Soul of the city

Friday evening, my teenager and I were invited to a birthday party of a foreign exchange student at a family-owned resort in Lagao, this city. The birthday girl Aurore (yes, she is French) is the foster daughter of Vice Mayor Shirlyn Banas-Nograles and hubby.

It was my second party with Vice Mayor Shirlyn. The first party I attended where I met her for the first time was at couple Glenn and Mary Jane Aroso’s birthday party in honour of their eldest son Brian in August, this year.

Last Friday, Vice Mayor Shirlyn and I talked about all and sundry including the recent Tuna Festival which is celebrated yearly for a couple of years now to commemorate the charter anniversary of the city.

She went to school at UP-Visayas in Iloilo for her college education and while she was there, she imbibed the culture of the province. I grew up in Bohol where the classic Boholano culture and heritage is very strong and intertwined into our psyche. Using the culture lens, we observed one thing in common: Both these Visayan Islands with grand and popular festivals to boot are deeply rooted in culture and history. You see, every city, every province has a soul. This soul is defined in the city’s or province’s history, heritage and culture. Anyone who originates from any city or province must know her history, her heritage, her uniqueness. It’s simply called the “soul of the city”.

While at it, we talked about how the Generals especially the younger ones – the children and teenagers who will eventually become grownups – can fully embrace the significance of the Tuna Festival. We were not talking about parades and street dances, nor the buntings and colourful banners; we meant how we can translate the festivity into a sustainable foundation-laying program that people can understand, appreciate, imbibe and embrace and eventually embed into their consciousness as a growing heritage. It is the young people’s birthright. Like peace education, the program never ends. It never stops. It cuts across cultures, religions, genders, ages and politics. It doesn’t start and end with the festival per se. It is cultural and historical, thus it is continuous and digs deep into the roots of the city.

It is a daunting task considering that Gen. Santos City is a melting pot of many cultures. How to start a distinct culture extracted from this myriad of cultures for the benefit of the young generation is the greatest challenge for festival thinkers and culture experts in the city. It should go beyond commerce and trade. It must be rooted in the culture and heritage that we are trying to bequeath on our children and the future generation – their birthright.

Festivals are a celebration of a place’s culture, tradition and heritage. When we celebrate it, everyone, young and old alike must have an idea why we are celebrating. The celebration must be rooted in the soul of the city.

Food for thought:

A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. – Mohandas Gandhi

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. – Marcus Garvey 


http://iloilocity.gov.ph/iloiloct2011wip/

A million little things

I went to visit a friend yesterday afternoon after dropping off my son in the university. Well, I lingered a bit in the faculty room of my son’s college department and engaged two professors in animated conversation. The talk centered on the power industry. Haha I’m really a power industry girl. It’s an easy topic to discuss.

When I left, I drove to a friend’s house. I haven’t seen this friend since I left for Iloilo City several months back.

It was a wonderful opportunity to engage in good conversation. Well, I had coffee and eventually dinner. Haha at the rate I’m eating these days, I’m really going to add weight. Anyways, she prepared Panga. Wow it was tasty and I finally felt that I’m back in Gen. Santos City with its flavorful Panga!

It happens that my friend grows plants so I took the chance to ask for some branches and other rooted plants since Ate Teody has the green thumb. Since I returned from Iloilo City, my garden has been truly greened and plants are robust. Not only that, Ate Teody grew vegetables. Really cool.

Betty’s son Ian was just discharged from the hospital for dengue. Last Friday when I communicated with her first, she was in the hospital because Ian was confined for dengue. I wasn’t able to visit him that weekend on account of my son’s university activities. So yesterday, I made sure to visit them. Ian is doing better. Platelet has improved. Thank God. But funny thing what Betty said: “Day, sayang tapos na transfusion when I learned last Friday that you are Type A (blood type). You could have donated blood.” I said, yes I could have. But is that possible? I may donate blood today; then need it the following day. That will be ironic. She said, “Well there are qualifying factors. Women menstruate, so that will be considered including age, status of health, tattoo marks, others.” Anyways, she finally said: “Ian could have had your blood and you two become connected (for life) and then, he will grow more intelligent.” Haha so that’s the bottom line. We both laughed and said, “Yes”. Mothers.

