[Only few people get a rare chance of meeting influential business people. Seizing the opportunity to meet them is a tedious task. But we must do our best to get to them, for there are lots of wisdom that they can share with us. These learnings are not taught in school. It’s sad. That’s why, it’s very important that we “learn and think out of the box.” Here is today’s great experience.]
I stayed home until lunch, not because I didn’t have anything to do. For your information, I needed 28 hours a day to finish my stuffs. Nonetheless, my reason for staying at home (without internet and landline) is to arrange the pre-registration list for YOUTH MEET, design the brand logo for Stefiana and review the website of Tito Zonny, a commissioner in New Jersey who is set to visit the Philippines to launch the 351 Media Foundation.
While I was reviewing my Sunday column, I found an ad about the 2nd Vis-Min International Travel Expo in Cebu. I texted my travel magazine publisher about it only to get a call saying “we did not print any magazine and let’s just talk on Wednesday.” I didn’t argue.
What really is the point of holding the printing of the magazine. I believe it’s all done–well done.
It didn’t make my day bad. I don’t want to have a bad day. That’s a no-no for me. Even if there are some minor problems, I try not to feel bad.
I made the brand name design for Stefiana to email it later to the president of the company. I think my designs are good enough. The president would have many options. Aside from giving her some insights on the design, I execute it myself and help her out also in establshing her direct selling company.
And then I had a shortlist of pre-registered participants for YOUTH MEET. I got a good number so far. I only have two cellphones with me for Smart and Globe subscribers. Imagine how I did my homework today. Well, despite scarcity, I think I did well. From time to time, Dr. John text or call me from the US to see how’s the preparation going. I always give him a good news.
I recieved a text from Manny Lumba, first Executive Vice President of Jollibee. He is a friend of Dr. John and one of the founders of 351 Movement. Dr. John asked me to meet with him and invite him to attend the Youth Meet. I said why not?
I texted Tito Manny the other night. I got response this morning. He called me up and we arranged a meeting. At 3pm, we are set to meet in Glorieta. I texted Ian and asked him to come withme. I also recieved a news from Dr. John. He said that the flight of Tito Zonny was canceled due to snow storm in the US.
I gave some updates on my whereabouts to Tito Manny since the last time we met. That was last year (2005). I told him that I’m already a columnist to The Manila Times and have published a book on career and personal development. Ian shared his business stuff as well. We have presented the program well to Tito Manny. And he has shared his hope for the country as well. We are on the same page and we have the same shape of heart. After more or less two hours of conversation, Ian said he must go for another meeting.
Tito Manny and I stayed to wait for his wife and daughter (who happened to be a consultant to an American business corporation). This is where I got an important discovery.
Manny Lumba is the mind behind Jollibee (from the name to the masscot, to the store design, to the financial structure, to the advertising, to the marketing, to the management). He told me the Jollibee story and what he did for the company. It was a very very very very funny story. I can’t help but laugh as he was telling me his experience. I ended up laughing and left Le Couer de France smiling. I texted him “If one man (who is him) managed to change the eating habit of the nation, two or more can change its entirety–attitude, values and perception. He replied: Amen. Tnx.
I got something here. And I think one day, a book about Jollibee will be written.
