I Spent The Christmas Eve In The Office And It Was Okay

Monday, December 25, 2017


Are you one of those employees who've spent Christmas Eve in the office their whole working life? Well, you're such a brave, strong person. I salute you for that. I have to write this post while "celebrating" the Christmas Eve here in the office. It's my first time and the feeling was just as normal as the typical working days, but I feel a little sad. Sad, because I am used to the old tradition which are having Noche Buena with the family, greeting my neighbors, hugging my kids and opening their gifts. It really feels a little sad. But, on the contrary, there are other things to be thankful for celebrating the Christmas Eve in the office if you're in the Philippines. Here they are:


NO TRAFFIC JAM

If you work around BGC, Ortigas, Pasig, and Makati, you probably know how it feels to travel from 5AM to 11PM and get stuck in the traffic jam on your way to work. However, every December 24th, you'll never encounter this dreadful, normal scenario for most of the people are at home busy preparing for the Christmas Eve. Only a few cars, buses, and jeepneys are operating or traveling during this day so it's really okay.

LESSER EXPENSES

If you're like me who lives independently with kids, you probably know how expenses get lesser if you work in the office during the Christmas Eve. Since you won't be preparing much for the Noche Buena, you'll just get your kids a bucket of chicken and a spaghetti platter to enjoy before they get to sleep at night on December 24th (before your shift), which is totally fine with them because hello? No mommy, no Noche Buena, we sleep (That's what I told them earlier). Don't worry readers, I will take them tomorrow to an amusement park and they'll appreciate it more than us just celebrating the Christmas Eve at home.

DOUBLE PAY

Most of all, it's double pay! Nope, not on December 24th, but on December 25th for it's the Philippines' regular holiday. And as per the Labor Code of the Philippines, employees who work on regular holidays receive 100% of their daily rate. Isn't it amazing? Why feel sad when on the bright side, after the holidays, you'll get paid for those days you have sacrificed and it's okay because at this time of age, money is important. You agree with me? Let me know in the comment box below.

Merry Christmas, warriors!













My 2017 Mixtape

Friday, December 22, 2017





Hey guys! Before the year ends, I have collated songs on Spotify that remind me of my 2017 shenanigans. Hope your songs this year are on the list too! Follow the playlist all you want! XO.😘🎵 
















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when it rains, it pours

Friday, December 8, 2017


Okay, before I start (sips coffee), I've been wondering why I was feeling a little gloomy and down these past few days. I can't even express myself or form them into pretty little sentences. I can't even share it with my friends for I know they wouldn't understand, for sure (kahit ako nga eh di ko alam). So, here I am. Just writing it down here on my blog so I can somehow release the drama in me.

So what exactly is my problem? I don’t know. I’ve been trying to figure it out but I can’t. Wait. I think I know why but I just can't tell anyone (It's not like I'm dying, sick, or what). Basta, ang gulo ko. Ang OA ko about sa feelings ko.

Okay. Let's start with family issues. My sister and I had a fight over a trivial thing last month. My Papa got mad at me for some reason. I can't help my Mama financially. Next, at work. No, I don't have any issues with the company. It's my attendance that has been going really bad lately. Third, my heart. It's currently in its phase where it doesn't know what to feel. I can't say that I'm falling in love with someone, but I'm currently liking the "kilig" he brings me. But I can't still say that he's mine. That I'm hers. No, there's nothing like that at the moment. It's super complicated. I'm complicated (sips coffee again).

After an hour ..

But yeah, there are still things that I have to focus on and be grateful for. My kids are healthy. I have a job. I have friends who are always there to listen to my non-sense side. To my family. To the free food in the office. To my free rides. To YouTube because of the videos that somehow help me keep myself productive because the "How-To-Organize" videos are hella astounding! To my friend's playlist on Spotify because it's sick beats! (Shoutout to @freedomfroiday). To my 200 pesos left in my wallet. To my shoes. To my umbrella for keeping me dry earlier. To my coffee here for keeping me awake for my eyes are drooping at the moment...

Well, maybe it's just the weather.. and the South Border song (Hello, titas of Manila ) 😊

NP: Rainbow

When You Hustle Hard, You'll Get A Reward

Friday, November 24, 2017


Last time I posted a blog about why Sodexo gift certificates are hassle-free. Today, as you read this post on, let me share with you the most rewarding gift certificate I received when I started working in the corporate world.

I'm a working mom since I was 20 years old. I started as an ESL instructor in a Korean company based here in Manila. After two years I then tried to work in a BPO company as it was a booming industry then, until today.


