Antero “BIG” Bonifacio

(Supply Chain Analyst | Melbourne, Australia | 50 yo)

“On days when nothing is going right. I try to find one win — one positive situation out of that day. Regardless of how big or small, it is a win.“

FTV: Gaano ka na katagal sa trabaho mo? 

BB: 2.5yrs in my current role. Previously, I had a 28+ yrs career in Information Technology.

FTV:  Anong aspeto ng trabaho mo ang pinakagusto mo? Bakit?

BB: I love what I’m doing now because I have no stress. I am learning new skills and working outside my comfort zone. I have more work-life balance. I have more time for my wife. It’s all about the little things that I’m enjoying right now, which I didn’t get to enjoy when I was still working in technology. 

Also, I have a job that has purpose and stability. I was an essential worker and part of a group that was able to provide during the pandemic. 

FTV:   Anong prinsipyo mo sa trabaho at sa buhay?

BB: Be brave. If life throws challenges at you, don’t be afraid to face them, continue to move forward regardless of how difficult the situation is. Never give up. If you fall, cry if you must, but push yourself to be able to stand up again. Dust yourself off and continue to move forward. Be a warrior in your mind and your heart. My mantra in life is “never quit” and “refuse to lose” 

FTV:   Paano mo hinaharap ang mga stressful na sitwasyon sa trabaho at sa buhay? 

BB: I have been through so many stressful situations. Work, balancing family life, finance. I manage stress by not worrying about things that I don’t have control over. If I’m in a difficult situation, I focus on the positives rather than get fixated on the negatives. On days when nothing is going right. I try to find one win — one positive situation out of that day. Regardless of how big or small, it is a win. This means your day was not a total disaster because something right happened during the day.

FTV:   Anong gusto mong matandaan ng mga tao tungkol sayo? at papano mo gustong makilala?

BB: What you see is what you get. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I invest in relationships and friendships. I am a person of Integrity. A loyal friend. A fierce protector. Willing to help. I will not sugarcoat it. It’s better, to be honest, than misleading. I am firm but fair.

FTV:   Anong pinaka malaking challenge ang pinagdaanan mo sa buhay?

BB: Two significant events in my life have tested my resilience.  

1. Survived 6 redundancies throughout my IT career. Every one of them challenged me mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s the scariest roller coaster I have ever ridden. 

2. When we lost my mother-in-law three years ago, our world crumbled. She made an impact on my life personally and emotionally. To this day, it still pains me that she is not around anymore. Time just numbs the pain.  

FTV: Anong natutunan mo from it?

BB: Regardless of how hard you work, you are just a number, so you need to look after #1 (yourself). The redundancies taught me how to strengthen my resilience. I was also lucky that I have my wife beside me during these trying times, as she was the one assuring me that things will be ok and giving me encouragement that helped me to move forward.

Life is too short. Make the most out of it. Enjoy, because tomorrow is not promised. 

FTV:   What are the top three most important things in your life right now?

BB: My wife and son – My strength, my world, my everything; Health – I still want to be around to enjoy my family and the fruits of our labour; Friends – They are the anchor of our lives. 

FTV:   What would you say are your top three strengths?

BB: Loyalty. Integrity. Being strong-willed

FTV:   What do your friends say about you?/ How do they describe you?

BB: Friendly, and thoughtful, always have a big smile on my face. Man of the masses. Someone who doesn’t care if you are the richest person in the world or you’re poor, I will give you the same respect you deserve. Always hungry, lol. Helpful. Observant and have a strong intuition when it comes to people. 

I found this old write-up when we graduated from HS over 30 yrs ago. I think this best describes who I am and how my peers perceive me. 

“BIG, as he is called for his size (just see for yourself), is not as mean as he looks if you truly know him. He is not the Grendel type of guy but rather the Beowulf that will surely help you when in need. That’s BIG, with a BIG heart, a BIG smile, a BIG mouth a BIG appetite and a BIG… Well, never mind… he!he!he!”

FTV:   What do you want to achieve before you die?

BB: I hope that I was a good person when I was still around. That I was able to help, support and make a difference with whatever means I have to the people I love and people that I crossed paths with. 

FTV:   Any message for Filipinos all over the world?

BB: Stay Positive. Keep moving forward. Look at the bigger picture. Be grateful. You are in a better situation now full of opportunities. One day, you will be blessed with everything you ever asked for. Be courageous and have faith even in the darkest days. Life is full of possibilities. 

Also,I always think about this quote. It reminds me of the importance of giving back and helping out someone along the way. “Don’t abandon your dreams because of those who lack the vision. You never fail until you stop trying. Anything you want good you can have, so claim it. Work hard to get it. When you get it, reach back and pull someone else up. Each one, teach one. Don’t just aspire to make a living, aspire to make a difference. It is not how much you have, It’s what you do with what you have.”