Biyahe book launch

 

See you on Nov 25 4pm Saturday at ROX BGC Taguig.  

You may also get a signed copy of the book & Biyahe tshirt HERE. 

New book BIYAHE

Released my 2nd book - Biyahe, Wandering the 7 Continents.

Get your signed copy now 😏 click this link 

The Lean Start-up (book by Eric Ries)

I got this book from my office boss as part of the organization's continued learning on Lean and Agile.  For some (fortunate) reason, perhaps because I was also reading two books - one was about starting a small business and another about living a 'Suitcase Entrepreneur'  lifestyle - I find the Lean book both interesting and paradigm-changing.

Doing projects for the past 20+ years mostly to either build solutions and applications or implement them in some business areas, it didn't occur to me that my past teams could have done it in a much leaner, agile, faster and cost-effective way.

But I guess why I particularly liked it is that,  as part of my early retirement advanced planning, I was toying the idea of starting my own business be it a farm, a tea-house, a coffee shop or an outdoor school.  And this book is gold and the acquired wisdom is an excellent addition to my decades of Project Management and product development experience.

So here's my top highlights for the book. 

1. Lean can win.  I've proven long ago that being lean can really drive efficiency and speed, remembering that era sometime in the late 90's where doing an SAP implementation for a business category in a manufacturing plant was only done by two people.  One was me!   

But reading the book revealed more than just having a lean team.  It's being lean in process, in product development scope, in budget among other things.  In recent times, I've seen teams do projects with large resource pool, budget and long time table.  Something that is known to be inefficient, costly and have caused delays in getting the ROI. 

2.  The Lean Movement is also about collective human progress.  This thought struck me. I wasn't expecting a sort of advocacy message but in the concluding chapter - Eric clearly shares a grand thought that if we can collectively reduce or eliminate human effort waste, in building useless products (that customer will not want), in executing projects or tasks that painfully take a long time, or wasting effort in useless process like vanity KPI reviews, product design and build that will not add value, among other things - the world will be so much more productive!

3. Fail small, fail fast, repeat 'til you get it right.  This is old but hard to reapply to big organization or at industrial scale. And we sometimes forget the power of iterations even in our own work.  I mean, who likes to report a 'failure', one would rather wait (for a long, long time) to 'perfect' a design or plan so 'everything will be successful' in the end.  Then if not, we can always blame someone or something, right?!  The cycle of build-measure-learn is a powerful tool for business product development, as well as for new entrepreneur that aims to produce new product be it tangible buy-from-grocery types, a less tangible service like maid-to-order house-cleaning, or smartphone apps. 

4. He/she who adapts the quickest, survives.  Or wins!  This is also old but how do you apply the principle in business?  The iterative cycle described above - when combined with market testing, will allow product teams to quickly adjust their plans.  Incremental and iterative cycle are keys to successful innovation.  Measure-learn is about understanding and validating what the market wants.  Will they buy this product? Will they use this app feature? Are they willing to subscribe and pay? 

5. Pivot - the power to decide whether to change or stop before a catastrophic defeat!  This is somewhat new for me.  To embed a pivot review in a development cycle compared to the traditional go/no-go gate review.  This is more deliberate especially as strategies are reassessed or redefined versus the vision that they support.  Of course this decision point will only work best if you are looking at the right metrics and something that merits another long discussion. As we said "data-based decision",  but finding the right set of KPIs (the 'data') would be crucial. 

So if this set of thoughts interests you, I really suggest reading the book end-to-end.  

Cheers!

What I've Learned: Project Possible book by Nimsdai Purja

 

At a bookstore in Thamel, Kathmandu (Apr 2022)

Recently (i.e. April 2022) went to Nepal for another Everest Base Camp trek, with my family this time.  A side objective was to find this book of "Nims" - as a consequence of watching his Netflix documentary of the same title.  I have climbed two (2)  8000m peaks in a span of 5 months, which to-date is still the (sad) record for Philippines in terms of most 8000m climbed by a Filipino. And with great surprise of the entire mountaineering world, Nims broke climbing records left and right and eventually did what he said was possible...  To climb all 14 (fourteen) 8000m peaks in the world in less than 7 months.  This is coming from a previous record of 7+ years. 

Truly, a great, superhuman accomplishment.   And so, what did I learn from reading this book?  Here's my top five.

1. Take big risks to experiment, explore - to find YOUR REAL TALENT!  What or where you are really good at.  Nims grew up in a poor neighborhood in Nepal where being a Gurkha was his first-found talent.  Then joined the British SBS special boat squadron (special force) as his 2nd-found (but related) talent. It was only after his vacation climb in Nepal and his first 8000m climb - where he discovered where he truly excels & in a niche kind of way.  That he was in fact, born to climb.  

