Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY
THE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
PRESENTATION
ARTipolo Group Inc.
Pol A. Mesina, JR.
ABENOJA, AALIYAH CHUA
ANORE, DANICA MAJUCA
MACALALAD, MIGUEL ANDRE
NATO, JESELINA DESOY
ORIA, MAYBELYN SANJE
TENGCO, CHELSEA VENERACION
VALERIO, GIBRIELLE JOLLY-SHANE
Section 12
PROF. LEONARDO F. CADA, JR.
Course Instructor
November 12, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Overview/Name of the Business…………………………………………………………………. 3
Company Address and Contact Details………………………………………………………….. 6
Date of Virtual or Online Interview……………………………………………………….…….. 7
Resume of Person Interviewed……………………………………………………………........... 7
Questionnaire Template…………………………………………………………………….......... 8
Transcript of the Interview…………………………………………………………………........ 11
Photo Documentation………………………………………………………………………........ 17
Individual Reflection Paper…………………………………………………………………….. 17
Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………................ 26
References…………………………………………………………………………………......... 27
Appendix……………………………………………………………………………................... 30
2
Overview/Name of the Business
A. Business Name
The name ARTipolo was coined as a combination of their city’s name Antipolo, and the
name of the Tipolo tree from which the city’s name is derived.
B. History
B.1. The Founding of ARTipolo Group, Inc.
ARTipolo Group was founded in 2014, by fourteen (14) founding members living in
Antipolo City, Rizal Province.
B.2. The Logo
The logo of ARTipolo, designed by member Jayson Tejada, is a Tipolo leaf in various
colors.
Figure 1.
The Logo of ARTipolo
[Logo of ARTipolo]. (2014). https://bit.ly/3whsTMX
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C. Form of Ownership
ARTipolo Group, Inc. is a certified corporation established on 6 th of July 2015 by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
D. Form of Business
ARTipolo is currently being handled by fourteen (14) board members. The company is
classified as a service business for they continue to provide exemplary services to their customers
by conducting art workshops and art exhibits to highlight their artists’ talents in art and promote
art in the business industry.
E. Job Position of the Leader
Pol A. Mesina, Jr. is the current president of the ARTipolo Group, Inc.
F. Advocacy
ARTipolo’s original aims were to promote Antipolo City as a cradle for the development
and collaboration of its many talented artists; and to enhance the City’s attractiveness as a tourist
destination, with creative elements affording unique experiences to visitors. The Antipolo City
Government has since then designated ARTipolo Group, Inc., as the primary artist group tasked
to promote the City’s tourism program. Accordingly, ARTipolo Group has helped the Antipolo
City Government to organize and administer annual art competitions on art month in February.
G. Broadening of Advocacy
Eventually registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-profit
organization, ARTipolo Group, Inc., now into its fifth year of operation, has broadened its
advocacy, to cover not only the development of young artists under the guidance of more advanced
artists and masters, but also the advancement of health and education among children, women, and
persons with disabilities and special needs.
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H. Exhibitions by ARTipolo Group Inc.
Figure 2.
Exhibition
[An Exhibition]. (2019). https://bit.ly/3BRnhdk
Figure 3.
Exhibition
[An Exhibition]. (2019). https://bit.ly/3bLl0pq
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Company Address and Contact Details
I. Location of the Business
ARTipolo Group Inc. is presently located at Sitio Loreland, Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines.
Figure 4.
Map of the Location of ARTipolo
[Screenshot from Google Maps]. (2021). https://tinyurl.com/e3rzahht
J. Contact Information
ARTipolo Group Inc. may be contacted through the following contact information:
Email: artipologroup@gmail.com
Phone Number: 0915 672 2877
Website: https://artipologroup.wixsite.com/artipolo/home
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Artipolo
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Date of Virtual or Online Interview
The interview was conducted using the cloud-based communications app, zoom meeting
and facilitated on November 05, 2021, 1:00 in the afternoon.
Resume of the Person Interviewed
Pol A. Mesina, Jr., born in Tondo, Manila on 29 June 1960, began his formal art lessons
in 1975 and encouraged by Fernando B. Sena to join Art workshops. He obtained a scholarship
grant in Basic and Advanced classes in drawing and painting at the Children’s Museum and
Library, Inc. (CMLI).
