King of Diamonds

I know for sure that almost all of us have attended a family celebration. May it be reunion, birthdays, or just simple gatherings. There is always a person who will prepare, coordinate, or handle every event. Have you ever took an initiative in handling such happenings? Not only in your family or friends' bonding moments but this also happens in a office where departments or company wide outings were being organized. When I was working in a typical office, you can see those who volunteer to plan and organize the event and those who just smirk and wait for things to be handled. Events are a simple thing that will not raise your pay grade but will definitely raise your level of knowledge, socializing ability, and most of all increase your credentials.

Most of the employees hate extra work but this are actually opportunities given for them to learn and improve. Like most people, they didn't notice that an opportunity just passed them. They let a part of luck slip away. We know when we are over worked or when we can still accommodate extra work and exert extra effort. This lesson is for those who have enough time to spare for but let uses it to in a less productive way.

BY ALL MEANS DON'T SAY IF I CAN, SAY I WILL. This lesson teaches us to face the challenge and top the others. There is no triumph when there is no obstacle. So there is no succeeding when we are doing nothing. Success is a series of daily effort. We may not earn financially but it will give us the capacity to be better than the others. It will give us the capacity to earn more than what we should have. And it will give us a boost nearer to success.

The Queen of Spades

Why does shit happens? It is not always an unforeseen event nor something caused by other person. It is usually an "experience caused by our very own carelessness. When I was working on a bank, I told my manager that even if I am an events person, I have the capacity to easily learn and adopt to new things. I think it is one of the reason why they hired me. It was a totally different world for me. I am not used to working with a routine systems with numbers, and I know I am a person who needs to let my creative juices into work. But I still stay and learn. What happened to my next six month is "same shit, different day" experience. I always feel heavy going to work. I exerted effort that seems to be never enough. My time-in is 6:30 am but I was already working at about 5 am. I should be going home by 4 pm but I always extend until 8 or 10 pm. Whatever preparation that I have done the day will never be enough for the demands of the next day. I really felt like a dolphin taken away from the sea and put into the dessert. Why do I have experience that? I think maybe I am too young that's why I took the risk (anyways, I have learn and it is a gain situation for me.) But I think I haven't prepared myself to it. I just jump into the bandwagon and come what may. Another lesson learned, it is good taking risks but be sure you know what will happen before going through it.

My girlfriend is a marketing and events officer in a real estate firm. She is doing great in her work, but like a typical employee, she experiences shit-load of happenings. She was forced to be more creative than the usual. She was always going through extended hours of work. But still the workload never decreases. It is a different situation but some little things that should be taken care of are usually the things that causes her delays. So the next day, this small snow is now a huge snow ball. We all have a share of those experience, especially, like her, she was overworked.

It is somewhat strict but what we do today defines our tomorrow. We should always do our best in the present so that we have a better future. The Lesson here is: THE BEST PREPARATION FOR A GOOD WORK TOMORROW IS TO DO GOOD WORK TODAY. Hey, it doesn't mean good work is just doing what you have to do, it means do better everyday, good was never enough. So if shit do happens, despite of all the works done, you know that it is manageable and you'll be able to convert that shit into gold.

Jack of Spades

My perception of success is that a true success never stops. It either maintain its position or aim higher, but it never drops down. For me, a person cannot be successful when he resist learning or didn't even learn. Learning is changing and change is the only constant thing on earth. If you can change and be able to adopt to any environment and in every scenario, definitely you are able to survive and succeed on time's challenge.

We all know that Sarao is a benchmark, a pioneer when it comes to jeepney manufacturing. As far as I know, they dominate their industry but started to fall around the 90's. They realize that upon transforming a military, scrap mobile into a public transport vehicle, the jeepney becomes the dominant transportation machine in the Philippines. The realization was there, the innovation was there but why does Sarao doesn't seem to be the dominant jeepney manufacturing company that they used to be? The answer, they stopped growing, they stop learning, they stop adopting to changes. They become very conventional. It is given that there will always be a competitor in one's industry. May it be small or monstrous one, it doesn't matter. What matter is what you can do and what are you capable of doing. It doesn't only mean talent, it doesn't only mean skills, but what matters is how much you learn and able to learn and still capable of learning, and then implementing. We cannot be cavemen all through our life, we cannot be nomads all through our existence, we are capable of improving, we are all destined to be successful. We can never learn unless we started to listen. We can never teach a person who doesn't want to learn. It is like a cap full of coffee, our efforts of putting more coffee to it will only be put to waste because it's space is full, loaded. But we are not a cup, we are capable of adjusting to our environment, our mind is boundless when it comes to ability to learn more. It is only up to the heart to open it's door. Always be reminded what the Jack of Spades is sharing: SUCCESSFUL PERSONS ARE ALWAYS LEARNING.

CAYGO: The Tenth Spade

As I have said in my previous blog, I have a working experience being a service crew, I will indicate which food chain but definitely I know most of them follow this simple rule. CLEAN AS YOU WORK, CLEAN AS YOU GO. In short, CAYGO. I am a business management major and I for one definitely would recommend that some time in a management student's life should he get an experience working as a service crew. I have learned a lot being one of them. I have learned the production operation process, the manning and scheduling, socializing, and most of all, the Clean As You Go policy. Everytime you do something, for instance, make a vanilla mix to be used in making a sundae, a certified crew should always learn to sanitize everything, specially the materials and hands so that it will not cause any infection or contamination. It is also a requirement to meet a high quality product. Operating or making a vanilla mix is not an excuse for the workstation to be untidy. It is a must to keep it clean and orderly. And after the procedure, clean again the workplace. It is definitely easier to work in a clean workstation than experiencing the hassle and stress caused by being disorganize or dirty place. It is also a disciplinary and fellowship training. It doesn't only complement your coworker but also develop a good impression towards everybody in your office or production area. Cleanliness is next to godliness. An orderly, clean place makes every process go smoothly. When you incorporate it in the way you work, you will definitely manifest in your personal lifestyle. Anyways, most of the people that is easily irritated or easily distracted are those person which has no orderliness. We can start by throwing our trash to the proper place (I mean trash bins). If only all parents could train their children about organizing and cleaning, I see a peaceful and bright future ahead.