But seriously, is there a study or research that can prove that donated or transfused blood can stimulate brain activity? Calling scientists. Is there research to back up our theory?

Anyways, I left Betty’s house quite full: physically, emotionally and mentally. It’s really good to visit close friends and talk. As it happens, I knew Betty for fifteen years. She was still single then. Her kids are still young while mine are already teenagers but our friendship has grown through the years. We have seen the changing fortunes of time, so to speak. I like that. Changing fortunes of time. So Desiderata.

Betty and I have a long way to go… until old age haha.

You’re the best Betty. You always have been.

Food for thought: Friendship isn’t a big thing – it’s a million little things.

Seppuku

“Honor for the samurai (superior warrior class) was dearer than life and in many cases; self destruction was regarded not simply as right, but as the only right course. Disgrace and defeat were atoned by committing hara-kiri or seppuku (seppuku (sape-puu-kuu), the Japanese formal language term for ritual suicide hara-kiri (har-rah-kee-ree), the common language term).

Other reasons a samurai committed seppuku were to show contempt for an enemy; to protest against injustice; as a means to get their lord to reconsider an unwise or unworthy action; and as a means to save others.”

I was contemplating on the manner by which former Secretary Angelo Reyes ended his life.

I have read so many brilliant articles written about it, and yet here I am, an ordinary mortal puzzled in a way, by his death.

When the institution I have provided lectures on Gender Sensitivity; Public Speaking; and Leadership from August-October last year, asked me to submit my final examination questions on the subject leadership two weeks back, you can be sure I had a question formulated about the suicide of then Secretary Reyes. I asked my police students to use the leadership lens.

Naturally, I had varied reactions and answers. It was a excellent exercise both for them and myself. They were able to express their views openly without fear and reservation.

According to Japanese tradition, a Samurai is a warrior. I have seen the movie Samurai twice and I must admit I have admired the Japanese more after watching the movie. Their love of country is admirable.

If you are a soldier - an official at that, you are a warrior. A warrior is a samurai.

My readings say that “Other reasons a samurai committed seppuku were to show contempt for an enemy; to protest against injustice; as a means to get their lord to reconsider an unwise or unworthy action; and as a means to save others.”

If one were to analyze that, a warrior’s seppuku or hara-kiri then could be attributed to any one of the above reasons; two or three of the above reasons; or all of the above.

Relating to what former Secretary Reyes did, was it a silent but loud protest against the injustice he felt and was subjected to? Or a means to save others? Or both?

My job is not to moralize.

I give you room to self-debate.

People

What is it with people?

You love them, hate them, admire them, despise them, need them, ignore them.

What is it with a special person in one’s life?

You love him, hate him, admire him, despise him, need him, ignore him.
You love her, hate her, admire her, despise her, need her, ignore her and worst, deliberately hurt her.

Some people come to you to express a need; some come to ventilate frustrations and life issues; some come just for comfort.

But hey, let’s also stop and pause for a while and think about how we can make other people happy; feel important and special.

I tell you, everyone needs to feel special; cared for and most importantly loved.

Like I always say, “Life is not always about you; it’s also about me”.

Life is not always about him; it’s also about her.

Life is not always about your need; it’s also about my need.

Learn to give; learn to release; learn to love.

Learn to be human; learn to ache; learn to cry.

People have the greatest capacity to hurt other people; but they also have the greatest capacity to love.

Bonding time; Rebisco time (",)

It was one of those weekends! Totally fun!

