August 25, 2009

Competition is defined by Microsoft Thesaurus as rivalry, struggle, battle and a contest.

Apparently, in our everyday lives, we face a lot of competitive situations. These are from getting the attention of our loved ones and friends, getting into school, being noticed by our crushes, given recognition by our superiors and peers, getting a good job, being in a relationship with the girl of your dreams and more and more.

Some say competition makes things better for everyone. It makes you personally want to grow and reach your potential. It makes one exceed expectations. It makes companies perform better than others while trying to manage the costs. It improves services for customers. In the realm of public service, best qualified leaders stand out from the rest.

Competition is actually good as it brings out the best in us and of those who are competing. It stops us from being complacent and makes us strive for excellence as we should.

In my case, I learned from the lessons of Desiderata which tell us never to compare ourselves to others as we might become envious for those who seemingly are better than us and we might become too full of ourselves when faced with people who we regard as less than us. Thus, I compete with myself on how to be better than what I am at present so that every day I learn and grow.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or my usual spiel, Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

August 19, 2009

It is said that there is nothing certain in this world except for taxes and death.

Death is defined by Microsoft Thesaurus as a loss, one’s passing away, an end and a demise. Death is something which is feared by some and brings grief and depression to those who are left behind.

Death makes us realize how finite and mortal we are. It shows that, in time, death is something that we will all be headed to.

As such, have we ever thought how do we want to be remembered? Earthly wealth and possessions don’t make a person and won’t be the one that we should be remembered with and by. It will always be how we treated others, how we loved, what we did to make life more meaningful and what impact and influence we had with our community.

Instead of being afraid of the inevitable which is death, let us prepare and do well now that we are alive. Let us love. Let us value others. Let us cherish moments. Let us immortalize ourselves in others and the community by doing well. Let us make good use of our lives.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or my usual spiel, Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

August 17, 2009

Life is about smiles and even cries. Life is about happiness and even sadness. Life is about loving and even losing love. Life is about successes and failures. Life is about risks. Life is about enjoying the company of others and seeing the world. Life is about family and friends. Life is about feeling pain and even about growing up. Life is about learning lessons and trying to be better. Life is how we make it.

I have this belief or some say motto which is live your life each day as if it were the last so that we treasure and savor each moment of our lives. We never know what’s in store for us tomorrow. Tomorrow might even never come. Why waste each day when you can do something now.

Let us never think that there is a lifetime ahead of us so we can just take our time. How would we know how long each of us would live? So, it is best to love as if it were the last and to live as if it were the last day of our lives.

Let us cherish the gift of life and use our days wisely. Finally, the best thing we can do while still alive is to do something for others so as we get ready for anything that might happen to us tomorrow, we feel secure and happy that we have lived a full life.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or my usual spiel, Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

August 14, 2009

Love is defined by Microsoft Thesaurus as feeling affection for, devoted to a person, care for, be fond of, adore someone, and be dear to one’s heart.

Most of us understand the concept of love as a feeling for a special someone, our parents, siblings, family and friends. To a select few, it goes beyond our closest circle and reaches communities, cities, provinces, and the country. It is about other people we don’t even know that much. It is about thinking of how to make things better for them. It is about thinking of them first before ourselves. It is about thinking of the best interest of others and the community.

A genuine love for country was greatly felt with President Cory’s ascendancy to power when Senator Ninoy Aquino was assassinated. It was also seen when President Cory became Citizen Cory that even in her political retirement her service to the Filipinos went beyond holding political office. It was again seen in her influence and effect to the Filipinos when she recently passed away. Truly, she leads us and guides us even in death.

I am more inspired to do well and serve the people of Iloilo City with her great leadership example. Thank you Pres. Cory. The gratitude will always be present.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or my usual spiel, Para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON Kabataang Ilonggo, UGYON Iloilo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.

August 11, 2009

Birthday. It's the day we are reminded of the precious gift we have and that is life. It is also the day we are reminded of another new year in our lives and that we are a year older.

Today is the day I say good bye to my twenties and as my wifey has said, the day I embrace my 30's. She actually woke me up very very early today just to greet me and to talk to me about plans and other things.

Before today came, yesterday, I made a hard decision of announcing my political and public service plans of being ready to possibly run for a higher post in Iloilo City. It has been a year or so that rumors were going around the City that I was running for a higher post. It seemed like a political twist of fate from a candidate for the City Council in 2007 that was being laughed at, put down and maligned, I then became someone who is seen as a serious and viable candidate for a higher political post in Iloilo City amidst the fact that I am only on my first term, I am the youngest City Official right now, my family can't vote for me and Iloilo City is not our bailiwick. It is an honor and a privilege to be considered as someone who can rise the political ladder this early. Truth be told, I was a reluctant and hesitant perceived candidate for a higher post. I know my limits and there are a lot of factors involved. Eventually, I reminded myself that being in politics and public service isn't about me and I took a big risk in 2007 when I decided to enter the political scene here at age 27 despite the biggest political personalities who tried to stopped my political victory.

We have to be ready to face any challenge that come our way. We have to be ready for the call of the times and respond to the needs and requests of the people we serve. This time I am definitely ready, willing, prepared and forward looking to take the big leap and another risk for Iloilo City. It's not about me, it's about the best interest of the City. If the people want me to and I would be the better candidate for the post, then I will accept the challenge.

In terms of continuous education, I am hopeful that with God's grace, I will obtain my Doctor of Management in Public Management Degree in the next few months. I have always believed in continuous education. After my Doctoral studies, I wish and hope to be able to be given a chance to study in the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.

On a lighter note, I am so thankful for all the kind words and birthday greetings I have been receiving since yesterday. It feels so good to be loved. I also thank my Nanay for always being there for me as well as my dad and siblings. I am also blessed to have long time and old friends who stay come what may.Furthermore, I am blessed to have reached certain goals in my life at a very young age and it wouldn't have been possible without the help of other people. Thank you to everyone the gratitude will always be present.

Apparently, reaching 30 doesn't seem to be that bad.

As what I usually say as my battle cry or spiel, para sa kauswagan sang Syudad sang Iloilo, UGYON kita nga mga Ilonggo. Ilonggos are worth working and fighting for.