Tagalog Word of the Day: Matalino
Academic Intelligence
"Si Maria ay matalino sa kanyang pag-aaral at laging nangunguna sa klase."
“Maria is intelligent in her studies and always tops the class.”
Photo Nicole Ponseca Instagram
Dear Readers,
If your family is like mine, a strong emphasis is placed on education and hard work because they see it as downpayment on future opportunity. Mom stressed the importance of academics, often saying, “Your education is something no one can ever take away from you.” In other words, knowledge is permanent. I vividly recall books like The Third Wave by @Alvin Toffler on my mother's bedside table, while my father informed me about music and the arts.
And yet, I didn't truly thrive in school until much later—mainly because I finally found myself in a safe and stable environment, where I could focus and grow. I’m also a bit of a late bloomer.
(Just a little reminder: reading is free, but the worlds it unlocks are priceless.)
Now, I try to be a voracious reader and soak up as much information I can in conversations, experiences, trial and error. My goal is to complete two books a month. This month, they are For The Culture by Marcus Collins and Scale or Fail by Allison Maslan. My goal is to complete two books a month. This month, they are For The Culture by Marcus Collins and Scale or Fail by Allison Maslan.
For The Culture by @Marcus Collins is an insightful exploration of how culture influences behavior and drives decision-making. Collins, a renowned marketing expert and professor, delves into the intersection of branding, identity, and social influence, offering a compelling analysis of how culture shapes our choices. With an impressive career spanning top marketing firms and academia, Collins is best known for identifying and coining the term “BeyHive,” the passionate fan base of global superstar Beyoncé that existed in the dark corners of chat rooms like Reddit. His social calculations reverberate heavily. His experience includes serving as Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy New York and teaching at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. In the book, he breaks down cultural trends and strategies that brands can use to connect with their audiences authentically. Through rich storytelling and case studies, Collins provides a roadmap for leveraging culture to build meaningful connections and drive change.
The second book I am attempting to finish but will likely carry into February is Scale or Fail by @Allison Maslan. This comprehensive guide is tailored for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses to new heights. Maslan, a serial entrepreneur and business coach, shares her proven blueprint for achieving sustainable growth based on her extensive experience in scaling multiple companies to success. As the CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, she has mentored thousands of business owners through her proprietary SCALEit Method™, designed to help leaders create systems, build high-performing teams, and achieve exponential growth. Maslan’s claim to fame includes her role as a featured business mentor on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, making her a sought-after expert in business expansion. In the book, she provides actionable strategies, real-world case studies, and insights that help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of scaling without losing control. Through her practical and inspiring approach, Maslan empowers readers to overcome obstacles and turn their visions into thriving enterprises.
Side note: This is my favorite hat from a Mexican milliner I met during my time in CDMX. It's lovely and handmade. Check them out @bluebloodsilver.
See you at the table,
Nicole
PS I am overwhelmed by the response from last week’s newsletter. I predicted a need for Part 2 of my “slow and steady transformation”—I’m working on it. ;)
Photo courtesy Patranya Bhoolsuwan
College Baddies!
Meet Pat, my dear college friend and fellow Erasmus scholar. We lived on the same floor our sophomore year in SF, and she was the very first person I met from Thailand. As the daughter of a Thai ambassador-father, the apple didn't fall far from the tree, introducing all us to the best Thai food long before Pad Thai became ubiquitous. Ever curious and chatty in school, she turned all her talents into an Emmy-award winning career as an on-air newscaster, anchor and media mogul. You did it, @patranya ♥️♥️♥️ so glad to see you, again. Xoxo. Thanks for the photo! Patranya Bhoolsuwan
Stay Informed.
As a Filipino entrepreneur, I am proud of my history as the daughter of two immigrant parents who navigated challenges with resilience, overcoming language barriers and societal biases to create opportunities for our family. We were fortunate as Filipinos to benefit from the geo-political location of our country and the systemic opportunities* created through treaties and basic employment opportunities through nursing and the enlistment of the military–primarily the Navy. As a restaurateur, I am deeply aware of the profound impact and contributions that immigrants have made to my everyday life, my ability to make a living, and my capacity to run a business.
