This year’s Black Friday was no different from those of the previous years and there’s a notable 3 percent increase over last year. Either people were looking for great bargains and in a way would like to help the economy, or it’s just a hard habit to break and it is more of an escape from the financial woes prevailing in all parts of the country.
In the Philippines, there is no Black Friday – but once October sets in, you will see a lot of bazaars, or what we call baratillo, from the word barat, which means stingy. A lot of entrepreneurs show up with their own counters of stalls selling all sort of items that would entice early Christmas shoppers. Most balikbayans would really notice how flexible their kababayans are when it comes to earning and surviving, through hard work and perseverance – or in Tagalog, sipag at tiyaga. These two words would always be the guiding principle of Sen. Manny Villar.
Manuel Bamba Villar, Jr. was born on December 13, 1949 in Moriones, Tondo, Manila. At the age of nine, he helped his family by selling fish and shrimp at the Divisoria Market. In that environment, Manny learned the ways of trade and how to deal with Chinese businessmen and vowed to be an entrepreneur someday. He graduated from the University of the Philippines, where he also obtained his master’s degree in Business Management and Accountancy, which paved his way to getting different jobs either as an accountant or a financial analyst in one of the major banks in the Philippines. Then, he used his hard earned money to purchase two reconditioned trucks to be used for his sand and gravel business in Las Pinas. He monitored and studied the housing market, and became one of the housing innovators in the Philippines.
In 1995, Manny Villar had a sweeping victory when he won an unprecedented number of votes as congressman. Eventually, his business acumen, gift of gab and personal charm paved the way to become Speaker of the House where he managed to achieve pioneering measures in legislation and economic reforms. His impressive track record drove his almost guaranteed post as a senator.
Needless to say, his initiative and tirelessness did not get unnoticed for as soon as the 3rd regular session of the 13th Congress started, he assumed the position as Senate President, the third highest government position in the Philippines.
In the October 2007 issue of Forbes Asia, Manny Villar ranked as the 5th richest Filipino. At this point, his humble beginnings would always remind him to share his blessing by promoting livelihood and productivity to his constituents and supporters.
Despite his massive achievements and accolades, Sen. Manny Villar was able to balance his political and family life. His loving wife, a politician herself, Congresswoman Cynthia Villar, confirms that their two sons, Paolo and Mark, and daughter Camille, manage to get a lion’s share of quality time with their hard-working dad.
Now a lot of Filipino supporters are looking forward to his presidential bid in 2010. And although he is not in any way resting on his laurels, Manny Villar takes it in a slow but very informed approach of steering his way in to the political psyche of his voters. He is armed with his sipag and tiyaga winning factor, but will these elements be enough to make him the next hope of the Philippines, a la Obama mode? This we’ll have to wait and see in the following months to come.
Aside from Sen. Villar, other personalities who are celebrating their birthdays this month are:
December 4 – Former Binibining Pilipinas-USA Sara Gabriana Atienza and former Club Royale Queen Aurora Sario
December 6 – Vice President for Operations and Promotions of Philippines Today Thelma L. Cruz
December 7 – Jewel manufacturer in San Francisco Josie Harris and medical assistant of Roco Medical Clinic Susan Gonzales
December 9 – Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim
December 10 – Senator Aquilino Pimentel
December 11 –Dr. Carmelo Lim Roco
December 12 - Successful Filipina businesswoman Upeng Abad
December 14 – Former Club Royale first lady Hermie Manansala
December 18 – Patio Filipino Restaurant co-owner Johann Yuzon
December 20 – Seton hospital volunteer Ditas Hahn and Bible Study reader Connie Gaspar
December 21 – Former Mrs. RP-USA International Marilen Bernardo and former Mrs. RP-USA World winner Christine Acha
December 23 – Cathedral Hill Hotel Banquet Manager Marc Garvida and successful Filipino businessman Manny Rufino
December 24 – Multi-awarded actress Lorna Tolentino
December 28 – LBC finance officer Fely Ruiz and Mrs. RP-USA Las Vegas Nina Alberto
December 29 – Wine importer from the Philippines Flora Enriquez
December 30 – Medical Director of Angeles Medical Clinic in Seton Medical Center Riza Solon
A merry happy birthday to all December celebrants!
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