Somos Hermanos (Part 3 of 3 parts)

Somos Hermanos
(We Are Brothers)
As we approach the threshold of the next chapters of our lives as mid-aged men, I began to think if time and distance have changed me and my only brother Guilberto. Once young farm boys who had been so identical in so many ways, I asked myself, is my brother still a copy of me or am I still a replica of him…?


After the New Year’s revelries, life went back to normal in our sleepy town, though kids were still talking about it, of how they loved their presents so much, of how they swore that they will never get their stuffed toys and dolls soiled, of how they wished it would be the same or even better come next Christmas. Hearing them say this inspired me to keep on doing this year after year. God willing, this would be my lifetime mission!

A few days left before returning to Manila, we made some revelations regarding our individual plans for the future. Brother said he is moving to the USA and try life in the Big Apple. He was preparing for some State Licensure Examinations in some US States. Just two weeks ago, he called to say that he got his ticket to practice his career in the State of California.

Hearing his plans, I realized, he’s not coming back in the near future to stay in the Philippines for good. He still wants to see the world. Though he’s been to so many places in Europe and a few in Africa, I believe his eyes are now focused in the Americas. He never losses his sense of wonder in travelling. “Ahh! Just like me. Just like me,” I thought.

I should say at present, we are heading towards opposite directions. While he is moving much further from our birthplace, I could see that my path is headed towards coming back to the farm where we grew up. Father is semi-retired now. Being the only son left in the country, it is just a matter of time that the burden of continuing the legacy of my great grand mother Engracia would be placed on my shoulder.

Just lately, I infused additional capital to modernize the farm equipment, taught my parents some smart techniques on procurement, leased long term and bought some more pieces of agricultural lands.

A day before our departure, he showed his collections of stamps, coins and paper currencies. Oh my! He is still into it. And he’s got rarer and more precious stuff too which could cost a fortune especially the gold coins he bought in an auction in London. In my case, it’s been years since I stopped doing that. I stopped not because I lost interest in it but because at the moment I don’t have extra time to focus my attention to it.

We shared our travel experiences, showed our travel photos, talked about his new found friends and mine too. Though I still haven’t met his new circle of friends, I do hope and pray that he is in good company.

One amusing revelation I learned is that we are both very much concerned of our looks. We both go to the gym trying to keep fit. We both love clothes and find pleasure in shopping. And the funny part is, we both keep our grey hair from coming out. But he likes to keep his hair long, while I still sport a clean-cut look.

Having changed his citizenship from Filipino to British, my brother in some ways had changed also. He now prefers European cuisine but never forgets the old Filipino delicacies. He can speak English with a very good British accent, likes to watch football games and adores David Beckham but dislikes Cristiano Ronaldo of the Manchester United for his antics. In my case I am seriously learning Spanish at Instituto Cervantes to resurrect the dead language of the family. I am bias to Spanish and Latino players like Iker, Cesc, Messi, and Ronaldinho but I like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Being single in our late 30’s, both of us are still not prepared to say goodbye to our freedom as bachelors. Though I am now engaged and wanting to have kids soon, Big Bro finds contentment in his two lovely Persian cats. He loves them.

Time and age may have changed us physically, foreign cultures may have influenced and changed our lifestyles a bit, money and practice of profession may have varying impacts on our perspectives in life but I would say these are superficial things which never changed the real persons in us. Old family values like love and care for parents and the constant desire to keep the family intact amidst all inequities are still alive and burning in our hearts. Distance may have separated us physically but the tie that binds us since we were kids is still strong. It is deeply anchored in our hearts, sealed with LOVE, for in the end LOVE will prevail.

Somos Hermanos ( Part 2 of 3 parts)

Somos Hermanos
(We Are Brothers)

As we approach the threshold of the next chapters of our lives as mid-aged men, I began to think if time and distance have changed me and my only brother Guilberto. Once young farm boys who had been so identical in so many ways, I asked myself, is my brother still a copy of me or am I still a replica of him…?

