Cruising Past Seventy: The Inner Journeys View RSS

Saying Goodbye to This, My Travel Blog 17 Dec 2024 6:00 AM (4 months ago)

The End of Our Travels

2018, we sold our RV and settled at Viewpoint in Phoenix, Arizona. We continued traveling via other modes, so I changed the blog title but retained the domain rvcruisinglifestyle.blogspost.com. 

These blog posts went viral (up to35,000 views) on this blog:

1. Debating the Pros and Cons of the RV Cruising Lifestyle
2. Operationalizing Phase 2 of RVing in North Carolina
3. Finding Christmas on Florida's Treasure Island
4. Going Up the East Coast
5. Turning Wounds into Wisdom: Georgia
6. Discovering More in New Mexico
7. Reliving WWII in the Philippines
8. Looking for a Base in Arizona
9. Traveling Light in an RV?
10. We RVed Fulltime for 8 Years. Here are the 10 Things We Learned
11. Leaving No Stone Unturned in the Canadian Rockies
12. 10 New Landmarks in Charming Mazatlan

The blog became a rich source of material for my two travel books: Carolina: Cruising to an American Dream and Cruising Past 70: It's Not Only About Outer Journeys. It's Also About Inner Ones.

My husband and I returned from our last trip together in May. He did not join me on a short solo trip to the Philippines in August. We also canceled our 16th-anniversary trip to Leavenworth, Washington. Yes, we will no longer be the wanderers we once were.

The Beginning of the End

In mid-2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was invited to write as an expert contributor for Travel Awaits, a travel magazine for the 50+ by the 50+. The magazine was experiencing a growth spurt at a time when no one could travel, but retirement dreams soared.

I needed more time to write for two publications, but I did not have the heart to deactivate my blog. Instead, I wrote articles for the magazine and republished them on my blog.

Of the 60+ articles I wrote, the following went viral (150,000+ clicks):

1. 6 Quaint Small Towns to Visit North of Anchorage, Alaska
2. 6 Charming Small Towns to Visit in Southern Alaska
3. 5 Things My Husband and I Practice in Retirement to Keep Us Young

Under the magazine's leadership, my writing improved. However, I discovered that having non-original content negatively impacted my blog. From 4,000 views per post, it dwindled to 1,000.

When travel returned, the magazine's readership fell. It was bought by new owners, who redefined the content with their writers. I am still on the roster but no longer actively contribute. They republished some of my articles, but all writers' retirement pieces were removed.  

As trips became less frequent, I began writing on my blog about other topics (retirement and renewal, health and longevity). After my leadership award, I also wrote about leadership and management. My views dropped to less than 300 per post. I am no longer true to my niche. My writing needs a new home.

A New Platform

While writing for Travel Awaits, I was unaware that the blogging world had also changed. The plummeting views have been traced to frequent Google algorithm changes, even for the most popular blogs. It wasn't just that I needed original content (although I am sure that contributed). Bloggers turned to newer business platforms.

Two of the most popular ones are Medium and Substack. 

Medium is a single membership model with over one million paid subscriptions. Editors recommend articles to their vast reader base. The onus is to write quality articles about in-demand topics.

On the other hand, Substack has four million paid subscribers distributed among its 20,000 or so writers, an average of 200 per writer. Writers are responsible for promoting their writing and signing up subscribers.

Gemini, Google's AI, helped me narrow my choice to one question: Should I spend my time writing quality articles or promoting my writing to subscribers? I don't have the time to do both, as I want to work on my two new book projects.

It is time to deactivate this blog, even if I have yet to decide. Goodbye, Blogspot, Google's blogging platform. Thank you for being a good home for my travel writing.

Thank you all for sticking with me through the years. I hope to see you again on my new platform or when one of my books is published. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Life on the Fast Lane, after 75 10 Dec 2024 7:02 AM (4 months ago)

Last year, I turned 75 and joined the “elderly" demographic. I thought the next turning point would be when I turned 80. But here I am, just a few weeks after celebrating my 76^th birthday. My life has more changes: a focus on health, no travel, being homebound, family visits, and new writing directions.

More Attention on Health

When I turned 65, I celebrated being a “sexygenarian" (being sexy in the 60s), in the middle of all our exciting travels. At 70, I began to feel older as digestive problems flared up. We changed to slower travel.    

But now, health problems have become more challenging. Bill’s health issues have grown from cardiovascular to neurological. My hypothyroidism has been cured, but GERD still haunts me. Worse, my blood pressure and cholesterol levels have risen.

After the Blue Zones captured the world's imagination in Netflix’s “Live to 100” documentary, I became a student of longevity. Because we are more plant-based, I have dropped 12 pounds, and Bill, six. We also try to move and walk a lot. Hopefully, we are on the road to better health.  

Practically No Travel

After we returned from winter in Mexico, a San Diego celebration, a visit to Colorado in April, and a trip to Honolulu for the wedding of Bill’s first grandson in May, we have not traveled again. In August, we canceled our 16th-anniversary trip to Leavenworth, Washington.

Bill did not join me on a 10-day trip to Manila to receive an award and a two-day visit to my first great-grandbaby in Santa Monica. Regrettably, our traveling days are over. We will no longer be the wanderers we once were.

Being Homebound

We sold our car last December before we left for Cancun. We now travel around the valley on Uber rides, primarily for doctor visits. Everything is delivered via Prime, by the grocery, and the pharmacy.

Our resort life has become busy. Every Thursday, I play Scrabble at a neighbor’s home, host a poker session at home on one Tuesday a month, and have Filipino friends come to the house for mahjong one Sunday a month.

There are Photography Club and Painting Group meetings, line dancing classes, and Karaoke sessions. Finding new, healthy, and flavorful recipes is a constant delight. Now that my dwarf Meyer has given me 110 lemons this year, new plants will be added to my garden in the spring.

Outreach projects have become easier to follow through on. Last month, our Fil-Am Gala project successfully raised funds for deserving UP students after meeting via Zoom throughout the year.

A new cause has also engaged my attention. I have become a participant in an NIH-funded study managed by the Mayo Clinic and Banner Alzheimer's Institute. It’s for the early diagnosis and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.  

More Family Visits

My son-in-law visited in May to help with the house improvements we needed, and my eldest daughter came down from San Francisco last month to help with my birthday parties and Christmas decor.

My two daughters' families in North America will come to celebrate with us in a couple of weeks, from Christmas Day to New Year's Day. I am renting another house to accommodate everyone.

Come and visit us. It has become the norm. Even if hosting is a bit stressful, I love doing it! I will cherish every visit.

New Writing Directions

With all these changes, I hardly write about travel anymore. Recently, my posts have been about leadership and management, inspired by the award I received last August. Health and longevity, retirement and renewal, and occasional reminiscences of our travels are other favorite topics.

My travel blog can no longer host these writings. My next post will discuss my plans for a new platform. In the meantime, new book projects have emerged. My MediterrAsian Kitchen: Cooking for Both Taste and Health is in the works and the idea for a fourth book about caregiving has taken shape.

Life can be in the fast lane, even after 75, even without travel. There are so many unrealized ideas. It feels like we are running out of time.

Getting the Job Done, Sustainably. 3 Dec 2024 6:08 AM (4 months ago)

the first-ever transaction in MegaLink

I do not have any project management certification, be it PMP, CAPM, or CSM. Still, I have ensured that the job gets done in every assignment. I have used two tried and tested guiding principles in managing projects. 

The first is to clarify the project goal and then pursue it doggedly as a team. The second is to take a long view and to make project outcomes sustainable. Here are the practical implications of both.

Getting the Job Done

There are two parts to getting the job done. The first is clarifying the goal. The second is pursuing it doggedly as a team. The two are intimately connected.

In MegaLink, the Board's goal was clear: Launch ahead of BancNet. There was no time to waste, and the process of deciding when to launch had to be implemented from the very start. At monthly meetings with the Board, I reported about the technical bugs that were still present and the risks associated with launching with those bugs. It became their decision to launch.    

The BIR was also straightforward: Ensure the agency automation is widely supported. Acceptance must be so widespread throughout the organization that there would be no chance of sabotage. The change management dictated broad and targeted buy-in campaigns at all levels.

Only when a project goal is crystal clear will the entire team doggedly pursue it. Everyone on the team can quickly appreciate it. It gives you more time to explain why that is the goal rather than what it is. When they know why, they will do their part well. No one wants to derail a meaningful project.

This is especially true if the significance of your project is not readily apparent. Every project has meaning, and it can be traced to the organization's broader goals. You must find the connection and articulate it. When the meaning is thus exposed, it is easier for everyone to be motivated.

Making Outcomes Sustainable

This begs the question of ends vs. means. More is needed than getting a job done (ends). Every project manager has to ensure that the goal is achieved in such a way (means) that the sustainability of project outcomes is achieved.

This involves three aspects: ensuring the users' continued use of the system, safeguarding the organization's wealth to do more, and protecting the team members' health for continued work.

In MegaLink, we could have launched ahead of BancNet but done a sloppy job that the ATM cardholders discontinued using it soon after. Or we had to throw so much money into the project that the business of operating the switch could not be sustainable in the long run. Or the team members burned out that they left right after the launch (if not before), taking their knowledge and expertise with them. Maintenance becomes more problematic.

Similarly, BIR could have been launched with widespread initial support because of the buy-in campaigns. But what if it dissipated because the system proved too cumbersome? Given that the BIR project was the automation of a largely graft-ridden bureaucracy, widespread support must include the user’s enduring acceptance and use long after the launch.

In other words, how the system is built around the user's convenience will ensure sustainability. It is as important as the special change management programs to get buy-in or minimize resistance. 

Getting the job done is the stuff of project management. However, ensuring sustainability has become increasingly important as well. The principles that make these two happen remain front and center in my project management mind. Anyone on my team must do the same. They must dictate all our project decisions and actions. 

How to Make Informed Decisions with Today's Tools 26 Nov 2024 6:50 AM (4 months ago)

There are five steps to data-driven decision-making: 1) gathering relevant data, 2) organizing, cleaning, and formatting the collected data, 3) using statistical methods to analyze the data, 4) presenting the analysis in a clear and understandable format, and 5) using the insights gained to make informed decisions and take appropriate action.

What Tools I Use

Excel has been helping me make decisions, even at home. My children fondly call me Ms. Matrix. Here is an example of how my family uses it to decide where to go for a family reunion.

Each family nominates a destination and presents a description. With a simple matrix, we compare variables like sights to see, food options available, activities for children, weather, and travel costs.

Each variable is given an importance ranking (the rankings should total 100%), higher for the more important ones and lower for others. Then, each family rates each destination’s variable on a scale of 0 to 100. The average of the families’ ratings is the final rating.

Each variable’s score is computed by multiplying its importance by its final rating. The variable scores for each destination are summed up. The highest total score wins!

They used to wait for me to lead the discussion. Today, any of my daughters can build matrices. They caught the bug and retired me.

I use two other tools for discussion and visualization. Mind mapping is great for brainstorming and exploring different possibilities. I branch out as far from the center as possible.

