Looking back, I am grateful for the many graces and blessings that have colored the past year. It has been a year of resilience, growth and a deep appreciation for the people that have stood by me, and the opportunities that God has so abundantly afforded me.
The highlight of this year’s journey is a profound reminder of resilience. Early this year, I had a near-fatal car accident that left my vehicle a total wreck. I’m thankful that I did not suffer any major injuries although I did absorb a severe stiff neck, apart from other slight injuries. Today, I still have not recovered the complete range of motion with my neck, but I’m getting there. This brush with danger reminded me of the preciousness of life and the blessing of swift recoveries, supportive networks, and the chance to continue pursuing what truly matters. The experience underscored the importance of safety, mindfulness, and the grace that accompanies repair—physically, emotionally, and practically.
This episode also emphasized to me the importance of our health. Our children’s health has remained strong, a constant source of relief and gratitude. Their vitality, curiosity, and joy remind me of the daily blessings that come with good health and stable routines. It is a privilege and a source of fulfillment to support their growth, nurture their interests, and celebrate their successes, no matter how small they may seem in the grand arc of the year.
Bianca is now in Palawan, where she continues to work on a new frontier for Kevin and herself. Carlo and Freedom are rebuilding their nest in Bohol, with their adorable son, Buchi. Alyssa is on a short sabbatical from her work in Korea, hoping to land a job nearer to Mike in California. While Josh is tending the Manila office for Wit’s Sweets with Toia.
I’m equally grateful for the recognition and opportunities that came to my wife, Wit, this year. Her continued development of the Gran Verde Farm in Davao, plus the inroads she has had with Wit’s Sweets and Savouries, led to an invitation to be a keynote speaker in Montreal on women in farming. This was a moment of immense pride and joy for our family. Her voice, experience, and leadership in this field have inspired many, and her message reached audiences ready to listen, learn, and take action. To witness her receive such acknowledgment was a family highlight, and it affirmed the impact of dedicated work in agriculture and the importance of elevating women’s contributions in this vital sector.
As for me, this year brought meaningful progress in the life of the companies I have been proudly a part of: Jade Solutions, 1AMI and GenShield Security. On the HR services and manpower services front, Jade Solutions and 1AMI – through my dynamic partners, Odess and Loi – were able to provide many companies with new teammates who joined with energy, integrity, and a shared vision for impact. Their contributions in providing dignified employment for hundreds of people have energized our daily work. In the process, these humble achievements have amplified our capabilities, and helped us maintain a supportive clientelle as they move closer to the missions they have set for themselves. The growth wasn’t merely numerical; it was qualitative – deeper collaboration, clearer alignment, and a culture that prioritizes learning, accountability, and care. I’m grateful for the talent who joined us, for the crucial role they provided, and for embracing that culture that honors our mutual commitment to building something lasting and meaningful.
On the security side, we are grateful for having been given the opportunity to show our worth with the take-over the leadership of GenShield. Through rigorous training, we have started to up the standards, sharpening skills, improving morale and discipline, and streamlining admin to fortify our reliability and efficiency.
Throughout these experiences, the thread that holds it all together is gratitude. I give thanks for the mentors who advised, the colleagues who collaborated, and the friends and family who offered support and encouragement during challenging moments. I am grateful for the grace that enabled me to show up every day with humility, determination, and a willingness to learn. I celebrate the gifts received—whether in the form of professional milestones, personal safety, familial recognition, or the evergreen health and happiness I see in myself and my family.
As we move into 2026, my resolve is to steward these blessings with gratitude, to continue nurturing the growth of Jade, 1AMI and GenShield with integrity; and to honor the trust of those who have joined us on this journey. May we all be mindful of the gifts around us, extend generosity to others, and carry forward a spirit of hope and resilience in the year ahead.
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Color My World 