My Autobiography: David Balleza K(C)atague: 2025

Friday, February 7, 2025

Forty-One Rules to Stay Ahead in Life

From My Readings This Week! 

41 RULES TO STAY AHEAD IN LIFE

1. **Privacy is your superpower.** What others don’t know, they can’t ruin. Keep your life close to the chest—people thrive on drama.

2. **Loneliness is part of the journey.** Embrace it; it’s an art form all its own.

3. **Remember, everything is temporary.** Life is fleeting, so stay grounded and humble.

4. **Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.** Be kind; it costs nothing.

5. **Your partner mirrors you.** Choose wisely. Seek out her values just as diligently as her looks.

6. **Your mental health trumps everyone’s feelings.** Be a little selfish here; it’s vital.

7. **You don’t need more time; you need fewer distractions.** Focus is your key to success.

8. **Guard your time fiercely.** Not everyone deserves a piece of it.

9. **Surround yourself with those who truly value you.** You shouldn't have to plead for respect and appreciation.

10. **Self-love is not selfish; it’s necessary.**

11. **Treasure those who lighten your load.** They are rare gems in this world.

12. **Choose your circle with care.** The right people uplift you; the wrong ones can drag you down.

13. **Peace of mind is invaluable.** Protect it at all costs.

14. **Stop chasing love; simply live your life.** The right person will come along.

15. **Seek those who embody that “grow together” mindset.** Lift each other higher.

16. **No regrets—just lessons learned.** Dust yourself off and push forward.

17. **Pursue someone proud to have you by their side.**

18. **Never surrender.** Everyone faces tough times; pick yourself up and keep going.

19. **If you feel drained, take a step back to recharge—don’t quit.**

20. **Sometimes, you need to disappear to return stronger.**

21. **Learn from the successes of others, but let their mistakes teach you wisdom.**

22. **Want to be happy?** Stop expecting anything from anyone; nobody owes you a thing.

23. **Everything will fall into place eventually.** Keep that optimistic mindset alive.

24. **Keep grinding—your breakthrough is on the horizon.**

25. **There’s nothing more attractive than mutual effort.**

26. **Stop overthinking it in places where you’re not valued.**

27. **If no one lends a hand, take the initiative yourself. Complaining won't help.**

28. **Obsess over your growth.** It’s the best investment you can make.

29. **A heart-to-heart should never end in conflict.** Open dialogue is sacred.

30. **“I’ll do it tomorrow” is just procrastination in disguise.**

31. **Aim not to stay the same—strive to be better.**

32. **Sometimes, waiting is more powerful than forcing things to happen.**

33. **Not everyone will understand your journey, and that’s perfectly fine.**

34. **Heal so you don’t become a reflection of your past trauma.**

35. **Keep your circle small and your friends insightful.**

36. **If they’re only around temporarily, feel free to let them go permanently.**

37. **People come and go; learn how to stand strong alone.**

38. **If needed, take time to disappear and focus on yourself.**

39. **Some will resent you for refusing to be controlled.** That’s their problem.

40. **Concentrate on your improvement, not on proving yourself to others.**

41. **Never, ever return to what once broke you.**

**Keep pushing forward!**  From :#karmasays

Meanwhile, I am reposting my most popularly commented article (oral)  on how pets can fight loneliness specially to seniors and those living alone as follows:

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2022/06/how-pets-can-fight-loneliness-on.html

Lastly, here's a recent photo of Batman & Robin- my two apartment mates

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Farewell and Good Luck Ditas in Your Future Endeavor

Today was my last day at the U.S. Census Bureau as the Associate Director for Communications & Engagement. It has been a great honor to serve President Biden, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and alongside Census Bureau Director Rob Santos.

Over 30 years ago, I started my career in DC working for the late great Secretary Ron Brown - he gave me wise words back then, he said, "Ditas, if you want to make an impact in the public sector, you need to zig in and up, and zig out to the private sector and come back in to serve our government." I followed his advice, headed to NYC to work for Deloitte, then back to California to serve 4 Governors, directed 3 statewide decennial marketing and outreach campaigns (2000, 2010 & 2020), served as Chief of Staff at the CA Public Utilities Commission and government affairs in the private sector.

But by far, this job was my favorite one, where I was able to bring the successes and innovative engagement outreach models I developed in California to the national level. And to work alongside a talented team of communications and engagement professionals, who now understand the importance of "the missing middle" and the need to develop the "missing middle of the decade" engagement strategy. During these lean budget years, they must work smarter to build trusted messenger eco-systems and engagement frameworks that will lay the foundation for a complete count in 2030. Remembering that "if you want to meet people where they're at, you need to really know where they are." To create a national strategy, you have to make sure you are in touch with the local and state-level folks and stay connected to that missing middle.

