First-World Philippines with Mike Grogan author of "The Rise of the Pinoy"

Friends – it is with great sadness that I share with you the sudden passing of one of my Filipino heroes –Dr. Cris Enriquez The news of his passing left a massive pain in my heart – he was one of the most inspiring, loving and most generous men I have ever met. Dr. Cris had a massive love for the Philippines and his fellow Kapwa. From the first day I met him I knew this guy was someone sent by God. I had the honor of sharing the stage with him as I saw him share his message of hope and love to his fellow Filipino. One of my most memorable moments for me, when during a season of personal struggle – when I was seriously doubting my own capabilities – Dr. Cris (without me asking) gave me a surprise gift that brought me to tears. He never asked for anything in return. He just said ‘It’s not from me Mike, it’s from Jesus’ My deepest condolences to his family, friends, patients and students – and all those who were touched by his love and wisdom. The Philippines and the world has lost a great leader and teacher.. His legacy will live on. Thank you Doc Cris for making me a better man. I will never forget you. Brother - until we meet again. Your friend, Your mentee. Mike

Admit it. We all want our day -- and our life -- to go according to our plans. But life does not work that way. No matter how you carefully plan or try to control every detail, something will definitely go wrong. It's our ability to cope with those moments that will define who we are and ensure the future success of our endeavors. Thus, in this quick episode, Mike shares with us a powerful advice on how to react when things don't go according to your plan.

In the Smokey Mountain area of Manila, tens of thousands of families rely on scavenging and recycling garbage for a living. Financial constraints, as well as a lack of educational and social support mean that many children are unable to complete their education, and in turn, are unable to break the cycle of poverty. YOUNG FOCUS believes that EDUCATION is the most effective way to tackle poverty faced by children and young people in the slums of Manila, Philippines

I have been very fortunate to have come here in the Philippines. This country makes me a better man and I couldn't think of any other country that could do the same to me. My belief in the Filipinos and their potential have been inspiring me for the past 5 years thus, pushing me to create this podcast. My vision for the Philippines is to be world and first-class.

BARRY SAIFF IS AN AMERICAN-BORN FOUNDER OF SAIFF SOLUTIONS – A MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY BASED IN THE PHILIPPINES THAT PROVIDES TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATIONS AND OTHER SOLUTIONS. Barry worked in technical communications for 26 years in the US before moving to the Philippines. He led teams of technical writers at six US companies, including GE, IBM, Oracle, and Symantec. He also did a lot of volunteer work, and raised over $2 million as a volunteer fundraiser for The Hunger Project. I got the chance to work with him and do a little interview on how he's leading his people for 6 years. He shared the top 3 things that Saiff Solutions maintain in order to be a world-class company.

Evan Graff shares his thoughts and deep insights about how rich Philippine history is and how can we, most of all Filipinos, can learn from it and apply it on current societal issues. He is currently a history teacher in a Christian international school and living here in the Philippines.

Lloyd Luna is a firm believer in the power of following one’s passion. In respect to his parents’ wishes, Lloyd finished a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. After graduation, he decided to follow his gifting as a master communicator instead of pursuing a mediocre career as an engineer. After several years as a newspaper columnist, he became a serial entrepreneur. He founded his first company in 2005: Lloyd Luna Communications, a provider of digital marketing and business development services. He has five other businesses, including a tutorial center and a string quartet. Lloyd is best known as a motivational speaker and personal development teacher, with a total audience of over half a million people in his career. His television show, “Creative Business,” airs on the Global News Network and features fun-filled interviews with top entrepreneurs. He is also a prolific author with 11 books to date; his works “Is There a Job Waiting for You?” and “Why Good People Fail” are bestsellers. Want to know more about this man of many talents? Enjoy his sense of humor and business advice by listening to this podcast.

In this 2-minute episode, Mike shares a powerful planning tip that will allow you to get the results that you want out of your any task or project, or just make the most of your day. A proven method for success!

EJ Zara is a professional executive coach who has designed and delivered high-powered globally accredited development trainings and coaching. He has been tapped for his expertise in organizational strategic management and planning by companies such as Nike, Accenture, Philhealth, SSS, Board of Investments, Philippine AXA Life, Vishay Philippines, Inc., Philippine Heart Center, Intellectuall Property Office of the Philippines, Asiawide Refreshments Corporation, GMA, Social Housing and Finance Corporation, among others. My coach, mentor and thinking partner, EJ Zara has been helping me to become the best version of myself. In this episode, we talked about how he helps and coaches people. Where his inspiration, insights and advice are coming from. https://www.breakthroughleadership.asia/ej-zara

The benefits of reading are amazing. That's why I formed the habit of reading for myself a long time ago. Not only it gives you a vast array of knowledge and improves your vocabulary, it is also proven that it reduces stress, upgrades your analytical skills and memory enhancement. Listen to some of the leaders in the Philippines on what they can say about reading. **Contains Filipino Language**

As the sun scorches the Philippines during summer, it is important for us to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. But aside from that, did you know that there are other benefits that you can get from drinking H20? It can make you more productive throughout the day and many more. Listen to this short episode to know more.

