OVERTIME - My personal review

Was it worth my P185.00? YES!

Why? Because of 2 things: (1) To show my support to my brod Earl Ignacio (co-director); and (2) first-ever Tagalog-movie date with my ex-girlfriend - Caroline.

Entertainment-wise, was it worth watching? OF COURSE!

Why? It's a movie. Its purpose is to entertain regardless. 

Quality-wise, was it worth my time? See previous answers.

Realistically, was it really worth it? Let's put it this way... We "reasonable" Filipino movie goers tend to watch foreign movies than locals for one reason alone - local movies are not worth our money & time! Now, if we do find time to watch one, we tend to look for the many things that would convince us that this movie is not worth-watching. 

Overtime's storyline (based on the trailer) is inviting. One of terrorism, thriller, mystery & suspense. Not to mention good-looking lead actors: Richard Gutierrez & Lauren Young. It became more exciting when the plot is unveiled in the movie itself. 

A former IT employee ( Dom Garcia -- played by Richard) discovered that the pharmaceutical company he's working with illegally tests their drugs on children that caused several deaths. He tried to send his videos of his discovery online but was discovered by the company. He was bribed & later on "killed" by the thugs of the company. He befriended Jody (played by Lauren Young) & later on kidnapped her, strapped a bomb on her with the threat to detonate the bomb on the company's press con. The press con is expected to be attended by all of the company's VIPs, benefactors & the who's who in the media. If Jody failed to do this, Dom kill her brother (played by Renz Valerio) whom he also kidnapped.

Interesting, right?

But as I said, we watch out for the things that are not right on a Filipino movie. They are always there!

Enter, Mitch Valdez, (Lola Vi) a recently retired police woman who could not let go of her job. Her house was beside the hide out of Dom. She witnessed Dom drag a  body (apparently, Jody's brother) inside the house. She tried calling her police chief but he did not believe him thinking she was being paranoid. Employing the help of a petty car thief (played by Roadfill), she entered the hideout alone. But was later on caught by Dom.

Bearwin Meilley played Raffy, an IT expert who had a crush with Jody. He traced the signal of Dom's calls to Jody with the help of their super computer, SHEILA. He volunteered to go to the hideout and later on confronted Dom. They figured in a mano-y-mano. Exciting!

Making the long story short, with the help of Raffy and Lola Vi the bomb strapped on Jody's body did not explode! The brother of Jody was saved. The CEO of the company showed his guilt in public & was later on killed. After what he has done, Dom was not captured. The ending seems to say that "watch out, we have a sequel!"

The Specifics

Storyline: Pwede na!

Actors/actresses: Seems like Richard Gutierrez is better off in a love story kilig stuff kind of movies. I don't think he is credible as a psycho-vigilante-terrorist character in this movie.

Lauren Young is to clean to play a secretary terrorized by a psycho-vigilante & by her maniac-looking boss played by Roi Vinzon. And by the way, I don't think a reasonable pretty professional woman would go out and have a one-nighter with a stranger. No alcholic drinks or drugs involved. Well, that's pretty-boy Richard Gutierrez in front of you. Maybe there are girls like that in the real world. 

Mitch Valdez portrayed a recently retired police woman that looked like she should have retired years ago. In the early 2000s, I lectured old ladies at the DND some computer basics like typing and using Word & Excel. That was 14 years ago. What is the retiring age of a police officer? And what the hell was she thinking when she pointed a gun at Richard & Bearwin when Bearwin is infront of her during that mano-y-mano fight? Even instinct would tell me not to pull the trigger coz I might hit the hostage! Which she did. Sapul ang Bearwin.

Other Questionable scenes:

(1) Sprawled almost half-naked (she was on her skirt and bra) on the floor, the Bomb Squad guy was not properly dressed (well, we don't have those stuff they wore in the movie - The Hurt Locker, anyways). The other team members was even less than 10 meters away from the bomb strapped in Jody's body. Bahala ng ma-bomba basta makita lang ang bombang katawan ni Jody. 

(2) After the bomb failed to explode, CEO Mr. Alonzo (Roi Vinzon) came to Jody & asked him about the tape. He then pulled a gun & grabbed Jody by the neck. Hostage taking part 2. As a multi-millionaire CEO with illegal pharmaceutical dealings, he should have resources in his disposal to coerce Jody to give him the evidence. But what he did was take Jody hostage in full view of the SWAT team. Logical? 

(3) Jody replaced the tape (evidence). Dom played it in public but what appeared was the company Christmas party were Raffy was dancing to the delight of his officemates. But before that party scene, a man in masked (presumably Dom) was seen introducing the supposed to be evidence of the crimes of the pharmaceutical company and Mr. Alonzo. May time pa si Jody mag-edit ng tape? Galing.

Overtime is not the perfect feel good movie but  I watched it anyways. I will continue to do the same to support my brod, Earl, & all my other fraternity brothers & sisters in the sorority who have projects and events like this or otherwise.

Do not buy (local) pirated DVDs! 

Reflections (6th Sunday of Easter: John 14:15-21)

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept,
because it neither sees nor knows him.
But you know him, because he remains with you,
and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
In a little while the world will no longer see me,
but you will see me, because I live and you will live.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father
and you are in me and I in you.
Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.
And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

I am a Catholic. I was born into this religion and despite its many challenges, it endured for thousands of years already. People in the Church's hierarchy are human beings. Even The Rock (St. Peter not the wrestler/actor) denied Jesus Christ three times. My favorite, Alexander VI ( Rodgrio Borgia), who, for me, gave Catholics a bad name. There are several Borgias still in this world from the seminarians, deacons, priests and I'll stop with the Cardinals.

These leaders of my Church are teaching humility but so proud to admit that some of their teachings are applicable only during, yes, the time of Rodrigo Borgia. They are so proud that they could not look eye-to-eye with leaders of government who propose policies to stop population explosion, and so on.

