Happy 48th Birthday to Me!

As I reflect on this special day, I ask myself: what’s the best gift I could give myself? Then I smiled, realizing that since January last year, I’ve already received it—strength, clarity, and resilience to respond to the needs of those around me, within my capacity. I’m not a politician with a massive budget, but I’ve found meaning in doing what I can.

Before the clock strikes to welcome another year, I want to express my gratitude. To my wife, who stands by me through laughter and tears, especially in our shared passion for helping others. To my family, who inspires me to rise every day. To my colleagues, who brainstorm and innovate with me to make technology meaningful. To my peers in the community, who research and dedicate their time for others—your dedication is heartwarming. To my mentors and guides, who remind me and correct me, making sure I make fewer mistakes. To our clients and partners, thank you for your trust and for standing with us.

Life has shown me that every year brings opportunities to create ripples of impact. It’s not about how big the gesture is, but how genuine the intention is. Whether it’s a kind word, a shared idea, or a moment of help, these actions carry the power to inspire others. As I step into this new chapter, my hope is to continue planting seeds of change that will grow in ways I might never see but will always believe in.

Growing older, I’ve learned to appreciate simplicity and strive for fewer errors. True friendships grow deeper, and I’ve learned the value of saying “no” when necessary—an insight that only experience can teach.

Here’s to a year of growth and gratitude for all of us! Don’t forget, this year’s lucky colors are earthy tones—terracotta, beige, sandy—and emerald green.

Oh, and as a bonus gift to myself, I’ve added two Marvel toys—Captain Marvel and Iron Man—to my collection. A small but meaningful reminder to keep the spark of fun alive!

Cheers to new beginnings!

Empowering communities through innovation means creating opportunities, inspiring action, and making a lasting difference in people's lives.

Empowering communities through innovation means creating opportunities, inspiring action, and making a lasting difference in people's lives.

December 25 na, Kamusta ang Pasko nyo?

 December 25 na, Kamusta ang Pasko nyo?

Sa likod ng malamig na simoy ng hangin at patak ng ulan, sinisimulan ng bawat isa ang Pasko sa kani-kanyang paraan. May ilan na sa simbahan unang nagpunta, nagdasal at nagpasalamat sa mga biyayang natanggap. Ang ilan naman, basang sisiw sa gitna ng ulan, patuloy na hinaharap ang hamon ng buhay.

Sa kabila ng mga agwat ng estado at kalagayan, samut-saring eksena ang nagbibigay kulay sa Kapaskuhan. Sa ilang tahanan, masarap ang Noche Buena—punong-puno ng pagmamahal at tawa. Sa kalsada, may mga inabot na ng Pasko habang patuloy sa paghahanap ng mapagpapahingahan. Sa ibang sulok, naririnig ang tawanan mula sa mga sayawan at palaro, habang ang iba naman ay abala pa rin sa pagluluto.

Hindi mawawala ang mga paputok—tila naghahabulan ang tunog sa langit, sabay sa mga ngiti ng mga taong sabik sa bagong simula. Ngunit, sa bawat kasiyahan, may mga patuloy pa ring nagtatrabaho, bumabangon, at dumidiskarte para sa kanilang pamilya. Samu't-saring karanasan, ngunit lahat ay may tamang dahilan at pananaw.

Ngayong Pasko, paalala sa lahat: huwag pwersahin ang sarili. Hayaan ang puso’y magpahinga, magpasalamat, at muling magplano para sa mas magandang bukas. Ako mismo, pinili kong maging simple ang araw na ito. Nagdasal ako, nagpasalamat, nagpamasahe, nag-ihaw, at nagmano sa mga mahal sa buhay. Hindi man kami mayaman sa materyal na bagay (tama lang), ramdam ko ang kasaganaan ng biyaya mula sa ating Panginoon.Hindi nya kami pinapabayaan.

Kasama sa aking mga panalangin ang mga kasamahan ko sa opisina at sa mga proyekto ng pagtulong sa lipunan. Sana’y maging maayos ang kanilang bagong taon. Nais kong mas marami pang matulungan—mga kapwa nating nangangailangan. Nawa’y higit pang biyaya ang dumating, upang maipamahagi namin ang malasakit sa mas maraming tao.