Decision Trees are diagrams that display different consequences at each fork or decision point. It helps present various scenarios for comparison and visualize all the possible outcomes.

More Tools and AI

Aside from simple spreadsheets, you can also use statistical software like SPSS for statistical analysis, platforms to help manage and analyze large datasets, and data mining tools to discover hidden patterns in the data.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming crucial since it can be used for all these steps. It can:

1. Automatically collect data from various sources and clean it to remove inconsistencies and errors,

2. Use advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to identify patterns, trends, and correlations within large datasets that would be difficult or impossible for humans to spot.

3. Predict future outcomes based on historical data, helping businesses make informed decisions about marketing campaigns, product development, and more.

4. Analyze text data, such as customer reviews or social media posts, to gain insights into customer sentiment and preferences.

Using intelligent generative prompting, you can iterate until you are satisfied that all aspects have been covered. This allows you to invoke AI in the entire decision-making process!

In the past month, for example, it has helped me decide to shift my writing to another platform (more on this in a future post). I used 36 iterations, driving down details of why, how, where, what, and when to do it.

However, human judgment and expertise are still essential to use in conjunction with it. Review what AI did and verify that the data is correct, there are no gaps, and decisions are ethical. And, if you like, follow AI’s example and take a second opinion: your own.  

Understanding, Preventing, and Reducing Burnout 19 Nov 2024 7:28 AM (4 months ago)

at one of my last talks in Manila, already very thin

When I turned 54, my sister passed on, alone and lonely, from cancer. I did not want to die like her, so I felt I had to change the trajectory of my life. Besides, burnout was starting to rear its ugly head.

After I got off the career bandwagon and retired early, I migrated to America. My eldest and two beloved grandchildren had already moved there to join her husband and their father.

It is helpful to revisit what happened to me. Understanding the factors that led to my situation allows me to uncover strategies that could have prevented burnout. Sharing them may help you prevent one.

Understanding Burnout

I had dwindled to a skinny 101 pounds when I entered the US. Burnout is a serious issue that can lead to physical and mental health problems. 

It often occurs when an individual feels more than overwhelmed. It can be a combination of exhaustion and disillusionment. 

In hindsight, I should not have taken the one-two punch of SAP and BayanTrade. My work at the BIR was meaningful and manageable. However, my savings had been depleted as pay in government was tiny.

The money, perks, and accolades offered by SAP proved hard to resist. But I walked straight into a burnout waiting to happen. 

Preventing Burnout

I should have done the following:

1.   Listen to My Heart

At the time, my eldest was already working, my second daughter had graduated and was job hunting, and my youngest was about to graduate from college.

If I had been smart, the time to simplify my life would have arrived. There was nothing more I had to prove. The cues were there. I did not have to return to the private sector.

Instead, I should have returned to teach in DAP's Master in Public Management Program and the Master in Business Administration Program of the University of the Philippines College of Business Administration.

The government and the academe are gentler work environments. In the process, I could have completed my Doctorate in Business Administration. And I thrive in a scholarly undertaking.

2.   Listen to My Body

To make matters worse, in the middle of my stay in SAP, I went into menopause. I would have benefitted from a mentor who reminded me of self-care, prioritized my health, and learned to say no.

Again, I did not take this cue. Foolishly, I made the same terrible mistake and accepted the BayanTrade offer.

Reducing Burnout

If I had been more forward-looking, I would have implemented burnout prevention or mitigation strategies as soon as I joined SAP. 

1.   Promote Work-Life Balance in the Office

I should have introduced flexible work arrangements and addressed workload concerns. The company could have also provided resources for fitness, relaxation, and counseling programs.

These are components of a more sustainable work environment. I would have been the first beneficiary, and other employees could have benefited.

2.   Reduce Personal Commitments

Promoting work-life balance is not the sole responsibility of the company. I was also responsible for focusing on the job and family. These two are complex enough.

I should have minimized extra-curricular activities in professional associations. I could also have postponed my doctoral studies.

3.   Ask for Support

I wrongly thought CEOs were supposed to be superhumans able to withstand all kinds of challenges. At lower levels, higher executives support anyone in navigating the challenges. The same is true for CEOs.

But I was too embarrassed to ask. Worse, I thought I would be punished. Distance prevented me from building closeness with the SAP regional team in Singapore. And, unlike MegaLink, I had yet to develop open and honest communication with the BayanTrade board.

Burnout is a real issue. It is essential to take care of oneself first and foremost. If you are overwhelmed, exhausted, and disillusioned, take a break. It can allow you to reflect, recharge, and regain your footing.

Acknowledge what your heart says, listen to your body, promote work-life balance, reduce your outside commitments, and ask for support. By addressing the underlying causes of burnout and prioritizing your well-being, you can stay in your role and enjoy it longer. 

Managing Time in a Fast-Paced World 12 Nov 2024 6:06 AM (5 months ago)

How do you manage time today? Is it even possible? In fact, with dizzying distractions trying to grab our attention every minute, it has become even more essential.

Classic time management principles are still relevant, but new techniques are emerging. The best strategy is to combine them and see what works best for you. It is also wise to realize that managing time in the office differs from managing time in a remote location. The good news is that, with good time management, you can combine vacation with work.

Classic and Emerging Time Management Approaches

In the 1980s at the Institute of Advanced Computer Technology, we became a distributor of seminars and tools by Time Management International. The following are some of the classic time management principles we advocated:

1. Identify the most important tasks and focus on them first.

2. Allocate specific time slots for different activities.

3. Create To-Do Lists of tasks to be completed.

4. Set deadlines to ensure timely completion of tasks.

But today's dizzying speed has led to an awareness that time must be managed even more. Many new approaches, tools, and techniques have emerged, seeking productivity and efficiency for better work-life balance.

Here are some of them:

1. Practicing mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve focus.

2. Utilizing productivity apps and software to organize tasks, track time, and set reminders.

3. Monitoring time spent on different activities to identify those that waste time and those that optimize productivity.

4. Grouping similar tasks to improve efficiency and reduce context switching.

5. Assigning tasks to others to free up time and increase productivity.

6. Adopting the Pomodoro Technique of working in focused 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks.

7. Using the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize based on what are both important and urgent.

8. Considering the long-term consequences of time management decisions.

Combining the old with the new makes for the most effective time management strategies. But you must experiment and select the ones that will work best for you. Lastly, remember to accommodate unexpected events and changes in priorities, crucial for staying productive in a fast-paced world.

Time Management in the Office vs. a Remote Location

While the core principles of time management remain the same, managing time in an office environment can differ significantly from managing time in a remote location.

An office provides a structured environment with an established daily schedule including fixed start and end times. Work and personal space are physically separated, making it easier to focus on tasks.

It also provides more social opportunities with colleagues, such as welcome breaks or reminders to stay on task. Conversely, however, they can also mean distractions or background noise.

On the other hand, working remotely introduces a more flexible schedule which can be both a benefit and a challenge. It becomes essential to set a personal routine that works.

Since there is no physical separation between work and personal space, chores, family members, or pets can be distractions. Working without colleagues, however, leads to feelings of isolation and a lack of motivation.

The key differences are in structure, boundaries, distractions, and sources of interaction. The bottom line is that remote work requires more self-discipline, the need to set limits, and the ability to stay engaged.

Since 2018, we have been in a home in Viewpoint Golf Resort.  I was recruited to write for an online travel magazine that targeted the 55+ community. During this time, I also published a second book.

With my established routine, I could work four to six hours daily. I make all our meals, which are sacred times with my husband. My work is carved out of the hours after breakfast, say 7 a.m., until 10 a.m., when I prepare our lunch. The time after lunch,  about 1 pm until 4 p.m., is another block.   

I have an office but spend most of my time in the sunroom. It is sunshiny and looks out to the patio of many yellow flowers. As designed, it is distinctly separate from the rest of the house. My husband knocks when he wants to talk!

The magazine seamlessly integrates everyone’s tasks with an Atlassian platform called Trello. This was how I interacted with the editors, administrators, other content specialists, the financial team, and others,  efficiently connecting all of us from different parts of the world.  

Combining Vacation Time with Productive Time

Before we settled in Viewpoint, my husband and I RVed full-time around North America for eight years. I turned some of this recreation time to work, producing a blog and publishing a book.

My second daughter, SVP of Eco Canada, an environmental think tank, demonstrates a better example. When she visits us with her family, she mixes work and vacation time, calling it a “workcation.”  

She establishes specific work hours in the guest bedroom. She uses technology to stay connected with her team and clients. They are informed about her limited availability and that response times could be delayed.

It's essential to be mindful of the potential challenges. Relying heavily on technology can create difficulties in an unfamiliar remote environment (which is not the case when my family visits us at our Viewpoint home).

The secret is she brings only prioritized tasks. Those are essential tasks that require immediate attention, the upper right quadrant of the Eisenhower Matrix. All other tasks are postponed until she returns. 

A "workcation" offers a change of scenery that can help reduce stress and improve focus. This can lead to increased creativity and productivity and a better work-life balance. You can use ordinary downtime to explore your destination and visit with family. 

Classic time management principles and new tools and approaches can improve life in today's environment, including working remotely and combining vacation time with work. There are plenty to choose from so you can find those that work best for you.

The Three Most Important Soft Skills You Can Develop 5 Nov 2024 6:21 AM (5 months ago)

a meeting of the UPAA Board in Arizona

Hard skills are the technical abilities and knowledge needed to perform a job. Driving a car is a complex skill, for example. On the other hand, soft skills are personal traits that are just as important. If you are not the driver, for example, be a polite, patient, and helpful passenger.

Soft skills are becoming essential in the workplace. Together with good hard skills, you will have more skills than your colleagues and stand out. Three became extremely helpful when I sought to develop them.

The Three Most Important Soft Skills

Here are the top three soft skills that can help immensely:

Effective Communication

Clear and concise communication is the foundation of successful relationships and collaboration. It delivers what you intend to say well, avoids misunderstandings, and builds trust.

It includes paying full attention, clarifying issues, and providing constructive feedback. It also necessitates using simple language, avoiding jargon, and tailoring the message to the recipient.

Lastly, it is helpful to remember that non-verbal communication strengthens or detracts from your words. Body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions should not convey the opposite.

Problem-solving and Critical Thinking

We are brought into the workplace to do routine tasks and solve problems when they arise. Analyzing problems, identifying solutions, and making informed decisions is a big part of the job.

First, it demonstrates initiative. Brainstorming to generate a variety of ideas and solutions is a first step. It includes gathering sufficient data and evaluating information for decision-making.

Second, it means being able to adapt to change. Flexibility and openness to new ideas and approaches will help you find your way through analyzing problems and finding solutions.

Emotional Intelligence

This soft skill is crucial to building solid relationships and prospering in challenging situations. It involves understanding and managing your emotions while doing the same for others.

It requires self-awareness of how emotions usually influence behavior. It also requires empathy, understanding the feelings of others, and putting oneself in their shoes.

