OF TREES AND FORESTS In this column, I often write about the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs. I have advised young business owners to be prepared to make sacrifices, to deal with obstacles, and be prepared to fail. It is certainly not my intention to discourage anyone from taking that leap of...
OF TREES AND FOREST Faith is something that is deeply personal but also communal. The religion and spirituality that we embrace is our personal relationship with God. What we believe in is rooted in our experience as a person. We are first exposed to it through our family, specifically our parents....
OF TREES AND FOREST The National Capital Region (NCR) was established on June 2, 1978 by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos through Presidential Decree No. 1396, which also created the Department of Human Settlements. This presidential edict amended PD 824 of November 1975, which...
OF TREES AND FOREST Coffee Project was a passion project for Camille and myself. Before, we would visit Vista Malls and our other projects and lament the lack of a nice, cozy coffee spot where we can meet while enjoying a cup of Joe. So we thought about putting up the coffee shop of our dreams. It...
OF TREES AND FOREST Whenever I travel abroad, in Europe or anywhere in the world really, I am always amazed at how the other peoples of the world are crazy about football. It is regarded as the world’s most popular sport in the world with an estimated 3.5 billion fan base. One of the reasons for...
OF TREES AND FOREST One of the proudest moments of my political career was being elected Senate President, first, during the latter part of the 13th Congress, and later at the beginning of the 14th Congress. It was truly an honor to be chosen by my esteemed colleagues to lead the upper chamber of...
OF TREES AND FOREST The hardest part of any journey is the first step. This is true in every aspect of life: Your baby’s first step; your first bike ride without anyone helping you; your first date; your first day in school. It is terrifying simply because of our fear of the unknown and...
OF TREES AND FOREST When I officially announced Villar City to the public, I called it my legacy project because I believe that this is part of my dream for our country — for our country to be truly world-class in every way. As I have always endeavored, whether in business or as a public servant...
OF TREES AND FOREST I was part of the high-level private sector delegation during the state visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Japan in February 2023. It was a smashing success as the trip produced numerous commercial deals and defense and political arrangements between the two Asian...
OF TREES AND FOREST Araw ng mga Bayani or National Heroes Day was originally commemorated every last Sunday of August. This was based on Republic Act No. 3827 which celebrated the first National Heroes Day on Oct. 28, 1931. When I was Senate President, we passed Republic Act No. 9492 which...
OF TREES AND FOREST One of the distinct advantages of being taught by my mother the virtues of hard work and perseverance at an early age was that I generally stayed away from all sorts of vices. By making me focus on the virtues of earning your keep and helping me develop a strong work ethic when...
OF TREES AND FOREST Huge congratulations to all the Filipino athletes who just finished the country’s most successful stint in the Olympics. Their talent, hard work, and perseverance produced a total of four medals — two golds and two bronzes. Filipina boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas...