My brother’s homecoming decision was long overdue. Mom was happy but it seemed that the old man was happier. He had his two sons back at the farm where he raised them. The farm is his sanctuary. He can’t trade it for the world. He was educated in Manila courtesy of the US Armed Forces because grandfather was once a Captain who fought side by side with the Gringos against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. After the war my aunts migrated to the US. My father returned to our hometown and continued the century-old family sugar business, and raised his own family there. Lanie, my sister who is now based in New York wanted my parents to migrate to the US but was unsuccessful in convincing them.

And so when I and Guilberto went home in December, the festive mood was evident in the air. Mom’s old China resurfaced. Brother’s gold and silver plated spoons, forks and knives from Europe were once again inventoried and polished for the festivities. Goats and fowls slaughtered, lechon was prepared. Guilberto’s wine selections from Europe were poured but the old man and his peers preferred to have their old favourite whisky and beer.

Amidst all these, for me no amount of preparations could give me much thrill than being joyful and melancholic at the same time. The sweet smell of the grass, the music created by the wind-blown sugar cane leaves, the chirping of birds, the barking of dogs, the sight of endless greens, the presence of my family, all these brought back sweet memories of my childhood years. Indeed, there is no place like home.

Not only the whole family got excited as December 25 was nearing but also the two warring groups of kids from the nearby communities. One group is composed of sons and grandsons of sugar workers who had been working with our family dating back to the time of my great grand mother who started it all. They live in the place they call “minuro” or a small village. The other group is composed of the children living along the road, most of them are off-springs of migrant sugar workers from the neighbouring towns and provinces. They live in “pucatod” or a community in the higher grounds. These groups only get along well every Christmas and New Year during the annual fiesta I organize for them in our courtyard.

The kids already new that four jumbo boxes containing chocolates, candies, clothes and toys from UK arrived as early as November. News spread quickly that lots of surprises were in store for them. Then the day came. I myself was surprised! Big Bro wore a Santa suit through out the program. I laughed at the sight of a young Santa Claus!

When we were kids, brother and I were Santa believers. One December, he gave me Santa’s address. We mailed by post our letters containing our Christmas wishes. I asked for a toy train. It didn’t arrive.

New Year came. We led the lighting of fire crackers and fireworks with farm kids in the middle of the newly harvested and cleared sugar field. Everybody was happy! Laughters, claps and cheers echoed in the air as we welcomed 2008. It was a wonderful moment for me. This time there was a duo giving children and neighbours a holiday treat just like the old days, my brother and me.
(With part 3 of 3 parts)

Somos Hermanos (fotos)

Me and Big Bro in Disney Orlando

Guilberto and Sam

Me and Kay

Somos Hermanos (part 1 of 3 parts)

Somos Hermanos
(We Are Brothers)

As we approach the threshold of the next chapters of our lives as mid-aged men, I began to think if time and distance have changed me and my only brother Guilberto. Once young farm boys who had been so identical in so many ways, I asked myself, is my brother still a copy of me or am I still a replica of him…?


Christmas and New Year of 2007 came not as a usual holiday celebration for our family. It was special because for the first time in so many years, the whole family was almost complete save for my New York based sister. In my case, I already stopped counting the years if how many Christmases and New Year’s Eves had past that every family member was present. To be more accurate is to say that it has been decades, way back when all of my siblings were still single.

For me it was a special Christmas and a year-ender family gathering because once more, I was together with my only brother. And so when he called in November to say that he’s coming home on December, I said to myself, “Wow! After living in London for more than six years, finally, Big Bro is back!” I miss him a lot.

My brother had been a great part of my growing-up years, especially my childhood days. We grew up in the farm, went to grade school together until that day came when my parents decided to send him together with my other sister in Iloilo under the care of my grandmother where they would finish their High School.

It was a sad moment the day he and my sister left. Suddenly, I was all alone in the farm. Back then, our eldest sister was already studying Engineering in a Catholic University in Bacolod City while the second to the eldest married at a very young age. She was then fourteen going fifteen. That day, I lost a playmate, a tutor, a confidant, a rival and an enemy sometimes.