Pol won first prize in the Watercolor/ Tempera category Junior “Our Doctors” Art contest
of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines Inc. in 1976, and the award for the Outstanding Student in
Drawing and Painting Workshop of the CMLI in 1978. In 1982, Pol obtained his bachelor's degree
in Architectural from the National University in Manila. He subsequently worked as a drafter and
designer in an architectural firm, then as a background artist for Hanna Barbera Productions (now
Fil-Cartoons) and other animation companies. A decision to work as full-time visual artist came
to Pol in 1996. Pol’s painting style is mixed impressionism and realism, expressing life and its
tonal values with lighting and colors identified with him.
He has taken inspiration from watching nature unfold before his eyes, and from absorbing
the gaiety of neighborhood friends at play, with a spirit that relishes the simple joys in life because
of his humble beginnings. Having participated in several group exhibits since 1978, Pol had 6 solo
exhibits between 2001 and 2012. He received a special citation from the Philippine Heart Center
in 2004, for his top-grossing solo exhibit “Flores de Mesina”, held at The Art Gallery in the Center.
Pol has organized many art workshops in schools and companies, and has privately tutored
students, hobbies on how to work with various art mediums. In February 2014, Pol was voted by
founding members as Founding President of the newly formed Artipolo Group, and as President
in each of the following years by a membership that has grown to more than 80 artists, serving a
total of 7 terms to this date.
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Under Pol’s leadership, ARTipolo Group has organized more than 70 group exhibits. He
has been sought after as a guest speaker, as a judge and coordinator in art contest, and as a
facilitator in art workshops. He has received several Certificates of Appreciation, including those
from the Committee for the Advancement of Filipino People’s Art (1985); University of the
Philippines, Diliman; and ABS-CBN Bantay Bata 163 in 1981, Pol received a recognition from
the Holy Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in Rome, Italy. Recently, Pol has participated by
invitation, in the Pinto Art Museum’s group exhibits “Connect with the Heart” on 21 to 26 July
2020, and “20/20” on Dec. 6, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2021. These exhibits displayed the new elements
of Pointillism and Religious subject added to Pol's style in the last 5 years.
Questionnaire Template
This section contains the questions that were used in the interview to provide the necessary
data and information.
1. Before handling this organization, were you employed or involved before in any
organization? If any, can you tell us something about your experiences in handling
organization?
2. Who are the leaders or people you look up to – local and/or international? Can you tell us
why you look up to these people?
3. As the leader of an art organization, do you have any process of acquiring artists in your
organization? What are the qualifications that an interested artist needs to join your
organization? What benefits will the artist get if they are accepted in your organization?
4. As a leader, what are the lessons you have learned so far? Can you tell us something about
it? For the aspiring and future leaders, what advice can you give them?
5. As a leader who has a passion for art, what made you decide to enter this kind of venture?
(You may check more than one)
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______ Influence by others
______ Source of income
______ Promotion of art
______ Earn for a charity
______ Others: (please specify) ____________________________
6. How do you handle pressures as the president of the company? (You may choose more
than one)
______ I manage my time wisely.
______ I build a strong support system.
______ I calm down myself first before making decisions.
______ I make sure that I understand first the situation before doing an action.
______ I use to-do lists/journals to make sure that everything is properly organized
and scheduled.
______ Others: (please specify) ____________________________
7. Are there any circumstances that have challenged your skills as a leader? If yes, how did
you overcome it?
8. What do you enjoy most about being the president of an art company? (Choose the BEST
option that is applicable to you)
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______ I am able to share my knowledge about art.
______ I am able to be a good role model to my subordinates.
______ I am able to earn for my living.
______ I am able to motivate and inspire other people.
______ Others: (please specify) _____________________________
9. What is your position regarding these two debatable statements, “Leaders are born not
made." and "Leaders are made not born."? Please state your reason.
______ Leaders are born not made because___________________________.
______ Leaders are made not born because___________________________.
10. Which reason relates more to you into starting ARTipolo?
_____was it the art that motivated you into starting ARTipolo; or
_____ was it you who founded ARTipolo to motivate artists
11. Is competition healthy among teams?
___Yes, because___________________________.
___No, because___________________________.
12. As the leader of Antipolo, how do you make sure projects and tasks stay on schedule?
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Transcript of the Interview
This section contains the information of the interview with the chosen leader and learners.
