THIS article is a slightly edited version of the speech I delivered before family, friends and colleagues last June 1, 2018 at the function hall of Hotel Veniz Burnham.
The last time I delivered a "speech to roast" was more than eleven years ago. I wrote it primarily to fulfill an advanced speech project for Toastmasters. (To know more about Toastmasters, please read: https://www.toastmasters.org)
Anyway, this time, I am delivering another speech, "roasting" the same person, but for another reason.
If you read the issue of SunStar Baguio last weekend, May 26-27, you probably remember an article titled, "Well Done!" To those who didn't read it, in this column, the writer wrote about the importance of giving words of affirmation – or praises, to acknowledge and motivate the people around us. Let me read some of his lines.
I quote. "Do you hear eulogies given, and love verbally expressed, with tones and tons of regret that they could have been said while the person was still alive? What use are those kind words to the one who can no longer hear them, except to remind us to say them earlier, rather than late. Deliver your 'eulogy' while the person can still hear them and be inspired to do even better. Bring out the good in others. Motivate others to be the best they can be." – Unquote.
May I invite the person who wrote those lines under his column, My Dearest. Come on over, birthday boy, Mr. Mike del Rosario... and take the HOT SEAT of the night. I hope you are ready to be roasted and toasted once again!
Mike, I am fully aware that when you wrote that article, you were mostly reminding yourself, as evidenced by the second part of the article, which started with My Dearest Michael... I'm sure you didn't expect anyone (least of all me,) to follow your advice and apply it to you. Yes, least of all me, because I am obviously biased. After all, most of you know, I am the lifetime president of the Michael Del Rosario Fans club. (smiley)
Seriously, you simply inspired me to write. A tribute or even a roast is definitely easier to deliver than a eulogy!
Truth is, Mike doesn't need any words of motivation and praise from anyone. Why not? He is so full of it already. No, I don't mean he's full of praise for himself. He is not at all "bilib sa sarili," even if "may K naman, di ba? But, No, that is not what I mean.
Mike doesn't need motivation and praise, because he is a self-motivated man. He always gives his best knowing that God expects that of him.
Whether he receives praise or criticism from the people around, matters not as much to him as knowing that he is doing the right thing, and pleasing the One whose opinion matters the most - His audience of ONE up there.
Problem is, Mike can be too strong willed; in other words, hardheaded. He often thinks his opinion is better (which to his credit, is often the case.) But, he also often believes he is doing the right thing, even if sometimes his children disagree with him. You can just imagine the prolonged discussions in our family. Hehe. Now you know Mike, from whom our children inherited their streaks of stubbornness.
Seriously, those of you, especially our family and longtime managers, who know how Mike's work ethics is, I am sure, you will agree with me, that when it comes to work or the business, the most important thing to Mike is the customer.
Expect his temper to rise, if the customer is not treated well. Expect him to lose his patience if systems are not followed by the work force, all of which affects the customer.
He always gives his best, and he expects the same, and nothing less from his team, including his family. But in the past years, Mike has mellowed down. Yes, to the new managers who have been on the receiving end of Mike's "temper"... Much improved na po yan!! (smiley)
Age has finally caught up with you, Mike. I hope you now realize how much more important it is to keep your health and sanity intact. Thank you for heeding Boss Junior's often repeated line - "Relax lang, Mike!"
Yes, thank God, Mike has learned to relax more. To Mike, relaxing mainly means more time to do his daily boxing/sparring exercise, in Baguio and everywhere he goes. It means longer time to pray and memorize bible verses. It also means, he takes longer siesta hours already, especially if he knows that the kids are at work. And all by God's grace, it also means more travel/vacation opportunities for us. Relaxing though, doesn't mean ZERO MDR.
ZERO MDR has been Mike's goal and motto for the past few years. Ask any manager of Sunshine, Veniz or McDo – they know what ZERO MDR means. It means, "No Sir Mike to make kulit – because everyone is doing their job well and to the best of their ability!" I guess all he wants is to make sure that the business runs well even in his absence.
I know that ZERO MDR is also his quest to slowly relinquish his post and his work responsibilities to the next generation. I pray that they, especially our children, will see it as both a challenge and an inspiration.
My Dearest Mike, Here's what I believe! ZERO MDR is never going to happen! (This is NOT your retirement party!!) But I have another reason for this not happening.
I know that even after God calls you to His side, your strong influence in our lives – family, friends and colleagues, will always remain in our hearts. The touch of MDR will always be "engraved" in our lives and our hearts... For the better.
Friends, Mike and I have been married for nearly 37 years already. We have known each other for 41 years. Wow! God is soooo good.
Mike, I like to believe that I am who I am, mainly because of you. So Jennifer, James, David and Jessica, when I'm impatient, forgetful and irritable... blame your Dad! (more smiley)
Finally, Mike... You continue to inspire me, to be better at everything – to be the best I can be, and become the best version of myself. Thank you for putting up with my weaknesses. I know that we have many more challenges to face, and a long, long way to go in our pursuit of living our lives, holy and pleasing to God. But, with you by my side, the pursuit continues to be a beautiful and exciting journey.
I love you, Mike. Happy 65th birthday! Let's all stand and give our birthday celebrant a big and warm, round of applause!
"Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." – Psalm 90:12
