Division of Management and the PM 298 Class of 2025 of the Master in Management Program at the University of the Philippines Tacloban successfully held a seminar titled “Building Resilience in Partnership: Disaster Risk Reduction and Accountability for the Public and Private Sectors.” last October 15, 2025 at 1.5 Degrees Function Hall, Tacloban City. It was more than just an academic exercise — it was a wake-up call wrapped in data, policy insight, and human responsibility. The discussion brought together thought leaders and practitioners who have lived and led through the realities of disaster governance in the Philippines. Regional Director...
Reflections on the 2025 Visayas Area Business Conference
This year’s Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC), hosted by PCCI Tacloban-Leyte Inc., was more than just an event—it was a convergence of vision, collaboration, and transformation. I feel deeply honored and proud to have been part of the organizing committee, taking on the role of Committee Head for the Souvenir Program and serving as Coordinator for Region 8. One of my most memorable moments was introducing Vice Governor Sandy Javier before his inspiring speech. Later on, I had the chance to share lighthearted moments, including enjoying the Goracha with Engr. Efren, which made the experience all the more special. The...
A New Chapter: Opening of Classes at UP Tacloban
The start of another academic year always brings with it a mix of excitement and anticipation. This time, it feels even more special for me as we officially opened classes for the Master’s program at the University of the Philippines Tacloban — a journey I am deeply grateful to be part of. What makes this year extra meaningful is being entrusted with the role of Student Council President. It’s both an honor and a responsibility that I wholeheartedly embrace. As we step into our third year — the final stretch before we take our comprehensive examinations — I can’t help...
Nurturing Young Entrepreneurs: Reflections on St. Paul’s Business Pitch Competition
On August 14, 2025, I had the privilege of serving as the Chairman of the Panel of Judges for the Business Pitch Startup Competition held at St. Paul’s Business School in celebration of its 31st Founding Anniversary. With the theme “Embrace the Present, Continue to Thrive,” the event took place at the Manuel Ngo Student Center and featured five highly competent student groups, each brimming with entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. From the moment the first pitch began, I knew we were in for an exciting morning. These students didn’t just bring ideas — they brought heart, vision, and a...
Built from the Ground: A CEO’s Guide to Grit, Discipline & Leadership
A Leadership Manifesto for Founders Who Started with Nothing This guide isn’t for the lucky, the loud, or the well-funded. It’s for those of us who built with our bare hands, learned as we led, and chose the hard road every single day. It’s a working philosophy—not from a stage, but from the ground. 🧭 I. DECISION-MAKING & STRATEGIC DISCIPLINE “Lead with clarity, respond with wisdom, stand by the long game.” If you’re building something from nothing, your decisions carry double the weight. You don’t have the luxury of guesswork or emotional reaction. What you do today echoes far beyond...
Bridging Vision and Action: My Takeaways from the ASEAN Conference 2025
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the ASEAN Conference 2025, organized by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) — and what an unforgettable experience it was. Themed “Forging a Future-Ready ASEAN: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive ASEAN Economic Community,” the conference brought together a powerhouse mix of business leaders, government stakeholders, and entrepreneurs from across Southeast Asia — all with a shared commitment to advancing regional collaboration. From the moment the doors opened, it was clear: this wasn’t just another conference. This was a meeting of minds and merging of missions. 🔥 Key Highlights & Takeaways 1. Inspiration from...
My Biggest Profit Is the Person I’ve Become
There are days when the applause feels too loud for the quiet work I’ve done. A few months ago, I was interviewed by The Manila Times. It wasn’t something I applied for, or pitched, or paid for. I was referred. Chosen. Someone, somewhere, saw value in my story — enough to put it on print. And now, it’s out. You’d think I’d be thrilled. I was, for a second. And then came the creeping thoughts:“Why me?”“I’m not there yet.”“I’m still figuring things out.”“I’m still tired, still flawed, still overwhelmed.” The weight of being seen while still unfinished can feel strange....
Before You Begin: The 3 Business Tools Every Entrepreneur Must Understand
So you want to start a business.Maybe it’s a lifelong dream.Maybe you’re fed up with the 9-to-5.Maybe you’ve got a killer idea, and it just won’t leave you alone. Whatever brought you here — welcome.But before you dive headfirst into the whirlwind of entrepreneurship, let me tell you this: having a brilliant idea is not enough. I’ve started businesses broke, burned out, and on fire with passion — and I’ve learned (the hard way) that there are three things you absolutely must understand before you launch. Let’s call them your Startup Survival Kit:The Plan, The Money, and The Machine. 1....
Unfolding Grace: The Journey from Doing to Becoming
She is more than a businesswoman — she is a woman of depth, discipline, and divine purpose. While she has built thriving ventures, scaled across industries, mentored entrepreneurs, and shaped markets, her true power lies in the layers beneath: her commitment to learning, her devotion to family, and her relentless pursuit of a life that means something. A lifelong learner, she’s currently pursuing another master’s degree — not for titles, but for mastery. The field wasn’t her first language, but that didn’t stop her. She chose growth over comfort and excellence over ego. She is a health advocate, an active...
What Mission: Impossible Taught Me About Business, Grit, and Leadership Under Pressure
Life doesn’t play fair—and neither does business. There are moments when you’re doing everything right, but the world seems to push harder. Revenue falls short. Operations break down. People you trusted walk away. You’re left gasping for breath, running on fumes, and yet… the mission continues. Watching Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning reminded me of a truth many entrepreneurs forget: You will be tested—not once, but repeatedly.And sometimes the clock runs down to milliseconds.But you still fight. 🔥 Business is Not for the Faint of Heart. You’ll face: Uncertainty: Markets shift. Competitors emerge. Plans collapse. Pressure: You’re the decision-maker. You...