Way of Engagement

Rolaiza Mimi Singayao

Dear Self:

1. Study. Read. Kick the matter around. Allow to simmer & cool.
2. Do not rush just to react. Prematurity brings unwanted consequences.
3. Listen intently. Especially to what others have to say.
4. Respond only when ready.
5. State your opinion. Be ready to be challenged. Accept if proven lacking or wrong then, back to #1.
6. Never belittle the opinion or the lack thereof, of others.
7. Be truthful.
8. Be wary of peddled half-baked inputs. Even if popular, it just might conceal a thing or two that should be treated with caution.
9. Attempt to treat everyone with respect.
11. The verbal or written display of disrespect are reflection of themselves, not of you.
10. Facilitate and identify the principal issue and work towards resolution. Respect and grow in diversity of opinions.
12. There is no monopoly of what is perceived to be right or wrong. There is no monopoly of the love for country.
13. Appeal to reason, encourage healthy discourse and walk with the ones with doubts, patiently. So that both of you will learn.
14. Always remember: It is not about the ME. It is about the US and how best we can pull through together.
15. Good manners and humility always win.
16. Humor gets us through tough times.
17. The substantial issues are best dealt with calm reserve, existing realities & handled with mental toughness, definitely minus arrogance.
18. To navigate well a path, it pays to calculate risks and benefits.
19. Truthfulness is seen best in actions.
20. When everything else fail, take a nap.

Rolaiza Mimi Singayao
16 September 2017