by rossanahead | Sep 13, 2017 | Uncategorized
Sometimes many of us have to admit that socializing with others can become tiring. This is true even for non-introverts who greatly enjoy the company of others as they go out in different places to have fun. When you get overwhelmed and you feel like your energy is being sucked out by the stress you feel or maybe a plan with your friends suddenly gets cancelled, then having some good ‘ol alone time even in the busy cities won’t hurt.
For that quick self-boosting fix, here we have a list of places around Metro Manila where you can peacefully have some “Me time.”
When you want to sit down and just chill.
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Theo’s Baked + Brewed
106-C Maginhawa, Diliman, Lungsod Quezon, Kalakhang Maynila
7:30AM–11:30PM
We all know that Maginhawa Street is a great hub for foodies, families and friends who love to eat but that doesn’t mean that the street doesn’t cater to those who want to go solo and be productive at the same time. Theo’s Baked + Brewed offers just that! While their current place isn’t as big as some cafes, it’s cozy, air-conditioned and yes, the place has free wifi. They serve a variety of dishes like rice meals and pasta as well as sandwiches, desserts and of course, coffee.
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Book and Borders Cafe
281 Tomas Morato Avenue, Sacred Heart, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
9:00AM-12:00AM
The cafe’s name is a sure giveaway. If you want to spend your alone time reading books and enjoying a nice cup of coffee or a great meal then this place is for you! It’s a great hub for booklovers and coffee addicts and the place is big enough to house over 600 books, perfect for your binge reading! Some of their menu items are breakfast meals, buffalo wings, pasta, smoothies and beer.
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Art Circle Cafe
Ground Floor, Ang Bahay Ng Alumni, R. Magsaysay Street, Diliman, Quezon City
9:00AM-7:00PM
You might not be Picasso but if you have a great appreciation for art and the artists, go to Art Circle Cafe. The home-vibed cafe is hidden inside the Bahay ng Alumni in the University of the Philippines Diliman. Feed your stomach with their All Day Breakfast meals, sandwiches, soups, salads and drinks as your eyes enjoy quite the feast!
When you want to get some entertainment.
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Director’s Club Cinema
SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, SM City BF Paranaque, S Maison
Going to the regular cinema in any mall is an option but if you have a little more cash to spare and want to experience a more laid-back and comfy movie-watching experience then the Director’s Club Cinema can answer to that. With its large reclining seats, you won’t have to worry about bumping elbows with someone and another plus, the seats come with a button for staff service. Cool right?
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Conspiracy Garden Cafe
59 Visayas Avenue, Quezon City
Don’t let the name fool you because this place is not your typical cafe. For all the music lovers out there, Conspiracy Garden Cafe has live musical performances by local artists. Great to go on a Friday night, you don’t have to worry about sitting alone as you sip down some ice cold beer and vibe with the music.
When you want to increase your knowledge.
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National Museum
Padre Burgos Avenue, Ermita, Manila
10:00AM-5:00PM (Tuesdays – Fridays)
Show your love for your country by getting to know more about its history! The museum has a vast array of artworks by local Filipino artists and artifacts used from the different time periods experienced by the Filipinos. It is currently still be filled with more sights to see but thankfully, you won’t be spending anything during your visit as the National Museum is now has permanently free admission!
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Ayala Museum
Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa street, Makati City
9:00AM-7:00PM
The Museum built on the year 1967, the museum features historical collections part of Philippine
History. One redeeming sight in this museum is their boat gallery showing how the Philippine
Trade and Economy was back then. The museum will make you really appreciate the local culture
And give you a feel of travelling back in time.
Many create the stigma of being seen alone but that shouldn’t stop you from treating yourself to at least a day of peace and relaxation. Everyone deserves a break and are free to choose how they want to do it. You deserve you hardworking gal!
Bibliography:
Dacanay, Aimee. “Places In Manila For Going Solo.” Spot.ph, 5 Oct. 2016, www.spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/67931/perfect-places-flying-solo-a00001-20161005-lfrm. Accessed 7 Sept. 2017.
