The clock's arms say: "it's quarter to 7:30." As its face tell me the time, my face shifts from confidence to disappointment.
"When I wake up tomorrow, I'll be up so early, I can just casually walk from my house to school, and still don't end up getting late!"
Wishful thinking at its finest.
At times like these, when I'm running late for my early morning class, I run to the motorcycle driver and his trustworthy motorcycle.
Everyday they wait for passengers on the crossroads of Salvador and Katipunan Streets. Though riding it isn't cheap, it saves me a lot of time. Especially when I'm getting late.
The motorcycle's size allows the passengers to squeeze in through every space between vehicles. And since it's exclusive only to one passenger, the passenger has the luxury of asking the driver to break speed records, simply by adding more pesos to the agreed price.
One time, I got into a conversation with a motorcycle driver (who is also a neighbor) while we were in the middle of the road. It wasn't easy. The winds create a noise that disrupts the sound waves coming out of our mouths, and the driver has to talk while facing the road, while I try to hold on at the backseat and lean forward so my ears can catch on what he was trying to say. Sometimes, I'll just have to say "aw" (affirmative tone) even if I didn't get what he said so we can move on with the conversation.
Though we weren't at the best place and time to strike a conversation, I do remember some of them.
One of them was that time when he asked me if I have plans to have my own motorcycle.
"Ok ra man ta kuya, pero diba para makakat-on ka mag-motor, kailangan ka kahibalo mo-bisikleta? Di man ko kahibaw mo bisikleta gud..." (I would love to, but I heard that in order to know how to ride a motorcycle, you have to learn how to ride a bike first. Unfortunately, I don't know how to ride a bike yet.)
I know it's quite embarrassing for me to admit, but here's a short explanation: as a child I grew up living by the hillside. Our house was not situated in a flat place, and my parents thought that it wasn't ideal to have a bicycle for me. So instead of learning how to ride bicycles, I learned how to climb trees and hike up mountain trails. It was only later when I moved to the city.
My neighbor agreed. He told me that the reason why it is a given to learn how to ride a bicycle before learning how to ride a motorcycle is so that the driver knows how to balance.
Balance. A word so easy to say and talk about, but so hard to apply. Especially in leadership.
A conversation I had with one of my pastors a few days ago made me realize the importance and value of balance, in terms of your personal expectation as the leader towards your team and the team's attitude towards you.
"It should be that the members of your team themselves come to the point of realization that you are the leader, instead of you imposing every time that you are the leader," he said.
That struck me hard. The moment I heard those words, I felt my heart saying a loud "Amen" in agreement. But what about asserting authority?
When I asked my pastor, he reminded me that the primary position must be that of fear and trembling. I have to recognize that the FINAL AUTHORITY is God and His Word, thus I must assert my authority in a level that does not cross that threshold. Therefore, I must assert my authority with the knowledge that I shouldn't use fear, manipulation or anything that will boost my self as the leader--therefore placing me on the pedestal and "displacing" the authority of God.
So it's like saying lead with action, but with a mindset that you are not a leader, but rather as a steward, given authority to look after a team and make sure it is working, but at the same time not over-leading it that the real leader may not be forgotten
That's tricky. It's tough! And it doesn't only apply to church ministry, this principle extends to every area God has placed you as a leader.
I don't claim to have fully integrated this principle yet. In fact, as of this writing, I am only beginning to learn how it is to be a leader biblically. This just struck me as I pondered about the things I've been learning this week.
But I've come to recognize that indeed balance is a necessary first step, not only in leadership, but in everything we deal with. We can't just trust ourselves too much that we end up looking things through our perspective, we have to learn to think of other perspectives as well. And that requires a lot of balance!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Laid-off Sawo workers get separation pay
This one was somewhat controversial.