In addition, it means developing healthy coping mechanisms during stressful situations. While emotions are still poorly understood or managed, such situations can arise.

How to Develop These Soft Skills

NCR, IBM, and SGV-Accenture trained me well in hard skills. Fortunately, they also included basic training programs for soft skills. I tried to grow them more by joining organizations, attending special soft skills training programs, and reading books.

Joining Organizations

To improve my public speaking skills, I joined the Toastmasters program. This ongoing workshop helps people develop confidence, clarity, and persuasiveness in oral communication. The program also gives much practice time for active listening, nonverbal communication, and conciseness. Most of the lessons apply to all types of communication. Being concise has helped my writing.

Both the debate format and the table topics (for impromptu thinking) became vital in developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Evaluating others’ speeches and program participants was a weekly opportunity to practice emotional intelligence.

Aside from Toastmasters, other organizations, including those I was allowed to lead and a couple I even founded, gave me more opportunities to practice all three soft skills. I recommend joining groups like alumni associations, industry associations, or groups in a parish.

Attending Helpful Training Programs

There are special workshops that provide more than the essential soft skills training programs offered by companies. If you can, look for special programs on:

Informed Decision-Making

Creative Thinking

Thinking Outside the Box

Structured Problem-Solving Techniques (such as root-cause analysis, mind mapping, or decision trees)

Mindfulness and Meditation (Stress Management)

Assertiveness Training (the Middle between Aggression and Passivity)

When you choose a training program, consider your learning style, goals, and budget. Also, select those led by experienced trainers. Finally, make sure you spend your time and money on those that provide opportunities for practice and feedback as part of the program.

Reading Books

Reading articles and books is my go-to learning style. Reading allows me to take as much time as I need to mull over the ideas presented in the comfort of my chair or bed.

I asked Gemini to name the best book for each soft skill. Here is what the Google AI app gave me:

1. "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish. This classic book may focus on communication with children, but the lessons apply to all relationships.

2. "Think Like a Freak: The Radical Economics of Everyday Life" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. This book challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to approach problems from new perspectives.

3. "Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" by Daniel Goleman. This groundbreaking book explores the importance of emotional intelligence and offers practical strategies for developing it.

But I was most pleased with Gemini's last recommendation. As I mentioned in my article on personal branding, the book was my Bible when I was working in the Philippines.

Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" offers timeless principles for self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication. I read and reread the book and was even asked to deliver talks about it.

By developing these three essential soft skills, you will be better equipped to succeed in your career. They will help you build strong relationships with superiors, colleagues, and clients in whatever size of a setting.

An Exciting Addition to the Corporate Ladder: Chief Storyteller 29 Oct 2024 7:54 AM (5 months ago)

as Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Montgomery

Last week’s article was about personal branding. This week, we look at company branding. The Chief storyteller position has emerged in recent years to connect companies with audiences, build brand loyalty, and drive business results. It is the secret to sustaining a company brand.

It is a truly creative role, but it is also quite strategic. It shapes the narrative and ensures it aligns with the overall business strategy. If it had been available during my time, I would have preferred being a storyteller instead of a trailblazer. It would have been a gentler path.

The Origin of the Title

The term Chief Storyteller traces back to the growing importance of storytelling in the digital age. As consumers become inundated with too much information, brands that deliver compelling stories will likely stand out more.

Unlike other C-level officers who primarily focus on specific functional areas (e.g., finance, operations, technology), this one is cross-functional, working closely with other departments like marketing, product development, and human resources. The Chief Storyteller ensures the company story is consistent and cohesive across different touchpoints.

While the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is also responsible for telling the company story, the Chief Storyteller focuses on the overarching narrative and how it connects with the mission, vision, and values. The CMO focuses on specific marketing tactics and campaigns.

But they work closely together. The Chief Storyteller takes a broader view. He manages the company brand and ensures it is positively perceived by the public.

His Key Responsibilities

Here are the key responsibilities of the Chief Storyteller:

1. Develop and articulate the brand story with a compelling narrative that captures the company's essence. He delivers many versions of it to resonate with the different segments of the audience.

2. Ensure consistency and alignment with the company vision, mission, and values and that the story is consistent across all internal and external communications.

3. Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the media, to help them understand and appreciate the company story.

4. Measure and conduct an analysis of the impact of storytelling, tracking the effectiveness of the efforts and making data-driven recommendations for improvement.

It sounds like some of the work the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) does. The CEO is often the Chief Storyteller, and while the title is becoming more common in corporate structures, it is not always a separate role.

In many cases, especially in smaller or more traditional organizations, the CEO takes on the responsibility of being the primary storyteller. I played that role as CEO of MegaLink, SAP, and BayanTrade.

The CEO is often seen as the face of the company, and his ability to articulate its vision, mission, and values can significantly impact its success. As the Chief Storyteller, the CEO can directly connect with employees, customers, investors, and the public, fostering a sense of loyalty and trust.

However, as companies grow and become more complex, they may find it beneficial to have a dedicated Chief Storyteller who can focus solely on developing and communicating the company's narrative. A dedicated person allows the CEO to concentrate on other strategic aspects of the business, especially operations and product development.

His Key Skills and Abilities

As such, here is the combination of creative, strategic, and analytical skills that a Chief Storyteller must have to succeed:

1. Strong storytelling abilities and the ability to craft compelling narratives.

2. Strategic thinking to see the big picture and understand how storytelling can contribute to the overall business objectives.

3. Excellent ability to effectively communicate with all internal and external stakeholders.

4. The ability to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative storytelling ideas.

5. The ability to use data to measure the effectiveness of storytelling efforts and make informed decisions for change and improvement.

As I shifted to writing (storytelling) in America, I can even be a better Chief Storyteller today. The position plays a vital role in today's organizations. By effectively telling the company's story, a Chief Storyteller can help build brand loyalty, drive customer engagement, and improve business performance. It has become such an important role.

It’s Wise to Invest in Personal Branding 22 Oct 2024 9:13 AM (5 months ago)

When I was filling out the Nomination Form for the UPAA Distinguished Alumnus Awards early this year, I had a chance to reflect on my career. A friend who won the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 said, “You were a trailblazer. Your category should be for ‘Leadership in It Development.’” That was my brand!

How I Got My Brand

Without knowing it, I had developed a personal brand.

After training with NCR and IBM, I applied with SGV&Co. I became the Marketing Manager of the Institute of Advanced Computer Technology, its computer training unit. That made my name synonymous with innovative things as we marketed our brand-new courses and seminars, introducing the technology to the country.

When the Development Academy of the Philippines sought a Vice President to introduce more automation to government agencies, my name came up. The DAP President invited me to become its VP for IT Applications.

Similarly, my name reappeared when MegaLink, a consortium of banks, was formed. The Board invited me to become the General Manager of the pioneering ATM switch.

Then, Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, the newly appointed BIR Commissioner, asked industry leaders for someone to help her automate the agency. They gave her my name. She invited me to become one of her three Deputy Commissioners.

After launching the country’s revenue system in two years, the SAP Singapore Regional Office asked me to return to the private sector as MD of SAP to introduce the groundbreaking German ERP software in the Philippines.  

Two years later, when six conglomerates formed the consortium BayanTrade to launch a pioneering e-procurement hub in the country, they persuaded me to leave SAP.

Finally, when Comelec wanted to move to automated elections, they asked for the recommendation of the Dean of the UP College of Public Administration. I was then a Doctorate in Public Administration Program student, and she recommended me.

Increasingly, trailblazing became attached to my name. In a competitive landscape, establishing a personal brand like this is a necessity. Creating a unique and compelling identity differentiates you from the competition and attracts the right opportunities.

Benefits of Personal Branding and How to Make One

Here are some of the benefits of establishing a personal brand:

1. Establish credibility and authority. Your name is associated with expertise and trustworthiness.

2. Build trust and rapport, leading to many connections.

3. Differentiate yourself, stand out, and showcase your uniqueness.

4. Attract the best opportunities that align with your skills, goals, and values.

Here are some steps I took that probably helped me build a strong brand without knowing it:

1. Shared my expertise through written articles or speaking engagements.

2. Built relationships with people in the IT industry and attended relevant events. I even led associations and founded new ones.

3. Told my story through compelling narratives about my journey, successes, and lessons learned.

In today’s overloaded information landscape, however, these additional steps have become crucial:

1. Define your target audience so you can tailor your brand message.

2. Identify your unique value proposition or what makes you different.

3. Create a robust online presence through a professional website, good social media profiles, and a consistent online persona.

4. Maintain a consistent image across all platforms.

As I shifted from a technology executive to a freelance writer, I unconsciously followed these same steps. I do not randomly post on Facebook or LinkedIn, for example. I always plan my posts and make sure they are well-constructed, with good photos to accompany the text (although I need to catch up in using videos).

Doing this takes patience, persistence, and authenticity, requiring time and effort, but it is worth it. I successfully switched from an IT executive to a travel writer.

Best Books on Personal Branding

To learn more about personal branding, I asked Gemini, Google’s AI platform, to give me the five best books. Here is the output, complete with the gist of each book:

“1. "Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future" by Dorie Clark

This book provides a comprehensive guide to building a solid personal brand, covering self-discovery, online presence, networking, storytelling, and adaptability.

2. "Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action" by Simon Sinek

It is focused on leadership but offers valuable insights into personal branding, especially the importance of understanding your "why" and communicating it effectively to connect with others.

3. "Platform: Get Noticed in the Age of Attention Economy" by Mike Stelzner

This book helps you understand how to build an online platform and leverage digital channels to enhance your brand by creating content, engaging with the audience, and growing your following.

4. "Personal Branding for Dummies" by Paul Argenti

As the title suggests, it offers a beginner-friendly introduction to personal branding, covering essential concepts and providing a step-by-step guide for building a brand.

5. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey

I was pleased to find this fifth book mentioned. It was my Bible when I was working. I read it several times and presented talks on it when invited. Although not specifically about personal branding, this classic book offers personal effectiveness, integrity, and relationship principles. When applied to any niche you choose, a personal brand will emerge.  

How to Identify and Nurture Future Leaders 15 Oct 2024 8:52 AM (6 months ago)

women leaders in IT

The average time I worked for companies in the Philippines was 2.3 years. US statistics show that the median stay has come down to 3.9 years, considered part of the Great Resignation phenomenon. I must have been way ahead of the times.

But back then, I had a good excuse. Automation was being introduced in the country at the time. I was always invited to launch a pioneering IT project and when that finished, I was recruited for a new one.

The availability of future leaders became a key requirement. Even in normal situations, organizations cannot afford downtime from leadership changes.

The Anecdotal Story

I was lucky because I found nine future leaders in my 32-year career.  And they were willing to be “trained” by me, unusual since I had the reputation of being “difficult.” Here are five of the nine:

1.    Institute of Advanced Computer Technology

At my first managerial job as Marketing Manager in I/ACT, it was my tremendous luck that one special day, two fresh graduates from the University of the Philippines walked into our office, looking for jobs. They were diamonds waiting to be polished.  

