After celebrating yesterday as World Environment Day, we're today celebrating National Doughnut Day. Yes, there is such a day and it usually falls on the 1st Friday of June. The word "doughnut" is often shortened to "donut," with the same meaning. I generally associate doughnuts with the police on a stakeout. Maybe I've seen too many movies with that kind of a scenario.
97 years ago today the Salvation Army "Lassies" of WWI first served the original Salvation Army Doughnut. These brave volunteers made home cooked foods which became a morale boost to the troops on the front lines. From then on it has always been celebrated as a fund raiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army.
Please give generously when you see your favourite doughnut shop offering free donuts to solicit donations for the Salvation Army.
Today is World Environment Day not only as mandated by the United Nations but more importantly mandated by all of mankind. we've heard the call a million times---to save our planet, to save ourselves. Personally, I would like us to celebrate Environment Day every second of every minute of every day. Drastic action and measures must be put in place to protect and help our world. It is no longer just awareness that's needed but action combined with words. There are many ways for us to contribute positively to environmental care. I don't have to enumerate them for I'm very sure one way or another, you're already doing your part. Keep on doing your best, one step at a time, little baby steps, and we just might get there together.
Here's a simple procedure to keep your loved ones safe. This was sent to me by a friend and I thought I'd share this with you. Such a simple concept to ward off the evil ones in the world. It may seem a bit melodramatic, something that is either childish or something taken from spy movies. But hey, if you love your children, this is not a bad idea. It could even be fun, a way for you to bond with your children. This is a creative way of engaging with your children and it keeps them safe too. The password could be anything that's special to both of you, known only by immediate members of the family. And just like your passwords for emails, blogs, bank accounts, etc., this is where your creativity will come into play so that hackers won't be able to get into it. Keep safe, be safe everyone.
I really don't know him personally but I sent him an email anyway. I find him interesting as a personality in the news. My Q&A today is with Brendan Horan. I emailed him early Sunday evening and here is his answer on a Tuesday morning. I think if yesterday wasn't a public holiday, he should have answered me too. He must be that kind of a person who goes to work quite early.
I'll not go into the other controversial details that has been reported by mainstream media already. My purpose here is to to know the other side of him. For me, he seems to be an honest person and am quite fascinated by his answers to my Q&A. Thank you very much Brendan.
Q: What's your proudest achievement up to this moment?
A: Along with my wife, raising two warm, caring, wonderful children.
Q: What were the challenges you encountered as a public servant and hod did you manage it?
A: There are many but cutting through bureaucracy and dealing with lies generated by Winston Peters and his minions.
Q: Name 3 people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?
A: First would be Da Vinci, to discuss his theories and genius to draw his thoughts on where we are today. Then Moses cause it would be great to move water like that. Then my father so we could have time to say goodbye.
Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: Dogs cause they are just better and we have two of them.
Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call as your sanctuary, and why?
A: Whakatane Heads, one of the best right hand breaks in the world with some of the best people.
Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: I hold dual citizenship.
Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, and why?
A: 1840 and find out what were the dreams and aspirations of all who signed the Treaty of Waitangi, both Maori and European.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Change politics in our country by putting people first instead of Parties and the Interest groups behind them.
New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II being the head of state. Her actual birthday is April 21 but the first Monday of June is celebrated by many New Zealanders as the Queen's birthday. It is also during this time that the Queen's Honours list is released for people who are honoured and recognised for public service in all aspects of society.
It is a public holiday today. Aside from it being a holiday, it is also a time for retailers to come out with promos and sales discounts on all kinds of products and services. Many people have the day off and those working will get time and-a-half. It is also the official opening of the ski season. This will be the last of a series of long-weekends for 2014. The next one will be during the Labour weekend towards the end of October.
In our continuing quest for people who can serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, we met Lito Banal, an engineering graduate from Mapua Institute of Technology (Philippines), Director of Kiwi Roofing Limited, and Chairman of the NZ-Philippines Business Council, who took time from his busy schedule for a Q&A. I've met him several times in social and community gatherings. His answers would help aspiring and existing entrepreneurs who are facing the challenges of starting and maintaining a business in NZ, while raising a family too.
Q: What's the inspiration behind your business?
A: My family is my inspiration why I am in business. I like to have that freedom where you have control of your own time and activities. My family inspires and motivates me to be a good businessman and to fulfil my dreams.
Q: What challenges did you meet while building your business and how did you manage it?
A: It is always a constant challenge when you are starting and building up a business. You have to be determined, motivated, and you have to know what will be your goal, what would you want to achieve in a certain time frame. You have to work on a deadline. You have to ask yourself "will I want to be a market and industry leader or will I be contented with what the majority does"? As much as possible, you have to determine and know the best answers to your questions and anticipate consequences of your actions even during the planning stages and before they will be implemented. Careful planning, analysis and wise decisions will always help you in dealing and facing the challenges in doing business. It is not always a guaranteed win situation. But don't be afraid or discouraged if you fail. Go back to the drawing board and take this advantage that now you will know what you should have done better to succeed. This will only make you stronger for your next step. Moving froward, know your competitors well. Look after your staff by rewarding them, they are the company's life blood. You don't only lead them, you have to work along side them and work behind them. Understand your supply chain operations, they are your partners, as their support will be vital to deliver your goods and services to your customers and clients. It is always challenging to be an industry leader. You have to be a step ahead, flexible and innovative. Pressure and hard work will always come with it. But I must tell you, it is more rewarding to be a leader than being a follower.
Q: Name 3 people, dead or alive, you'll like to have dinner with, and why?
A: My great grandfathers (paternal/maternal) - I would like to know how life was during their time. Dr. Jose Rizal - I would like to know him more because he is the most famous Filipino for me. U.S. President Barack Obama - why won't you dream of meeting the most powerful person in the world.
Q: Are you a cat or dog person, and why?
A: Dog, I always wanted to be the best friend of everyone, and can always count on me.
Q: Where in NZ is the place you can call your sanctuary, and why?
A: Any golf course for - 4-5 hours, time to relax especially a bonding time when I play with my son Ethan a.k.a. "Mike-Mike". This is a place that I know where I can be hopefully for many years to come.
Q: Something not many people know about you?
A: I love cooking, in fact, experimental cooking where I don't follow recipes. I am a very flexible and outgoing person and this reflects on the profile of my friends, who come from all walks of life, from the very young ones to the not very young anymore. Also, I love watching really really old Filipino comedy movies.
Q: If you could travel back in time, where and when would it be, and why?
A: World War 1 or 2 in the Philippines. I want to experience living with our forefathers, witness their miseries, hardships and how they fought for our freedom. Hopefully I would come out alive.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I am already happy and very grateful with the blessings I have - my happy and vibrant family. I'm very fortunate in deed to have all these wonderful and very good friends around me. So my plan for the future is to enjoy life as always, to continue sharing and ready to help anytime and when there is an opportunity to do so. But as everyone says, "you just don't know what is a round the corner." I suppose, I juts have to deal with it and be ready for whatever these might be. May God continue and always guide me along the way.
It's a glorious day to mark the first day of winter in NZ. Compared to the past few days when it was gloomy, rainy and biting cold, today's official start of winter is sunny and bright. The winter season is from June to August. I arrived here nearly 6 years ago in the middle of winter. Even back then, I already experienced what is known as '4 seasons in 1 day.' Adding layers of clothing is advisable during this time of the year.
Today is also part of what Kiwis call a long-weekend that ends on Monday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's
birthday. The shops in the malls are doing brisk business with the numerous sales and discounts because of the Queen's birthday tomorrow.
