Joel Santos, 32, is a co-founder and director of Thames, whose enrollment has gone up to over 500 students. Beneath his calm and quiet exterior lurk Joel’s excited thoughts on how to expand his business activities. With strong views against the corruption and poverty in the Philippines, our bachelor reveals the calming effects of his love for Vancouver and driving on the fast lane.
What words or phrases do you overuse?
Let’s do it. Any ideas?
What is your current state of mind?
Either we drastically changes now or we sink and live in a society known as "The country with lost potentials."
On what occasion do you lie?
When I don’t go to Mass.
What is your most fervent wish?
With so many negative things around us, the issues of poverty and corruption seem normal. I don’t want to reach the state where I am callous about poverty or corruption.
How do you relax?
Sometimes I drive very fast around Metro Manila listening to music at 3 a.m.
Where would you like to live?
Shuttle between Vancouver and Manila. Vancouver reminds me of how important it is to live a balanced life.
What film influenced your life?
Dead Poets Society.
Which hero of fiction can you most identify with?
John Keating, the teacher played by Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society, who looks beyond the methods of book-learning and encourages his students to follow their passions and think for themselves.
What is your greatest fear?
Being useless to society.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Being workaholic.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
We are such a political society in the Philippines. From Rotary Clubs to small student organizations, everybody wants to be the leader.
How do you start your day?
I tell myself before I sleep what time I need to wake up and my body clock responds... except when I am intoxicated the night before.
If you could be any historical character, who would you like to be?
Lincoln or Gandhi who were agents for change; hopefully, I wouldn’t have to die in the process.
Name a moment that brings back happy memories.
When I had chicken pox in high school. I was teaching in public schools and my students walked all the way to my house to visit me.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Peace of mind. I feel that there is so much for me to do that I don’t have that peace of mind now.
Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?
It’s been said in so many ways, "Live the moment."
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
When you don’t appreciate the people who love you the most.
What does your dad often say to you?
Don’t give up on people, especially the young.
What do you do most with your hands?
Touching my chin when I am thinking.