Peak Support Q&A: Jan Merrick Lazaro

Jan or JM as he’s most commonly referred to by his friends and other team members, is a Senior Engagement Manager at Peak Support. JM has been with the company for almost three years now and is well adored, not just by team members who work under his wing, but pretty much everybody else in the company. JM was born and raised in Quezon City. He used to play soccer and basketball. But recently, he’s developed a fondness for fixing things like electronics and mastering the art of woodworking during his free time. Not too many people know this, but JM was as a dancer back in college and had the chance to be part of the competing dance team. Read this fun Agent Q&A blog to learn more about JM.

Run us through what your weekends are usually like.

My weekends are usually spent in woodworking. These are the best days that I can be away from my desk doing something totally different, which is creating something out of nothing. It brings out the artistry and creativity in me and I just love converting an idea into reality.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever given someone?

There will never be a perfect project/task. Mistakes will always pop up and it’s intended to be there for you to learn and be better next time. This would bring you really close to being perfect.

Which animal would you like to become?

Probably a dog. Just like now – I can be anyone’s best-friend and will be available whenever needed.

If you could give up one important thing for 30 days, what would it be?

I would give up my mobile phone. This is so I could spend more time with my son and wife talking about anything for hours without any distractions.

What do you usually do before going to sleep/bed?

I take a shower, I vape (while thinking of things to do the next day), I watch videos about woodworking, talk to my wife, and then I go to sleep.

Which person has impressed you the most with their accomplishments?

That would be my wife. She’s faced a lot of challenges and yet she’s never given up. She continues to perform at her best even up to this day.

What’s your dream car?

It would be Nissan Skyline GTR R35. Because it combines comfort, power, and precision engineering.

How do you usually cope with stressful situations?

I look at stress as something positive. It boosts me up, helps me work faster and more focused. If it ends up affecting me negatively, I just walk away from my desk, grab a cup of coffee, take time to think of a better solution, come back, and re-do whatever it is that I’m working on.

If you could take your family on an all-expenses paid trip to anywhere in the world, where would you take them?

Japan! Great food, amazing technology, and it’s on our bucket list.

If you were to become a villain in a superhero movie, what would your name be and what superpowers would you have?

Can’t really think of a name all I know is that I want these 3 powers: Teleportation, telekinesis, and unmatched stamina.

What amazing thing have you done that nobody knows about?

I made my first water heater out of an old steel spoon and some copper wires when I was in 3rd grade. I failed at first, but was able to pull it off on my next try.

If you could be famous for one thing, what would it be?

Maybe for my ability to learn things quickly. I can literally just watch someone do something for a few minutes and I would know exactly how I would improve it and do it myself.

What is the one project that you can never seem to finish?

My dream gaming setup. Because I need more space for it!

If you can only eat one meal everyday for six months, what would it be?

Pizza! Simply because it’s my favorite

If you had a private jet for 24 hours, which three different cities/countries would you have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at?

Breakfast in Cebu, Philippines, lunch in Japan, and dinner at Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville in Switzerland.

What was the last movie you saw that you regretted buying a ticket to?

“Curse of the Nun.” It was not even close to being a little scary.

What’s the one present you’re not excited to receive at Christmas?

Maybe a pen. Because I already have a lot of them.

Which home appliance can you not live without?

Air conditioning unit! It’s extremely necessary especially when you’re living in a country like the Philippines, where the normal temperature is at 35 degrees Celsius.

What’s the one thing that you will never share on social media?

Anything that is confidential about work and our clients.

What important thing can adults learn from children?

Patience.

If you could change the greeting “Hello” to something else, what word would you replace it with?

“Happy.” I believe in a positive mind set and the law of attraction. The more you say and think about it, the better the chances are of it actually happening.

What’s the one type of clothing that you will never spend your hard earned money on?

Pants! They all look the same to me.

What’s the cheesiest pick up line you’ve heard someone say or have said to someone?

I once heard my son say: “Are you geometry? Because you are beautiful in different angles!” LOL!

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made in your life?

Marrying my wife and joining Peak Support!

Check out our other previous Q&As below:

Peak Support Q&A: Kathleen Egger

Peak Support Q&A: Martin Floro

Peak Support Q&A: Kaci Barker

Peak Support Q&A: George Tillotson

Peak Support Q&A: Mark Pabriaga

Peak Support Q&A: Iar Indus

Peak Support Q&A: Mimi Abelarde

Illustration by Rhea Avanceña