PHINMA Education expands its mission in South Luzon through acquisition of two Laguna-based colleges

The educational institution commits to make lives better in the S. Luzon market through #TAYÓTAYOLaguna campaign

PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PEHI), an institution known for providing accessible and quality education to the youth, specifically those from low-income families, extends its network’s mission to the South Luzon market with its acquisitions of two new schools: PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL) and PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (RCL).

The announcement was made formal on April 25, 2023, at the Calamba Tent during the PHINMA Ed RCL & UCL   Partners' Launch, which jumpstarts #TAYÓTAYOLaguna: Bayani Para Sa Isa't Isa, a campaign that highlights its commitment to nurture a new batch of heroes capable of improving not just their own lives, but also the lives of their families, communities, the country, and the world through accessible quality education.

In line with this, to emphasize its commitment to the Laguna community, PHINMA Education, through PHINMA RCL and PHINMA UCL, is launching bayanihan initiatives that aim to enhance the facilities of major national high schools in Calamba and Sta. Cruz. This will be done in partnership with Renovate to Educate (rED), a non-government organization whose goal is to enhance the educational experience of students through school renovation projects.

Eduardo Y. Arevalo, Chief Operating Officer of PHINMA Education Laguna Network Laguna, shares, "We are humbled and honored at the opportunity to foster the values that Laguna, the cradle of our national hero, is known for. This makes us all the more determined to deliver our brand of accessible, quality education for as many Lagunenses as possible, so that we might keep the spirit of bayanihan alive among the youth by empowering them to become positive forces in their homes, communities, our country, and wherever they go in the world.”

"PHINMA RCL and UCL commit to continuously find ways to deliver student-centered, inclusive, and effective learning for our students. However, fulfilling our goal of giving  more kids a chance at a better lifeis not something that we can do on our own,” Arevalo continues. “  We are fortunate to share the same dream with Laguna’s leaders and influencers, along with organizations like Renovate to Educate. Together we look forward to a sustained and concerted effort to develop new, young heroes in our midst. .

PHINMA RCL and PHINMA UCL join PHINMA’s growing roster of Philippine academic establishments, which includes PHINMA Araullo University, PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, PHINMA University of Iloilo, PHINMA University of Pangasinan, Southwestern University PHINMA, and PHINMA St. Jude College, and PHINMA Republican College Manila and Quezon City Campus.

About PHINMA EDUCATION

PHINMA Education Holdings, Inc. (PEHI) under the conglomerate PHINMA Corporation, started investing in the education services sector in 2004 through the acquisition of PHINMA Araullo University in Nueva Ecija.

We have since expanded our presence across the country with our network of schools namely: PHINMA Cagayan de Oro College, PHINMA University of Pangasinan, PHINMA University of Iloilo, Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu City, PHINMA Saint Jude College in Manila, PHINMA Republican College in Quezon City, PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna, and PHINMA Union College of Laguna.

In 2019, we entered into a joint venture agreement with Tripersada Global Management for the establishment of PT Ind Phil Management (IPM). IPM oversees tertiary institutions for Yayasan Triputra Persada Horizon Education, the first of which is located in Karawang, West Java, Indonesia.

But our mission to make lives better through education goes beyond our schools. Every year, we host the Education@theMargins: A Global Alliance conference which envisions a world where underserved youth are given access to quality education at prices they can afford, using the resources they have access to. In 2022, we are focusing on learning solutions for poverty to better serve the underserved.

Source: Nyou

PHINMA Education: A Beacon of Light in Laguna and the Philippines

I had the privilege of witnessing the launch of the #TAYÓTAYOLaguna campaign by PHINMA Education at the Calamba Tent last April 25, 2023. PHINMA, which is now the biggest education network in the Philippines, has recently acquired two higher education institutions in Laguna: the PHINMA Union College of Laguna (UCL) and the PHINMA Rizal College of Laguna (RCL). The #TAYÓTAYOLaguna campaign aims to highlight the inclusion of these two colleges in the PHINMA network, as well as to forge a partnership with Laguna, which is the birthplace of the Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. I entered the event knowing that I was witnessing a corporate launch, but I left inspired by the messages of hope that I have heard.

