Where To From Here?

AURELIO 0. ANGELES

“For we live by faith, not by sight.”  (2 Corinthians 5:7)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

This is the first chapter of a book I am writing on my life as an entrepreneur. It is a story of many crossroads. These crossroads felt like stepping into a dark, unfamiliar room, unable to see what lay ahead, groping and fumbling my way forward.

Yet, amid this darkness, the Holy Spirit has been my guide. His gentle presence leads me. But the steps are mine to take, and the consequences are mine to face. I call upon Him at every turn to grant me His divine gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.  

In every season, whether in times of prosperity or adversity, I seek His blessing, asking for the fruits of His presence to manifest in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. These virtues anchor me, reminding me of His grace and purpose, even when I cannot yet see the outcome. (Galatians 5:22-23)

In these moments of uncertainty, my faith sustains me. I hold fast to the promise that God will work all things for my good because I love Him and because He has called me to fulfill His purpose for my life. Romans 8:28 gives me the courage to take each step, no matter how uncertain the journey may seem.

Itinerant Childhood

I was born in Cotabato City in 1948 into a life that would be anything but static. 

Between 1948 and 1958, my parents—both government employees—frequently moved our family from Cotabato City to Makilala, Digos, Davao City, Jaro (Iloilo), Villasis (Pangasinan), Urdaneta (Pangasinan), and finally to Tondo, Manila. Each move uprooted us, challenging me to adapt and constantly redefining my sense of belonging.

I was a product of public schools in Pangasinan and a Tondo parochial school in my elementary grades. 

At 12, I entered San Jose Seminary in Quezon City, where I spent five formative years. The seminary life was disciplined, introspective, and rigorous, which helped to shape my character and deepen my search for meaning. However, in 1966, I left the seminary to join my family in an apartment on Retiro Street. By then, at 18, I had moved ten times. This itinerant lifestyle made me reflective and constantly drove me to find my purpose.

Roger Centeno and Cesar Duque

During my third year in college at Ateneo, my friends Roger Centeno, Cesar Duque, and I often skipped classes to explore food spots in Sta. Mesa Heights. We would talk about life, laugh about our future, and dream of becoming entrepreneurs by the time we hit 30. I had no money, but I had big dreams. Despite surviving on a meager student allowance of 3 pesos daily, my ambition was boundless.

Learning Business

After graduating from Ateneo in 1970, I quickly entered the workforce, joining Filinvest Credit Corporation with a starting salary of P450 a month. My goal was simple: ease the financial burden on my parents. In 1971, I transitioned to selling Hitachi home appliances at my classmate Carlos Ty’s company, earning P650 a month. He must have seen potential in me, not just because of my grades in Philosophy but because I had a knack and a passion for learning.

In 1972, I married Bee Calderon, and a year later, I took a leap of faith. I borrowed tuition from my father-in-law, engineer Quintin K. Calderon, to enroll at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). I believed that a philosopher-turned-entrepreneur needed a grounding in business management. After graduating in 1975, I joined Smith Bell and Company as a Marketing Manager for their carpet-making subsidiary, earning P4,500 monthly.

In 1979, I ran into Carlos Ty again, this time in Makati Commercial Center. He invited me back to his company, this time as a Sales Director. It was an incredible opportunity to learn the intricacies of customer service and distribution and the relentless drive of Chinoy businessmen to stay competitive.

Trapped and Filled With Angst

By 1981, at 33 years old, I was earning more than P10,000 a month. But something was gnawing at me—I had set a goal to become an entrepreneur by 30, and I was already three years past that deadline. Despite a successful corporate career, I felt trapped, confused, and filled with angst. The question loomed: Should I continue down the safe, comfortable path, or should I take the leap into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship?

Looking back, I realized that my diverse experiences—moving from place to place, adapting to new environments, and learning from every challenge—had prepared me for this pivotal moment. The decision to pursue my entrepreneurial dream, despite having no name, money, product, skills, or a family of four to support, was a defining point in my life.

So, I ask you: What would you do if you were in my place?

Where to from here?