My mother used to tell me that my father won’t stop impregnating her until she delivers a son. “Almost every year, I got pregnant.” She said. When the fourth child came, my father was ecstatic! He finally got a son, his junior. But then, he decided to make another child because he said, his junior needed a brother to grow-up with. He was pretty sure it was going to be another baby boy. I would say he had a gift of Nostradamus. He was right. And there was I the following year. That was my story, my purpose of having been brought into this world, to be my only brother’s buddy.

I grew up with him a la “follow the leader” way. Of course he would always turn out to be the leader! But it was not a dictatorial kind of a leader-follower relationship. I followed thinking that it was the right thing to do. At a very young age, I needed a guide and Big Bro proved his worth.

We were like twins when we were kids except for some minor differences. I got a brunette curlier hair like the Sto. Nino they say while his was dark and wavy. When we were being compared, people would say he is cuter. I got no problem with that. At least people find me cute. Cheers!

When I was about five or six, one time my uncle brought home two pairs of boxing gloves. Father taught us to box. He loves the sport. My brother did not develop interest in it, and so I thought, ‘twas a bloody non-interesting kind of sport also. So his two sons never developed a career in boxing.

We climbed trees together, went fishing and swimming in the river, searched for bird’s nest, played and collected spiders kept and played dogs, cats and all domesticated farm animals like goats, ducks and water buffalos. We were playmates. We were inseparable. Growing up with him was like replicating him.

When he was in his first grade, suddenly, I wanted to go to school too. I wanted to be with him all the time. So one morning, I was unstoppable. I dressed up and went to school with him. When we were about to enter his classroom, his teacher refused me. She didn’t allow me in. Witch. I told myself.

So I had to console myself of waiting him home after school. He would bring along flash cards and he would teach me how to read, write and spell. He would also tell me stories about school, his classmates and friends. Those stories furthered my interest to be in the school soonest. One day he told me, he could take me to his school’s Christmas Party. I was so happy! I remembered the day before the party; I prepared my best bib and tucker for that school event. I enjoyed a lot!

And so when we were separated, it was hell of an adjustment for me. At first, I was lost, but slowly I started to develop my own identity. We exchanged letters by post. No emails during those days. So it would take a month to hear from him. When I was in High School, he introduced me to the world of Philately, collecting coins and paper currencies. That opened my eyes to the bigger world out there. It amazed me keeping stamps, coins and paper monies from different countries. I would always imagine how in the world they reached my hometown. There must be some interesting travel stories for these collectibles. That opened my fancy for travel. I vowed to myself, “I will visit these countries. I swear.”

As I was beginning to turn to an adult, Big Bro’s absence made me realize my own identity. But I saw his shadows all the time. After High School in Iloilo, he went back to Bacolod City to study Engineering then shifted to Nursing. On the other hand, I went to Iloilo for my Business Administration Degree. While in college, I busied myself every summer working to have extra money for the incoming school opening. Summers then were not the same as before. We were both pre-occupied with summer classes or summer jobs.

After graduation, we were reunited in Manila where we practiced our professions. We spent a couple of years together. He was a nurse working as a medical representative in a multinational drug firm. I was then a Junior Auditor of Price Waterhouse. We had joint night-outs with my friends and his. We frequented the once Studebaker where we strutted our cool moves. We were addicted to disco dancing. We were always present at the bar, rain or shine, even if Pasong Tamo St. where we pass was flooded.

Then we realized, we were turning to mature adults, racing against time to make good money, trying hard to become rich sooner if not soonest. We now had our own circle of friends and a couple of different interests. I busied myself with work and girlfriends. He busied himself selling fertility drugs and antibiotics. Then one day, he finally got tired of selling and said, “I wanted to see the world and earn big money abroad.” So he flew to Taiwan, then to the United Kingdom to practice his nursing career. Finally!

