We all look forward to celebrating Christmas and the holidays in December. But for some, it’s a mixed feeling—especially those who have revenue targets to meet, reports to complete, and taxes to comply with. And December often carries the highest financial budget for most companies. Businesses...
Ten years ago, my graduate school research proposal aimed to assess the public’s perception of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). My initial question was why CPAs do not seem to receive the same level of respect accorded to other esteemed professions such as doctors and lawyers. My research...
Nov. 23 was a red-letter day for my family. Four days before his birthday, my son, Carl Lorenz Cervantes, launched his book, Sikodiwa: Revisiting Filipino Indigenous Wisdom for Personal and Shared Well-Being, published by North Atlantic Books. It is a proud moment for a parent, naturally. But as I...
In 2025, success is no longer defined by the number of certificates, degrees, or the prestige of your alma mater, but by the skills you possess. It 's not about having a high intelligence quotient (IQ), but about cultivating a high emotional quotient (EQ). A recent survey from McKinsey Global...
It would be safe to say that most people do not view stress as something they would want. It is generally considered a negative thing that causes many health issues, including anxiety, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes, which can even lead to death. What causes...
The Philippines is currently ranked as the country most at risk from natural climate threats, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2024-2025 Global Perception Survey. This ranking is based on three critical indicators: exposure to climate-related hazards, population susceptibility, and a lack...
“Democracy fails not when people vote wrongly, but when they vote without understanding.” In recent weeks, major business groups, including the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), have been issuing statements calling for greater transparency and public accountability in...
Any organization—be it a business, non-government organization (NGO), charitable or religious institution, government agency, or the government itself—can fall victim to an inside job where the very people entrusted to look after its best interests victimize it. While fraud by insiders isn’t...
In every organization, a persistent, inconvenient truth lurks: we sometimes simply don’t like our co-workers. The reasons range from clashing personalities and work styles to offhand remarks that sting. In the complex reality of the workplace, personal chemistry is not always a luxury we can...
Amid the earthquakes, floods, and corruption scandals, it was a relief to visit the 73rd edition of MANILA FAME at the World Trade Center. This event—the vital link between local artisans and international markets—offered some good news to tell. Its theme, “Objects of Nature,” showcased the...
Sometimes I ask myself if it’s even possible to change the mind of someone who’s become a true believer. You know the kind—people who defend their favorite politician as if their life depended on it, or who treat every word from their pastor as if it came straight from heaven. In the...
We can draw encouragement and caution from nations that have used technology as a governance lever. When implemented smartly, it can shift the balance of power enough to curb corruption. But success always depends on more than code—it rests on people, politics, and institutions. Take Estonia, for...
