Steve Goodier, a motivational speaker and writer once said: “Pay attention! To the things of life; to people, to events, to your senses. Even to the ordinary. Pay attention to the moments and your life will never lack beauty and splendor. By making the most of the moments, you make the most of the years.”

I have been practicing what Steve Goodier is saying ever since I was young. That is why I cherish every moment of my life… especially meeting people. I have never lost my sense of wonderment in meeting people – young, old, handicapped or disabled, the ordinary street vendors, padyak and tricycle drives, politicians – all people belonging to the different sectors of society. All of them have interesting stories to tell. True-to-life stories that portray their struggles in life, their sense of humor, their unselfishness in sharing with others their blessings in life, and their great faith in an unseen God. Many of these interest stories I have shared with excitement with my readers in my two columns in Manila Bulletin for more than twenty-three years now. When I am invited to speak in small or big crowds – the true-to-life stories shared with me have the same drawing effect. Probably, someday, when I am not too busy, I will compile these stories that I have been collecting in a book.

My seven year stint at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as Undersecretary of the International Trade Sector and later the Regional Operations Group has given me so much sense of fulfillment and joy especially during my frequent provincial trips to visit micro and small business enterprises. Oh, I love to interact with tribal groups, with farmers, with young folks whose interest to go into small businesses is shown in their radiant faces. We in the DTI then who were hopping from one barangay to another strongly felt that we were doing something great and important for the country. Despite the fact that most of the time the people we met and assisted did not know our names. They just called us, “the nice people from DTI.”

Many people are asking me: “How does it feel to run for an elective position?” I said: “Very exciting and very fulfilling. This phase of my life is like a continuation of my life at DTI.” While I am running for an elective position for the first time in my life, I have long been serving the public by holding different appointive positions in government.

There is no need to change – if by God’s will I will win. In both instances (serving the public in either an appointive or an elective position), it is dealing with people in a sincere and friendly way that matters. No pretensions.

I do not need to pretend that I enjoy meeting people. Because I really love to interact with people. I enjoy listening to their stories. I’ve always believed and practised the philosophy that life is all about giving and sharing and enjoying every moment of our life. Our zest for life must never wane. Because every moment of our life is a gift from God.

I am sure that many will agree with me when I say that whatever our station in life is – we must always have that gracious attitude of gratitude and sharing otherwise life would be boring.

Be joyful and kind always!