The Sixth Spade

Whenever we are in a situation into which we are striving for a higher goal, say, professional promotion or business development, I often hear that we should work warder to achieve something. For me, it is actually an incomplete mix of dedication. Yes, we should work hard or increase our efforts but it is not always the case. Sometimes, there are better ways to gratification. We should always remember to WORK SMARTER, NOT JUST HARDER. It is like there is a tall and massive wall that blocks your path, we sometimes need not to break the whole wall or climb over it when we can just go around it. In an ordinary office environment, the only thing constant there is an increase or workload or having greater responsibility, if we try to finish everything up all at the same time, we just exhaust ourselves until we never meet any of the deadlines. Maybe we should do one thing at a time, or better yet, we should not let the work load pile up. Finish it as soon as it's given. Or exercise time management. I have this mentality in my collegiate days where I never go home as long as there's a single assignment left unfinished. After that, I can do whatever I want whenever I'm in our house. All of the resources are at the school. I am not the type of person that brings the responsibility in the school or at the office at my home, vice-versa. We all have responsibilities everywhere and it is our obligation to attend to them in their proper time and place. There is always a better way. Another is if we approach our jobs in a lighter way, even if we seem not to be satisfied in our professional life, it is our choice to continue taking it or leave it. If we cannot give it up, we should look at a brighter side, anyways, we can always try to learn new things and think that either ways, we are in the win-win situation, they gave us salary while we learn more from them. If the opportunity rises, we know that you are much more qualified to a better career. It is always up to us if we want to be better or miserable. Always our choice. WORK SMARTER, NOT JUST HARDER.

The Five of Spades

We all know that time is one of the things that a person cannot take back. It's importance is connected to our own, our very lives. As time is measurable by life existence, lifetime in which our duration, our time is our own responsibility and obligation. I have always stressed that we value our time because it is a part our our lives. We misuse it, we misuse a certain part of ourselves, a part that we cannot take back or even replace. The ugly truth is, the way we handle our time has a definite impact towards others, we somewhat affect them. Like if we were late for an appointment, we not only waste our time but also the other person's time as well. Responsibility and obligation goes with time.

People who were aspiring to be successful, like me, was often asked a question about our personal vision. Nobody would say that he would like to be the poorest person on earth, we all do want to achieve. I saw this college classmate of mine who is currently jobless. He has a bright vision of his future, he said that he knows that his time will come. But as far as I know, he is just putting sometime on the internet for any online job application and the rest will be gaming, malling, and some other activities that usually kills time. I asked him, since when did he have a job, he told me, "Oh! I haven't realize that it has been six years!. How time fly so fast." But he still believe that his time is yet to come, his opportunity to rise will present itself. Now, what he didn't realize and I think he haven't thought of is "is he ready?" We all did apply for a job but it doesn't mean that it is the only thing to do aside from breathing. There is always a better thing to do.

I believe that each and everyone of us has our own time to shine. But we should realize that shining starts at a small ray of light from the horizon until its full bloom in the top. Our time starts from the day we learn what to choose and has the capacity to decide. It is not other's obligation to do what is best for us. It is in our own hands. While, for example, waiting to be hired, why not do something to make yourself better. Attend some seminars or skill workshop. Do some voluntary work to know more and enhance our professional knowledge. Better qualify ourselves. Then when the opportunity arises we know when is the right part to strike, a perfect timing. We should be ready. Always. Success is close to those who make themselves closer to it. TIMING IS THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT TO SUCCESS, BEING THE RIGHT PERSON, AT THE RIGHT TIME, AT THE RIGHT PLACE.

Four of Spades

Have anyone seen the Jollibee commercial of Chicken Barbecue? Everybody could say that the new product is so juicy and oh so yummy. I am one of them. I am a huge Jollibee fan. When my friends and I went to their store, I saw the so called juicylicious chicken barbecue in their warmer as a small, dry textured product. I didn't even bother to order it due to it's appearance but my friend does. Like what I have suspected, it is not like what the commercial says. We really are disappointed. It is actually the opposite of what was being advertised. So everytime someone asked me what can I say about the Jollibee Chicken Barbecue, knowing that I am well-verse with their products, I will honestly not recommend it. Anyways, it seems that some people liked it but I can fearlessly say that majority aren't.

There's this one humble carinderia that specializes with lugaw (congee). The store is not really a flashy one but their food is way more delicious than of those classy competitions. They charge cheap or reasonable (tubong lugaw) but the taste is something you could remember and even savor even days after consuming their product. Their store never runs out of customers. And people from distant places didn't mind long drives just to experience and taste their cuisine. They didn't have any TV or radio advertisement. But customers keep on coming and their volume gets bigger and bigger.

yes, there is always a need to market and promote one's product. It is a way of expressing your product to the market. But what is more important than those costly advertising and promotional gimmicks is the quality of the product. It tells a lot not only about the product but most specially about the company also. Poor product grade means improper company function and system. The product is most likely the face of the company. People will like the advertisement for some time, but the product is something from the company that becomes a part of the customer's lives. Quality assurance is an attitude that boost a normal person or company into a winning force. GIVE THEM QUALITY, THAT'S THE BEST ADVERTISING.

Three of Spades

Stress is a natural feeling nowadays. I can't clearly point out what or even who is responsible for having stress. The most definite answer that I can say is that a person having a problem also experience stress. But not everybody who has problem has stress. Maybe some people know how to handle problems, or even stress. The root of the stress tree is definitely problems. This tree produces various fruits like mental illness, physical exhaustion, and many others. I also think that majority of warlords or warfreaks experiences stress for a long time and still harbors it. These are people with a lot of fear that keeps on haunting them. They just let the fear grow deep inside them until it engulfs their whole being. See, having stress has a tomato effect. A rotten tomato put in a basket of fresh tomatoes affects and rottens the rest. Same with a stressful person put in a peaceful working community will most likely affects the entire workplace.

The truth is, there is nothing that will stop stress from happening unless we do something about ourselves. We cannot stop problems from happening, but we can change the way we handle them. First of all, never do the usual mistakes that people is do. Never run away from problems. Face them. Because every problem has its own solution. The way of solving it maybe hard but there is always a better way to do them. Also, never point the problem given to you to anybody else. It is given to you because you are the right person to best solve it. Sometimes, we do not have to solve the problem because it can be solve by time itself. If we cannot let others solve our problems for us, definitely, there are times that we cannot solve the problem if the problem is not addressed to us. Case ownership. The problems will definitely be solved if we do something about it. So therefore we should not let dilemmas affect us and also others. We control them, not the other way around. If we were pressure and stressed out, it is definitely our choice. We have the choice to face it in a positive way. They are actually stepping stones for us to better ourselves. A reminder from the Three of Spades: THE BEST WAY OUT OF A DIFFICULTY IS THROUGH IT.

