Dear leaders,
 
Six years ago, I never had an idea of what success looks like much less how it feels to succeed. Six years later, I realized something that's even more important than success and achievement. That's what this letter is about and that's my reason for traveling 4,297 miles away from the Philippines to Dubai.
 
I'm an author of eight books on personal, career, and business development. I guess I'm lucky to have discovered my God-given talent at an early age although in college I took Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE). Doing something far away from what I love made me realize how deeply in love I was with it—writing. I can only cite a few reasons for giving up what I love at the time. One, there's no money in journalism. Two, ECE was the trend (just like IT and Nursing, which follow suit). Three, it's cool be have an "Engr." title before my name.
 
After five years in college, I thought that none of those motivation made me succeed. In fact, they made me live a hellish life.
 
Looking back now that I'm a business owner, an international motivational teacher speaking to more than half a million people every year, and a television talk show host interviewing the country's finest business leaders, I thought life can never be more rewarding than when you find that "love of your life" that gives more meaning to life.
 
Whatever we do, whether we are in sales or marketing or teaching or government service or business, it is important to have your own definition of success. I think we have heard about this more than a dozen times. But after defining it and probably seeing it before your very eyes, what's next? After closing a million-dollar contract, what's next? After putting up your own business, what's next? After finally settling to a married life, what's next? After getting your promotion, what's next?
 
I'm always amazed by the idea that people always aspire to succeed. Honestly, they don't have any idea about what they to be. On other side of story, success often becomes synonymous with the car the we drive or the mansion where we live. They associate success with money in the bank or with the number of businesses. 
 
It seems like for many, a humble fisherman who's passionate about into seas, family life, and fishing but with a little money can't be more successful than a rich businessman with a broken family and in deep debt. Between the two, I'd rather be a fisherman.
 
But is this life really about achieving something or this "success" is nothing but a means to an end.
 
How do you like your story to end?
 
I was not born with any material wealth. My mother is now a retired public school teacher and father is now a retired tricycle driver. I grew up in a rather suburb town known only by a few people as Gumaca in Quezon Province. All my life, I had nothing but public education. Public education in the Philippines is unlike public education in countries like Canada and Australia. There's nothing much to brag about. I never had a kindergarten experience as I was a product of a day-care center, a social welfare government program for financially-challenged families.
 
Because we only have a little, I would often complain about art projects. My classmates deliver an impressive art work because they had a set of 32-color crayons but I don't because I only had 8. I never thought of mixing yellow and green such that I get yellow green. Nonetheless, I thought wow, this is life. If you have none, you really don't have much choice. If are born with something, then you can do almost everything.
 
A little boy growing in such a challenging environment, there was really nothing to be proud about except for occasions where I would land in the honor roll and win in school competitions in either local or national scale. Skills and talents were there but there was no material possession and absolutely no influence.
 
But we all know that it's only absurd to recycle excuses and for blaming others for failing to achieve something or succeed in this life. Of course here's corrupt government, here's your poor economy, here's your bad neighborhood, and here's your sub-strandard education. We know all these reasons can make us feel good. They are seemingly logical excuses. But do we really believe that the economy or the government or the neighborhood or our education has something to do with what we can create in this world?
 
We all know the truth.
 
And so on February 19, I will be in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to give a motivational speech to a select few leaders who'd like to have a deeper understanding of success. In 120 minutes on stage, I will do my very best to tackle the foundation of any success. I share my ups and downs, the good times and the bad times, and everything else in between. I will laugh with you, learn with you, and celebrate success you.
 
I'd like my story to end in a simple note that goes like this: A man who lived so others may find their reason to live life to the fullest.
 
As you may have noticed, there was no mention of money, property, or prestige for they are all temporary. 
 
What about you? Why are you working? What are you living for? Why do you really like to succeed? How do you like your story to end?
 
Your answers to these questions will define your level of success. Your excitement and enthusiasm to raise the bar starts when you find your reason for living and when you identify that core belief that makes you a person who's worth is nothing short of the love of God.
 
Call Cherry Pangilinan now at 00971-506-397-821 or email her back. Tell her you're interested to join this very special learning session. 
 
PS. I asked Cherry to limit the seats to 50 leaders not only because it's my simple way of introducing myself and LLOYDLUNA brand in Dubai but also because I'd like to understand the needs of the participant's team members. In my second trip to Dubai, I promise we will accommodate as many people as we can.
 
But for now, I'll expect you to come. Let's talk.
 
PPS. For those who'd like to order any or all my book, please place your order as soon as you get this message so I can arrange the shipment immediately. We will advise you on the shipping cost. Each book costs only 60 AED. You can buy four and get one free or pay only 200 AED; that's five books of any title of your choice.