2009 is here, are you ready?

2009 began with a lot of challenging news for me. My former employer Intel Tech Phils. Inc. announced it's closure of the some sites, including the Philippine site. That in itself was heavy news. I had the chance to view last friday's issue of the Phil Star in the business section; it was said the the semiconductor sector is being hit hard. About 60,000 workers will be laid of in that sector alone.

I think it's now, more than ever, that Pinoys should consider learning business. Although businesses won't have walks in the park this year, owning your own enterprise, however small, can give you more options and control. Running a business will also be hard this year but unless we slow down to a depression, kikita ka pa rin.

I'm impressed with the way Royale is facing these tough times. They have just opened the Mindanao Headquarters in Davao and the office there was impressive even if smaller compared to our QC HQ. Product centers will also open in Paranaque and Tacloban soon.

Microsoft has said that the companies who spend now, even in tough times, will be the ones who will lead the way when the recession is over. I'm not sure how that translates to small businesses and I am eager to find out what the effects of Royale's actions will be.

Mr. C's decisions will embolden the leaders and members and in tough times like this, that's always a good thing. Sana nga tuloy tuloy pa ang paglaki natin.

Proud to be Royale,
Caloy Ang