Being Bilingual as a Catalyst for Reaching Your Dreams

In today’s interconnected world, being bilingual is more than just a valuable skill; it is a transformative asset that can serve as a catalyst for reaching your dreams. Whether your aspirations lie in advancing your career, traveling the world, or making meaningful connections, the ability to communicate in more than one language opens up a plethora of opportunities that can fast-track your journey toward achieving your goals.

One of the most significant advantages of being bilingual is the boost it provides in the professional realm. In industries such as business, healthcare, and technology, companies are increasingly seeking employees who can communicate effectively with a diverse clientele. For instance, a bilingual individual in the business sector may find themselves leading negotiations with international partners, thereby accelerating their career growth and positioning themselves for leadership roles. Similarly, in the healthcare industry, a bilingual nurse or doctor can provide better patient care by communicating directly with non-English speaking patients, enhancing their professional reputation and opening doors to specialized roles.

Beyond career advancement, being bilingual can also enrich personal experiences and broaden horizons. Take the example of Sarah, an avid traveler with dreams of exploring the world. By learning Spanish, Sarah not only navigates her travels through Latin America with ease but also immerses herself in the local cultures, forging connections that transcend language barriers. Her bilingualism allows her to experience the world more deeply, fulfilling her dream of authentic cultural exploration.

Moreover, bilingualism can be a powerful tool for education and personal development. For students like Miguel, who dreams of studying abroad, proficiency in a second language can be the key to accessing scholarships and admission to prestigious universities. By mastering a foreign language, Miguel gains the confidence and qualifications needed to pursue his academic aspirations, turning his dream of studying in a foreign country into a reality.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, bilingualism can be the catalyst that propels a business from local to global. Consider the story of Anna, an entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable fashion. By leveraging her bilingual skills in English and Mandarin, Anna successfully expands her business into the Chinese market, tapping into a vast consumer base and achieving her dream of creating a globally recognized brand.

Finally, being bilingual fosters personal growth and enriches social interactions. It enables individuals to connect with people from different backgrounds, fostering empathy and understanding. For someone like James, who dreams of working in international diplomacy, bilingualism is not just an asset but a necessity. His ability to communicate in multiple languages allows him to build bridges between cultures, making his dream of contributing to global peace and cooperation a tangible goal.

In conclusion, being bilingual is a powerful catalyst that can accelerate the journey toward achieving one’s dreams. Whether it’s advancing in a career, exploring the world, pursuing education, expanding a business, or fostering global connections, the ability to speak multiple languages opens doors that might otherwise remain closed. By embracing bilingualism, individuals equip themselves with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly globalized world, bringing their dreams within reach and turning aspirations into reality.

Is the Market for Bilingual Specialists Saturated in the Philippines?

The Philippines, known for its robust outsourcing industry and a workforce with exceptional English proficiency, has seen a growing trend among professionals investing in bilingual skills for better career prospects. This trend raises the question: Is the market for bilingual specialists becoming saturated? Despite the increasing number of individuals learning additional languages, the demand for bilingual specialists remains resilient and continues to grow, particularly in specific languages such as Spanish.

The surge in language learning is driven by the promise of lucrative opportunities and competitive salaries. As more Filipinos recognize the advantages of being bilingual, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of individuals pursuing language education. Spanish, in particular, has gained popularity due to the historical ties between the Philippines and Spain, as well as the growing number of Spanish-speaking clients in the BPO sector. However, this increase in language learners has also led to the emergence of “fly-by-night” Spanish maestros—individuals who claim proficiency but lack the depth of skill required by employers.

Despite this influx, the demand for truly proficient bilingual specialists has not waned. In fact, it continues to rise. The global business landscape is becoming increasingly interconnected, and companies are seeking professionals who can bridge language barriers and provide culturally sensitive customer service. This is especially true in the BPO industry, where clients from different parts of the world expect seamless communication in their native languages. As a result, businesses are on the lookout for bilinguals who possess not only language skills but also cultural understanding and industry-specific knowledge.

Moreover, the demand for bilingual specialists extends beyond the BPO sector. Industries such as tourism, healthcare, and international trade are also seeking multilingual professionals to cater to their diverse clientele. This broadening of opportunities means that the market for bilingual specialists is far from saturated. Instead, it is evolving to encompass a wider range of roles and industries, offering bilingual individuals various career paths to explore.