1. Before handling this organization, were you employed or involved before in any
organization? If any, can you tell us something about your experiences in handling
organization?
“Yes, nagtrabaho ako sa company ng Fil - Catoons (Hanna - Barbera Production animation) at nagjoin ako sa mga organizations tulad ng KATAG - Kabataang Tundo Art Group
(Treasurer 1975 - 1990) SIKAT - Sining, Kulay at Tinta (President 1999 - 2012). In handling like
SIKAT group, it is hard. Pero tumagal kami ng isang dekada. May mga hindi lahat mapleased pero
sila na ang umaalis. Yung SIKAT group ay nakilala sa Art Circle. May mga kanya-kanya silang
dinadala kaya need mabasag yun at maging iisa ang Advocacy.”
Interpretation:
Yes, I worked in the company of Fil - Catoons (Hanna - Barbera Production - animation)
and I joined organizations such as KATAG - Kabataang Tundo Art Group (Treasurer 1975 - 1990)
FAMOUS - Art, Color, and Ink (President 1999 - 2012). In handling like SIKAT group, it is hard.
But we lasted a decade. They are not all easy to please, so some are leaving. The SIKAT group
met at the Art Circle. They bring their own, so they need to break that and let Advocacy be one.
2. Who are the leaders or people you look up to – local and/or international? Can you tell us
why you look up to these people?
“For Local, Mr. Fernando B. Sena Artist / Art Instructor, Father of the Philippine Art
Workshop, and for International, Mahatma Gandhi Twentieth Century's Greatest Political &
Spiritual Leader Father of the Nation. Kaya ko sila nagustuhan kasi maganda ang kanilang
advocacy at paniniwala. Like Mr. Sena, siya nagturo sa akin ng arts kaya nandito ako ngayon. Bali
naging scholar niya ako noong high school days ko sa Art Workshop. Nakita ko at nainspired sa
mga naishare niya sa amin noong tinuturuan niya kami. Lalo na sa pagiging leader ng isang
samahan. Marami siya naishare: paano mapaniwala at mapasunod ang mga members. Si Mr.
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Gandhi naman bilang leader ay naipakita niya ang pagiging leader na walang violent at naipakita
niya sa buong bansa at mundo na kayang mabago ang lahat.”
Interpretation:
For Local, Mr. Fernando B. Sena Artist / Art Instructor, Father of the Philippine Art
Workshop, and for International, Mahatma Gandhi Twentieth Century's Greatest Political &
Spiritual Leader Father of the Nation. The reason I liked them is because their advocacy and beliefs
are good. Like Mr. Sena, he taught me the arts, so I am here now. Since he became my scholar
during my high school days at the Art Workshop. I saw and was inspired by what he shared with
us when he taught us. Especially in being the leader of an organization. He shared a lot: how to
believe and persuade members. Mr. Gandhi, on the other hand, as a leader, has shown that he is a
non-violent leader, and he has shown the whole country and the world that he can change
everything.
3. As the leader of an art organization, do you have any process of acquiring artists in your
organization? What are the qualifications that an interested artist needs to join your
organization? What benefits will the artist get if they are accepted in your organization?
“Ang rules lang namin ay need may magrecommend na isang member or may background
sa arts. Ang qualification para makasali sa ARTipolo ay need may background sa arts. Kahit siya
ay hobbyist, student, senior citizen, professional & art lover. Saka need na nasa puso ang
ARTipolo. Ang mga benefits naman na makukuha ng isang member ay makakasali sa mga
ioorganize na exhibits, makakaatend ng mga workshops, matututo sa mga makabagong techniques
about arts. Mabibigyan sila ng pagkakataon na makapagsolo exhibit at makilala sa Art Circle.”
Interpretation:
Our only rules are that we need someone to recommend a member or have a background
in the arts. Qualification to join ARTipolo requires a background in the arts. Whether he is a
hobbyist, student, senior citizen, professional or an art lover. Then ARTipolo needs to be in the
heart. The benefits that a member can get are participating in organized exhibits, attending
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workshops, learning modern techniques about the arts. They will be given the opportunity to
exhibit solos and get to know the Art Circle.