But I remember this as my very first press conference in a very nice venue, a place where an ordinary person like me seldom gets to enjoy because of the high cost you'll have to pay. And getting to work with a pretty reporter ain't bad too. :D
Laid-off Sawo workers get separation pay
But I remember this as my very first press conference in a very nice venue, a place where an ordinary person like me seldom gets to enjoy because of the high cost you'll have to pay. And getting to work with a pretty reporter ain't bad too. :D
Laid-off Sawo workers get separation pay
ALL 52 retrenched employees of Sauna World Philippines Inc. (Sawo) in the Mactan Export Processing Zone received their separation pay yesterday at the Department of Labor and Employment.
Rovel Estrada, who received his separation package of P50,000, said he would use the money to set up asmall business and find a job abroad.
Estrada worked in the production department of Sawo for seven years. He was an agency employee before he became a regular employee of Sawo.
He said he expected to receive another separation package from the agency.
The Department of Labor and Employment, the management of Sawo and the 32 agency employees are negotiating for a separate termination package.
Sawo lawyer Deolito Alvarez said that they already have a package for the agency employees and were waiting for the Cebu General Services Incorporated, the employees’ agency, to give its counterpart. The agency did not send a representative during the negotiation yesterday.
“We are considering that and are hopeful that it will bring out a fruitful settlement with all affected parties,” said Alvarez in a text message. The negotiation for the agency employees’ termination pay will continue on Monday.
Jerson Gonzales, a welder hired by an agency, said he hoped to get the same package that was given to the regular employees.
Despite the job cuts, Alvarez said the company remains stable with 56 regular employees and 45 contractual employees left.
Alvarez earlier said that the firm which produces sauna and spa export products was affected by the global financial crisis.
The company adopted measures like compressed work days and forced leaves to stay afloat. A few weeks ago, the company notified the labor department of their plan to retrench workers. /Correspondent Carine M. Asutilla with Intern Roviel Villa
(Retrieved from: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090423-200967/Laid-off_Sawo_workers_get_separation_pay)
Rovel Estrada, who received his separation package of P50,000, said he would use the money to set up asmall business and find a job abroad.
Estrada worked in the production department of Sawo for seven years. He was an agency employee before he became a regular employee of Sawo.
He said he expected to receive another separation package from the agency.
The Department of Labor and Employment, the management of Sawo and the 32 agency employees are negotiating for a separate termination package.
Sawo lawyer Deolito Alvarez said that they already have a package for the agency employees and were waiting for the Cebu General Services Incorporated, the employees’ agency, to give its counterpart. The agency did not send a representative during the negotiation yesterday.
“We are considering that and are hopeful that it will bring out a fruitful settlement with all affected parties,” said Alvarez in a text message. The negotiation for the agency employees’ termination pay will continue on Monday.
Jerson Gonzales, a welder hired by an agency, said he hoped to get the same package that was given to the regular employees.
Despite the job cuts, Alvarez said the company remains stable with 56 regular employees and 45 contractual employees left.
Alvarez earlier said that the firm which produces sauna and spa export products was affected by the global financial crisis.
The company adopted measures like compressed work days and forced leaves to stay afloat. A few weeks ago, the company notified the labor department of their plan to retrench workers. /Correspondent Carine M. Asutilla with Intern Roviel Villa
(Retrieved from: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090423-200967/Laid-off_Sawo_workers_get_separation_pay)
Bizmen's group vows to help members survive
A friend of mine said that I look like Mar Roxas.
When this article was written, he was then grooming himself to be a presidential candidate. Well, he proved to be a popular candidate-to-be to the entrepreneurs because of his significant contribution as former Department of Trade and Industry secretary as well as his works while in the senate.
Bizmen’s group vows to help members survive
When this article was written, he was then grooming himself to be a presidential candidate. Well, he proved to be a popular candidate-to-be to the entrepreneurs because of his significant contribution as former Department of Trade and Industry secretary as well as his works while in the senate.
Bizmen’s group vows to help members survive
CEBUANO and Cebu-based businessmen signed a covenant promising to help each other survive the global economic crisis.
Rey Calooy, Filipino Cebuano Business Club, Inc. (FCBI) chairman, said members of the club were helping other members affected by the recession by sharing their finances, resources and services.
Calooy said the 200 FCBI members agreed to help by giving members easy access to funds and government services.
The group's members are mostly from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME).
