(Originally posted in the blog, Out of the Universe) Thanks to this great playlist by TED, we can watch more videos related to the birth and spread of new ideas, the discovery and cultivation of creativity, and other videos that are sure to inspire creativity, innovation, or at least the challenging of the status quo. This next video I’m featuring on my blog is a TED talk by Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert on our “elusive creative genius.” One line that struck me during her talk is when she pointed…Continue Reading “TED Talk: “Your elusive creative genius” by “Eat, Pray, Love” author Elizabeth Gilbert”

By Niña Terol (originally posted in the blog Out of the Universe)   And now we face yet another hundred-million-peso scandal, unfolding in real-time in the august chambers of the Philippine Senate, involving yet another fall guy who is now the country’s hottest topic (and butt of jokes) but who will later on be forgotten. The moment I heard his name—a few years ago, when my mom casually mentioned the name of the Rotary’s then-District Governor—I immediately felt that there was something fishy about a man named…Continue Reading “Within the Joker’s Grasp (Out of the Universe)”

(Originally posted in the blog, Out of the Universe) I consider myself fortunate to be one of the radio anchors of Lider Totoo, the Saturday-morning program on Radyo Veritas that tackles servant leadership through the experience of real leaders working in different fields and different parts of the country. There are few things I enjoy better than listening to great minds sharing their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, and working on this program makes it worthwhile for me to wake up early on a Saturday morning and trek all…Continue Reading “Profiles in “Out of the Universe Leadership” (part 1)”

(Originally posted in the blog, Out of the Universe) I know we’ve all encountered this at one time or another: being made to wait so g**dam* long for a meeting that turns out to last for only a very short while, with people whom you realize you don’t want to deal with at all–even if they paid you a million bucks to show up next time. This is actually my first work-rant post in any blog, but I’m doing it here and now because an…Continue Reading “Stop Wasting My Time (Out of the Universe)”

(Originally posted in the blog, Out of the Universe) I committed one HUGE mistake that proved almost-fatal to my political career when I was in college: I wanted to emulate someone whose position I was aspiring for, and when I finally reached that position my intentions failed to translate into effective actions. It wasn’t because I didn’t care about the responsibilities that were entrusted to me or about the constituency that voted for me—in fact, my involvement in the student council meant pretty much everything…Continue Reading “Lessons in Failed Leadership (Out of the Universe)”