I was left behind in Manila determined to build a business empire.
(With parts 2 and 3 of 3 parts.)

A Trip Down Memory Lane

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Sixteen years after graduation, I returned to my college to deliver a welcome address to the Freshmen. As I entered the University campus with my close friend Benmar, I was like transported back to time. Memories of the good old days in college flooded my thoughts. Yeah, sweet memories of my college days, I will always remember them….

“ A BSBA Accounting graduate in ’92, Villegas has an interesting story to tell. It is interesting because it is always fascinating to listen to a success story. Addressing the freshers, he unfolded what he called his simple life story, peppered with humor and emotions, and delivered as probably one of the most candid and most sincere Opening Exercises messages. “ (UPViews, Iloilo City, 2005)

“…….and to the University of the Philippines FRESHMEN of 2005 –

WELCOME TO YOUR FUTURE”


Fortune favors the bold….and your future is almost certain freshmen, as you have made the right choice in picking up the cudgels and taking that tricky UPCAT.

Now, you are part of the prestigious University of Philippines. You are the BOLD who braved the UPCAT and passed – and – fortune favors you!

Freshmen, greenhorns, neophytes – these are the buzz words that you would be hearing. These are words synonymous to “kid” or “child”. You are a kid at this point – you are at the threshold of your future….you are about to embark on a journey of higher learning, a journey of discoveries, a journey of realization of what you want to become when you “really grow up”.

For some- college can also be a rude awakening. Why is that? – you could discover that the course that you have always been sure of is really not your vocation. I had a friend who diligently studied, took up dentistry in college, took the board exam, passed the board exam, pulled out a couple of my teeth – then tossed her dental instruments and she traded them for… who can guess what she became after here awakening? I have five hundred pesos for the person who can guess? Any takers? My friend turned to cooking – she is now the Chef de Partie of a five star hotel in Ortigas in Pasig City.

Her rude realization is that she wasted hundreds of thousands of pesos in college thinking that she was preparing herself to do what she wants PULL OUT TEETH- but alas! From dental practice – she moved to the FOOD INDUSTRY – glorious food! Cakes, pastries, steaks – name every yummy delight and she churns them in her kitchen. Imagine the 180 degrees turn around. Ironic isn’t it? But that is life – that can be yours too…. If you could afford to throw hundreds of thousands of pesos. Why not!?

My name is Greg M. Villegas and sixteen years ago – I sat right there –where you are now……

Sixteen years ago, after finishing high school, I dreamed of getting into a good college. Good Education doesn’t come cheap and by golly, Greg M. Villegas’ resources are no where in the “well off” bracket too. So I thought that the only chance I had at getting good education is to get to the University of the Philippines. And so I took the UPCAT test, at least I had a shot at that coveted GOOD Education. My problem now is my “pang-japorms” in college. I thought to myself that a few decent couture, a pair of shoes, and a couple of pants would give me the much needed POGI POINTS with the professors. So to earn, I worked as a counter sales clerk in a department store in Bacolod. After two months in that sweatshop, my epiphany came- UP wrote to say that I passed the UPCAT- I thought to myself - Thank God so now I can go shopping with the money I earned – just kidding.

I was really thankful to God I did not only pass UPCAT but I was also qualified to apply for the UP Grant-in-Aid Program. I applied for the financial assistance offered and my application was granted. I then enrolled in a BSBA Accounting Degree Program. That is the course that leads you up to that CPA title.

I recall in my first few months, as a Freshman in this University, I experienced loneliness, fears, doubts, etc. I had almost given up. I just wanted then to go back to my family, my comfort zone. I doubted my ability to finish my chosen degree program in this University where academic excellence is the first rule of the day everyday. Yet, I realized that the opportunity that the University gave me to change my life is just once in a lifetime. I decided not to waste that opportunity. I took a shot and gave my all. I knew then that FORTUNE FAVORS those who do not give up.