As an American citizen, I recognize the complexities of our immigration system—the invaluable contributions immigrants bring, alongside the challenges that highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reform. Our policies governing entry, employment, asylum, and residency require a thoughtful overhaul to ensure access to the American Dream in a fair and organized manner.
But above all, I am an empathetic human. The recent executive order on immigration not only authorizes raids on undocumented individuals but also raises concerns that individuals may be targeted primarily based on their racial or ethnic appearance. Additionally, it declassifies 'safe zones,' leaving churches and schools vulnerable. In another world, my father might have been targeted based on his racial appearance, had it not been for visible indicators of success like the car in the driveway or the watch on his wrist. I have made sure during my adolescence to my adult years to understand this distinction, while making sense of it all.
Stripped of my roles as an entrepreneur and citizen, I recognize that we are navigating an unprecedented, emotionally charged era—one where businesses face the pressures of cancel-culture and public scrutiny by speaking out on topics that trigger debate around immigration, racial profiling, and social justice.
Today's post encourages us to clarify information for those—documented or not—who are concerned about the recent raids and the impact on their lives and livelihoods. I encourage everyone to stay informed, seek legal counsel when needed, and remember that our communities are built on resilience and unity.
*Fact Check:
What does Systemic Opportunities Mean?
While it is not a widely standardized term with a fixed definition, “systemic opportunities” generally refers to opportunities for growth, improvement, or change that are embedded within larger systems—whether they be economic, organizational, or social. These opportunities arise from the structural, procedural, or policy-level aspects of a system and often require a comprehensive approach to address their causes. It refers to chances for growth, improvement, or innovation that arise within the broader framework of a system, such as an industry, organization, or societal structure (i.e. a country like the Philippines).
Nursing and the Military (Filipinos): For decades, systemic opportunities have existed for Filipinos in nursing and the military, as both fields have provided structured pathways for economic mobility and global migration. Historical labor policies and recruitment strategies, particularly from the U.S., created a systemic pipeline that enabled Filipino professionals to secure stable employment and entry to the United States enabling them to contribute to their families and communities back home.
In Memoriam.
Photo and Article SF GATE
To my friend and mentor—peace be with you. Our last conversation was on FaceTime during one of his errand days in 2023. He stayed on the phone while driving all the way from Napa to SF, popping in and out of his car, shopping for equipment and dining ware in preparation for his new opening in Napa. We gossiped about other restaurateurs, discussed the art of building an empire, and I listened to his thoughts on being a Chinese man cooking Vietnamese food. He reminded me not to be anybody's fool and insisted that actually working in a restaurant is the best predictor of owning a successful one.
At one point, his restaurant on the Embarcadero was the highest-grossing in California—an empire that started in rinky-dink spot in the Mission, long before gentrification took hold. That grand Embarcadero location became a favorite of Steve Jobs, with the private dining space becoming a go-to for Apple’s executive and innovation team. Damn, what a true North Star he was! His three early iterations of @slanteddoor were nothing short of a revelation—proof of what ethnic cuisine could achieve. I consistently looked to him for inspiration while carving out my own path. When we discuss Childs, Pepin, Bourdain and Waters, be sure that Charles Phan crosses that list of culinary icons.
Love you, Chef. Thank you for the memories and inspiration.
RIP January 20, 2025: Cause of death, cardiac arrest.
For a more comprehensive understanding of The Slanted Door's impact and Chef Phan's contributions, a 2016 article in the San Francisco Chronicle's Top 100 Restaurants list offers valuable context. It discusses how Phan helped bring Vietnamese food into the mainstream and the restaurant's evolution since its opening in 1995.
Tagalog Word of the Day: Matalino
January 24, 2025
Newsletter #36
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are solely those of Nicole Ponseca and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations or individuals. The information provided is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Nicole Ponseca and associated parties are not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor for any outcomes related to the use of this information.