Category Archives: Mind

business, Economy, Excellence, Good Repute, Inspiration, Investing, Legacy, Love for Country, Mind, Money, Philippines, Professionalism, Purpose, Work Ethic

A Passion for Collaboration: WIEF Shapes Future Business Leaders

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The World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Foundation, through its Young Leaders Network (WYN), in collaboration with the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN) of the Philippines, organized the WIEF Young Fellows (WYF) 2014, which took place last June 18 – 24  in Manila, Philippines.

Supported by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and Naza World, the WYF 2014 was specially designed to shape future business leaders from all around the world, instilling in them a profound entrepreneurial mind-set and a strong sense of social purpose. The 7-day intensive programme was attended by 24 young leaders from 16 countries including the United Kingdom, Iraq, Russia, the United States of America, South Africa, Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia.
Supported by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and Naza World, the WYF 2014 was specially designed to shape future business leaders from all around the world, instilling in them a profound entrepreneurial mind-set and a strong sense of social purpose. The 7-day intensive programme was attended by 24 young leaders from 16 countries including the United Kingdom, Iraq, Russia, the United States of America, South Africa, Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia.

Articulating a social purpose at the corporate level, adhering to a set of common principles, and agreeing in a common vision for partnership across sectors can set the stage to create significant benefits for society and returns for companies. The effects of globalization and the internet further influence the value systems of organizations. Cultural values within the same organization vary from person to person and this drives a need for more individualized and intricate management plans. These are values we should all share.

“If we want a better world, we need to inspire the future leaders of the world. There is absolutely no denial on this simple notion; and this is why the WIEF Young Leaders Network was created 8 years ago. It serves as a global platform for young people of different backgrounds to connect and collaborate, be it in business or social programme,” expressed The Hon. Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of the WIEF Foundation.
“If we want a better world, we need to inspire the future leaders of the world. There is absolutely no denial on this simple notion; and this is why the WIEF Young Leaders Network was created 8 years ago. It serves as a global platform for young people of different backgrounds to connect and collaborate, be it in business or social programme,” expressed The Hon. Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of the WIEF Foundation.

Ebrahim Patel, Chairman of the WIEF Young Leaders Network, added, “The changing dynamics of the world has challenged the way business is carried out.  New industries and global business giants are emerging on a daily basis. Weighing against this are political changes, economic instability and resource scarcity which has created demands for a new generation skilled with leadership. This is what we are striving for – to provide an avenue where our young people can truly experience the world, gain insightful knowledge and be inspired to be positive change leaders.”

“The WIEF Young Fellows 2014 is indeed exciting. It allows our young leaders to learn about the city of Manila – its business and social landscape. It provides our diverse group the opportunity to interact with global cultures and build strong personal networks. It is imperative that we create such platforms for our young leaders because, aside from equipping them with the skills to create profitable business, we also want to see them benefitting humanity,” added Bai Rohaniza M. Sumndad-Usman, Chairperson of the Young Moro Professional Network.
“The WIEF Young Fellows 2014 is indeed exciting. It allows our young leaders to learn about the city of Manila – its business and social landscape. It provides our diverse group the opportunity to interact with global cultures and build strong personal networks. It is imperative that we create such platforms for our young leaders because, aside from equipping them with the skills to create profitable business, we also want to see them benefitting humanity,” added Bai Rohaniza M. Sumndad-Usman, Chairperson of the Young Moro Professional Network.
A Capoiera session with the WIEF Young Fellows
A Capoiera session with the WIEF Young Fellows
WIEF visits Maharlika School
WIEF visits Maharlika School
Regardless of background, if we are "To promote dialogue and foster cooperation among the Muslim and non-Muslim businessmen in the belief that collaboration is the salient feature of the 21st century international relations, business partnerships can become genuine bridges towards peace and prosperity between the Muslim and non-Muslim world”.
Regardless of background, if we are “To promote dialogue and foster cooperation among the Muslim and non-Muslim businessmen in the belief that collaboration is the salient feature of the 21st century international relations, business partnerships can become genuine bridges towards peace and prosperity between the Muslim and non-Muslim world”.

Celebrating diversity, a passion for collaboration accompanied with a shared goal, lifestyle website MissTolentino.com and commercial enterprise SEM Scribe Publishing House join hands with the World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation to take youth leaders (Muslim and Non-Muslim) into the 21st century of international relations.

 

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Excellence, Inspiration, Mind, Wisdom

Pinning One’s Hope on an Idol: The Feast of the Black Nazarene

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Earlier today, I was able to get front row seats to one of the most interesting religious rituals the Philippine country is known for: The Celebration of the Black Nazarene.

As of 2013, the country has gone through so much pain. Natural calamities from earthquakes to typhoons that has killed millions of Filipinos, to the most excruciatingly painful realization of corruption in the farthest echelons of power are what still haunt the Filipino people even as the dawn of the New Year unfolds.

The Filipino people are bruised, battered and beaten to a pulp. They are in search of hope.

And hope is in the form of a wooden Mulatto colored statue they call Christ.

They say, in order to get a feel of an event, you have to be there yourself. I did, because I was. The view is spectacularly disturbing from the place I am standing. As 12 million people wave their white towels in the air, some young women even climb on top of the Nazarene float just to touch and kiss the statue. The mood however is not as solemn as one would expect from such an occasion. There is music playing, there is dancing, and cheers all around.

Prayers are thought to be sombre and heartfelt. But this? This was a different way of showing worship.

It was still dark when we arrived at Luneta. But even at 4AM, throngs of barefoot Filipinos marched towards the grandstand. By the sidewalk, you could see families huddled closely together trying to get some sleep. Women, children and even older people participate in this “pilgrimage”.