I survived my first year. I even performed a lot better than I thought. Since then, I maintained a more positive outlook in life. I trusted myself and kept a fierce determination to finish my Degree Program. I studied harder and burned my midnight candle. I diligently submitted all my assignments, finished my researches on time, and kept my self away from bad company and activities.

It was an uphill climb for a self supporting student like me. Though I received financial assistance from the University, the allowance barely covered my day to day expenses especially on food, clothing and school projects. So I worked as a student assistant at the Secretary’s Office of the College of Management to make ends meet. It was not easy working and studying at the same time but it’s one of the best choices I have made in my life. Earning and learning at the same time.

Every summer, I prepared for the incoming school year’s expenses by taking on summer jobs. I tried the Department of Labor in Bacolod for its Summer Work Appreciation Program. They sent me to the Sales Office of Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. in Bacolod where I do clerical and messengerial tasks and other odd jobs. I made good money during those short stints. But the most priceless of all was the wealth of experiences I gained from the mentors I had from this institution.

Four years later, I was singing Barry Manilow’s song, I Made It Through the Rain. I felt I was the king of the world at that time! Yes, I was so terribly happy because I earned my ticket to a better life, my UP diploma.

After my graduation in 1992, I went to Manila to review for the CPA Licensure Examination. With high hopes, I wanted to be one of the top examinees and make a name for myself. I reviewed very hard. When the result of the first Pre-Board Exam at the CPA Review School of the Philippines in Manila was released, I belonged to the top 20 and ranked No.1 in Western Visayas. That inspired me to double my efforts for the actual board exam.

However, not all that we pursue in life is given to us in a silver platter. Trials come along the way. They say, the best kind of diamond is made through intense heat and pressure. I met an accident while I was preparing for the board exam. I was not able to finish my six-month review course. I broke my right arm and I was hospitalized twice. The doctor had to plaster cast my right arm. I was discharged at the hospital two months after, weak and unable to write normally because the cast almost prevented me from writing. The fighter in me kept me from quitting. With only barely a month to go before the actual licensure test, I went back to my study area and started reading my review materials again. I did not quit. I took the test and made it….. though I did not land in the top 20. Still, I was happy and thankful to the Lord, who always hear my prayers.

Perhaps you now have the same feelings I had when I was a Freshman in 1988. You wonder and ponder on the thought “Gosh, will I make it through college, will I be successful in my endeavors?” The answer lies in you: resistance to failure, determination to learn, humility and faith in your abilities. These are the keys to your success. Master all these and the answer to your questions is a resounding YES. The future lies in your hands. Chart your SUCCESS.

SUCCES is a hard, bumpy, dusty, and uphill road you will tread. Have the grit for battle!

But FRESHMEN, there are pitfalls in your way to achieving your dreams. Do not be arrogant. Do not be so full of yourself. Honor and learn from the people around you – they have seen a world that you have not. Learn from their experiences, because you are blessed to be able to avoid their mistakes. Seek assistance from Him up there. Remember that the good Lord helps those who help themselves.

Twelve years after graduation, armed with a UP diploma and a CPA license, I pursued my career in the Central Business District of Makati moving from one company to another, trying on different hats, finding my true place in the corporate world. I opened myself to more EDUCATION……college provided my rock solid foundation but my experiences in the real corporate world polished my skills.

Be open freshmen- embrace every opportunity that presents itself to you. Learn, learn and learn more!

Sixteen years after my freshman orientation- I find myself in front of another freshman orientation. I was asked to inspire you with my small story.

I know that I owe this university- UP, my professors, the whole academe, and the wild corporate world a great deal. With them my struggles were a cinch and the Lord who is our shepherd rewarded me. I now run my own company. I also practice my profession in Audit, Tax, Business Advisory and Consultancy Services. ….I am happy, fulfilled, contented…..and forever grateful to this institution, for helping me change my destiny, for helping me realize my full potentials…from an honest sales clerk to a successful entrepreneur and a business executive. I am just Greg M. Villegas, CPA and entrepreneur – you, my dear freshmen have a whole life ahead to do better - Do your best and God will do the rest.