I am not a good Catholic. I do not go to mass every Sunday. I commit sin, yes, everyday. I carry anger in my heart for people who do not like me. Just like my priests, I am human.

Despite of these, I will continue to be a Catholic until my human body stops breathing.

LOVE and OBEDIENCE
In today's Gospel, I am reminded of Jesus' teaching of love and obedience. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." For adults, obedience is a very heavy challenge. As adults, our experience would tell us to obey because we should; to obey because we are paid to do so and the food we place in our family's table is dependent on our obedience. Military personnel obey without question but the conscience will not stop asking questions. Yet, when it comes to love, the master will not give his servant an order that will hurt the servant. The servant will obey because he loves the master and that he knows his master will take care of him.

When the master and the servant, boss and employee, teacher and student, husband and wife, parent and child, and friends show love for each other. Obedience will not be a problem. Obedience will follow. Love after all is the greatest thing.

COACH
Surfing around my FB account, I came across friend-priests discussing about their homily today. One pointed out that the Father will send out the paraclete. He mentioned that a paraclete is like an advocate or a lawyer. Several Bible versions used advocate, helper or comforter. Fr. Francis said that the paraclete is like a coach.

An athlete needs a coach. No matter how good an athlete is, he needs his coach. As I always say to my ex-girlfriend (now my wife) when we were both active in badminton (now she's the only one actively playing the sport): "you need someone outside the playing court to tell you waht you are doing right or wrong. As the one playing, you can not see what you are doing or what you're opponent is doing to you all the time." That's why athlete's have coaches.

Unfortunately, some great athletes are not coachable. They say they already know what to do to win but that's all pride and ego. These athlete's are not worthy to be part of a team. They do not even understand what it means to be part of a team. They may be happy that they are winning but their coaches and teammates are not. These athletes are most of the time traded to another team. The other team who accepts them hopes that they can coach these athletes to become team players. Unfortunately, most of the time, even if they are the best in their field, they find themselves out and traded again; contract terminated. These athletes will have no friends and will become alone real soon.

As the Gospel also reminded us that, "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." Jesus, our coach, will not leave us. The master and his servant, the husband and the wife, the parent and the childe, the teacher and the student, the coach and his player, if real love is present, obedience follows. Trust also comes in the picture.

Today is also the feast day of Blessed Joseph Gerard (1831-1914). Blessed Joseph is a missionary of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate who was ordained in 1854 and had his mission in South Africa until his death in 29th May 1914. He is called the Apostle of the Basuto.

Ted James - Memoriam

The Cleveland Cavaliers have Lebron James. King James. We, the ADB Basketball Club – East Team, have William "Ted" James. We are the James Gang.

I met Ted when I played with Team Kainan of the ADB Basketball Club in 2008. My first impression of him was he was obviously the oldest in the team but sure he can run.

It was like Los Angeles Lakers for Ted vs. Tom's Boston Celtics of the 60's. Combined with the young Cleveland Cavaliers of this decade, you have the East Team. Our team.

It was in 2009, that we, the whole East Team became closer with one another. We lost our very first game in the 1st Conference. Ted was instrumental in making our team a winning team. It was his idea to have a team building and discuss what we really want to achieve for this team.

After that team bonding, we never looked back to our first loss. We scored 9 wins and zero losses and eventually won the Championship.

Ted showed his dedication to our team by even coming to practice on Wednesday evenings or sometimes asking us to come to their house for shooting practices.

Ted never failed to encourage our team to go out and win our games. He would still answer our emails even when he was in the hospital. He even sent a picture while he was inside that hyperbaric chamber. He would send me text messages before the games and he would ask me for updates afterwards.

Ted may not always have a lot of playing time on court but when he does he makes sure that his defensive assignment is done. Ted was a tough and physical player but never dirty. He would go real hard on our opponent but outside the court, Ted would still greet them and encourage them to play often.

This year's initial basketball conference ended last week with our team playing again in a championship game. We missed Ted in that game. Actually, we missed Ted in all the 8 games we played this conference.

We lost the championship game by 3 points.

After giving it some thought, the games we lost were not our biggest loss. It was Ted. East Team lost our Godfather, a good friend.

BUT there is a great lesson we can all see from Ted's life:

We definitely will not win all battles in life, but what is important is that we should give it all our best in everything, most especially in the things that we hold dear: family, friends and faith.

Ted loved his family so much. He inspired us to share the same virtue.

Ted showed us how a true friend should be. We all can attest to his generosity and the gift of friendship he gave us.

And faith, Ted is a man of God. In simple things, he brightly showed the countenance of a Godly man.

As his teammate, his friend, we will work tirelessly to do our best in these facets of our lives... because it will keep Ted's legacy alive in us.

(Note: East Team to give the East Team banner to Tess, Tara and Dave)

Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.
~Richard Bach


Eulogy delivered at the Memorial for Ted James
25 May 2010, 7:30 pm
Sanctuario de San Antonio Church (Capilla de San Francisco)
Mckinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City

OPEMAN HYMN of MBA9

(and hymn to other related --- subjects)

Sing in the tune of M. Villar's political jingle...

Nakakuha ka na ba
Ng grado na basura
Nagsunog ka na ba
Ng kilay hanggang umaga?
Yan ang tanong namin
2.0 nga ba ang passing?
Naisip mo na ba
Bakit nag-aaral ka pa?
Todo effort tayo
Ba't walang nagbabago
At mas mabuti pa kung
Natutulog tayo!
Opeman ang tunay na mahirap
Opeman ang tunay na puro pasakit
Opeman ang may kakayahan
Na malimutan ang sariling pangalan
Opeman lamang ang magtatapos
Ng ating kasiyahan!