Second Spade

I had my confession today after years of pushing myself to my limit. For fourteen years of serving our Lord as a sacristan, I left the organization and the church to see if what I need for me to excel is time for myself. That's why I cut my attachments from the Church. I did this course of action because I was pondering what would I be if I leave ell my commitments and cut all my attachments in the Church. I thought of it because I felt that I was going nowhere. I have served God but in return, I don't see myself being successful at all. Yes, I have done great works and great things inside my organization and inside the Christianity. But as I was thinking, all of those achievements are faith-bound. I have an ambition. I do want to be rich. I am hungry for success. I am afraid of being just a server. With no warnings, I just stepped out and quit. Yup, I am rebuilding my life. A no commitment life other than to myself. I indeed finished college. I did have a very promising career. I did have the luxury of being "only me" towards everything. To cut it short, all I think of and all I care for was me. I saw myself going towards success. I started to realize that I have wasted so much time serving the church and serving others. I felt freedom. But about a year ago, four years after I left the Church, I reevaluated myself, am I happy? I graduated college being a top grade feasibility student, I did have an experience being on a national cheering competition, I do have an opportunity to have another set of friends, and I do broke a relationship. It was all for myself. I transferred from one job to another whenever I felt that the first company is going downhill and the next one being really not into me and most of all, being able to get employed right away. The third one is a project based job that I was never paid for my services, I actually volunteered because I really want to have the experience being with that event and at the same time, being with my girlfriend at work. It is just one month of being an unofficial volunteer and another one month as an official volunteer. Then I tried being a technical representative while learning new crafts until I realize that I am not practicing my degree. The degree that I am very proud of and worth proving to be a foundation of success. I tried to be an entrepreneur. I tried being a fish sauce supplier for starter but have to let it go due to personal reasons. It was also then I realize that I am missing something. I am not only missing something but I also realize that leaving my commitments to the church and cutting of my attachment is the worst thing that I have ever done. I have a goal but my life was empty. I do savor the luxury of serving myself but I felt being alone. I have left myself in the Church. I was afraid of being unsuccessful that's why I think leaving is the best thing to do. I just walk in a dark path. I've been excellent more than I was, that was only because He prepared me for those. He never left me even if I keep on running away from Him. People say I am a no-stress person, that I can handle almost impossible task with ease, I did it because he made me do it. He never left me. I was never afraid because I am achieving but I don't think it will be the same if He abandoned me as I did to Him. My fear causes me to run away. The same fear that made me run in the dark direction. But still, He never left me. I felt it when I was struggling, that everything I am today is to Him I owe. He even gave me someone to serve as a guide and savior. She was made a tool for my salvation. It took me years to realize that. I am struggling now because I am starting my new business. Now, I can say that I am still afraid but for me (being again with Him and always with her) I can say that I can face the challenges and failures head on. I am stronger now, because I realize that being fearful makes somebody resourceful. That makes courageous heroes out of desperate situation. I have learned that COURAGE IS FEAR THAT HAS SAID ITS PRAYER. Let's get it on!

The Ace of Spades

What is QUALITY? A certain dictionary defines quality as: high grade; superiority; excellence. If that's the meaning of quality, how can it be achieved? Why does every people expect quality in their products and even in their lives? If all of us seek for these quality living, why does only few people attain such way of life?

I used to work for an international bank. These said firm has a long tradition of quality and excellence with it. But it doesn't mean that people inside their offices experiences a happy professional life. Some of them sees themselves as a robot who executes the same processes in a day to day basis. They may be promoted but still they are stuck with their routine, like a hamster running on it's play wheel. They know they're bored but what can they do? Employment is very hard to find nowadays. They find themselves trapped. That is a problem.

I also have peers that have grown with me in our barangay. Most of them are undergraduate which makes proper employment hard for them. If I asked them if they are contented with the way they are living, they usually answer "what can I do? I didn't finished college. So I have to be contented with the way things are happening." Worst thing is that they even made themselves more binded in living a poor life because of an unplanned marriage. Unplanned in a sense that the girl got pregnant so they were forced to live together, with another baby suffering a fate worst than his/her parents have experienced. There is only few people in this situation that have achieved, let's say 60:1.

Whatever shit dumps into our lives, whatever trials and challenges meet us in our way, there is always a better way on doing things. A routinely job can be much enjoyable if you try to offer extra effort and take extra responsibilities for you to learn more and excel . It is really hard but if you think it is not really the stuff for you, go find what you think suit you most. There is always a better thing to do to have a better life. If you are unable to graduate, there is always an option to work while studying. If studying is a far option, try to do some extra jobs to have extra income. Again, there is always a better way to have a better life. The point is QUALITY ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU CARE ENOUGH TO DO YOUR BEST. You have the freedom to choose. Nobody is liable in your own life but you.

38th Card

Computer shop is one of the businesses that exist today. And it is still growing. It is rarely to see a place with now computer shops within it. Some are even operating near their competition. They indeed have saturated markets but how can some lost their customers or didn't even get their prospect customers while the other shop has all the customers waiting for their turn? I think we cannot blame the marketing, the promotion or even the pricing. Some shop, regardless whether their a computer shop or any other establishments, focuses on how to reduce their services or product's price or how their offices will become more appealing to their prospect client. While others focuses on what the customers really need and what will benefit either parties. It is true that those above mentioned matters are important but there will be no more essential than giving what the customers' demands. Knowing what they really want will make your business necessary for them. It is also a way of reaching out to them, creating a better connection. Anyways, when money pours, it is easy to do some renovation or improvisation.

Another thing when it comes to ordinary people, like students. Base on my experience, some of my classmates prefer to attend Physical education class rather than any other classes. I for one really enjoy playing basketball with them. But let's look at the larger picture: PE develops our physical well-being while classes like Management, accounting, and the like prepares us to what the real world is about. Although we will be just using perhaps twenty five percent of what we have learned in our scholastic years but hey, they're still twenty five percent. Yup the rest are learning based on our experience but scholastic lessons were always useful in our daily lives. We enjoy the things that are enjoyable to us but we should also learn to enjoy those boring but necessary things that we have to take with us as we grow up. You cannot like unless you want them.

Always remember what the King of Hearts states: DON'T MAJOR IN MINOR THINGS. They are necessary too but always look into what the whole picture is telling you to do. Focus on your goals, not on the diversions.

Queen of Hearts

This I think all of you, men, will agree with me. This quote from my Queen of Hearts is mostly applicable to women. "MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT BUT THEY'RE PRETTY SURE THEY HAVEN'T GOT IT." I'm just kidding when I say that this is mostly applicable to women because actually not all women were like that and not all men are not like that. Actually, nowadays, I can see women more empowered than men. I don't know what's happening or is there any change of tides but most ladies nowadays were pretty much sure what they want with their life and their family's future and they risk everything just to achieve it. While I can see some of my co-gender just waiting for things to happen.

