The habit of excellence pays

I have always believed that education is the difference between two intelligent people — one of whom is well placed in life and the other, underprivileged. Hard work, the right breaks and a lady (“luck”) play a role, but the more dependable way to get ahead is to arm oneself with an education. With the prevailing competition in the workforce, a good education makes the difference in the number of zeroes in one’s salary.

Sometimes, when someone in the service sector doesn’t get instructions right, some people explain patronizingly and unfairly: “That’s why he’s only a messenger, or a houseboy. Because he isn’t intelligent enough.”

Wrong. Some taxi drivers give the most sensible opinion, and some barbers and manicurists give the most sound advice. They probably could have been radio commentators and psychologists, but were not able to avail themselves of their right to education.

Recently, one of my househelp bid me goodbye. Her daughter, who she sent to school through years of cleaning homes and laundering clothes, graduated from college and is now gainfully employed as a cashier in a Shell gas station. The daughter was then able to send money to her other siblings in the province, who are also studying. This enabled one sibling to set up a piggery, and another to go to college herself. More importantly, the daughter’s job enabled her mother to take a break as a domestic helper. I am also certain none of her children will be domestic helpers in the future like their mother once was. There is no shame in being a domestic helper, but because of education, people are empowered with more choices.

And when students pair education with excellence, they’re taking two giant steps forward in the race to success.

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As the first dedicated corporate university in the country, First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA) aims to produce future leaders, movers and shakers. To do this, it has striven to instill the values of hard work and excellence in each of its members, from its top executives to its junior staff.

FPLA recognized recently its outstanding employees at the annual Circle of Excellence Awards Night. Held at the Hidalgo Place, Rockwell, Makati City, the intimate affair gathered employees and VIP guests, including FPLA’s CEO and general manager Roy Agustin Evalle and his management committee led by Butch Peña, Norman Morte, Riza Severino, Mark Sayno, Sheryl Balusa, Jeremy Pintor and Zerbon Ong. Other special guests who graced the affair were executives from the MVP Group of Companies: Ricky Vargas, Ramon Segismundo, Angie Atanacio, Gavin Barfield, Agnes Fidelino, Vivien Arnobit and Paola Verayo.

To complement the fun, Hawaiian vibe of the event, all attendees came dressed in their best luau ensembles. While the guests feasted on delicious fare prepared by FPLA’s The Tipulo Restaurant, the Emerald Dancers wowed the audience with their energetic and colorful hula dances. Setting the tempo for the rest of the evening was Ritmos Latinos, the talented acoustic band that entertained guests with its Caribbean brand of music.

During the program emceed by Gino Quillamor of RX 93.1, CEO and GM Roy Evalle recognized the employees of the year. Jerone Atria Ballarta from the marketing department was honored with the Circle of Excellence Award, while Maria Suzette Valmonte was named Top Sales Performer. In addition to a cash gift, both winners were given a handsome trophy, a token of appreciation for their contribution to the organization.

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