Sa darating na kaarawan ko, ibang klaseng selebrasyon ang aking hinahanda. Magdadayo kami sa isang dumpsite sa Antipolo, upang magbigay ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan. Ganito ko sisimulan at sasalubungin ang panibagong yugto ng aking buhay, nang bagong taon—sa pamamagitan ng pagkilos para sa kabutihan.

Samahan niyo ako. Sama-sama tayong magbigay ng pag-asa. Ngayong Pasko at sa bawat araw na darating, iparamdam natin ang tunay na diwa ng Kapaskuhan—pagmamahal, pag-asa, at pagkakaisa.

A Reminder About Growing and Living with Grace

As we grow older, may we find calm in our hearts and wisdom in our actions. Let us choose words that comfort, not hurt, and embrace peace in every moment.

Life teaches us even through challenges. Let kindness, patience, and support guide us, so we can strengthen our connections and build deeper understanding.

May love and forgiveness fill our homes. Let us aim to make each day better, stay united, and focus on the good around us. Walking this path, we grow stronger and more at peace.

A Prayer for Papa and Our Family

 A Prayer for Papa and Our Family

Dear Lord,

We come to You with humble hearts, seeking Your guidance and peace for our family. Today, we lift up Papa in prayer. Grant him wisdom to choose words and actions that bring understanding and not conflict. Fill his heart with calmness, and help him to embrace the path of peace in every situation.

Lord, teach us as a family to support one another with love and patience. Help us to overcome challenges together, always seeking Your light in moments of difficulty. Strengthen our bonds and remind us that forgiveness and kindness are the keys to a harmonious home.

We ask for Your presence in our lives, guiding us toward a future filled with understanding, unity, and joy. May Your peace dwell in our hearts and in our home.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

kung saan may linaw, may halaga, at may saysay

Naalala ko itong kanta ni Manong Gary na Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin, ika nga sa una't huling linyahan.

Kung ayaw mo na sa akin

Wala akong magagawa

Hindi mo na kakailanganing

Magdadalawang salita

Kung ayaw mo na sa akin

Sabihin lang ang totoo

Para minsanan na lang ding

Luluha ang puso ko

....

Kung ayaw mo na sa akin

Masakit man ang totoo

Kung talagang ayaw mo na sa akin

Ayaw ko na rin sa iyo

Hindi lahat ng bagay tugma—sa pag-ibig, proyekto, o organisasyon. Minsan, kailangan tanggapin ang totoo at bitawan ang hindi para sa atin. Sa pag-ibig, pagpapalaya ang sagot kung hindi na masaya or respeto sa sarili, 'wag isiksik ang sarili sa ayaw sa iyo. Sa proyekto, huwag ipilit kung walang linaw; mas mainam ilaan ang oras sa tamang direksyon. Sa mga samahan, hindi lahat ng tao o ideya swak, pero laging may espasyo para sa bagong simula.

Ang hindi pagkakatugma ay hindi kabiguan. Ito ay pagkakataon para mag-focus sa mga bagay na may halaga at magbukas ng pinto sa mas makabuluhang kwento. Kung hindi tayo match, ayos lang—ang mahalaga, tuloy ang galaw, tuloy ang buhay. Tandaan lang natin,Kung hindi tayo tugma, huwag ipilit. Ang tamang koneksyon ay darating sa tamang oras—kung saan may linaw, may halaga, at may saysay.

Gov. Florian Enriquez at FG Eduardo Enriquez Jr, Maraming Salamat po

 Hindi namin alam kung paano tumbasan ang pasasalamat namin sa inyo, Gov. Florian Enriquez at FG Eduardo Enriquez Jr, sa lahat ng inyong kabutihan at suporta.

