1998 vs 2008

(excerpt from the speech entitled “Of Family & What You Can Do” delivered during Asian Land’s general kaizen meeting held in Malolos City last January 15, 2008)

2008 is going to be a very special year for me. It is the year that I will be celebrating my 10th year anniversary with Asian Land.

If you would ask me now as to how different is 2008 with 1998, here is what I would tell you:
In 1998, people were more trusting of their colleagues and their leaders. They were more believing – for the vision that was cast, for the goals that were set, for the mission that was on hand. They were willing to be led even when there was then no proof of success from what was being preached. They were generous and more giving; and, sacrificing for the other, for the team. They were willing to give without counting the cost. They were willing to contribute their share in whatever way, shape, or form. They were always excited and were very disciplined in their ways.

But alas, that was 1998… a far cry from the general attitudes of today. Today, people seem to be skeptical with every move, decision, policy, etc. People have generally become more selfish of their motives and less sacrificing (for others) in their efforts. They have put self above team. People have become “makuwenta” – asking what is in it for them before they even act. People have become a lot more materialistic and difficult to please.

As an aside, then newly elected US President John F. Kennedy’s famous words (delivered during his inaugural address on January 20, 1961 that will forever reverberate in the walls of history) went something like this: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

During the Asian Crisis of 1997, central banks across Asia were almost on the verge of collapse. All affected governments rushed to find solutions to avert such a collapse for their respective economies. They had to be creative and come up with countermeasures because if a country’s central bank collapses, a country’s currency will be worthless. Their financial markets will collapse. Trading with other countries will be suspended. Foreign investors will move out of their country. Millions of jobs will be lost.

Thailand was one of those countries really hard-hit by the Asian Crisis of 1997. When the king of Thailand appealed for support from the people, you know what the people did? They donated their personal gold jewelry – not even mindful if they were going to see these pieces of jewelry again after they had parted with them. They came in droves. They stripped themselves clean of their personal gold and donated it to their government which needed it badly. All this gold was melted and made into gold bullions – which formed part of their “reserves” that backed up their currency… until they were able to eventually fully recover from the disastrous effects of the 1997 Asian Crisis.

Question: Can you even imagine Filipinos doing this? (How I wish.)

Look at where Thailand is now. Before the Asian Crisis, the Philippine Peso and the Thai Bhat were neck-and-neck in terms of value (relative to the US Dollar). But now, notwithstanding the recent appreciation of the Philippine Peso, the Thai Bhat is a lot more superior in value. Whereas the Philippine economy was only second to Japan’s in 1969 (and Thailand was way, way down the cellar), Thailand’s economy now is one of the better performing “tiger” economies of Asia (and the Philippines, not even close).

Why? Because they have a people willing to sacrifice for their country… because they have people who are willing to give without counting the cost… because they were disciplined enough to cost-cut, make do with what they had, and work hard… because they have people who are willing to serve their country especially when their country needs them. Unless and until we Filipinos become more giving and sacrificing for our motherland will we have the chance to see this same development happen on our shores.

And there are a lot more examples – Singaporeans uniting for a better Singapore during the reign of Prime Minister Lee Kwan Yew starting in 1965; the Japanese and the Germans working hard to help their countries rise from the ashes of defeat immediately after World War II; the Americans standing tough as they fought their way out of the Great Depression in the 1930s; and many more.

So, why am I telling you all of this? Because I want you to relate that same sacrifice we have to make for our company – Asian Land.

Personally speaking, the last 10 years for me have been transformational as they have been magical! Being with this company has literally (and figuratively) changed my life. It has helped me grow as a leader and as a person. It has molded my thinking and changed my perspective. It has given me the means to do more and be more. It has provided for daily needs as much as it secures future ones as well. It has given me hope as much as it has passed on that hope to countless others.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I owe a lot to this company. And so do you. I think I can say the same thing for most (if not all) of you in this function hall today. In 10 fruitful years have I seen lives similar to mine – change for the better, evolve into something greater, transform into something more beautiful.