He said that right now entrepreneurs and businessmen still remain optimistic even though the crisis is still not over.
“Entrepreneurs must continue to think positively,” added Calooy in yesterday's 2nd general membership meeting of the FCBI.
Senator Mar Roxas, who spoke during the meeting, cited the importance of the MSME sector.
“MSME is the center of the economy,” said Roxas.
While he was working as secretary for the Department of Trade and Industry, Roxas found out that ninety-five percent of the registered business establishments belong to the MSME sector.
Right now that percentage stands at 99.6 percent. /UP Intern Roviel Villa
Retrived from: http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090511-204364/Bizmen%92s_group_vows_to_help_members_survive
Rey Calooy, Filipino Cebuano Business Club, Inc. (FCBI) chairman, said members of the club were helping other members affected by the recession by sharing their finances, resources and services.
Calooy said the 200 FCBI members agreed to help by giving members easy access to funds and government services.
The group's members are mostly from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME).
He said that right now entrepreneurs and businessmen still remain optimistic even though the crisis is still not over.
“Entrepreneurs must continue to think positively,” added Calooy in yesterday's 2nd general membership meeting of the FCBI.
Senator Mar Roxas, who spoke during the meeting, cited the importance of the MSME sector.
“MSME is the center of the economy,” said Roxas.
While he was working as secretary for the Department of Trade and Industry, Roxas found out that ninety-five percent of the registered business establishments belong to the MSME sector.
Right now that percentage stands at 99.6 percent. /UP Intern Roviel Villa
Retrived from: http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090511-204364/Bizmen%92s_group_vows_to_help_members_survive
Monday, August 16, 2010
Larsian: Haven of grilled food
This article proved to be something very memorable--the reason being connected with a complaint by someone who was trying to correct me for what I've written.
First time to experience such. I remembered feeling very nervous as the caller emphasized that her ancestor deserves to be cited as the origin of the name. But my focus wasn't on the history, it was more on the business side of the place, since it was an article made for the business section.
Anyway, her phone call was actually a great scoop for name registration. Was planning to write about it and publish it in the newspaper, but I ran out of time and my print internship was already over.
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20090511-204365)
Larsian: Haven of grilled food |
Larsian in Cebu is synonymous to a place where tasty barbecue or grilled pork or chicken can be had at affordable prices. Situated in the center of the city, near the Fuente Osmena landmark, it has become a food haven for students, doctors and nurses working in nearby hospitals, and middle-income people for more than 30 years. Demus Manugas Jr., whose father owns one of the pioneering barbecue stalls in Larsian, saw first-hand the change of just a row of barbecue grills formerly facing the Fuente Osmena Circle to being a favorite food destination in Cebu City. Demus, who is in his 30s, said his father Demus Manugas Sr. put up the Dimlight Bar-B-Q stall in 1975 with an initial capital of P1,000. The stall was in the first floor of a building that has since been demolished and where the Banco De Oro Fuente branch is located. His stall, together with “Rex Bar-B-Q” and “Larsian's,” were among the first barbecue stalls in the area. Manugas said as people started to flock the barbecue strip, more people also put up barbecue stalls. The barbecue strip later got its name after a softdrink and beer advertisement was shot at Larsian's stall. After it came out on television, the whole place then became known as Larsian. “Nakita sa mga tawo ang pangalan nga Larsian’s, mao nga na-ila ang lugar nga Larsian (The people saw the name Larsian in the ad and so the place was known as Larsian),” said Manugas. With the exposure that the commercial brought, more people became aware of the place. In 2005, the stalls in Larsian was transferred to an adjoining lot by the Capitol. At present, Larsian has about 30 stalls selling grilled pork, chicken, and even fish. And Noli and Khits stall is one of the stalls doing well in Larsian despite the competition. The owner's secret – their location, which is near the entrance, and more vendors to usher in the customers to their stall. “Kinahanglan jud manawag og mga tawo para naa’y kita (We need to call the customers over so that we will be able to sell),” said Jennifer Tampton, a vendor of Noli and Khits stall. Tampton said each of the workers has their own specific tasks inside the stall. But when there’s no customer, Tampton’s fellow workers would position themselves in spots near the entrance so it would be easier to call the customers once they come in. The method has been adopted by other stalls as well after they saw Noli and Khits draw in more customers. “Nice vendors!” said a patron of Larsian, who was having dinner with his classmates after finishing their hours of duty at a nearby hospital. “Warm ang welcome sa mga vendors, ilugan jud ka nila (The vendors welcome you warmly, and they fight over you),” the patron said. Tampton also shared the most important secret of Noli and Khits – the flavor of their barbecue products. “Ginahan lang jud siguro sila sa among timpla (They just like the flavor of our barbecues.),” Tampton told . Tampton said on good nights, which are usually during weekends, the stall earns at least P5,000 while on slow nights the stall only earns P1,000. Their customers are usually doctors and nurses from nearby hospitals but foreigners are also seen visiting Larsian every once in a while. (Retrieved from: |
Your First Job: A Practical Guide to [Survival] Success
This article was a book review I made for OMF Lit, during my three-month on-the-job training. It was actually my first time to work in an office setting, and my memories on that job are a mixture of gladness (I got to experience office work early) as well as frustration (I was still not mature enough when it comes to being a professional back then.
