Philippines, it's our turn to 'dream a dream'

The first time I watched Susan Boyle in YouTube, I said to myself, what a perfect comparison to the Philippines and its people. If only through this example, Filipinos will start to realize that we have prejudged our own country, then maybe this could spark a change in attitude and bring about greater confidence and ‘malasakit’ for the future of this country. 

Last week’s column, I dreamed a dream for the Philippines, was one of the most interesting columns I have managed to write. A fellow columnist in Star, Babes Romualdez, sent me a note, saying that it was a great column. I got a call from Peter Favila. He was with PGMA at that time, and they congratulated me for the column. So many others also extended their congratulations. This is why I thought it would be best to turn the column into an advocacy ad. Through this, I would like to try to see if we can bring about people to give their thoughts on the Philippines’ turn to dream a dream.

For the past four years of our advocacy, we have been sharing the advocacy of an attitude change with our viewers on TV and the audience who attend our caravans, teaching sessions, forums, and summits. We have long campaigned for a change in attitude among many kababayans. We basically teach the GoNegosyo mindset change, which is to be enterprising. Not everybody can become entrepreneurs, but everybody can become enterprising in whatever they do. To be enterprising, one must love his country. An enterprising individual must be an optimist, must have the passion, must be hard working and must be persevering. 

While the whole world faces an economic recession, the Philippines has somehow performed much better than the rest. Although our budget deficit seems to be increasing, I guess we can allow some leeway, as most governments around the world are spending more to stimulate demand and help cushion the recessions in their respective countries. The key though is how the money is spent. For as long as it is spent for projects that create a multiplier effect in creating more negosyo opportunities, then it serves its purpose. For example, money is best spent in airports set in areas that have the best tourism potential or more roads that will enhance not only tourism but will also give access to farmers to have products transported to the markets at lower costs. I believe PGMA is trying to do this. It would be great for them to keep advising the people on the progress of each project.

This weekend another dream may be fulfilled. Who would have thought that Manny Pacquiao – an amateur boxer from GenSan – would reach this level of stardom? The Pacquiao-Hatton fight reminds me of the Ali-Frazier ‘Thrilla in Manila’. I was just in my teens when I watched that fight in Araneta Coliseum. This time, I will get the chance to witness Manny’s next fight as I take my family on our annual vacation this month. Manny Pacquiao is our endorser for Vitwater. He has indeed been an inspiration to many Filipinos. He has actually helped create awareness for the Philippines, as he achieves milestones in his boxing career. Hopefully, people will now know that we do not live in trees. Win or lose, Pacman would achieve his dream. This is important for many Filipinos. We should dream, even how impossible it may seem.

Let the movement for an attitude change bring about a more enterprising Filipinos. This is what GoNegosyo wants to achieve. Join us in spreading the good news on positive change. Send me your inspiring story or that of your friend’s. These stories are sources of strength and hope that our dreams may be achieved one day…

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Let me share with you some of the feedback on the previous column:

“Hi Joey. I say, AMEN!!! to your article.

I made a link of Susan Boyle’s YouTube video in my facebook immediately after watching it a couple of weeks ago. I added a comment to it, “It’s never too late to dream... to share what you’ve got to the world...” Yes, this also holds true for our country as well. It’s never too late to dream big dreams for the Philippines. There is a lot of what the Philippines can show to the world.

A month would never pass without a some sort of “temptation” for us to go another country and work there. I would always hear a lot of people say that there is a greener pasture outside our country. But my heart will remind me that the Philippines is my pasture and it is green enough... God will make us bloom where we are planted.

Three days ago my wife and I just ventured into a new business. 

Thank you for your articles. They inspire many of us Filipinos and help give us hope.

God bless you! “  - Popo Betia

“Dear Joey, The story is very inspiring and IF ONLY each and every Filipino THINK as you do, then it’s a dream come true.”  - Eddie Zamora of Kuwait

“Dear Joey,

Truly you are one of our society great leaders, a model for the youth to look up to. I am working here in KSA and I’m glad that I subscribed to your columns to get the latest updates in the Philippines’s bussiness climate. I agree with you that our government had done a great deal to improve the misery of our fellow Filipinos, unfortunately, most of them percieved it as “grandstanding” and “politicking.” Perhaps little did they knows that corruptions, beaucracy are also very common in every society. This is the reality that we Filipinos should realize and be aware of instead of engaging in “crab mentality” which does us more harm than good!

Everytime I got emails from you, I made it sure to passed it on to some of my friends so that they too become well inform of what going on now in the Phil. I seldom watch TFC and GMA infact I had it disconnected because it just consumed most of time idly, so I’m devoting it to more informative and educational matters, and i have no regret because it a time well spent!”  - Monching Rebustillo

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For feedback, email me at [email protected], or through my Joey Concepcion Facebook account, or through SMS at 09189656333. For free business advice, visit www.gonegosyo.net. Watch the Go Negosyo Bigtime Show in QTV, every Saturday and Sunday 8 to 8:30 a.m., with replays in NBN every Sunday 9:15 to 10 p.m.