In business, I recently realized that the power of grit and strategy in winning projects cannot be overstated. Yesterday, I called my mentor, Ludy, to ask for help with payroll. While catching up, she shared some incredible news that left me inspired. Her team had just won a major TESDA project in Tagoloan, a bidding process held in Manila. The Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) was 200 million pesos, and while her bid of 185 million wasn’t the lowest, she emerged as the final responsive bidder. Why? Because her documents were complete, and her strategy was impeccable.
Overcoming Challenges with Grit

What amazed me even more was how Ludy navigated the challenges of qualifying for this project. The contractor’s license requirements were stringent, particularly needing design-and-build experience, which her firm didn’t fully have. However, she didn’t let that stop her. She formed a joint venture (JV) with her company Angel & Sam and Junjing Construction. This required an enormous effort to upgrade their PCAB license, register the JV, and ensure compliance with technical and financial documentation—all while staying updated on PhilGEPS electronic filing.
Ludy didn’t rely on shortcuts or connections alone. She and her staff worked tirelessly to complete every document, strategizing until the last minute before dropping the bid. Her response was humbling when I asked if she had internal connections with the procurement team. She said she didn’t—but she knew the right person, someone in a higher position who made the final decision. Even with that advantage, she ensured her bid was compliant and competitive, leaving nothing to chance.
Learn more about the TESDA RTIC Tagoloan project and how it’s shaping the future of vocational excellence in Region X.
TESDA RTIC Tagoloan: Huge Future of Vocational Excellence
IntroductionTESDA RTIC TagoloanThe Regional TVET Innovation Center (RTIC) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, is set to…
The Importance of Stability in Business

This conversation struck a chord with me. Here was a woman who wasn’t even an engineer, yet she successfully secured a 185-million-peso project. She didn’t just dream about success—she acted on it, leveraging her network, her team’s capabilities, and her unshakable determination. Meanwhile, I’ve been heavily focused on SEO and private projects, finding it challenging to secure big wins. Ludy’s story reminded me that I must revisit government projects next year and take bold steps toward securing them.
But winning big also means ensuring my foundation is stable. One of my pressing challenges this year is resolving my BIR case. It’s a situation I’ve faced before, where unresolved issues risk being forwarded to the collection division. Last year, I negotiated and addressed the concerns, hoping to take a positive approach now. I aim to settle everything before the year ends, secure my tax clearance, and start the new year with a clean slate and a fresh sense of confidence.
Tax clearance is not just a compliance requirement—it’s a foundation for credibility and professionalism. It ensures readiness to take on more significant projects in 2025, making it a vital step toward achieving my long-term goals.
Planning for Success in 2025

Inspired by Ludy’s story and reflections, I’m starting to plan for 2025 with a renewed mindset. My goal is to find the right clients, build meaningful connections, and, most importantly, win more projects. Her experience proved that with the right combination of determination, strategy, and execution, anything is possible.
To my fellow business owners, contractors, and professionals: let this be a reminder that grit and strategy can overcome any obstacle. Whether securing a high-stakes government project, resolving a tax case, or building trust with private clients, the process is never easy. But we can achieve great things with courage, the right mindset, and a commitment to doing the hard work.
Let’s make 2025 the year we step up, take risks, and realize our aspirations. Visit our Local CDO Guides to start your journey in 2025 in Cagayan de Oro