Turning Point...My Journey to Financial Freedom, Part 2

It was on the month of December when a former schoolmate and a fraternity colleague in my college days initially contacted me for a meeting. Since I was so busy during that time, I told him to drop by in the office so we can talk over a cup of coffee. Reynaldo Avila (his name) and I had a few "kumustahan" until he started to tell me about a business concept where he was in for a time.I was really amazed because I remember him inviting me to join with him in the project since the year 2002 and he's still in. However, at this time, when I looked at him, I was so convinced as he delivered himself well.Deep in me, I know that something good is happening to him. It took several visits and meetings until I told myself to see a function and try to investigate the matter.

The Business Preview Experience

After my class, I rushed up to Dolores Hotel with my wife to catch up the business preview. I saw some familiar faces in the function who happened to be my co-participants and investigators of the business concept. I was not able to understand everything presented by Atty. Tiamson but was so amazed when few of them, including Rey Avila had testified on their reasons in joining the business. I was able to see Chito Zarate and Jessie Lozada who gave their testimonies too. My perception during that time was so ridiculous. I was thinking that those people were not telling the truth but only speaking lines that would hit us audience and join them. Chito Zarate set a follow up appointment with me but I denied to meet him for lots of reasons. Some were true but most were not. I left the function not so convinced but Beng started to see it differently. She started to saw us as one of the business leaders in the Philippine market. How amazing...

My First Home Meeting Attendance; The Convincing Point

I was so glad that Rey Avila did not drop me like a hot potato. He continuously visited me and one time, brought with him Armel Adanza, the planning officer of SOCOTECO II. In the midst of our conversation, I was struck when he (Armel) asked me about my dreams. At that time I can't gave him even one dream for I already stop dreaming, believing that God had already fulfilled His visions for me. I was reminded of the passage in the Bible which says "...when there is no vision, people perished". Oh my God, Am I dead? Why is it that I don't have any dream anymore? I MUST HAVE DREAMS LIKE OTHER PEOPLE LIVING.

That night I went to a home meeting alone in a subdivision near us. It was Pastor Rey Lu conducting a meeting. I saw Chito and Rey in the venue. I saw attendees who were "seamen" and their wives. These people expressed their desire to be permanently staying with their families if only given the opportunity. As I reflect, I had convinced myself that I had found a treasure that will bring me to financial prosperity... (to be continued)

Turning Point...My Journey to Financial Freedom, Part I

I was already appointed as the Social Work Program Director when several professional opportunities came across. After my consultancy project with Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Tony Valencia, the COO talked to me and challenged me to take another step in joining Habitat to focus on fortfolio management works but to be based in Davao City. I was so blessed of their thrust knowing that my expertise is in Community Development but now being offered to manage the NGO's financial fortfolio. I was so hesitant for I know its not my cup of tea. However, after consulting my wife, she told me to pray so the good Lord will guide me in my decision. Few weeks later, DSWD Central Office called me up for an interview. The post is a leadership position to handle their nationwide disaster management program. AsSec Cabrera was so assuring for me to have the post being my former colleague in the Bureau of Emergency Assistance during our younger years (I am still young today by the way). She knows that I am qualified and is an experienced leader and disaster manager. I went back to General Santos City with my wife after encountering typhoon "Ondoy" in Manila for the sake of the final government required interview. I was then so confused since, if ever appointed, I will be staying back in Manila away from my love ones. Again, I waited for God's perfect answer. Few weeks later, Prof. Marlon Era, a friend and former colleague in DSWD, now connected with a University in Manila called me up and informed me that he had referred me to San Miguel Corporation's food security program. In fact after few days, I received several calls from SMC and set me for an appointment with the project head. I was so overwhelmed, on the way I was offered with several professional opportunities. I told my wife that whoever will call me up to report to the agency first, then there I will pray and decide. The options are good. One assignment will be based in manila for a nationwide project, the other two assignments will be based in Davao City for Mindanao wide project coverage. All of those opportunities however will bring me away from my love ones and family. God knows how I want to be based in General Santos because of my love ones and my passion to teach.

After the month of November, nothing happens. I received no calls, no emails, notices from the three agencies who assured of getting me to join their teams. I checked my feelings but no amount of disappointment and hurt is being recognized... (to be continued)