I first heard about PHINMA when I was still in university myself. Our school has a classroom named after PHINMA. I knew even then that this institution invests in education and knowledge, so I was not surprised to hear about their expansion in the Southern Tagalog region. While I am a product of a university in Metro Manila, I am aware of the disparity between the different students in our country. I have been a child sponsor since I was in university, so I am deeply invested in uplifting the state of education in our country, even in my own small way. I am glad that I share the same values with PHINMA. 

During the event, I heard that they are proud of their advocacy to provide quality education to the marginalized and the underserved. I was happy to know that they prioritized students from mostly low income families, because these students also deserve to upskill in order to improve their circumstances. Because I was curious about their advocacy, I listened further. I learned that they solved the two major problems which were commonly faced by low income students: expensive and restrictive admissions exams, and inaccessible tuition fees. They also welcome working students and the differently-abled, which is admirable because it truly shows that they foster inclusion and equal opportunity for all. I was excited that this institution, which already has a proven track record in other regions across the Philippines and in Indonesia, is investing in educating Lagunense students.

Because of their awareness that the community must be involved in order to help these students graduate, PHINMA has involved the families of their students by conducting house-to-house visits and teacher training in order to communicate their vision to those who care for the future of our country. They envision a brighter future for Filipino students no matter what their backgrounds, limitations, or competencies are, so they are taking actionable steps in order to keep them in school. They also believe that education is a medium to shape society, and this is evident in the graduates they produce. Their graduates pass the board exams, land jobs within one year of graduation, and communicate effectively with confidence. Without blatantly telling them to serve and prioritize their communities, they train their students to give back to the nation through example. Indeed, when education is used as the means to transform lives and communities, then it is expected that their graduates will also pay it forward and continue shaping society.

Making Lives Better Through Education is the battlecry of PHINMA Education. I believe that they are taking the necessary steps to change lives, mindsets, and communities through quality accessible, inclusive, and effective education. It was an honor to witness their launch at Laguna, and I am excited to witness their growth not just in the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal, but in other regions and countries as well.

Mabuhay!

Journaling Workshop

I am a firm believer in paid workshops because it is human nature to consistently practice something that has been bought with hard-earned money. I joined a paid journaling and memory keeping workshop by local journal maker and YouTuber V of Noted Journal PH. I wanted to restart my journaling journey but I needed some help, so I enrolled in this afternoon webinar for some inspiration.

I received the journal kit prior to the workshop day itself, so I was able to get acquainted with the journal and its vegan leather cover that will be my emotional dumpsite in the coming months. During the workshop, I discovered that I am more of an essay-type diarist. I express myself better with words rather than photos. I may have this blog to document my everyday life, but there is something magical about putting words on to paper. The art of letting go with a pen and notebook is therapeutic, and I am happy to rekindle this habit during the pandemic.

To be honest, the past few weeks have been challenging. I was getting cabin fever, and my partner who lives in another city had the dreaded Covid-19 virus. While he did not need to be hospitalized, it was still a tiring ordeal. We had to keep our relationship alive through video calls and chats. While we were able to lean on each other during these difficult times, I wanted to strengthen my emotional ability through journaling. I noticed a positive change already in the two days that I have been journaling, as I realized that I can control my emotions through daily journaling.

Let me end this blog entry with the output I made during our journaling workshop. I do not normally use photos and stickers on my spreads. It was refreshing to change my journaling style for a day and meet fellow diarists. It is also nice to meet V virtually and interact with her! I am really grateful for this experience and I hope that similar opportunities will be available in the future to develop my passion for journaling.

This post is not sponsored. I am just a happy Noted Journal PH customer! To support V and her brand, visit her website, and learn how to journal via her YouTube channel.

ACEF 2020 Day 1

I spent the first day of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2020 listening to the esteemed speakers discuss clean energy amidst the global pandemic. I did so while crocheting earsavers for frontliners.

Here were my key takeaways from day one:

• The economic downturn brought about by the pandemic could serve as a catalyst for finding alternative renewable energy sources.

• Cross-industry collaboration is crucial in enforcing changes for renewable energy.