I was at ABS-CBN’s My Only Radio (MOR) for Life FM station in Gen. Santos City for my radio guesting which turned out to be surprise! “Rebisco Time”. I was interviewed on “bonding moments” with the family. What families usually do during weekends which include housecleaning; gardening; doing grocery together; cooking; playing musical instruments which my teenagers usually do: Shiloh on drums; Kits on either base or electric guitar; pigging out at home; watching home movies, and on Sundays, church fellowship. Our family goes to Bread of Life Ministries.
Nice one. I had fun. More than that, I enlarged my circle of friends.
Thank you Mario Valentino for the honor.
Kapag my Rebisco, ang sarap ng filling mo! Thanks Rebisco, you truly made my day!

P.S. Special thanks to Joey John Elman Concepcion for making the interview easy. My Tagalog was almost perfect (",) Greyzee Vargas Alvarez for the company and shared aspirations. My friends (fans?) who sent text messages right after the interview. Haha fun, fun, fun. (“,)

My response to the news article "How’s cyberlife for Palace speechwriter? It sucks; Palace to issue guidelines"

That's the dilemma faced by a speech writer, more so, if you are appointed Assistant Secretary.

You are now a government official and so your responsibility has expanded. You are no longer a ghost speech writer. You are a "seen"speech writer. As such, ethical standards must govern your behavior anywhere, even on Twitter.

I agree that her remarks were the expressions of a young lady, no argument there, but remember once it's out; it's read all over the world. It's the global paradox. The world has shrunk and we have increased because of technology. The medium was powerful.

The communications group has so much work to do. Communications is the "in" thing these days. You can't afford to be the first group to always commit the flak; you are supposed to be the front liners.

Shape up.

All about inspiration

My Public Speaking lecture on October 4 and 5 was truly an inspiring experience. The response of my forty two (42) police officer-participants was most heartening and when it was time for them to deliver their individual speeches, I was inspired.
It was inspiring because I saw them worked on delivering their speeches using the essentials of public speaking that I taught them. Isn’t that the greatest fulfillment of a mentor? It simply is.
This week, I will return to the institution to handle Leadership for the same participants. I’m looking forward to another fruitful experience with the group.
o O o
On October 13th, I will try to inspire senior Information Technology (IT) students of the Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), this city who are about to finish their On-the-Job-Training (OJT) exposure. The theme of the gathering is “Convergence: A challenge to Information Technology enthusiasts in the academe and industry”.
We are constantly faced with the challenge of inspiring. We have to rise up to the challenge.
o O o
In most cases, I would say inspiration usually comes from people: people of all shapes and sizes; beliefs and convictions.
They come at unexpected moments when we least expect them. Of course God uses people to inspire other people. It’s always by divine appointment and divine providence.
It also depends on us. Like me, I always desire to inspire others most especially when I do lectures and speak before an audience. It gives me pleasure to be able to inspire my participants.
o O o

I returned to Gen. Santos City in April, this year, after a short professional journey in the Visayas. In June this year, I decided to return to school. The motivation was to help me cope with my father’s loss. I am the type who copes badly when I lose a parent. I only enrolled in one subject. Being in school is a coping mechanism and enrolling in several subjects would unnecessarily stress me.
True enough, school gave me something to think about. It also afforded me the opportunity to build new friendships and more importantly to revisit the lessons I learned in the past, and learn new ones.
One of the requirements to fully pass the subject is to organize a Seminar. So on October 9th, our Thursday class in tandem with the Saturday class organized the “Public Service is a Public Trust” Seminar with Atty. Marilou B. Unabia of the Office of the Ombudsman-Davao as speaker.