You’ve given us so much to be grateful for—rehearsals, snacks, a venue to come together, APN shirts that made us feel united, and the chance to share performances and celebrate special moments like Valentine’s, birthdays, anniversaries, and the ISP Christmas Party (lahat ata ng events, Panalo!). You even treated us to a HapChan snack and gave us a framed picture to remember it all.

Most importantly, you made us feel like family. Your care and support have brought us closer and created memories we’ll cherish forever. We love you and wish you both a Christmas filled with happiness, peace, and blessings.

How we make life meaningful

Sometimes, we think we’re good at everything without really knowing ourselves. Then challenges come, and we quit. It’s a waste—not because we fail, but because we miss the lesson.

The real value in life is not in avoiding failure. It’s in the work, the commitment, and the journey. Challenges aren’t meant to stop us; they’re meant to teach, shape, and help us grow.

So, when things get tough, don’t give up. Step back, learn, and keep moving forward. Growth isn’t about being perfect—it’s about staying committed and finding purpose.

Stay steady. Keep growing. That’s how we make life meaningful.

 

Happy Wedding Day Rica and Rey!

 Time flies so fast, and seeing the incredible growth of our God-fearing sister Rica Mara fills our hearts with love and gratitude. You’ve come so far in how you speak, think, and value life—and for sure, Mama Mely Mara is smiling down on you with so much joy.

Happy Wedding Day! Reynante Casipit , welcome to the family! As you both embark on this beautiful chapter of your lives, know that we are always here for you. Lean on us whenever you need to—we are your family, and we love you deeply.

Here’s to love, faith, and a lifetime of happiness ahead!

Kasama si Crush - Maui Taylor

 

Pagtutulungan

 Isa sa mga hamon ng Pilipino ay ang kakulangan sa tunay na paggalang at kolaborasyon. May ilan na inuuna ang sariling ambisyon, handang manira o mag-traydor kahit sa tumulong sa kanila. Nakakatuwa't nakakainis minsan—hihintayin muna nilang magkamali bago magka-courtesy, hindi dahil sa tunay na pagsisisi, kundi para lang mabigyan ng bagong pagkakataon. Parang may kasabihang, “Kung kailan sablay, saka magpapakumbaba.”

Ang ganitong asal ay nagpapakita ng mababaw na pag-unawa sa respeto at malasakit. Mahirap intindihin kung paano nila natutulog nang mahimbing, dala ang istilong ito ng "damage control." Panahon nang ibalik ang tamang asal—ang respeto ay dapat kusa at totoo. Sa halip na maghilahan pababa, dapat itaguyod ang malasakit at integridad. Tandaan, mas malaki ang tagumpay kapag nagtutulungan kaysa kanya-kanya.

Paalala lang po sa ating lahat.

Kapag feeling superhero ka na sa dami ng ginagawa, huwag kalimutang umatras ng kaunti—baka akala ng kalendaryo weekend pa, pero ikaw diretso pa rin sa grind. Mag-preno, magdasal, at mag-meditate. Walang masama sa kaunting "me time"—kahit si Iron Man nagpapahinga minsan!

Pag nakuha mo na ulit ang focus, game na ulit! Pero seryoso, walang alisan hangga’t hindi mo nakukuha ang target—para sa ekonomiya, inobasyon, at siyempre, sa sarili mong peace of mind. Tandaan: Hindi lahat ng mabilis, panalo... pero lahat ng steady, palaging solid!

Batch 15 & 16 Events Management Services NCIII - Graduation

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, faculty members, proud parents, and, most importantly, the incredible graduating class, today marks a significant milestone in our lives. This graduation ceremony is not merely the culmination of your academic journey but a stepping stone toward a future brimming with endless possibilities.

Let me share a story.

The Journey to Buscalan: Lessons for Life
Life’s greatest lessons often come from unexpected places and experiences. My recent journey to Buscalan, Kalinga—a remote mountain village and home to the legendary Whang-Od, the olddest  mambabatok—was one such experience. From November 23 to 26, I traversed challenging trails, encountered a resilient community, and witnessed the artistry of ancient tattoos that tell stories of life, identity, and purpose.