And so it is. The same company that has provided for a lot of our needs and fulfilled many of our dreams now beckons for your help. It is calling on you to be there for her. The same company that has always been there for you (through the years) is now asking you if you will be there for her (now that she calls).

Ask not what your company can do for you – ask what you can do for your company.

Mayor Buhain has always mentioned this about Asian Land: “…daan-daang tao ang nabibigyan ng trabaho… libo-libong tao ang nakikinabang!”

You know, Mayor is right. Asian Land is not about him nor about Ma’am Ann. Asian Land is about the people it serves and cares for. Asian Land is about you and me. Asian Land is about today and tomorrow. The better it does today, the longer it serves tomorrow. Will you help her live longer? Will you be there for her?

Once upon a time in its history, we did exactly that for her. In 1998, we were there for her. We did what we could. We gave what we had. Big or small the contributions were, we were there for her. And she repaid us back all that sacrifice we shared, blood and sweat we shed, and, time we spent… yes, she repaid us back – and more. In 2008, she calls us back to do the same.

Will you be there for her? Will you be there for mother Asian Land?

Ladies and gentlemen… friends… family. Let us go back to the ways of 1998. Our company needs us. Asian Land needs us. It’s about time, we give her back what is due her. “Sama-samang lakas ng pamilya Asian Land para sa tagumpay!”

Asian Land, atin ‘to pare ko!

Mabuhay tayong lahat.

YOUR HARVEST WILL DEPEND ON YOUR GIVING

Andy, one of my closest friends, was coming out of Robinsons Galleria one day when he was approached by a thin woman in her late forties. She politely told him about her problem and asked if he could possibly help her out. Her son was in a government hospital and awaiting surgery. She had spent all her money for her child’s 6-day hospitalization and that all that was needed now was a tube (to be inserted into his larynx), which she had to buy but did not have the money for it. She showed Andy the doctor’s prescription and the medical test results ran on her son. She said the that tube was worth P2,800 – and that any amount of donation would be greatly appreciated. Andy mentioned that the woman seemed sincere (and had the look of desperation in her eyes). So, he pulled out his wallet, checked out its contents, and found that he had P3,000 in it. He pulled out this entire amount and handed it over to the lady. She was surprised that this person whom she had just met is handing to her this amount of money when suddenly, she volunteered that, if he had the time (and if he wanted to), he could just accompany her to the Mercury Drug store branch inside the mall – and buy the tube (instead of giving the money directly to her). Andy declined and said it’s alright to just take the money. Then, when the woman saw that he gave P3,000, she said that the amount was more than what she needed. Andy simply told her to take it – and use the excess amount for transportation fare back to the Philippine General Hospital. Tears suddenly rolled down both her cheeks and said, “Maraming salamat po… pagpalain po sana kayo ng Panginoon!”

Andy then made his way back to his office in Makati. Fifteen minutes after reaching his office, he received a call from an old client asking about the company’s new condominium project in Makati. After another 20 minutes of explaining the project and answering some questions of his old client, the person on the line says, “Okay then… I am getting two units – one is mine, the other is for my brother. I am sending the reservation checks to your office today.” Just like that. Two sales having a combined contract price of P45 million. No tripping. No sweat. Andy, of course, was elated.

Why do need to give, to share? What happens when we do?

Here is an excerpt coming from Bo Sanchez’s book entitled “8 Secrets of the Truly Rich” which offers another explanation on why we should share our blessings with others:

“YOUR HARVEST WILL DEPEND ON YOUR GIVING

As the saying goes, “The more you give, the more you shall receive.” Every time you give something away, the entire universe around you scrambles to pay you back some way. Why? When you give, you create a vacuum in your life – and the universe hates a vacuum. It will rush in and fill it to overflowing.

