How to Become a Champion – The IMG Convention of Champions

Last week Sunday, July 19, I was able to take part in an amazing gathering of people who have made it their mission to spread the importance of financial literacy here in the Philippines, and other countries as well, the 2014 Convention of Champions of the International Marketing Group (IMG).

With a stroke of blessing (not luck), I was able to attend Day 2 of the convention for free! This year’s theme was Turning Point; and indeed that day was a turning point for the attendees as the convention speakers talked about the turning points in their lives that made them go for their dreams and fight through whatever struggle they encountered.  It was inspiring how most of the Champions were couples; really proved the power of partnership.  As they say, two heads are better than one.

Mr. Noel Arandilla

We were also lucky to have been there that day as we were all able to gain wisdom from two very special guests who are friends of IMG and are both a part of the IMG family.

Mr. Rex Mendoza

After lunch, Mr. Rex Mendoza, former president and CEO of Philam Life now the Senior Adviser of AIA Group, delivered an empowered talk about investments.  It really struck me when he said that Filipinos are found to value “not losing” more than winning.  We are, most of the time, contented with “safe” because we are so afraid of taking risks and losing.  But just as he said, “Is there safety in guaranteed loss?”  Another striking statement by Mr. Rex Mendoza was when he said that the biggest risk is not when you’re in the market and it goes down, but actually when it goes up and you’re not part of it. It was really a moment of awakening and encouragement.

Bo Sanchez

 

We didn’t even have enough time to breathe when Mr. Mendoza’s empowering talk was followed by the inspiring lessons given by no other than Bro. Bo Sanchez, a much sought-after Catholic lay preacher who has a following of thousands every Sunday at The Feast prayer gathering at the PICC (Philippine International Convention Center).  Just like preaching at The Feast, he reiterated the importance of putting into action the things that we learn.  According to Bro. Bo, Education Without Execution is that one thing that inhibits us from achieving most of our goals.  He shared in the mission of IMG of educating people about financial planning as he called e
ach and everyone of us “millionaire makers.”

The wisdom that I’ve been able to gather from the convention has been really priceless.  I’m sure everyone else felt the same way.  The mentors kept reminding everyone that the focus is on the mission; of helping people, of no family left behind.  There are no shortcuts to success, they kept reminding us. However, success does come; to those who focus on their goals and keep on.

my teammates with our Marketing Director, Erlwin Abanggan