4. As a leader, what are the lessons you have learned so far? Can you tell us something about
it? For the aspiring and future leaders, what advice can you give them?
“Many, at be patient at saka lakasan ang unawa sa bawat member, kasi minsan hindi
nawawala sa isang organizations na may pasaway. May inggit at pagmamalaki sa ibang member.
Gumagawa ng gulo sa org, kaya habaan ang patience. Saka huwag paghinaan ng loob as a leader.
Advice ko lang sa mga newbies or nagsisimula pa lang na huwag itaas ang paa sa lupa. Parati
nakatapak sa ibaba. Yan advice ni sir Raul Isidro, isang sikat na Artist sa Pilipinas. Isa pa, parati
isa PUSO ang organizations at dapat may malasakit.”
Interpretation:
I learned a lot such as being patient and strengthening the understanding of each member,
because sometimes, there are members who are reprimandable which cannot be prevented within
an organization. There is envy and pride in other members, and those who make a mess in the
organization, so more patience is needed. Also, do not be discouraged as a leader. My advice to
newbies or just starting out is just keep your feet on the ground. Always keep it at the bottom. That
is the advice of Sir Raul Isidro, a famous Artist in the Philippines. In addition, organizations always
have one HEART and must have care for others.
5. As a leader who has a passion for art, what made you decide to enter this kind of venture?
(You may check more than one)
______ Influence by others
______ Source of income
______ Promotion of art
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______ Earn for a charity
______ Others: (please specify) ____________________________
6. How do you handle pressures as the president of the company? (You may choose more
than one)
______ I manage my time wisely.
______ I build a strong support system.
______ I calm down myself first before making decisions.
______ I make sure that I understand first the situation before doing an action.
______ I use to-do lists/journals to make sure that everything is properly organized
and scheduled.
______ Others: (please specify) ____________________________
7. Are there any circumstances that have challenged your skills as a leader? If yes, how did
you overcome it?
“Meron po, katulad ng 12 members namin ay nagrebelde (gumawa ng isang group at
sinisiraan kami). Ginawa namin ay hindi ko pinaalam sa mga members at bali board lang po ang
nakakaalam. Sinuri namin ano ang cause at nalaman namin na dahilan ay selos at inggit sa mga
new members na active at malaki naitutulong sa org. Kaya pinabayaan na lang namin. Tinibayan
namin ang pamamalakad. Defined namin ano ba ang dapat gawin para maunawaan ng members
ang kahalagahan ng isang org. Malaki ang naitulong ng bagay na iyon kasi lalo ako nagsumikap
upang tumibay ang org. Dito po ako natuto na hindi lahat pwede mapleased at paano maunawaan
ang lahat na need maintindihan.”
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Interpretation:
Some, like 12 of our members, rebelled where they formed a group and insulted us. We
did it without informing the members and only the members of the board know. We analyzed what
was the cause, and we found out that it was jealousy and envy for the new members who were
active and helped the organization. So, we just let it go. We upheld the management. We defined
what should be done for members to understand the importance of an organization. That helped a
lot because I worked harder to strengthen the organization. Because of that, I learned that not
everyone can be pleased and how to understand everything that needs to be understood.”
8. What do you enjoy most about being the president of an art company? (Choose the BEST
option that is applicable to you)
______ I am able to share my knowledge about art.
______ I am able to be a good role model to my subordinates.
______ I am able to earn for my living.
______ I am able to motivate and inspire other people.
______ Others: (please specify) _____________________________
9. What is your position regarding these two debatable statements, “Leaders are born not
made." and "Leaders are made not born."? Please state your reason.
______ Leaders are born not made because “alam ko po natutunan ang pagiging
isang leader. Una need po na interesado ka sa mga gawain bilang leaders at isa
PUSO. Alam ko na mapapantay ang leader sa kanyang experience at lalo niya pag
- iigihan ang gawain.”
______ Leaders are made not born because___________________________.
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Interpretation:
______ Leaders are born not made because I know that being a leader can be
achieve through acquired knowledge and experiences. First, you need to be interested in
activities as leaders and put your HEART into it. I know that the leader will be matched
with his experience, and he will improve the work even more.
