Lepanto National High School Graduation 2012 (part 2)

When everyone is actually busy cooking. (Thanks Mom, Jan, Auntie Leah, etc) They actually continued cooking while I went to take some pictures of my sister during the commencement exercise.

 During the commencement exercise I suddenly remember my high school graduation day. Its pretty intense and exciting. I suddenly missed those days when I was just like these kids. hahaha

 I still remember before, the access to the automatic filmed camera's are really expensive and so there are only few people who has the privileged to actually capture those special moments. Nowadays, Digital cameras are actually almost everywhere and it is relatively affordable and sometimes you don't even have to print those photo's because you can edit and add some color or effects virtually.

 So in special occasion like this everyone can have those smiles so genuine to be captured and circulated virtually. It is very easy to be downloaded and transferred.

 So, my sister, my cousins and I had so much fun taking pictures without worrying about running out of film. We just worry if the camera runs out of battery.

My sister and Mrs Palod

 We run take pictures from all side of the hall and stage. We actually didn't care as long as we could take photo.

 How I wish we had this technology before.LOL

Even my grand ma strike a pose even though she is already tired. I think she loves it. Its her grand daughters graduation day anyway.

Acquiring or Acquired

Is your company you are working for being Acquired or is it Acquiring?

In a corporate world, employee normally hear about the word "ACQUIRE" and normally people panic. They panic about many things like what is it for me? Am I loosing my job? Will I still enjoy the benefits I am enjoying by my current company? etc

For me, it is a usual corporate set up. I should say its part of their game to buy and sell part or the whole company itself. But what about for people working for the company.

We can talk here about the technicalities of the merger and acquisition process. However though I wanted to share some of my insights about the said topic.

1. Should I worry about my job stability? My answer would be "NO" not unless you smell something fishy. Depending on the reason of the buying company. Its either they are buying because they are venturing on that part of the business. If this is the case then an employee shouldn't be worrying.What if the company already has an existing same business as the one you are working for? Still my answer is no. An employee shouldn't be worrying because the possible reason for buying it maybe for expansion. If by any chance there is redundancy in the working environment then the company could either pay you a severans package or transfer you to a different department.
2. Benefits: there is no way they are removing your benefits. Benefits are required by law so the acquiring company will still provide those benefit. They can't also decrease your salary not unless you agree.
3. One more thing to consider, a company is not going to sell the whole or part of the company if it is not performing in the market. Say for example... in a company whose main product is beer but their soda product is performing really well. Of course the company will sell the soda brand to re-invent their beer and or more focused on beer to keep it on the track.

So if I am on someone else's shoe who knew that their company they are working for is being acquired:

• I will talk to my first and second level manager. I am sure they are willing to shed more information because it will affect them as well. Get their insight and weigh things out yourself.
• In decision making whether you jump off the edge of the bridge make sure you made your homework. Don't rush your decision making get as much information as you can. Don't make decision until you would know who is buying your company.
• Expect changes and you should be open to changes. It is hard but you should be optimistic and positive about changes. Your positivity about the changes will free you from the day to day stress and over thinking about the acquisition. Don't invite negativity. Negativity and being close to changes is a key ingredients of you being burnt out and eventually leaving the company you are working for.

Lepanto National High School Graduation Day 2012 (part 1)

 Last March, I went home to my birthplace. I seldom go home and most of the time I usually go home when there's special occassion. The only reason behind that is, its too far from my work place. I have to be on the road for at least 9 to 10 hours. That is if I am lucky enough to catch a van or bus when I reach Baguio City.

 So, I went home to celebrate my little sister's graduation day in high school. I am excited for the fact that my youngest sibling is graduating high school and of course to see my cousins that I haven't seen for the longest time.

It's nice to be back home. Its totally refreshing plus of course the fact that pollution is lesser there compared here in Manila. So days gone by so fast and so easy... At the graduation day it self we are all busy cleaning the house to cooking and preparing the whole house for the big night all happening at the same time.

 The good thing about this kind of activity is that it draws everyone to be moving and working to make sure there's food to share after the graduation ceremony.

 I am fascinated because that culture within the family has stayed. My aunts, cousin, my mom, my brothers and my sister everyone is helping one another. From cooking to cleaning to washing the dishes. Nothing has changed actually.

 I guess the only thing that changes is that we grew in number. There were cousins that it is our first time to meet or those toddlers when I left now they are ladies and gentlemen already. Gosh that's how long I've been gone. hahahaha

Travelling Philippines: Baguio City

When we say Northern Philippines, Baguio City is the place where one must really see. It is considered to be the Summer Capital of the Philippines because of its cold weather. A place where you don't basically need an air conditioning unit in establishment. You can just simply go shopping without worrying about the warm weather which is typical in most islands of the Philippines.

The best time to go there is during the whole month of February as the city is celebrating the Panagbenga Festival (Flower Festival). I have seen most of the early part of the said event during my college days. That's 10 years ago? lol.

Panagbenga means “a season of blooming.” The word is a kankanaey word, a dialect mostly in some parts of Benguet and Mountain Province.

The festival highlights Floral Float parade where cars are adorn by flowers like Malaysian Mums, Antorium, Rose, orchids and the like. It also showcases the creativity of the local artist. Another highlight of the festival is the street dancing where it mesmerizes its spectators by the endowed students of Baguio City and the nearby provinces.

The festival will run for the whole month of February where each day the city government plots an activity where everyone would definitely enjoy. Other highlights include battle of the bands, local arts show, closing of Session road.

The closing of Session Road is one of my favorite since it is closed intended for shoppers. Affordable wood carves, flowers, food, clothes, and a lot more is offered on the said event.

Of course your visit to Baguio is not complete without visiting the other must see places of the summer capital of the Philippines.

First stop is the famous boat riding and other recreational activities The Burnham Park. One can enjoy, boat riding, or jogging along side the lake or one can bring their children at the children's park.

Another must see place is of course the Lourdes Grotto.

Mines View Park is also part of my must see list:

Then of course the majestic Baguio Cathedral: Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral located just above the Session road near SM Baguio.

I am also fascinated with the of course the culture and ways of living of the Igorots. Well I am one of them so I am proud. I am most proud with this next stop and a really must see place of Baguio City: The Tam-awan Village. This places focuses mostly in showcasing the Igorot's culture and the arts.

Going to Baguio is so easy. It is so accessible... Its only a 7 hour bus ride from Metro Manila. I suggest to ride a Victory Liner since they have more trips to choose from. Sometimes though they have poor ordinary airconditioned bus. Some buses don't have a reclining chair. Check out their schedules and trips.