What will you risk next? When will you take your next big risk?

2. When everyone (or most) doubts you, believe in yourself 10x more!  We don't need to validate ourselves or how good we are - with other people.  Envy and/or difference in passion or level of grasp of a vision - simply create this belief gap and will make people doubt you at the very least, or brand you as a lunatic.

Will you (again) back out when people say that you can't do it?  Or that it's a bad idea?  Do you often feel this need of validation?

3. Like what I learned in Lean and Agile development concepts (in my IT work) - proving the possibility or potential of a grand dream with small, bite-sized approach will (i) help you learn & adjust your plan,  (ii) and slowly attract believers and supporters.  Except that this 'bite-size' for Nims are actual climbs on big mountains. 

Do you find your goal too big?  Have you thought of breaking them into workable components? Have you first tried to 'pilot' something small to learn and be better for the next iteration round?

4. Designing your support structure - is as critical as your main attack plan!  Nims may have not accomplished all of his 'records' without the sacrifices of his Sherpa climbing team, and support from his wife and parents.  He loudly acknowledges this fact as show of gratitude and as part of his way to promote Nepal mountaineering community and its role in the global climbing arena. 

Who is in your team and what value or niche work do they provide?  Or do you feel you can do everything on your own?

5. Use success to build more success!.  An old fact similar to 'strike when the iron is hot' philosophy.  Even during Project Possible, Nims already started with his guiding company - and now seeing huge client growth, thanks to his now-wide and deep mountaineering experience and proven safety and success record.

How did you maximize your past successes?   How can you, if you haven't?

Poetry - Rocks & Mountains

 

When we're gone,
who will climb the mountains & say "Wow"?
Who will smile at the beautiful rocks, as we do now...

When we're gone,
Who will post their pictures on Instagram?
Who will feel joy to see their glam...

And after we're gone?
The mountains, the rocks - they simply live on.
No wows, no smiles, no likes & so on.

After we're gone -
the rocks, the mountains, they just don't care.
There - for eternity, with no one as heir.

<end>

Baybayin Script - A Poem

 

I just recently learned this old Filipino writing system called Baybayin.

During Spanish colonization of the Philippines,  and similar to other regions around the world - traditional language and writing systems were replaced by the colonizers' own language and ways.  And still common amongst 'conquistadores' or other European equivalent - documents were either burned or hidden to ensure that locals abide with the 'new ways of doing things'.

I saw a resurgence in Baybayin - perhaps deep-rooted sense of 'patriotism' or just plain interest in historical or cultural heritage. 

Baybayin has Brahmic origins and predominantly syllabic in style.  Being syllabic and phonetic - it suited very well with Filipino language.  More complex (non-Filipino) letter-sounds like 'J' or 'eN-ye', or even 'ch', 'f', 'z' have no exact equivalent and must be translated 'closest to how it sounds'.  Using it for language like English is a good test of creative skills, but feasible nonetheless. 

Here's my first contribution in promoting this writing system - written, to practice its flowing script art.  The good news is that - Google keyboard already included Baybayin for enthusiasts who wish to practice with their devices. 

If for anything else - it's FUN!  Like writing a secret code of sort. :)

***  

(context translation of the Poem in English, which of course will not offer the rhymes.)

Don't feel bad about the complexity of Baybayin.  Let's try it, and promote its growth.  It is a historical treasure.  That we as citizens, should all start to learn. 

The Battle of Teutoburg Forest and the Modern World

 

In the era of Augustus, after his predecessor – Julius Caesar successfully invaded and subdued the Gauls (mostly in modern-day France), the only logical northward expansion for the empire is to conquer the Germanic tribes!

But as fate would have it, the cunning and smart young German warrior Arminius fooled the Roman governor Varus into taking an unpleasant and unfavorable route in the heart of Germany.  With a violent and decisive ambush, 3 legions of the Roman Empire – 20,000 men – slaughtered in what would be one of the more critical battle of Roman history. That happened in 9 CE (/AD) and it marked the beginning of the end of Roman’s northern conquest.

It took Arminius an extravagant amount of time and effort to prepare for the eventual battle, risking his life visiting other tribes (that could simply decide to kill him depending on their mood or take), and play-acting with Varus as he visits the camp as a ‘friend’ giving the governor good ‘sound bytes’ about a future Roman-controlled Germany, or offering information on places or promising route in an otherwise God-forsaken terrain of the German woodlands.  His foresight of an eventual clash with the Romans equipped him to prepare way before – joining the Roman auxiliary army fighting non-German tribes, which not only earned him Roman citizenship (and trust) but gave him intimate lessons of the Roman way of battle.

