Real wisdom rarely comes from a textbook—it is forged in the trenches of struggle, continuous learning, and hands-on experience. That exact core philosophy took center stage on July 21, 2026, as entrepreneur, licensed customs broker, educator, and speaker Dr. Michael V. Maranan—more known to his mentees as “Mentor Mike”—officially launched four new books.

As the President and CEO of Windfreight Express Total Logistics, Inc. and 88 Sunfreight Express Corporation, Dr. Maranan holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Thames International University, a Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Philippine Christian University, and an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from United College of Brazil. Yet, despite his extensive corporate and academic credentials, his latest milestone is driven by a simple promise made years ago: never hoard the blessings of knowledge.

The Heart of Mentorship: “Always Be the Most Humble Person in the Room”

During the launch, Mentor Mike spoke openly about the influences that shaped his leadership style, revealing that mentorship comes in two distinct forms: lived experiences and real people.

“I have two kinds of mentors: my experiences, which I wrote down, and literal people, like Atty. Nagi. Back when he was mentoring me, he wasn’t even a lawyer yet, but he explained things so well and was such a joy to listen to. For those employed today, don’t always chase the salary right away—it’s about what you are learning from your boss. I also learn so much from my business partners and my Bible study group.”

His primary advice for anyone seeking continuous growth boils down to a humble mindset:

“There’s always room for improvement. My mantra is, if possible, I want to be the most humble person in the room so I can keep learning from everyone.”

Redefining Failure: “You Either Learn or You Earn”

For Dr. Maranan, the word “failure” carries a completely different definition than what society typically assigns to it.

“There’s no failure. There’s only failure if you give up. But if you don’t give up, you keep moving forward. I believe that for every problem, there are solutions. It’s always either you learn or you earn—there is always a life lesson.”

When asked what keeps him motivated to teach despite his immense corporate success, Mentor Mike shared a deeply personal reflection on his youth:

“I was lost when I was young. I went through cockfighting, all vices except drugs. It was hard. When I was young, I had no one in our area to ask for guidance. So I prayed to God, ‘If you give me a chance, help me, and I won’t be stingy with others.’ I believe God gave me this ability to share, and I shouldn’t take it back to Him unused.”

If he could send a message back in time to his younger self before achieving success, his advice would be steadfast:

“Don’t give up, and don’t change the trajectory of your life. Even if you’re experiencing financial hardship right now, enjoy that moment, because even that suffering leads to joy—especially if it’s Godly suffering.”

The newly launched collection offers practical guidance tailored for diverse audiences seeking growth in career and life. In his inspirational memoir, “From Eight to Infinity: Secret Stories and Lessons from the Life of Dr. Mike Maranan,” he chronicles his personal journey from humble beginnings to success, highlighting how discipline, faith, and perseverance turn adversity into stepping stones. For industry practitioners, “Confessions of a Licensed Customs Broker” provides an honest look into international trade, logistics, and supply chain operations to bridge academic theory with real-world practice. Meanwhile, “The Business That Fits You” and its Tagalog counterpart, “Ang Negosyong Swak Sa’yo,” encourage readers to stop following fleeting trends and instead build sustainable enterprises aligned with their unique strengths, lifestyle, and purpose.

The official launch event went beyond celebrating books to highlight a broader ecosystem of empowerment and innovation. Screens and pamphlets at the venue showcased “Mentor Mike TV” and his mid-week program, “Wins’day Wednesday,” where he interviews respected leaders, peers, and former mentees to share actionable lessons with viewers. The gathering also featured the introduction of selected 88 WeServe products, demonstrating how education and business can intersect to create real opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs. Readers looking to secure copies can purchase all four books online through the official Mentor Mike Book Launch portal, with wider availability rolling out across TikTok, Shopee, Lazada, and the official Mentor Mike TV social media platforms.