Gawa Hindi Dada

That was the theme of the 42nd annual PMAP Convention which I attended last week in Cebu. It has been a year since I last visited the Queen City of the South. The experience was great, one which I never expected. I wasn't supposed to be the company's representative but last minute (as in the day before), I got a call at 5am from my boss asking me to prepare things/work I need to do before I depart for Cebu. Wow, knowing me...the ultimate planner, it caused me to panic somehow. But working for this company for almost a year made me immune to such kind of happenings. In short, it was kinda anticipated (only 80% so that leaves me 20% for the panic button to switch on).

I was so sleepy and hungry when I arrived at the airport. PAL was on time, in terms of boarding the passengers, but as expected we were 20 minutes late in departure. I really fell asleep the entire flight and just got up when the plane hit the ground. I said to myself "Welcome to Cebu!!!"

As I've said earlier, I had a great experience except for one thing: the hotel where I, and some of the delegates, was booked is located 45 min. away from Waterfront Hotel Lahug City. Imagine, passing through 3 cities before I arrive in the venue???!!! What the...???!!! As if my company can't afford Waterfront or Marriot!!!! I didn't complain anymore to the organizing committee. I heard people whining while in the shuttle service and even sweared to give feedback. So that saves me the trouble :-)

I'd like to commend the PMAP officers and organizers for this event. It was a success, as compared to last year's Baguio. Personally, the event inspired me in my work. The sharings of Gov.Padaca, Steve Benitez , Pres. of Chinatrust and Dr. Bio were eye openers to me ...very timely when you think that nothing great has been happening to the country and here they are, Filipinos who are very proud of where they come from, people who proved to the world that Filipino's are world-class. Despite of these achievements, they still continue to do so and simply because they believed in what the Filipino people can do.

What struck me most was the statement of Tony Meloto ...The problem here is that when we are able to get out of our miseries, we tend to leave our kababayans behind." And that my dear people is the reason why even if we, as individuals, are talented and intelligent citizens, we are not prospering as a nation. There is lack of 'community spirit' within us. "Great challenge for me -- to be true to the theme", that's what I just said.

Being the lone delegate, I'm very thankful for Christine and Quen. My new found friends who adopted me during the entire convention. Because of that, for a day, I was with the Ayala Group. I also saw some schoolmates from college and from graduate school, met previous colleagues (one of them was even working in the hotel where I stayed. Thanks Roy for the cappuccino!) and also family friends. It was a reunion of all sorts. I really thought I would be alone and eat on my saliva for the entire days. When Christine and Quen were not around, I would hang out with the cousin-company, PSPC.

The change in ambience, meeting new people, getting freebies, listening to inspiring stories all made it a very remarkable event for me. Of course there was the shopping of accessory, pasalubong, pictures, food, beer and more!!!!!