One of them helped me launch the first Micro Expo, the exhibition that introduced personal computers in the Philippines. Later, she headed our spin-off operations in HK. She is now headquartered in Malaysia at the top of her Asian management consulting firm.

The other one provided excellent and steady staff work. I invited her to join me later in BayanTrade as my executive assistant. When I left, a consortium member conglomerate recruited her as their VP for Human Resources.

2.    Development Academy of the Philippines

When I joined, I found staffing complete since government turnover is low. I handpicked an executive assistant to support me. When a third business unit was organized, she was ready to lead it.

Later I invited her to join me in MegaLink. She impressed people there, too.  When one of the bank CEOs assumed the Chairmanship of the Social Security System, he took her with him as VP of Management Services. She rose to be Senor VP.  

3.    MegaLink

At MegaLink, I created two business units: Operations and Business Development. I recruited two people I identified as future leaders from my I/ACT days and waited for who between them would emerge as my deputy.

It was a time when IT professionals went abroad for greener pastures and the Operations Head did just that. When I was recruited as Deputy Commissioner of the BIR, the Business Development Head was ready to become General Manager.

4.    SAP Philippines

When I returned to the private sector after the BIR, I had a bigger problem at SAP. The technical team was fine, but the sales team needed more to meet the challenges of introducing the German ERP software into the market. I had to recruit from outside the company.

Although she was not a well-known salesperson in the industry, one of them proved to be an outstanding recruit. Later she rose to become the Country Manager. She moved on to found Third Pillar, a successful SAP Business Partner.  When she sold it to a leading telco conglomerate for a profit, she was retained as Chairman/CEO.

Lessons on Identifying and Nurturing Future Leaders

Similar stories can be told for the other four future leaders I found. From this rich experience, I can share the following tips.

1.    Use Behavioral Assessment

I looked for people who exhibited similar traits that made me successful as a leader and if possible, did not have my weaknesses. I didn’t use leadership assessment tools to discover adaptability, resilience, communication skills, and teamwork.

The 360-Degree Feedback principle, from peers, superiors, subordinates, and external stakeholders, complemented my observations. I got a complete view of the person’s performance and potential.

2.    Do Things Together and Involve Them in Stretch Assignments

They are the kind of people who did not hesitate to join me in working towards excellence. Like me, they were not content with just getting by. We did things together. Instead of formal leadership programs, mentorship and coaching were the norm.

I assigned them activities and projects that required them to step outside their comfort zones and develop more skills. For example, they were exposed to board members of MegaLink and BayanTrade.

3.    Make them Boss-Whisperers

This perspective came from them: how they viewed the process.  

One said she considered herself a "boss-whisperer." The term is used informally to describe someone who sustains a close, influential relationship with a leader. They act as trusted advisors and provide confidential counsel and operational support.

Another called herself a virtual chief of staff. A chief of staff is typically a formal position within an organization responsible for operations oversight, staff coordination, and smooth functioning of the leader's office. I usually did not have such a formal position (except in BIR) but this was how the “boss-whisperer” acted.

While working closely with me, they gained a deep understanding of my goals, challenges, and personality. This understanding allowed them to provide valuable counsel, influencing my decisions and actions. It became the stepping stone to taking over my role or preparing for future leadership positions.

However, it's important to note that while these roles can provide opportunities for advancement, they are not guaranteed paths to leadership. However, identifying them correctly in the first place ensures they have the potential and the traits necessary to achieve success. These roles then become a good track to leadership.

Similarities and Differences in Strategy: NonProfits vs. Businesses 8 Oct 2024 7:43 AM (6 months ago)

a strategic planning seminar UPAAA and UPAAAz sponsored

 

Strategy is a plan of action for achieving an overall aim. An obvious example is how a good strategy is crucial to winning a war. So is winning in business. And it’s no different from achieving an association’s goals to serve a specific sector.

All organizations, non-profits, or business entities, require strategic planning. Their approaches, however, often differ due to fundamental differences, as illustrated below.

                                            NonProfits                Businesses

Primary Goal                  societal good                  profits

Revenues                         donations                         sales

                                         grants

                                         fees

Stakeholders                   donors                              shareholders

                                         beneficiaries                     employees

                                         volunteers                         customers

                                         community                       suppliers

Metrics                            social outcomes               financial performance

                                         sustainability                    market share

                                                                                  customer satisfaction

The strategic planning process is essentially the same between non-profits and businesses. Both organizations conduct SWOT analyses to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

The ability to analyze each of these four factors in depth determines the success of the planning process. I have participated in (and even led) some, and it has been amazing to see the strategy emerge clearly when those analyses are thorough.

However, before going through the SWOT analysis, we should consider the nuances in strategic planning between non-profits and businesses. Precisely because of these fundamental differences, there are factors to consider.

Primary Considerations.                                                                          

A non-profit must prioritize its reputation for ethical conduct. If a nonprofit becomes viewed as unethical, it will never survive as an organization working for some societal good. In other words, the nonprofit must focus on building social equity and, in doing so, further the sustainability of its mission.

A Board of Directors is crucial to this consideration (please see the previous article on "Governance vs. Management"). If the Board of Directors is identified as one of the weaknesses,  strengthening the Board is the primary step.

On the other hand, a business that loses its competitive advantage will soon be wiped out from the market. That is why some for-profit organizations do not emphasize building social equity or working for sustainability. Some may even state its aim of financial success only in the short term.

A business may also aim for long-term survival. In such a case, social equity and sustainability must also be primary considerations.

Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals

 Non-profits emphasize goals that achieve societal or environmental good. In the UP Alumni Association in Arizona, for example, we strive to provide scholarships to deserving but disadvantaged UP students.

The other goal is for the members to enjoy themselves in the process. Thus, events that address both goals are prioritized. We have sponsored in-person Bingo and Other Games Socials before the pandemic, virtual ones during the lockdowns, a hybrid Mini-Conference on the Filipino, and in November this year, we organized a Fil-Am Gala Event.

Businesses prioritize financial success. In MegaLink, for example, our goal was to increase the transactions that go through the ATM switching facility we were operating. Our revenues came solely from the fees we charged for those transactions. Of course, we also had to control expenses.

Implementation and Evaluation

Since there are fundamental differences between both types of organizations, the metrics used to measure success are also different.

For example, the UP Alumni Association in America used to keep track of the number of members and scholarships. After our strategic planning exercise, we identified the creation of chapters as a key goal to find and serve more members, especially in underserved areas.

Both numbers, of members and chapters, will lead directly to more funds available for scholarships. The strategy to organize more chapters will deliver larger numbers faster.

Activities that engage more members are keys to our success. The biennial Grand Reunion and Convention is one major activity members always look forward to joining. But enjoyable charter activities closer to members’ homes would probably reach more members.

Businesses are focused on financials. MegaLink earns from switch transaction fees. The number of member banks, cardholders, and ATM locations was key to increasing that activity. To ensure growth, we focused on all three metrics.

In addition, to avoid attrition, employees and the representatives of the member banks had to feel like they belonged to one big happy family.  To this end, we designed active enjoyable committees, sponsored frequent well-attended socials, and organized joint foreign trips for technology advancement.

In conclusion, while the strategic planning process is similar for non-profits and businesses, the primary considerations, goals, and performance metrics differ. This is due to their fundamental differences as organizations. Understanding these differences will prove crucial for developing effective strategies. 

Governance vs. Management: Which Is More Important? 1 Oct 2024 7:32 AM (6 months ago)

Governance and management are terms we use interchangeably, but they are different. Both are essential but they serve distinct purposes. Understanding the differences is necessary for leaders of organizations big or small, simple or complex, for-profit or nonprofit.

What Is Governance

Governance sets the framework for an organization. It means establishing its strategic direction and accountability structures. It involves:

1.  Planning strategically and defining the organization's mission, vision, values, and goals.

2. Ensuring that the organization operates ethically and legally by providing oversight.

3. Holding individuals and groups responsible for their actions.

4. Managing risks by identifying and mitigating potential risks to the organization.

Governance typically rests on a governing body like a board of directors. Even in small businesses, a group (formal or informal) of owner(s), investor(s), or adviser(s) must exercise governance. Each organization needs to operate responsibly and sustainably.

My first experience with a Board of Directors was with MegaLink. Composed of the CEOs of the banks in the consortium, they gave me one simple direction at the start: launch ahead of its rival consortium. After the successful launch, they guided me in making the consortium the largest in the country with 32 member banks.

For about an hour every month, I had to report on the progress and answer questions from these highly experienced bank CEOs. One of the most memorable meetings was when they scrutinized my recommendation to launch despite some bugs in the system. I argued that no system ever reaches perfection. They grilled me about my plans to mitigate risks. In the end, they agreed with me.

Running MegaLInk with that Board became one of the best experiences of my career. They inspired me to aim for growth but grounded me in my actions. I looked forward to every Board meeting and I learned so much. They were a whole bunch of welcoming father figures.

What Is Management

On the other hand, management involves the day-to-day execution of the organization's strategy. It involves:

1. Developing and implementing plans to achieve organizational goals.

2. Structuring the organization and assigning tasks.

3. Motivating and inspiring team members to achieve their best.

4. Monitoring performance and taking corrective action as needed.

Management usually rests on the shoulders of executive leaders and teams. They must have planning, organizing, leadership, and controlling skills. The required management level depends on the organization's size and complexity.

My first management job was in I/ACT. As a young inexperienced marketing manager, I was thrilled to hire three people to help me. And what good people I found! Working alongside the operations team, we moved I/ACT to be the leader in computer education.

Contrast this with my stint as Deputy Commissioner of the BIR where I led a thousand people in the IT group. Three people directly reported to me: two Assistant Commissioners and a Chief of Staff. But I had relationships with the next level of management called Directors and the two groups of consultants for hardware and software.

At the same time, I had to engage with the Commissioner and the three other Deputy Commissioners, and the next levels below them.  Because of the massive change we were implementing, I also had to reach over a hundred Revenue District Offices under several Regional Centers around the country. In addition, we had to set up seven new Regional Data Centers to manage the new system.

It was a complex organizational structure to steer over ten thousand employees. I was glad I had enough management experience to handle the huge challenges a large organization presents.  

Which is More Important?

The nonprofit sector differs from the private sector (for-profit businesses) and the public sector (government agencies).  While I worked, I had my first experience in this sector in professional associations. Now that I am retired, I am even more involved in alumni associations.

Although they differ in purpose, stakeholders, and legal structure, the nonprofit sector benefits as much from governance and management to ensure long-term success as the public and private sectors. They are equally important in the latter two and become more involved as the organization becomes more complex. However, governance is of a higher priority in non-profit organizations. 

They can survive without a dedicated management team but a good governing board is essential. Their stakeholders usually involve many volunteers in large geographical areas and demographic sectors. A good governing body must speak for all these diverse loosely held members.  

Governance takes precedence because of the need for: 

1.    The continuing alignment of mission and vision to focus on social impacts and prevent mission drift.

2.    The consistent oversight of ethical guidelines for maintaining accountability and transparency and eliminating conflicts of interest.