Working in this industry requires flexibility. You need to be able to adapt to changes as it's inevitable. One day you learned this, the next day it's useless. One day you were on a morning shift, the next week transition to the graveyard. No wonder people who work in this kind of business gets tired easily. Well - not everyone. Because to others, as long as you love what you're doing, you'll never feel you're working every day of your life and you'll lose track of time. Like one day you were only on a probationary status, now you're already on your way to your second year and on the promotion list. It's just a matter of a positive mindset while you enjoy your stay in any company, so you won't feel tired.


via GIPHY

Being flexible I guess is one of the attitude that I was able to acquire for the last 7 years in this business. And being a mom as well helped me nurture it as I don't want any time being wasted and multitasking is my game. But, forgive me when I say that during those 7 years, I have incurred bad attendance in 2 different companies before I started working with Convergys. I was on a financial account during that time and for the love of God, how strict they were when it comes to attendance and communication skills (Yes. You have to speak in English even on the lift. It was fun though). From there I thought I had to do something to change my bad habit of going to work late. It's not because I always leave our house late, it's most of the time because of the super heavy traffic at EDSA Ayala (Defensive! But, yeah. I know you can relate).


via GIPHY

One day, our team leader proposed a game plan. That management will be giving away five thousand worth of Sodexo gift certificates to those who will NEVER incur infractions with attendance for two months! And mind you guys, that's on top of our monthly attendance incentive! The plan was timely as it was two months before December.

So, I was there, in the corner of the huddle room, trying to figure myself out if I can do it. Which I have to because number 1, I had two lates already and number two, I need those GC's for my Mama.

Motivated, I bought a cute notebook where I planned my day ahead, for two months. I removed unnecessary activities on my timeline and focused on the goal.

Two months later, our team leader discussed the improvement game has brought to our team and to each one of us. In the corner again of the huddle room (favorite spot para di mapansin ha-ha), I was there, praying that I was able to hit the goal and that I will be chosen for the GCs. I was confident enough since I never incurred attendance issues for the last two months (Yeah. Whew! Habal pa more!). While nail biting, everyone looked at me for my supervisor raised two certificates with my name on it - one for the most improved agent and the other one for perfect attendance with 0% error rate! Everyone in the room cheered when she handed me over those certificates and an envelope with a note - "You hustled hard. That's why you deserve this reward" (Goosebumps all over me while writing this. I can still feel the vibe).

Source
Yes, it has taught me a lot in just two months. It taught me the habit of being prompt and to always focus when you have a goal. I worked hard that time, really hard.

When I reached home, I then handed those Sodexo gift certificates to my Mama with pride. The feeling was just really fulfilling. Fulfilling because you know that those rewards were the fruits of hard work and determination. Rewarding, because Mama was so proud of me and was so astonished upon receiving those. Menos gastos na daw para sa pasko at bagong taon.

She then used it for groceries at the SM Hypermarket. What's good about the Sodexo gift certificate is that, you can use it for a wide range of stores and outlets nationwide.

https://merchants.sodexo.ph/
Finding the merchant near you is now easy in just a few clicks!


And just recently, I learned that Sodexo GC’s have always been and forever will be valid, and that re-validation and replacement of Sodexo GC’s are free of charge once the validity date is reached.

I read that some people can work really well under pressure, and a certain amount of pressure is needed in order for you to push yourself and succeed. However, in order to keep your mental and physical health in order, you should remember to reward yourself.

Source
Also, for you guys out there who owns a company, appreciation is a fundamental human need. Employees respond to appreciation expressed through recognition of their good work because it confirms their work is valued. When employees and their work are valued, their satisfaction and productivity rises, and they are motivated to maintain or improve their good work. Rewarding them with Sodexo gift certificates is one of the best things you can offer aside from cash. It's hassle-free for the employees because they will still have options to choose where they can avail it.

http://ph.benefits-rewards.sodexo.com/

http://ph.benefits-rewards.sodexo.com/
http://ph.benefits-rewards.sodexo.com/
Therefore, this coming holidays, reward and recognize employees for their hardworks by giving out Sodexo gift certificate. Not only they will become more productive, you'll also earn their trust and loyalty once they feel that you value them. Trust me, it's going to be a win-win situation.

Teamwork makes the dream work.



Disclaimer: This post is for Nuffnang's blogger contest. All opinions and words are solely mine. Credits to the owner of the photos from Unsplash.