At just 4AM, barefoot men, women and children march to Luneta Grandstand to catch a glimpse of the Black Nazarene.
At just 4AM, barefoot men, women and children march to Luneta Grandstand to catch a glimpse of the Black Nazarene.

You can sense a kind of desperation in the air. If people are in search of hope, why does it feel that they are celebrating? Are we confused as to what should be a time of prayer from what is merrymaking?

I agree with fellow journalists when they said that some people are so dependent on religion that they refuse to take responsibility for the things they do or refuse to do in this life. Is this what they call faith or is it selfishness in its purest form?

A view from the rooftop of the police station. A sea of red and white populate the grandstand.
A view from the rooftop of the police station. A sea of red and white populate the grandstand.
The rooftop from the police station serves as temporary headquarters for local and foreign journalists. With us, are some men in uniform who are told to man the media post.
The rooftop from the police station serves as temporary headquarters for local and foreign journalists. With us, are some men in uniform who are told to man the media post.

In this life, we are given talents, skills and gifts. If we refuse to use them or pass off the opportunity to utilize such, what better are we from the animals on the street who know not from right or wrong but merely to survive from day to day?

I cannot write this piece without having to feel compassion for those that follow blindly. Hope is a good thing, but refusal to take responsibility and utter resignation is a whole other story. The Lord has given us discerning and powerful minds. Use it well. We are, after all, His greatest masterpiece. And no Mulatto colored statue, no matter how ancient it is, can substitute for a person who uses his mind to create a better world.

For God did not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Decision Making, Excellence, Good Repute, Honor, Inspiration, Justice, Legacy, Life, Love for Country, Mind, Movies, Opinion, Philippines, Purpose, Quotes, Truth, Wisdom

May 2013 Elections: Your Choices Define You

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My fellow Filipinos, this is your opportunity to be heard.

The choices that you will make on election day will define our government.

The choices that you will make on election day will shape our country.

The choices that you will make on election day will mold this generation and the next for years to come.

Your choices define you. It’s time to take responsibility for those choices and be courageous in exercising that right.

There is this line in the Interpreter where in Silvia Broome (Nicole Kidman) confronts corrupt Matobo President Edmond Zuwanie (Earl Cameron) and delivers her winning line that encapsulates a people’s desperation:

“How could you give us so much, so much… then take away more?”

Those lines capture what any living country wants: integrity based leadership.

Don’t be afraid to tackle corruption, cronyism, vote buying, manipulation, most especially political dynasties and compare it to those running for government office.

I encourage you to take part in being critical and unafraid to point out the things in our society that need to be corrected and also to choose to do what is right most especially in the coming elections.

Do your research on the people you will be reinstating in office (yes, Filipino, you have that power). My fellow Filipinos, this is your family, country and life on the line.

May this 2013 election be an informed one.

“The gunfire around us makes it hard to hear. But the human voice is different from other sounds. It can be heard over noises that bury everything else. Even when is not shouting. Even if it’s just a whisper. Even the lowest whisper can be heard – over armies – when it’s telling the truth.” 

Excellence, Inspiration, Mind, Praiseworthy, Wisdom

Speaking From The Heart

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I am naturally curious about everything, especially people.

When I meet someone for the first time and they strike me as attractive in some way (laid-back, intelligent, funny, pretty, interesting, quiet, humble, etc.) I really have no qualms in talking to them. Partly, also because my curiosity gets the better of me!

In my recent post, I mentioned of being attracted to people who exude lightness, and an easy to talk to demeanor —- As I, likewise, would like to think of myself as easy to approach and talk to as well.

Plus, the fact that I always approach people with a clear slate, (meaning I clear my mind of prejudice, stereotype and judgment) which really helps especially if the person seems unsure, intimidated, or shy.

Upon introductions, I always give each person the benefit of the doubt.

Conversation-wise, I always speak from the heart which is why when I get to talk to people for the first time, if the person is unable to make eye contact or has a self-centered attitude it will show in the interaction we have.

They will not waste their time getting to know me, which of course, will translate to a one-sided conversation.

The approach of speaking from the heart has helped me out a lot. It has cleared the weeds from the ‘garden’ and I only get to nourish and be nourished by people who are positive and worth my time.

This is by no means a strategy but a way of simplicity. Be honest, unapologetic and humble. In other words, be you!

As a result, I have met and became friends with some of the best people a girl could ever surround herself with. These individuals, though some I seldom see anymore, still inspire me and I am glad I made the first move.

Don’t you think it’s your time to make the first move?

Excellence, Financial Management, Mind, Opinion, Personal finance

To be Creative and Analytical: It Can Be Done

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As a writer, I am imaginative, dynamic and adventurous.

As an editor, I am objective, analytical and uncompromising.

Can both the right brain and left brain co-exist? Yes, I am the living proof.

I am using the concept of writing and editing as the peg for being creative and analytical all at the same time. But if you want more concrete examples, I can always put my much applied financial and investing know-how into the equation but that is not my point.

My point is: Some people just simply refuse to use the other half of their brains. Most use the scientific ‘left-brain’, ‘right-brain’ nonsense as an excuse for not doing what they need to do.

“I can’t plan an itinerary, I am not organized enough”
“I can’t write, my grammar and spelling is off”
“I can’t budget; I’m too much of an impulsive shopper”

Don’t you get tired of telling yourself these things? Stop using your excuses as a crutch.

Of course you can write/paint/sing/dance/etc.!
Of course you can invest/plan/forecast/budget/etc.!

You can!

The only person limiting yourself is you.

Scatter-brained? Get a planner.
Can’t spell? Look it up in the dictionary.
Emotional shopper? Put it on a wish list.

Utilizing both spheres of your brain will bring out the best in your work and eventually, the quality of your life.

Use both extensively.