10. Which reason relates more to you into starting ARTipolo?
______ was it the art that motivated you into starting ARTipolo; or
______ was it you who founded ARTipolo to motivate artists
11. Is competition healthy among teams?
______ Yes, because makakatulong po ito para lalong lumakas ang org. pero need
lang makontrol para hindi maging dahilan ng pagkakawatak-watak at inggitan.
______ No, because___________________________.
Interpretation:
______ Yes, because it will help make the organization stronger, but it needs to be
controlled to prevent any cause of disunity and envy.
12. As the leader of Antipolo, how do you make sure projects and tasks stay on schedule?
“Bali always reminder po sa mga members ang deadline at needs sa mga projects. Like
today, parati nag-uusap sa social media (like Messenger) kaya doon ko sila finafollow up parati.”
Interpretation:
I just always remind members of the deadlines and needs for projects. Like today, they
always communicate on social media like Messenger, so I always follow up and update them there.
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Photo Documentation
Attached is a screenshot of the virtual interview conducted on November 05, 2021, via
Zoom. All the participants were asked for their consent to the image.
Figure 5.
Screenshot of the Virtual Interview
Individual Reflection Paper/Personal Plan
K. Abenoja, Aaliyah Chua
From an experienced leader, I learned from Mr. Mesina that an art organization is just like
any other group. Truly, the sense of constant understanding and patience are what give fruit to
successful leadership. He stated that ARTipolo only requires each member to be keen on learning
and sharing art. In addition, his leadership of ARTipolo taught him to be tough and resilient in the
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many ways a conflict initiates to strike the group. He explained that if one is really motivated to
be a leader, not just for the title but also the responsibilities of being one, then it is one way that
leaders are not born but made. Leadership according to him is a learning process and he even stated
a scenario where there had been an issue with ARTipolo and former members of it. I grasped the
thought that indeed there can be many problems in a group but the real passion of continuing the
legacy the organization has started will proceed to its growth.
The organization’s performance as a whole and per member is what matters to an effective
leader. Also, leaders think rationally and emotionally because those are the ways of understanding
and critically undermining how each conflict needs to be resolved. It is the reason “Leadership is
a social influence shared among members,” because member engagement is the way in finding
what each member and the leader need to improve (Hughes, et. al., 2022).
In conclusion, Art and leadership crossed into Mr. Mesina’s life through his passion for
expanding art and of knowledge to other artists. Our experiences are the personal sources we have
in improving our stand as a leader. As situations a leader and his or her members encounter during
the operations, the interconnectedness of these variables determine how passionate the members
are. It taught me how leadership occurs, especially in the field of arts which I barely hear about.
This task proved how realistic the lessons I learned from the course are.
L. Anore, Danica Majuca
Leadership is everywhere, not just in the workplace. Leaders are the ones who step forward
and take control of the issue in every situation. It does not matter if you are at home, at work, or
somewhere else. Just like what Jim Rohn said, "A good objective of leadership is to help those
who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better." After
conducting the group task, I felt so much relief accomplishing it. It was a wonderful experience
for me, and I have learned a lot from the interview we have conducted. The interview was about
leadership. Our interviewee is the current president of the ARTipolo Group, Inc. Mr. Pol A. Mesina
Jr.
Many art workshops have been held in schools and businesses by Mr. Mesina, and he has
also privately tutored students and artists on the use of various art mediums. Mr. Mesina received
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many awards and several solo exhibits in the past. In February 2014, he was voted by founding
members as the Founding President of the newly formed Artipolo Group, during his terms up to
this day the members of the said organization have grown. When it comes to being a leader,
strategic thinking is the most crucial quality. It is difficult for me to explain leadership in a single
statement, but I agree with the idea of leadership that it is an act of leading people or a group of
individuals. A leader's approach is guided mostly by their vision. It all comes down to where you
want to go in life. Lord, Phillips & Rush (1980) and Mann (1959) conducted studies on leadership
traits and characteristics, according to them, Northouse identified five major leadership traits:
intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity, and sociability. I may say that Mr. Mesina
has all these traits of being a good leader.