I thank God though for the good souls working in the company. Made my stay worthwhile. And it actually became a springboard to my future as a "professional". All in all, I'm thankful for my former workmates for extending much patience and love.
You got the job you wanted.
Congratulations! Now what?
If you're thinking of how to make it in the workplace and turn your job into a career, then Your First Job: A Practical Guide to Success has what you're looking for.
Your First Job draws from Dy's own work experiences, and also features the insightful contributions of ten topnotch Filipino executives, including Alex Castillo, Tony Meloto, and Ardy Roerto.
Your First Job also includes a bonus chapter on call centers. Know more about this booming industry and find our if it's the thing for you. You'll learn more through interviews with call center executives and agents who share their stories and observations.
Nelson T. Dy's Your First Job is the perfect gift for the fresh graduate, or the helpful guide to a friend in between jobs. It's an insightful book for those shifting to another profession or switching to another post.
(Retrieved from: http://jcicebumactanchannel.com/content/view/455/1/)
I thank God though for the good souls working in the company. Made my stay worthwhile. And it actually became a springboard to my future as a "professional". All in all, I'm thankful for my former workmates for extending much patience and love.
Your First Job:
A Practical Guide to Survival Success
By Nelson T. Dy
You got the job you wanted.
Congratulations! Now what?
If you're thinking of how to make it in the workplace and turn your job into a career, then Your First Job: A Practical Guide to Success has what you're looking for.
Read on as author and speaker Nelson T. Dy shows you not just how to survive, but to succeed. Listen to advice and help from those who have climbed the career ladder and made it to the top. Be inspired by Dy's candid sharing of his own professional ups and downs.
A corporate executive and facilitator on workplace and relationship issues, Dy's view of work is positive and he sets your perspective straight from the first chapter. He engages the reader in a personal, candid conversation about everything that goes on in the workplace: failure, success, happiness, frustration. Dy also addresses issues of advancing professionally vs. compromising integrity, office politicking, getting promoted, and relating with co-workers.
Your First Job draws from Dy's own work experiences, and also features the insightful contributions of ten topnotch Filipino executives, including Alex Castillo, Tony Meloto, and Ardy Roerto.
The stories—and secrets— shared by these successful Filipino executives are a perfect booster for the neophyte or even the shiftee. Dy even admits that his own career path could have been smoother if such insights were available to him when he was just starting.
Your First Job also includes a bonus chapter on call centers. Know more about this booming industry and find our if it's the thing for you. You'll learn more through interviews with call center executives and agents who share their stories and observations.
Nelson T. Dy's Your First Job is the perfect gift for the fresh graduate, or the helpful guide to a friend in between jobs. It's an insightful book for those shifting to another profession or switching to another post.
A rich collection of top executives' life stories, a wealth of tried-and-true principles—Nelson T. Dy's Your First Job is truly the practical guide to help you go beyond surviving to thriving in your career!
