark on will result to success for us. There are times that we may fail and there are times we need to fail consecutively to be able to appreciate life more, be stronger and to find what is best fit for us. Risks make us better people and by risking, we lead ourselves to growth and betterment.

November 5, 2011

Sometimes, we walk through life and disregard what ever comes our way. Apparently, we do such because we take for granted what is, what was and what will be for one reason or another.

Constant changes come everyday. Some we may be able to control but most of it are out

of our control. People that walk by us, may never walk by us again. Friends that

are here, may never be here again, our family and loved ones, may be present for now, but

the inevitable will always happen. Not now but soon and accepting such might be good for us so that we cherish and value them always.
Some are young, some grow old, but age is not a matter of how long, but of when,

when our time is up, when our days are numbered and when we should leave, we have

no choice, our options are never open, it is said to be a one way ticket.

Just like men and women in the military, they are called, at certain times called to war, they leave and come back

at not their circumstance, but by a matter of time. They do not have time in their hands.

What they have is time to spare. Limited and sometimes unreasonable time.

They may say they need to leave but some of them might never come back.

Time, we may have it, but how much? how long? . . .

Indeed live, love, and never take life for granted. We may awake, every morning with the

same routine, same tasks, but let us be grateful, because we have life to live.

Let us take time and make time for people we love and good things. Let us not forget, that time is one of the most precious gifts

that we have or possibly the most precious one. Keep it, make it worth your while, because once it slips out of the window, it

will never come back. Time wasted is time that will never be taken back.

So what is now, what was, and what will be, is of our own making. It is a decision that is up to us.

Everybody would like to have a peaceful and harmonious co existence with everyone. Nobody likes having enemies, issues, problems and misunderstandings. As much as we try to prevent clashes and fights from happening, sometimes due to one reason or another it happens to the best of us.

Many allow their emotion to influence them and make decisions due to the heat of the moment. When hot heads dominate the scene, reason and logic might be thrown out of the window. Thus, it sometimes results to permanent damaged relationships, bad images, destroyed reputations and personal or group conflicts. Thus, some people might wish they should have thought of it much better before doing something or saying something. Although, there are instances that even if one tries to settle things well and find solutions, if the other party does not want such, then there is a problem and sometimes legal remedies are needed to manage things.

If there is a chance that issues or conflicts can be settled in a diplomatic manner, so be it. I believe that everything and anything can be talked about as long as both parties are open and willing to resolve the issue. My father always tells me that in case of conflict, it is best to try to find remedies or to exhaust non legal steps to solve issues and problems among and between those in conflict. Some say that if it a problem is resolved, things or a relationship of whatever sort will be much better than before knowing that both parties do not want to break the trust anymore.

WHEN: Sept 24, 2011 130pm-5pm

WHERE: Sanggunian Panlungsod Session Hall

Background and Info: This is another annual special project of the Office of Iloilo City Councilor Nielex "LEX" Tupas. This is the second year that this project has been implemented/done or organized and sponsored by Councilor LEX Tupas. Councilor Tupas is the prime mover, initiator and is said to be the first to do such a project. On its first year last 2009 it had SK Chairmen & SK Kagawads as beneficiaries. Now, the special project is in cooperation with the Office of the Sanggunian Kabataan Federation President Ex Officio City Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog. About 80 incumbent SK Chairmen and a number of SK Kagawads attended/participated. Councilor Tupas invited the following speakers:

1. For SK Budget, Accounting and Expenditures: Director Alfonso Bedonia Jr., Regional Director, Department of Budget and Management - He emphasized the role of SK at the barangay level and also projects that can be pursued for the youth they represent that goes beyond basketball and volleyball tournaments

2. For Ethics: Mr. John Esar T. David, Supervising Personnel Specialist, Human Resource Division, Civil Service Commission Regional Office 6 - He explained and discussed ethics well and explained and expounded RA 6713 or A Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of for Public Officials and Employees in detail

3. For Public Accountability: Atty. Ma. Sonnette S. Daquita, Officer in Charge, Ombudsman Visayas Regional Office, Graft Investigator & Prosecutor Officer 1 - She introduced the Office of the Ombudsman and emphasized that there are repurcussions to acts inimical to public interest

OBJECTIVES/AIM: To guide/mold young leaders to start well and right with their public service careers; to emphasize the importance of ethics and public accountability while doing their duties; to instill in the youth the values of passion, intensity, idealism, independence, innovation and excellent public service; to ensure, assure and ascertain transparent & good governance with great future leaders of our city and country

September 3, 2011

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, timing means "placement or occurrence in time timing of the sale couldn't have been better> and the ability to select the precise moment for doing something for optimum effect timing>".

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, struggle means "to make strenuous or violent efforts in the face of difficulties or opposition <struggling with the problem>" and "to proceed with difficulty or with great effort <struggled through the high grass> <struggling to make a living>".

A dove. People of different colors holding hands. The United Nations. These are just some of the symbols of peace.

