THE LEADERSHIP AND EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR/WORKSHOP SERIES
Investing into the Future
(Part 2 of 2)
By Willie “Tatang” Vergara
With my wife Tess at UPV Miag-ao in 2011
PROLOGUE
I would like to start my PART TWO by acknowledging more “enablers” of this
project.
Pastor Rod Reyes was the first responder and asked me an open-ended question:
“How much do you need?” I initially mentioned a relatively large amount but
reduced it as the other responders came in. Brod Ike Araneta and Jito Arreza are
usually there to lend a helping hand in many fraternity endeavors. Brod Bong
Beredo briefly visited the UP Mindanao seminar venue, talked to a prospect, and
left an amount for the general fund. Aside from taking care of my transport from
UPLB to my home after the seminar, Brod Jojo Alejar also added to the kitty. And
so did Brod Dan Lachica, when he came for to Clark to keynote the Diliman
Seminar. Brod Allen Miranda’s help came after my announcement that the amount
raised was already more than sufficient to cover the total cost.
Many more kindred spirits offered help as they were getting to know more about
the seminar series. But the funds exceeded by P17,011 and the financial
statement has been submitted for auditing by Brod UPBSI Auditor Fred Young.
COMMENTARY: The Betan Spirit will always be there to provide the fire and guts
(and resources) to undertake good and noble endeavors.
Pastor Rod Reyes Ike Araneta and Jojo Alejar Bong Beredo
Allen Miranda Dan Lachica Jito Arreza
Third of the Series: UP VISAYAS. (Most photos
were taken by Brod Levy Funtilon and Randy Malayao). In keeping with old practice, I used my break
periods in between seminars to adjust the design based on:
1. Feedback from previous participants
2. Availability of other resource speakers
3. Venue (and surroundings)
4. Number and composition of participants
5. Special concerns of each chapter
I holed up in one of the areas at the Manila International airport before
boarding to adjust my design for UPV. Oblivious of the time, I nearly missed my
plane were it not for a PM message from UPV GP Marv Aranquez that Brod Randy
Malayao heard my name being called out inside the airport to board the plane.
Randy flew to Iloilo to perform his role as keynote speaker AND also donated a
significant amount of the UPV alumni pool to support the seminar. Randy and I
met right after arrival at the Iloilo airport. We took the hour-long waiting
time for us to be picked up discussing the training design.
Brod Randy and I received a warm welcome by GP Marv Aranjuez, former GP Mark
Tinanbunan, Sigma Betan MIS Centel Japitana, Brod Jim Kyle Padasas, Brod Ace
Locara, and two US-resident neos (who were successfully processed recently) in
one of Iloilo’s prestigious universities.
Randy and I immediately met upon landing at Iloilo airport... and the UPV welcome began!
We were booked at Racsos Woodland Resort in the town of Guimbal, Iloilo, an hour
from the airport. This place was reasonably priced considering that the pricing
included accommodations for everyone, food and a poolside workshop venue.
Meantime, Brod Carter Constantino, UPV Beta Sigma President, was also able to
generate some assistance from UP alumni brods.
It was a pleasant arrangement that Sigma Betans were among the participants, including Sis May Saplor, whom I met earlier at After Twelve, the day after the fraternity ball. I would later meet Sis Pat Otida, the other Sigma Betan who was in the company of Sis May, in the UP Mindanao Seminar. All the six sisters who attended the seminar gave very important inputs all throughout, and naturally, added life, inspiration and energy to the whole activity.