Okay, let's cut the chase, I for one, used to be thinking that I feel incomplete that's why I keep on looking and asking or working for something so I may have it. Most of the times, I will ask or seek or work again because I want something else or another. We people are really can't be satisfied. Some will say that they are already contented with their lives maybe because they have already achieve their meaning and realize the reason of their existence or they are just bluffing. It is better to be the first one that I mentioned than the latter. There is no wrong when achieving something, as long as you get it or work for it in a very honorable manner. Everybody should know what they want to do with their lives or else you will end up driving yourself to work so hard that you and later ended up in the wrong destination. It is the usual cause of unhappiness or emptiness or both. The issue here is to know yourself that will enable you to see what is your purpose or what is it that you are wanting. With that, you can plot your towards attaining your goal. It is not wrong to always seek for the best. Just always remember, what is best for others may not be best for you. You are your own man and you have your own destiny to build. Be contented only if you give your best shot. Always aim for a higher standard. And know when to stop. Getting things that have no meaning to you is the same as stealing from others that may have use to it.

The Jack of Hearts

There is no constant thing on earth but change. I bet it is very true. Regardless on how much a being like himself, whether he likes it or not, he cannot stop changing. There are a lot of aspects, especially for us humans, to consider when it comes to changing. I remember the words that elders here often uses when someone uses alibi to escape their misdeeds "Huwag kang tumanda ng paurong." As our body age so does our wisdom. And most especially the way we handle our responsibilities.

In my dire times, when I feel that everything seems hopeless, I always asked myself "how mature am I to handle this?" Maybe it is not yet time or maybe I am way behind my development, but if I cannot get through this now, when will I ever overcome it. All of us will grow eventually, so why hinder ourselves? We should not just grow, not just change, but we should be better each time. Time changes and it demands goes with it. It is so important to remember and live by this lesson from the Jack of Hearts: COMMIT YOURSELF TO CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT. Don't be contented with what you are right not. There is always room for growth. If you feel you are the best now, do you think you're still the best tomorrow?

Respect

I have an argument for you, here it is: Respect is earned, not given.

What do you think? Maybe some will agree. Actually, majority of the people who I ask this question say they do agree with the phrase. But if you ask me, I would definitely say that generally, respect is always given, it was only earned once somebody breaks it or a person shamed himself or by others. I think it is quite misunderstood. Respect is given while trust is earned. They are two different issues.There is no question that you should always have to earn trust, especially when the two persons involved are complete strangers. While every people is entitled for their freedom which everybody should always respect, no matter what the person is. Like you pass by a total stranger, basically you will just leave him in peace if you have nothing to ask of him. That's respect, a simple example. He didn't have to exert any effort for you to respect him. It is a must. It is a general rule that respect to be given is a MUST. It is mandatory. It is general. For me, it not actually a point to argue with. I just made this blog for the simple fact that most people should not interchange respect and trust. The sad truth is that they live by the term respect should be earned. Imagine if we do not respect somebody by the mere reason that they didn't do anything to earn it. If from the very start that wrong way existed and generally practiced. I think it would be either the human race become extinct due to constant wars or we all live our lives on an anarchy. Peace comes with respect. Like what the golden rule suggest: DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU WANT OTHERS DO UNTO YOU. If you want to be respected, show respect. You cannot love if you do not respect. The lose of respect is a lose of silence, of peace, and of course, love. Respect one another, that is the beginning of a peaceful and harmonious existence.

Ten of Hearts

I often ask myself, was right a privilege? Sure, people will tell me that if our society doesn't establish "rights", definitely the defenseless will be exploited, anarchy rules. If that' the case, we will have a lawless society. Rules are made for everybody's benefit. It concerns us all. Therefore it is wrong to violate someone's rights. May I ask you another question. Let's say a person who owns a property, particularly land, have his property used by some people who doesn't own it, would you consider it as a violation made by the latter? Now these people, after being given a notice to evacuate, still didn't mind continuing occupying the said space, can they raise they're right of settling in that area? I don't think so. I am not an elitist, people who knows me that I was living in a depressed area, only that my grandparents and my parents worked so hard just to provide us with a quality way of living. I do have connection with those people since we both shared the same street, the same dilemmas and the same fun living and growing under the same situations. But would it be right to occupy somebody else's property? What if the owner acquire the said lot through his hardwork, isn't squatting the same as stealing? As far as I know, people from the squatters area originally live in provinces. Provinces which lands should be cultivated and are also the original source of our country's wealth. Those people think that it is really easier to live and be rich in Manila so they migrated and hoping to look a job right away. And when they were wrong with their decision and nowhere else to go, they will either live on the street or occupy somebody else's property. As an indirect effect, we now import agricultural products from other countries. It is their right to dream and live prosperously, but not at the expense of somebody's rights are being violated. I can't blame the owners to evict this people, they need their land and it is the reason why they acquire it. I believe that a person doesn't have to leave his place just to be successful, the same as a Filipino can be rich in his own country. They will use rally, hunger strikes, and sometimes it results to a bloody encounter just because they feel that they are being oppressed. I know, their right of having a decent abode as already given up from the moment that they leave and migrate away from their own original house. They cannot blame the owner or even the government. They have their rights so they should decide wisely.

The same goes with a writer or a public personality. We know the pen is mightier than the sword but if they unethically use their right to write, or what we call freedom of the press, they will definitely expect that those people whom they wrongly accused, will retaliate. Nobody wants to be stepped on. But there is always somebody that doesn't care if he or she has stepped on somebody's right.

The quote 'WITH EVERY RIGHT THERE IS A RESPONSIBILITY" applies not only to those people occupying a high position but most especially to each and everyone of us. Our so-called rights is our protection, our privilege, our power. But using these so called "power" should always comes with responsibility. We can enjoy those rights while others enjoy them as well. And for us to do that, we should ask ourselves, do we respect ourselves? If not, maybe that's why we didn't respect others.

Nine of Hearts

My girlfriend works as a marketing officer in a large real estate firm. Being a marketeer, some of her duties are promotion and events. You know what, I used to help her develop her event concepts and her programme. She always tells me that she is not that creative and that causes her to always seek my assistance. Actually, I don't mind and to be honest, I really do love helping her out in her responsibilities. In her company, there is always a need to have this weekly event and at times, there are also other special events added in a week. That is true, it will squeeze every bit of idea that your mind can produce. I always told her that everybody is creative, it is just that some people limit themselves, hinders their imagination work for them. Maybe because they are discourage with what others may think of their idea or they really don't trust themselves that much. You know what, my girlfriend felt that she was becoming too dependent to me regarding events conceptualization. I just realize that she is not seeking my help with that matter. She just give her guts towards presentation and viola! She has produced a very good concept, a very good programme and a very good script. All she needed to do is just do her job. "What the heck, they hired me for this." Her supervisor was surprised when their boss applaud her wild idea. See, she has it, everybody has it, the only thing to do is to present it. We are all creation of God's imagination. We became real because God make us real. It is always our initiative. The mind is a terrible thing to waste, so use it. Bottomline is "CREATIVITY IS SIMPLY YOUR WILLINGNESS TO TAKE A STEP BEYOND."