It is true: education should not be confined within the four corners or four walls of the classroom. It is incumbent upon teachers to inspire and motivate students by employing teaching approaches and methodologies that are unique, creative and fun.
It may be tough at times but that’s the only way to do it. Hey, we don’t want to bore our students to death, right? Or employ outdated teaching approaches that have seen better days. Our students deserve only the best from us. It’s the only way to go.
o O o
The semester break is here. Thank God. Parents can now relax with expenses most especially on their college students.
I don’t know about you but having a college student is really heavy on the pockets of parents.
The break will enable the parents to relax a bit on the required weekly allowances and channel the same to other home needs.
I look forward to my son Hezekiah Kit’s vacation at home for the duration of the semester break.
Thank God for breaks.
o O o

Friends are a true source of inspiration. Last week, these ladies have been an excellent source of inspiration and I would like to thank them individually: Jennifer Felisilda who is now based in Cebu City by virtue of work; Jet Reyes of PNB-Santiago; Ruth Fernandez of BDO-Pendatun (but I like to call it BDO-Sydney), and Maricris (Cris) Cabalhin of Metro Manila. Thank you ladies. Your presence in my life is refreshing and soothing.
Incidentally during my Visayas journey, Jennifer Felisilda provided me company during her breaks from her Call Center job. We had plenty of bonding moments, most especially when I had bouts of loneliness being away from my kids and hubby. She was a great source of comfort when I was alone and lonely in Cebu City. She is so much younger than me but she is mature in many ways.
Maricris is a wonderful woman in many ways. We used to work together in the last power company I served. We worked together for only a short time but we became closer when we both left the company. Thanks Cris. Like I always say, you are the greatest!
Ms. Ruth, Ahh, a beautiful woman inside-out whom I got to know through Marsha. Very attuned to her humanity; grounded on the basics, and carinosa. Who wouldn’t love a woman like Ruth?
Jet, she is the older sister I don’t have. Okay, okay she is going to wring my neck for saying that. She is only one year older than me, for all intents and purposes, but you know I am the oldest sister in the family, so it is really comforting to be treated like a younger sister. Get it? She is a lovely petite beauty.

And of course, my prayer “power” partner Catherine Pedregosa Velasco. Cathy is my constant source of prayer back-up for three years now. Thanks Cathy. I am so grateful that our paths crossed.
Like I always said, life’s surprises come in either tall or thin packages called people.

Food for thought: If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair. > Samuel Johnson

All about Desiderata

Last night, I revisited “Desiderata”. I remember having memorized this poem when I was in high school. We were required to recite it from memory. Since then, the poem has really stayed with me. In the course of my professional life, I have come across it posted on the wall of offices, or standing by a corner framed. It only goes to show that like me, it has inspired so many other individuals.
May I invite you then to revisit the poem stanza by stanza with me? Maybe we can get inspired again by this classic.
1st Stanza: “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.”
What does the line invoke? It invokes a chaotic, stressful world that we have to contend with every single day while we are alive. Then we are reminded that to obtain peace in the midst of the chaos and stress, we can try solitude.
2nd stanza: “As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.”
Simply understood, it talks about tact and diplomacy; compassion and empathy. It also warns us to choose our company wisely.
3rd stanza: “If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.”
I love this stanza. It is very straightforward, direct and totally endearing. Comparison will really bring us nowhere. It can lead to jealousy and bitterness especially in people who keep their insecurities and inadequacies hidden very well. Some people will always be greater than us. It’s a fact of life. We had better accept that right here and now.
It says enjoy your achievements but keep your feet planted on the ground. It is true: humility is a real possession both in good times and bad. You become rich, you stay humble; you go through some tough time; you stay humble. It’s a winner.
4th stanza: “Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.”
The heart of this stanza is simply: Be yourself. Do not pretend. Do not play a role. Be real. But at the same time, be discerning and intuitive in your professional and personal dealings.
It also reminds us that the world is full of big and little heroes. We can derive inspiration from them.
5th stanza: “Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.”
Now this stanza is totally a lesson for all of us to learn. For after all, don’t we all turn cynical when in a love relationship we get hurt? We get jaded; callous; and cynical. We say romance is overrated and stuff like that.
Desiderata tells us that love is as perennial as the grass. What a beautiful analogy.
6th stanza: “Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.”
Wisdom. This stanza talks about wisdom that we obtain as we sail on in our life journeys. When we have transitioned from youth to adulthood, we would also have developed mental and emotional toughness and strength of character.
It counsels us not to focus on the negative things in life.