*

2000 years later, long after the Romans, and then the Turks, the Mongols and European colonial powers set the world on fire, ransacking tribes, degrading societies and wiping-out long-established communities – the greed and thirst for new territories by powerful governments didn’t cease to exist.

The call for new Arminiuses became a necessary balancing need, difficult in the modern world where rich and militarily-strong governments constantly attack opponents or anyone who gets in their way.

The recent Belarusian skyjacking ordered by its President, to simply arrest a journalist is one example.  Putin’s constant aggression against Ukraine and active anti-opponent campaign which led to suspicion of a poison attack against his number one contender - Navalny.  Neighbors’ interest in failed states of Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan which for a time, parts of it at least – were conquered by ISIS.  Palestine’s issue on Israel’s settlement policy. Border clash between India, Pakistan and China. The never-ending threat of invasion on South Korea by their long-standing enemy to the north. Everyday clashes of fisherman and navies in the high seas in our oceans as far as the Southern Ocean. More importantly, China, who’s on track to become the world’s number one economic power in but a few years – seems to have multiple territorial expansion effort. In one book (‘The New Silk Roads’) – it proposed that Xi’s massive Belt and Road project could be a secret scheme to expand the country’s interest, trade and economic control, contradicting its advertised mutual benefit with partner nations.  It also includes a more overt physical aggression on territories like South China Sea which directly conflicts with Vietnam’s territorial interest and Philippines' UN-ruled right on EEZ.  Another is an on-going territorial dispute with Japan on northeastern sea. Then there’s always the ‘problem of Taiwan’ which for some decades now – behaved and existed as a country and now threatened with immediate war if they so decided to formalize it.  Like another Tibet waiting to happen.

The world is yet again on fire or about to! Combined greed and the game of ‘economic survival’ in a world of fast-dwindling natural resources and now exacerbated by a smart virus that threatens a long-period of instability or even economic collapse of some states – it seems that the dynamite’s wick has been ignited.

Where is Arminius?

Before he was of any significance, Arminius was but an ordinary tribe-man learning the world and minding his own life.  The opportunity to serve in the Roman army is but natural for any German adult in those days where laws do not exist, and fighting is a way of life (while today – joining a military is a big decision jump). It was a good way to earn ‘money’ – mostly by pillaging and looting beaten enemies.  But he was no mere barbarian.  He had a goal.  A dream.  A dream of a free Germany.  With a dream – it gave his life a direction.  He was purposeful. His dream and will preceded a plan.  A well-conceived plan preceded a successful execution.  What followed was but triumph and success.  If one was lucky at least – as he was.  The enemy was tricked, his forces miraculously listened to him – and followed his lead.  Enough to make the campaign a success – and remembered for thousands of years.

But how can we generate modern-day Arminius when we don’t brandish swords or resolve problems with a duel?!  Ah, perhaps we need to examine what the current warfare looks like.

The enemy - the world’s enemy surrounds us.  They are smart! Setting up little things or doing little invisible ‘attacks’ which are being used or could later be used as instruments of war – physical or not.  From the same book (New Silk Roads) and various internet write-ups, China as an example had started offering ridiculous loan arrangements to weak nations, some reaching 40 to 60% of the country’s GDP - and rumored to have bribed officials into accepting them. Never mind if the country defaults.  Like what happened to Sri Lanka.  Or other failing Central American states. Or small African territories like Djibouti.  “Unpayable loans as a weapon”.   Technology warfare is ever present as well.  Recent shutdown of pipeline in the US rumored to be from Russian hackers?  The world’s list of first-class hackers was reported to be coming from North Korea, Iran, China and Russia. It seems they are fighting an effective digital war and earned them millions in ransom or from proprietary materials – or millions in lost for the targeted enemy.

Economic model is also fast-changing.  No longer that countries try to even protect their assets and companies – as most silent business owners across the world are billionaires based in the Middle East, Russia or China.  Back to the Silk road-centric economy – as the book writer claimed.  Weak governments who were easily bribed changed policies to even allow 100% foreign ownership. Imagine basic utilities such as power, water or transportation.  These three alone are enough to control one country’s progress!  Enough to deliberately bring chaos!  Enough to fail a state!  And yet, weak and corrupt governments simply turn a blind eye. They can see – but the promised treasures shine more than so-called patriotism, loyalty or just being right.

Sometimes – the enemy is within. And it’s sometimes more difficult to fight when the enemy is inside. Beside you.  Or behind you. Already, we can see headlines of assassinated journalist, or anyone opposing government policy. Whether that’s in Belarus, Iran, Venezuela, Brazil, the Philippines, Russia, India or just about anywhere.