This trip was more than just a personal adventure; it became a wellspring of wisdom. Today, I’d like to share these lessons, which I believe can guide you, the graduates, as you embark on your own journey into the world.

Lesson 1: Embrace Challenges—The Climb
Reaching Buscalan is no easy feat. The trek to the village is steep and physically demanding, with narrow trails winding through lush mountains. Every step tested my endurance. As exhaustion set in, I questioned why I had undertaken such a grueling journey. Yet with each upward step, I discovered something profound: the climb itself was the reward.

Life, like this trek, will present challenges that push you to your limits. At times, the road ahead will seem daunting, and giving up may appear tempting. But through these challenges, we grow stronger. The view from the top—the accomplishment, the growth, the perspective—is worth every difficult step.
Takeaway: Embrace challenges; they are the foundation of growth and resilience.

Lesson 2: Find Your Purpose—The Stories in Ink
Whang-Od’s tattoos are more than beautiful art; they are deeply symbolic, representing milestones, bravery, and belonging. Each design is chosen with care and reflects the wearer’s identity. Watching Whang-Od work with such passion and precision, even at over 100 years old, was deeply inspiring. She continues her craft not for fame but to preserve her heritage and pass it on to future generations.

Purpose gives our lives meaning. Like the tattoos etched into skin, purpose defines who we are and guides our actions. For some, finding purpose takes time. It may emerge through work, relationships, or service to others. What matters is that you seek it and live by it.

Takeaway: Discover your purpose, and let it guide your actions and decisions.

Lesson 3: Serve Others—The Spirit of the Village
Buscalan is not just about Whang-Od; it is a community where everyone contributes to the whole. From sharing meals with visitors to helping one another with daily tasks, the spirit of service permeates the village. Their generosity, even with limited resources, reminded me that true wealth lies in connection and kindness.

In my roles as Charter President of the Rotary Club of QC MediaTech and Vice Governor of the Magiting Region of Eagles, I’ve seen how acts of service—big or small—can transform communities. Whether it’s providing access to education, fostering innovation, or simply lending a hand, being of service leaves an indelible mark on others and ourselves.

Takeaway: Be of service; it’s through giving that we make the greatest impact.

Lesson 4: Balance and Growth—The Rhythm of Life
Life in Buscalan moves at a deliberate, unhurried pace. Unlike the frenetic rhythm of the city, the village follows nature’s tempo. People focus on what matters—connection, craftsmanship, and community. This slower pace reminded me of the importance of balance.

In our pursuit of success, it’s easy to forget that balance is key to sustainable growth. To improve your writing, read more. To improve your thinking, write more. To improve your energy, rest more. To improve your understanding, teach more. To improve your happiness, appreciate more. Balance isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing what matters most.

Takeaway: Strive for balance; it’s essential for a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Lesson 5: Be More, Be Useful, Be of Service
Reflecting on my journey to Buscalan, I realized how these lessons align with my life’s work. As the founder of three technology companies—Maralabs, 8Layer Technologies, and NexBridge Technology—I’ve seen how innovation improves lives when guided by purpose. Whether it’s developing e-governance systems, enhancing cybersecurity, or building smart cities, the goal is always to be useful.

Beyond technology, my involvement with Rotary and the Eagles has taught me that true fulfillment comes from serving others. Building communities, fostering education, and addressing societal needs have shown me that being more isn’t about accolades but about impact.

Takeaway: Be more than your achievements; use your skills to uplift others and contribute to the greater good.

Your Journey Begins
Graduates, as you step into the next chapter of your lives, think of life as your own Buscalan. The climb will be tough, but it will shape you. The purpose you find will guide your path. The spirit of service you embody will create waves of change in your community. And the balance you cultivate will sustain your growth and joy.

Carry these lessons with you: embrace challenges, find your purpose, serve others, seek balance, and always aim to be more. The world is waiting for the stories only you can write.

Congratulations, graduates of Batch 15 & 16 Events Management Services NC3! Go forth and live a life that inspires, impacts, and uplifts not just yourselves but everyone you meet.

Dr. Meric Mara