Saturday Success Story SIX: ATTY. VERONICA INOTURAN

September 10, 2011 By 4 Comments

This week’s Success Story is one of my former classmates from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, who embodies fulfillment, content and passion in every aspect of her life. I can easily call her a “wholistic” person since her interests range from law, philosophy, psychology to tarot cards, Madonna’s music and emerging fashion trends! She knows so much about everything that when we first met, I know exactly that we will never run out of anything to talk about whenever I am seated next to her.

One of the very first topics we talked about was about girl scouting and about this “cute” guy from the College of Engineering who used to drive a red car with a Chinese surname, who apparently was also the “crush ng bayan” of all the girls from the College of Eng’g (mind you though, both of us weren’t into him but we both have friends who were really going gaga over this guy). Then, we moved on to talk and share about our other interests such as Wiccan beliefs, paranormal observations, Brahma Kumaris yoga, moutain climbing and teen magazines.

That was not the end of our acquiantance – in fact, that was the start of our friendship!

The next semester, we were both classmates again! This time at the College of Psych, where she majored in. We weren’t seatmates anymore, but we shared some group work every now and then. After that, we would only see each other along the AS Hall or at the nearby food stands. Occassionally, we would bump into each other in front of the College of Psych, since I always go through this building before I’d go back to the College of Education.

When we graduated college, Friendster was our only way of communication. She went on to Law School, took the bar exam and became a lawyer immediately after her first bar examination! She would sometimes update her blog “Nica ‘d Great” where she used to share her journey of the law school, the bar review then the bar examinations. But, one thing that she never fails to do is to surprise me with her fashion statement and her close relationship in the Philippine Fashion Circle, especially as a contributing writer to MEG magazine.

Our Saturday Success Story Six is one whom I look up to. Relatively young, yet accomplished – I believe, she inspires me as much as you will – when you’ll read her story.

Below is MS. VERONICA INOTURAN, sharing her story:

1. Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living and where is your current location?


Answer: My name is Veronica Inoturan. I am thirty (30) years old. I work as a lawyer with the rank of Associate Solicitor III in the largest law firm in the Philippines. (Office of the Solicitor General). I represent the Republic of the Philippines in litigation cases (trial). In the OSG, there are seventeen (17) divisions. I belong to the first (1st) division, which I entered in June 2007, two (2) months after passing the Bar Exams.

Before I became a lawyer in April 2006 (after passing the Bar Exams taken— for the first and the last time— on September 2005), I had my hands full as a contributor for MEG Magazine. I was one (1) of the girls invited by the first editor-in-chief of MEG Magazine to plan the very first issue in a “pioneer” focus group back in April 1998. I was just sixteen (16) years old then and a fresh graduate from high school. From the very start of “conceiving” MEG, I had very high hopes for this magazine which was aimed for the “urbane” (stylish yet socially aware) Filipina youth. Last June 2011, MEG celebrated its thirteenth (13th) anniversary and I am so proud what my personal dream has turned out to be. My baby is now a lady! MEG is like my own child already. I write about fashion, trends, social issues, self-help, books, music and sports… practically everything of interest to our target audience.

I describe myself (in 3 words) as: PASSIONATE. CREATIVE. INTENSE. That pretty much sums me and my entire life up!

2. What brought you to where you are now? Who are your inspirations in life? What motivated you to become who you are today?

Answer: I believe in what an anonymous author once wrote (which I read back in college): “Success comes before work ONLY in the dictionary.”

3. Did you have a mentor or a teacher or somebody in your family who has given you some words of wisdom? Can you tell us about this person and how he/she impacted you?

Answer: Aside from my family and relatives (many of whom are also in the legal profession like me), special mention goes to the following teachers/professors whom I would like to honor:

a. Ms. Marian Ledesma: Class adviser in Grade 5 and English (literature and grammar) teacher in Grade 6 who first took notice of my writing skill in English and encouraged me to hone it well.

b. Atty. Enrique dela Cruz: Teacher in Speech class during junior and senior year in high school who encouraged me to take up Law (rather than my previous plan, Medicine).

c. Mrs. Grace Jamon: Professor in Social Science 2 and Political Science 100 (where we were classmates back then, Alf!!) who piqued my interest further in the realm of legal matters. She also personally recommended me (in an official letter) to the faculty of Ateneo Law School.

d. Justice Jose Sabio, Jr.: Professor in Constitutional Law 1, Criminal Procedure and Remedial Law Review as well as Legal Ethics review lecturer. “Terror Teacher” personified, but it was because of him that I memorized important laws and legal concepts by heart (to this very day) and scored high in the Bar Exams in Remedial Law (the subject with the most weight, at twenty percent [20%]).