Where light meets darkness’ is a prophet’s call, a sage’s whisper, a bard’s song…asking us to listen, to pause, and to understand the wonder of present Grace; a Grace that traces our hearts and tells the story of our souls. this is a book of intersections, exploring the possibility of who we could be, meeting the wonder of who we already are. filled with stories, reflections, poetry and pointed thoughts, these words will ask you to long consider the truth of your life. Jonathan Heppner's book is probably one of the best books I've ever read in the past 10 years. Make sure to listen to episode 105 of The First World Philippines podcast to know how and why Jonathan wrote his book. It’s available in limited edition print in the Philippines AND on amazon in kindle and print form! check the link for more info : www.wherelightmeetsdarkness.com audiobook is coming soon. #wherelightmeetsdarkness Link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1090738536/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0 https://www.amazon.com/Jonathan-Heppner/e/B07R82573J?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1557307000&sr=8-2&fbclid=IwAR3wzUJUiYt5ltptXbSyeh5Nyb0rSHw2weSJ0QcflI0eelLFbfj-faoBE3A

Penny Bongato, a professional coach, Filipino motivational speaker, author, and the first Filipina Canfield Certified Trainer in the Philippines and in Asia, shares her vision for the Philippines and how she can impact the lives of 100,000 Filipinos. **Contains Filipino Language** https://pennybongato.online/about/

Filipinos are very family-oriented especially moms . They would stay with their family as much as they could but because of the need to work and provide for their family, they need to work somewhere else or worse, forced to go overseas leaving their families behind . But with the technology today, this is being slowly cured. Working from home is now an option. Maria Korina Bertulfo, founder of Filipina Homebased Moms group on Facebook, is empowering Filipinos to engage in working from home. The group has 130,685 members and has helped a lot of Filipinos land a job online. Filipina Homebased Moms Website: https://fhmoms.com/ Filipina Homebased Moms Facebook Link: fb.com/groups/fhmoms *Contains Filipino Language*

If you can go back in time, what would you tell your 20-year old self? Listen to the answers of David Bonifacio of New Leaf Ventures, Noey Lopez of Starbucks Philippines, Mark Ruiz of Hapinoy, Anna Meloto-Wilk of Human Nature, Pocholo Gonzales a.k.a. The Voicemaster, and Shirley Maya Tan of The Art of the Fearless Living. **Contains Filipino Language**

What is your greatest fear and most fearless experience so far? In this special episode, we turn the table and ask Mike of his fears and his most fearless experience by the time.

It goes without saying that being an OFW is arduous and requires sacrifice and pure dedication. But Filipinos are willing to do those for their family. If you are planning to leave the Philippines and work abroad, you SHOULD listen to this as Mhy De Guzman talks about the life and real struggles of being an OFW.

"If I had to hire 10 employees, 9 of them would be in the Philippines." I had an amazing chat with my very good friend Jonathan Levi, a serial entrepreneur, author, and lifehacker. He’s the author of the blockbuster Become a SuperLearner series and the host of the award-winning Becoming SuperHuman podcast. We talked about the best qualities of Filipinos since 60% of his team are. Visit their website, https://becomingasuperhuman.com/

According to the World Health Organization, Tobacco kills more than 7 million people each year. We deep dived in this topic here in the Philippines and how it directly and indirectly affects all Filipinos.

Over cups of coffee, Pastor Jonathan and I had a chat about what it is like being a Canadian living in the Philippines for 18 years. He pointed out various topics about what Filipinos can do to make this country first-world. Jonathan also took me back 18 years ago as he talked about the difference of the Philippines from when he first arrived. There's so much to absorb in this episode of the podcast, as any of our episodes, so make sure not to miss any of them.

Over cups of coffee, Pastor Jonathan and I had a chat about what it is like being a Canadian living in the Philippines for 18 years. He pointed out various topics about what Filipinos can do to make this country first-world. Jonathan also took me back and talked about the difference of the Philippines from when he first arrived here when he was just 12 years old compared to now. Listen to this part of our conversation and be sure to look out for part 2!