As I contemplate my next role, I promise to continue to represent those who no longer have a voice, and remember to make room at the planning and decision-making table for those who may have been forgotten.

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

💚https://www.linkedin.com/in/ditas-katague/

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/04/my-youngest-daughter-ditas-turned-59.html

Meanwhile, today is Lunch Excursion Day for 16 THD Residents. Here's the lunch menu💜 at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito. In the menu is my favorite dish(appetizer)💚Oyster Rockefeller💚

💜https://www.spinnakersasausalito.us/lunch-menu

The restaurant is located just a few minutes from San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Spinnaker’s shoreline location in Sausalito’s historic downtown offers stunning panoramic views. With floor to ceiling glass walls, the dining room, bar and banquet facility provide incomparable views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, Belvedere, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge and the Sausalito.

The world class vista is rivaled only by the service and the classic American-Continental cuisine that have been delighting guests for over 56 years now. The extensive menu features the freshest seafood & finest ingredients, complemented by an award winning Wine Spectator wine list.

💚https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/04/all-you-need-to-know-about-oyster.html💚

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

My Barrel Cacti Collection

I have 18 barrel cacti collection (see photo above). My Plan for 2025 is to give one of these to friends and relatives that have or will touched my life here at THD. I plan on keeping only 6 in my collection. So I have 12 to give away in the next 12 months. I hope if I offer to give you one, you will not refuse.

I have already given two cacti plants to my two relatives last week. They visited me and brought with them one of my favorite Filipino Dish- Kare-Kare. I have still a few to give away in the next 12 months.

https://www.manilaspoon.com/best-kare-kare/

Speaking of my Cacti Collection- This reminded me of my other plant collection in my younger years in the Philippines. I have a collection of Succulents/Cacti, Hibiscus, Bougainvillas and Orchids in my Gardens at Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. Here are my postings on these collections for your reading pleasure.

My Cacti Collection https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/2322822668769076508/6015068816183097177?hl=en

My Hibiscus Collection

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2014/10/my-hibiscus-collection-in-gardens-of.html

My Orchids Collection

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-orchids-collection-in-chateau-du-mer.html

My Bougainvillea Collection

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2011/07/bougainvillas-in-gardens-of-chateau-de.html

Meanwhile, I have also a posting on the Fruit Trees in My Orchard at Chateau Du Mer:

In my website . http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com

I described in detail the orchids, bougainvillas, bird of paradise, hibiscus and tropical shrubs that highlighted the 5 acres of landscape property of the Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center in Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. Besides the ornamentals, evergreens and blooming shrubs, I also planted mango, papaya, guava, rambutan, avocado , santol, duhat, cashew, jackfruit, tamarind and lanzones fruit trees. I also planted several varieties of citrus trees, pomelo, lucban, kalamansi, native oranges and lemon trees.

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2016/02/flowers-and-fruit-trees-in-my-garden.html

Meanwhile, here's my quote of the Day!

Lastly, Did you That?

Jacopo Cardillo, known as Jago, is a famous contemporary sculptor from Anagni (Italy).

His reinterpretation of the Pietà, originally exhibited in the Church of the Artists in Rome, depicts a father holding the body of his son, evoking themes of love and loss. This marble sculpture took months to make.  Some have called him the new Michelangelo for the skill and emotional power of his work

Highlights of My Professional Career

In my more than 40 years of professional career, I have experienced both working rank and file, as well as supervising the work of subordinates. I have worked in four private firms and the Federal Government, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where I retired. I enjoyed the challenges and difficulties of both types of job situations. This is the highlights of my work experience story.

My first job after completing my doctorate degree was a Chemist for Chemagro Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. It was a subsidiary of Bayer Corporation, a German conglomerate. I worked for the analytical chemistry department comprised of about fifty people; half that number was either chemists or biologists. My specific task was to develop analytical methods for the detection of pesticide residues in plant and animal tissues. I worked on my own, similar to six other bench chemists, and we all reported to the same supervisor.

The firm sponsored my visa conversion from a student to a permanent resident, and I was able to legally work and reside in the United States with my family. The company generously took care of its employees. At the end of each successful year, everyone received a 13th month salary bonus. The employees and their families celebrated wonderful annual Christmas parties in a downtown Kansas City hotel, with dancing and free drinks for the whole night.

Inasmuch as I enjoyed and loved working for Chemagro for five years, I found a new job which offered a substantially higher pay. Due to my exemplary work performance, my supervisor preferred and lobbied for me to stay with the company. I had to turn him down because they could not match the package presented by my new employer. It was also a chance for me and my family to move and live in the US west coast, where the mild winter climate is bearable compared to the Midwest.

My next job was at the agricultural research division of Shell Development Company in Modesto, California. I was a Research Chemist, and again I worked individually, same as five other chemists who all reported to a supervisor. My specific duty was similar to my previous job. I worked for them for five years, until the company decided to get out of the pesticide business. They closed their research facility affecting the jobs of more than 200 employees.