7th stanza: “Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”
This is the stanza that I love the most. “Be gentle with yourself.” A very gentle reminder that we should always take care of ourselves; that we do not neglect ourselves and take “us” for granted; not to be too harsh on ourselves. We ought to be the very first people to love ourselves so we are able to love others.
And since God created you, you have the right to be here. And because you are here, you are witness to the many wondrous things that God has caused the universe to unfold for everyone.
8th stanza: “Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.”
The stanza best explains it. It is crystal clear. Whatever we go through in life, we know whom to anchor. Do you know whom to anchor?
9th stanza: “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
Yes, with life’s unfairness and broken dreams – don’t we all experience that? it is still a beautiful world. We may not see the beauty at times, but it truly is. So we must keep the cheerful disposition and strive to be happy.

Thank you Max Ehrmann for composing Desiderata. The author is a poet and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana, who lived from 1872 to 1945. It has been reported that Desiderata was inspired by an urge that Ehrmann wrote about in his diary.

Life stuff

Wednesday last week, I taught Gender Awareness for some forty two (42) police officers who are taking up their Junior Leadership Course at PPSC-RTS 12. This group is fun to be with. Their interaction is real, witty, funny, and based on true-to-life accounts. Some inputs were totally hilarious; some would leave you speechless. Of the forty two police officers, five (5) were women and the rest, men.
And like all gender awareness and gender sensitivity lectures and trainings I did for most people, the subject on sex and sexuality is the most interesting part. What is it about sex and sexuality that titillates the imagination? Haha.
Let me mention some sexual rights that we tackled:
 The highest attainable standard of sexual health, including access to sexual and reproductive health care services
 Seek, receive and impart information related to sexuality
 Sexuality education
 Respect for bodily integrity
 Choose their partner
 Decide to be sexually active or not
 Consensual sexual relations
 Consensual marriage
 Decide whether or not, and when, to have children; and
 Pursue satisfying, safe and pleasurable sexual life
Those who are not in agreement with the sexual rights mentioned above may raise a question (and explain why). These sexual rights were taken up when I participated in a Seminar-Training for GAD Trainers during my colorful TRANSCO days.
The gender awareness lecture lasted for four hours only. I must say it’s very short for such an interesting topic. Perhaps it could be increased to eight hours next time?
After the gender awareness lecture, I was requested by Ms. Carms of PPSC-RTS 12 to handle Public Speaking with practicum on Monday and Tuesday, October 4 and 5. Wonderful! October 4 and 5 are special dates for me. Truly special: for all intents and purposes.
So over the weekend, I reviewed my lecture material and input some needed revisions.
o O o
I had brewed coffee at East Asia Royale Hotel late Thursday afternoon courtesy of Rombar Bartolome. What would you know! While sipping coffee, a friend whom I have not seen for over a year suddenly materialized right in front of me! Whoa! Totally serendipitous. I did not even know he was in the city. I should thank Rombar for the coffee. It afforded me the rare chance to see this guy again. Sorry folks, I couldn’t say his name. He is too popular for comfort these days. I do not want to add to his woes. Knowing him, he does not thrive in unwanted popularity.
o O o