3.    The constant shaping of future and long-term trajectories.

4.    The regular oversight of fiduciary responsibilities for monies involved.

5.    The growing requirement to build public trust and ensure proper representation.

In the associations where I have been a part, I can cite three key instances when governance was more important than management:

1. In the UPAA in America (please see headline photo) fundraising campaigns, the Board became more important in securing major donations to build its endowment fund due to their connections and credibility.

2. When responding to a crisis at the UPAA in America, the Board used its experience to make difficult decisions and deliver delicate messages to the respondent and the membership.

3. At the Philippine Computer Society, the Board used its influence to advocate for elevating the role of IT in the nation’s progress. As President, I was invited to speak alongside President Fidel Ramos at the National IT Summit in Malacanang. That was the start of the road towards a cabinet position for IT.

Management can rest on a small staff led by an executive director, active key volunteer working committees, or a combination of both. However, an engaged Board of Directors is of utmost strategic  importance in nonprofit organizations.

The experience, influence, and credibility of the Board of Directors will enable the organization to focus on its mission, provide ethical oversight, and safeguard the public interest. Doing so consistently will allow it to use its strategic direction to grow.

Who Is Better Suited to Lead: Men or Women? 24 Sep 2024 7:51 AM (6 months ago)

when BayanTrade was launched

Recently, a journalist asked me questions about my UPAA Award for “Leadership in IT Development (Public and Private),” He felt that, as one of the pioneer women leaders in technology, I could talk about whether the current environment presents more opportunities for Filipinas than during the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.

My Story

Looking back, one of the pivotal moments in my leadership journey was when IBM asked its Philippine subsidiary to enforce the equal opportunity employment program in full swing in the US.

I was then working with an NCR spin-off (NCR was my first employer) selling second-hand accounting machines and making lots of money. IBM invited me to become its first female marketing representative.

That led to my first management position as marketing manager at the Institute of Advanced Computer Technology. From there I was invited to become VP of the Development Academy of the Philippines, vice the Father of the Internet, Dr. Bill Torres.

Soon others sought me to fill bigger leadership roles, “breaking the glass ceiling.” I was asked to be the GM of Megalink, MD of SAP Philippines, and then President/CEO of BayanTrade.

Invitations to be Deputy Commissioner of the BIR and en banc consultant to the Comelec completed my resume with more public sector experience.

I was lucky that the Philippines has a tradition of women in leadership. At the same time, organizations were looking for people who could become trailblazers since there were still no examples of successful computerization.

My grit and determination to get things done must have begun to show. Having come from humble beginnings, I developed a strong belief that nothing is impossible. That may have been the specific ability they needed to implement their pioneering projects.  

The Trend in Women Leadership

Leadership involves multifaceted skills. Both men and women possess the qualities necessary for effective leadership: communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional intelligence.

Thus, it is not gender that is important. Rather, it is that people’s specific abilities are matched to specific job requirements. And that they are allowed to advance to positions of power and influence.

Unfortunately, as of 2023, women leaders have not yet risen to the same status as men. In the US, women occupy approximately 27% of the seats in the US Congress, 8% of CEO positions at Fortune 500 companies, and 36% of college presidencies.

In the Philippines, women hold approximately 25% of seats in the Philippine House of Representatives, the same as in the US. We fare better in the private sector: 20% of CEOs are women. Data on academic leadership is limited and not as good.

Studies have found that traditional gender stereotypes can influence perceptions of leadership. Women are often seen as more nurturing and compassionate, while men are more decisive and assertive.

In our culture, like others in the East, this has led to more of an earlier tradition of women in leadership. This may be the reason we have better numbers of private sector CEOs. However, I don’t understand why the academic sector is lagging.

The good news is that research has consistently shown organizations with greater gender diversity in leadership positions tend to outperform those with less diversity. Opportunities for women in senior leadership positions are increasing.

Leadership in the Technology Sector

What concerns me, however, is a 2023 study by McKinsey. It found that in technology companies, women in senior leadership such as CEOs and CTOs, have declined since 2017.  The following factors have been cited as contributory: stereotyping, lack of mentors, issues of work-life balance, and unconscious bias.

The same thing may be true in the Philippines. I have only scant anecdotal evidence though. During my time, women leaders like Marife Zamora, Riza Mantaring, and Mariels Almeda Winhoffer rose to be CEOs of Convergys, Sun Life of Canada, and IBM, respectively.

Unfortunately, the first two entities have male leaders today. Even my seat in SAP is currently occupied by a male. Only IBM Philippines still has a female leader in Aileen Judab-Jiao.

But the Philippine technology sector may be different from that of the US which is dominated by the supply side.  The US is the source of the world’s major R&D in technology. The Philippine technology sector is perhaps different and more demand-centric.

Companies powered by technology such as Concentrix, GCash, Grab, Shopee, Lazada, etc., have risen to prominence. A new crop of women tech leaders such as Rachel de Villa, Janette Toral, and Jennifer Ligones have thus emerged.

Such a business landscape presents a huge opportunity for women. They can dig deep into their imagination and nurturing and compassionate traits. They are uniquely positioned to exploit technology in services that could meet underserved local needs. They can also export our workforce’s talent to meet global demands.

The most important thing to consider in choosing who to lead is that specific skills and abilities must match the job requirements. The question of who is better suited is not a matter of gender. It is a matter of merit and now, imagination, too.

How Should You Lead: From the Front, Behind, or Alongside? 17 Sep 2024 7:23 AM (7 months ago)

the BIR Management Committee under CIR Liway Chato

 
The UP Alumni Association recently gave me a Distinguished Alumnus Award for “Leadership in IT Development (Public and Private).”  That has inspired me to write about governance and management. I have written about travel and leisure, retirement and renewal, and health and longevity.

Let me start to write about leadership in this new category. The three directional phrases represent differing leadership styles. Leading from the front is directive, behind, delegative, and alongside, participative. To illustrate each, I use examples from my stints in different organizations.    

Leading from the Front

Directive leadership rests on a leader who provides clear directions, makes strong decisions, and communicates openly. Think of a military commander, leading his troops into battle. Not being clear may prove disastrous.

It may be less obvious, but the same thing is true in startups like  Megalink, the consortium of banks that first enabled members to share ATMs. AS GM, the Board gave me one goal: to launch ahead of BancNet, a rival consortium.

Since there were no such existing switches in the Philippines, I had to go to countries that had already succeeded in doing so. Their examples gave me enough information to lead from the front.

When we were ready, I presented a risk analysis to the Board. The system was not perfect, but no system ever does. I felt the risks were minimal and I included ways to mitigate them. They agreed with me. We launched ahead of BancNet.

Later we also became the largest consortium at 32 member banks.   

Leading from Behind

Delegative leadership requires that a leader empower people to take ownership and responsibility for their work. He/she acts as a mentor, coach, or facilitator. 

This type of leadership is best suited in industries that depend on its people’s talent, creativity, and innovation. Organizations in advertising, design, or product development are examples. 

I came closest to using this style as MD in SAP Philippines when we were introducing the end-to-end German ERP software in the country. The groundbreaking product had successfully powered leading companies elsewhere in the world.

The salespersons in the Sales Team have individual styles in covering territory and convincing organizations within it to make his/her quota. I was ready to help open doors, establish CEO-CEO relationships, and provide support and guidance when they asked.

It was even more so for the Technical Support Team. I did not come from the technical ranks, but I assured them of the technical resources. I discovered they needed moral support more, especially in managing conflicts with regional support teams.

Leading Alongside the Team

This participative leadership style emphasizes the team most. The leader works closely with members and there is much collaboration, shared responsibility, and consensus building.

Prime examples are non-profit organizations that usually include many volunteers, educational institutions that involve numerous constituents, or government agencies that handle large numbers of people.

In BIR, the IT group had a thousand people and worked with hundreds of consultants. When I joined them, they had already organized into implementation teams.

I was not brought in to stall their progress. I worked alongside the team leaders. I focused on working with top management to inspire the huge organization to embrace the impending major change. The system was successfully installed less than two years later.

The Most Effective Style

In American culture, organizations value individualism, efficiency, and results. As such, they may lean towards the directive leadership style. In the Philippines, we emphasize collectivism, group harmony, and relationship-building which may favor a participative style.

These are generalizations, however. Individual organizations within both countries may vary. In the end, the most effective leadership style is situational. It depends on a particular team's maturity and the nature of the work, not just organizational culture.

In SAP, for example, even if I practiced delegative leadership with the sales and technical teams, I led from the front with the marketing team. After all, I was the chief storyteller for a small company of less than 30.

As the chief marketing officer, I handed down clear marketing goals. I also clearly stated the messaging intended for each specific audience. The marketing team applied them to the recommended, using appropriate media.

There is not one style that bests the others. Different situations, teams, and organizations may require all three styles. The most effective leaders must have all three at their disposal. In other words, they must lead from all sides.

A Stroke of Luck: A Taste of Manila’s History 10 Sep 2024 1:09 PM (7 months ago)

After the award ceremonies and parties, I planned a trip to Siargao. But the universe conspired against my BFFs and me.

One after the other, three unexpected things happened. We had to rebook our flight and change our villa reservation to January.

As a stroke of luck, one BFF the PR maven Jingjing Romero owned vouchers for stays and other goodies at the historic Manila Hotel. I had never stayed there!

Alas, her vouchers had expired on July 31, 19 days prior! She called her friend, the editor of the Manila Bulletin, the hotel’s sister company. It worked!

After she renewed her subscription for another year, her vouchers were extended until the end of October. That was the key to unlocking a unique two-night staycation together with Ann, another BFF.

Tired from our early morning ordeal at the airport, we had arroz caldo, lumpia, and bibingka at the Lobby Lounge. The large comfy chairs around the tables underneath the exquisite chandeliers were a haven to wait for the paperwork.

Soon we were ushered into a superior deluxe room. There was a large Welcome Basket of fruits. Then my eyes feasted on the lovely wooden lattice on the cabinet doors and the large picture window. Uniquely Filipino! 

It was built in 1909 to rival the stateliness and elegance of Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines originally built in 1750.  It added first-class lodging for the country’s distinguished guests.

During WWII, the Hotel was used as the Japanese military headquarters. It suffered heavy damage but was restored to its former glory as one symbol of the country’s resilience.

Most prominent is the historic MacArthur Suite which became the former home of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Its premier Presidential Room has hosted many global celebrities and dignitaries.

A much-needed rest kept us in our comfortable room. We waited for Gari, another BFF, to bring Chinese delicacies from around the area: siopao, hopia, and congee. Room service added more to the impromptu feast.

Then the night faded into a deep restful sleep. One remark said what everybody felt: “There’s a reason we pay for luxury.”

But the following day was busy. We had breakfast at the Tap Room, an old English pub outlet which features live music at night. Wall-to-wall dividers that separate it from the Lobby are of the same wooden lattice design I had come to love.  