I would to also give special mention to the following persons at MEG: Editors-in-Chief Liza Ilarde (June ’98-June ’02), Pierra Calasanz-Labrador (July ’02-March ’07) n Peewee Reyes-Isidro (April ’07-Present. Past Associate Editors: Karen Vera, Mabel David-Pilar and Maris Stella Martel. Former Editorial Assistants Charlene Sawit, Shai Lagarde and Michelle Ancheta. Fellow Contributors/Writers Florian Cabuyao and Jackielyn Ched Telan. THANK YOU for giving me my big break into mass media, introducing me to the colorful world of fashion and most of all, for inspiring me to excel in writing, not just for myself, but for others.

4. When you were trying to achieve where you are right now, did you experience some disappointments and failures? What are they? Can you explain how you overcome these circumstances?

Answer: Definitely!!! So many disappointments. Mainly due to people who do not share your vision, so to speak. Back in MEG’s early days, I do remember many advertisers say that our magazine will be out of business in six (6) months. They said MEG can “never compete” with foreign titles like Teen Vogue, Seventeen and Y&M (Young & Modern). But today, guess what? Seventeen (Philippines edition) and Y&M (in the States) are both out of print already, while MEG is now a “teenager” (13 years and still going strong).

Also, back in law school, I had a professor back in first (1st) year who said that I’m “not going to last.” Well, guess what again?! I’m now a litigation attorney after graduating on-time passing the Bar exams in one (1) take.

Aside from the usual “hard work and diligence and prayers and sheer dumb luck” litany, I would like to believe that a lot of this has to do with GUTS. From an early age, I learned to develop a “thick skin.” I basically don’t care what others say or think about me because I realize now that somebody out there always has something negative to say about you. I keep in mind: “I owe you no explanation for my own dreams.”

5. What would be your next goal?

Answer: Professionally, I want to be promoted to State Solicitor I by next year and get a Masters degree, either in Clinical Psychology (my college course) or Law. Personally, I want to find “The One” before age 35!

6. Has anyone of your friends, relatives ever told you what qualities they admire about you? What are they?

Answer: I get the most praises for my intelligence and fashion sense. The latter I find quite ironic because I don’t really spend hours and hours getting made up or choosing what to wear. I usually just grab stuff from my closet first thing in the morning!

7. Can you share to us your philosophy in life and how this affected your success.

Answer: “LIVE & LET LIVE.” As long as I draw breath, I will keep on going… and going… and going… strong!!!

8. Do you have any advice to get better and be more successful in whatever we are doing?

Answer: FOCUS. Many people are afraid/hesitant to follow their dreams or do their own thing because of what others, even their family/friends/significant others will say or think about them. But remember, YOU ARE YOUR OWN PERSON. You and you alone are responsible for how your life turns out to be. Stop the attitude of blaming and “what-if’s” and get on moving! Winston Churchill (an illegitimate child born to a poverty-stricken family) once said: “I CHOOSE to be a great person.”

9. Finally, what is your definition of success.

Answer: Success for me is being a BLESSING to and for others. You cannot give what you do not have. Many people make the mistake of showering others with praises and gifts, but inwardly curse or put themselves down. Others love themselves too much and are unable to empathize/sympathize with those around them. Neither extreme is healthy or admirable. Love yourself first— in the right way, of course— and the rest will follow.

