It is two days before we close the year of 2023. Are we leaving the year with good memories? Happy memories? Successful memories? Sad memories? Loving memories?

It is a good practice to review the year past because we always learn valued lessons which can guide us to the future. We need to be good students of life. We should always learn from the past because only then shall we realize the full impact of its results. We are the choices we make and these choices determine how our future shapes up.

I recall a moving story of a young man whose attitude towards life is always positive. At the young age of 10, he decided that he would concentrate on learning to write well. So, he asked me to mentor him. I advised him that he should read one good book every week which I provided him. Books on leadership, books on overcoming adversity, books on happiness, books on successful people, etc. I asked him to submit to me a precis of the book content after each book. Then we would discuss its pros and cons. I could see him grow up with every book, as his responses to my questions are succinct, direct and noteworthy. He also loves asking questions which is a sign of curiosity and interest.

Today he has developed the habit of good reading. His vocabulary has expanded and he writes with ease and confidence. He is currently working on a novel which he eventually wants to publish. I shall help him achieve his dream because I know he will become a successful author when he grows up.

I love mentoring young people who have aspirations and who seek guidance to achieve their dreams. It is in this spirit that I am establishing a Center of Excellence for the Youth in my land located in Makati City. I am seeking support and cooperation from my friends whose expertise I need to fulfill the reality of my Center. I have now sought the help of my architect friend who will do an ocular with me this week so we can start the plans. I am praying that we can do the groundbreaking during the launch of my 47th book, titled Asian Heroes 2024, in May 2024.

What better way to honor the distinguished Asian men and women I am featuring in the book who continue to dedicate their lives to the pursuit of the true, the good and the beautiful through their inspiring work in their communities, hospitals, business establishments, corporations, government branches in the judiciary and finance and schools in and around Asia. 

The year 2024 is looking bright and I am so blessed to have many generous, kind, likeminded friends who share my dream for a better country through the upliftment of the youth with focused education.

I wish one and all a blessed New Year filled with love, hope, joy, discovery, laughter, good health and prosperity. Cheers!