Eight of Hearts

There are three things that are important for you to be successful. Let's make baseball as an example. We do know that after the batter hits the ball, the catcher should go to the right place where the ball will fall and catch it exactly at the right moment. Then he pitches it back to whomever should catch it. "BEING IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME IS IMPORTANT BUT YOU MUST KNOW WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU ARE THERE."

The reminder is very applicable for the graduating students. First, they go to college after some years in primary and secondary school. They will chose what course that will defines their future jobs. Some took their time, some tried to graduate in the fastest possible time, while others overstayed. Now, when the graduation time has come, they will finally receive their diplomas and degrees , after that, they will seek employment. The question is, how many of these graduates knows what to do once they were hired? They're sure that there is a training for them, but afterwards, will they know what to do once something went wrong? Like having no training at all? Like landing into a job different from the course they have taken in college? Or worst, how about being unemployed?

The reminder is also applicable to those who tried so hard to fall in line and "invest" some money just to win the lottery. Like in my previous blogs, I have stated that most Lotto Winners end up in the same situation, if not worst, as they were before winning the prize money. They usually spend it and mismanage the usage. Some allocate it to a business that is not actually profitable or a business that they really don't know how to operate. Some just put it in a bank thinking that it will grow there eventually. But the interest gained from the time deposit usually not that much for a person who spends a lot. Really, some ended up broke.

A person being granted a loan to open a business will end up in debt and unable to pay his obligation if he didn't have the proper study and even an extent training into what he wanted to do with the money.

Success depends if you are in the right place at the right time, and most of all if you are ready to take the opportunity that has presented to you. Being sure that you are qualified before the opportunity came is a must to determine the survival and the triumph of any of your endeavor. Opportunities are like lightning, they will struck without a warning and they will just leave a trace either mark of triumph or a sign of defeat. So while you are waiting for "your defining moment", be sure that you checked everything, strengthen your right to have it, qualify yourself by either studying more or gaining more credentials, and know what to do once you have it.

The Thirty Second Card

Do you think there is a similarity between a person with no dream and a person with so many things that wanted to be done. Actually it depends. If the person with so much things wanted to be accomplish wants those goals to be done all at once or he he didn't even know what to accomplish first, so definitely he is the same with the person with no goal at all. There is no problem wanting to be someone or wanted to accomplish something. But if a person doesn't know which one to start and accomplish first or he even started something leaving something unfinished, then he will definitely have things undone or half-baked. Let's take things one at a time.

I wanted to have a very dynamic business. Meaning a business that has different industries under it. So I am currently starting Juan Pinoy, an events organizing business that is capable to be his own supplier for any kind of giveaways. Since it is human resource based business, meaning it doesn't rely on any raw materials but the manpower itself, my business can also handle real estates brokerage. It seems that it has too many things that needs to be done but I see to it that I take each steps one at a time. For example, since that it is not everyday that I have an event to work on, I used this time to finish some orders in the corporate giveaways side of my business. If there is a time that I accomplish ahead of my deadlines and just do my marketing, I see to it that I learn something about real estates. So later on, as time passes by I know that my knowledge regarding real estate will grow as my business do, I will be later qualified to be a licensed broker and can also be able to do real estate brokerage. One at a time. But always keep myself occupied. I also try to learn many other things but I see to it that nothing will hinder me from achieving my goals in their own proper time. If you have many things to do, plot your destination, plan ahead and be sure to make it realistic and achievable in each time frame. Provide some allowances in time management because anything that cannot be foreseen or the so called fortuitous events may happen so that you will still have time to solve it and still proceed to your next step. Always remember what the seven of hearts states: "WHEN YOU HAVE NO GOAL OT TOO MANY GOALS, YOU GO NOWHERE."

The Six of Hearts

Why does suicide considered one of the mortal sin against God? There are a lot of stories about suicide. Judas Iscariot, for one, would've been one of the greatest saints if he didn't commit suicide. Maybe some people will think that it is the best thing that he had done since he had betrayed our Lord Jesus. See, he is not only the one who had betrayed our Lord, Simon Peter have renounce his affiliation with Jesus three times, majority of the apostles gone to hiding knowing that their Master is being persecuted, and on the later part even St. Paul persecuted and lead the early Christian to their death. But why and how did they become the great saints that they are now? Peter, the "Rock", into whom the Lord has built His church as His foundation, left the keys to heaven, do reject the Lord but later conquer his fear, stood up, and continue his Master's tasked of spreading the Good News and building God's Kingdom. The same happened to the others aside from Judas. Saul was Paul's former name. The Lord change it because Paul has realized his mistakes, faced the consequences and challenges, and become the one of Christianity's protector and teacher. They all became great men, aside again from Judas Iscariot. See, upon committing suicide, a person does not only take away his life but also taking away what God has just lend us. Judas would've been one of the greatest apostle because if he didn't betrayed our Lord, the Salvation process will be incomplete. Since he killed himself, definitely, he wouldn't have taken the glorious task that was supposed to be performed by him later on. So definitely, our lives is not ours alone. The Lord is our co-owner. He gave us that. It is a living part of Him that was being violated upon committing such hideous act. A person that has done that has also killed the Lord. Those people will never achieve greatness. For the Lord is great, and so are His people.

Another story is about the struggle of the crowd favorite franchise in the Philippine Basketball in the 80's and 90's, the Ginebra San Miguel. they are known to be crowd favorite because they have a local basketball icon with them, Sonny Jowerski. Yup, that team do sucked for a while but after years of dedication and commitment, the rise into greatness, they became contenders, and later, champions. They are a group of benchwarmers from other teams, an unknown or not celebrated rookies or players, but with their passion and love for the game, these underdogs has become a powerful conquerors. Again they too never quit. What they were known for, a team with a "No Guts, No Glory" virtue and a "Never Say Die Attitude".

Everybody has moments of failures and defeats. But not everybody has the attitude of standing up and learning from it. The great people that we know today are not winners since birth. They chose the path a winner usually take. And it is not an easy way out kind of path. Usually they are people who were defeated but never conquered. They are the people who takes responsibilities towards their failures. They learn. They never stop fighting for what they want and what they need in life. They do became afraid and conquered their fears. They are people who took their self doubt away by reinforcing themselves. They are true inside out. because they know WE ARE NOT FINISHED WHEN WE ARE DEFEATED, WE ARE FINISHED WHEN WE QUIT.

