Peak Support Q&A: Patrick Pilares

Pat is a Senior Team Lead for one of Peak Support’s biggest accounts. He has been with the company since July 2017. If Pat were to describe himself in just one word, it would be pragmatic – because he often deals with problems or issues in a very realistic and practical manner. Pat’s go-to snacks are cheese-flavored chips and chocolates. He prefers going to the beach for vacations and loves listening a lot to the band Journey. He finds their songs eloquent and inspiring. Pat also enjoys looking at sunrises because to him, they signify a fresh start to do more awesome and meaningful activities. A musky scent is his favorite because it reminds him of his personality – strong yet sweet. Read the latest Peak Support Q&A blog now to learn more about Pat.

Who knows you best?

I’d say it’s Jhing, my life partner. She already developed the capability to always be two steps ahead in knowing what I’m thinking of or how I’d react in most situations.

What’s the one thing about yourself that you don’t ever want to change?

My amiability. I believe it’s the primary trait that helps me easily reach out and connect with people. Also, it gives me happiness and makes me share the same with others.

Which toy do you consider your most prized among your collection?

There’s no specific item in my collection, but if I were to choose a toyline, I’d say my brick sets (Lego and Mega Bloks/Construx). Aside from having to spend a generous amount of money to acquire them, I also still have to dedicate a lot of time and effort in order to build and appreciate them.

How do you deal with rejection?

It may not show, but I’m actually an emotional being. Rejection, whether in my personal or professional life, gets me down big time. Normally I’d dwell on it for weeks or sometimes even months by being aloof and by blasting rock music alone in my room. With the help of meditation, self-assessment, workout, and prayer, I’ve learned to get back on my feet and look forward to better opportunities.

If you could only say one word for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“Believe.” I know that to whomever I’ll utter that word to, I’ll be able to convey the message to just have faith that you can get through any challenges/struggles you’re facing and achieve any dreams you have.

Who’s the one person you can never say no to?

It’s definitely my dad, though he’s already in a better place. I’d been his sidekick since I was a little kid, and I clearly remember being very obedient to all his commands, demands, as well as requests. It wasn’t because of fear but because it gratified me.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve ever learned from the past?

A very bad habit (e.g. addiction) can never be fully treated just by medications, rehabilitations or therapy sessions. Rather, people suffering from it must first welcome and surround themselves with people who genuinely love and care for them. Reject denial, then capitalize on that thought to have the willpower and determination to truly change for the better.

If your future self were to visit you right now, what would you ask him?

I won’t ask him anything, since I don’t like spoilers. Rather, I’d probably just commend my future self and give him a pat on the back for how he lived the life he had, because I know that he tried his very best to ensure that he’ll leave a wonderful legacy that at least people close to his heart will always remember him by.

What dinosaur would like to have as a pet?

I’d choose Denver (the last dinosaur). I’m an 80’s kid, so for me, it’s way cooler than keeping Barney.

What’s the most precious thing you’ve lost or broken?

Trust. For more than a decade, I was enslaved by a pretty bad habit that made me do emotionally hurtful things especially to the people I love. Though I believe I’ve already recovered from it, I’m still trying to prove to them that I can be truly upright and honorable again. 

If Earth was inhabitable, which planet would you move to?

Assuming that Jupiter’s habitable, I’d choose that planet, because it’ll give human beings a vast expanse to live in, populate, and explore.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about men?

It’s the idea that men are polygamous by nature. Though there really are some who justify this misconception, I believe there are more men who are loyal (sometimes even to a fault). For me, being devoted to only one partner is the true display of a man’s self-confidence and masculinity.

Give us your top 5 tips on how to survive the notorious traffic in Manila.

a. Always keep your fuel tank at least half full.

b. Always keep a handful of music/video playlists available.

c. Always keep your car charger handy and your mobile data working (navigation apps are super useful in looking for alternate routes).

d. If possible, try to have someone ride shotgun with you to avoid boredom.

e. Bring a bountiful amount of patience and keep your rage/anger locked inside a box or better yet, just leave it at home..

Which superpower would you be afraid to have?

I’d say the power of flight, since having that plus my acrophobia would be a paradox.

If you were to become the ruler of a nation, what’s the first thing you’d do?

I’d like to think that I’m a pragmatic person, so the first thing I’d do is reallocate most of the nation’s budget for national defense to other more practical and urgent needs such as food, housing, and education. My idea is that if there’s no poverty, hunger, homelessness, oppression, and uneducatedness, then wars and conflicts won’t have a place in this world.

What’s the one meal or cuisine that brings you so much joy?

It’s definitely Papaitan – an Ilocano soup dish made from different cow or goat innards sauteed then boiled in bile and vinegar. Aside from it being a bit exotic, it’s the one dish that my mom cooks that always makes me feel loved and at home.

Complete the sentence: I can’t imagine my life without _____.

“…faith, compassion, and purpose.” I believe not having any of these makes one’s life futile and not worth living at all.

What’s your New Year’s resolution and how do you intend to fulfill it?

I actually have a couple. First, I’d like to be physically fit again, so I’ll try my best to wake up earlier than usual in order to have time for exercise and other physical activities. Second, I’ll try to save more and lessen my leisure/hobby spendings by fighting the urge to buy random sale/bargain things and maybe by uninstalling some online shopping apps.

What song will always be in your playlist?

“After All These Years” by Journey, because it’s mine and Jhing’s theme song. Also, it’s because the song’s lyrics perfectly describe how two people remained greatly in love with each other as they went through life’s ups and downs, and that’s how we both still want to feel when we’ll be reminiscing about the awesome life we lived together when we’re already old.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that not many people may know about.

I was told that I randomly cross my legs while sleeping. Yes, I do it while lying in bed, but I don’t have a clue nor recollection of what I’m dreaming about when I’m doing it.

Check out our other previous Q&As below:

Peak Support Q&A: Honey Faith Belnas

Peak Support Q&A: Jonathan Steiman

Peak Support Q&A: Hazel Abijay

Peak Support Q&A: Kevin Calatrava

Peak Support Q&A: Leizl Joy Yee

Peak Support Q&A: Jan Merrick Lazaro

Peak Support Q&A: Kathleen Egger

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

llustration by Rhea Avanceña