Daily with you,

- Alpha

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Saturday Success Story FIVE: BERNADETTE DELOS SANTOS (a.ka. Ms.BIDIBIDI)

September 3, 2011 By 6 Comments

 

Our Saturday Success Story Five is a powerhouse in the third class municipality of Baao, Camarines Sur. She uses her passion in art and culture to transform this farming community into a destination spot for food, music, travel and crafts. She was the first woman farmer and owner in the area and possibly in the entire island to farm organically. She is an inspiration and the hope to some students in Baao. She provides livelihood; supports education and scholarship; she manages a band; she organizes art exhibits; she welcomes some Philippine dignitaries and other local followers in her exotic farm Bed and Breakfast; she lives in a bahay-na-bato (house of rock) which is also a venue of electic art, poetry and book events – and in 2008, she was awarded the Department of Agriculture’s “Most Outstanding Rural Woman”. She is a very busy woman who never fails to show her passion in life.

It’s her  passion that drives her to do great things, such as these.

And it is only the beginning.

Her life is as great as her past and current projects. She traveled and worked extensively all over the world, before deciding to settle down in the place where her parents brought her up. In 2004, she decided to go back to her hometown and re-invent the art and culture scene in Baao. She then created many opportunities to give back to her community. She keeps the wheel going and going and there is no way of stopping her.

Our Success Story Five is no other than MS. BERNADETTE DELOS SANTOS, better known as Ms.Bidibidi among close friends and family. Read her story and how she, a woman is building and recreating a town as environmentally-friendly as she can!

1. Tell us about yourself. Your mission in life and your philosophy.

Answer: I am a Business Management graduate of the Ateneo de Manila University, who made a conscious decision of resettling back in my beloved hometown, Baao, Camarines Sur. My mission in life defines my rural lifestyle: serving, giving back and being outstanding. My philosophy is - just do it! It sounds commercial, but it is really the one thing that I follow. I just do it! I am not easily dissuaded by obstacles.

2. What are your current projects, your past accomplishments and your background?

Answer:  I have several projects that are concurrently happening:
a. La Huerta de Rosario – an agri-tourism destination in the Bicol Region. It is a place where people can experience the rural lifestyle, enjoying the lush greenery and farm harvest and the local culinary delights. It offers breakfast food all day and lunch by appointment. The Casita de Teresa, in La Huerta is in the offing to offer accommodations to tourists needing to stay overnight. La Huerta also lets guests experience the joy of the harvest as they can pick and buy the vegetables in season. La Huerta believes in making vegetables available for local consumption. We deliver vegetables fresh from the farm to the kitchen. Food served at La Huerta are the freshest and most succulent from the harvest. We incorporate the harvest in the menu.

b. F.A.R.M. by bidibidi – (Fabulously & Absolutely Rural-Made) is a social enterprise, in that, it addresses several social problems and provide simple solutions, by engaging in an entrepreneurial activities:
- Artful Recycling – all F.A.R.M. products use used and discarded buttons and fabrics. We advocate green fashion by using recycled materials in making our fashion accessories.
-Livelihood to rural women – F.A.R.M. teaches rural women some simple skills in making the products. even stay at home mothers can work for F.A.R.M. as they can bring materials home and bring back finished product components.
- Education to Baao youth – as of the moment, I am sending eight college students to a local agricultural university. I believe that education is the only key to emancipation from poverty. To be qualified, a student has to be a Baaoeno.
c. Burikbutikan Baao @ Cafe des Artes – a group of Baaoeno visual artists that I organized and manage. I have turned a part of my residence into a gallery where artists can exhibit their art works. we have held several art exhibits, poetry reading, book launchings at the Cafe des Artes. I believe that art and literature is the heart and soul of a community that it is important that artists have a place where they can showcase their art.

d. Estudiantinas de la Soledad de Baao – I manage a 98-man band composed mostly of students and a few old members, all volunteers. The group performed during the Soledad procession during Good Friday in Baao and the Perdon procession during the Penafrancia Fest in Naga City. We play the music of the Soledad which are composed of Baaoeno artists, too.

3. How did you conceptualize the F.A.R.M. bracelet? Why did you start doing it?

Answer: F.A.R.M. was conceptualized in the later part of 2008, after the Department of Agriculture honored me with an award as Outstanding Rural Woman. After receiving the award, I made it my mission to serve more, the rural women, especially of Baao, who are often marginalized and neglected in terms of opportunities given. So, I coined the F.A.R.M. acronym and registered it at the Intellectual Property Office, that now,  is a Trade mark. It is not only used in the original bracelet designs, it is also used in other products that we make like: bags, totes, home furnishings, etc.
The word F.A.R.M. would also remind people of the farm that I own, which is La Huerta. So, it is like hitting two birds with one stone.