And off we went to another brush with history, just three kilometers away. I had previously been to the main areas of Malacanang Palace for official functions and the staff buildings for meetings.

So we visited parts that must have inspired the building of the Manila Hotel. But first, we visited the new Bahay Ugnayan (Malacanang Heritage Museum) that exhibits the sitting president’s rise and the return of the Marcoses to the halls of power.

From there, we boarded the ubiquitous tricycle to go from one beautiful mansion to another. The Laperal Mansion is the President’s Guest House and the Goldenberg Mansion is the Ambassador’s Guest House. Both are beautiful architectural pieces surrounded by lovely gardens.

Nearby is the Teus Mansion, the Presidential Museum of the Last 16 Presidents.  You can also find Emilia, a great dining place known as the House of Filipino Food. Finally, there is the National Shrine of St. Michael and the Archangels.   

Then we were on our way for a visit to Antipolo Church. En route, we stopped for lunch at a friend’s Bistro atop his office building in Pasig. But then rains poured, creating traffic, so we returned to the hotel.

We dressed up for our special dinner at the Champagne Room, dubbed the most romantic room in Manila. With Old European-style dining, we savored each dish we ordered: French onion soup, organic market salad, roast lamb rack thyme juice, and sous vide beef short ribs.

The next morning, we tried Café Ilang-Ilang, renowned for its dazzling international buffets. There seemed to be infinite options, but I chose the traditional corned beef breakfast I had missed for so long.

But when we were looking for change at the end of the meal, one of our wait staff said, “Kahit po walang tip, ang mahalaga ay naserbisyuhan at napangiti namin kayo.”

Yes, Manila Hotel is renowned for its historic elements and understated luxury. But it showcases Filipino hospitality at its best!

Two nights is too short, though.

The Hotel is in Km 0 where the city of Manila begins, right at the heart of where the country started. Within walking distance are Rizal Park, Intramuros, and the National Museum.

Across from the Manila Hotel, I found a vintage “kalesa” (see headline photo). So I took a short joy ride before we briefly enjoyed Manila Bay from the grounds of the former Army and Navy Club of the US, now the Rizal Hotel,.

The Manila Ocean Park, San Agustin Church, and the Manila Cathedral are just minutes away. Farther away, Binondo, Malate, and Ermita are great for shopping, food tripping, and nightlife. And then there is the great Mall of Asia, and casinos, too.

We didn’t have the time to experience all the hotel offers. Another night would have been good for Red Jade, known for its authentic Chinese dining. Another day could have been spent luxuriating at the Spa, adult pools, and Health Club.

We still need to set foot in the Heritage Museum. However, we were impressed with the pieces at the Art Gallery and loved the huge Japanese Festival lobby display.

This stroke of luck has led me to a decision. The Manila Hotel is where I will stay whenever I am in Manila!

A Short Trip Down Memory Lane: Baguio City 3 Sep 2024 9:05 AM (7 months ago)

It’s now so accessible with just 3.5 hours of driving after the TLEX (Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union Expressway) was added to the old NLEX (Norther Luzon Expressway) from QC to Pampanga. Five BFFs joined my daughter, my eight-year-old grandson, and me. We rented a 12-seater van cum driver for a little over $300.

The Trip Up/First Dinner

The predominantly senior group prioritized food-tripping. Just an hour into our trip, we stopped at Lakeshore, the last gas stop at the end of NLEX. For only P299 ( $5) per person, one BFF treated us to a breakfast buffet of Filipino favorites. (see headline photo)

We reached Baguio at lunchtime, so we went straight to the popular Fil-Chinese institution of good affordable food: Good Taste. We binged on the not-so-crispy pata, a great lomi, and their bestseller buttered chicken, the treat of another BFF.

Next, we checked in at the Forest Lodge, the midscale option of Camp John Hay, a military base for the US Armed Forces until its turnover to the Philippine government in 1991. The sprawling camp has become a tourist destination with lodging, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

The day ended with a fine dining experience at Hill Station, courtesy of a third BFF. The popular restaurant is in Casa Vallejo, a pre-WWII structure with a log cabin interior. We ordered appetizers to start but the combination of paella, sangria, and canonigo at the end will be long remembered.  

The Big Baguio Day

We started our Big Baguio Day with Filipino favorites and the legendary thick cup of chocolate at Chocolate de Batirol. It was my turn to treat everyone to this popular garden-type eatery within the Camp, which is very near our hotel.

It brought back fond memories of our family summer vacations when my mother was the Principal of the government-owned Philippine School for the Deaf and the Blind. She had a week’s use of a standard cottage every year.

The next stop was Mirador Hill where the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto was established in the early 1900s. Without a car, my mother always had us climb the 200+ steps to reach it. This time, however, our van took us up the hill via a narrow zigzag road. The views of Baguio City from the Grotto are exceptional.

My daughter took my grandson to Mines View Park to shop for souvenirs and a photo-op with the Giant Dog. It surprised us to find another Giant Dog at the junction of Wright Park and the Mansion House. The huge St. Bernard is a nice addition to these two standard first stops for every Baguio visitor.

Five kilometers away at the entry to La Trinidad, Benguet where we used to pick strawberries from the farms is the now famous StoBoSa Valley of Colors. Built-in 2016 by the Tam-awa Villagers, the area of about 150-200 houses has been transformed into a small version of the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro. StoBoSa is short for three sitios: Stonehill, Botiwtiw, and Sadjap.

SM Baguio is part of the SM national chain of supermalls. Although it was opened in 2003, I didn’t have the chance to see it before I left in mid-2004. It’s located at the upper end of the main artery of the city Session Road. With its floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the legendary Burnham Park, Vizco’s was a good place for a late-light lunch. The Park was where, as a young girl, I helped my father paddle the swan boats on its man-made lake and rode the play bikes around its perimeter!

Baguio Country Club was our next stop to feel its upscale surroundings and bring home its bakeshop’s famous raisin bread.  Back at Camp John Hay, we met up with my daughter and grandson who had gone horseback riding around the Lodge.

Our farewell dinner was at the Camp John Hay Clubhouse courtesy of a former BIR Commissioner and friend whose husband was playing in a Camp golf tournament. It was Friday evening, so there was a band. That occasioned singing and dancing, a great way to end our short nostalgic stay in Baguio.  

Last Breakfast/The Trip Down

The morning after, the last BFF treated us to a hefty breakfast at Le Chef, the Lodge Diner. But we had to hurry to leave since we all had to be at the Awards Ceremony at 4 pm. We made it back by 1 pm, with a short burger stop, giving us plenty of time. 

I love this trip I got to do with my BFFs and part of my family. We got to eat a lot of great food. We didn’t encounter the horrendous traffic I had read about, and nostalgia was everywhere. The new additions did not distract us from the Baguio of my youth.  

Back in the Philippines after 6 Long Years! 27 Aug 2024 8:51 AM (7 months ago)

The last time I was in Manila was six long years ago. I used to go back home every two years until I found fewer and fewer reasons to go home.  My three children have migrated to Canada, the US, and Australia and I began to spend my time visiting them in their homes.

Last July, an announcement from the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) gave me one good reason. I was to be honored with a Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2024, specifically for “Leadership in IT Development (Private and Public), and I had to be there in person.  

The local nomination came from a former colleague, Fe Ferriols, and the American nomination came from Liza Reyes, a co-founder of UPAA in Arizona and a fellow Board Member of the UPAA in America for which we drafted a strategic plan.

The Award

During the early days of computers in the Philippines (1970s), I was fortunate to have been selected by multinationals (NCR, IBM, SGV/Andersen Consulting). Their global training prepared me for the impending computer era of the next decades. The following were the assignments for which I was sought to lead. They increased in complexity and impact, defining my contributions to the country:

a. As Marketing Manager of the Institute of Advanced Computer Technology, an offshoot of SGV/Andersen Consulting, I was at the forefront of promoting the introduction of information technology in the country, from kids to CEOs.

b. As Vice-President of the Development Academy of the Philippines, we pioneered IT applications in government agencies, including the Office of the President.

c. As General Manager of MegaLink, I launched the switch that enabled banks to share ATMS, widening the use of electronic banking in the country. 

d.      As Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, I helped launch its automation, changing how it interfaced with taxpayers, thereby reducing opportunities for graft and corruption.

e.       As Managing Director of SAP Philippines, I led the introduction of enterprise-wide end-to-end applications to the largest corporations in the Philippines, making them globally competitive.

f. As President/CEO of BayanTrade, a consortium of the six largest conglomerates in the country, I led the introduction of eProcurement in the Philippines.

g. As pro-bono en banc consultant to the Commission on Elections, I helped define how electoral processes could be automated and proceeded with the first phase, voter registration.

On August 14, UP President Angelo Jimenez hosted a Dinner for the awardees. He gave us journal mementos of the university. Three days later, on August 17, the Awards were formally conferred in a ceremony held at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni at the University of the Philippines’ hallowed grounds.

 My youngest eight-year-old grandchild came from Melbourne, Australia with his Mom, my youngest daughter. As he escorted me on stage to receive the award, friends said it was a heartwarming little man's statement. His light blue Barong Tagalog matched my darker blue Diwata gown. All three outfits, including my daughter’s short black modern dress, were from Filipiniana Australia. Two siblings and a brother-in-law also attended to wish me congratulations.

Eight former colleagues completed my guest list. Although I was somewhat disappointed that I was the only awardee for information technology, I was proud that Secretary Ivan Uy of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, who endorsed my nomination, was there to personally congratulate me. 

The Appreciation Parties

The day after, I hosted two Appreciation Parties at Ral’s in the UP Ayala Techno Hub on Commonwealth Avenue near UP. In the morning, I had a family breakfast for my siblings’ families including their children, spouses, and grandchildren. At lunch, there was a gathering of all the colleagues who worked with me on the seven projects mentioned above. Also included were members of the Philippine computer industry, the Philippine Toastmasters District, and the Vanguards/Corps of Sponsors from where I derived much support and leadership training. I expressed my gratitude to my former colleagues who worked alongside me, welcomed my leadership style, and supported me every step of the way.

It felt good to have returned to my home country to receive this Award. At 75 years old, I had completed a full circle of my time in the Philippines, from birth, education, family building, career advancement, and final recognition. It was too bad my husband Bill could not be with me on this visit like he had done three other times.

The timing of the events gave me opportunities to enjoy two bonus prizes! Watch our for the next two posts on my nostalgic visit to Baguio and a staycation at the historic Manila Hotel with a tour of what’s new in Malacanang.

There’s Absolutely No Reason for Breaking Rules When We Travel 20 Aug 2024 7:34 AM (7 months ago)

I“It’s just for a photo.” “It’s just a tiny piece.” “It’ll just be for a second.” Those were some excuses I used when I violated a rule to get a thrill. Now at 75, I know there is no place for this. 