*

We – are Arminius.  Each one of us!  But without the spear and sword. 

Whatever poor and helpless country we belong to.

We could do small acts in helping the community.  Or doing small changes that favors the long-term.  Or learning the enemies’ tactics and not falling for it.  Or being active in government’s policy-making or an extra voice that influences it. 

But like the Germanic tribes then – unity is challenged the most.  There will be family members, friends and colleagues that would strongly disagree with your views.  Even start a conflict with you.  And sometimes – providing simple details of truth seems to evade their rationality.  Arminius experienced the same. Even had open conflict with one tribe who wanted to murder him.  But like our hero, we have to be patient, smart, focused and someone who never gives up.

It’s probably a long process.  It will take time.  And like Arminius, we have to learn the tricks.  Learn the enemy's ways.  It’s but a first step but without it, we’ll be blind - following pieces of bread, picking it up by piece - thinking it’s a good-enough reward for our reckless and mindless effort.   But what’s waiting could be a witch in an ugly house ready to put us in a giant cauldron.  To feast on us. To devour our country. Our culture.  Our people.

What we all do now, collectively - will dictate whether Varus will resurrect and wipe us all out.  It’s a choice.  It’s a choice that we make now.

Painting and Poetry - The Emerald Peak

 

Acrylic Painting: "Abstract Topography" 

(reference note: artwork is like a topography map, top-side is north)

I

I sailed through a rough sea; enduring the biggest waves that one could ever see;

Saw an island and landed on its shore, looked around wondering what was in store;

Then I started to walk towards south,  enduring thirst and a drying mouth;

II

Then to the west I saw a peak, hiked towards it wanting a peek;

Then suddenly I heard a thunderous ‘boom!’; I ran towards north, dodging rocks - escaping doom;

Exhausted but soon reached the far edge, then I rested safely on a ledge;

Then resumed and walked heading northwest, and suddenly found myself in a pretty forest;

Surprised – I found a big river, the cold refreshing bath gave me a shiver;

 III

Beyond it and past the tree line, a majestic emerald peak stands sublime;

Tackled its steep slope, the view filled me with hope;

And alas on the top I proudly stood,  to find beauty I say – explore we should;

For life’s blessings are not given free, face the danger and favor will come to thee.

Pandemic - Art and Poetry

"Noah at the Sea of Corona"

Related Poetry (re-posting from my Instagram)

I. "Follow the Light"

☀️

In a difficult journey, during a raging storm;

Beware of the danger, in all its form;

It's a battle for survival, on the way to the top;

A wrong step or turn, could mean a big drop!

👹

'Twas said - false leaders, they stumble & fall;

Their deputies - struggle & crawl;

The blind? They ignorantly follow,

Plunging into the dark abyss, everyone & all!

🔥

But the enlightened ones, they follow the Light;

Through a treacherous, merciless fight;

Painfully, they trudge on relentlessly;

Past the Kingdom's gate, they soon reached gleefully!

***   

II. (untitled)

Take it easy my friend,

Pandemic hasn't reach its end.

The party that you wish to "attend,

Opens the heaven where you'll soon ascend. 

(or, the hell where you'll descend).

The end.

*** 

III. (untitled)

Look away & be still - the big storm will soon pass,

Look down & reflect - see the beauty of life,

Look outside & hope - that brighter days will soon come,

Look up & pray - God is with us all the way...

*** 

IV. "The Curve"

The way to the Peak is tough & slow, just endure - one step at a time;

🌦

Beyond - is a downhill path, easier, fast but slippery;

🎿

As the steepness ends & the 'Curve Flattens' - Life brightens up with hopes & dreams...

☀️

***  

V. (untitled)

Wait out the big storm,

Wait out the outbreak,

It will pass & end,

Just stay in your tent.

***

Pandemic Lockdown - Surviving Isolation

Enduring a long stay in Everest Base camp (2006)

Some of our compatriots struggle daily in this difficult time, while some of us have the luxury of finding ways how to live a good life at home.  So let’s be thankful!

I’ve spent 2.5 months in the mountains for my Everest expedition, including +1month (on & off) at the remote and miserable base camp.  While not limited in the confines of a house or a building – it’s a life of isolation devoid of the usual urban luxury.  So how can one survive such a challenge? Let me share what I learned from the experience.

1.      Routine. To put order and system – build a routine & schedule for regular tasks. This will reduce stress of ‘randomness’ and helps one refocus from worrying to executing. That could include your daily tasks (cooking, eating, exercising, playing with kids, reading or watching), or those done weekly (grocery, drive-thru, bike to market, etc.)