Friday night was special bonding time with the ladies of Rotary Club of Greater General Santos at Sunset Bistro at Robinson’s Place hosted by President Petite V.
It was a small group that night, very animated, candid and totally relaxed. I would say solidarity defined the atmosphere. But I like the “candid part” the most haha. Don’t worry ladies, I totally get you.
I have always believed that women need solidarity with other women. Women solidarity strengthens, renews, validates, confirms and appreciates our value and worth as women.
Thanks President Petite for graciously hosting the get-together.
Incidentally, Prexy Petite V has requested me to speak on “Ethics in the Workplace” during the regular fellowship meeting on October 20. Time to study.
o O o
The months September and October saw my house hosting the friends and classmates of Shiloh Ruthie twice weekly. It seems like I see them almost daily actually. Hmmm. Curious.
Well, the school intramurals is coming up and they are involved in the “Battle of the Bands”. Since my daughter plays the drums and we have musical instruments at home, they troop to the house to practice. So this quiet weekend, they are here again to practice their number.
What can I say? I’m writing my column and they are strumming the guitar, playing the drums, singing their hearts out!
But I’m totally cool about it. Like they say, it is best when moms (and dads) know who their kids hang out with. It is safer and wise.
And their visits also maximize the use of the musical instruments at home. Splendid investment.
o O o
The Global Paradox: With technology, the world has become bigger and smaller at the same time. And we all benefit from it.
I do not want to intellectualize this. I just want to treat it lightly. Imagine Facebook. You get connected with your friends anywhere in the world with just one click. Twenty years ago or so, we had to call via long distance and write via snail mail if we wanted to stay connected with friends and family abroad. Fast forward to 2010, what do you have? Plenty. Real plenty huh! The world has shrunk: technology has enabled us to connect so fast; and the players – we have increased; our world has turned bigger. That in simple terms is the beauty of the global paradox.
o O o

Food for thought: May the gods grant you all things which your heart desires, and may they give you a husband and a home and gracious concord, for there is nothing greater and better than this -when a husband and wife keep a household in oneness of mind, a great woe to their enemies and joy to their friends, and win high renown. > Homer, The Odyssey

What were you thinking?

Were you able to watch the television interview of Ms. Gloria Diaz where she mentioned about “Cebuanos not able to speak in English and Tagalog”? Wow! I was totally aghast! Of course the context was beauty pageants where contestants can’t articulate themselves very well in the English language.

Oh boy, what was she thinking? Does she even know that majority of Cebuanos speak good, if not fluent English? What a major blunder on her part.


Cebuano-speaking people have a hard time learning Tagalog because that’s not their mother tongue, however, they are more interested to learn and speak the English language.

I was expecting a torrent of complaint after she uttered her now infamous line. And it’s now happening. A Congress representative from Cebu has spoken about it. And more Cebu leaders are coming up with Resolutions decrying what she said.

I expect that. That was a very insensitive statement. Stereotyping is the word. It is ironic coming from an international beauty winner like her.

She should have been more careful and circumspect; more tactful. Tact, tact, tact, where art thou?
I speak Cebuano or Bisaya if you prefer that. I was born, raised and educated up to college in Bohol; I knew that Cebuanos love their language so much. Their Cebuano (Bisaya) music is very rich in poetry and prose; their Bisaya poetry is very prolific. I know this for a fact. I have met some Cebuano poets. My sister Delora dabbles in both Cebuano and English poetry and she has introduced me to some of her Cebuano poet-friends. They preserve and cultivate their language and yet they speak good English.

Here, let me share a trivia from Wikipedia:

The Visayan languages (or Bisayan languages) of the Philippines, along with Tagalog and Bikol, are part of the Central Philippine languages. Most Visayan languages are spoken in the Visayas region but they are also spoken in the Bicol Region (particularly in Sorsogon and Masbate), islands south of Luzon such as those that make up Romblon, most of the areas of Mindanao, and the province of Sulu located southwest of Mindanao. Some residents of Metro Manila also speak Visayan.

Over thirty languages constitute the Visayan language family. The Visayan language with the most speakers is Cebuano, spoken by 20 million people as a native language in Central Visayas, northern and eastern parts of Mindanao. Two other well-known Visayan languages are Hiligaynon, spoken by 7 million in western Visayas and Waray-Waray spoken by 3 million in eastern Visayas.

o O o

Have you seen on television how government officials are passing the buck about the bungled hostage crisis?
A mayor was identified by a police general as the person calling the shots; the mayor in turn, pointed his finger at the police as the over-all in-charge of operation.

Hello! We can see who’s lying through his teeth? It’s a shame that when one can’t take the heat, he casts the blame on another person (or organization).

Men, show us some backbone. Prove the stuff that you are truly made of.