During the interview, our interviewee Mr. Mesina demonstrated how patience is a critical
element in becoming a great leader. He said that being a leader, you must be patient and strengthen
your understanding toward your members. In an article about leadership, it is argued that true
leaders could wait until they can take appropriate and effective action before deciding what to do.
For some people, this interview might seem basic, but for me, it helped me develop a better
understanding about leadership, the interview had me think that being a leader is to become
someone passionate about serving your people and becoming someone to lead and guide them
through their dreams.
M. Macalalad, Miguel Andre
Being a leader is one of the most challenging jobs in the world since they set standards and
push members to become member individuals. I learned from our interview with Mr. Mesina that
leaders are not just ordinary people in a position, but they are people that make strategic ideas,
innovation and other things that will improve an organization.
There are many great leaders out there that is truly embodies a great and skillful leader,
and one of them is Mr. Mesina of ARTipolo. During our interview with Mr. Mesina, I gained more
knowledge about leadership that I have not learned before. One of the things he said that captured
my attention is when he encountered an event where someone tried to drag their organization down
because of jealousy. Instead of fighting back, he just let it go and continued to move forward. I
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utterly agree with the action of Mr. Mesina. I believe that a leader that is making strategic decisions
and actions like Mr. Mesina is considered a great and skillful leader. Eastwood (2019) had stated
that one quality of a successful leader is they should be strategic in their critical thinking, decision,
and action. I adore what Mr. Mesina has done this since he thinks carefully and his action to the
incident is phenomenal. Rather than taking revenge, he thinks carefully and makes better decisions.
I adore him since he is not just a leader but a leader that cares not for himself but for others as well.
I became a leader multiple times in my lifetime in schoolwork and I make bad actions and decisions
since I do not think properly, and I always think to act early. As I am given multiple chances again
to become one, I make strategic decisions for my actions that lead to successful activities. A leader
should think first before doing something since it will affect deeply not only himself but others as
well. Mr. Mesina truly opened my eyes on how to become a skillful and great leader. The interview
with Mr. Mesina truly pushed me to become a better leader if I was given a chance. I know now
how to become one and what are the things I should avoid.
In the interview, I realized that a leader is not about just leading, it is all about making
strategic decisions that will lead to actions that an organization will benefit from. Being a leader
is a continuous learning not only from the events that happen but also from the people within the
organizations.
N. Nato, Jeselina Desoy
Leadership abilities are needed to deal with the obstacles of daily life and uncover
possibilities in challenging circumstances. It is all about establishing an example for others to
follow to be a leader. We all must rely on our leadership abilities to attain our everyday life
objectives and even to-do lists. We were guided in the proper direction by our leaders, who steered
us in the right direction. So, if we want to make the most of our time and resources, we need to
lead others effectively and efficiently.
Leadership was initially a social phenomenon long before it evolved into a professional
one. So many of the current day's leadership characteristics and professional leadership traits are
founded on the social and political leaders of the past. Because we are social creatures, living in
big groups necessitates taking on diverse responsibilities and working toward common goals.
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Leaders and followers were formed to establish order in society and promote its growth and
development.
There were leaders and followers, each of whom played a significant role in helping to
bring about the reforms. Undeniably, most of it is through art. Changing the world requires strong
leadership. Management, without a doubt, requires a large amount of leadership. It aids in boosting
productivity and achieving the objectives of a business. To be a leader, we must inspire our
colleagues to perform at their best with confidence, bravery, and enthusiasm. There will always be
an opportunity for growth, and we will become better leaders taking criticism and responding
positively to it. Leaders that see it as the most effective method to serve their team and their
organization are wise. It is not going to make us more minor, but it will strengthen our position
with everyone. Everyone's admiration for this feature is a testament to its power. We must build
and fine-tune it as one of the most vital leadership traits.
O. Oria, Maybelyn Sanje
Are you ready to be a leader? Yes, you are. Being a leader is somehow a privilege yet
challenging task. Everyone can be a leader in their own unique ways, you must find and establish
it on your own. Having the authority to lead other people is something to look forward to but it is
also something you must control because too much of anything can damage everything. Neither
power nor authority define you as an effective leader.