PERO…

KAPAG SAMA-SAMA, KAYANG-KAYA, DI BA? MBA9! AT YOUR SERVICE, YES! (clap 2x)

Salamat sa mga taga-Eng'g ng Uste!

eLog - The Call to Leadership (6 August 2009)

My Reflection:
Thursday, 6 August 2009

TITA CORY, MY PRESIDENT:
THE MOTHER OF PHILIPPINE DEMOCRACY

Thank you, Mama

Now we want to thank you
For the love you gave to us
For the sacred mother
For the secret of life

In your heart you've hidden
Every sorrow, every pain
Showing only to us
Showing only your smile

Thank you because you have given us life
Taking for you only sorrow and pain
So now, our hearts want to tell you
Mama, thank you for your great love

Even if tomorrow
We're no longer at your side
Your love will remain
As a light deep in our hearts


The song above was dedicated to Mama Mary. We used to sing this song during my Youth Marian Crusade (YMC) days in high school. Every time I participate in singing this song, I do not only venerate Mama Mary but also give thanks to my mother (nanay), my Mama (my auntie who spent for my education and my brothers, as well) and all the mom's that were close to me or had been a part of my life; or the mothers of my friends, without them I could have not met my friends today.

Yesterday, we bid goodbye to a very extraordinary person, a nurturing mother, and an inspiring leader. We said goodbye to President Corazon C. Aquino, dearly called Tita Cory by the millions of Filipinos, her constituents. She was one woman who took the responsibility of motherhood to a nation suffering from poverty and pain; a leaderless nation; a family without a father. She was a single-mother to the whole nation.

She was an extraordinary leader in an extraordinary time. I was in Grade 3 when her husband Ninoy was assassinated. His death rallied the nation to fight the dictatorship; the one event that shook the dictator's hold in his castle of stone and eventually toppled his tower of power. A call for a "snap election" in 1985 pushed Tita Cory to fight the dictator. She was reluctant but it was not her will but the will of the people. Chino Roces initiated the Cory for President Movement and launched a one million signature campaign in one week to convince her to run for president.

An ordinary housewife toppled the dictator. The 1986 Snap Election was marred with fraud and violence that caused the people to fully rise against the dictator. A military revolt was in a stand off and the people supported and protected the rebels at Edsa. Mainly because of the call of Jaime Cardinal Sin and the inspiration that was Cory. The battle cry was "Tama na, sobra na! Palitan na!" Cory was the rallying point. Although she retreated in a convent in Cebu (for her safety), she continued to inspire the people. The people believed in her. She brought hope. The dictator finally left 25 February 1986.

The Filipinos showed the world that we can do it if we are united. We know how to fight for our freedom. After several months or a few years, several communist countries went down. People Power spread like wildfire: Yugoslavia, Germany, etc. Cory was a motivation, the Filipino people an inspiration. The US Congress accepted her with a very long standing ovation after her speech and a $200 million aid to the Philippines.

I was in grade 6 going up to 1st year high school at the start of President Cory's six-year term. All my formative years in high school, I have Tita Cory as my president. I had two years in college, at UP, before she stepped down. Looking back, I know I started very young in politics/activism (grade 3 or 4 marching against the National Service Law) but it did not really bloom in my high school years. I guess it was a Cory factor. The leader of the nation was a very religious woman. She may not be perfect as a president but she exudes the character of an individual that you can emulate. She is a mother whom you can not say invectives to.

Her legacy was not only her presidency but the consistency of her character. Her administration was never perfect but for a housewife, a widow and an ordinary citizen who became president, you can not beat that! Her subordinates, the officials in her government may have blemished her administration but Tita Cory maintained that character of integrity and religiosity.

There were anecdotes among my friends who were in the UG before. They were very political and radical during the martial law days but it was during Cory's presidency that they were jailed and accused of regular crimes. It was during Cory's administration that they suffered torture from the same military they hated during the martial rule. It was during her administration that farmers were shot dead at Mendiola. The great Lean Alejandro (UP) was killed in 1987 during the elections. He ran for congressman against Cory's sister, Tessie. Those who are against Cory's administration are against her administration – not her but of course, command responsibility. Hacienda Luisita is still "not" part of the CARP; farmers are still suffering there – but it's not Cory's alone, it's the Cojuangco's and the Aquino's. It was an open secret that her brother, Peping, together with Chavit, controlled jueteng during her administration. Hey, jueteng (and also smuggling) were there even during Mambo Magsaysay's regime.

But Cory is Cory; the alleged anomalies pointed to her lieutenants' stop with them (staff). She will always be part of history (the good part of it). She will always be remembered as the leader who freed the country from dictatorship.

Tita Cory showed to all that she is still remembered and well-loved by the people. Nobody ordered the Filipino people to wear yellow yesterday… but they did. People came as far as Ilocos from the north and Mindanao from the south, on their own free will, on their own expense to line up in queue to see the remains of President Cory at the Manila Cathedral. People waited for more than five hours for the funeral procession to pass. That is Cory Magic!

This is the kind of personality that the Filipino needs to lead our country in 2010. Among those who declared that they are running for presidency, I do not see someone who has the extraordinary appeal or charisma like Tita Cory. I see the same trend of politicians running… same trapos. One or two may be new breeds yet I still could not sense the power within them to lead the Filipino people.

I may not be an American but when Obama stood up for change, for hope, I started watching and monitoring his campaign speeches… the man has character. I just wish he delivers but here in the Philippines, extraordinary leader? --- nada!

That is why I do not and will not vote for president anymore… not until an extraordinary man surface during this extraordinary time.

The Filipino is worth dying for. - Ninoy

eLog - The Call to Leadership (30 July 2009)

My Reflection:
Thursday, 30 July 2009

COACH CARTER

Coach Carter is a 2005 American drama film starring Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by Thomas Carter, and released by Paramount Pictures. It is based on a true story, in which Richmond High School head basketball coach Ken Carter made headlines in 1999 for locking out his undefeated team due to their poor academic results.

Plot

Ken Carter takes over as the basketball coach at his former high school, inner-city Richmond High School. He sets strict new rules for the players, insisting that they sign contracts agreeing to meet his standards. Some players decide to leave the team, and Carter's son transfers from his private school to join the team.