Sigma Betans May Saplor (UP Visayas) and Pat Otida (UP Mindanao) were among the 65 brods, sisters and spouses
who attended the gig at Brod Caloy Agulto’s “After Twelve” restaurant on the day after the 71st Anniversary Fraternity Ball
Later, in two consecutive nights after more personal conversations, I asked Brod Randy to handle two more modules: (a) His personal testimony on his incarceration and his life in prison. I liken him to Viktor Frankl, a Nazi prisoner, who wrote the immortal book, “Man’s Search for Meaning”. The other module I asked him to handle is “principled negotiations” – based on his experience in the recent round of negotiations held in Oslo, Netherlands and Rome. It is most regretful that both video’d lectures were corrupted and rendered irretrievable. Brod Randy and I shared a room at Rascos Resort Hotel in Guimbal, Iloilo. I would wake up at 2 a.m. each time, only to see him preparing for the on-the-spot assignments. (Talk about dedication and hard work!) As an aside, I surely hope that a book will be written about Randy featuring his extraordinary experiences and struggles to promote the plight of the poor and the marginalized.
Randy as a political prisoner Negotiations in Oslo with QC Mayor Bistek
The seminar proceeded according to plan, with Randy as the only other major
resource person. The video of Brod Dan Lachica delivered during the UPLB seminar
was shown, and the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) introduced by Brod Dave de la
Torre in UP Baguio was adopted. Given the presence of the Sigma Betans though, I
had to tone down some of the all-men humor during the two previous seminars.
Using the KPI, the Brods planned for 29 members by the end of the fourth year;
the Sigma Betans on the other hand targeted 30 members within 5 years. A
remarkable observation was the special close ties between the brods and the
sisters, and a high level of trust also showed in a negotiation exercise where,
towards the end, came up with an approach to reach an optimal synergistic
solution.
Alumnus brod Yuls Alama came over for a visit on Day Two and brought his wife along on Day Three. Brod Yuls gifted me with a nice book on different varieties of fish that he co-authored with Japanese experts.
UPV Founding Brod Ulysees “Yuls” Alama with Brod Randy
Seminar participants hard at work
On the second night, many brods and sisters availed of one of the venue amenities, a large swimming pool. Some of them stayed up to 2 am. It was quite a surprise though that the participants maintained their energy and alertness on the next day. Now armed with new perspectives, new paradigms, and new strategies, the seminar/workshop ended with much optimism and hope about the future of both UP Beta Sigma and UP Sigma Beta. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the participants for the Certificate of Appreciation handed to me during our graduation ceremonies.
GRADUATION PICTURE
*Standing L-R: L'Jude Mikkel Cortes, John Loui Tadia, May Margaret Saplor, Jona Leth, Kim Jabilles, Levy Funtilon,
Claudette Posa, Mark Aaron Tinambunan,
Kathrine Dubla, Ace Locara, Diody Fadullan, Jim Kyle Padasas, Neil Virgille
Saldo.
*Seated L-R: Mar Vincent Aranjuez (UPV BSF GP), Tatang, Felix Randy Malayao,
Centel Joy Cunera Japitana (UPV SBS MIS). Not in picture is Sis Sage.
Early in the morning of the fourth day, GP Marv and Brod Kyle Padasas missed their
classes to bring me back to the airport, but not after a brief stopover at an
unforgettably yummy brunch at a roadside turo-turo eatery on packed dirt floor featuring local delicacies.
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With UPLB Brods: Ding Canave'52, BingGarcia'64 and Angie Angliongto'57
Fourth of the Series: UP MINDANAO.
From the Iloilo airport, I flew to back Manila. I waited for 3 hours inside MIA
then boarded PAL to Davao City. The flight was prompt (and it has always been in
all my trips!) and the ride was smooth. Indeed, the prayers for good weather had
been working all this time. Upon arrival in Davao, Brod Angie and his son JC
were already waiting for me and we immediately proceeded to his home for a brief
rest before proceeding to the seminar venue. It was a surprise to see the heavy
traffic, after having last seen the city way back in 1990. Because of this, it
was the very first and only time I would be late in these series of seminars.
A few days before, there were several back-and-forth messages between me and
Gerard Rasgo, the GP of the 2-man resident member of UP Davao. (The other member
is Brod Carlo Von Laoc.) The discussion was mainly about the scheduling of their
seminar and the venue. I had thought of canceling the whole activity as the time
availability among the participants would be too limited per my basic design and
methodology. The initial proposal was a 12-hour abbreviated activity minus time
for meals and break periods. That would be insufficient, Fortunately, it turned
out to be about 16 hours as the participants made some adjustments in their
scheduling.