The persistent demand also highlights a critical point: quality over quantity. While more people are learning new languages, the market is specifically in need of those who have achieved a high level of proficiency and can apply their skills effectively in professional settings. Employers are willing to pay a premium for bilinguals who can demonstrate fluency, cultural competence, and the ability to handle complex tasks, which is why the market is not yet saturated.

In conclusion, while the number of bilingual individuals in the Philippines is on the rise, the market for bilingual specialists is not saturated. The demand for skilled bilingual professionals continues to grow across various industries, driven by the need for effective communication in an increasingly globalized world. For those willing to invest in truly mastering a language and applying it in a professional context, the opportunities remain abundant and promising.

Skills Over Titles: Investing in Your Abilities Trumps Chasing Promotions in the Corporate World

Hello, career climbers and skill seekers! Today, let’s dive into a topic that’s often overlooked in the hustle for corporate success: the power of investing in your skills over chasing promotions. In a world where office politics and ladder climbing often seem like the only routes to success, honing a highly valuable skill can be your ace in the hole. Here’s why focusing on developing your expertise can be a game-changer in your professional journey.

Job Security: Skills Make You Indispensable

Imagine this: your company is going through a restructuring phase, and layoffs are imminent. In such scenarios, those with highly valuable skills are often the last to be considered for the chopping block. Why? Because your expertise makes you indispensable. Whether you’re a data analytics wizard, a coding genius, or a marketing guru, your specialized skills are not easily replaceable. Management knows this, and it gives you a layer of job security that a mere title can’t provide.

Bypassing Office Politics: Skills Speak Louder Than Words

We’ve all seen it: the colleague who seems to climb the corporate ladder not through merit but through mastering the art of office politics. While playing the game can sometimes lead to promotions, it often requires a lot of “kissing up” and maneuvering. However, when you have a specialized skill set, your work speaks for itself. You’re judged by the value you bring, not by how well you navigate the political landscape. This allows you to focus on what truly matters—your craft.

Independence: Skills Offer Freedom from Corporate Dependence

Let’s consider a scenario: you’re an exceptional graphic designer known for your unique style and ability to deliver results. While your company values you, you also know that your skills are in demand elsewhere. This means you’re not overly dependent on your current employer. If the corporate environment becomes stifling or if you seek new challenges, you have the freedom to explore other opportunities—or even freelance. Your skills give you the flexibility to choose your path.

Situational Examples

Consider Sarah, a cybersecurity expert in a tech firm. While others in her department are vying for managerial roles, Sarah invests her time in mastering the latest cybersecurity technologies. When the company faces a significant security breach, it’s Sarah’s expertise that saves the day. Her skills not only protect the company’s assets but also earn her respect and recognition far beyond what a promotion could offer.

Then there’s Allen, a call center agent whose fluency in both Spanish and English has become his greatest asset. While his colleagues often find themselves entangled in the pursuit of managerial promotions, Allen channels his energy into honing his bilingual skills, delivering exceptional service with every call. This dedication pays off handsomely, as his language proficiency earns him a salary that is double or even triple that of his peers, thanks to a lucrative language allowance. Unlike others who see climbing the corporate ladder as the only path to success, Allen enjoys the freedom to choose his career trajectory. For him, a promotion is an option, not a necessity, as his specialized skills already open doors to a greener pasture, offering both financial reward and professional fulfillment.

Long-Term Career Growth: Skills Are Evergreen

Promotions can be fleeting, especially if they’re not backed by genuine expertise. However, skills are evergreen. They evolve and grow with you, opening doors to new opportunities and industries. By investing in your skills, you’re building a foundation for long-term career growth that doesn’t rely on titles or positions.

Conclusion

In the corporate world, where titles and politics often take center stage, remember that your skills are your true currency. Investing in your abilities not only enhances your job security and independence but also allows you to make a real impact in your field. So, the next time you’re tempted to chase a promotion, consider focusing on honing your craft instead. Your future self will thank you for it.

Why Being Bilingual is Your Best Ticket to the BPO Sector in the Philippines

Hey there, language lovers and career seekers! If you’re considering a career in the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) sector in the Philippines, let me tell you why being bilingual is your ultimate golden ticket. The BPO industry is booming, and bilinguals are not just surviving but thriving. Here’s why:

Language Premium: More Than Just Words

One of the biggest advantages of being bilingual in the BPO sector is the language premium. Companies recognize the immense value of employees who can communicate with international clients in their native languages. This skill is so prized that bilinguals often receive a language premium—an additional pay incentive—for their foreign language skills. This means that your ability to speak another language translates directly into extra cash in your pocket!