Snow and Ice in the Yukon 

On the way to Whitehorse, the biggest city on Alaska Highway, between Upper Liard and Rancheria, we saw rocky embankments with many names of people assembled from rocks.  We had just come from the Signpost Forest where ours became the 67,000^th addition. I was in the “leaving signs mode” so I pleaded with Bill to stop.  When he did, I quickly collected some rocks and began to form the letters of our names. Bill followed. But it was so time-consuming that we just did two letters: B & C, not British Columbia, not Before Christ, but Bill and Carol. 

Then I saw the sign. It said, “Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time. Leave nothing but footprints.” It was too late. I had already committed the crime. Later, I learned that the warning was to prevent people from displacing too many rocks because that would weaken the wall built to protect the road from onrushing snow or ice.   

The Glaciers of Alaska 

A week later en route to Valdez, Alaska, I remarked “Gosh, the glaciers are puny around here.” There were just tiny patches of white. A few minutes later, as our 24-foot Class C RV was negotiating a bend on the road, a white glistening mountain loomed larger and larger. It was Worthington, a 113-acre road-accessible glacier on Richardson Highway. 

Bill was ecstatic, parked the RV, and began to climb the ice mountain. As usual, I was not as inclined to risk the slippery slopes and shouted for him to bring back a chunk of the glacier. He did. But it was too late when I realized it was quite foolish to break another golden rule, for a block of ice that will not last long anyway and only hug valuable prime space in our RV’s tiny freezer. 

The Littlest Penguins of Australia 

Another opportunity to break another rule presented itself in Melbourne, Australia while I was babysitting my youngest grandson. Every weekend when the young parents were home, I went out to see some sights. One of my first outings was to Philip Island, only a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Melbourne. It’s the home of the world’s littlest penguins, about a foot tall. 

The ranger explained that the penguins waited for dark before they came in after feeding in the ocean. They waited for each other about a hundred meters from shore and waited to form a group for more security against birds of prey. At 5:49 pm, when there were eight of them, they slowly walked into the space between the two viewing platforms. The ranger repeated the rule: No Photography Allowed. But I couldn’t help it. It was the cutest sight. I took a shot.  

The ones who did not swim to feed came out of their burrow to join those who did. Soon they were all around, under the boardwalk. I could not help myself and took a few more shots. I thought I was going to get away with my crime, until a ranger approached me to say, “The penguins do not do well with the light coming from cameras.” I felt so ashamed. I was almost seventy but still unable to follow the rules. 

They are not made to be broken. They are there for a reason. You will be horrified at the consequences when they are not followed. Just look at the tons of plastic floating on the Pacific Ocean. There’s no reason for breaking rules when traveling. There is no reason at all, even when you are not traveling.

  

You Must Get Used to Change and Practice Flexibility When You’re on the Go 13 Aug 2024 8:11 AM (8 months ago)

3 WAYS YOU CAN KEEP FIT EVEN WHILE YOU’RE ON THE GO 6 Aug 2024 8:59 AM (8 months ago)

dancing in Sedona

Health issues became a nagging problem when my husband and I RVed full-time.  Cardiovascular problems plagued Bill while gastrointestinal and other stress-related conditions hounded me.  Mesmerized by America’s beauty, we were always on the go, forgetting to keep fit. We should have paid more attention to it in three areas: exercise, food intake, and healthcare.

 Regular Exercise

Before our RV cruising days, we went to the gym regularly. However, campground fitness facilities proved inconsistent when we started our cross-continent runs. We thought hiking would be our main regimen, but many times hordes of mosquitoes feasted on us! And it was either too cold or too hot. And, even if sightseeing meant plenty of walking, it was only strolling.

 Over time, we learned that we just had to do at least two of the following or suffer the consequences. When Fitbits became popular, we aimed to do at least 6,000 steps a day.

 1.      Play a sport for at least 30 minutes five times a week. Choose from available facilities: table tennis, billiards, mini-golf, golf, tennis, and pickleball. Or dance!

 3.       Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times a week, gym or no gym. YouTube offers many exercise videos. We like Jennifer McClendon.

 2.       Walk for 30 minutes at least five times a week after dinner.

 Healthy Food Intake

 During our early cruising days in our smaller RV, we would cut up a lot of veggies and fruits and have nuts available for snacking on, with lots of water to wash them down, while we moved from place to place. When we settled at campgrounds longer, nesting in a bigger RV, we began to cook more meals. Loving to try local cuisine, we succumbed to heartier eating.

 When the Blue Zones became well-known, we went into a modified Longevity Diet: more vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fruits, regularly adding fish and seafood, and occasionally, chicken, pork, or beef. We had to make the following rules:

 1.       Eat one big meal a day, preferably lunch, and two other small ones or just two regular meals, late breakfast and early dinner.

 2.       Graze throughout the day with light morning, afternoon, and evening snacks, such as nuts, fruits, or vegetables.

 3.       Eat out infrequently, preferably only during an occasion for celebration, and compensate with smaller meals the rest of the day when we do.

 In addition, we discovered two novel ways of skipping a meal at least once a week. One is to have a popcorn lunch while watching a movie in the theater. The other is to lunch with free Costco food samples when we shop for supplies.

 When we started to travel the world after our RVing phase, we stayed in our timeshare units. They always have kitchens, enabling shopping at local groceries, where there are many goodies we don’t find in stores back home, and cooking new and exciting local fare.

 Beginning in 2019, we converted our El Cid timeshares in Mexico to be all-inclusive. Instead of encouraging us to eat more, we became smart and upped our resolve with buffets' abundant seafood, vegetable, and fruit choices.   

 Preventive Healthcare

 At the beginning of our full-time RVing, we forgot about preventive healthcare. Later we became snowbirds and settled our RV in Phoenix every winter. It was the smartest decision we ever made. There is excellent care for seniors because of the high population of retired and visiting seniors. Arizona ranks #15 among the 50 states in terms of elderly care. It is one of the reasons we chose to settle here permanently. We found an excellent family doctor who keeps track of regular screens and refers us to the best specialists needed.

 We travel less now but the habits we formed have stayed with us. With regular exercise, healthy food intake, and consistent preventive healthcare, we look forward to some travel, even past our 70s and 80s.                                                                                                          

PINNABLE IMAGE

                                                                                                                                       

FALLING ILL WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT IT 30 Jul 2024 10:54 AM (8 months ago)

I was sick so I could only admire the Icelandic fishing town Isofjordur from the deck

The most unfortunate thing is to get sick when you are traveling. In our sixteen years of travels, I remember three occasions when that happened to my husband and me.

 A Two-Week Cruise that Was Disrupted

 The first was during the Enrichment Voyage cruise, the two weeks when adults are allowed to join Semester at Sea, the program that enables college students to earn credits on board a cruise ship to get global experiences required for their degrees. Whenever we were at sea, the college professors held courses on politics, economics, and geography of the next country we were to visit.

 Before embarking in Sweden, we had just finished a tour of Norway, Finland, and Russia. After a port call in Copenhagen, the cruise ship proceeded to Reykjavik, Iceland. En route to the small fishing town of Isofjodur in western Iceland, we developed chills, fever, colds, and cough. By then, the small clinic on the ship had become as busy as the buffet stations. Some virus was going around. My husband braved a walking tour of the town but, feeling worse, I stayed on the ship, taking photos from the deck. It was good I was well enough to join the excursion at Akureyri in northern Iceland.  

 A Disney Vacation that Didn't Happen

 On the first week of December 2011, we parked our RV in Orlando, Florida, seven miles from Disney World. Finally, at 63, I was going to the theme park for the first time! The next morning, right after breakfast, Bill felt severe chest pains. We hurried to the Urgent Care Center right outside the Resort. They quickly told us to go to the Heart of Florida Hospital, about fifteen minutes away. The surgeon immediately performed an angioplasty, inserting three stents into two of Bill’s arteries, one 100% blocked, the other, 75%.

 Would you believe I had to endure a TV show about preparing for a funeral while in the waiting room? Later, I had to go back and forth between the hospital and the campground when I hardly knew how to drive. I did not know anyone at the Park. Without a support system, within a week, hives broke out all over my body. My dream Disney World vacation turned into a horror story.

 The Consequences of Long Drives

 In 2013 we made a long road trip to visit our children in Idaho, Alberta, Washington, and Colorado. To be more comfortable we opted to take the car and left the RV in storage in Mesa, Arizona. The first stop was Boise, then Calgary. From there to Seattle, my husband drove twelve hours straight. Not even two days later, we left for a nineteen-hour drive to Denver.

 That’s where a painful knot behind my husband’s left knee progressed to his whole left leg, from the hip to his foot, feeling numbness, tightness, and pain. At the nearest hospital, they found several blood clots on that leg. He was given injections to break them down and tablets to thin out his blood. It took a week before the doctors allowed him to drive back home. Again, I had a flare-up of hives. They must be caused by stress. After this incident, we set six hours as our maximum driving time in a day, with a good stop after the first three hours.

 Falling ill during travel is inconvenient at best; it can be tragic at worst. We were lucky that both cardiovascular problems happened in American urban centers. Just imagine how terrifying and costly it would have been if we had been elsewhere where Medicare was not available, the healthcare system was not good enough, and we didn’t know anybody who could help us.

With health issues becoming more serious as we age, there are several things we must do if we want to continue traveling. Our travels should be safe, convenient, and comfortable. We must also keep our insurance up-to-date and comprehensive. But the most important thing is to keep ourselves as healthy as possible, ready to face the rigors of life on the road.

 

 

 

Travel Mishaps and How to Deal with Them 23 Jul 2024 7:36 AM (8 months ago)

Travel mishaps are unfortunate accidents. They are pimples in the otherwise clear complexion of a fine travel day. I’m not talking about those incidents that make us scared enough to rethink how we travel. I am talking about simple occurrences that can be prevented but didn’t or couldn’t. Travelers are often in unfamiliar places so mishaps can happen to us more often. How we deal with them matters.

Buried in Snow

Early in our RVing career, we had to return to Washington from Florida for my citizenship interview with the US CIS. We weren’t supposed to be in the north in November, but we had to. We parked our RV at the Thunderbird RV and Camping Resort in Monroe, beside a river so my husband could do some fishing. But when a snowstorm arrived, we got trapped inside our RV.     

With very little propane left, our lone energy source for the heater and stove, we confined ourselves to microwaveable meals. Since management could not risk their pipes freezing, we were forced to scrimp on the little water we had left in the freshwater tank.  But we didn’t get glued to the TV and Internet. Instead, we enjoyed the new living arrangements. My husband ran errands and walked through the snow. I was a good girl scout, following instructions, for a change.

Stranded on the Interstate

flat tire on I-71

Later we had a scarier one. Driving down Interstate 71 from Cincinnati, Ohio to Louisville, Kentucky, the right front tire of the RV blew out. It had eight tires, two in front and six at the rear in two axles. It was such a loud noise, unfamiliar to my ears, and I got scared. Bill managed to steer our 20,000-pound rig off the road. He remained calm and called Good Sam.