Reviewed by: Roviel Villa
For information, visit OMFLit.com or contact OMF Literature:
Manila | 776 Boni Ave. corner Pinatubo St., Mandaluyong City | 531.OMFL (6635) | 531.0141 | Inquire@OMFLit.com
Cebu | Units 111-112 Marijoy Building, F. Ramos St. | (032) 412.5543 | 253.1525 | OMFLitCebu@OMFLit.com
Davao | Ground Floor Mitaji Building, Tionko corner Mapa Sts. | (082) 221.3416 | OMFLitDavao@OMFLit.com
OMF Literature celebrates 50 years of publishing inspirational and motivational books that draw people to the Truth, including best-sellers The Purpose Driven Life, This is My Story, I Kissed Dating Goodbye.
(Retrieved from: http://jcicebumactanchannel.com/content/view/455/1/)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Chicharon dealer makes own brand
I was inactive from the newsroom for about a week, and this article was like my "comeback". Though I had a valid reason for not being able to go (I had flu), I wasn't able to communicate with my guardians at CDN. Something that I don't want to do so again (I've made the same mistake when I was an on-the-job trainee at OMF).
Pressed for time, I had to set and do the interview all in one day. And this wasn't my first prospective subject. I had to check on two other businesses first before finally settling for this one. Good thing the owner's wife allowed me to interview at such short notice.
Doing this article was humbling and pressure-filled. It made me see my immaturity and weakness as a person. I swore to myself to never make the same mistakes I made with this one, and thank God I was able to apply what I learned.
Pressed for time, I had to set and do the interview all in one day. And this wasn't my first prospective subject. I had to check on two other businesses first before finally settling for this one. Good thing the owner's wife allowed me to interview at such short notice.
Doing this article was humbling and pressure-filled. It made me see my immaturity and weakness as a person. I swore to myself to never make the same mistakes I made with this one, and thank God I was able to apply what I learned.
Chicharon dealer makes own brand
- Bizmen vow to be eco-friendly
- PAL tightens Zamboanga airport security
- Real estate firm binds family together
- Small oil players can lower Cebu gas prices –Almendras
- PBSP granted 40M euros to combat tuberculosis
- Globe mobile business slows, broadband grows
- Ex-house helper profits from tasty ‘Puto Pao’
- BIR-7 collects more than mid-year target
- Skyrise launches 4th building project for BPOs in Asiatown IT Park
- Protest drafted against China tariff on seaweed products
- ‘One Cebu Expo to focus on Cebuanos creativity’
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
ADVERTISEMENT
His pay in a government agency was barely enough to support 41-year-old Roy Esplanada's family.
So he sold chicharon on the side.
“My husband used to sell chicharon as a dealer from other chicharon makers in the city,” said Verna, 40, wife of Roy Esplanada, owner of Yor’s Adobong Chicharon.
Roy’s success as a chicharon dealer inspired him to set up his chicharon business.
The couple spent six months to make their own brand of chicharon.
“It was a hard time,” recalled Verna, who is a housewife.
“To perfect the recipe, we had to spend for the ingredients, before we can even consider selling it.”
They did more than a hundred taste tests to get the desired taste of their chicharon.
In 2008, They took out a P50,000 bank loan as capital. They called the venture Yor's Adobong Chicharon. Yor is Roy's name in reverse.
They converted the first floor of their two-story house in barangay Capitol Site into a production and distribution outlet.
They also hired someone to cook the chicharon while the couple took care of marketing of the product.
“We were losing at first, especially because our product was still unknown then. Plus, we had to spend for our ingredients and manpower,” said Verna.
“We had to make sacrifices to keep the production up and running.”
Roy also relied on his connections from his regular job as an employee of the Philippine Gaming Corp. to promote his chicharon.
Roy's friends, who tasted the chicharon, started telling their friends. By word of mouth, Yor’s Adobong Chicharon was able to get its own loyal set of customers.
Sales started increasing and the Esplanadas were able to pay back their loan in less than a year.
With the increase in demand, the couple hired five more employees to work full time.