Five of Hearts

"Eto lang ang kaya kong pasuking trabaho, kailangang mabuhay kahit kapit sa patalim. (This is the only work that I can do, I need to live even if my safety is at risk.)" This is the usual answer of any prostitutes, swindlers, hold-upper, and even drug pushers. Most of them blame their situation on their parents' inability to give them education and their poor way of living was blamed, on the other hand, on the government. Ask them if they have done something for them to prevent their current situation. They will tell you that how can they do much with their lives if they only have little means to live. Then they will again blame it to someone else. It is seldom that they take the blame on themselves. So that's why they ended up being who they are and doing what they do.

Actually, this life is very simple. If you have nothing then you will have to find a way to get it, the right way. If your parents can't afford ti send you to a school, you have the obligation to yourself to do so. If you say that your family needs you to earn money for them, there are lots of ways to earn money. We all do have an equal blessing of 24 hours a day, let's say work for eight hours, study for 8 hours, then give 2 hours for any miscellaneous loads like taking a bath or travel time, then six hours for you to sleep. If there is a need for a person to work more tha two jobs, then at least allot even just four hours of studying. I give much emphasis to education because believe me, diplomas are the key towards successful future while knowledge learned from experiences and failures are the force to put the key on the keyhole and twist it to open the door of success. At least, little by little you are gaining your education, reducing your loads and even educating yourself about the outside world. Yup, easier said than done but hey, you are not the only one that have challenges to face. We all do have the same equal challenges, it just differs on the person's capacity to solve it. I believe God will give a challenge to a person because he is the best to solve it. Most of the time, these problems are caused by the person itself. It is always an opportunity to rise. Now, if you really have to earn, you can even work as a messenger, service crew, sales rep, or even a call center agent. Again, we have twenty four hours at our disposal. Like now, I do work as a freelance events organizer and boss to my corporate giveaways business. Then I still do learn things even if they were just making tocino or longanisa. Right now, I am trying to learn to speak nihongo, adobe illustrator, and realty brokerage. Another thing that I have learned, how can you be a rich person if you are not qualify to be one? I make sure that I learn always and have another qualification under my belt. There is always a better way to be better. It is a matter of managing your time and yourself. I am not rich. I just chose to do what is best. And what is best is to do what is right. Instead of being a drug pusher, why not sell kakanin, kanin and ulam, or anything good or useful. Who knows, that lutong ulam delivery may later become a carinderia, and even more? Instead of prostitution, why not be a tutor to a younger student? Why not be a student assistant? Or service crew? There is always a better way to do things. You do not have to damn yourself. The success and failure of a person depends on the person itself. No one to blame except for yourself. The lesson here from the card is always "THINK! THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY."

For businessmen, there is always a better way than closing your firm or just quitting. There is always an option called success, right? Again easier said than done, but still doable. Think, there is always a better way.

The 29th Card

"Are you afraid of the dark?" This is usually the question asked by some teasing adults to the young ones. They use this to refrain the kids from wondering outside the house specially at night. They even used the terms ghosts, monsters, ghouls, and any other creatures or horrible being just to make them stay at home. Those so called grown ups uses fear from the unknown as a tool to make their kids obedient to them. In psychology, they really do reject this kind of action. It is a form of abnormal way of instilling obedience to the youngsters.

But I think this kind question should be asked to the grown ups. People usually decline to a certain task or risk simply because they are afraid of failure and of the consequences. They are actually afraid of the unknown. Yup, curiosity bites the cat. And yup, ignorance is a sin, and a deadly one. Like "ignorance of the law is no excuse." In real life, passing up a risk or an extra task is a sin towards self. Risk and responsibility, two things that people usually stay away from, is another form of opportunity. They are a stepping stone towards the higher level, a fertilizer to our tree of wisdom. Most are afraid of what might happen or what troubles lurked in there. Yup, they do most likely cause failure or trouble, but it is always up to the person to do things best and learn from every experience that it gives. The four of hearts reminds us that "WE NEVER KNOW WHAT WE CAN DO TILL WE TRY." Don't pass up on the opportunities. Be the man of your own destiny, and I hope the best one of course. Now, "Are you afraid of the Dark?"

The Three of Hearts

We know that people has their own unique way of facing a certain task or responsibility. To make more simple, let's just classify them in to two: the runner and the doer. The runner, just like the name suggested, tend to stay away or drop any obligations and responsibilities tasked to him. This person is either has no self confidence or just doesn't care much on himself. Some are just afraid of failure. Others are just simply contented into what he was doing or his current situation. Indeed, the burden of the responsibilities are lifted from this type of person. He will never feel its weight because he just dropped it. The problem is that he also dropped the opportunities that defines his future. He will be stuck in his situation, or worst, he may be dragged down to the point of having a very dark and heavy future. A life of hopelessness. He limits his responsibilities, he also limits himself, and deteriorates his potential. I bet no one would like to be the worst person in the planet.

The doer, on the other hand, is a person who completes jobs, and fulfills responsibilities. Some responsibilities that may have no relation to what he is doing right now, if he accepts it, it may help him solve any future problem, and even further his qualification. Aside from doing what he is tasked to do, he even gives extra effort with extra assertiveness to exceed his limitations. He do learn more. Learning gives wisdom, and wisdom is the core of knowledge. It is another secret of being successful, the ability to know. This person grabs any opportunities that he saw along the way. With that, he also obtain things that will strengthen his credentials. Learning is constant. He will not only have a job, but he will also not work. He will earn or just gain something while enjoying. That is why successful people has a deep perspective and outlook in life. They are always up to the challenge. They even seek challenge. That is why success seeks them.

An advise given by the Three of Hearts: GO THE DISTANCE. WHEN YOU ACCEPT A TASK, FINISH IT.

The Two of Hearts

What is satisfaction? It is true that satisfaction is a personal feeling because each of us is unique and are not the same in some cases. So the level of satisfaction is different from the other. To satisfy people is to have them contented. They should have this confidence to accept something. So definitely, we are different from each other and definitely we have different way on being satisfied. In business, a product should be at the highest quality so that it may satisfy different types of people. Businessman should also make their product needed and necessary even if they are just luxury goods. From the business to the product down to the sales representative who is tasked to make that certain product appealing and wanted to the market. Being professional and to be knowledgeable of the item that he is marketing is also a must for the saleability of a certain product. A plus factor is that if that salesperson can reach those prospect buyers and bridge a connection between those people and the product. Some even use humor and gimmicks to catch some attention. It doesn't end there. "A SATISFIED CUSTOMER IS YOUR BEST SALESPERSON AS WELL AS THE BEST FOR YOUR PRODUCT." Indeed. A very satisfied customer will usually tell how a certain sales representative and a product affect her positively in her life. They usually even recommend it to others. Through their experience and word of mouth, a multiplier effect is being created. So never underestimate an extra effort of reaching out through others. They are indeed your best sales person.

Ace of Hearts

"SUCCESS SEEMS TO BE CONNECTED WITH ACTION"

    Nobody becomes successful by simply sitting down, waiting for things to happen, doing nothing. Some people have the idea and subordinates put it into action. The realization of that idea happened only because they have people working for them. But commonly, the requisite of achievement is both in thinking and in doing

.

"SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE KEEPS MOVING"

   They always look for something to do. Achievement, like excellence, is a constant practice. Successful people take themselves to a higher level, to a higher goal. They are always eager to face challenges. Like this famous quote, "bring it on." They never back down to any difficult task. They are risk-takers. They are the thinkers and doers themselves. They never get tired of engaging in new ventures, even scenarios alien to them. For them, there are lots of things on the horizon to look for and conquer.

"THEY MAKE MISTAKES BUT THEY DON'T QUIT"

    You got it right, they do commit mistakes, some even fell from grace. The only thing that separates a winner from a loser is their reaction when facing seemingly defeat. Once a person quits, he is putting a definite end to something. It may seem the easiest way out. It may be an apparent act of taking a burden off one's shoulder. But it may be a choice so consequential that it may impact one's life for a long time. Maybe an act of letting go of an important part of one's personal development.

    Everyone is an achiever. Giving up on a personal struggle to avoid failing ends up on a guaranteed failure. Gifts of wisdom and knowledge are gained through striving, especially when committing mistakes. The key is learning from it, never giving up. And most of all, giving up can never claim lost time. For successful people, mistakes and failures serve as their backbones to strengthen their power base. Experience to be inculcated for one's growth, wisdom, and newfound knowledge. They then become the personification of success. Yes, time is of the essence. Knowing that a wholehearted effort and perseverance was given each time are the things that actually matter most. The sweetest success is is a life of no regret.

What We Have Lost

As you know, I am explaining some quotes written into the deck of cards. Unfortunately I have lost the next card. When I come to share some personal thoughts with the King of Diamonds only I found out that it somewhat disappeared. I really checked and took care of those special decks of cards but for some unexplainable reason, I really can find it. I even took a day looking for it, until I realize that the probability of retrieving it is nearly zero. I will have to go through the other cards, hoping that I will see that missing part someday.

I have skipped a day because I really feel that I have to look for it for the reason of not skipping any deck. After that exhausting search, I realize that I have lost another thing too. But this time I know I cannot retrieve it, Zero percent retrieval. Again, I have lost some hours just finding the card. Neglected my love of sharing thoughts and experiences, a negligence to my own passion. Although I know I do take good care of it, and as far as I can remember, a cousin of mine look at my special deck of cards, it is still negligence on my part.

The good thing that people don't usually realize when encountering failure or mistakes is the capacity to grow more and use those negative things to bring out the positive in you. Anyways, I think I have to move one now to not loose some more precious time and if God permits, I can see again my missing King of Diamonds. What I have learned, value time by being responsible, and again, stand up and walk farther ahead.

The Queen of Diamonds

Everyone has a mind, but not everyone has a mind of it's own. It's either they let others think or decide for them or they simply rendered themselves powerless. People like these has no road to walk on, drifted away from their path to success or even freedom.

Everyone has a mind, but not everyone is capable of using it. They are too scared to be at risk, or even too scared to meet failure. At the very point of them being scared to fail, from the beginning that they did not believe in themselves, it is automatically a failure.

Everyone has a mind, but not everyone is capable of understanding. They are too scared to be oppressed so oppressing others is one of their method. They are too greedy to think of others, to self centered to let others grow with them. They are doomed for extinction, they are alone, isolated, and are voiceless even to cry for help. Not knowing, they pity themselves.

THE MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE, IT ONLY FUNCTIONS WHEN ITS OPEN. God blesses us each day for everything pours, learning is endless from personal and other's experiences, wisdom and knowledge is always around for us to discover. It is only up to us to let our cup be filled or let these gifts slip away from us. We will only know what we want to know unless we keep an open mind.

The Jack of Diamonds

I admire Sir Lloyd Luna. He is someone that came from a scratch. An ordinary canvass now painted with an artistic work that is one of the history's best. Aside from seeing things in the same perspective, learning from him, and being reminded on the lessons that I forgot, I, like him work through what we have right now. We qualify ourselves. Right now, he is way too successful compared to me. He capitalized from the opportunities to advance further in life while I passed up on those opportunities, passed them up for a better course. It will take time, it will ask for more effort specially I am not getting any younger. What I took is to learn from below, while Sir Lloyd learn from the people on top. I do learn and approach top people, but what I want to learn is what the people below the success bracket is doing that hinders them from going up. And what are the blessing that they didn't see recognize that must be capitalize to achieve a greater glory. What I chose is the opportunity to learn from them and be whole. This experiences is what Sir Lloyd Luna has been through. I can say he is complete, he is ready to go to the higher level. While I need to be whole, so I can grasp success while reaching out to the less fortunate. The bottomline is, OPPORTUNITIES ARE USUALLY DISGUISED AS HARDWORK SO MOST PEOPLE DON'T RECOGNIZE THEM. It will take time. It will take effort. But I know I am going to be there. The assurance is what I am building right now. To qualify myself as a success, challenges should always take head-on, always the best effort and most of all, always be happy to see these trials as a stepping stone, opportunities to be successful.

The Great Ouch

I have just recently remembered that I used to search every movie store that I passed by for a certain movie. The Last American Virgin is a movie released in 1982. A teen-coming-of age film that features three adolescent boys discovering their path to manhood. It is a film about true love with no happy endings.

The plot closely follows the original Eskimo Limon, and revolves around protagonist Gary (Lawrence Monoson), a typical highschooler, and his friends Rick (Steve Antin) — the slick ladies man, and David (Joe Rubbo) — the "Belushi-esque" fat guy.

Most of the plot involves their numerous failed attempts to have sex. One in particular when the three boys pick up three girls with the promise of cocaine earlier in the film (Instead they useSweet-n-Low but the girls cannot tell the difference and even claim that its "the best Colombian they ever had".) And Gary gets stuck with the homely and overweight friend of the other two more attractive girls. Later in the film, a love triangle develops between Gary, Rick and Karen (Diane Franklin, later of Better Off Dead fame). Gary is secretly in love with Karen, but his dreams of dating her are over when, after helping Karen get an abortion, he finds her back with Rick. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_American_Virgin)

This movie made me realize that there is no guarantee for any happy endings. If we should give something from the heart, we really should not expect anything in return. And even be prepared for non-recognition, non-appreciation, or maybe worst, as if you didn't do anything. But it is also a reminder that true love really exist. Imagine, having your dream girl have your buddy as her boyfriend, got her pregnant, and got rejected by her boyfriend, helping her get through the rough times and when everything seems smooth she just goes back with your buddy, what worst could happen? That really hurts but it will take a real man to stand up after such blow. This movie also shows how capable a man's heart upon hurting someone badly and also loving somebody unconditionally. A heart might be wounded but it will heal eventually. At least you gave it all and you know you are capable of true love. Although not a happy ending but certainly a movie that will woo someone's heart.