Competitive Salaries: On Par with Management

In the BPO world, bilinguals often earn salaries that are equal to, if not greater than, those in management positions. Why? Because your language skills are a rare and valuable asset. Companies are willing to pay top dollar to secure and retain bilingual talent, knowing that these employees can enhance customer satisfaction and drive business success. So, if you’re worried about climbing the corporate ladder, being bilingual might just give you a head start!

Irreplaceable Skills: Standing Out in a Sea of Talent

While English is widely spoken in the Philippines, those who speak only English are more easily replaceable. The market is saturated with English speakers, but finding someone who can fluently communicate in another language is a different story. Bilinguals are in high demand and short supply, making them indispensable to companies looking to expand their global reach. Your unique skills make you a sought-after gem in the industry.

High Demand: The Bilingual Boom

The demand for bilinguals in the BPO sector is skyrocketing. As more international companies set up shop in the Philippines, the need for multilingual support grows. Whether it’s Spanish, Mandarin, French, or any other language, your ability to connect with clients in their native tongue is a game-changer. Companies are actively seeking bilingual talent, and this demand shows no signs of slowing down.

Career Growth and Stability

Being bilingual doesn’t just open doors; it also offers a stable and promising career path. With your skills in high demand, you’ll find more opportunities for career advancement and job security. Bilinguals often have access to specialized roles that are not available to monolingual employees, allowing for a more diverse and fulfilling career journey.

Cultural Competence: Bridging Global Gaps

Speaking multiple languages often comes with a deeper understanding of different cultures. This cultural competence is invaluable in the BPO sector, where understanding and empathizing with clients from various backgrounds is key to providing exceptional service. Your ability to bridge cultural gaps makes you an asset to any team.

A World of Opportunities: Beyond the BPO

Finally, being bilingual not only enhances your prospects in the BPO sector but also opens doors to other industries. From tourism to international trade, your language skills are a passport to a world of opportunities. The versatility of being bilingual means you can explore various career paths and industries, both locally and internationally.

In the fast-paced and competitive world of BPO, being bilingual is more than just an advantage—it’s a game-changer. From earning a language premium to securing a stable and rewarding career, the benefits are endless. So, if you’re considering a career in the BPO sector, now’s the time to embrace your language skills and let them propel you to new heights. The future is bright for bilinguals in the Philippines, and the opportunities are yours for the taking!

Embracing the Corporate Polyglot Life in the Philippines: A 2025 Perspective

Today, I want to share with you the exciting journey of being a “corporate polyglot” in the vibrant and ever-evolving business landscape of the Philippines, especially in the BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) sector. If you’re bilingual or even multilingual, you’re in for a treat because 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for language lovers like us!

The Bilingual Advantage in the BPO Sector

First things first, let’s talk about why being bilingual is a game-changer in the BPO industry. The Philippines has long been a global leader in outsourcing, thanks to our talented workforce and exceptional English proficiency. But as we step into 2025, the demand for bilingual professionals has skyrocketed. Here’s why:

Global Clientele

With companies from all corners of the world seeking outsourcing solutions, being able to communicate in multiple languages is a golden ticket. Whether it’s Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, or any other language, your skills can bridge cultural gaps and enhance customer satisfaction.

Enhanced Career Opportunities

Bilingual employees are in high demand, and this trend is only growing. Companies are willing to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain multilingual talent. In the Philippines, for example, it is very common for companies to offer language premiums for employees who can speak a fluent language. This ranges from 20K to 70K on top of your one’s basic salary! So, not only does being bilingual open doors, but it also paves the way for career advancement.

Cultural Sensitivity

Speaking multiple languages often comes with a deeper understanding of different cultures. This cultural sensitivity is invaluable in providing personalized and empathetic customer service, which is a significant asset in the BPO sector.

Increased Cognitive Skills

Studies have shown that bilingual individuals tend to have better problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility. These skills are crucial in a fast-paced industry like BPO, where quick thinking and adaptability are key.

The 2025 Outlook for Bilinguals in BPO

So, what does the future hold for bilinguals in the BPO sector in 2025? The outlook is nothing short of promising!

Expanding Language Requirements

As more companies enter the Filipino BPO market, the range of language requirements is expanding. This means that even lesser-known languages are becoming valuable assets. If you’ve got a knack for languages, now’s the time to polish those skills and stand out!

Remote Work Opportunities

The pandemic has reshaped the way we work, and remote work is here to stay. Bilingual professionals can now tap into global opportunities without leaving the comfort of their homes. Imagine working for a European firm while enjoying the tropical vibes of the Philippines!