Then he found the Rummikub game and we played a few games, letting me win so I could forget my fear. But we had to wait inside the RV on a hot afternoon, without air conditioning. Help finally arrived and the tire was replaced. The rescue truck accompanied us to Louisville because he said many of our tires needed changing. It was midnight when we arrived at their shop. We were tired but, as usual, my husband was that same old boy scout I had married!

Lost in Helsinki

Hotel Ava and Institute

And that is why, in Helsinki, I panicked when I thought I lost him.   After the failed hostel experiment in Oslo, we chose the Hotel Ava, a very affordable option because it was attached to a Hotel Management Institute that provided most of the staff. The only problem was it was twenty minutes away from the city center. A Helsinki card was our solution, It paid for museums, tours, and cruises, as well as all public transport. It was a nice feeling to go ‘home’ at the end of the day.

On our last day, we finished packing early. We waited in the lobby with our bags, ready for the 3 pm public bus to the airport. We had time so my husband left for the nearby pharmacy just around the corner. But by 2:30 pm, he had not come back. I was upset that the receptionist did not give him a map of how to get there and back. I was in full panic mode, imagining all sorts of things that could have happened to him.  At 2:55 pm, he came in, got his bags, and instructed me to follow him to the bus stop. I ran all the way, lugging my carry-on through the cobbled streets, unmindful if it got damaged. Mr. calm, cool, and collected.

More planning is needed to prevent these mishaps. And how we deal with them when they happen that matters. My husband showed me how. He says, “They are just that, mishaps, not tragedies!” The right perspective.

 

YOU CAN RELIVE FIRST-TIME THRILLS AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WANT! 16 Jul 2024 10:48 AM (9 months ago)

New Year snow in Phoenix

Lady Byrd Johnson once said: “When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, then I’ll know I am growing old.” That will never happen because I refuse to grow old and it doesn’t snow in Phoenix. But at a New Year’s Eve Party somewhere north of Phoenix, my husband and I experienced the impossible. Snow fell! That was a decade ago and it hasn’t happened again, but I remember the thrill we both felt.

I love first-time thrills like that and always look for more because age does not matter. Just be open to experiencing the rare, the unexpected, and even the scary. Somebody said, “If it excites and scares you at the same time, then it probably means you should do it.” It will give you a first-time thrill.

Exciting and Scary

At Yukon’s Dawson City, I had waited all night for the Northern Lights to appear only to be disappointed. My doting husband knew he had to find a way to perk me up. He decided to drive to the Arctic Circle on the Dempster Highway. We had passed up the opportunity to do it from Fairbanks, Alaska on the shorter and better Dalton Highway. He was afraid our old Class C motorhome might not make the remote dirt gravel road because there was only one stop on the way that could help just in case.  

Soon, the unique fall spectacle unfolded before our very eyes. The trees and shrubs grew shorter; it turned into a brighter red, orange, and gold alpine tundra. The landscape became an autumnal carpet of lichens and fungi that hugged the Tombstone Territorial Park. We were shivering in that quiet cold windy spot, but it was well worth the drive! I may stil not have seen the Northern Lights (saw them later on another trip to Anchorage) but I got an even better thrill!

Difficult and Untried

Just two months later I did one thing I had never been able to do throughout my childhood. The Philippines would have been a great place to do it but I thought it was difficult for a wimp like me. We had traveled to visit my sister in Falls Church, Virginia. At nearby and windy Virginia Beach, my husband succeeded in guiding me to fly my first-ever kite. It was so thrilling that we forgot to take a photo.

A few months later we had to return to the West Coast. My new kite-flying prowess allowed me to enjoy two towns more than I could ever have done. I loved the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame in Long Beach, Washington. In Seaside, Oregon, we chanced upon the World Kite Festival and were privileged to see outdoor and indoor competitions.  

I still must learn to ride a bike, however. And I don’t mean the one at the gym.

Fun but Risky

A year later, I experienced that first-time thrill again at the World Waterpark inside the fourth-largest shopping center, the West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Corkscrew was its intermediate water slide with two enclosed pipes that twist, turn, and drop into a wide splash pool. I have never learned to swim and water deeper than three feet scares me.

But my husband promised he’d be there waiting for me at the end. That was all I needed. As I cascaded down, I was deathly afraid, especially when it got dark. I felt so alone and thought I would drown in the pool when I came out. But, when I did, there was my husband! He cuddled me in his arms, saying: “See how easy and fun it is?” Yes, he gave me another trophy in life.

There have been many other firsts, and I hope there will be more, even as I get older. One key is to have a cheerleader by your side.  That was my husband.   However, a certain Steven White once said: “If at first, you don’t succeed, then skydiving definitely isn’t for you.” I will, therefore, exclude skydiving from my pursuit of first-time thrills!

Becoming an American without Losing My Roots, Part 2 9 Jul 2024 8:07 AM (9 months ago)

I had to renounce my Filipino citizenship when I took my oath as a US citizen. It was a heartbreaking technicality.   

Although having lived here for almost 20 years, I must admit I have changed. My dancing turned from disco and ballroom to country and rock, my singing from pop to country, and my clothes from blouses and skirts to tank tops and shorts. My kitchen is shifting from cooking pancit and lumpia to grilling steaks and baking pies. My everyday conversation has become American English, not Tag-lish. 

Still, my sixty years of Filipino upbringing are a solid foundation. I felt lost when I was thrust into a largely white community of RVers, meeting only a handful of African-American, Hispanic, and Asian-American couples in eight years. Even in Viewpoint’s thousands of households, there are only three Filipinos.

When I am with kababayans, I readily shift to Tagalog because that is how I think. That’s why I can confuse genders. Tagalog words, except for those that connote respect like kuya for older brother and ate, older sister, are the same. Son or daughter is anak; wife or husband, asawa; brother or sister, kapatid. Speaking in Tagalog will always be easier for me.

I miss authentic Filipino food, too. A sandwich is not a complete meal because there’s no rice. Pan de sal (bread) is only for snacks or breakfast. The Philippine mango is still my favorite fruit. And I will never erase the fact that my skin is brown, and my nose is small. Nor do I want to change any of these.

When I meet Filipinos worldwide who are sacrificing not being with their families to eke out dollars to send home, I identify with the homesickness. And I take pride in Filipino triumphs and feel compassion for Filipino difficulties.  Those will always be my automatic impulses.

But there is a deep kinship between the Philippines and America. We share the Pacific Ocean and with it, the treacherous Pacific Ring of Fire. Spain colonized the American Southwest and the Philippines at the same time. Filipino nurses, teachers, and seamen are part of US hospitals, schools, and ships. And July 4 is doubly meaningful for, on that day in 1946, the US gave us our independence, 170 years after she got her own.

There are also big differences. The Philippines is a tropical archipelago of 7,641 islands while the US is more of a vast contiguous temperate landmass. Plants and wildlife are different. The wide vistas of the Great Plains, the desert landscape of the Southwest, and the glaciers of Alaska are so different from what I knew as a child.

At first, I despaired for my homeland when I saw that American systems are much more developed. But no more. The Philippines is only 78 years old; the US is already 248. And it was America who laid the foundation for Philippine highways, schools, and public administration. There is reason, time, and room to grow!

I will not be able to recapture the life I left in the Philippines. Other people are not as clannish as those with Spanish heritage like us. Sometimes friendships we build here move far away to different states or countries. The good news is that America is moving away from being a melting pot. Pockets of people can preserve their traditions and cultures, except when you marry into another culture like I did.

When I learned that the Philippines is one of the few countries where the US allows dual citizenship, I heaved a sigh of relief. But the nearest Philippine Consulate was in Los Angeles so it took me two years to get the chance to do it. On Oct. 13, 2013, I re-pledged my loyalty to my native land and became a Filipino-American.  

I did not get boiled into a thick soup melting in the pot. Instead, I got included in a colorful chunky stew, contributing to the taste, but retaining enough of my shape, color, and flavor. In this privileged perch, I see my developing homeland from the perspective of my developed home base. I have an enviable dual mission: helping the Philippines as an American and contributing to America as a Filipino.

Becoming an American without Losing My Roots, Part 1 2 Jul 2024 6:01 AM (9 months ago)

where the "shot heard round the world" was fired: Lexington, Massachusetts

This story began way back when I was born. My father was a soldier who fought alongside Americans against the Japanese on Philippine soil in WWII.  My mother was sent to America on a Philippine government scholarship to study the latest in deaf education and to bring it back to the Philippines. Both infected me with their love for America.

Getting a high school scholarship to the American School fueled the addiction. Training by American multinationals after college further stirred the pot. I almost relocated to the US when Philippine democracy and economy were in tatters during the fall of Marcos. It was, therefore, no accident that I came to America to retire. On Valentine’s Day 2011, I became a US citizen.

Early in our RV cruising days, I unequivocally saw America's beauty. I was mesmerized by spectacular national parks like Glacier Bay, Denali, Mt. Rainier, Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, Badlands, Everglades, Smokey Mountain, Acadia, etc. I began to sing the song, "America, the Beautiful."

When we drove up the East Coast from Florida, I lingered in the solemn halls of Washington DC, Baltimore in Maryland, Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, and Boston and Concord in Massachusetts. These cities played significant roles in the birth of this great nation. I began to hum "The Star-Spangled Banner." 

In no uncertain terms, I was starting to feel like an American. I felt sad as I walked along the Civil War battlegrounds, proud when I gazed at awesome NASA rockets, inspired among the ancient ruins and great houses of American Indians, and more. I knew the conversion was final when I began to take pride.

The technical difference between a US permanent resident and a naturalized citizen is that the latter can vote (or run for an elected post office). I cast my vote for the first time in the 2012 presidential elections. It was amazing to watch as more than 300 million people accepted the results broadcast by the press with polling centers in Hawaii and Alaska still open.

There are other systems to love. They say that there are more libraries than McDonald’s stores in America. Every county issued library cards to us even if we would only be in the area for a few weeks. The largest national highway system in the world made road trips so easy. Through Bill’s $10 Senior Golden Pass, we have visited, for free, 31 National Parks, 92 National Monuments and National Historic Sites, and both national parkways.

I have visited 31 of the forty-six American Presidents’ homes, tombs, and/or presidential libraries; even the homes of their first ladies. We came across larger-than-life heroes, brave pioneers, cultural icons, and lay and church leaders. I was inspired by Americans who came and fulfilled their dreams. Visits to the homes and tombs of literary greats gave me the final nudge to start writing.

We have been to the largest and the smallest of towns, the poorest of counties and the wealthiest of states, and everything in between. Some of America’s man-made structures and natural formations are among the tallest, the biggest, or the longest in the world. There are those that you cannot find anywhere else. We visited factories of products made in America and headquarters of noble institutions that serve the world. It was cool to discover that we had been to half of the suggested places in the July 2014 article in Readers’ Digest, “A Quirky Tour of the US.”

My American education was an intravenous transfusion, not just an injection. I am no longer a Filipino tourist or a permanent resident. I am not even just a US citizen. I am an American. But to be a US citizen, I had to surrender my Philippine citizenship. Did this mean I ceased to be a Filipino? The answer is in Part 2.

PINNABLE