Product Development Academy, Employment Center, Job Interview, Kaisa Anniversary

Saturday (Jan 17) I attended MACA (Management of Applied Chemistry Association) Product Development Academy seminar, where I learned some things about design innovation (Mark Ruiz, Hapinoy), marketing insights (Mr. Liongson of DLSU) and chemical entrepreneurship (Dr. Richard Gross). I was the only DLSU student present, drowned by a crowd of Ateneans, but I didn't let my insecurity and 'independence' hinder my desire to learn. The program was held at SEC-LEC, where luckily my high school classmate Regine So and AYF Japan fellow participant showed me the way. It seems everytime I go to Ateneo, I meet a long-time-no-see-friend. Judging from my several visits to this university, I can say that many of its programs are better than La Salle. Its strategies are entrepreneurial, like the Junior-term-abroad program (DLSU External Relations' student exchange policy exposed: they are not for students, but for faculty, so much for claiming to be a 'world-class university' encouragement of its students to join conferences and competitions (I remember a competition sponsored by an MNC where I was the only DLSU student in a team of Ateneans).  You could criticize me for not being loyal to my alma mater, but the truth is, I believe in constructive criticism.

***

Monday morning (Jan 19) I went to ERC where I was supposed to have a self-employment workshop. The secretary got the skeds mixed up, so I will have to resked. What I did was to read magazines, journals and other trade publications in the office and had a brief talk with the employment specialist. He is a teacher by profession who started his business in Idaho Springs, cabinets and real estate. He says his business is now being managed by his sons (one of his sons is serving a mission in Texas) and his business has been affected by the US economic slowdown (from 30 employees to 0.) He's got a lovely wife who allowed me to photocopy my CV and a coffee table book and even offered me internet access.

***

When his wife first talked to me, she asked me if I WAS MARRIED already. I don't know if it is because I wore smart attire, but I do think I look like a fresh grad. It may be because of their family culture where early marriage is encouraged, if not expected. Anyhows, I am faced with a dilemna. I want to get married and start a family as as young as possible although I think it is important for me to become settled first. I am thinking that I might marry a Japanese girl...haha better learn some Japanese...Anyway, enough of this.(",)

***

The same day I took my first serious job interview in the Philippines. Originally scheduled at 3pm but moved to 4pm so I killed time eating, waiting and reading somewhere near the area. The place did not have outdoor signs, but it's a huge place and looks like there's a mansion inside. Inside the vicinity, there occupied a lot of company names. I was told to wait at the lobby so I waited for the boss to come. He personally called me to the meeting area along with his HR and I was confident although probably a bit aggressive. I thought this is going to be a final interview, but another one will be held...on Monday 10am.

***

Today (Jan 23) I renewed my passport the whole morning, and slept for an hour until an annoying UNIONBANK credit card offer called me. I wonder how they got my info and sent it to a call center. In the afternoon, I went to Kaisa Heritage Center, where I assisted TV crew from Umagang Kay Ganda (ABS-CBN) and diplomats from some 20 embassies. I talked to some of them, including a Japanese diplomat who is a naturally curious guy and diploamtic corps from DFA.  I was afraid to ask for some of their business cards since I longer have one and that I am the youngest guy in the place. I managed to get two though. I want to become a diplomat, although I am not sure if I could represent the Philippines. They say, you don't have to be a citizenof your country. All you need is to be a citizen of the world.

***

I am reflecting on the atmosphere of my family. Very traditional. Very strict. High level of control to the point of being totalitarian. I am disappointed in them even though I understand them. They don't seem to be doing anything to improve our standard of living and social mobility. It seems that I am one of the few who thinks very hard about his. Everyday, I am hungry for growth. I am hungry for knowledge. I am hungry for opportunities. No choice. I don't want to live this way, 'I want to get out of here', as Arnold Shwarzenegger recalled. I think one of the reasons why my family's background is different from other people can be explained by Max Weber. We do not have Protestant Work ethic and Confucian work ethic. On the contrary, my motherside is Roman Catholic and my dad's generation is Communist. I am challenged to associate with Mid-western Americans and Confucian organizations to make sure I take part in a modern economic miracle.

***

Some dreams:

1. Enroll in a gourmet cusine course 

2. Learn Japanese and French

3. Work-out exercise everyday.

4. Travel around Japan.

5. Eat Japanese food regularly

6. Meditate daily.

7. Wear clothes of great design.

8. Make sure my living space are designer homes.

9. Japanese hairstyle

10.Convert to this church.

These things may seem easy for some, but it involves a measurable level of struggle on my part.