Since Roy has a regular job, Verna oversees the day-to-day operation.
The couple also branched and opened two carenderias in the city – one in Capitol site and the other in barangay Lahug.
The eateries serve chicharon.
“If it weren’t for my husband’s determination, we wouldn’t be able to employ the people working under us, as well as send our children to a good school. For me, those two are very important accomplishments” said Verna.
(Retrieved from: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20090423-200968/Chicharon-dealer-makes-own-brand)
So he sold chicharon on the side.
“My husband used to sell chicharon as a dealer from other chicharon makers in the city,” said Verna, 40, wife of Roy Esplanada, owner of Yor’s Adobong Chicharon.
Roy’s success as a chicharon dealer inspired him to set up his chicharon business.
The couple spent six months to make their own brand of chicharon.
“It was a hard time,” recalled Verna, who is a housewife.
“To perfect the recipe, we had to spend for the ingredients, before we can even consider selling it.”
They did more than a hundred taste tests to get the desired taste of their chicharon.
In 2008, They took out a P50,000 bank loan as capital. They called the venture Yor's Adobong Chicharon. Yor is Roy's name in reverse.
They converted the first floor of their two-story house in barangay Capitol Site into a production and distribution outlet.
They also hired someone to cook the chicharon while the couple took care of marketing of the product.
“We were losing at first, especially because our product was still unknown then. Plus, we had to spend for our ingredients and manpower,” said Verna.
“We had to make sacrifices to keep the production up and running.”
Roy also relied on his connections from his regular job as an employee of the Philippine Gaming Corp. to promote his chicharon.
Roy's friends, who tasted the chicharon, started telling their friends. By word of mouth, Yor’s Adobong Chicharon was able to get its own loyal set of customers.
Sales started increasing and the Esplanadas were able to pay back their loan in less than a year.
With the increase in demand, the couple hired five more employees to work full time.
Since Roy has a regular job, Verna oversees the day-to-day operation.
The couple also branched and opened two carenderias in the city – one in Capitol site and the other in barangay Lahug.
The eateries serve chicharon.
“If it weren’t for my husband’s determination, we wouldn’t be able to employ the people working under us, as well as send our children to a good school. For me, those two are very important accomplishments” said Verna.
(Retrieved from: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20090423-200968/Chicharon-dealer-makes-own-brand)
Employer's group revived in Cebu
What happened after the press conference was the one that got stuck in my head. My perception of businessmen is that they are always on the go and will never ever talk to ordinary people. Mr. Ng broke that perception when he happily chatted with me and another reporter. In the conversation we talked about his travels (something that really piques my interest) and his experiences while traveling. I can't remember the other things we talked about, but what he did surely changed the way I look at businessmen.
Employers’ group revived in Cebu
- Bizmen vow to be eco-friendly
- PAL tightens Zamboanga airport security
- Real estate firm binds family together
- Small oil players can lower Cebu gas prices –Almendras
- PBSP granted 40M euros to combat tuberculosis
- Globe mobile business slows, broadband grows
- Ex-house helper profits from tasty ‘Puto Pao’
- BIR-7 collects more than mid-year target
- Skyrise launches 4th building project for BPOs in Asiatown IT Park
- Protest drafted against China tariff on seaweed products
- ‘One Cebu Expo to focus on Cebuanos creativity’
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
ADVERTISEMENT
A group of Cebuano businessmen are reviving the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (Ecop) Cebu chapter, which had been inactive in the past decade.
“I saw the need and the challenge,” said Jose Ng, vice president for the Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ng yesterday led a group of businessmen in the relaunching of ECOP's local chapter, which was last active in 1994.
Ng said Ecop can help Cebu businessmen, who are hit by the global economy crisis, by advising them on how to deal with management and labor-related problems.
Ng said he was challenged to revive Ecop's local chapter after seeing the steady growth of Ecop's two other chapters outside Manila
The Ecop Cebu Chapter has 26 members.
They now share the responsibility with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which took up the slack left by Ecop local chapter in implementing programs, seminars, awards and lectures with the help of Ecop's national chapter.