Peace according to Wikipedia is, "a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. Commonly understood as the absence of hostility, peace also suggests the existence of healthy or newly healed interpersonal or international relationships, prosperity in matters of social or economic welfare, the establishment of equality, and a working political order that serves the true interests of all. In international relations, peacetime is not only the absence of war or conflict, but also the presence of cultural and economic understanding and unity". When our countries and the world in general is at peace, things get better in our communities and opportunities are endless for each individual.

As we watch news on TV or read magazines and news as we surf the internet, we get to know about conflicts between and among countries or within their territorial jurisdiction that lead to chaos, misunderstanding, war, injuries, deaths and economic failures. The wars and riots in Europe, The Afghanistan War and the political instability in the Middle East are just some of the few examples of such. These are the so called man made calamities and crisis. Me and many of my friends that I have talked to about such feel and think that there are so much problems and concerns happening around the world and the victims are usually the innocent civilians and the families.

As I was blessed to have visited Ho Chi Minh City courtesy of my wife, I saw and understood more about war and its consequences. It does not only involve those who do not understand each other and get their way which are usually those in top management or top offices but it affects the country in general and most especially the women and children not only during the time of war but even after decades or generations thereafter.

A war definitely destroys the economy, the social order, the systems already in place, homes, infrastructure, lives, families and the like. One party claims to be the victor and the other talks about its downfall. What it does not consider is its long time effects to the people and the country. I was shocked to see the pictures of innocent women and children who fell victim to the war and more disturbing are the children who after decades and decades of war were born and are living in a not so normal state or situation due to certain mutations and effects of the chemicals used during the war. I salute their parents who stay strong despite these tests and trials.

So many picture images and real life images have made me appreciate peace more and would want to stay and keep harmony, diplomacy, respect and tolerance with other nations and with other cultures within our nation and even our own communities. As far as I am concerned, war does not do any good. If there are conflicts or misunderstandings, the best way to handle it is through dialogue that deserves patience, commitment and understanding with the best interest of the people most especially their safety and well being as priority. As what is said, "Wala sang indi masturyahan", anything can be resolved by a good conversation. What is important is to go to the table open minded and with an aim to fix things and make things better.

Even in our everyday lives and our own circles, let us retain harmony and be the peacekeepers. In peace, good things happen and we assure a good future for our children and strengthen families.

32.

In terms of age, it is said that when one turns 32 he or she is already beyond the calendar since the most number of days for certain months is only 31. As such, the term is "lampas na sa kalendaryo". Thus, many who go beyond 31 do not already reveal their age.

In my case, I am proud and happy to say and share that last August 11, 2011 I turned 32. I believe that age is only a number and the years ideally show and reveal that we become more experienced, more mature, more ready to face bigger challenges and more willing to grab great opportunities. What remains the same is the celebration of my birthday with and for others.

Since 2008, I have celebrated my birthday with kids and families. It is my way of sharing my blessings and celebrating my special day with those who will appreciate it the most. My twin annual birthday special projects are called the Kasadyahan Pangkabataan ni LEX yr 4 and the Pabunyag sa Syudad ni LEX Tupas yr 4. For this year, the beneficiaries of the Jollibee kids party are the special children and their parents with the help of CSWDO. More or less we served smiles, laughter, games, food and drinks to 100 people. The feeling is priceless to see children smile and laugh as we gave importance to these children as well as the parents and day care workers who find the time, courage and wisdom to take care of them well. In the afternoon of my birthday, we were able to help baptize 32 indigent babies and kids at the Alta Tierra Parish. The babies and kids were accompanied by their parents and God parents. These new God sons and daughters of mine add to the more than 100 God Children that I have as a result of the mass baptism. After the baptism officiated by Msgr. Jamuyot, we treated the parents, God parents and other guests who were more or less 450 people to a reception, unlimited drinks and shakes, gift balloons and diapers, and many more.

What was different this time is that I celebrated my birthday on the day itself. For the past 3 years, I celebrated it on the day of my age but since 32 goes beyond the days of August I decided to do it on the day itself. What stayed the same is the support of generous individuals and groups who want to help in these noble endeavors and this time many more offered help in making the celebrations bigger. I would like to thank my wife, Dr. Candice Tupas who made sure these projects continued and were made bigger, to my Nanay (fmr Mayor Myrna Causing Tupas) and Tatay (fmr Governor Niel Tupas) who always support me in my endeavors, to my parents in law for the strong support, to Cong. Jerry Trenas and Mayor Jed Mabilog who supported the projects, to Fruit Magic for the unlimited shakes served, to Jollibee UPV Branch for the support, to PEPSI, to Aldente and Steps of Rome, to Bayani Cafe, to Zip-O purified drinking water, to my staff, to Glicaz that even on a short notice accepted the job of catering the event, to my media partner for this project ABS CBN Iloilo and also to GMA Iloilo for featuring the event, to my friends from the media, to Randy, to the Alta Tierrra Parish that has been the home for this project for 4 years already, to the people who would like to stay anonymous and just would like to support this endeavor, to my leaders, friends, relatives and supporters and to everyone, the gratitude will always be present.