• The Covid-19 crisis should be used as an opportunity to learn more about climate change and renewable energy

• We can foster job growth in this new normal by using sustainable development and renewable energy

• We must build our resilience and reimagine tomorrow

The conference will run until Friday. I cannot wait to learn more as I help our frontliners.

Stay safe, everyone!

Virtual ACEF Deep Dive

Today was the pre-event day of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2020 (ACEF). This year, the event will be done virtually via their online platform. While the conference may be streamed via the interwebs for now, it does not diminish the value of the event. It is still an honor to be a part of this conference.

This year, I am crocheting earsavers while tuned in to the ACEF.

I attended the deep dive session on Green Finance Policies in Asia. Here’s what I learned:

• The pandemic is the perfect opportunity to explore innovative ways for green energy in the region.

• It’s all a matter of enforcement as we already have the technology for green finance, such as green bonds.

• While we are under quarantine, we must not leave anyone behind.

I look forward to learning more from this event until its run this Friday. Multitasking by crocheting and watching a conference is making my quarantine a lot of fun at the moment. This will definitely be worth telling my kids or nieces and nephews someday.

Limitless Entrepreneur Day 5

I just finished the Limitless Entrepreneur Retreat! It was created by mastermind coach Melyssa Griffin to train creative entrepreneurs to have an abundance mindset. I personally took it because I wanted to develop my entrepreneurial mindset.

Here are some of my answers to Melyssa’s questions for Day 5:

What is the offer that you’re going to launch?

• My offer is WRITING! I aim to utilize my communication skills primarily in writing and public speaking to become an asset to my future employer.

What impact will this product make in the lives of your buyers?

• I will ensure that my clients will notice that I practice empathy when dealing with them and producing output for them. By putting myself in their shoes, I can create effective copy that they can use for their businesses.

How do you want your customers or clients to FEEL after purchasing your offer?

• I want them to feel good as they know that they can trust me to help them communicate effectively to their target audience.

Imagine them chatting with a friend after purchasing your offer. What do you hope they say to their friend about what it was like to purchase from or work with you?

• “Sam is able to help us provide better services to our clients by producing effective and concise messages for our marketing emails, social media posts, and customer service templates.”

How can you incorporate this “vibe” into your onboarding and sales process? What can you do to make sure your clients or customers FEEL the way you want them to?

• I will make sure that I will ask my clients what they want, how they want to be perceived by their clients, and who their clients are. I want my clients to feel like I am a friend whom they could trust to help them communicate better to their customers.

Which onboarding tactics are you going to implement to ensure that your buyers feel taken care of?

• I will confirm that they receive my services and that they are satisfied with my work. I will make sure that this is done in writing, preferably via email between me and my clients.

• I will ask for feedback and if they are satisfied, I will request for testimonials for my future clients’ reference.

I really enjoyed this course, and I hope that you will also learn from it! Click here to take the course yourself and watch your mindset shift from fear to abundance! Enjoy!

Limitless Entrepreneur Day 3

I just finished Day 3 of the Limitless Entrepreneur Retreat by mastermind coach Melyssa Griffin. I crocheted earsavers while watching the video for the day, and completed the module in between batches of crocheted bands. I like working this way because my mind is alert and I am able to seamlessly integrate my volunteer work with my lockdown learning routine.

Here are my lessons learned for the day:

1. My blog, www.speakoutsam.com, has become a platform for me to share my thoughts on volunteerism and the small businesses I support. I plan to continue showing up on this blog as often as I can. I am sharing my life because I believe that living intentionally can help my audience and connect me with like-minded individuals.

2. My Human Nature online store (please buy today and support my small business!) has not just become my primary income source during the lockdown. It has also become my calling card of sorts. I believe that social entrepreneurship is the way to go as I can support myself while helping the needy at the same time. I am thankful that Human Nature is a company that produces essentials, which is why I continue to be in business during the pandemic. I hope to continue thriving beyond the quarantine period.

3. Volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH as a crocheter has given me an abundance mindset. I no longer think that I don’t have enough resources because so far, I was able to provide more than 400 earsavers to frontliners. I am still making for some pending requests. Helping others has helped me change my thinking and perspective.