4. I heard that you were once in the USA, what brought you back to the Philippines? What were your experiences in the US that is helping you create/establish all of these projects that you have, e.g. your farm (that is recently open for public wedding receptions), your bracelet and your foundation, your engagement in the community’s livelihood?


Answer: I was actually all over the place. (LOL!) My last stop was the US, before I resettled back in Baao. I worked in the UK, travelled Europe, worked in Singapore, travelled Asia, worked in the US, held an exhibit in the US, before I went back home. My mother’s passing away, was the deciding factor. Although, I still consider it to be a conscious decision on my part to resettle back in Baao, my mother’s demise was a great factor. She made me the administratrix of our properties, so that I stayed, thinking it will just be for a while, but lingered and stayed for good. So, now, I only visit the US for holidays.
While in the US, I have been to farms and was greatly influenced by it. The concept of pick and buy was actually patterned from farm practices in Monterey and Salinas, CA. The original concept was to have an ornamentals farm to product plants for landscaping, but the farm eventually evolved to what it is now, an agri-tourism destination and a venue for special events.

5. Who are your inspiration/s? What were the impacts they made on you and how have you been applying these to your life?

Answer: My mother was the one who instilled in me the love for gardening. She has the most beautiful garden at our place in Baao. So, I got from her my love for landscaping and gardening, that La Huerta boasts of a beautifully landscaped garden and farm, that is not often found in other conventional farms.
My earliest memory of farming was going to our rice fields with my father. Maybe that influenced my love for farming, too. But I have little recollection of my father as he passed away when Iwas only 12 years old.

6. What do you think is the most important skill that one should have in order to establish success in any endeavor?

Answer: The one thing that one must have to be successful in any endeavor is passion. One has to love what he/she does. Other traits are important too: perseverance, hard work, optimism, innovativeness and creativity. But what is most important is the passion. It is the fuel that ignites.

7. What are the qualities that you have that people admire? Why do you think they admire you for that?

Answer: Oh, am not sure of that. (laughs) Not sure if people admire me. (laughs again!)
I believe people admire me for my passion in the things I do. They look up to me because they know that whatever I do, I make sure I am outstanding in it. When I farm, I am the best farmer; when I am with my band, I am the best musician; when I paint, I produce the best on the canvass. I believe, that is what is important – to do the best that I can and be the best that I am.

8. Can you share us, what has made you successful in launching your business and your passion in life?

Answer: I believe that the novelty of the idea of my bracelets has contributed a lot in the success of its launching. When people got to know my innovative product, the materials that I use, and that my enterprise has a corresponding social contribution, that ensured success.

9. After these projects, what else do you have in mind? What would be your next goals?

Answers:

I am in the process of finishing the Casita structure at the farm, which will offer accommodations to tourists.
I am in the middle of making 49 paintings to celebrate my 49th in April next year
I am also on the way to creating 60 patchwork quilts before i turn 60.
I will hold an exhibit in Madrid, Spain in 2013.
I want to travel more – Paris, Portugal, Mongolia, Nepal, Denmark, Sweden.

10. Finally, what is your definition of success. Your final words for our readers.

Answer: Success is subjective.
To some, it may mean money in the bank, children’s college diplomas, travels, several cars, houses, etc.
To me, success is the number of people’s lives that I have touched, thru my simple lifestyle. With what I do, I may not become rich, but I am definitely enriched!

Daily with you,

- Alpha

If you enjoyed reading this post, please share this to  your friends on FACEBOOK or DIGG. Thank you for continuing the cycle of inspiration, motivation and success!

To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.

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Saturday Success Story FOUR: Tina Enad-Tagle

August 27, 2011 By 7 Comments

Filipinos know her already.

And they absolutely love her!

She is almost a goddess – beyond compare!

She is being followed by everybody in Manila, especially in the fashion scene. In fact, I almost do not need an introduction for our SATURDAY SUCCESS Story Three – because she is already famous, successful and always beautiful! She is a fashion icon – but on top of that, she is a very proud mother to three gorgeous kids, and also a top blogger.