After passing Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Board Exam as Top 7 last 2011, Don Soriano lived the high life. After enjoying an extravagant life eating at high-end fine dining places, even buying a sports car despite a failing business and unemployment, he went bankrupt with a Php500,000 debt to pay off. Now, Don is a serial entrepreneur, Businessman, a World-Class Speaker, a Best-Selling Author and a Financial Literacy Advocate. Listen to this episode to learn how he managed to get out from half a million peso debt in less than 3 years. He shares tips and tricks, what mindset to have in order to be financially stable and free of debts.

In the Smokey Mountain area of Manila, tens of thousands of families rely on scavenging and recycling garbage for a living. Financial constraints, as well as a lack of educational and social support mean that many children are unable to complete their education, and in turn, are unable to break the cycle of poverty. Young Focus runs a day care center for malnourished 0 – 2 year olds, as well as a preschool to ensure children aged 3 – 5 have access to early education and care. This is combined with training for their parents in health, nutrition, hygiene and parenting skills.

Bebo Bharwani, a Pastor of Church Simplified turned his life rejections into new directions. We talk about how people should have the right mindset when handling negative situations in their lives, how God guides you toward His better plans for you, despite the many things lacking in your life.

Health and wellness coach, author of The Primed Life, Chad Davis, shares his expertise and experience on how to live healthier without taking medicines, exercising in the gym and other traditional healthy practices that we thought was the most effective way.

Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. With Ruby Manalac, an Emotional Intelligence practitioner, we dive into the benefits of having an Emotional Intelligence when applied to work, friends and family.

Adrian Pantonial worked for 12 years in the BPO industry. While it pays well, he decided to leave that path and pursue freelancing in events hosting, teaching, and writing. He also shares a very personal and emotional tragedy that served as a wake up call for him.

Louis Faure was looking for a new and challenging environment during his gap year in college. Not knowing what to expect, he chose the Philippines and became a social entrepreneur in Gawad Kalinga, Angat Bulacan. There, he raised native chickens and truly fell in love with the country's people and culture, and decided to stay for four years now.

Author of the best-selling book The Genius of the Poor and founder of Mad Travel, Tom Graham, ditched his suit and tie, and decided to live and work with the poor communities of Gawad Kalinga. There, he discovered the genius of the Filipino people and fell in love with the country.

Jocelyn Pick, President of Profiles Asia Pacific, Inc., was overseas for 17 years but what made her come back? She talked about why she decided to return to the Philippines for good despite having an excellent job abroad. And how she defines it as one of the best decisions she made in her life.

With this episode, Grace De Castro, a Management Consultant Expert, imparts her idea of what success really is for her and the journey that got her there. She also talks about how being a single mother can be a blessing and a change catalyst of her story.

In this episode, the CEO of TalentView, Anj Vera, shares her insights and tips on how to select the right candidate for your company. Anj also talks about questions you should be prepared for in a job interview.

Join us in this podcast episode where Mike sat down with Danny Moran in his very successful restaurant, Amici. They talked about the journey in his venture and what made him decide to leave his promising professional life behind to become an entrepreneur. Also find out how Philippine Mango helped Danny in one of the most challenging parts of his business life.

The Philippines has a long history with colonizers. From the Spaniards in the 16th century to the Americans after the Philippine Revolution to the Japanese in World War II. So while we're welcoming to foreigners who come to visit the country for a holiday, we're wary of those who decide to stay and explore opportunities in the country. It's inevitable to think that they're here to exploit our resources and get rich off our backs. Such is the challenged faced by English journalist Tom Graham when he decided to extend his stay in the Philippines. Inspired by Gawad Kalinga Founder Tony Meloto, Tom ditched the shirt and tie and spent a few months living and working with poor people in various GK communities. There, he discovered the genius of the Filipino people and fell in love with the country. Now, Tom is a social entrepreneur and is the co-founder of a Mad Travel, a social tourism company with a mission to help end poverty in the Philippines by 2024. At a time when Filipinos are leaving the country to migrate and work abroad, you're probably wondering what keeps Tom here. Why does he keep coming back to the GK Enchanted farm every week? What does he see that millions of OFWs don't? Let's all find out in this interview.