I am excited to learn more in the coming days!

Limitless Entrepreneur Day 2

I just finished Day 2 of The Limitless Entrepreneur Retreat by mastermind coach and podcast host Melyssa Griffin. I accomplished this after a Zoom meeting and in between crocheting earsavers.

I am on this short course not because I want to launch my own coaching business, but because I want to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. I already have a Human Nature online store (yes, please support my small biz!), and right now, I am busy with my freelance writing job.

After the enhanced community quarantine period, I am planning to return to the workforce. I cannot do so without knowing what I can offer to my employer and how I can apply my entrepreneurial mindset to thrive in my career. This is why I am attending webinars, completing courses such as this one, listening to podcast, and taking ownership of my volunteer work for Earsavers for Lifesavers while on quarantine. Every aspect of my life leads to this shift in mindset which I hope can push me to achieve greater things and maximize my potential.

Here are my answers to some of the questions Melyssa asked on Day 2:

What struggle or problem will you focus on solving for your audience? Alternatively, what desire or longing will you help them achieve?

Remember, aim for something they need help with *right now* and that is essential for them. This will help you offer them what they need, exactly when they need it the most.

• I have writing and communication skills which can benefit my employer

• I am able to creatively pivot during difficult situations. An example of this would be my task to make earsavers for frontliners while on quarantine.

  • This has further strengthened my desire to get involved with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Who’s the ideal client for this offer? What’s the outcome or transformation your future clients will experience after purchasing your products or services?

Describe what their life is like before working with you and what it looks like afterwards. What has changed? How has their life improved? How do they feel now that their problem is solved / their desire is fulfilled?

• I want to make my employer or supervisor feel that they can trust me to communicate their message to their target audience through my output.

  • I will do so by practicing empathy. This will let me know how my client actually feels and let me produce more effective output for them.

Which format would fit your offer the most?

There are quite a few online options you can select from, such as one-on-one services, group services, online courses, e-books, templates, workbooks, and more. If you let your intuition guide you here, which format sounds the most enjoyable to you? Also, which format works best for the content or information you’d like to sell?

• I still prefer to work in a traditional 9 to 5 job for a corporate or SME setting. A social enterprise, startup, or education company will also be suitable for my work ethic and thinking process.

• I enjoy writing blog posts, articles, researching on market trends, CSR practices, and watching webinars to learn from industry experts in real time.

• I can also multitask. I am able to balance work with volunteer work.

This course has enabled me to pinpoint my communication skills as my top employable feature. I know that getting employed after the lockdown will be challenging, but I know that it is possible through technology and design thinking.

I also realized that my passion for volunteerism is an asset. I can help my employer serve their community while realizing the corporate values of our company. This will also fuel my personal life as I find joy in serving others and those in need.

I have faith in myself now, even amidst this pandemic!

Limitless Entrepreneur Day 1

I am currently taking Melyssa Griffin’s Limitless Entrepreneur Retreat online. It’s day 1 for me, and I am excited to go on this learning journey whilst on quarantine. I will be sharing my progress here on my blog because I believe that sharing my vulnerability and areas of improvement can help others too.

I have a Human Nature online store (please support! We deliver during the Enhanced Community Quarantine!) that I operate from home. Aside from that, my motivation for completing this retreat is to get to know myself better and have a more entrepreneurial mindset. I strongly believe that this mindset will enable me to thrive better in a post-pandemic world.

Here are my answers to the journaling questions that Melyssa asked prior to joining the retreat:

1. What attachments do you have in your life that you are noticing more than usual? This could include your relationship with money, time, stability, certainty, routines, and relationships with people around you.

• Dependence on routine

• My relationship with scarcity as we live in a world with finite resources

• My attitude towards pain and loss

• My uncertainty about the future

2. What stories have you created around those attachments? Are you attached to money, and therefore fearful of spending? Are you attached to your role as a parent, and finding it hard to allow yourself to work with your kids home from school? Are you attached to your daily routine, and therefore feeling uprooted as things are changing quickly?