During our interview with Mr. Mesina, the president of ARTipolo Group Inc., he talked
about his journey of being a leader and how he overcame different challenges in life as the head
leader of an organization. Indeed, I learned a lot of life lessons from him and in fact, there were
three that really stood out and caught my attention. First, success can be attainable if you have
determination, passion, skill, discipline, and luck (DoBad, 2018). There is no such thing that can
be acquired in an instant. Just like in boiling an egg, you need to learn the accurate temperature,
amount of water, estimated time, and some added patience before you perfectly achieve the texture
of an egg and that I think explained the essence of patience and hard work to attain your goals in
life. Before, Mr. Mesina was an employee then founded the ARTipolo. His experiences helped
him to easily understand the feelings of his subordinates which led him to establish strong
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relationships with them. Furthermore, I realized that being an effective leader is not about the
power and authority you have gained, it’s about the relationship you have formed. Therefore, an
effective leader always prioritizes the betterment of his followers. He/she shares vision, leads by
example, motivates others, communicates effectively, and most importantly, demonstrates
integrity within the organization (Michael Page, n.d.). Being a non-profit organization, their goal
is to influence others and promote art through conducting art exhibitions. I truly admire Mr. Mesina
for that advocacy because other people might take this advantage especially during this trying
times however, Mr. Mesina chose not to be selfish and greedy for the wealth he could earn in these
exhibitions but rather, his primary goal is to share his love for art and encourage others to pursue
that passion for these are their sources of happiness and relaxation. Lastly, according to Mr.
Mesina, leaders are made not born. This statement can be debatable but as stated in Chapters 1 and
3 of the books, leadership is defined as a skill that can be developed and furnished as time goes
by. As stated by Motivii (2020), very complex skills which are mostly acquired through
experiences and proper training are strongly required to be a great leader. This was proven by Mr.
Mesina because before he acquired the position, he underwent different workshops, rejections,
judgements, etc. that helped him improve his art and leadership skills which made him to where
he is today.
Based on what I have learned from the story of Mr. Mesina, I believe that leadership is not
about the destination or the position, it’s about the learnings you have acquired during the journey
because that will help us determine our strengths and weaknesses which will lead us to a better
version of ourselves. Once we establish our better selves, I am sure that everything will follow as
planned, we must trust the process. In addition, a great leader is also a great listener which means
that as a leader, we must know how to listen to the demands of our subordinates because that’s life
taught us, in every situation there must be a give-and-take relation to have harmony in an
organization.
P. Tengco, Chelsea Veneracion
Is there anyone who did not dream of becoming a leader someday? I think not. Whether
leading the class, an organization, or a business, I think most of us dreamed of having power. The
22
power to lead a specific group of people. But is being a leader all about power and authority? Most
of us will fall short of that.
With our interview with Mr. Medina, I have gained three valuable life and leadership
lessons that honestly woke me up and encouraged me to be a better version of myself not only for
my own good but also for the sake of other people. As the poet, John Donne’s said, “No man is an
island.,” a leader would not be called a leader if he is only all by himself. There must be a
follower to one be considered a leader. The first notable lesson that I gained from the interview is
that a leader is made, not born. Some people believe the otherwise, I tried to understand
their viewpoint, but I deeply reflected on this, and I realized that it would be ignorant and
selfish to think that to be considered a leader, you must have naturally acquired the skills a leader
should have. I see it as there is a list of requirements to be fully considered as a leader and if
you miss one requirement, then you are not a born leader anymore. Personally, it is a toxic
standard that was unconsciously set by our society. But if we start seeing being a leader as a
lifetime process, then we are giving each of us the chance to know well and improve ourselves,
not only for our own sake but for others’ too. It would be a waste if we spent our
lifetime stuck being the same version of ourselves. I am aspiring to be a leader someday, but I have
these fears and lackings that I know would not lead to effective leadership. Instead of thinking of
dropping this goal of mine, I see these fears and lackings as my motivation to improve myself to
achieve my dream of becoming a leader. “It is all in the mindset,” I strongly believe to that. The
next notable lesson I gained is that a true leader is not afraid of changes and challenges. Our chosen
leader was not afraid to establish his organization despite uncertainties. Running a nonprofit
organization is unusual in the eyes of society. But here he is, confidently facing the new days to
his organization. A true leader is not afraid of risks but takes them. Changes and challenges are
part of one’s growth. We could always learn from them, whether it would bring success or
failure. And that is beautiful, taking risks means you have great courage that no matter what
happens, you will see the result as an opportunity to grow, not to lose hope. And lastly, the notable
lesson
that
struck me
the
most
is
that profound knowledge doesnot guarantee effective leadership. As stated by Curphy et.al.,
(2020), “individuals with extensive knowledge of leadership may be poor leaders.” In general,
being book smart is not enough. In leadership, how could an organization have a
harmonious relationship if their leader himself does not know how to touch the lives of his
23
followers? How could there be an understanding between the members if the leader only knows
how to communicate rationally? With Mr. Mesina’s gentle talking, it made me realize that it was
not just because he is an intelligent person that made him put in the place where he is right now,
but also because of the compassion he has for the people around him. He understands them deeply,
not only on a surface level. He acknowledges and appreciates each effort of his artists and
acquaintances. This is the important skill that a leader should have, considering the people around
you as valuable as you. It does not mean that having power, you will lose your humanity. But being
overly emotional does not guarantee effective leadership too. Creating decisions only based on
emotions could lead to danger and people will take advantage if they know you can be easily
swayed. As they say, we should create decisions based on our heart and mind, with one. A true
leader knows how to balance his rational and emotional intelligence, because he knows that these
two are the key to achieving goals and objectives with his comembers.
I deeply recognized that being a leader is one of the nicest recognitions we could have. It
just means that we have a vision for the greater good, not only for our sake but for other people
too. Being a leader also means that there are people who trust you, and that is one of the
overwhelming feelings we could experience. They believe in your ability and trust in you that you
will bring them for their own good. To the people who think that they will never be a
leader, it is time to break the stigma. Everyone can be a leader; it is only a matter of willingness.
Willingness to learn and develop oneself. I realized that there is no perfect and best leader in the
world but a persistent leader. Persistent to be better, learn, and touch the lives of the people around
him.
Q. Valerio, Gibrielle Jolly-Shane
In reflection of my experience during the activity, I was intrigued to see that some key
concepts from the leadership and decision-making course were present in the answers that our
group’s interviewee has made. The interviewee has made it clear that a leader’s motives must be
for the betterment of the organization as a whole and if chosen to lead, must give wholeheartedly
in the position, this sort of motivation is exemplified as the need for socialized power wherein the
leader often sacrifices individual gain for the organizations.
24
The interviewee, Mr. Mesina, has also mentioned that “leaders are not born, they are
made”: this concept is correlated with the myth debunked in Chapter 1 and how in Chapter 3,
leadership is described as a skill that could be honed and developed; I agree as evident in Mr.
Mesina’s story on how he became a leader in his organization, he first learned proper skills in
managing and leading people to a common goal from his previous leader and mentor as opposed
to being born into the position and personality. I agree that leadership is not the person nor the
position but the process of maximizing individual capabilities to achieve something wherein the
whole organization benefits.
The activity and the course have made me ponder on what I need to improve personally if
I want to be an effective leader in the future. I think that it would be best that I practice leadership
and hone it as a skill especially in terms of managing workplace relationships with future
colleagues and subordinates, which could improve my inherent power and abstain from using
coercive power which is the kind of leader I want to be. Overall, the activity and the course are
informative on who could be a leader, how to be a leader and which leadership qualities are most
recommended to achieve organizational success.
25
Acknowledgement
The interviewers would like to express gratitude to Mr. Leopoldo A. Mesina Jr. of the
ARTipolo group for giving time and effort to participate in the interview. Mr. Mesina Jr. truly
inspires the students on how to handle and run a successful organization. Mr. Mesina Jr. also gives
insightful information on how to become an effective leader that can be used by students when
opportunities come in. The interview would not have been possible without the presence of Mr.
Mesina Jr. The interview will be part of the final requirement in the Leadership and Decisionmaking subject, which will be 50% of the grade in the final term. The information gathered during
the interview will only be used for academic purposes only and the data privacy act will be
observed.
26
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Appendix
Appendix A – INTERVIEW INVITATION LETTER
Appendix B – APPROVAL FORM
30