It's Easy When Your Business is Aligned with Your Advocacy. - Paul Pollentes

(This blog is 16th of a long series of profiles on friends and acquaintances I have met in my life journey, and 1st on my former Montessori students. I invited them to share my spot because I believe in synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We are parts of the whole, and together we are indeed great!)

Paul Pollentes and Spikey
(Photo by Jon Rave)

When I was a class directress at the Iloilo Montessori International School in the 90’s, I came across an article that asked if Montessori graduates pursued careers and interests that help humanity and the environment. I will not reveal the answer written in that article. Instead, in a few of my succeeding blogs, I will let you decide for yourself. To start my quest in tracing the paths of my own Montessori students, here is Paul Pollentes (Iloilo-based) answering my own questions:

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Dot: What can you remember about your Montessori childhood?
Paul: I remember a lot of things that happened during my Montessori days. I still clearly recall the unique teaching methods employed by teachers including identifying continents with a wooden map puzzle, and co-curricular activities such as annual stage programs based on children's stories and fairy tales.

Dot: Did your parents make any reference to your Montessori education while you were growing up?
Paul: Yes, they did. I was told a few times I was a quick learner and learned to read and write at an early age. To be part of the school rich in quality education is something they are proud of.

Dot: What are your interests or passions?
Paul: My interests and passions alike are my pets, books, and my businesses. I sell nationwide selected imported pet brands that have been proven throughout my experience as very effective to my dogs. Many of my clients share the same passion and interest in showing dogs and learning to groom them efficiently. These are the aspects that have helped me evolve and grow.
Reading books still remains one of my favorites. I balance my time reading them while marketing my own business online. It's a better way of spending your spare time than fool around and gossip on social media.

Dot: In terms of career, advocacy, mission, or education, are you now doing what you really love? Can you tell me about it?
Paul: I took a college course that allowed me to gain knowledge how to handle businesses. I am still learning. It gets easier when one of your businesses allows you to align your advocacy with it.
My advocacy is to let people know how to be more responsible with their dogs. It is much easier sharing your thoughts about the matter when your clients find you comfortable to talk with. Clients find the information they gained from me helpful and they refer me to others. It helps me and my business grow. I have no time doing it through social media freely where almost everybody misinterprets my good intentions.

Dot: What wonderful things are you seeing in the world now?
Paul: That I have several dogs with me and a few friends and family who truly care for me. These are the wonderful things I am content to see and have.

Dot: Given a chance to be a world leader, what would be your greatest work?
Paul: I do not think I ever want that chance to be a world leader. No matter what you do, there will be those who disagree and refuse to believe and acknowledge your contributions to the world. Each one of us can contribute in our own little ways. Perhaps, if given a chance, I will influence the legislators to amend harsher penalties for criminals of severe crimes including animal abuse.

Dot: If the universe gave you $500,000 next week, how will you use it?
Paul: In the name of public service, what better way to fund professional no-kill animal shelters than to give them that amount? Professional no-kill shelters deserve the fund so they can provide for stray animals adequately, hire employees who will be responsible for the wellbeing of animals, and hold them accountable if something happens. (Many volunteers are no better with the tendency to complain because they are not salaried.) They can form alliance with vets who can provide reasonably priced spay and neuter programs to help minimize the dog and cat populations.

Dot: What message can you give to parents, educators, leaders, or young people?
Paul: My advice: Let your kids grow in a culture where openness, utmost respect and maximum tolerance exist in harmony. Guide kids where their passions lie. Love what you love to do. That's how you enjoy life growing up.

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And there goes my first respondent! Well done, Paul! Learn more about Paul’s business by visiting his page https://www.facebook.com/ilonggopawrents/