You know at least one person like this. This may even be you. A person who's going through the motions of living. Waking up every morning, dragging himself/herself to work, coming in late most of the time. Someone who's so unmotivated that work becomes a prison he/she seeks to escape from the moment that secondhand declares it's 5PM. Someone who finds no sense of fulfillment or happiness from their career. Our guest for today, author and motivational speaker JB Borromeo, was such a person. He used to have a lucrative job as an IT professioal working for one of the top companies in the country. It was a job that offered security, stability and luxury. By all appearances, he should be happy and content.   But JB was not happy. After five years of working 8 to 10 hours a day in a a high-stress environment, he felt that he has had enough. He needed to break free from the daily humdrum even at the risk of going broke. He left his job in search of a mission and found it in the underrated world of the academe as an educator. Now, he's purpose is to help his fellow Filipinos break free from the chains of convention that bind them so that they can become the best version of themselves and live their best life. What's it like to take to make that career change? How did JB deal with the negativity that surrounded his decision? Let's find out in this interview.

For Filipinos, a diploma holds a certain kind of power. It opens up a lot of opportunities and is considered key to a good, if not better, life. That's why when Alvie Benitez informed his grandparents that he will be dropping out of college after failing his thesis, he heard the longest string of Spanish bad words in his life. To say that he encountered strong opposition from his close family and friends would be an understatement. A man with weaker conviction would have caved in and pursued the path that countless others have followed before him. But not Alvie. Despite the naysayers, he dropped out and searched for a purpose. It led him to Gawad Kalinga's Enchanted Farm in Bulacan where he is now raising ducks with other poor farmers under his social enterprise One Hundred Ducks, Inc. The company produces and sells 100% premium, healthy, and ethical duck products that are not only delicious but world class. What made Alvie trade his diploma for ducks? Where does he find the inspiration to continue pursuing his purpose despite all the challenges of being a social entrepreneur? Listen and find out in this interview.

Picture this. You’re in your 30s living in San Francisco in an apartment that is your source of pride and joy. You have a supportive network of family and friends around you as well as a dream job with great employers. There’s really nothing else you could want. You love your life. Now, think about giving all of these up. Would you? Our guest for this episode Marie Cavosora, founder and CEO of CalaBoo, did. She sold her apartment to live in an urban ashram with just a tent and a yoga mat to sleep on. She then decided to go on a prolonged leave from work and went on a quest for spirituality and self-discovery. Why did she do it? What did she find in her quest? What has she learned in her journey? Let’s find out together in this interview.

With the current political climate, many Filipinos abroad are feeling hopeless for the Philippines. They'd rather stay abroad and, if possible, migrate with their family, believing that a better life awaits them in a foreign country. Not Dr. Cris Enriquez. Recognized as the only medical doctor in the world who trained and specialized in four different medical specialties, Dr. Cris decided to move back to the Philippines after living and practicing medicine in the US for 50 years. He started Rapha Health Institute, a medical practice that combines western, alternative and complementary medicine to prevent and reverse diseases, and authored several books on health and other subjects. Now, he's focusing his attention to helping Filipinos find opportunities in the Philippines so they can have long, prosperous lives. What made Dr. Cris come back? Listen and find out! To access the show notes and resources for this episode, please visit: http://mikegrogan.ph/e80/

After a long hiatus, we're back with a better and more inspiring podcast for Filipinos all over the world! Listen and find out what you can expect in "The Rise of the Pinoy Podcast."

You were not put in this world to please everybody and neither should you try to do so. But how should you deal with criticisms from other people? How can you cope with all the negativity thrown your way? Mike has some advice for you in this episode.

Small, daily dose of changes can be the key to your success. How? Mike explains in this extract from the sixth chapter of his book "The Rise of the Pinoy: 7 Powerful Lessons of Success from 21 World-Class Filipinos." This book is now available at all Fully Booked branches in Metro Manila and Amazon. Grab your copy now! LISTENING TIME: 5 minutes, 35 seconds

Embracing your pain will qualify you to become of service to more people. How? Mike explains in this quick reading from the fifth chapter of his book "The Rise of the Pinoy: 7 Powerful Lessons of Success from 21 World-Class Filipinos." This book is now available at all Fully Booked branches in Metro Manila and Amazon. Grab your copy now!

“You may find your best friend or your worst enemy in yourself.” – English Proverb “Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.” – Buddha “Your worst enemy is hiding within yourself, and that enemy is your nafs or false ego.” - Rumi “Self-mastery is the challenge of transforming yourself from your own worst enemy into your greatest ally.” - Wes Fesler Keep this quotes in mind as you listen to Mike read an excerpt from the fourth chapter of his book“The Rise of the Pinoy: 7 Powerful Lessons of Success from 21 World-Class Filipinos.” This book is now available at all Fully Booked branches in Metro Manila and Amazon. Grab your copy now!