• I am still living on a schedule to maximize my productivity

• I am scared to spend money

• I find it difficult to appreciate some blessings that I have because of the thinking that all of this will eventually disappear

• Grief, which persists amidst this pandemic

• I try to create small wins whilst at home to have some certainty during the present (ex. I make earsavers for our frontliners)

3. When you think of the story you have created from this attachment (for example, "I feel like I no longer have control over my schedule"), where do you feel it in your body? (It’s common to feel this in your chest or stomach area.)

• I feel it in my chest.

  • There is a certain heaviness that I feel whenever I process how uncertain the future or my schedule will be in the world we live in.

4. What is a more empowering way you could reframe this story? For example, if your story says, "money is going to be hard to make right now, and I’m going to suffer because of it," perhaps you could reframe it to, "I’m being gifted an opportunity to think of creative, money-making ideas that I otherwise wouldn’t have thought of."Or "I’m always amazed by how money finds its way to me -- I’m a magnet for money!"

• “I am being given all this time to help our frontliners by crocheting earsavers for them. By scheduling my crafting routine, I get to make earsavers while enjoying the things I love, such as watching movies, webinars, and listening to podcasts. I also improve my communication skills by coordinating with my team members at Earsavers for Lifesavers PH and chatting with frontliners online. I also ensure that my quarantine story is being shared in real time via my blog, speakoutsam.com.”

5. What does it look like for you to embody this new belief? What do you need to release?

• It feels refreshing as it is a totally new way of reframing the quarantine for me.

6. What’s possible for you and your business now that you have adapted and embodied this new belief?

• It is possible to thrive in a pandemic because communication and self-determination are still possible while staying healthy and safe at home.

International Design Conference

Yesterday, I had fun at the International Design Conference 2019. It was held at The Eye at Green Sun, which was a hotel and conference center dedicated to the arts. I saw my friends Donna and Mariel there, and I also got to learn some insights revolving around the theme Design Futures.

Here are my key takeaways:

• 3D printers and automation in the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution should not hinder craftsmen from creating. Rather, it should foster collaboration between technology and manual craftsmanship to create better output.

• Creativity is still the same, whether it is aided with technology or not.

• People should be the center of design, not profit.

I am truly privileged to be part of this conference. I hope that I can apply my learnings to my work, as well as influence my decision-making process as a design thinker.

Innovation Journey

Yesterday, I visited the newly-opened HiFi Campus at the College of Saint Benilde. I was there for two talks: the Innovator’s DNA Coffee Collab and The Founders’ Journey to Impact Entrepreneurship Engaged Talk. Both forums were informative, but it was the first one that really resonated with me.

Ms. Judith Claridades hosted the Innovator’s DNA afternoon. We were composed of individuals from various backgrounds, age groups, and perspectives. We had an interest in how innovation and the mindset that commands problem solving through design can improve our lives and uplift our present human condition.

Ms. Claridades focused on the importance of the self in the innovator’s journey. Being self-aware is the first step in bringing forth positive change. After all, it is only by effectively improving our own selves that we can begin sharing our skills, talents, and ideas to help others along the way.

It was also worth noting that empathy is essential in innovation. We cannot influence others if we are stuck in our own worlds and refuse to feel the pain that others have. It was humbling to be reminded that innovation is not just an act that benefits our physical beings, but our spiritual growth as well. When we help others, we feed our soul, and this is how we leave legacies that make the world a better place.

The Founders’ Journey to Impact Entrepreneurship was also interesting as Anna Meloto-Wilk, the president of Human Nature (a brand I love so much, that I actually sell their products on my online store- BUY NOW!) was part of the panel. I’ll never get tired of listening to Human Nature’s story from its humble beginnings to being one of the leading social enterprises today. As a Core Advocate for the brand, it is inspiring to watch our president unceasingly sharing our values to audiences that need more goodness in their lives.

As a blogger and freelance writer, I am always looking for inspiration to improve my craft and grow my mindset. It is always a treat to feed my brain with stories that uplift others while discussing how problems were solved through design thinking and empathy. Innovation should not be a big, lofty idea that is beyond everyone’s reach. Rather, it must be something that we practice by habit and instinct with each endeavor that we tackle each day.

We can all be innovators, if only we are determined to share what we know and believe in!