With Carter's intense coaching, the team begins the season undefeated, and wins a holiday tournament. However, Carter discovers that some of his players are not producing the agreed academic results. He locks the team out of the gym in the midst of their still-undefeated season, canceling practice and forfeiting games in favor of studying in the library.

The school board eventually votes to end the unpopular lockout, despite dissenting votes from the principal and the chairwoman of the board. Carter is about to quit, but he finds the players sitting at school desks in the gym, with teachers tutoring them. The players point out that even though the gym is reopened, the school board can't force them to play. Carter is heartened and decides to stay, thanking the players.

The team makes it into the state high-school championship playoffs. The climactic game takes place in the tournament's first round against the #1 ranked-team in the state, St. Francis (starring a superstar NBA prospect, Ty Crane). In the last second, Crane makes the winning shot to end Richmond's season. Over the closing song, it is shown that six of the players went on to attend college.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_Carter

Coach Carter is one of my favorite sports-oriented movie I love (the other being Remember the Titans). Here, Coach Carter did not just coach his alma mater's basketball team because of the salary but because of his passion for two things: (1) love for the game; and (2) desire to help the youth.

More than 50% of the youth in his side of town do not reach high school graduation. Some do not reach high school at all. Others, if not in jail, die in the streets because of crimes. He wanted to help and the way he can do it is through basketball. On the first training day, he gave each of the youth a contract and the deal was for them to meet academic standards, not to high but just enough for them to get a college scholarship. Academic development is new to the kids. Basketball for them does not equate to good grades. Coach Carter showed them that their grades are also important; that going to college is important; that if they want to excel in basketball, they also have to excel in other fields of endeavor like school work and other activities.

The parents of some kids hated Coach Carter for instituting contracts, for canceling games because the kids did not honor their contracts (by getting good grades). Carter explained to them that if their kids do not value the contract they signed now, they will not value the contracts they will sign later like the contracts they will have if they join the NBA or the contracts at work.

In one scene, during a game Coach Carter told his player to make a cut, go straight to the 3point line and shoot. The player hesitated and told him that he can't do it, that he is not the main option for that kind of play. Carter encouraged him that it is the same play that they are doing all the time in practice and that he can do it. The kid followed the instruction and made the winning basket.

In another scene, right after a lopsided victory the team went into practice. Every time the players made a basket, Carter would tease them, taunt them, and say invectives to them. He would shout that he made the play; that the shot was perfectly done because he trained them; that they are nothing without him. The kids were so irritated that one could not take it anymore and answered him back. Carter asked them, "Why do they always have to taunt your opponents; why do they always have to trash talk when they make a shot; isn’t it enough to win a game?" His point here was that it is also important to be humble in victory.

Our emotions are tested during times of stress and especially if we are under pressure. In the movie, Carter showed his level of emotional intelligence when for several times; he was harassed by angry parents or family members of the kids. Carter eventually won the battle when the community understood what he was fighting for.

Basketball. Leadership. Love.

eLog - The Call to Leadership (23 July 2009)

A Reflection:
Thursday, 23 July 2009

When Ninoy Aquino died in 1983, my life was opened to the reality of dictatorship, corruption, politics and poverty. I heard my first lecture on civil disobedience that year, too. Boycott San Miguel and all other companies that Marcos and his cronies own; register our protests and march into the streets until the dictator steps down; the National Service Law is militarization of our education system; the rich becomes richer, the poor becomes poorer. I also joined my first rally that year. I was in Grade 3.

A friend once told me, "Kung ako maging Mayor sang Bacolod, mangurakot gid ko ya." (If I become Mayor of Bacolod I will be corrupt.) When I heard that, I loathed him from then on till we graduated in High School. I was in 2nd year High School then.

I was into "mature" politics and government from my university days and up till I joined a private company. Even then, I was still connected to my former colleagues in Congress (both upper and lower houses). I met all sorts of leaders in my stint in public service either personally or through the media.

There are good leaders/politicians in our midst who would really want to lead by joining the rat-race of politics. Unfortunately, they do not have the money. I believe that fame and the political machinery will just follow if you have money. Others, on the other hand, have the fortune and more: money, fame, political family, a famous actress for a wife, etc.

The press release is service but once they are in the position… pfft. All glamour, all fame. While those who wants to genuinely serve and bring this country to progress and freedom from poverty are left dreaming. The success stories (from not so wealthy to elected officials) as far as I can recall is Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela who is now on her 2nd term as governor of the province; and Gov. Fr. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga. I don't have to explain, they are not your regular politicos but they were elected to power.

Did they win easily? No, they did not. They experienced being marginalized and attacked even physically before they won… and yes, even after being elected they are still attacked.

"Leadership is not all glamour but a burden of responsibilities."

I realized at an early age that to be a good leader you should be a good example to your subordinates. When I was there – a leader, I received recognition, rewards, a tap in the shoulder for a job well done, etc. But before I got those, I was also marginalized, attacked, humiliated, seduced, forced to give up material things, etc.

I believe that our nation can still be No. 1 in Asia or the world. I believe that the Filipinos are capable but the big change should not only come from our politicians or leaders but also from us, the ordinary citizens of this country; from us, the working class; from us who are poor; from us who believe in change.

The Myth of Measurement: "Why did you teach 5 children to read and not 16? Why did you create 803 jobs and not 23,421? Why did you save 433 lives and not 718?" This was mentioned in one summary I read about "Leadership on the Line." In the movie "Schindler's List," in the last portion of the film, there was this scene that Schindler was crying and was lamenting that if he had only sold more of his possessions he could have saved more Jews. His gold ring could have bought 5 more Jews; his car 10 more and so on. Sometimes measuring and looking at where you are now compared to your goals is also a good motivator. Unfortunately in Schindler's case, it was a little too late.

I always believe that LOVE is the main reason for serving, for leading. "Leadership on the Line" placed an emphasis on "staying alive through the dangers of leading." Sacrifice is the language of love. We could not really feel that we had given something or if we have really served if we did not feel the hardship that leads us to achieving our goals. That's why, I will continue to promote: Ang tunay na nagmamahal hindi iniisip ang sarili kundi ang minamahal.

eLog - The Call to Leadership (16 July 2009)

A Reflection:
Thursday, 16 July 2009

What will get them to practice it? What will get you to practice it? The questions were raised in class tonight referring to the values, the teachings or the ideals that are being thought in class or were written in the books.

I was reading my notes on our "Good to Great" presentation at the cafeteria this morning while having breakfast with a friend. This friend is always my devil's advocate. She would always probe and ask questions. She would disagree a lot on many things I suggest or say. We would always argue and discuss anything from work, to family, religion, the books we’d read recently, etc. Good thing she is not my wife. :-D She is always my captured audience. My mirror when I need to present something.

I was telling her what the book was about. Then she asked me: "E, ano ang sinabi d'yan na hindi natin alam?"

It took me several minutes to think before answering her. I could not exactly say what else the book mentioned that we did not know or heard of. Like the books presented tonight (Good to Great and Leadership Challenges) they both have similar values presented only in different ways, different words. But certainly, everyone would agree that we all know these already. That a good leader should be trusted? Should have credibility? Those are not new.

The Hedgehog Concept maybe a new terminology for me but we know that being passionate with what you do; strive to be the best; and become an economic engine are elements of a successful business. The Flywheel can be called a rocket ship (going up). The Doom Loop can be called Jumping from the Frying Pan to the Fire concept or a Yo-yo Effect. They are all there but just different names.

Everyone (almost everyone) knew what to do in order to be a good leader but are they doing it? Are we doing it?

I believe that even though that these concepts are not new, they still continue to inspire people to become great leaders. These ideals should be read, re-read, discussed and re-discussed in order for more people to know themselves, to become great leaders.
I still could not think of any new idea on leadership that was discussed today that I can answer my friend's question. I think I will just have to ask her to help me know myself better by answering the assigned survey questions: what are the strengths she sees in me?; what does she like about me?; what do I need to improve? - Though I think I know what she will say about me. Makulit ka. Period

eLog - The Call to Leadership (9 July 2009)

We are required to submit a reflection paper (at least a one page essay) after every class on The Call to Leadership. The reflection paper is about anything we learned during the 3 hour, 30-minute class. Deadline for submission is Tuesday noontime or five days after our Thursday Leadership class.

I'd like to share my reflection papers here.

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A Reflection:
Thursday, 9 July 2009

Leadership

I always believe that everyone is a born leader. I started to be a leader at a young age. I am the eldest of four brothers. I was student leader in elementary, high school and college. I supervised people in my previous job. I became a manager before joining ADB and managed 54 people.

Was I a good leader then? No.

Work-wise, being a Logistics Manager in my previous company was the biggest achievement in my career. I supervised people; 54 to be exact. I believe in teamwork and I believe that I can lead. I am confident that I can deliver. I am an experienced leader. But leading 54 people, with diverse experiences and different responsibilities in the company made me realize that, I lack the skills of a good leader.

I am very nice to my subordinates. My apartment was their tambayan. Their problems were my problems. They respect me, I respect them. When they could not deliver, I covered for them. I took responsibility for their failures. Was I a good leader? Yes, I thought so but I realized that I am not.

These contemplations flashed back during class tonight. "… but what if a nice leader could not deliver results?"

I was always told by my mentor (though mentoring and coaching was not that famous then or were called by other names) that I am not helping my colleagues; my subordinates. One staff even told me, "Ang bait mo kasi, Sir." This was when I could not reprimand an assistant who made a mistake but had been good to me and was performing well. Then he failed me because of an incident; he lost his focus on his job.

I am kind to my staff but I could not inspire them to deliver results. I am not a good leader.

All are born leaders but all leaders are also followers. There is always a leader in front of the pack. "In order to be a good leader one should be a good follower."

Leadership is a calling. All are leaders but some are not willing to lead. Some on the other hand presses to lead but are not capable of leading.

Leadership is a learning process like life itself. We learn a lot of things everyday it is just up to us to work this out for our good and the good of our fellow men.

Leadership is service. It is not the - I, me, mine of life but the WE of life. It is me serving the person beside me: my wife, my family, my officemate, my friends, my country men.


Tuesdays with Morrie*

"Think of a person that for you was a good leader. What are the values that he has? Why was he a good leader for you?"

Every time questions like these are asked of me, I can only think of one person – Rando Clemente. He was my boss in my previous company. He was my mentor, a good friend and he is like a father to me. I took lessons about life: corporate and not. He taught me a lot about leadership when we were together at work but I failed him. I did not practice some of the lessons he imparted to me - not until he left. He died in 2007 (June 26) at the age of 45.

The lesson he left me were not really new but I just fail to practice them:

Live simply; free your mind from worries; free your heart of hatred; give more; and expect less. These values will guide me to become a good leader.
These I have to remember everyday.

* The book by Mitch Albom. I compared my interaction with Rando to that of Mitch Albom's to his mentor Morrie. I wrote something in my blog about this: http://mytriplex.blogspot.com/2007_06_01_archive.html.

CHUCK NORRIS

This one was sent by e-mail...