The reward of giving is not a matter of arithmetic. If I give a mango, I don’t receive another mango. Instead, the reward of giving is exponential. I receive a mango tree. If I give a mango, I am planting my mango seed on the soil of God’s universe, and so I receive an entire mango tree with potentially thousands of fruits inside it. So my harvest is determined by my giving. The more I give, the more I receive. It is a law written in the very fabric of the universe.”

There is no point in becoming wealthy for wealth’s sake. That path will only lead to emptiness and despair. We receive blessings to bless others. We receive wealth so that we can give it away.

By the way, Andy is an Executive Sales Director for a big real estate developer in Makati. Since that incident, his sales group has climbed from number four spot to number one in their company’s production rankings.

Mabuhay ka Andy!

"The King will reply, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" (Matthew 25:40)

'TIL DEATH WILL THEY PART

Nina, my loving wife, has been engaged in the wedding coordination and events planning business for the past ten years now. She tells me that even after ten years of being in this business, she still looks forward to every wedding. Aside from the fact that she is always happy to be a part of each joyful celebration of love, she says that each couple getting married (or “re-married”, as in their renewal of vows) has a unique story to tell.

Recently, one such particular story caught my attention – and this is the story of Jugan and Carolyn.

Jugan is a Filipino who migrated to the United States as a young boy together with his family several years ago. There in the US, he studied, graduated from college, found a decent job… and then, found the “love of his life” – Carolyn, a beautiful American lady. So, they got married there and had two wonderful children. Jugan loved Carolyn so much. And Carolyn loved him back just the same.

Until one day, Jugan was diagnosed with terminal cancer. His perfect world was suddenly shaken – rocked beyond his wildest imagination. But not his love for his wife. And more so, not the love of Carolyn for him. In fact, his sickness only served to cement their love even more.

Last August , they decided to make a trip back to the Philippines – to Jugan’s native Porac (in Pampanga)… to renew their marriage vows. Before the altar. In the place where Jugan was born. Back to his roots. One more time. Before he finally says goodbye.

View this on-site wedding video of this couple. I am not only sharing this with you to show you how beautifully the video and musical scoring were done – but also to show you how beautiful and deeply touching the love is between this wonderful couple of Jugan and Carolyn… “til death will they part!

[View the wedding video of Jugan & Carolyn]

That wedding was held just last August 8. The latest news on Jugan is that he is back in the United States and is currently bedridden. It is just a matter of days (or at most, a matter of weeks) when Jugan is expected to finally meet up with his Creator.

Life is short. Unexpected things can happen and just take you by surprise. Express your love and appreciation for the people most precious to you. Not tomorrow, not next week, not next month… but now!!!

To my dearest Nina… I love you so much!

PRAYER AND EXERCISE

About nine years ago, at age 33, I began to feel my energy was no longer the same as when I was younger. I got tired faster than usual. Recovery time from sickness was longer than usual. I just was not the same person of ten years back. So it was then that I decided to change things.

At the advice of some friends and a doctor, I embarked on an exercise regimen. I started jogging (at first, it was just brisk walking) around our village premises every morning before I would go to work. In a matter of days, I noticed a big difference with how I felt. The energy boost was motivation enough to wake up early, change into running gear, and jog outdoors.

But as the weeks, months and even years wore on, the whole thing became boring. Each lap around the village became a challenge to finish; and the thought of going an extra round was not an exciting prospect.

This experience is very similar with prayer. We all want to start the day and end it with enough spiritual energy. But as the weeks, months and years wear on, our time for prayer becomes boring and a big challenge.

One of the ways I overcame boredom with exercise was to develop a variety of routines. Today my routines include running, basketball, badminton (with my kids), and (until recently) golf. I am now looking at doing boxing with one of my sons next summer.

I have found this to be just as helpful with prayer. By having a variety of practical prayer practices I have been able to reverse the problem of boredom and have been able to pray more consistently.

