The elite room

I remember when I was a kid, my grandparents would have "adult" meetings in the house. "No children allowed." They would say, and tell us to sleep early. But instead of going to bed early, my sisters and I would hide behind the curtains of our Lola's ancestral home and watch as we saw "big people" mingle and talk.

I really could not quite comprehend what they were talking about. It was supposed to be a gathering of Christian Families for church activities. I was more concerned about the colored miniature rice cakes that adorned the buffet table for a midnight snack.

Maybe they finished midnight, for way past my bedtime, when the guest would leave I would find myself yawning with a piece of pink puto in my hand, no longer interested with the taste but rather the appeal it brought to my eyes.

The meetings had an elite appeal, as I would view from behind the folds of the crocketed curtains, my grandparents and parents friends who were considered "distinguished" in their fields seriously discuss problems of the world and how to pray for the mercy of God. The talk had a certain elite appeal that made the room feel so important.

That was the same air that prevailed when the Philippine Business for Social Progress met for its Visayas Debut. Eighteen years in the Visayas.

Years ago PBSP was reputed to be an elite organization of businessmen who bonded together to commit to a development cause.

When I was working with PBSP, it was so difficult to get members to sign up, for the reason that the group was very select.

Now, watching the presentations of PBSP from the perspective of business I understand why the group is classified as elite.

It is because of the genuine commitment to serve and share. To sacrifice hard earned money for others so that they can be afforded better opportunities. This is a feeling utterly rare and perhaps, the reason for the status of being chosen.

There was no need to be a big business to be a member, only a big heart.

I was happy to celebrate PBSP's 18th anniversary with my old friends. Inspired by the knowledge that there were more businesses getting involved.

It need not take a tragedy such as the one of Guinsaugon to see the real hearts of people in business. In PBSP helping others help themselves is any every day fare.

As PBSP celebrates its 18th year in the Visayas, I wish it more years.