Strike a balance in your student life. It’s not all studies, exams and researches here. Enhance your leadership skills by joining the student council or other worthwhile and university sanctioned organizations. If you have the talent in acting, you may join the theater and arts guild. If you are a sports-minded person, you can join a sports team and represent your college during the university sports activities. If you have talent in journalism, write your thoughts in your college publication. Join the UP debating team or quiz team. On December, before going home for the holiday break, join the UP lantern parade. There are a thousand and one possibilities for you to enjoy your entire stay at UP. Be involved! Socialize – do your business networking as early as now and you will reap these when you enter the corporate world. Cultivate your talents- speak! Be heard!

Avail of the student counseling service given by the University guidance counselor. I remember during my college days, I was a regular visitor of Mrs. Salgado of the Office of Student Personnel Services (OSPS) for counseling. Her kind and inspiring words were my light during my darkest moments in the University and sometimes, even up to now.

And when you finish your studies here, remember that you are an Iskolar ng Bayan. Don’t forget that you have a responsibility to the community and to this country. I remember, during our commencement exercises in 1992, our guest speaker, Ms. Haydee Yorac once said, “Mga Iskolar ng Bayan, tandaan ang inyong katungkulan sa bayan”. I agree with her.

Philippines needs you. After you make yourself financially stable in the future, give something back to the community in any form. It can be in a form of an honest public service, or by just paying the right taxes or by creating jobs and livelihood in your community. You may also give scholarships to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Don’t just be opportunity seekers. Create opportunities for you and for other people.

I did not finish my UP education with flying colors. I did not top the CPA board exam. I consider my self as an ordinary UP student with an extra-ordinary determination. I was bold enough to dream and achieve and Fortune favored me. I hope that my hard work and perseverance, and the trials that I hurdled just to be where I am now will serve as an inspiration to all of you.

Good luck and Welcome to UP.

At sa mga Iskolar ng Bayan, may the Passion of the University be with you!

See You in Chicago (Part 3 of 3 parts)

See You in Chicago
(Part 3 of 3 parts)
For a decade, Chicago has been a good host to my business partners and friends…




Reunion with Friends in Chicago

I didn’t expect that in the Summer of 2003, exactly 15 years after singing our “farewell, goodbye, adieu …” song in High School, I will be reunited with Gerimel, Rey and Marjorie in Chicago.

Back then, Gerimel and Rey were all single and were sharing an apartment, while Marjorie was already married and was living with a Jewish guy. Gerimel was already engaged that time to a girl from Cebu. Rey I suppose, had no time for love because it seemed to me that he was so busy trying to become rich if not richer sooner.

On my most recent visit in 2007, Marjorie has already become a mommy with a lovely white daughter named Parin. Gerimel and Rey had given up their apartment because they both now have their own places to stay.

Gerimel chose to live outside Chicago because he wanted it peace and quiet once home, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Ray and I drove to his place. It was more than an hour's drive past wheat fields and a golf course. He lives in the suburbs, an ideal place for him to raise a family. I should say that he is a lucky guy. He has a grand, well-appointed house. I can't help but imagine how much time his wife spent filling the house with appropriate and lovely furniture, frames and art pieces. Gerimel is now a daddy. I can see the contentment in his face, especially now that he has a beautiful child to raise. Congratulations my friend!

Meanwhile, I could claim that Rey and I share a lot of things in common. For one thing, he likes living in the city to being near with the hospital where he works and with the city’s attractions. Another, he is still single and a workaholic. He reports at St. Joseph Hospital at the ICU/CCU unit, which is just a few minute drive from downtown Chicago. He never wastes his time for time is indeed gold. In his days-off, he works part-time in some health agencies.

No wonder, he’s now got a 1500sq ft pad in North Rockwell, built a two-storey 5 bedroom house for his parents in the Philippines, drives a silver Pioneer Exterra and is currently amortizing a two-storey commercial building in the city.