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

WIN

Winning presupposes not quitting. For if you quit now, you will never find out how it feels to win. Who knows, success may just be one more effort away! Here is a music video of the song Win (by Brian McKnight) - the theme song of the movie "Men of Honor"...

"Win"

Dark is the night
I can weather the storm
Never say die
I've been down this road before
I'll never quit
I'll never lay down, mm
See I promised myself that I'd never let me down

[1] - I'll never give up
Never give in
Never let a ray of doubt slip in
And if I fall
I'll never fail
I'll just get up and try again

Never lose hope
Never lose faith
There's much too much at stake
Upon myself I must depend
I'm not looking for place or show
I'm gonna win

No stopping now
There's still a ways to go, oh
Someway, somehow
Whatever it takes, I know
I'll never quit, no no
I'll never go down, mm, mm
I'll make sure they remember my name
A hundred years from now

[Repeat 1]

When it's all said and done
My once in a lifetime will be back again
Now is the time
To take a stand
Here is my chance
That's why I...

[Repeat 1]

Mmm, I'm gonna win

"We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." (Hebrews 6:12)

HOLD ON

For people who are being weakened by the harsh events life has been bringing so far, here is a music video which I would like to share with you - to lift your spirits! In the end, if we do not allow any one to trample upon our self-esteem and make us feel bad, it won't happen. So, hold on, never give up. Things are likely to go your way... sooner than you think!

This is a 90's song entitled "Hold On" - sang by the group Wilson Phillips.

"Hold On"

I know this pain
Why do lock yourself up in these chains?
No one can change your life except for you
Don't ever let anyone step all over you
Just open your heart and your mind
Is it really fair to feel this way inside?

[Chorus:]
Some day somebody's gonna make you want to
Turn around and say goodbye
Until then baby are you going to let them
Hold you down and make you cry
Don't you know?
Don't you know things can change
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day
Can you hold on for one more day
Things will go your way
Hold on for one more day

You could sustain
Or are you comfortable with the pain?
You've got no one to blame for your unhappiness
You got yourself into your own mess
Lettin' your worries pass you by
Don't you think it's worth your time
To change your mind?

[Chorus]

I know that there is pain
But you hold on for one more day and
Break free the chains
Yeah I know that there is pain
But you hold on for one more day and you
Break free, break from the chains

Some day somebody's gonna make you want to
Turn around and say goodbye
Until then baby are you going to let them
Hold you down and make you cry
Don't you know?
Don't you know things can change
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day yeah
If you hold on

Don't you know things can change
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day,
If you hold on
Can you hold on
Hold on baby
Won't you tell me now
Hold on for one more day 'Cause
It's gonna go your way

Don't you know things can change
Things will go your way
If you hold on for one more day
Can't you change it this time

Make up your mind
Hold on
Hold on
Baby hold on

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

Prayer and Runner's High

Runner’s High is a phenomenon that people experience when one undertakes continuous strenuous aerobic exercises. The operative word is continuous – usually this occurs when one exercises over 30 minutes. This requires perseverance.

Scientists have debated on what causes the high. On the one hand there are those who believe that our bodies release endorphins while other groups believe that it releases anandamide. Still others believe it releases both.

While the debate rages, it is important to point out that both endorphins and anandamide are powerful chemical substances. As these naturally occurring substances enter one’s bloodstream they naturally relieve our bodies of stress and pain and allow us to run, swim, bike or do exercises for long periods of time.

In short both endorphins and anandamide help us do what we would typically be incapable of doing. Also as the heart pumps more efficiently, it causes a greater circulation of the blood to feed oxygen to otherwise sluggish cells. The result is a regenerated body.

This is true of prayer, our once sluggish souls and weakened spirits need continuous unrelenting prayer to release the spiritual endorphins of God into our life. The power to face the pains, trials and struggles of life and run the race marked out for us. Prayer enables us to do what we otherwise would be incapable of doing.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)