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Yes that's right. He's THE one.
Chuck Norris doesn't read books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
Outer space exists because it's afraid to be on the same planet with Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits.
Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs.
Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.
Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.
There is no chin behind Chuck Norris' beard. There is only another fist.
When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isn't lifting himself up, he's pushing the Earth down.
Chuck Norris is so fast, he can run around the world and punch himself in the back of the head.
Chuck Norris doesn't wear a watch, HE decides what time it is.
Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.
Remember the Soviet Union? They decided to quit after watching a DeltaForce marathon on Satellite TV.
Contrary to popular belief, America is not a democracy, it is a Chucktatorship.
Crop circles are Chuck Norris' way of telling the world that sometimes corn needs to lie down.
Contrary to popular belief, Chuck Norris, not the box jellyfish of northern Australia, is the most venomous creature on earth. Within 3minutes of being bitten, a human being experiences the following symptoms: fever, blurred vision, beard rash, tightness of the jeans, and the feeling of being repeatedly kicked through a car windshield.
Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Chuck Norris has 72... and they're all poisonous.
If you ask Chuck Norris what time it is, he always says, "Two seconds'til." After you ask, "Two seconds 'til what?" he roundhouse kicks you in the face.
Chuck Norris once ate three 72 oz. steaks in one hour. He spent the first 45 minutes having sex with his waitress.
What was going through the minds of all of Chuck Norris' victims beforethey died? His shoe.
Chuck Norris doesn't churn butter. He roundhouse kicks the cows and the butter comes straight out.
Chuck Norris doesn't wash his clothes, he disembowels them.
A Handicapped parking sign does not signify that this spot is for handicapped people. It is actually in fact a warning, that the spot belongs to Chuck Norris and that you will be handicapped if you park there.
Chuck Norris will attain statehood in 2009. His state flower will be the Magnolia.
Someone once videotaped Chuck Norris getting pissed off. It was called Walker: Texas Chain Saw Masacre.
If you spell Chuck Norris in Scrabble, you win. Forever.
Chuck Norris originally appeared in the "Street Fighter II" video game,but was removed by Beta Testers because every button caused him to do aroundhouse kick. When asked bout this "glitch," Norris replied, "That's no glitch."
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool Chuck Norris once and he will roundhouse you in the face.
Chuck Norris once bet NASA he could survive re-entry without a spacesuit. On July 19th, 1999, a naked Chuck Norris re-entered the earth's atmosphere, streaking over 14 states and reaching a temperature of 3000 degrees. An embarrassed NASA publically claimed it was a meteor, and still owes him a beer.
Chuck Norris has two speeds: Walk and Kill.
Someone once tried to tell Chuck Norris that roundhouse kicks aren't the best way to kick someone. This has been recorded by historians as the worst mistake anyone has ever made.
Chuck Norris is not hung like a horse... horses are hung like Chuck Norris.
Faster than a speeding bullet ... more powerful than a locomotive ...able to leap tall buildings in a single bound... yes, these are some ofChuck Norris's warm-up exercises.
Chuck Norris is the only human being to display the He is enbergun certainty principle -- you can never know both exactly where and how quickly he will roundhouse-kick you in the face.
In the Bible, Jesus turned water into wine. But then Chuck Norris turned that wine into beer.
Chuck Norris can hit you so hard that he can actually alter your DNA. Decades from now your descendants will occasionally clutch their heads and yell "What The Hell was That?"
Time waits for no man. Unless that man is Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris discovered a new theory of relativity involving multiple universes in which Chuck Norris is even more bad ass than in this one.When it was discovered by Albert Einstein and made public, Chuck Norris roundhouse-kicked him in the face. We know Albert Einstein today as Stephen Hawking.
Chuck Norris doesn't shower, he only takes blood baths.
In an average living room there are 1,242 objects Chuck Norris could use to kill you, including the room itself.
Pluto is actually an orbiting group of British soldiers from the American Revolution who entered space after the Chuck gave them a roundhouse kick to the face.
When Chuck Norris goes to donate blood, he declines the syringe, and instead requests a hand gun and a bucket.
Chuck Norris once challenged Lance Armstrong in a "Who has more testicles?" contest. Chuck Norris won by 5.
Chuck Norris was the fourth wise man, who gave baby Jesus the gift of beard, which he carried with him until he died. The other three wisemen were enraged by the preference that Jesus showed to Chuck's gift,and arranged to have him written out of the bible. All three died soon
after of mysterious roundhouse-kick related injuries.
Chuck Norris sheds his skin twice a year.
When Chuck Norris calls 1-900 numbers, he doesnt get charged. He holds up the phone and money falls out.
Chuck Norris once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.
When Chuck Norris was denied an Egg McMuffin at McDonald's because it was 10:35, he roundhouse kicked the store so hard it became a Wendy's.
A Chuck Norris-delivered Roundhouse Kick is the preferred method of execution in 16 states.
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could Chuck Norris? ...All of it.
In honor of Chuck Norris, all McDonald's in Texas have an even larger size than the super-size. When ordering, just ask to be Chucksized.
Chuck Norris CAN believe it's not butter.
If tapped, a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick could power the country of Australia for 44 minutes.
Chuck Norris can divide by zero.
When an episode of Walker Texas Ranger was aired in France, the French surrendered to Chuck Norris just to be on the safe side.
While urinating, Chuck Norris is easily capable of welding titanium.
Chuck Norris once sued the Houghton-Mifflin textbook company when it became apparent that their account of the war of 1812 was plagiarized from his autobiography.
Wilt Chamberlain claims to have slept with more than 20,000 women in his lifetime. Chuck Norris calls this "a slow Tuesday."
Chuck Norris doesnt shave; he kicks himself in the face.
The only thing that can cut Chuck Norris is Chuck Norris.
For some, the left testicle is larger than the right one. For ChuckNorris, each testicle is larger than the other one.
Chuck Norris always knows the EXACT location of Carmen San Diego.
When taking the SAT, write "Chuck Norris" for every answer. You will
score over 8000.
Chuck Norris invented black. In fact, he invented the entire spectrum of visible light. Except pink. Tom Cruise invented pink.
Chuck Norris has the greatest Poker-Face of all time. He won the 1983 World Series of Poker, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoloy card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.
Chuck Norris ordered a Big Mac at Burger King, and got one.
If you Google search "Chuck Norris getting his ass kicked" you will generate zero results. It just doesn't happen.
Chuck Norris can drink an entire gallon of milk in thirty-seven seconds.
Little known medical fact: Chuck Norris invented the Caesarean section when he roundhouse-kicked his way out of his monther's womb.
It takes Chuck Norris 20 minutes to watch 60 Minutes.Chuck Norris has a deep and abiding respect for human life... unless it gets in his way.
The Bermuda Triangle used to be the Bermuda Square, until Chuck NorrisRoundhouse kicked one of the corners off.
There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Chuck Norris lives in Oklahoma.
Chuck Norris once ate an entire bottle of sleeping pills. They made him blink.
Chuck Norris played Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun and won.
Some people wear Superman pajamas. Superman wears Chuck Norris pajamas.
The original draft of The Lord of the Rings featured Chuck Norris instead of Frodo Baggins. It was only 5 pages long, as Chuck round house-kicked Sauron's ass halfway through the first chapter.
If, by some incredible space-time paradox, Chuck Norris would everf ight himself, he'd win. Period.
Chuck Norris once sued Burger King after they refused to put razor wire in his Whopper Jr, insisting that that actually is "his" way.
Chuck Norris is the only person in the world that can actually email around house kick.
Chuck Norris can set ants on fire with a magnifying glass. At night.
According to Einstein's theory of relativity, Chuck Norris can actually roundhouse kick you yesterday.
Chuck Norris once pulled out a single hair from his beard and skewered three men through the heart with it.
Chuck Norris recently had the idea to sell his urine as a canned beverage. We know this beverage as Red Bull.
If at first you don't succeed, you're not Chuck Norris.
MacGyver can build an airplane out of gum and paper clips, but Chuck Norris can roundhouse-kick his head through a wall and take it.
What's known as the UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship, doesn't use its full name, which happens to be "Ultimate Fighting Championship, Non-Chuck-Norris-Division".
Chuck Norris wears a live rattlesnake as a condom.Chuck Norris was what Willis was talkin' about.
Google won't search for Chuck Norris because it knows you don't find Chuck Norris, he finds you.
It is scientifically impossible for Chuck Norris to have had a mortal father. The most popular theory is that he went back in time and fathered himself.
Chuck Norris invented the internet... just so he had a place to store his porn.
Chuck Norris is the only person to ever win a staring contest against Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder at the same time.
When Bruce Banner gets mad, he turns into the Hulk. When the Hulk gets mad, he turns into Chuck Norris.
Chuck Norris once kicked a horse in the chin. Its decendants are knownt oday as Giraffes.
Sticks and stones may break your bones, but a Chuck Norris glare willl iquefy your kidneys.
Chuck Norris' sperm is so badass, he had sex with Nicole Kidman, and 7
months later she prematurely gave birth to a Ford Excursion.
Chuck Norris can win at solitaire with only 18 cards.
When chuck Norris does division, there are no remainders.
When Chuck Norris works out on the Total Gym, the Total Gym feels like it's been raped.
The chemical formula for the highly toxic cyanide ion is CN-. These are also Chuck Norris' initials. This is not a coincidence.
Chuck Norris' credit cards have no limit. Last weekend, he maxed them out.
Think of a hot woman. Chuck Norris did her.
Chuck Norris is his own line at the DMV.
Who let the dogs out? Chuck Norris let the dogs out... and then roundhouse kicked them through an Oldsmobile.

