An acre of diamond

With the successful launching yesterday of the Go Negosyo Caravan in Bacolod, one reader texted me, what is that Chautuqua Movement you wrote about. The Chautuqua Movement was founded by Dr. John Vincent, secretary and later bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1874 in Lake Chautuqua in New York.

It was an adult education program with a summer lecture series that spread all over the U.S. It became non-denominational. It preceded our go Negosyo Caravan for 133 years. It lasted for 50 years until 1924 losing its appeal because of radio and television.

One of the topics in the lecture series was "An Acre of Diamond." Imagine, an acre of diamond! And it could not be found anywhere but in your own backyard. In your own self, your hard work, your initiative, your determination.

James Chua found his acre of diamond in his small place that was his bakery. Many of those awardees yesterday had their own acre of diamonds.

The Chautuqua Movement changed the outlook of the Americans. The Go Negosyo Caravan, with some refinements, can also change our own outlook and convince the jobless not to think of lowly jobs abroad but digging their acre of diamond here.

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I learned of this Chautuqua Movement in a research while teaching college nearby 50 years ago. I was emphasizing to students that success is sweeter and better by being your own boss, as an entrepreneur. Employment has its limited success.

The awardees yesterday are self-made with the exception of some who took over their parents' businesses.

It is always better to be a head of a cat than be a tail of a lion.

I have never liked to have people breathing down my neck. Never mind if I don't have enough. But I am my own boss. There's a problem in your preaching in class. One time a student told me in class, "If you are that good, why are you still here and not your own boss?" I became a part-time teacher, then resigned from teaching in 1982 and was on my way to eke a living. No big money but I can sleep when I want to.

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I recall I was fond of giving assignments to students to research and report on successful entrepreneurs.

I don't know if he remembers it. Bart Lacson, elder brother of former Gov. Bitay Lacson, submitted a report on how his grandparents Don Julio and Doña Florentina Ledesma came to own Negros Navigation.

Bart said, it started with Don Julio leasing an hacienda in San Carlos. He had bumper crops and it was a boom time for the sugar industry. Don Julio bought the hacienda from his lessor and with more income opened a sea transportation between Negros and Iloilo. He saw an opportunity in people's need to travel.

That was how Negros Navigation was born. And true to what he researched, Bart himself, never got employed. He has been on his own and a success as one of the best producing planters.

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I am always happy to see former students becoming successful entrepreneurs. The other day Silay City Mayor Oti Montelibano revealed to me over a cup of coffee his vision for Silay. He is a visionary.

I told him there are many visionaries but not many achievers. I am confident Oti is an achiever.

Just the other day too, former Rep. John Orola called up. He was having lunch with classmates because Alton Pabon arrived from L.A. I went there and was happy to see old faces. Hinigaran Mayor Carol Guanco has his chicken business and of course, Orola has his Visayan Maritime Academy, his shipping OroPhil, and employment agency OroBless. He has his acre of gold.

There were also NLRC Labor Arbiter Phibun Pura, Boni de la Serna, Ramon Laurea, and Raul Pajarillo.

A few days ago too former student Johnny Armas from Sydney was here. And he is an entrepreneur there putting up Sunshine Channel Sydney, he said. There are opportunities there and Johnny will soon find his acre of diamond.

Another student who calls me up when on a home visit is lawyer Roseller "Bing" Ramos of California.

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One thing I enjoy with these former students is teasing those especially with shining pates, proud that I still have my own crowning glory.

"Oh," I would say, "it was many hairs ago that we were together." From there could start a lively recollection of past days.*

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