Technological Integration

The integration of AI and machine learning in the BPO industry is on the rise. While technology enhances efficiency, the human touch of language and cultural understanding remains irreplaceable. Bilinguals can leverage technology to provide even more personalized and nuanced services.

Continuous Learning and Growth

The BPO sector is dynamic, and continuous learning is essential. Companies are investing in language training programs to upskill their employees, ensuring they stay ahead of the curve. This commitment to growth benefits both the employees and the companies they work for.

Final Thoughts

Being a corporate polyglot in the Philippines in 2025 is not just about speaking multiple languages; it’s about embracing a world of opportunities and cultural exchanges. The BPO industry is thriving, and bilinguals are at the heart of this growth. So, whether you’re already a language aficionado or just starting your linguistic journey, remember that your skills are more valuable than ever.

Let’s continue to celebrate our linguistic diversity and make the most of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Here’s to a future where language knows no boundaries and where every word we speak opens new doors!

Happy language learning and career exploring, everyone! 🌏💬

What I Learned From the Fisherman’s Story

The Mexican Fisherman

I saw this interesting video clip in Youtube:

The story struck me. It makes me wonder as to how long I am willing to work my ass off to live the life that I want. Besides, what is the point of having a good-paying job and having spent all those years learning Spanish to land on a high-paying job just to end up in the rat race working in perpetuity before I can finally get off and live the life the way I want? The story of the Mexican fisherman presents to us a situation of a vicious circle. The businessman convinces him to amplify his livelihood from a mere job to launching his very own IPO just so he can cash in his chips, retire early and do the things that he is already currently doing with his present lifestyle. It does not make any difference to skip from Point A to get to Point B and C just to end up to A.

A question is raised: Why work for a long time to live a life that you want rather than living the life that you want right now while working?

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

Having read Rich Dad, Poor Dad, it became clear to me that I do not want to be an employee for the rest of my life. I work because I want to learn things I can use in the future in order to create my own business and thus, establish multiple sources of income. Kiyosaki points out one fault of colleges and universities, i.e. to train future employees with the hope of retiring in their old age. There may be exceptions but this is the main “blueprint” in which traditional schools operate.

The reason why I studied and work for big corporations is so that I can learn. After school, employment will be the next source of information. Companies are excellent sources of information. What better way to get educated than attending free trainings and workshops to learn the ropes of business and, in most cases, get paid? The objective is to train new hires, expose them to real-life situations with a plethora of soft and hard skills. Given that employers invest money in people, it is natural that they expect something in return. The very principle in economics is that there is no such thing as free lunch; everything has a price.

There is nothing wrong with being an employee provided that a person is clear with his objectives. Some people are happy being employees and that is completely fine. Society cannot operate if all people are business owners. Who would account for curing the sick, teaching the illiterate, solve crimes and so on and so forth if all people are too busy dedicating their lives to their own businesses. Nevertheless, people who are, like me, have no plan of being an employee forever, who have a vision of establishing business and providing jobs to others, those who dream of being free to do things that matter the most, then business and investing is the way out.

The Right Approach

The best way to do is to enjoy life in the here and now while being clear to gradually, slowly but surely work one’s way out of the rat race. Work hard for a reason. There is nothing wrong with enjoying life to the fullest as long as you remain grounded and determined to your objectives and live a life in moderation.

The Change That Is China

I regularly have lunch at McDonald’s at Mckinley West, Taguig City. Though I cannot completely say that the place has all the amenities that a regular McDonald’s branch has (Most of the time some of the menu are not available.), I am somehow satisfied with their services. I have been going to that place to buy my favorite brewed coffee. The isolated franchise along the road is equipped with a modern touch-screen technology that taking orders has become (supposedly) customer-friendly, despite the fact that such modernization still calls for so much room for improvement.

Everything went normal as usual until one day I saw this:

Yes. The menu is now available in different languages. One can now order in Korean and, in most cases, Chinese. My interest, however, lies in the propagation of the latter not only in the Philippines but in the world as a whole. What would have been considered inconceivable decades ago has now been happening in many McDonald’s branches here in the Philippines. Who would have thought to find a Chinese menu in a fast-food chain in the Philippines, where most of the people can hardly even read (much more write!) a single word in Mandarin? Indeed, we are now entering the dawn of a “Chinese Economy” not only in the Pearl of the Orient, but in the entire Asia or perhaps the whole world. The dragon is no longer sleeping and it spits fire!