Motivation Mondays

Yesterday, I got to visit Clock In - Ayala Vertis North for the first time. It’s awesome to have a beautiful coworking space close near my house. It is also home to several networking events, which is also the reason why I was in the building. 

I was there for Motivation Mondays, a series of talks for yuppies on interesting topics. Last night, we discussed Goal Diggers. In line with the theme, we fueled up on delicious vegetarian food and coffee. 

The evening’s guest speakers were Maura Alvero of Vela Manila, and Fabien Courteille of Plush and Play. It was inspiring to hear about their stories of purpose and determination. 

My key takeaways were:

1. Become a platform for creatives- create a brand that will foster a community of photographers, writers, advocates, and target consumers.

2. Go on until your people don’t need you anymore- work until the people you train can carry on without you  

3. Start with why

4. Keep hobbies that can become your outlet

5. Be vulnerable 

6. Persevere for others  

7. Know what’s for you

8. Be open for collaboration

9. Different minds foster creativity

10. Get to know the people you are working with 

11. Cultivate relationships  

It was a different kind of Monday and I was happy to have learned insights from social entrepreneurs. I look forward to more purposeful Mondays to come! 

In_Pact Asia 2019

I was fortunate to be a delegate in the In_Pact Asia 2019, a conference on inclusive impact at the Asian Development Bank. I attended because of my passion for social enterprise, which I apply to my Human Nature online dealership.   

Please support me by making a purchase on my Human Nature Online Shop!  Every purchase supports communities in need and sustains my micro enterprise. Thank you! 

I started my day with a hearty breakfast at the famed ADB cafeteria.  

The delegate wristband was cool as it was embedded with spinach seeds, which makes it grow when it is planted.  

I also got to connect with Mariel, a familiar face from my previous conferences in an educational institution. It was lovely to chat with someone from the inclusive business space.  

My key takeaways from the conference is that diversity drives businesses to foster collaboration. This will drive inclusion in the sense that no one is left behind, and ethical business decisions will help workers thrive amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Also, social enterprise is key to sustain communities and to empower women to make a difference in the age of fair trade. 

It was a privilege to attend the fireside chat that featured Human Nature’s President Anna Meloto, who shared how Human Nature empowers women (particularly mothers) to have stable careers while caring for their families. 

I got to enjoy ADB’s notable cuisine and interact with like minded individuals. Learning about industrial trends is the reason why I attend seminars and conferences. May this be the start of more productive events that allow me to share, exchange ideas, and realize my place in the bigger picture of business and social impact. 

PCC Public Forum

Yesterday, I attended the Philippine Competitions Commission’s Public Forum on the Philippine Competition Act with special focus on the PCC Leniency Program. 

It was my last conference before I begin work this Thursday at a company near home. 

My key takeaway is that competition benefits consumers by empowering them with choice. It is the PCC’s obligation to ensure that this is not abused, and that businesses play fair in their operations. 

I find PCC’s conferences informative and straightforward. This is my fourth PCC conference, and it is fitting that my last one prior to returning to the workforce is with them. 

I am thankful for learning opportunities that allow me to sharpen the saw and broaden my horizons.  

Here’s to more learning opportunities in the future! 

Manila Fame 2019

Yesterday, I woke up to a postcard sent by my good friend Nurai. She’s based in Germany, but she posted this from Spain while she was on holiday. 

It was the ideal preview to my artistic day ahead. I rode the LRT 1 and hailed a tuktuk to take me directly to the World Trade Center. 

I went to the Manila Fame to immerse myself in Filipino artistry. My short visit last Friday was too brief, and I really wanted to spend more time at the fair. 

I started my visit with some refreshing liquer de calamansi. 

Then, I had some good coffee.  

I dropped by the Handcrafted by Harl’s booth because I love their advocacy in supporting differently-abled artisans. I bought a handbag from them last year, and it’s still serving me well. 

I joined a leather-crafting workshop for only Php50. I made a leather coin purse with the help of their talented deaf-mute artisans. 

I ended up being the empowered one because I learned a new skill and got to learn from a differently-asked person.  

It was lovely to see fashion influencer Lolaandrogynous at the fair! I totally dig her style. 