Rey is a good son and a very good friend. He’s been living a selfless life, supporting his family and helping some friends. He just laments on how people close to him could abuse his goodness. He complains, to date, two or three persons owe him a total of USD80,000 with no assurance or guaranty that he will ever get paid as some of them have already left or have since then made themselves scarce.

In his flat, I saw a big Balik-Bayan box full to the brim of canned goods, clothing, oversized shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, vitamins, bars of soap and other household necessities, being readied for ship-out to Manila.

He makes it a point to have a day-off when I visit him and the rest in Chicago, so he could drive me around and take me to interesting places or dine in cool restos. Though in one occasion, I have to stay for over two hours in his office in a healthcare company where he works part time as he can not go on leave. One time, he took me to a lawn tennis court where I met his Filipino friend working as a Physical Therapist. We had a lengthy discussion on the pros and cons of working outside the Philippines, bottom line I guess is, “ the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.”

But I already made a resolution years ago, that I would never leave Manila and work abroad as long as my business is doing good. Home is where the heart is. My heart is in Manila. Amen!

Looking back 20 years ago, my and Rey’s life was not that easy. We were not born privileged. It was a continuous uphill climb to success for both of us. His success is an inspiration to me.

I only maintain a handful of friends. Chicago will always be my destination once I’m in North America for people like Gerimel, Rey and Marjorie make my stop-over worthwhile. They are my good friends. They are the kind of friends worth keeping.

So when we sometimes see each other in cyberia, I would always say to them, “See you in Chicago.”

(Part 3 of 3 parts)

See You in Chicago (Part 2 of 3 parts)

(Part 2 of 3 parts)
For a decade, Chicago has been a good host to my business partners and friends…

Discovering Chicago

Chicago is a huge city. My three short visits proved inadequate for me to see all the places I wanted to see. Up to now, I still long to return there, enjoy it’s cuisine, watch a game at Wrigley Field, watch Oprah Show, etc. things, that I haven’t tried doing yet during those past visits.


The Wrigley Building

An organized bus tour could be a wise option to see the city’s architecture and skyscrapers, museums and other interesting places in four hours. Some of the world’s tallest buildings like the Sears Tower and the Hancock Center dominate its skyline. But the one that has forever left an impression on my mind every time I think of Chicago is the Wrigley Building, the headquarters of my favourite chewing gum.

If it’s a woman, to me, she’s a goddess. Built in 1920, the building has a well- proportioned architecture with sparkling white terra-cotta cladding. I like it because of its Hispanic touch. It was patterned after the Giralda Tower of the Cathedral of Seville, Spain. This Gothic cathedral was built in the 15th and 16th century on the grounds of the former major Arab mosque. It takes pride of being the largest place of worship in Spain, and the third largest cathedral in the Christian world.

Meanwhile, the Giralda Tower was the minaret of the 12th century Moslem mosque. A minaret is generally a tall spire with onion-shaped crown, usually either free standing or much taller than any surrounding support structure.

The Wrigley Building is such an architectural marvel especially at night when it is flooded with lights.


Navy Pier and Lake Michigan

Chicago boasts of its largest freshwater lake in the US and the fifth in the world, the Lake Michigan . The lake’s shoreline is approximately 500 kms. with a pier constructed in 1916, named the Navy Pier.

With my business partner, we took a one-hour Lake Michigan cruise. On board the ferry, my eyes feasted on the magnificent skyline of Chicago viewed from a distance. It was such a lovely sight, with skyscrapers, clear blue sky and white clouds on the background. Not so far away from our boat was the sight of the lake, its shoreline with people unmindful of their activities. I thought, there could be no better place for me that day save for that seat at the deck of the boat, enjoying the scenery with cool winds blowing.

After the cruise, we were joined by Rey at the port. He was my High School buddy. He works as a nurse in Chicago for over a decade, together with my other classmates Gerimel, and Marjorie. The three of us spent hours walking along the shore, passing by joggers, lovers , families and dog walkers, while enjoying the good weather and the fresh air. It was such a fine afternoon walk along the lake shore.


