Guest Speaker in a graduation ceremony



Helping award the 20 most outstanding women of Iloilo City for year 2009


Keynote speaker during the Urban Poor Day Care Recognition Day



Helping award the most outstanding parents of the elementary school students


Inspirational speaker during a school recognition event


Congrats Ilonggos!


March 31, 2009

Have you ever felt so tired and so stressed that you just do things because you have to and it would result to something mediocre, passing or even a failure? Have you been through a lot that you become traumatized that in the next relationships or careers you are in, you tend to be too protective of yourself and not enjoy the moment? Are you the type who wants to give a so so performance in anything or you would always find ways to give your best shot?

In any case or situation, it is best that we do well and not just hang on to a passing level. I always believe that we should always give the best of us and not what is left of us.

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

Happiness comes from more than one Source

3:49 PM at 3:49 PM Filed under:

All the sacrifices and the hard work have paid off when one sees their children succeed in life


Let us work together for the children


Let us continue to move up


Listening to a young student sing and show his talent



I hope to have my own little Alexander Miguel and little Xelein soon


Children are the future of our country


Let us honor the parents, teachers, barangay and city officials, school administrators, benefactors and the whole community who work together to raise a child well


Primary Education is the most vital part of a child's growing up years


Education is a treasure that no one can take away from us


March 28, 2009

Expecting one person or one thing to make you happy will surely lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction. It is not because the person or thing isn’t or doesn’t meet your expectations or doesn’t work for one’s happiness but it is because maybe we expect too much from just one source.

I would like to think that happiness comes from different people, situations and things. It would be truly unfair to expect it from one person. I always tell people close to me that there are different kinds and levels of happiness that come from the person who is special to us, our family, our friends, our work, our hobbies, the things we are passionate about, etc. Thus, we should have time for each and give some space to the person so that the person would truly find happiness in its real essence.

It might be romantic to say that a person or something makes us happy but let’s manage expectations so that we don’t pressure someone or something too much.

Let us enjoy the company of the different people and things in our lives. If happiness just comes from one source then there should have only been two people or a person with something in the world. Reality is we live with different people who we have different kinds of relationships with and we have so much things to do that can give us enjoyment and satisfaction.

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


Worth the Wait

7:53 PM at 7:53 PM Filed under:
The first bouquet of flowers I gave for my sweet inspiration


Supporting anti TB programs and projects




Proud to be part of the Junior Chamber International Iloilo. We awarded the Youth Leadership Excellence Awards to the most deserving public high school students in Iloilo City.


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.



Fly high Ilonggos. As we work together, nothing is impossible.


I am looking forward to a better future for Iloilo City. I am willing to work with anyone who has good intentions.


March 23, 2009

I have always encountered some people saying bad things or complaining about other people, groups or institutions but they themselves also practice what they complaint about. There are also some people who dislike the government they have but didn’t even bother to register to vote or didn’t even think well on who is best for the post when they voted.

It is most ideal that change should start small. Change is not about changing the world immediately but change should start within us and among us until it becomes a ripple and then a contagious action that could truly make our communities, city, country and the whole world a better place to live in.

We can do this by simply obeying our local ordinances and by being honest and sincere to others and to ourselves. As they say, the true measurement of one’s character is what he says and does even when no one is listening or looking. We should also learn to be more vigilant. Furthermore, we should be more aware of what’s happening in our communities and act appropriately.

Life is how we make it. It is better to have a good attitude, a good disposition and positive thoughts. Let us try to do it every day and let’s see and feel the difference. Being good is cool.

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


Nothing is Certain in this World

6:05 AM at 6:05 AM Filed under:


300 or more Graduating students join the LEX ACP YR 2


Guiding the youth choose the right course in college and the right career. I am with my fellow resource speakers during the LEX ACP Yr 2. Speakers spoke on Politics and Public Service, Entrepreneurship, Fashion Design, Legal Profession, and DJ and Entertainment work


Giving out raffle prizes of jackets, t-shirts and scholarships for the lucky participants of one my special proj., Labor and Employment eXperience (LEX) Alternative Career Program Year 2 (ACP) Yr 2


Guest during a district wide recognition event of day care centers


Guest speaker during a Dance Event barangay fiesta


Helping award academic excellence to the most deserving students


Being acknowledged as a person who helps out education programs and projects


Waiting for my turn to speak as guest and inspirational speaker during a moving up ceremony in my adopted barangay's pre school


Guest Speaker during my home barangay school's Super Nanay event


March 20, 2009

Overconfidence sometimes leads to complacency and at times to a loss instead of a sure victory. Some say that when one is overconfident he tends to trust too much on surveys or his gut feel that he relaxes and just let things happen.

Overconfidence can happen when one is courting someone, when one is going to take an exam, when one is joining a game or a contest, when one is running for an elective post and when one organizing an event. Possible reasons for overconfidence are when one believes in surveys too much or when one knows his skills, abilities and assets and feels that nothing can happen to stop him.

In the political arena, I always tell people there is nothing certain. We can cite the situation of a seemingly sure win of then New York Senator Hillary Clinton who lead all surveys and was the presumptive Democrat presidential contender until a long shot unknown African American first termer Senator Barrack Obama beat her to become the next president of the United States of America. This also is true in the local scene when the political institutions and establishments seen to be unbeatable lost to new faces without political machinery and a financial war chest such as Isabela Gov. Padaca who defeated the Dy’s, Nueva Ecija Gov. Umali who defeated the Josons, Pampanga Gov. Panlilio who was a priest that defeated the Lapids, and Tarlac Governor Yap who defeated the Cojuangcos. In Iloilo City, there were councilors who won in the top 3 rank in their first term but had a hard time winning their second term or even miserably lost. In the province, there were board members who won and ranked top of others but lost in their re-election. This seems to be a case when maybe performance truly mattered to the people but maybe also their overconfidence and their initial resounding victory went to their head too much that they felt invincible and unbeatable.

Let us learn from these experiences. There is nothing sure in this world. Things can change very fast. Let us not put victory too much into our heads. I don’t believe that power is permanent. It is temporary and was lent to us by the people to use it wisely and for public interest. It can easily be taken away from us. So let’s stay humble and sincere. Let’s continue to work hard and always be consistent with the people. Let us stay the way we were with them or change for the better. Let us serve them well and right.

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


Tingog para sa mabaskog nga pamilyang Ilonggo

Tingog para sa mabaskog nga pamilyang Ilonggo
With my wife, Dr. Candice Tupas and our daughter Alexa

Picture Slideshow