Leading instead of commanding! a Franz Lopez Special.

How can we say that a person is a leader? is it when he/she tells us what to do or what not do? or when he/she dictates our roles and functions? limitations? or if he/she won an election? are those the answers to the question posted earlier?

Someone told me that a leader should not only lead. He or she should be able to inspire others, motivate them, and make them feel good regardless of their status, position or role in a group or community.
Lately, when we say leader, we always associate it with power and authority. or when one takes that role, whether legitimate or not, acts like he or she has power over everyone. restricts actions of those around him/her and make everyone understand that he/she holds that position. in effect, leaders get distanced with their peers, subordinates and everyone else around them. Sure, they know that he/she is the boss, but does he/she command their respect? their trust? or Loyalty?

3 weeks ago, i joined a community of photo,video and graphics enthusiasts. ME, being a newbie at photography did not hesitate in filling out a simple browser form, join daily conferences and from time to time events and photowalks/shoots. what amused me in this community, is that they are more of a barkada, family rather than being a laddered/rigid type of organization with a preposterous chain of command and hierarchy. Don't get me wrong, i believe in an organized organization, i believe in having a set of officers and admins. but what makes Helios Project International a group that stands out from the sea of communities is that they dont treat each other only as org/community mates. they act as the support group, a friend, a mentor, and a second home to everyone that is part of it.

but what really inspired me to create this post is their leader, their head admin and founder: Franz Lopez. based on what i've seen and heard within the group, i can only conclude that franz doesn't actually think that he is the leader of this community composed of 250+ local and international photographers, videographers and graphic artists. he acts like he is everyones equal and doesn't abuse  the position that he has (who also does not hassle his fellow admin with rigid requirements, and formalities for any events or plans that they would have). As a leader, his words are binding when needed, but he never concludes or decides without hearing opinions of others (whether they be admin or not). A mark of a true leader and an excellent person.

Happy 23rd Birthday Duke Francis.
We at Helios Project International thank you for your perseverance to make the group better than it is today. Have a great one Buddy!

Francis Lopez - as we smudged cake icing/frostings on his face, and sprinkle his hair with pasta and basil. (now ask yourselves, can you actually do this to your leaders?)

May 6 - - during this day, 24 years ago......

i was born. today is my 24th birthday! (batiin niyo naman ako!).

during days like these, my materialistic self takes over. To the point that i would create a list, which i like to call "FC's 2010 wish list". the list would contain the wants and needs of FC! but this year, i planned to keep the list short.

FC's 2011 wish list
1. Dad's Successful Operation
2. Dad's Speedy Recovery
3. Shoes (haha ahem mom, ahem!)

Anyways, i've spent the better part of the day in front of the Operating Room in San Jaun De Dios. Dad underwent his operation at around 8AM, the anxiety was killing me. i felt no hunger, i didnt feel tired, i felt nothing. for 6 hours, i was stoic. At around 1:40-2:00PM - my Dad was released. the Doc said that everything is going to be alright, that my dad is out of harms way. He then was taken to ICU for precautionary purposes (doctors words!). but safe to say, everything is back to normal for us.

the best part is that, the first item on my "wish list" was already given a day before. thank you lord!

FC's 2011 wish list

1. Dad's Successful Operation 

2. Dad's Speedy Recovery (ongoing)

3. Shoes (haha ahem mom, ahem!) - (under discussion, haha)

(MAY 6, 2011)
P.S. a Big Thank You to all my friends, followers, family members who prayed and showed their support during this very hard time.  you guys are the best!

Labor Rally, And Quiapo (My Family's Prayer)

Yesterday, my dad and i were trying to figure out what route to take for our supposed trip to Quiapo today. normally, the drive shouldn't be that hard and the roads should have been quite empty (considering its a sunday!). but today was different, aside from the massive prayer congregation because of Pope John Paul's beatification, it also happened to be the one day wherein labor unions take to the streets, wave their hand made flags and signs and request/demand for better compensation for their hard work.

But despite this event that eventually created heavy traffic in the area, we persisted on our quest to reach the church. My dad, Rico, has been a devout follower of the Nazareth. he kept telling me and my brother stories of his adventures when he was young, his stories regarding his devotion to quiapo and the church's patron.

About two Days ago, we received news that we never expected. we got news that my dad is sick and would need to be operated immediately. But we believe in the power of prayer, in the power of what we believe in, and it is fitting that we go to Quiapo, my dads most loved sanctuary for his faith and religion, to ask for God's help.

Tomorrow will be the start of the actual test for us, and all we have to do is believe and be strong. i know that we would survive this, just like all those that came before it. 

I believe in both of you. God and Dad, i know that this too shall pass, and we shall look back at it with humility and would have learned from everything that has happened. all we have to do is trust and Believe!

“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:17)