Brod Mon Carpio had to make an emergency trip to Manila due to a heart ailment.
He would come back on the very night of my departure, although he left a
significant amount to Brod Jimbo Yap, UP Mindanao Treasurer, c/o UPBSI funds
exclusively to be spent for resident activities.
The always helpful and generous Mon Carpio
As for the venue vis-à-vis the small number of participants, I had entertained the suggestion of possibly holding it in a residence. Brod Mon Carpio initially agreed to use his home, but he had to rush to Manila a few days before the seminar for a lingering heart ailment. Finally, the venue chosen – Lispher Hotel at downtown Davao - was just enough to accommodate all of us – 2 residents, 9 Sigma Betans, 6 alumni brods (Angie, Ding, Drenzel, AR, Kevin James, Max Echevarria and Danny Abad), plus 2 Sigma Betan alumnae until we were transferred to a smaller room on the final day.
Excepting the brief keynote speech of Brod Angie Angliongto, I had to do solo
the rest of the time. With more than 10 hours short of my methodology, I had to
skip several individual and group exercises. True enough, feedback from
participants showed superlative ratings in practically all the dimensions except
for some who knew what they were missing – group discussions and sharing of
insights on each major topic!
I had to tell them that the learning process would not be complete unless they
undergo the group discussion and planning process at some later date. All these
would take at least 6 hours. As of this writing, I don't have any confirmation
that this important portion of the workshop has been done.
Sis Siony Garcia, PhD, former head of DAP Davao and a most repected Sigma Betan, was an active participant herself.
My gratitude for the nice certificate the participants gave me.
We extended our seminar/workshop period allowing us to cover at least the most major topics. I was pleasantly surprised and exceedingly pleased that no one complained about the late finish each time, not to mention the high level of energy among the participants. Sis Siony Garcia, PhD, former head of DAP Davao and one of the most respected Sigma Betans in the area, attended the whole period of the last day and was an active participant herself. In the end, she was among those who was requested to hand in the Certificates of Participation during the closing ceremonies considering that the majority of participants are her sorority sisters. It was to everyone's delight that the Sigma Betans wore their gala uniform.... and they were all so pretty in them!
I did write a message in FaceBook that UP Beta Sigma Fraternity in Davao will survive as a result of the synergistic relationship between the two residents, the 15 Sigma Beta sisters, and our Davao/Mindanao-based alumni. The most key person who will make all these possible is the same brod who established our UP Davao Chapter after the UP Beta Sigma International Conference in 2001 held in San Francisco, California - our most beloved 91 year old Brod Sebastian "Angie" Angliongto. (We pray for your good health and energy, Brod Angie!)
GRADUATION PICTURE
*Standing L-R: Bai Charlene Mastura, Pat Otida, Honey Arpon, Nissa Cadarao, Paula
Yap, Mikka Ella Ancla, Michelle Moreno, Alec Ostique, and Gayl Belandres.
*Seated: L-R: Bimbo Yap, Ding Canave, Angie Angliongto, Tatang, Sis Siony Garcia,
Sis Mona Abad, Danny Abad (father of Mona), RA de la Cruz.
*Front: L-R: Carlo Von Laoc, Drenzel Mirambel, Kevin James Kuan, Max Echevarria,
Gerard Rasgo.
What might be remarkable news for most of us is the apparently renewed interest
among the Mindanao alumni brothers in the affairs of the residents. From Day
One, participation in the seminar itself included alumni brods as well as visits
from some young alumni like Brods (Ateneo Professor) Bimbo Yap, Dr. Khalil
Guinomla, MD and Brod Jinno Gutierrez. Brod Jayrome Rala was not able to attend
but he gifted me with a nicely carved staff. On graduation night, Brod Danny
Abad came along with his pretty daughter alumna Sis Mona Abad. A few hours
before my flight, Brod Angie and I had a phone conversation with a former
subdivision neighbor, Brod Businessman Anib Jamias UPD '59 now based in Davao.
While I intend to write a separate article on my Davao trip, I will be remiss if
I fail to mention the following brods:
1. Brod Angie Angliongto ‘UPLB ‘57 and family – his wife Tessie, son JC, and
daughter Angeli – were excellent hosts. Brod Angie brought me to some major
sites of the city, including a drive along Angliongto Street and Barangay
Angliongto (named after his father) and Angliongto Elementary School (named
after his deceased brother), as well as a tour around Abreeza Ayala Business
Park. The family also gave me a red-carpet welcome and accomodations at their
beautiful home.
Royalty Angliongto
(Source: Facebook)
.
Inside the home of the Angliongtos At Angliongto Elementary School
Angliongto Street Abreeza Ayala Business Park
2. Brod Ding Canave UPLB ‘52 and his “new” and pretty wife May. Brod Ding was present in most of the modules and even said that it would be an honor for him to handle some of them the next time around.
Brod Ding brought his pretty wife May on the last day
Brod Ding Canave (behind Tatang) attended most of the sessions
3. Brod Bing Garcia UPLB ’64 gave the financing of this project a “shot in the
arm” through his usual “fast draw” when it comes to donating to noble causes. He
also treated us (Angie and Ding) to Jack’s Ridge to see a stunning panoramic
view of Davao City. The excellent food is as great as the view of the city,
towards the sea and Samal Island.
At the entrance of Jack Ridge restaurant
Bing Garcia (left), Mindanao's most respected businessman, civic leader and Incoming District Governor
of the Rotary Davao-GenSan Region, will be a vital cog in the revival of the UP Mindanao resident chapter.
A panoramic view of the City of Davao
Together, we went to the UP Mindanao campus where we met with some university
professors and staff. Visiting the vast UPMin campus that included the Betan
clinic, construction of the athletic facilities for the South East Asian games
in 2018, experimental mini-cattle breeding farm/project of Brod Vet Doctor
Cecilio Felix was in itself another great experience.
With UPLB Brods at the UP Mindanao Oblation and Betan Clinic
Cattle farm Construction of SEA games facilities to be held inside UPMin campus in 2019
These city trips care of Brods Angie, Bing Garcia and Ding Canave gave me the needed respite from a very hectic schedule of holding seminar/workshops in all 5 campuses. It was also a chance to see the City of Davao again after almost 3 decades and how much this place has changed since then.
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Last of the 5 Series: UP DILIMAN AT CLARK.
A lot has been written in
Brod
Andrew Ortega’s article - "Leadership
and Empowerment Seminar - UP Diliman". Here, Brod Andrew mentioned most of the
seminar/workshop contents and some description of the highly participative
process. Although the accompanying pictures in that article give the reader an
idea about the dynamics of this 3-day activity, it is worth mentioning these
seven things:
1. “POWER!” was the group’s battle cry. It was meant as an affirmation for any
good work presented before the body.
2. Everyone had lots of fun, including myself, who almost died laughing at
times.
3. The creativity by which the groups presented their plans and reports is
incomparably hilarious, histrionic and historic, meaning, first of its kind. The
decibel level during the brainstorming and preparation for reporting had been so
high as to invite complaints from the neighbors. (Good thing that the closest
neighbor was at least a hundred feet away.)
4. The presence of Prez Joel Paredes and Brod Robie Feliciano added life to the
already jovial atmosphere. They joined the fun but had to do a lot of push-ups
as penalty to committing errors in a group game. (Too bad, no pictures are
available.)
5. Preparations for this activity and discussion of major concerns regarding the
Chapter started a month before the activity –GP Posh Diaz, former GP Jace
Cuachin, Diliman BOD Ninong Dogs Dogwe and myself.
