2011: Another great year

As we look back at the year 2010, one cannot complain. It was a great year for those who participated in the Philippine economy, either as an entrepreneur or as an investor in the stock market or property market or those who kept their money in peso. In doing so, by investing in Philippine issued debt instruments or managed funds by reliable institutions, many enjoyed the fantastic returns.

The year 2010 saw the Philippines improve its image, with a peaceful and credible election, from the PGMA administration to the P-Noy administration. We now have a new style of leadership, with P-Noy’s simplicity and push for greater transparency and good governance. The awareness on the Philippines went higher, as Pacman’s victory in boxing showed Filipinos’ excellence in attitude and skills, passion and persistence. Charice’s Glee stint and Miss Universe Runner-Up Venus Raj’s “Major Major” all turned positive for us. The barometer on confidence, I am sure, hit an all time high, as we now see more optimists that pessimists. The perennial pessimists sadly did not benefit from any of these gains.

Even our Go Negosyo advocacy gained the participation of many companies in sponsoring initiatives to promote entrepreneurship. We have been pushing for greater awareness on the need to have a mindset change, and learn about the basics in entrepreneurship as our way to fight poverty. It is a model seen to succeed in America and many Asian countries. Our books continue to be bestsellers. Pinoys indeed want to become negosyantes.

During AFFI and PFA events that promote franchising, the organizers receive a record number of inquiries. Even our BPI Family Bank partner, who launched the “Ka-Negosyo Business Loans”, saw Filipinos’ greater interest on Ka-Negosyo. PLDT SME Nation, who launched the “Bossing” campaign, was stunned by Filipinos’ level of interest about negosyo and how PLDT services can help. Same thing with Smart especially as we recently launched our joint project to search for the ‘Makabagong Negosyante ng Bayan”.

Well, 2010 for me is the turning point for the Philippines. During the PGMA regime, there were good and bad things. P-Noy should continue with the good things and add more to it, as 2011 will be a much better year because the world has become more optimistic about the progress of America.

We should count our blessings and be grateful that we are still around and healthy; that we have a loving family; and that our relationship with our creator continues to grow. Sometimes, we forget these blessings. We just focus on our material blessings. In the end, it is about what makes us happy. Our real blessing is our happiness in life.

Let me share with you entrepreneurs’ wishes for this New Year. This is a continuation of my Jan. 3 Tagumpay column.

I wish that every Filipino will have a conscious effort to be honest, responsible and peace-loving citizens of our country for a better 2011. –FOLDED & HUNG PRESIDENT RONALD PINEDA

My wish is family & health. These are the two things we sacrifice in our younger years to build wealth. But as we grow old, we use all our wealth to preserve, or for some regain, both our family & our health. With family and health, our life is enjoyable and meaningful especially this Christmas season. –ENTREPRENEURS SCHOOL OF ASIA DEAN PAX LAPID

For all the blessings I have received, may the Good Lord qualify me to be a blessing to others, in all humility and unbridled passion. –HR CONSULTANT AND SELF-HELP GURU PING SOTTO

My wish is to continue sharing in my own little way some blessings I received and sharing it with as many people as possible. –SPLASH PRESIDENT DR. ROLAND HORTALEZA

I wish that our leaders will be guided in bringing in economic prosperity for business and improved quality of life for the Filipinos; for continued good health for me and my family; and that there be economic progress in the regional & rural areas. – DTI UNDERSECRETARY MERLY CRUZ

I am hoping that the government and our fellow businessmen can maximize their efforts regarding cheap loan that can be availed from our banks at lowest rates ever. –EVER BILENA PRESIDENT DIOCELDO SY

I’m hoping social enterprises will continue to grow and flourish in the Philippines, while other countries take notice of the successes of the current crop of social enterprises here. For Hapinoy, we have a goal of expanding from 160 communities to 400 communities — this means more hard work, blood and sweat. –MICROVENTURES PRESIDENT BAM AQUINO

To be able to give out more bibles for the country, so that we will have more God-fearing government officials. –THE GENERICS PHARMACY PRESIDENT BENJAMIN LIUSON

My wish is that we Filipinos love our country more by being involved in nation-building activities, such as creating businesses and advocacies that will improve the lives of the poor by giving jobs and livelihood. –FOOD ASIA PRESIDENT RICHARD SANZ

I wish for our countrymen to excel more in whatever they do and to have a better quality of life in every way. –AQUABEST COO NEIL DELGADO

I wish our business will continue to grow next year. For our country, I wish the optimism of the people in having a new government in place will translate to positive effect on the economy. And in turn, this will boost investors’ confidence for our country. –PR GAZ HAUS COO SIU PING PAR

Sharing my testimony and the love and goodness of God that brings hope and inspiration are my way of sharing my blessing to others. God sends many angels that help and guide — angels that gave me hope and inspiration. My wishes are to share, to help, and to be an angel more people. –EHJE’S OWNER JENNILYN ANTONIO

I pray that my mom will be healed from breast cancer. She’s still undergoing therapy. May we continue to be strong as a family. I pray for good health and good life. –CELEBRITY MOMPRENEUR GLADYS REYES

I wish for Filipinos, who are given the chance, to prove to be good stewards of the power and grace given to them. I wish for myself a job that will allow me to do most of my work at home so I don’t have to worry about bringing myself daily to the office –FORMER ISABELA GOVERNOR GRACE PADACA

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Contact me: [email protected] or Joey Concepcion Facebook account. Visit net/www.gonegosyo.net. Watch the top rating GO NEGOSYO: Kaya Mo! In QTV, Saturday and Sunday 8 to 8:30 a.m., with replays in NBN every Tuesday 8 to 9 p.m. Get daily Go Negosyo Text Tips in your mobile phone by sending GONEGO to 2910.