Not all great stories of success started with grand beginnings. Most of them started with challenges, problems and dilemmas, and had to go through a long and continuous process of searching for solutions and answers.

Just like Jonathan Yabut who I met last week at the Go Negosyo BEST Program. He was proud to share that he came from humble beginnings. He had a desire to have a better life, to prove to others what he could do and to show the potential of Filipinos in business. This man is a walking passion and grit. Like what he had shared, he knew how to play smart and strategize. He also knew that preparation is the key to success. He wanted it so bad, and now he has it, first by winning the first The Apprentice Asia, followed by other achievements, including a published book.

World renowned creative designer Kenneth Cobonpue also inspired the crowd with all his works and how he started with a strong passion for arts and design and merely finding beauty in anything he sees. His creations have been extraordinary, inspired by ordinary things. His designs are unique, bold, but functional with a good Filipino touch, a tasteful blend of culture and craftsmanship, using abundant local materials.

Borrowing a line from Jonathan Yabut, “You can never be too small to dream big.” This must be every dreamer’s mantra. The world is big and one must conquer it. But you have to be like them who have put their dreams into action in order to become achievers.

Speaking of achievers, during our CEO Forum in the Go Negosyo BEST Program, we also had successful CEOs with us like Aurelio Montinola, Sandy Romualdez and Johnlu Koa. These inspiring leaders are now serving as very good role models for the youth.

Wash Sycip and my father, Joecon, still continue to contribute to the country’s success today. In photo : Jose Antonio, Wash Sycip, Jose Concepcion Jr., and Ferdinand Maranon.

Johnlu, the man behind French Baker, grabbed the opportunity in the ’80s to start French-inspired baked goods. He prepared well for that, as he studied first the art and science of French baking. He is passionate in his craft and attends to very detail of the business: from the designs of the store to the napkins to use. In the meantime, Johnlu continues to elevate his business model as he recently opened his artisan-inspired French patisserie called L’artizan.

Aurelio, who colleagues call Gigi, comes from a family with businesses but he chose a different career path: a path in banking. His training with his father helped him learn the right management skills needed wto head the BPI in his 40s. He explored his capabilities as a banker and improved it. For so many years, he was able to transform and grow BPI to where it is now. This achievement of Gigi made him realize that despite the different path he had taken, he was able to be a champion in his career.

Sandy, being in the media industry, has made countless personal sacrifices in order to uphold her and Philippine Daily Inquirer’s values and integrity. These challenges and pressure can easily crush an organization, but according to Sandy, “I remain grounded and my faith is nurtured.” She knows well that leadership and good values will strengthen and help the growth of the organization.

That is how passion works. It fuels an individual to continue to thrive and work for success despite many challenges. I believe that when one is passionate about his work, he will surely be recognized for it. And that is not just the end of it; he will also experience the joy and happiness of working. That is what I see in my father and Wash Sycip, who joined us in the Passion book launch. Both of them has been passionate from their younger years, and until now people can see their desire to continue with their passion to help more empowered Filipinos.

From all these great speakers, I can only conclude that, “Success is for those who want it the most.” I have mentioned this countless of times in the past and will continue to remind this to everyone. Do whatever it takes to reach your goals.