6. The Ladies Corps were inspirational, insightful and indefatigable. I was
expecting Student Regent Shari Oliquino or LC President Yel Alemania to be
dominant figures, but they blended with everyone like genuine, enthusiastic and
open-minded learners. High level of participation/contribution to the
discussions was evenly distributed among themselves.
7. There is no end to our gratitude to Diliman BOD-Ninong Alexis “Dogs” Dogwe
and his gf Jami, who provided us an excellent venue, catered/tasty food, and
comfortable living quarters.
So far, what you have been reading either came from me or participant Brod
Andrew. For a complete picture of this training project, it would help to read
the anonymous feedback submitted by the participants at Clark.
POSTSCRIPT
One of the teachings that appeared to have stuck among many participants is that
“In our fraternity/sorority, you are going to be a better person.” The emphasis
is for the brod or sis to be anchored on timeless principles, and to lead others
according to the tenets of our Credo – “good and noble in man.” One of my
motivations in conducting this seminar/workshop was partly due to my personal
experience during my visit to the Diliman Tambayan in 2005. There, I was
introduced to a resident brod, a Beta Sigma scholar. Many brods bantered with an
old humor that has some factual basis, “Sisirain din namin ang buhay niya.” And
so I thought we could be much better off with the academic community and our
stakeholders if we were more relevant and productive. AND LIVE OUT THE TRUE
ESSENCE OF OUR NAME – BROTHERHOOD OF SCHOLARS.
So we conducted this seminar/workshop. But then… Quo Vadis? Where do we go from
here? As I kept on reminding the participants, the longest journey is just
within a foot from each other: From head to heart. It requires translation of
new learnings into reality; from mental creation to physical creation. From
“thinking it” to “living it”. After all, “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an
action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a
destiny.” In seminar/workshops like these, experience shows that everything is
still governed by the law of nature and of the farm, of physics and of gravity.
Ideas have been planted but they need to be nurtured so these will not fly away
or fade into the night. The first several tries to adopt new habits (or
programs) must be done with a lot of energy and perseverance. What we have done
– Dan Lachica, Dave de la Torre, Randy Malayao and Sec Vic Ramos - was simply to
take a trip back to the basics and common sense. And as Stephen Covey once said,
“The sad thing is that common sense is not common practice.”
We should heed to our prime supporter of this seminar, Brod Mayor Lito Tadena.
He agreed to invest a considerable sum for this because he had this seminar
conducted during his tenure as CEO and President of Glaxo, Smith and Kline. He
had some words of wisdom: “There needs to be a follow-up. Tell me how I can
help.” So our “boots on the ground” will have to take on, residents and alumni
alike. This seminar/workshop wasn’t supposed to produce a miracle in the first
place.
I will end with an anecdote: A young man went to the store to buy some stuff.
Suddenly, he was shocked to see God behind the counter. So he told God that he
wanted a bunch of happiness, peace of mind, and freedom from fear.” God smiled
and said, “We don’t sell fruits here. We only sell seeds.”
Finally, in response to feedback from eager and enthusiastic learners, please
see a complete list of my sources below:
MAJOR:
7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
The Eighth Habit: From Effective to Greatness, by Stephen Covey
Principle Centered Leadership, by Stephen Covey
The Art of War, by Sun Tzu
The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck
The Different Drum, by M. Scott Peck
The Leadership Challenge, by Kouzes and Posner
The Way of the Zen, by Alan Watts
OTHERS:
Origins of Zen, edited by Tsai Chih Chung and translated by Koh Kok Kiang
Visionary Leadership, by Burt Nanus
Power Shift, by Alvin Toffler
22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by Al Ries and Jack Trout
A Whack on the Side of the Head, by Roger Von Oech
How to Speak, How to Listen, by Mortimer Adler
The Adventures of Mullah Nasruddin, collected by Ron Suresha
The Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun, by Wess Roberts PhD
The Godfather, by Mario Puzo