I know, I know. 2025 does not appear to be a particularly wonderful year for many people. To the casual observer or the weary citizen, it is quite the opposite: an annus horribilis, a horrible year defined by loss, tragedy and economic shifts. We have seen the headlines and felt the weight of uncertainty and the heartbreak of disappointment. But as I always say, a successful entrepreneur must be a perennial optimist. This is not a choice made out of naivety, but a necessity born of survival.

In the world of business, if you do not maintain a positive outlook, the setbacks – no matter how big or small – will slowly chip away at your confidence. Before you know it, you’re throwing in the towel and calling it a day. To be an entrepreneur is to be a professional “bounce-back” artist. You have to celebrate every minor victory and chalk up every failure to experience. In fact, you must learn to welcome failure; it is a harsh but effective teacher that imparts lessons more profound than success ever could.

However, the focus on learning from failure should never overshadow the importance of celebrating small victories. Enjoying every bit of success provides the fuel necessary to move forward. It is the dopamine of progress. And that is exactly how I choose to view what others would dismiss as a terrible year.

I would count, for example, the victory of the De La Salle University men’s basketball team in the 88th UAAP as a highlight. This wasn’t just another trophy for the shelf; it was a hard-won victory, a masterclass in perseverance. Rising from a daunting twice-to-win disadvantage to becoming the overall champion is the kind of narrative that inspires.

What’s not to like about it? It was a true Cinderella story, made even sweeter by the fact that they faced a worthy opponent in the UP Maroons. That series showed that no matter how stacked the odds are against you, the game isn’t over until the final buzzer sounds.

This sports triumph is the turnaround story that I wish for the Philippines. Heaven knows we need one right now. Our nation has been weathered by a series of natural and man-made catastrophes this year, leaving many feeling depleted. I will confess that the scale and brazenness of the corruption scandals currently embroiling some of our legislators and government officials still hang heavy in the air. It is a thick fog of disillusionment that I don’t think is going away anytime soon. It tests the faith of the Filipino people and clouds our vision of the future.

That is precisely why I count the handover of the chairship of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) to the Philippines as one of the absolute high points of 2025. It is a golden opportunity to redeem the country’s reputation on the global stage. As one of the most significant events of this administration, it arrives at a critical juncture. It effectively gives us a deadline – a “ticking clock” that necessitates cleaning our house and regaining the confidence and trust of international investors. If we succeed in leveraging this role, we have a premier international platform to announce to the world that the Philippines is not just open for business, but is a stable, transparent and ready partner.

For me, ASEAN 2026 is also deeply personal; it is a chance to continue my father’s legacy. Joecon was instrumental in bringing the voice of the private sector into the regional conversation at a time when such collaboration was still in its infancy. I remember how he devoted so much of his life and energy to the ASEAN mission. ASEAN-BAC was only one of the many organizations he helped grow, but it remains, in my eyes, the most enduring. Through his tireless and dogged determination, he helped secure a seat at the table for the Philippines, ensuring we were active participants in regional growth. To this day, he is still referred to in regional business circles as “Mr. ASEAN,” and carrying that torch forward is a responsibility I hold with immense pride.

This year also marks a monumental milestone: the 20th year of Go Negosyo. Looking back over two decades, I am amazed at how far this organization has come. When I founded it, with the help of some of the most prominent and visionary figures from the private sector, we had a singular, ambitious vision: a nation lifted out of poverty through the power of entrepreneurship. We set out to change the mindset of the Filipino people, encouraging the development of passionate, creative, optimistic, innovative and resourceful entrepreneurs. We wanted people to not just look for jobs but also to start creating them.

In those early days, the term “MSME” (micro, small and medium enterprises) was nary a byword. It was a niche concept that few people discussed in mainstream policy. But we soldiered on, believing in the “Big Brother” concept where established businesses help the small ones grow. Today, that seed has grown into a massive ecosystem. We now have nearly a thousand entrepreneurship mentors – successful businessmen and women who generously give their time and expertise to share knowledge with aspiring and struggling entrepreneurs.

We have successfully expanded our partnerships with the government, broadening our reach across various sectors and remote provinces. We have also embraced the digital revolution, adapting to new technologies to expand both our geographical reach and the scope of our advocacy. We are no longer just teaching people how to sell; we are teaching them how to scale, how to digitize and how to compete in a globalized economy.

On a more personal note, this year brought a different kind of joy. I had the profound honor of giving away my daughter Monica’s hand in marriage. Weddings are always a reason to celebrate, but as a father, it is a uniquely moving experience. It represents a new chapter for my family and the start of an exciting, shared journey for the new couple.

Family has always been the center of my life. Seeing my family grow and thrive gives me more satisfaction than any corporate deal ever could. I wish for every Filipino family the same joy, security and togetherness that this season brings.

As we close the chapter on 2025, let us not dwell solely on the hardships. Let us instead look at the strength we’ve built, the victories we’ve won and the opportunities that lie just over the horizon. To all of you, I wish a blessed Christmas and a hope-filled New Year.

 Originally Published in Philippine Star