I started following her on her blog before that was shut down earlier this year. One of the reasons why she had to shut down her blog and keep a more private livejournal is that she has gotten so many fans and followers after Chuvaness wrote about her! There were so many Filipinos who want to see  who is this Manila’s most talked-about mother and number one fashion blogger (mind you, she started blogging in 2000, long before blogging is a word-of-mouth!).

Initially, I was so intrigued about her lifestyle as a Mother but above all as one of Manila’s most fashionable Moms! I became so enthralled by all her everyday outfit - - which, only the elitist in Manila can be seen strutting around on them! In addition to that, I love her brevity as a writer! She just writes what is on her mind, even if it meant being angry at someone. However, even if she writes as courageously as she does, I believe she is the only blogger who can write in the most elegant way! In fact, she has that flair – and I just absolutely love the way she puts herself together!

Since then, I have come to find out that MS. TINA ENAD-TAGLE of Oh, Life! is a remarkable, humble and a “real” person, despite being a Manila socialiate and the great life that she enjoys with it! Some of the things I love about Tina include her attitude, her wisdom, her humor and the way she connects with people. She’s got the gift of combining all of these wonderful skills to be who she is!

Tina is very down to earth. In fact, in one of her shout outs she mentioned about being friendly to everybody! That actually means a lot from somebody who has that kind of status quo from the Manila Socialite “group”. I can really attest to her friendliness and the way she treats people from diverse backgrounds. In fact, she will probably accept you as her new friend on Facebook if you put in a request for that! She is that friendly – and also, a very true person – inside and out!

As the editor of this blog, I have been anticipating for this segment to be posted – because I simply love Tina! In my wildest dreams, I want to be her: fun, fearless and always fashionable (no, let me edit that - she is the fashion!)

Here is TINA, trending on AMS today:

1. Tell us about yourself. What do you do for a living and where is your current location?

- I am a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend. In that order. I am currently living in Makati, Philippines.

2. What brought you to where you are now? Who are your inspirations in life? What motivated you to become who you are today?

- There are a lot of people I admire. Some I have met in person, some I have read their stories. It is difficult for me to pick one particular person that inspired me. I am every bit of pieces of each character I aspire to be.

3. Did you have a mentor or a teacher or somebody in your family who has given you some words of wisdom? Can you tell us about this person and how he/she impacted you?

- None. But i have followed some of my Mom’s traditions on being a family unit. I followed it not because I believe it to be right but because it has molded me to be the kind of mother that I am now. You could say, I went thru life on my own instinct and has basically taken the bull by its horn. I failed some, I won some. Fair enough.

4. When you were trying to achieve where you are right now, did you experience some disappointments and failures? What are they? Can you explain how you overcome these circumstances?

Oh, definitely. Disappointments & failures, that is what life is all about. You will eventually become the person that you are on how you handle the disappointments and the failures that you go thru. I handled mine based on what I wanted my children to be in the end. It has always been about my children, it was never about me. Is this the right thing to do? I don’t know. Who knows?

5. What would be your next goal?

- When the kids will have their own lives, I want to live by the beach. Wake up each morning with the sound of the waves and it will be about beautiful sunrise and sunsets, from then on. Becos from then on it will be about feeding my soul. Will I be with someone? I have no idea. Will I want to be with someone? Yes.

6. Has anyone of your friends, relatives ever told you what qualities they admire about you? What are they?

- They all like my candidness, my being funny and my being down to earth.

7. Can you share to us your philosophy in life and how this affected your success.

- Success? I don’t know what success is. I don’t even know if I am close to being successful. If you look at me from the outside I may look like a beautiful person, but I am not even half as beautiful as I am if you look at me from the inside. But for someone to say that about me, you have to know my story and my journey. I am full of scars, and I am beautiful becos I healed myself beautifully. And if you call that a success, then I guess I am.

8. Do you have any advice to get better and be more successful in whatever we are doing?

- the only thing I can say is, be yourself. Be good at being a good person. Strive to be happy and travel light.

Daily with you,

- Alpha

If you enjoyed reading this post, please share this to  your friends on FACEBOOK or DIGG. Thank you for continuing the cycle of inspiration, motivation and success!      

To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.

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