Philippines 2020
Why Not Asks, ‘Now What’?
It’s absolutely amazing how one year can change an entire nation’s complexion. Last August 22, 2009, we at WN?F felt that we needed to paint a picture of what can be rather than what is. At that time, the country was mired in uncertainty given the shaky political climate, the elections just under a... »
Changemakers Wanted for Philippines21 Class of 2010
repost from http://asiasociety.org/policy-politics/asia-21/changemakers-wanted-philippines-21-class-2010 — 2010 is a year for change. As the country elects local and national officials who will lead our government, Asia Society-Philippines honors dynamic individuals who are at the forefront of change in their respective fields, through the Philippines 21 Young Leaders Initiative. A flagship program of Asia Society-Philippines, the Philippines... »
The Philippines’ Path to Happiness
The Philippines21 group had dinner the other night with Jamie Metzl, Executive Vice-President of AsiaSociety. Sandwiched amidst lighter conversation was a topic that landed on the dinner table : What country’s model of development can the Philippines emulate? Now, I’m an entrepreneur, not an economist; But I guess my opinionated self can’t help but... »
A Teacher’s (Mis)Advice
I was chatting with some graduating students on their career plans after college. Interestingly enough, a group of students had started a social enterprise idea that for me, showed significant promise. It wasn’t just a concept; They’ve actually prototyped and run a small-scale pilot as part of the course requirements. In fact, with some... »
A Heritage of Smallness = 21st Century Bigness
Before anything else, let go of your easily-prickable Pinoy pride for 15 minutes and read (or re-read) Nick Joaquin’s A Heritage of Smallness. In this influential essay, the one-time National Artist for Literature holds up a mirror to the Filipino Soul and eschews our love affair with all things small : “Society for the... »
Business Partners, not Beneficiaries
Last weekend, Reese Fernandez – President of Rags2Riches, Inc and my other/better half – conducted a transition workshop with the Rags2Riches Cooperative’s Board of Directors. The main content of the workshop was – and stay with me here – finance and managerial accounting. To appreciate the concept on why it’s a transition, one has... »
My TEDx Manila Talk : Change, Inc – How Social Businesses Can Help Build A Better World
Sharing my TEDx Manila Talk — a personal passion for changing the world through social businesses, and how we at Hapinoy try to live this through the work that we do. Change, Inc : How Social Business Can Help Build A Better World View more documents from Mark Ruiz. »
Eradicating Poverty Conference
The MCPI (Microfinancing Council of the Philippines) had a regional conference on the theme Beyond Credit : A Holistic Approach to Poverty Eradication, and we at Hapinoy were invited to share our experience and perspective on the topic. The topic is actually quite interesting, especially since we founded MicroVentures/Hapinoy specifically on this insight :... »
Filipino Efren Penaflorida is CNN Hero of the Year!
Thank you for the pride, Ef It’s such a cool and refreshing feeling to see headlines like the ones below … you rock! »
BASA Book Launched!
BASA (Bayan Akayin sa Abot-Tanaw) is a volunteer-driven outreach project conceived by Father Ted Gonzales, SJ. The group envisions a Filipino people nourished by reading; thus harnessing a powerful imagination for nation-building. The group’s challenge is to enlighten souls, liberate minds, and empower lives through knowledge sharing – believing that informed minds and hearts... »
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