Am a Gokongwei Fan

I never thought in my life that I would be into e-commerce. It's the kind of business that I can afford to start up and would love to do. As a young businessman, I need someone to look up to. Someone who's good in business and has a vision of helping the nation. It's rarely to find someone in the Philippines with those traits. But still, I was able to find one. That is in the person of John L. Gokongwei, Jr.. He's a successful businessman in the Philippines and the most admired one.

The first time I heard about him was when I was in college. I've known him only as the owner of Robinson's Place in Cebu, Philippines. And I never bothered to know more about him since I was an engineering student and I was so allergic to business terminologies.

It was in 2002, when I was teaching engineering at Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), that I heard his name again. That's because he donated a multi-million peso building for Ateneo's school of management, which was then named John Gokongwei School of Management. At first, I thought he's one of the Ateneo Alumni. But he's not. He's a just generous man with an Atenean blood -- truly, a man for others.

I have read one of his speeches about his life and how he started some businesses that make services affordable to customers. Companies like Cebu Pacific Air and Sun Cellular are just examples of his successful companies that give great services to Filipinos at very affordable price. And that is what I want my business to achieve.

The story of his success made me realize that business is not just about profit. It's also helping the customers save money and make their lives easier.

I know that I still have a lot of things to learn about businesses. But to be inspired by my idol John L. Gokonwei, Jr., I am assured that I am taking my business to the right road of success.

Being Single

I've already passed half of the average human life span and I am still single. Well, it's a choice and I am not in a hurry to get married and have kids.

There are advantages and disadvantages when you are single. I would like to enumerate just 3 for each of them. Let me start with disadvantages.

Disadvantages:
1. Employed singles have to pay more when it comes to income tax.
2. When you reach retirement age, you need a private nurse.
3. If your age is above 30 and you are still single, some will think that you are afraid to commit, hate children, like to be with different partners, or think that you are gay or lesbian.

Advantages:
1. Some companies would prefer to hire singles to save on benefits.
2. No need to worry if money is not enough.
3. You can buy what you want and go anyhere you like.

Well, whatever be one's status, be it married or single, the important thing is the person is happy and we should be happy for that person. As of now, I am happy as a bachelor but I am looking forward to have a family of my own this year.

Age vs Appearance

Today, I can't anymore see my age in the calendar. Now, I am beginning to get conscious of my age.

I tried to look at my face in the mirror this morning and I realized that I gained a lot. So, instead of celebrating my birthday, I went to the school stadium and make 10 rounds of jogging. I need to keep myself fit to defeat age. That was what I was thinking while running.

Just like some showbiz personalities, they go to the gym everyday to maintain their appearance as young as possible. Some even go to plastic surgeons to help them get rid of those wrinkles. But that's expected of them.

I came to realize, after eating my dinner, that the counting of my age can't be stopped. However, I can do something to make my appearance younger than my age. Doing daily exercises and eating the right food would certainly aid me in keeping myself look young. And I should not forget to thank God for another birthday.

Ow, I need to do some push-ups. Hehehe.