As CEO of Chikka, a company that creates products for wireless carriers like Globe and Smart, 34-year-old Dennis finds comfort in his being unconventional by nature so that he can compete in the IT industry.
Following is an excerpt from our candid Q&A:
On what occasion do you lie?
When it is appropriate.
Who is the political leader you most identify with?
The nature of my work is unconventional which makes it difficult for me to identify myself with any political or business leader.
Who or what is the greatest love of your life?
No one yet...
What is your most fervent wish?
World peace now or vengeance. My friends and loved ones are in New York and I want them to be free from harm. In fact, my sister was in the World Trade Center when it was attacked. Really, world peace would be good.
Where would you like to go for a romantic evening?
Have dinner in my town house in Pasig. Someone else cooks but I put it all together.
How do you resolve your conflicts?
Immediate confrontation, although not in any impulsive way. Since I often know what bottom line I am prepared to accept, and am ready to walk out of a deal if that can’t be met, then it is easier to have an agreement.
What sports do you like most?
Diving in Anilao gives me peace. My officemates are my diving companions and we stay overnight in Balai Resort or Solana.
Where would you like to live?
Wherever my family is. Honestly, I love living in the Philippines but my sister and brother are in New York and I love New York.
What film influenced your life?
The Godfather with its realistic portrayal of loyalties and betrayal and the inter-connectedness of personal and business relationships.
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
Howard Roark of Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead. He stood for his principles unyielding and charted his own destiny. Roark was not afraid to lose it all if his principles were compromised.
What is your greatest fear?
When I feel helpless and dependent on people. All my life I have charted my own destiny.
How has your character changed since childhood?
I’ve become more sure of my capabilities and even more aware of my limitations.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Impatience.
How would you describe your career?
An adventure. I do not know where tomorrow will take me; all that I am sure of is where I am today.
How do you start your day?
By 7 a.m. I am reading the papers and going to the Net for news. I look at what my competitors in IT are doing. There are also text messages from my mom with scripture readings on how I am to conduct my day.
What is your motto?
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?
I would have developed more fully my piano playing. Now I can play by ear; it would have been nice if I could read the notes better.