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Why You Must Dream For Others
I wanted to share a piece of my discussion in class last Friday. I had just given them a lecture on technology and innovation. We talked about how some startup companies are changing the world as we know it. This was the short reflection at the end of the class. This is non-verbatim since I […]
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To The Ones Rushing Life
At 25 years old, I run my own marketing agency, teach in a university, and frequently host workshops for students and professionals. A lot of people tell me I’m doing this adulting thing really well. A lot of people compliment me on how I’ve pretty much figured out my life. A lot of people are […]
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Life Is A Game Of Confidence
During my years in theater, we would put up plays that required a short performance between major segments. Our resident saxophonist had just graduated, leaving behind a huge hole to fill in our act. I was always enamored by the instrument so I decided to pick it up and learn it myself. I had about […]
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The Power of Apology
Last week, I spoke to my team about the importance of communicating with one another. We had a couple of delays that could have been avoided entirely had we managed expectations better. It was a productive session where everyone got to speak up. After everyone was done sharing, I did what many people struggle to […]
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Late Is Unacceptable
Early is on time. On time is late. Late is unacceptable. The people closest to me will tell you that I live and die by this principle. I’d rather sit and wait for more than an hour than come in 5 minutes late to an engagement or meeting. It’s something so deeply rooted into the core […]
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You Make Too Many Damn Excuses
About two years ago, I wrote down all the excuses I made for not completing a task or project. It was a short 2-day experiment. Yes, I was that bored. Initially, I just wanted to see what excuses I made most often. What I learned however was much more profound than “how many times do I […]
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Your Long Hours Don’t Impress Me
Back in college, I found myself in an environment where sleeping less than six hours a day was a source of pride. I thought studying longer meant increasing my chances of success. I happily paraded my ability to study or write a paper until after midnight because hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work […]
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How To Clear Your Monkey Mind
One of the most profound concepts I picked up last year was the “monkey mind”. It is a Buddhist term coined over 2000 years ago but is still relevant today. The “monkey mind” came from the observation that our minds’ natural state is one that is unsettled, indecisive, and easily distracted. Buddha said that there […]
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To Teach Is To Learn Twice
Many people spend years finding their passion. Many more don’t find it at all. I’m quite fortunate because the search ended early for me. I realized during my sophomore year in college what it was that would give me the most meaning. And that is teaching. I want to do it for the rest of […]
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Advice I Wish I Had In High School
Today I had the honor of speaking at the Ateneo Senior High School’s Reading of Honors ceremony. It was particularly significant for me because I never got an academic award in high school. My younger self is out there somewhere laughing his ass off at the irony. Below is the speech I gave to the awardees AND the […]