I also bought small trinkets from another social enterprise, Kilus.  

I got to appreciate the finer details during this visit.  

I finally got to try 1st Colonial’s sili ice cream and it was delicious!

I had a wonderful evening at Manila Fame and I’m very proud to be Filipino.  

I ended my day with cheese sticks, so I’m also doing the same here. 

Here’s to more opportunities to be proudly Pinoy! 

Back At It

Yesterday, I was at CITEM to prepare for my three-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative. 

I had lunch at the canteen, and I felt very lucky to be given this opportunity to serve our country, even if it’s just for a short while.  

I attended the training and orientation, and was given this cool badge. I also got passes to the Manila FAME happening later week.  

I can’t wait to assist VIB (very important buyers) at the airport from tomorrow until Friday! It is an honor to be part of this group, and I am sure that I will be able to apply my training to other aspects of my work and life. 

Here’s to more opportunities to apply myself and serve others!

Family Business Approach

Yesterday, I encountered a lady in the MRT who was forcing me to give her space. Since there wasn’t any space anymore inside the train, I fought for my place in the packed car. When we arrived at Cubao station, she violently pushed me just as passengers were leaving the train. I fell on the guys who were seated before I hit the floor. I was in shock, but luckily, I didn’t sustain any injuries and I didn’t lose anything.  

I made it AIM in Makati in one piece!  

I was able to attend the invitation-only Developing and Growing the Business Family Segment Forum. 

It was amusing to see my middle name on my nameplate instead of my surname. I guess the intern mistyped my name! 

My key takeaway for this forum is that risk management is an important part of assessing the family business. By capitalizing on areas with potential for earnings and managing risks, businesses built by families can survive financial and personal obstacles. There is a science behind developing family businesses, and it’s more than just ensuring that its members are having harmonious relationships. Because as it was discussed in the forum, harmony does not equate to unity. 

Future of Work

Yesterday, I started my morning with some taho! 

I was in a cheerful mood for my conference at AIM.  

The conference, entitled Transformation of Work in the Asia-Pacific in the 21st Century: Key Policy Implications discussed how the workforce should adapt in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

As a freelance writer and blogger, I am confident that I am using technology wisely in promoting my message of mindful living and handmade life. However, I am also jobhunting, so it’s important that I am aware of the skills that are necessary to continue being relevant in the workplace. I am happy that there are conferences like this, and that I am able to learn that soft skills are the key to staying on top of the automation of work.  

Core Advocacy

Yesterday, I joined a workshop on growing my income at the Human Nature Flagship Store.  

I joined my fellow Core Advocates in learning and sharing on a Saturday afternoon. Our colleague, Lei, was the enthusiastic resource speaker.  

The lecture was practical, and well-received! I will definitely use the SMART goals in planning and organizing. 

Building my empire sounds daunting, but it really is achievable. I have to consistently practice effort and creativity in order to earn more and be more!

Here’s to more learning this 2019! 

Climate Change: Justice For All?

Yesterday, I started my day with some taho before boarding the MRT.  

I reached the ADB in less than thirty minutes! I must say that the MRT is improving. 

I represented my blog at a roundable discussion entitled Climate Change: Justice for All?. 

It was a huge honor to be invited once again by the ADB. 

I learned that agribusiness, renewable energy, and ecotourism are some gender-sensitive examples of climate change adaptation  

It is also important to note post-disaster and pre-disaster operations in order to know the areas for improvement in vulnerable areas.

It is also essential to instill empowerment among ALL individuals to reduce vulnerability and to better manage disaster risk. 

I was delighted to have the famous ADB crinkles again for snack. 

I got to do some work at the library. 

I wore my Hiblahi handmade earrings which I purchased from my GK Enchanted Farm trip last Saturday. 

I knitted while listening to some podcasts.  

And I had burger steak from Trattoria Gourmet’s at the ADB Cafeteria, which is managed by the same staff at its original Shangri-la Mall restaurant back in the nineties.  

I dropped by St. Clare Monastery after finishing my work as I was thankful to be given the chance to spend a day at ADB and join in the round table on climate change. 

It is still my dream to work at ADB! I am claiming it, and certainly praying for it.