My third industrial job was with the agricultural research division of Stauffer chemical company, located in Richmond, California. I was a Senior Research Chemist doing the same project as my two previous jobs. I worked for twelve continuous years for the company, with outstanding annual job performance. I became a Principal Research Chemist, the highest attainable non-supervisory position.

One day in 1986, my supervisor informed me that my job had been eliminated, and I had one day to vacate the facility. It was the most dreadful lay off experience in my life. I felt anger, sadness and humiliation to be dismissed from work with one day notice, after all the years of hard work invested for the company. This was an unforgettable incident and was the gloomiest point in my professional career.
The company terminated sixty research employees, who were upset of the bad news.

One of the chemists was distressed and expressed his outrageous anger by threatening the company and its workers. He told his supervisor of his intention to bomb and burn down the laboratory. He was immediately escorted by the security staff out of the building and into his car. He was informed to leave behind his personal belongings; they will be mailed to his residence. He was warned never to show up again near the company premises or risk getting arrested.

My supervisor was kind and allowed me to take my time to pack up my belongings. It took me two days to clear up my workplace, after toiling for a long period in the same jobsite. We were provided clerical help and office space, in preparation to look for another job, such as updating our resumes, and using the computer and copy machine. We were given six weeks of separation pay plus benefits.

Fortunately, with the help of a friend who is a Church parishioner, I found another job thirty days after leaving Stauffer chemical company. He hired me as a senior research chemist and as a group leader with two technicians to supervise. It was in the same field as my expertise in my previous three jobs spanning the last twenty one years. My new employer was Chevron Chemical Company, and which was located in the same area as my former employer.

This job gave me the introduction and basic knowledge of managing the work of subordinates. I worked for Chevron Company for four and a half years. The company decided to consolidate their research facilities in Texas, and lay off all its research employees. This time I had enough distress and agony from working, and eventually getting laid off from several private companies. To avoid going through any more miserable layoffs, I made a vow that I would never again work for a private company.

In my work experiences, there were noticeable and unavoidable jobsite occurrences. One can never miss the office romantic relationships between co-workers, both illicit and permitted. Though it was frowned upon, there was a boss and staff relationship, which was used as a ploy to get ahead in the company. Some relationships had chemistry, no pun intended, but some never worked out. Oftentimes, there was a sense of distrust among bench chemists for some workers who unjustly obtained preferred work assignments.

Some employees resorted to bribing superiors to get special privileges, such as being able to attend choice conferences and meetings in exciting venues or locations. Likewise, politics was always present at the worksites. It was during an era when various forms of harassment, equal opportunity and discrimination laws were not yet enforced in the workplace. Occasionally, an unexpected chemical explosion happens in a laboratory setting, where luckily no one got seriously hurt.

In the three private companies I worked for, I was able to publish scientific journals for some of the research studies and analytical methods which I developed for the respective companies of Chemagro, Shell Development and Stauffer.

After deciding and making a vow to avoid working in the private sector, I made my new goal which was either to work for the state of California, or the Federal government in Washington, D.C. Four months after I lost my job in Chevron, I was lucky and joyful to be hired by the Food and Drug Administration as a review chemist in the fall of 1990.

In 1994 I was promoted as an Expert Research Chemist with a GS-14 rating. My expertise was on Anti-malarial and Anti-parasitic drug products. In 1997, I was again deservingly promoted to Chemistry team leader, supervising the work of six Chemistry reviewers including five with doctorate degrees.

As team leader, I was responsible for prioritizing, assigning, and assuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing and control issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Center of New Drugs.

It was part of my responsibility to give advice, instruct and promote high morale and teamwork in my group. My work in the FDA is confidential, until the drug patent on the products I worked on has expired. There are manufacturing supplements that I have approved that are now open for the public in the Internet.

In 1998, I won the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award. The citation reads, “For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the EEO Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership.” I have received numerous certificates of appreciation, awards in leadership and communications, commendation for teamwork and excellence in the accomplishment of the FDA mission. I have also received several letters of appreciation from private industry for my review work.

There are many good things working as rank and file while enjoying doing one’s job individually. It is a humbling, satisfying and productive experience, if one can work in harmony with one’s immediate supervisor. Working individually develops one’s skills in goal setting and scheduling. But in general, the financial rewards are less than a person who has supervisory responsibilities.

Managing the work of others has its challenges. Moreover, it develops one’s skill in handling and developing people, and the compensation rewards and benefits are better. Due to additional duties, responsibilities and leadership, supervisory work can be more stressful than working as a subordinate. However, supervisory jobs give one more personal growth and satisfaction, based on my personal experience. My work in FDA as a team leader managing the work of six scientists had been the happiest and rewarding work experience in my career in Chemistry. You might also like: