Dante Cacal.

I was born in the Northern Philippines to a poor farming family. Death was quite prevalent in my little town witnessed at early age through shooting, disease, snake bites, and etc. Medical professionals were scarce in my town. The only running water was the nearby river and a canal. We use kerosene to light lamps in the night and our modes of transportation were by foot, sleds and carts pulled by water buffalos. Domestic, mental and physical abuse of family members were quite high. Corporal punishment was the norm when I got out line. I learned at early age that the only option to survive was to live off the land. Therefore, the hard work mindset was ingrained in me early ever since.

In 1976, my family and I immigrated to Hawaii hoping to find a better life. We were glad that my two sisters whom immigrated to Hawaii few years before were fortunate to the have enough resources to bring the whole family over. During my school Summer breaks, we use to help one of my sisters and my brother-in-law plant and harvest in the watermelon farm.

In 1982, during my senior year in high school, I joined the United States Army (USA) through the delayed entry program. In 1983, I reported to basic training upon graduating from high school. I was successful by using the principles and values instilled in me earlier on with few reprogramming of a few things in my life, of course. Again, hard work made me a successful leader. Working 12-24 hours daily was the norm. I got married and built a family along the way. The USA consumed my life focused on successful career, while sacrificing time with my family. I gave every bit of my being to be successful. Nearly, 28 years later, I retired from active duty and transitioned into the corporate world, of where I am today. I am grateful for all of my accomplishments in the USA. The only regret was the time away from my family, whether working late to accomplish missions or being deployed to austere locations. Those times away from my family were gone forever. I had two choices while I was on active duty. I either be successful, keep climbing up the ranks or family. I chose a successful career path and failure was not an option. Of course, I tried to balance my career and family the best I can. In my mind, this choice served two purposes. First, success was the only thing, otherwise, my career will be terminated, be forced out from active duty, and join the private sector. Second, a successful career will provide for my family financially.

Retiring from the USA allowed me to reflect what I have accomplished in my life, thus far. After much reflection on my life, I felt that there is still something is missing, yet to be accomplished. Yes, I served my country for nearly 28 years and was fortunate enough to have touched people’s lives, leaders and subordinate alike, in a small way. I joined the corporate world hoping to fill this feeling of void. I vowed to myself that I will not take away any more time from my family. Although, my time was less spent away from my family, I still find myself working much time away to get the job done. In my mind, this was not the answer. I want to touch people’s lives in a big way and spend quality time with my family in an enormous way.

Recently, I found a way to touch people’s lives in a big way. I am on a mission to help people achieve excellence in their lives through physical, personal, and professional achievements.