You are not who others say you are
“You are not who others say you are. You are not the sum total of what others say about you. You are who God says you are”. -Craig Groeschel
Aug 30th 10
Jul 29th 10
Excitement, the internet and the government
I have explained in the last election campaign that Noynoy Aquino may not be your most experienced and knowledgable candidate, but with his integrity and passion to do what is good, he can inspire the people and the government. His first 29 days in office reflects just that.
Notice how pumped up every government departments are. Lahat nagpapakitang gilas. Everyone wants to do the right thing and innovate for the good. Either this is your typical ningas kugon or something really good is happening in our government and its leadership.
One great thing that I see, and because this is close to my heart as a technopreneur, is the planned use of social networks and the internet as a whole in delivering accurate and fast service to the people. This week, the communications group laid out the plan for a very ambitious feedback mechanism where every Filipinos can send feedback to the government through Facebook, Twitter and cellphones.
That may be huge, but there are relatively small things but definitely very useful. For instance, MMDA, one of the most hated department of the government, not just by the street vendors but by motorists too, is going to hit a 3-pointer with the plan to make them accessible via Twitter.
One of my most accessed blog is about MMDA kotong cops‘ petty abuses. Imagine if you have a camera phone and you encounter abuses on the road. You just need to point, click and send to MMDA’s twitter account. That alone is a gun in itself. If all MMDA personnel know that you have a way to report their abuses to the government, they will think twice.
Imagine if this process is perfected and employed throughout the government agencies. There will be no corruption. And the services will be more effective and efficient.
Sana hindi ‘to nignas kugon. We’ve been longing for an efficient government. PNoy’s leadership is off to a good start.
Jul 26th 10
Bullies
Do you think bullies only exist in schools? Think again.
Bullies are in your workplaces. They think they can play boss because they are close to the boss. Or that they spread rumors about you and think they can get away with it.
Bullies are in your small circle of friends. Oh, the guy who’s very good at manipulating your emotions, making you submit to his or her every demand.
And yes, bullies also exist in the business world. The big businesses who tries to threaten those small entrepreneurs with law suits because they think their bullying will shake their principles. Believe me, I know what I’m talking about.
People like these have a “high school hang-up syndrome”. They think everyday is high school, but no, apparently this is now the real world. Where people are learned. Stronger. Confident. Principled.
I don’t know. Maybe this is just my “Glee” marathon hangover. Or maybe I’m just tired of being bullied around. But I believe that bullies will not exist if we all refuse to be bullied. Stand your ground. Stand by your principles. Even if it will make some few broken relationships. Or broken business deals. Or broken meals.
As author Ellen White says (I can’t believe I’m quoting her), “The world needs men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall”.
You are the reason why bullies exist
Jul 22nd 10
Beauty and confidence
Are you confident because you’re beautiful, or are you beautiful because you’re confident?
Take it from a man — we know the difference.
You can be someone who’s 45 and wanting to look 25 to regain confidence. Or an 18 years old who wants to look prettier because you lack confidence.
Or you can be confident enough to walk around and feel beautiful because you know who you are.
Do you want to be Belo-fied?
I’m not downplaying cosmetics and hair spa or whatever those things girls and ladies do for beauty’s sake, but what I know is that there’s no amount of Belo-fication can replace being confident for who you are. Its you who knows your strengths and weaknesses. Rejoice in your strengths and accept your weaknesses. And believe that the Creator did not make a mistake when He designed you as you are right now.
PS: As a married man, I just have to say this. My wife is blessed to look 12 years younger without really exerting much effort. Call me arrogant, but I just think it’s a blessing that I should be thankful for. Having said that, she’s the most confident woman I have ever seen. She knows her weakness and strengths. And she knows her standing in Christ. That, to me, cannot be replaced by any cosmetics.
Jul 21st 10
Change and butterflies
Change happens. In almost every area of our lives.
A childhood Adventist friend supposedly asked why I had to change. I was a passionate Adventist leader to them, and they were so disappointed that I changed course. My answer was that famous anonymous quote: “If there’s no change, there’d be no butterflies.”
The right question is not why you had to change, but rather, did you change for the better or for the worse?