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Chuck Norris sold his soul to the devil for his rugged good looks and unparalleled martial arts ability. Shortly after the transaction was finalized, Chuck roundhouse-kicked the devil in the face and took his soul back. The devil, who appreciates irony, couldn't stay mad and admitted he should have seen it coming. They now play poker every second Wednesday of the month.

Chuck Norris has to register every part of his body as a separate lethal weapon. His spleen is considered a concealed weapon in over 50 states.

A movie scene depicting Chuck Norris losing a fight with Bruce Lee was the product of history's most expensive visual effect.

When adjustedf or inflation, the effect cost more than the Gross National Product of Paraguay.

They once made a Chuck Norris toilet paper, but there was a problem--It wouldn't take shit from anybody.

When Chuck Norris makes a burrito, its main ingredient is real toes.

They say curiosity killed the cat. This is false. Chuck Norris killed the cat. Every single one of them.

There is no such thing as a lesbian, just a woman who has never met Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris crossed the road. No one has ever dared question his motives.

One time, at band camp, Chuck Norris ate a percussionist.

Chuck Norris once had sex with a cigarette machine in the Osaka airport.

In ancient China there is a legend that one day a child will be born from a dragon, grow to be a man, and vanquish evil from the land. That man is not Chuck Norris, because Chuck Norris killed that man.

Chuck Norris once got into a fight with a one-armed Ninja. Seeing that he had an unfair advantage, Chuck Norris ripped both of his arms off and one of his legs. He then roundhouse-kicked the ninja in the head, killing him instantly, and proceeded to sow his limbs back on using only a rusty tent spike and bailing wire.

Chuck Norris' pulse is measured on the richter scale.

Most people know that Descarte said, "I think, therefore I am." Whatmost people don't know is that that quote continues, "...afraid ofChuck Norris."

Chuck Norris CAN in fact 'raise the roof'. And he can do it with one hand.

During the Vietnam War, Chuck Norris allowed himself to be captured.For torture, they made him eat his own entrails. He asked for seconds.

Instead of having a cigarette after sex, Chuck Norris heads outside and brands his cattle.

Occam's Razor says that the simplest answer tends to be the correct one. Norris' Razor involves a flick of the wrist and a Columbian Necktie.

Chuck Norris needs a monkey wrench and a blowtorch to masturbate.

Proponents of higher-order theories of consciousness argue that consciousness is explained by the relation between two levels of mental states in which a higher-order mental state takes another mental state. If you mention this to Chuck Norris, expect an explosive roundhousekick to the face for spouting too much fancy-talk.