The Nine of Spades

Have you ever been in a situation that you really think that you do not have any choice but to do something wrong just to be able to survive? Honestly, in my years of living, I always experience that it is seem necessary to do such bad acts just to survive. But as I grew up, I realize that there is always a choice given to us. There is no such thing as a "no choice" situation. We always have to decide but some of us always choose the easy way out of a predicament. Let's set a typical example: I have this interview with ten "in-need" girls, college lasses that goes into prostitution, as a project in psychology. One of the question asked is why did they turn into prostitution. Eight of them answered they need money for their tuition fee since they were self supporting, two answered that they have spent their tuition budget and they have a growing financial (luxury) needs. Those eight answer further that they have nothing else to offer that's why they need to do such services. I asked them if they have tried applying for part time work like service crew or sales representative to compensate to their needs instead of going into prostitution. Seven of those eight answered that it is a very demanding work and money from sex service is higher and faster to gain. So definitely, they do have a choice. They want the easiest way out. Spirituality aside, we are human beings, the thing that separates us from other animals is reason and morality. I have been a service crew and yes, it is money hard earned for those who does not know how to enjoy and enjoy thew learning. I have learned a lot and meet new friends. I can be a hacker at that time but I chose the right thing. DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME (ALL THE TIME) is one of the lesson that I never forget. History is a witness to those people who gain or achieve through evil actions. It's either they ended up killed, disgraced, or left nothing even dignity. It is not a question of what is necessary but is it always the right, appropriate, and just thing to do. Going into the right direction, however rough the road is, will always end up in a glorious destination. We always have a choice. Do it right all the time.

Eight of Spades

Imagine what if the generation before us just leave things the way it was. Meaning, like cavemen, what if they just let the fire out and just continue eating raw meat? In short, what if the people before us didn't have any plans or any initiative to improve their lifestyle. It is possible that we will still be cavemen if we are not gifted by curiosity and discovery. We inherited a better living, aside from national debts, than what our predecessors has experienced. It is not just a responsibility. It is a law. LEAVE EVERYTHING A LITTLE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT. There will always be someone who will search and create a life enhancement discovery. It is a primary obligation for every living generation. A typical parent will always find a way to provide a better way of life to their children. Then these children grow and become parents, they will also do the same. It is a cycle of life.

This law also applies in our careers and relationships. A success driven person always see to it that he accomplishes his responsibilities ahead of time. He always exert an extra effort to make thing more accurate and will leave his boss impressed. He will not mind taking overtime and will always be volunteering in any additional work or events. He has passion. He wants a better life so he works better each day. There is nothing wrong with it, given he never neglects any other obligation, specially to himself and his loveones.

In relationship, we always do a special thing for our special someones. Like cooking for them or buying a simple gift, and even just writing a note that says "Hon I need extra cash, now" just kidding, trying if you are still paying attention. A simple note like "you make everyday worth smiling." Simple things are usually overlooked. But these simple things have a huge impact in someone's life. A simple smile will always lift some worries from yourself and from other people.

We shouldn't stop improving. Once we stop, it will also mean the end of us. So always remember: LEAVE EVERYTHING A LITTLE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT.

The Seven of Spades

The Holy Week is a season of time out and reflection. Some uses this week for enjoyment and family reunions. Being able to experience church life for almost fifteen years, I usually uses this time to reconnect with God, to mend some broken lines that I have caused. No one is to blame, like a favorite break up quote, "it is not you, it's me." Actually, I didn't want to neglect my blogging and I would even like to focus on some religious themes but an opportunity showed. I have this college feasibility that is known as EGGCHEFLAN, the leche flan inside an egg. Our group won the feasibility of the year award that made us leave a legacy into our campus. I also continue making that everytime someone ordered. It is Holy Week, so therefore, for me its a time for God. But an event asked for EGGCHEFLAN to be used as an Easter Egg and be given away. My girlfriend helped me out in making three hundred seventy five pieces of EGGCHEFLAN and forty five pieces of standard leche flan. It took us Thursday midnight until Saturday lunch to finish all of our products. It is needed by Saturday afternoon. Thank God for He help us beat the time. While working, we also took time to reflect on things that have come to us, may it good or bad experiences. We never felt that we can do nothing, we also know that we can do something for God has let it be given to us. We reflect while working. While others weren't reflecting and even using this solemn time to have a good time (drinking liquor non-stop, even making loud noises that counters the sound of pasyon). It is okay to enjoy as long as it is worthwhile. As long as it replenishes our energies and our spirit. As long as it doesn't hinder anyone to have their time for themselves. As long as we do what is right. I admit, I worked and took advantage of that time to have some extra income, that also helps me excel more in my craft. While working silently, I am also reflecting. God is so good that He always helps me see the opportunities not seen by others. That He makes me aware that WASTE YOUR MONEY AND YOU'RE ONLY OUT OF MONEY BUT WASTE YOUR TIME, YOU'VE LOST A PART OF YOUR LIFE.