If you messed up, just have the gumption to accept it. Leadership calls for the highest form of courage. If you don’t have the courage to face the consequence of your action, resign and save your dignity.

o O o

Three communications secretaries and no one was speaking during the day-long hostage crisis until its bloody end? To borrow the British expression: “bloody ineptitude”! Where in the world were the experts? A crisis situation requires crisis communication. The government has three communications secretaries for crying out loud but nobody even dared use crisis communication when it was needed.
The failure is appalling.

Our training in crisis communication teaches us that in times of crisis, the crisis management committee convenes with utmost urgency and appoints the official spokesperson whose personality will represent the company (or the government in this particular instance) for the duration of the crisis. The spokesperson can use any medium available to update the public about the on-going situation. In the case of the hostage crisis, television was the most effective medium. The spokesperson gives the rightful information without exaggerating and causing panic. She serves as the major link between the company (or the government) and the public most especially the affected sectors – maintain connectivity. She must be visible for the duration of the crisis situation. She assures the public that the company (the government) is working on the resolution of the crisis at hand. And when it is over, she wraps up the entire situation with an official statement or press briefing, whichever serves the purpose best. Needless to say, she has to be supported by a team which will facilitate her communication requirements like direct link with the company head (government leader); processing of updated information; crafting of the right messages to deliver to an anxious public and the like.
What a shame that with three cabinet communications secretaries, nobody was there to speak on behalf government.

Well, I’m only presenting this information since I have served as Corporate Communications Officer for three power companies for the past fourteen years. Our crisis situations were always the toppling of our towers by lawless elements; partial power system collapse or full power system collapse. We knew what we ought to do when these situations arise.

Personally, my commitment as a communications person is to prevent a communication vacuum. Why? Because the absence of information creates confusion and panic. When confusion and panic set in, speculations arise. You can only imagine what people will think given a prolonged blackout. So before people start speculating about the absence of power, give them the needed correct information right away (or as soon as available). In this manner, only the right information comes out.

If information is not readily available which happens all the time, come out with an initial statement and follow through. Like I said, never allow a communication vacuum to happen. An information vacuum encourages speculations. Absence of information itself is a crisis waiting to happen.

o O o

Food for thought:

Faced with crisis, the man of character falls back on himself. He imposes his own stamp of action, takes responsibility for it, makes it his own.
- Charles de Gaulle

My response to the news article "Hong Kong stages march for Justice"

Sad. What's happening right now is really sad.

Sad for the country; sad for the Filipinos. The Hong Kong nationals are also sad: they lost eight of their people in a truly bizarre way.

Anger is expected. It’s part of the grieving process. The Hong Kong indignation is expected especially that the death is totally senseless to them. It does not make any sense that tourists are killed in the very same tourist bus that was supposed to give them fun and comfort. The tourist bus gave them the ultimate discomfort. We can only imagine what nightmare they went through. And for eight of them, their very own coffin.

Tact supremacy

Some people are gifted with tact. Some others learn it. Others relearn it. However, there are those who don’t have it at all. Sad but true.

What is tact anyways? Tact is simply diplomacy, discretion and judgment. Other meanings are offered but I chose these three because these are the most apt. The absence of tact is evidently the opposite of diplomacy, discretion and judgment.

A review of the Moral Recovery Program after EDSA I

The "Moral Recovery Program: Building a People; Building a Nation" of the government needs reevaluation and reexamination to reflect the present day realities. In this paper, the strengths of the Filipino character include:

1. Pakikipagkapwa-tao
2. Family orientation
3. Hard work and Industry
4. Faith and Religiosity
5. Joy and Humor
6. Flexibility, Adaptability and Creativity
7. Ability to Survive

Thoughts On President Aquino’s Inaugural Speech

A. On Corruption

“During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor.” That is no mere slogan for posters — it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.

This solidly illustrates the commitment of President Aquino to restore decency in the government service. His declaration that “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor” is the defining principle of his administration: the bedrock of his government.