Casinos

After our business meeting, shopping and museum visit, Marjorie took us to a Mediterranean restaurant. We had a good meal. After dinner, she revealed her great plan for the night, to play slot machines in the nearby casinos.

Playing slots is Rey’s and Marjorie’s stress buster. I should say, Marjorie is a high roller in her own right. No table games please, only machines. She’s got VIP cards and invitations from these gaming institutions, sometimes, she receives free buffet meals and accommodations too. Though I should say her stress buster activity caught up with her over time. She said, she asked her husband to instruct Harrah’s to ban her from entering the casino.

Past Harrah’s East Chicago, they took us to a Casino in the nearby state of Indiana. Inside, we started cranking our machines, hoping that we can bring home the jackpot. While losing almost a hundred dollars of my pocket money, I heard an unusual sound of Leo’s machine. Seeing his machine’s overhead light flashing, my heart beat so fast. “Could it be the jackpot?” I asked myself.

Then he started shouting and clapping. Yes he won a jackpot! I trembled at the thought of the jackpot! However, it was my calming moment when I learned that he only won a minor jackpot prize of USD800 net of tax. “Beginner’s luck.” my friends told him. But whatever it was, it surely made my colleague’s wallet fatter that night because after cashing-out his winnings, he stopped. I swear, I turned green in envy that night. Good enough, Leo returned my USD100. Thank you!

(with part 3, last part)

See You in Chicago (Part 1 of 3 parts)

See You in Chicago
(Part 1 of 3 parts)
For a decade, Chicago has been a good host to my business partners and friends…

For me, every visit to the US, should mean a stop-over to Chicago to pay a courtesy call to my principal and be reunited with good old friends in High School. Chicago is home to my shipping principal, headquarters to some of my customers’ suppliers and a residence and a workplace to my nurses friends.


Doing My Thing in Chicago

Chicago is the largest City of State of Illinois and the third most populous cities in the United States. It is served by two major international airports, Chicago Midway International Airport and O'Hare International Airport. The latter is the world's second busiest in terms of passengers. The city is also home to the internationally recognized Chicago 'L' system of heavy rail rapid transit, a part of its past grandeur of being once the capital of the railroad industry.

I had been working with a Chicago based principal for almost a decade. Debbie, my polish Cargo Queen has been doing a very good job picking, packing and shipping my freight. I enjoy working with her. She is incomparable.

O’ Hare International Airport has been my and Debbie’s mute witness to a decade of good business relationship. We airfreight tons of kitchen and restaurant equipment of US brands from Chicago and nearby states for the booming fast food and restaurant industry in Manila. Likewise, movements of golf course equipment parts and irrigation materials for the Philippines fast growing golf course industry has kept us busy for 10 good years and counting.

Chicago’s Railway System has also seen our hard work of moving containers of industrial, commercial and household equipment, chemicals and food stuff, irrigation and golf course materials and equipment, golf cars, etc. These cargoes are all laden in regular dry container vans or out-of-gauge open-top containers. Then ,these vans go to Ramp Chicago, hauled by the train to the port of Los Angeles, the final port of loading for the containers’ voyage to Manila.

Debbie is a real Cargo Queen. The first time I saw her, she was wearing a pair of faded denim. She said, “I went to the warehouse and checked the goods for ship-out so I’m in my warehouse working clothes.” The last time I visited her office, she was wearing a pair of cargo shorts. Cool! No more explanations from her this time.

And oh just like a real monarch, she’s got talent too! She was once a member of a band. She used to travel with her band in the 70’s across America in her younger years but she said, “America didn’t want us to become famous, so I ended up in a cargo business.” Last year, I learned that she’s reunited with her band and they perform in some of Chicago’s bars at night after office hours. She sings and she plays the guitar too.

I haven’t seen the musical artist side of her. I hope in one of my future visits I can listen to her craft.

I love what you’re doing. Keep it up your majesty!