Here is a small clip courtesy of youtube's uoyebutbackwords

The Ten of Diamonds

I recently learn a new quote for my long time observation towards people. This quote is from Sir Lloyd Luna's book The OBVIOUS. It is also one of the Law that I abide, The Law of the Tin Can. it says people are like tin cans, they are noisy when empty. Really, as I observe my pangkaraniwang kapitbahays (my ordinary neighbors) to the big successful bosses and or great teachers and mentors, there is a very distinct difference between the two. I live in an ordinary pinoy barangay which is most likely composed of people in the C - D status of living. You wouldn't experience silence from them. They always talk loud and once the other talks louder than the other, the next one to talk will increase his volume. As if there is a fight happening. Their distance to each other is no more than two rulers yet they speak as if they are mountains apart. All you can hear from them is what happened to what they are watching, gossips, and hear says. You can always hear them brag of something that they should be really ashamed of, thinking that being able to cheat on someone is somewhat cool and worth of praise. It is a typical scenario in my barrio. I was educated in a private catholic institutions that exposed me to a different side of our society. I was able to talk to business owners, learn from managers and mentors, and be guided by high and respectable people. These people doesn't talk loud, they are always calm but with diction. They talk about how to achieve more and be much better. They are not interested in gossips and hear says. If they need to know something, they get the information first hand. As accurate and factual as they are. No sensationalism. They learn and know more, and later address and assess the issue effectively and efficiently, by means of listening. They are men of actions. Real men. Even the ladies, they are really someone who we can say sitting on a pedestal. Everything they do have sense. They tend to listen than talk. They gather more knowledge and wisdom that makes them successful. Even in politics, a candidate that has nothing to say good about himself tends to say something worst against his opponents. A person that has no fruit tends to get fruit by cheating others. Back to the barrio, people there often talk about how frustrating their life is because of the government, they always complain but you can rarely see them doing something to lighten up their own living. They are not capitalizing on what they have. The tendency is that they lose more. Worst, they lose time. Maybe that's why they're noisy. They actually do nothing. True, a reminder towards success and also a very good observation, "BIG PEOPLE MONOPOLIZE THE LISTENING, SMALL PEOPLE MONOPOLIZE THE TALKING."

My Pamangkin

I have this nephew of mine (pamangkin)who is really a witty one. I know that children becomes more clever every generations. The four years old kid today is much more quick in thinking and brighter than four years old children in my era. Even my pinsan (cousin) who is his tito (uncle) is so amusing eventhough he is also just a four year old kid. They are the buddies in our clan. I would like to share to you how quick they are in thinking:

One day, I fetch Jill (my nephew) in the day care. Since it is my first time fetching him, and I know he's hungry, I ask him where he wants to eat. As usual, his answer is Jobillee (Jollibee is a trademark fastfood chain in the Philippines.) We ate there and went home. The older brother of Ury (Jill's uncle who is younger than him), Gio, who is also his uncle is at the house waiting for my arrival. We then have our usual chitchats and as usual, Jill will always be joining our conversation. Jill told his Tito Gio that Ury is bulol (stamerrer). So I asked Jill "Wow, si Jill hindi na pala bulol (Wow, Jill is not stammering)." Jill replied "Opo, pero si Ury bulol pa din. (Yes, but Ury still stammers.)" I asked him "Saan tayo kumain kanina? (Where do we ate our meal earlier?)" Jill said "Sa Jobi... McDo. (In Jobi... McDo.)" We just laugh out loud as soon as we heard that. At their young age, they really know how to answer safely.

Nine of Diamonds

I was a huge fan of Ginebra San Miguel way back in the 90's, I am still now but not as hard core fan as before. One thing that makes me look up to them aside from my idol, Noli Locsin, is the way they play basketball. They all personified the words "NO GUTS, NO GLORY" that define their team. It gives a "never say die attitude towards the game. It won't be over until it's over, as long as the clock is ticking, and they can lift even just a single finger, they will fight their way through. That's why they are crowd favorite.

The same is true with men. Nobody can achieve anything if no one is willing to do the unthinkable and face the worst. No guts, no glory. It takes a lot of courage to be the man. Easier said than done. Imagine, nobody wants to lose but not everybody is winning. Simply because not everybody face challenges head-on. Most of them gave up their dream because of being scared to lose. They already lost before they even start. Just keep this in mind, it is hard to be trong, but it is harder to be weak. Glory comes to whom is courageous to do so.

Eight of Diamonds

Aren't we very happy and overwhelmed everytime we achieve something? This happiness last for a minute to an week. Now, everytime failure comes, the effect most likely being felt through the duration of a lifetime. the only thing that failure and success have in common, is that they are both charged to experience. Achievements gave people confidence, credentials, and good reputation. They even gave us new friends. Failure, on the other hand, decreases confidence, staining credentials, and sometimes damaging integrity. Most likely, people walk away, as if they never knew you. That is why, the eight of diamonds states "THE PRICE OF SUCCESS IS MUCH LOWER THAN THE PRICE OF FAILURE." Winning just adds new things to us while losing takes away a part of ourselves. But those negative experiences are also ways to show us that we still doesn't reach our full potential. A motivation to be better than what we used to be. New knowledge gain, new experience that will strengthen our backbone. Yup, failure has the higher price but it is up to us to gain much more from it. Think about it.

The Seven of Diamonds

"Success consists of a series of little daily efforts." True. There is a difference between success and luck. Some success are made possible by an element of luck. But again, luck for me is a series of efforts which made a person ready to accept the task once an opportunity present itself. Now, it all comes down to what a person is doing to make himself ready. Success is not a success when it died quickly. Like my previous example, a lotto winner should always be ready to how he will manage the said money. Some multi-million winners ended up broke again after sometime because they are not ready. In every person, the need to be educated, scholastically or even by means of personal experiences, is vital in developing your future. Destiny are made by men. We have own minds and free will. There is no one to blame for one's failure but oneself. There are a lot to thank for every success made. A regular person enter school by the age of five. From then up to approximately twenty-two years of age, a person should have that enough time to equip himself to learn everything that a book or a professor has to teach, and also to know how the outside world works. Success depends on how a person develop himself. School is not a guarantee, the guarantee is within the person. School and experiences are mere tools for developing a strong foundation. It takes years to develop oneself. It only takes a second to destroy a bright future. What we become depends on what we do everyday. We can never accomplish anything if we never even start.

The Six of Diamonds

The card states one of the basic reminders in business "IF WE DON'T TAKE CARE OF THE CUSTOMER... SOMEBODY ELSE WILL." I have known this since I was a little boy, I used to hang around in a small sari-sari store (at that time, it is my bank to where I put my money and have treats in return :D). Lola Dune is really a very warm person, I can say that she really is a good sales person. Even if you won't buy at her store, she will still be that accommodating. In our neighborhood, there is also a small grocery owned by a somewhat Chinese looking fellow. It has so many goods for sale that it is like a usual target for goodies. Aside from the size and number of products sold, the difference between the two establishments is that while Lola Dune is so warm towards everybody, the other one is so cold and moody. Somebody even told him that because of that, however necessary his goods are, people won't bother buying from another. The small grocery operated for I think just four months until the owner decided to finally close it. The lost of customers from this store enables the small sari-sari store of Lola Dune to gain more market and later grow into a grocery. Customers are people too, the need social connection is a major advantage that creates major gains. We are human after all.