What motivates you? Do you have the right motivation? Ponder on these two questions and more as you listen to Mike read an excerpt from the third chapter of his book "The Rise of the Pinoy: 7 Powerful Lessons of Success from 21 World-Class Filipinos." This book is now available at all Fully Booked branches in Metro Manila and at Amazon. Grab your copy now!

Many life coaches tell us to follow our dreams. However, following your dreams can be dangerous as Mike explains in this special, six-minute episode of the Best of You podcast. This episode is part 2 of a special 7-episode series featuring extracts from Mike's soon-to-be released book "The Rise of the Pinoy: 7 Powerful Lessons of Success from 21 World-Class Filipinos."

We are dedicating this episode to the men and women behind MikeGrogan.ph. May we continue to inspire each other to excellence. We have a long way to go before we reach our targets but we're going to get there!  This episode is part 1 of a special 7-episode series featuring extracts from each of the chapters in Mike's upcoming book "The Rise of the Pinoy: 7 Powerful Lessons of Success from 21 World-Class Filipinos."

Robin Williams, Alexander McQueen, Kurt Cobain, Ernest Hemingway. What do these people have in common? For one, they’re all considered icons in their chosen fields. Williams was an award-winning actor, McQueen was named British designer of the year for four times, Cobain was a rockstar and Hemingway was a literary genius. All of them are successful and, by all appearances, seem to be doing what they were born to do. Yet, they chose to end their lives. Why? Our guest for today, Marianne Mencias, may have an answer for us. A sought-after inspirational speaker, Marianne says that it’s not enough to be successful. If you’re not living true to your purpose, if you’re not following God’s will, you will still be miserable and have an unhappy life. Marianne is also the author of the book “What’s Your Life’s Masterpiece.” Hers is a book filled with stories of world-class Filipinos who love what they do and are living a full, joyful life. What’s the key to their success? What’s the secret to their happiness? Marianne breaks it down for us in this beautiful interview filled with wisdom and practical tips on how you can become the best of you.

Lloyd Luna is a firm believer in the power of following one’s passion. In respect to his parents’ wishes, Lloyd finished a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. After graduation, he decided to follow his gifting as a master communicator instead of pursuing a mediocre career as an engineer. After several years as a newspaper columnist, he became a serial entrepreneur. He founded his first company in 2005: Lloyd Luna Communications, a provider of digital marketing and business development services. He has five other businesses, including a tutorial center and a string quartet. Lloyd is best known as a motivational speaker and personal development teacher, with a total audience of over half a million people in his career. His television show, “Creative Business,” airs on the Global News Network and features fun-filled interviews with top entrepreneurs. He is also a prolific author with 11 books to date; his works “Is There a Job Waiting for You?” and “Why Good People Fail” are bestsellers. Want to know more about this man of many talents? Enjoy his sense of humor and business advice by listening to this podcast.

Do you think you are healthy? Mike certainly thought so until he met Chad Davis of “Primed for Your Life”. Chad convinced Mike to “go primed” at the start of 2016 and Mike has never been the same since. Listen to Mike’s health transformation story and the extraordinary benefits you can achieve by making small changes in what you eat. Live better. Live longer. This 12-minute episode is a game-changer.

“Getting fit” and “losing weight” are very popular New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, these vows are also the ones that are most commonly broken. If you are struggling to be the “best of you” physically, Chad Davis can help. A wellness coach and triathlete, Chad shares tips for achieving a healthy lifestyle in his blog, PrimedForYourLife.com. Originally from Australia, Chad and his wife Natasha brought their kids to the Philippines over a decade ago to get a taste of the international life - and decided to stay.  Chad’s fitness advocacy dovetails nicely with his career in the local hospitality industry, working with companies such as Shangri-La (Makati and EDSA) and Resorts World. Listen to his inteview and find out how you too can be primed so you can live longer and healthier.

Rags to riches is an accurate description of Arthur Tugade’s life story. He grew up in a squatters’ area called Tatalon Estates. Despite his impoverished background, Art was able to finish Law at San Beda College thanks to his parents’ self-sacrifice and a scholarship. After founding Perry's Holding Corporation, Art has turned his attention to public service and is now the president and CEO of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the organization responsible for managing the real estate of the former US base. He is credited for turning the organization around and the explosive growth of the Clark Freeport Zone in recent years. Recently, he and his leadership team won the 2015 Asia CEO Award the Executive Leadership of the Year.   Listen to the inspiring story of Art!