One can only imagine how the Philippines or the world is going to look like 5 to 10 years from now. I would not be surprised to see some business establishments post their ads or instructions in both English and Chinese. In Hong Kong this is not new. Cantonese and English labels are everywhere.

In Macau, its neighboring former Portuguese colony, it is not uncommon to hear the IVR (Interactive Voice Response) to announce the next bus station in 3 languages (Cantonese, Portuguese and English). Their presence already adds more color to the melting pot of 3 rich cultures.

Disclaimer: Photos in Hong Kong and Macau were taken back in 2014

The Philippines, on the other hand, is a different story. Albeit there are a number of historical documents and evidence that show the long-standing relationship between the Pearl of the Orient and the Middle Kingdom since the Pre-hispanic times, not one of the Chinese languages can be considered as ubiquitous as that of Spanish (another former colonizer) and English (courtesy of the United Sates, another colonizer). In a country that has Filipino as its national language but its laws written in English and a national anthem originally written in Spanish, not one of the Chinese languages had such presents until now. This part of Asia as well as the world is going to change.

In this case, there are only 3 possible outcomes: to ignore such change, to resist or ride with and take advantage of it. The first option is good only for those who prefer to let life take charge of them rather than the other way around. This type of laissez faire attitude is the normal reaction for those who only act when the fire has started — when it is already too late and there is less to gain. The second one is for those purists who refuse to give in to change and see it as another one of China’s political and economic machinations with the end goal of conquering the world. Exaggerations aside, I used to think this way until one day I gave up. The third is the more logical option. The old cliche of you joining whatever you cannot beat may not necessarily be a negative thing. Personally, I am totally against the so-called Chinese Money Trap. Like any thinking individual, I still have my reservations. Nevertheless, I have nothing against progress, i.e. change for the better.

To paraphrase the old wisdom passed upon us by the Ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus: Change is the only thing that does not change in the world as we live in a world of constant change. (Literally there is a lot of “change” in that previous statement, but you get my point.) The presence of Mandarin in the Philippines is a by-product of the ever growing Chinese investment that our government accepted with open arms. Along with it comes Chinese jobs, Chinese companies and everything Chinese! There is no point in murmuring and complaining about forces that is beyond our control. Instead of being stuck with the denial state, it is more productive to learn Mandarin or better yet, do what many countries of the world is doing: let their children learn Mandarin for them to have a better future. In a previous post, I wrote about how learning another language can double or triple one’s salary. (See Bilingual Opportunities.) Moreover, it is also helpful and productive to add to one’s reservoir of soft skills anything that can be used to make the most out of the inevitable reality that is Chinese economy. A simple research on the Chinese culture especially on how it can be helpful in doing business would be a good start.

The world is going Chinese and there is nothing we can do about it. Therefore, it is incumbent that we do what it takes to use it to our advantage.

El Trabajo Que Me Gustaría

Me gusta trabajar por mi cuenta. Así que si tuviera la opción querría jugar en la bolsa de mercado. Para hacerlo, ahorraría bastante capital, me registraría en cursos por la cual aprendería los “trucos” para manejar los riesgos y aprovechar las oportunidades donde podría ganar. Ese es el trabajo de mis sueños.

Por nada del mundo haría los tipos de trabajos que me obligarían tener un jefe. No soportaría que alguien me diera órdenes o que requiera hacer cosas que para mí no valdrían la pena.

Bilingual Opportunities in the Philippines

I work as a Bilingual Customer Service Representative. I say bilingual because I make use of 2 languages in my line of work, namely English and Spanish. I support both English- and Spanish-speaking customers who are mainly in the United States and its territories. In my previous work, however, I was also tasked to handle concerns of customers in South America, such as Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. My language skills have been my bread and butter for more than 3 years now.

Being bilingual gives an individual more chances to land in lucrative job opportunities. This is so true in the Philippines. Even in professional online sites like LinkedIn and Job Street, one can see posts that say company A is looking for a candidate who is fluent in Spanish, French, German, Portuguese; the same can be said for Asian languages like Mandarin, Nihongo, Bahasa and Korean. The second category even pays more!

Francisco Colayco, one of the country’s renowned financial advisers, even said that the market value of an individual is multiplied by the number of foreign languages s/he fluently speaks. This implies that parents should better start sending their children to foreign language schools as early as possible, so that by the time they embark on their respective careers, their market value will have already dramatically increased. Talk about giving them a good head start!