Chuck Norris invented all 32 letters of the alphabet.
Chuck Norris can jump-start a car using jumper cables attached to his nipples.
Chuck Norris uses Tabasco Sauce for eye drops.
Chuck Norris can get Blackjack with just one card.
Chuck Norris can sneeze with his eyes open.
Chuck Norris eats eight meals a day. Seven are steak, and the last is the rest of the cow.
Chuck Norris does know what Willis is talking about!
Chuck Norris invented the question mark.
Chuck Norris trick-or-treated as himself as a child.
Chuck Norris has 3 knees on each leg.
Chuck Norris likes long walks on the beach, Barry White music,Harlequin romance novels, songbirds, rainbows, and quiet time with his lady...just before he roundhouse kicks her in the face.
Chuck Norris can cook minute rice in 30 seconds.
Chuck Norris puts the laughter in manslaughter.
Chuck Norris' beard hair is believed to be an aphrodisiac in China.
Chuck Norris can watch an episode of 60 minutes in 22 seconds.

ACRONYMS

Here is a collection of acronyms circa 1980's. Hanggang ngayon ay buhay pa :-P

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ANTARTICA - Always Never Target A Rat The Ipis Cares Also
BURMA – Between Us, Remember Me Always
CANADA - Cute And Naughty Action that Developed into Attraction (Ah! Sablay!)
CHINA – Come Here I Need Affection
EGYPT – Everything’s Great, You Pretty Thing
FRANCE – Friendships Remain And Never Can End
JAPAN - Just Always Pray at Night
ITALY - I Trust And Love You
HOLLAND - Hope Our Love Lasts And Never Dies
INDIA - I Nearly Died In Adoration
KENYA - Keep Everything Nice, Yet Attractive
KOREA - Keep Optimistism Regardless of Every Adversity (sablay!)
NEPAL - Never Ever Part As Lovers
RUSSIA - Romance Under the Sky & Stars is Intimate Always (sablay na naman!)
THAILAND - Totally Happy Always In Love And Never Dull
LIBYA – Love Is Beautiful, You Also or Love is Beautiful, Ya!
PERU – Phorget Everyone, Remember Us (pinilit!)
ROME – Remember Our Merienda – Espagetti (ayos!)

YEMEN – Yugyugan Every Morning, Every Night

SYDNEY - Sheeeet! Your Dick Needs Erection. Yahoo! (From Jericho Lasito)

BALIWAG – Beauty And Love I Will Always Give
CEBU - Change Everything... But Us.
IMUS – I Miss U, Sweetheart
MANILA - May All Nights Inspire Love Always.
MALABON - May A Lasting Affair Be Ours Now
PASIG - Please Always Say I'm Gorgeous.
TONDO - Tonight's Our Night,Dearest One.
PASAY - Pretty And Sexy Are You
PARAÑAQUE – Please Always Remain Adorable, Nice And Quiet Under Ecstacy
PHILIPPINES – Pumping Hot, I Love It! Please, Please I Need Erotic Simulation

ORTIGAS - Oh, Remember To Insert Gently And Smile (From Jericho Lasito)

MARLBORO - Men Always Remember Love Because Of Romance Only..
YAMAHA - You Are My Angel! Happy Anniversary!

Unfaithful

Hehehe... jokes pa din to. As usual, cut-and-pasted from some e-mails....

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The 1st Affair

A married man was having an affair with his secretary.One day they went her place and made love all afternoon. Exhausted,they fell asleep and woke up at 8 PM.

The man hurriedly dressed and told his lover to take his shoes outsideand rub them in the grass and dirt.He put on his shoes and drove home.

"Where have you been?" his wife demanded."I can't lie to you," he replied, "I'm having an affair with mysecretary. We had sex all afternoon."

"You lying bastard, I saw your shoes, You've been playing golf!"

The 2nd Affair

A middle-aged couple had two beautiful daughters but always talked about having a son.They decided to try one last time for the son they always wanted.

The wife got pregnant and delivered a healthy baby boy.The joyful father rushed to the nursery to see his new son. He was horrified at the ugliest child he had ever seen. He told his wife, "There's no way I can be the father of this baby. Look at the two beautiful daughters I fathered! Have you been foolingaround behind my back?"

The wife smiled sweetly and replied, "Not this time!"

The 3rd Affair

A mortician was working late one night. He examined the body of Mr. Schwartz, about to be cremated, and made a startling discovery.

Schwartz had the largest private part he had everseen!

"I'm sorry Mr. Schwartz," the mortician commented, "I can't allow youto be cremated with such an impressive private part. It must be saved for posterity." So, he removed it, stuffed it into his briefcase, and took it home.

"I have to show you something you won't believe," he said to his wife,opening his briefcase.

"My God!" the wife exclaimed, "Schwartz is dead?!?!"

The 4th Affair

A woman was in bed with her lover when she heard her husband openingthe front door.

"Hurry," she said, "stand in the corner." She rubbed baby oil all over him, then dusted him with talcum powder."Don't move until I tell you," she said. "Pretend you're a statue."

"What's this?" the husband inquired as he entered the room.

"Oh it's a statue." she replied. "The Smith's bought one and I liked itso much I got one for us, too."

No more was said, not even when they went to bed.

Around 2 AM the husband got up, went to the kitchen and returned with a sandwich and a beer.

"Here," he said to the statue, "have this. I stood like that for two days at the Smith's and nobody offered me a damned thing."

The 5th Affair

A man walked into a cafe, went to the bar and ordered a beer.

"Certainly, Sir, that'll be one cent."

"One Cent?" the man thought. He glanced at the menu ! and asked, "How much for a nice juicy steakand a bottle of wine?"

"A nickel," the barman replied.

"A nickel?" exclaimed the man. "Where's the guy who owns this place?"

The bartender replied, "Upstairs, with my wife."

The man asked, "What's he doing upstairs with your wife?"

The bartender replied, "The same thing I'm doing to his business downhere."

The 6th Affair

John was dying. His wife sat at the bedside. He looked up and said weakly, "I have something I must confess."

"There's no need to," his wife replied.

"No," he insisted, "I want to die in peace. I slept with your sister,your best friend, her best friend, and your mother!"

"I know, I know," she replied. "Now just rest and let the poison work."