Get into the Christmas Vibe with Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone 3

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Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash

Taiwan Excellence starts the Christmas season with Experience Zone 2

Friday, October 13, 2017

Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Executive Director Mr. Raymond Chen, TAITRA President and CEO Mr. Walter M. S. Yeh, Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines(TECO) Mr. James Shi Chu, TAITRA Chairman Mr. James C. F. Huang, Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) Chairman and CEO Mr. Angelito Banayo, Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) Chairman Mr. Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., and PBA player Mr. Doug Kramer graced the opening in the Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone, highlighting its sports and leisure and products.
It was a busy weekend with the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone 2 last September 29 – October 1, fittingly kicking off the holiday season. The interactive event was held at the SM Mall of Asia, and showcased Taiwan’s best brands with the esteemed Taiwan Excellence seal. Sponsored by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) implements the Taiwan Excellence campaign to promote innovative and superior-quality products, and encourage Taiwan innovators to continue transforming current technologies. Taiwan Excellence highlighted its sports and leisure products in this area. On its first day, TAITRA executives and Philippine Basketball Association player Doug Kramer came for the opening ceremony, a fashion show, and a booth tour.

The first 50 registrants for the opening day had a chance to meet PBA star Doug Kramer and get a signed basketball from him.
The first 50 registrants got to win a Meet & Greet and a signed basketball from Kramer. Afterwards, there was an awarding for online contest winners, in which participants got a chance to win the following: 2 roundtrip tickets to Taiwan, a Paper Shoot Hinoki digital camera, a Tatung Fusion Cooker, a Saeko Marlin K9 swimming goggles, a Tern Verge X10 foldable bicycle, and signed basketballs from Kramer. Beyond the booths and presentations, the 3-day event thrilled the crowd with activities, performances, fashion shows, games, and raffle draws.

The Experiencing Zone brought Taiwan Excellence graded sports and leisure products in the interactive display area.


Fashion shows happened throughout the weekend, featuring the best of Taiwan’s products that fit a Filipino’s lifestyle.
The Gosiengfiao Sisters made an appearance on the last day. And mall-goers got to enjoy performances from Angeline Quinto (September 29), 4 th Impact (September 30), Inigo Pascual (October 1), and the Judy’s Harmonica Ensemble.

The Gosiengfiao sisters dropped by and helped in picking the lucky raffle draw winners.
Angeline Quinto gathered a crowd on a Friday evening, all excited to see her perform after a day filled with activities.
4 th Impact gave a rousing performance to excited mall-goers.
The 3-day Experiencing Zone ended on a high note with a special performance from Inigo Pascual.
Excited visitors got a first-hand experience of products that maximize active lifestyles, such as the Johnson S3+ Spinner Bike, which parallels the rigors of a spinning workout, while at home. Meanwhile, a Revolution Tri-Max Fabric is a sport suit made from special super-stretch fiber to support muscle, boost performance and reduce body soreness after exercise.

There was also a plethora of options for the ride you and your loved ones have been looking for — the Verge X10, with its ultra-light wheels getting you places in style, the Strida LT making riding, carrying and storing your bike superbly convenient, as it folds in 5 seconds tops, or a  Kymco Xciting 400 motorcycle, which makes riders feel completely safe, while enjoying the pleasures of driving. Get more info about the innovations of Taiwan’s leading brands and the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone 2 at www.taiwanexcellence.ph and TaiwanExcellence.ph on Facebook.


About Taiwan Excellence

The symbol of Taiwan Excellence honors Taiwan’s most innovative products that provide tremendous value to users worldwide. All products carrying this symbol have been selected for specific Taiwan Excellence Awards based on their excellence in design, quality, marketing, Taiwanese R&D, and
manufacturing. Started by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. in 1992, the symbol of Taiwan Excellence is recognized by 101 countries.

Sponsored by Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), MOEA

The Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), R.O.C. implements policies and regulations governing foreign trade and economic cooperation. Established in January 1969, the BOFT's role and position adjusts regularly to meet the needs of the ever-changing international economic and trade environments. The BOFT has been guiding and working with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in numerous promotional trade projects and activities both internationally and domestically. Having worked with TAITRA for many decades, the BOFT continues to commission TAITRA for various critical government projects relating to business, trade, and investment, while promoting Taiwan internationally.


Organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council
(TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers with reinforcing their international competitiveness and in coping with the challenges they face in foreign markets. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

It was indeed a great experience to us bloggers who were invited to celebrate Taiwan Excellence's 4th year here in the Philippines. A pleasure to meet all the good people behind this amazing company who continues to make innovative products that'll help this generation. Hope to celebrate with them again next time and cheers to many more triumphs!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Taiwan Excellence

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