Organized in 1975, Ecop, which is a private and non-partisan organization, aims to unify employees and employer's organizations in order to safeguard and enhance employers' interests in all areas of labor-management relations.
One of Ecop Cebu's priorities is to invite more employers to join the group.
Ng said part of the chapter's goal is also to consult with different organizations to make sure that the seminars and forums they'll be organizing are relevant.
Ecop Cebu also plans to implement a local award system, which encourages employers to upgrade their standards to meet standards of the International Labor Organization.
(Retrieved from: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20090519-205851/Employers-group-revived-in-Cebu)
“I saw the need and the challenge,” said Jose Ng, vice president for the Visayas of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Ng yesterday led a group of businessmen in the relaunching of ECOP's local chapter, which was last active in 1994.
Ng said Ecop can help Cebu businessmen, who are hit by the global economy crisis, by advising them on how to deal with management and labor-related problems.
Ng said he was challenged to revive Ecop's local chapter after seeing the steady growth of Ecop's two other chapters outside Manila
The Ecop Cebu Chapter has 26 members.
They now share the responsibility with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which took up the slack left by Ecop local chapter in implementing programs, seminars, awards and lectures with the help of Ecop's national chapter.
Organized in 1975, Ecop, which is a private and non-partisan organization, aims to unify employees and employer's organizations in order to safeguard and enhance employers' interests in all areas of labor-management relations.
One of Ecop Cebu's priorities is to invite more employers to join the group.
Ng said part of the chapter's goal is also to consult with different organizations to make sure that the seminars and forums they'll be organizing are relevant.
Ecop Cebu also plans to implement a local award system, which encourages employers to upgrade their standards to meet standards of the International Labor Organization.
(Retrieved from: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/enterprise/view/20090519-205851/Employers-group-revived-in-Cebu)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Lou’s passion for baking brings sweet success
I miss my print internship! I got assigned to the business beat, which gave me many opportunities to rub shoulders with influential people and learn from them.
This article was submitted as a feature for Cebu Daily New's Enterprise section. Every week, they feature SME's (small and medium enterprises) that became successful. When I visited this bakeshop, I was invited to taste their baked goods. Yum! Aside from lessons you get from successful people, you also get some nice "perks".
Lou’s passion for baking brings sweet success
- Bizmen vow to be eco-friendly
- PAL tightens Zamboanga airport security
- Real estate firm binds family together
- Small oil players can lower Cebu gas prices –Almendras
- PBSP granted 40M euros to combat tuberculosis
- Globe mobile business slows, broadband grows
- Ex-house helper profits from tasty ‘Puto Pao’
- BIR-7 collects more than mid-year target
- Skyrise launches 4th building project for BPOs in Asiatown IT Park
- Protest drafted against China tariff on seaweed products
- ‘One Cebu Expo to focus on Cebuanos creativity’
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
ADVERTISEMENT
When she was in high school, Marilou Bordalba and her friends would attend free baking demonstrations.
Now 53 years old, she still makes it a point to attend baking-related seminars and conferences organized by a bakery association where she’s a member.
“It has always been my passion to bake,” said Bordalba.
In high school, she attended free baking classes school on Saturdays.
Students only had to bring their own ingredients to join the baking sessions, she said.
In college, she continued to pursue her baking lessons until she finished a Medical Technology course at the Southwestern University in Cebu City.
In her mid-20s, she returned to her hometown in Iligan and took a job as a Chinese language teacher of a local school.
“I only taught in the afternoon, so I was free in the morning. I used that free time to work on my baking skills,” she said.
The products she baked were sold to workers at a cement factory near her school.
She got married and stayed in Iligan for a year till her family returned to Cebu where she accepted an office clerk job in a cousin’s gasoline station.
Her cousin was then pregnant and needed help running the office.
Five years later in 1989, her sister-in-law suggested that they establish their own bakeshop.
In December 8, 1989,Mommy Lou’s Bakeshop was born.
The partners converted empty space in her family's lot into a display area and baking room.
They pooled their savings and invested P100,000 in buying equipment.
Bordalba handled the baking while her sister-in-law took care of the marketing.
