I’m going camping with my son today. It is a father and son scout activity at his school designed as a bonding moment. The panic began when I saw the fine print in the circular. The activity begins at 7:30 am and ends at 2:30 Saturday afternoon. “No electronic devices allowed”.

It has been a while since I have not had an electronic device with me. No laptop, no access to the internet. Not even time to read my newspaper till the next day. But I guess it is a good thing. I get to spend time with my son without any distraction. And I get the chance to reflect on how things have been in the span of one year.

I recently realized that my column writing is turning a year old next week. Time has really flown, and “One Step Up” turns one. It has been a tremendous journey of growth and discovery. I set out writing this column to help encourage entrepreneurship especially among the youth.  Along the way, I too have been encouraged, by successful leaders and entrepreneurs who have allowed me access into their lives and share their stories; by the response and enthusiasm of readers, who have made it a point to read not only my column in The Freeman but even my blog.  Some have made the effort to communicate with me and I am honored and happy to have gained new friends.

One particular reader, Joseph, wrote me to offer his help. Joseph is president of a web development company that services US clients. He made a generous offer to develop One Step Up into an interactive site with chat forums, blogs, etc. He has even offered to host it for free all for the cause of encouraging entrepreneurship and helping others get one step up. This will be a great development and can allow many of us to learn and share together.

One of the effects of the column that I did not expect to happen was the many invitations that  I have received to speak for and in the cause of entrepreneurship. I have happily accepted and tried to share my thoughts and take the opportunity to learn at the same time. The encounters with students of the MBA programs of UP, USJR, student leaders of CNU, among others have given me great hope about the future of this country.

On February 6,2009, I will be sharing in Cagayan at the 5^th Mindanao Business and Management Youth Congress under the theme, “Igniting the youth to be socially responsible entrepreneurs for sustainable development.”  I would like to thank Daniel Mejia, the conference chairman for inviting me. I am curious to discover the thoughts and learn from the youth of Mindanao.

Socially responsible entrepreneur. This is a heavy need in our Country. It is amazing how many of today’s youth have taken up this challenge. I recently met with Alex Reyes who opened my eyes about the need for social entrepreneurship in this country. He talked about Hapinoy , a innovative microlending program designed around professionalizing the Sari-Sari store. I will be discussing this in another column due to the significance and importance of the program.

I set out writing to encourage, but in return I have been encouraged.  Thank you.

Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, lets all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.

For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me at stirspecialist@gmail.com ,  or visit  www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com