Six of Diamonds

Attending to your customers is one of the general rule in business."If we don't take care of the customer, somebody else will."

Five of Diamonds

Honesty is the best policy. That's true. There are numerous accounts that tells how a crooked fellow got his huge payback. I would like to set an example courtesy of the following links. It would be best to use political examples. Since the May 2010 election is fast approaching, the number one presidential candidate feels that the number two is now cutting his lead and will most likely over take him. Here is what has propagated for the candidate one's benefit : (from http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+topic/id/30063/m/1158965/bookmark/441407/Is+This+Lavish+Mansion+Owned+By+Sen.+Manny+Villar%3F#m1158965) )

Totoo kaya ito? Ano sa palagay nyo mga Kasulit..........

Now there’s a circulating e-mail that contains intriguing pictures of an unknown mansion.

The e-mail starts with the question: “Who owns a house like this?” and then showed various pictures of the purported mansion, which had opulent Victorian-style interiors.

Then the email asks the following intriguing query: “Imagine who would have such taste and live in such opulence?”

• An American Billionaire?

• A Saudi Prince?

• Louis XIV of France ?

Savour the pictures then scroll to the bottom of the page to see who owns this Work of Art.

The e-mail-sender ends his/her message with the following: “While Filipinos starve, and die because of abject poverty and while Sen. Villar brags that he had poor beginnings and he had helped his poor countrymen over and over again… but look now.. he and his family live like this, his GREED kills his poverty stricken fellow Filipinos.”

The circulating chain e-mail claims that this great wealth is owned by none other than Filipino billionaire and presidential candidate Senator Manny Villar. The Mansion is said to be located in Salt Lake City, Utah in the United States. However, Villar allies claimed that the pictures of so-called Villar’s Mansion to be a “hoax.”

According to an ABS-CBN report, the intriguing e-mail has been circulating as early as 2008 and that the mansion was first linked to Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.

The reports states:

A copy of the e-mail about Mugabe’s mansion also had the same wording as the recent e-mail about Villar, with minor changes to make it appear that it was written for a Filipino audience.

The Snopes website said that the mansion is not in Salt Lake City but in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles. It also noted that the mansion has been extensively photographed because it is sometimes used as a site for TV shows and films.

Snopes also revealed that the mansion has been linked to various personalities such as former Nigerian military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, Indian film star Shahrukh Khan, and Edir Macedo, founder of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.

In a phone interview, Nacionalista Party spokesman Gilbert Remulla downplayed the latest attempt to besmirch the reputation of Villar.

“Who would want to buy a mansion in Salt Lake City? Are there papers to support it?” he said, adding that there was absolutely no truth to the rumor.

He added: “The campaign being waged by Villar’s opponents reaches record lows everyday, starting with the false associations of ‘Villaroyo.’ It only shows that his opponents are insecure and desperate. We pray that they campaign on platforms and capabilities rather than mudslinging.”

At least one of those who forwarded the e-mail about Villar has apologized. Domingo Guevara Jr. of the Guevara Group of Companies apologized to the Villar camp for forwarding the bogus e-mail to his contacts. He said he issued his apology “not because I support Villar but I wish to be fair to all concerned.”

The Nacionalista Party claimed this e-mail hoax is the latest in a series of attempts to disseminate black propaganda against Villar, who is being linked to the C-5 Road extension scandal. The Senator allegedly used his political position and influence to cause the C-5 public road project to be constructed.

Villar allegedly made the insertion by virtue of his position as Finance chairman and as Senate president to ensure that his property would be paid right away. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Villar went to the Senate on February 2 to deny the charges against him. He delivered a privilege speech, refused to entertain questions from his colleagues and left the session hall after his hour-long rhetoric. (Read part of his speech here.)

Whether presidentiable Manny Villar is a filthy rich or not, he reminds me of the following line from my favorite book Atlas Shrugged:

When you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion–when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing–when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favors–when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don’t protect you against them, but protect them against you–when you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a self-sacrifice–you may know that your society is doomed. Money is so noble a medium that is does not compete with guns and it does not make terms with brutality. It will not permit a country to survive as half-property, half-loot.

The propaganda above was answered with this well researched site (from http://politicalamateur.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/and-the-black-propaganda-backfires-palpak-to-the-max/)

And the Black Propaganda Backfires………..Palpak to the Max!!!

The author sent emails to many Ateneo alumni organizations and furiously fanned out ——– that even Manny Villar supporters started asking if there is any truth to this claim.

But someone at the receiving end of this vicious attack on Villar made sure the assholes were put in place. God bless him for exposing this as a hoax. And he wrote:

Please log into this sitehttp://www.snopes.com/photos/architecture/mugabe.asp

for info on this email. The mansion does not belong to Manny Villarand it is not in Salt Lake City, Utah. “It is in the Tony Bel Air section of Los Angeles; it has been extensively photographed inside and out because it is sometimes used as the site of location shooting for TV and films.” This forwarded email started circulating in the internet in July 2008 and the mansion was said to be in Harare owned by Pres. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

Please be careful in forwarding such FW emails especially if it is critical to anyone, especially the presidential candidates. Let us be fair, no matter what candidate or party we support.

I think we should all be shooting out emails esp to Ateneans so they may now realize the kind of black propaganda many Ateneans peddle just to discredit Manny Villar. If they think this is their way to win votes for their candidate Noynoy, they better think again.

In the email sent to several atenean groups, this fellow even cited it is “no wonder Villar’s endorser is Wowowee —same feathers”. I am no big fan of Willie Revillame but I certainly think he earned the money he now enjoys the honest way. It may seem “baduy” to these elitists, but hey, this Wowowee host is undeniably a successful artist who excelled in his craft. Don’t you just find it condescending the way these elitists put down people like Manny and Willie, who succeeded in struggling out of poverty as if it is a sin that these guys did not remain poor?

Our friends in Ateneo, many of whom I find decent , would earn more respect from people like me if they admonish the group or the individuals who peddled this lie. I do not think the priests there taught them a lesson in black propaganda. But they may certainly teach them a lesson now about decency.

The result? When a dishonest deed was answered by a truthful act, it backfires more than two times to the one who did such a disgraceful act. The above happenings resulted to a number of party members of the dishonorable presidential candidate jumped towards the wagon of the one being assaulted by the propagandas. Not only that, the candidate who was attacked gains so much supporters and strengthen his credibility. So much dirt in politics... the point is, everyone should "WORK HONESTLY."