Let them bask and enjoy their day in the sun. Let’s give them credit for their enthusiasm. Let them do the hard work as well.
On my bedside is the book “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene. This book, along with Mario Puzo’s “The Godfather”, carried me through many of life’s challenging moments.
I am thrilled whenever I see through people’s motives. Every person has a weakness. Every person has a need. Find that need, and you have the perfect ammunition to do what you will.
I, too, dislike Alric Bulseco. However, I don’t have the time to engage this egocentric pest. He feeds on attention—so that is the last thing I’d give him. The 48 Laws of Power personalises Law No. 6: Court Attention At All Costs. You’ve heard of the adage “Any publicity is good publicity.” Better to be slandered and attacked than ignored.
He is even ‘chased’ by love struck women? (Wow! I’m really good looking—Mr. Suave…hahaha!)
In the same chapter however, is the warning: There is an art to knowing when to draw notice and when to withdraw. Never appear overly greedy for attention, then, for it signals insecurity, and insecurity drives power away.
As such, your strategy is correct in that it follows Law 14: Pose As A Friend, Work As A Spy. Knowing one’s adversary is critical. Use spies to gather valuable information to stay ahead. Even play the spy yourself. In polite social encounters, learn to probe. Ask indirect questions to get people to reveal their weaknesses and intentions. Law 33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew. Everyone has a weakness, a gap in the castle wall. That weakness is usually an insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or need. Once found, it is a thumbscrew you can turn to your advantage.
We already know Bulseco’s need and intention. Dig more of his dirty laundry. Get all the negative testimonials about him. Best would be to gather evidence that tarnishes not only himself but, more importantly, the good name of Ateneo. If we can get clear evidence that we, as members of the AAA, are being dirtied by the brush with which he paints, then we would be obliged to take firm action. Then watch him self-destruct.
A concerned True Blue Alumnus of Ateneo de Manila
(Name withheld upon request)