The demand for multilinguals in the Philippine job market has increased over the years. The booming sector of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) has contributed a great deal to this.

It is of no surprise that many foreign nationals decide to come to the country to find jobs, usually in the BPO sector. I, for one, have worked with Spanish speakers from Spain and Latin America. The ongoing recovery from the recession in Spain and the economic downturn brought about by the political situation in Venezuela are some examples. So long as the BPO companies grow, there will always be a demand for bilingual careers.

This being the case gives a new meaning to the statement: It pays (better) to learn many languages.

A Mi Profesor

¡Hola Sir X! ¿Qué tal?

Soy Vicente, tu estudiante de español y de lógica anteriormente. Espero que todavía me recuerdes y también que no te importe si te escribo de manera informal tal lo hacíamos en la clase. Han pasado muchos años desde la última vez que te vi. Decidí a escribir en español, aunque sé que no es perfecto (jejeje). Obtuve tu email de Angeli, tu estudiante que es también mi colega de trabajo en la empresa Maersk. Me contó que estudia español en UP y automáticamente le pregunté si te conoce y el resto es la historia… Por cierto, trabajo en Maersk como un analista bilingüe. Es por esta razón que te escribo. Te agradezco muchísimo porque has sido mi inspiración para perseguir con esta carrera.

Querría contarte un poco de mi historia solo para mostrarte cómo hiciste un impacto en mi vida. Espero que no te aburra:

Estábamos tristes cuando terminamos las 12 unidades de español contigo. Pero gracias por los 2 años de aprendizaje porque nos introdujiste otra oportunidad; nos ha impartido una habilidad y se ha abierto una puerta que yo nunca había considerado en los primeros 14 años de mi vida. En 2007 (cuando era tu estudiante) me di cuenta de que la vida religiosa no es para mí. Por eso, salí del seminario después de 2 años. Trabajé como instructor de filosofía en la facultad de Capitol Medical Center donde enseñé a los estudiantes de enfermería y tecnología médica. Les enseñaba lógica, bioética y filosofía del ser humano. En realidad, elegí esta profesión porque me inspiraba. Tu método para enseñarnos era muy estricto, pero aprendimos mucho y de esta manera nos reforzó para ser más críticos y más acertados con nuestros argumentos. Además, sacamos lo mejor de nosotros. En 2011 me matriculé en el programa de master en filosofía de UP y lo terminé en 2013. Mientras enseñaba y hacía el master, continúe aprendiendo español en el Instituto Cervantes. Es que en ese tiempo pensaba solicitar por una beca en España o en cualquier país latino. Estudié hasta nivel B1 porque era muy difícil a organizar una clase debido a que hubo pocos estudiantes en Cervantes para los niveles más altos.

Me encantó ser instructor de filosofía por casi 6 años. Sin embargo, en 2015 el gobierno introdujo el programa K+12. Creo que ya sabes que no hubo estudiantes suficientes en las facultades y universidades en Filipinas. Era como una crisis para muchos de los profesores e instructores. Tuve que dejar de enseñar y buscar otra manera de ganar dinero. Esto es la otra razón que te agradezco: dado que pude comunicarme en español, solicité un trabajo en los sectores de BPO. Nunca había pensado que podía usar esta habilidad y nunca había esperado que pudiera ganar más. He estado trabajando como bilingüe durante 3 años. Hay muchas cosas que debo aprender, pero como nos decía en la clase: poquito a poco. En realidad (y te lo voy a contar ya que ya no soy tu estudiante jejeje), me odiaba el español. No comprendí porque necesitábamos cumplir este requisito para obtener un título. Ahora, lo aprecio y estoy muy agradecido por haberlo aprendido. Ya que, debido a esta lengua, puedo alcanzar mis sueños. 😊

Otra vez, desde el fondo de mi corazón, gracias por inspirarme a ser instructor y gracias por ensañarme esta lengua muy rica y maravillosa. Cuando eras nuestro profesor, nos trataste como tus hermanos. Aún puedo recordar que nos lo que nos decía: todos somos iguales y que no existe el monopolio del conocimiento. Estos principios me permitieron sobrevivir a la escuela de postgrado y tener éxito en mi carrera. Nosotros admirábamos tu pasión para que aprenderíamos a pesar de que a veces éramos difíciles de enseñar. jajaja

Ojalá que nos veamos pronto. Sé que eres un hombre muy ocupado, pero espero que podamos hablar. Sería muy difícil para mí si hablemos en español, pero lo voy a intentar.

Tu estudiante,
Vicente