Bordalba would give her friends free taste tests to experiment on the right mix of ingredients for her baked products.
“You will never be a baker without patience,” she told .
“You will always experience failed attempts. You have to constantly check the proportion of the ingredients to come up with the recipe that will please people,” she said.
Bordalba got the right mix and customers started noticing the bakeshop's products.
Her bestsellers include Francis bread, cassava cakes, American fudge, cheesecakes and her mini-rolls.
Shortly before the bakeshop’s first anniversary, Bordalba and her sister-in-law were able to recover thier investment.
Despite their early success, Bordalba said she hasn’t stopped researching new recipes and techniques to improve her business.
“It’s very important to innovate.
As a baker, I must not be content with what I already know, I have to always look ahead and be updated with what’s going on in the business.”
After 20 years in the business, Bordalba is also the secretary of the Cebu Bakeries Association.
Her position gave her opportunities to participate in seminars and food expo exhibits.
Whenever an opportunity to learn something new from Manila comes along, she doesn’t hesitate to travel.
Bordalba also sees to it that she introduces at least three to four new products a year. This way her customers always have fresh choices.
In her free time, she browses through cook books and the Internet to look for new techniques to to improve her baked goods.
“The principles I follow to make this business move forward, I owe it all to my Dad,” said Bordalba.
She said that while starting out in the business, she would make it a point to wake up early, since that’s what she learned from her father.
She said staying open to new ways to improve her business is a sure way to move forward.
Now 53 years old, she still makes it a point to attend baking-related seminars and conferences organized by a bakery association where she’s a member.
“It has always been my passion to bake,” said Bordalba.
In high school, she attended free baking classes school on Saturdays.
Students only had to bring their own ingredients to join the baking sessions, she said.
In college, she continued to pursue her baking lessons until she finished a Medical Technology course at the Southwestern University in Cebu City.
In her mid-20s, she returned to her hometown in Iligan and took a job as a Chinese language teacher of a local school.
“I only taught in the afternoon, so I was free in the morning. I used that free time to work on my baking skills,” she said.
The products she baked were sold to workers at a cement factory near her school.
She got married and stayed in Iligan for a year till her family returned to Cebu where she accepted an office clerk job in a cousin’s gasoline station.
Her cousin was then pregnant and needed help running the office.
Five years later in 1989, her sister-in-law suggested that they establish their own bakeshop.
In December 8, 1989,Mommy Lou’s Bakeshop was born.
The partners converted empty space in her family's lot into a display area and baking room.
They pooled their savings and invested P100,000 in buying equipment.
Bordalba handled the baking while her sister-in-law took care of the marketing.
Bordalba would give her friends free taste tests to experiment on the right mix of ingredients for her baked products.
“You will never be a baker without patience,” she told .
“You will always experience failed attempts. You have to constantly check the proportion of the ingredients to come up with the recipe that will please people,” she said.
Bordalba got the right mix and customers started noticing the bakeshop's products.
Her bestsellers include Francis bread, cassava cakes, American fudge, cheesecakes and her mini-rolls.
Shortly before the bakeshop’s first anniversary, Bordalba and her sister-in-law were able to recover thier investment.
Despite their early success, Bordalba said she hasn’t stopped researching new recipes and techniques to improve her business.
“It’s very important to innovate.
As a baker, I must not be content with what I already know, I have to always look ahead and be updated with what’s going on in the business.”
After 20 years in the business, Bordalba is also the secretary of the Cebu Bakeries Association.
Her position gave her opportunities to participate in seminars and food expo exhibits.
Whenever an opportunity to learn something new from Manila comes along, she doesn’t hesitate to travel.
Bordalba also sees to it that she introduces at least three to four new products a year. This way her customers always have fresh choices.
In her free time, she browses through cook books and the Internet to look for new techniques to to improve her baked goods.
“The principles I follow to make this business move forward, I owe it all to my Dad,” said Bordalba.
She said that while starting out in the business, she would make it a point to wake up early, since that’s what she learned from her father.
She said staying open to new ways to improve her business is a sure way to move forward.
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