De Leon, Tynne. “8 Metro Manila Places for When You Want To Be Alone.” Windowseat.ph, 2 Dec. 2016, windowseat.ph/quiet-places-alone-time-metro-manila/. Accessed 7 Sept. 2017.
Ong, Wincy Aquino. “8 Makati Spots Where Introverts Can Be Left Alone.” 8list.Ph, 22 Oct. 2014, 8list.ph/makati-for-introverts/. Accessed 7 Sept. 2017.
by rossanahead | Aug 14, 2017 | Uncategorized
By Rossana Llenado as told to Excel V. Dyquiangco
from: https://moneysense.com.ph/striving-to-be-ahead-rossana-llenado/
“I wanted to be so many things growing up – a lawyer, a CPA , an architect, an engineer, even a nun but never a teacher. It’s because I had believed that teachers are perfect and I am not – they have to inspire and be a model for students. I had, however, had this dream of putting up a foundation for educators since I was 18 years of age.”
At that time living beside a school, I saw that its students didn’t have anywhere to go for tutorials. More importantly, I was looking for a business that would let me stay with my then infant twin boys. I wanted to take care of them myself and see their every milestone; thus a tutorial and review business would do the job. This would allow me to take care of them while doing something worthwhile, something that would make a difference in other people’s lives. Unfortunately this didn’t happen because clients kept referring others and I couldn’t turn them down.
The first few days on the job were not easy. The children didn’t want to be tutored. They saw tutorials as an extra work after a tiring day at school. (Until now we have students who are reluctant to take tutorials. Just a few days ago, I was convincing a 16- year-old that our program is for him and his future.) But after a while, the students won’t even leave our tutorial centers. It was really fulfilling seeing our first few students get perfect scores in their tests. I remember tutoring twin girls now models Klaire and Klaudine Yapyuco, and their mom, Karel wanted to see how it goes. I became rattled and did a very poor job. I thought she would ask for her money back. Instead, she recommended me to three other parents. Later she even brought the twins back for their college entrance test review.
The difference with Ahead
One of the most challenging tasks for me is people management. Although Ahead is composed of the best people in the land, sometimes they don’t see the urgency or the importance of our activities. Sometimes they don’t want to follow my advice on what to do and would insist on doing things their own way. Leading, motivating, and inspiring people are an ongoing challenge. But even with this, I love my job. I love innovating and creating. And since this is my company, I have a say on what we can create or change or improve.
So why do people root for Ahead? We have identified at least several ways our programs are different from and superior to all others. We have a solid foundation of nearly 17 years. We learn patterned after the actual exams (for test preparation or review programs); calibrated after the curriculum of the best schools (for tutorials). Unique programs are available for each type of academic requirement. Speed reading is integrated into the tutorial and review courses to enhance comprehension skills. Mind mapping is integrated in the tutorial and review courses to improve memory and critical thinking. And there are refresher courses available. We also employ the top best teachers.
With such unique programs and curriculum, Ahead strives to be different. More so in general the students and the teachers appreciate what Ahead can do for them. They even hang around until our closing time and really enjoy their sessions with our tutors. And so the response of our students, teachers, and parents had been very encouraging. On our first year, people were already asking if I would like to franchise our services. But I took my time before expanding. I wanted to make sure that we were always giving the best service. For me, every day is a challenge and an opportunity. I never ever rested on my laurels. I always find ways to be ahead of myself.
My life lessons
There are many lessons I have learned upon establishing my company. First, people pay for quality; second, kids are very distracted these days; and third, the most successful students have very good parents who devote their time and attention to their children – not necessarily teach them themselves (sometimes this is not good too) but carefully choose which tutorial and review center to go to.
Because of these lessons, running a tutorial center has also shaped me to become a better person. I’ve learned to conduct myself more formally because I am always around students, parents, and teachers. Now that we are also dealing with other companies and their top executives, I have to dress differently as well. Otherwise, I think I am still the same old dreamer, hoping to change lives for the better – one learner at a time.
My ongoing plan right now is that I am striving to make Ahead a global company that will serve students and professionals outside the country but would give jobs and opportunities to Filipinos in the Philippines. As for myself, I plan to continue being the best mom, boss, mentor, and person I can be. In the next five to 10 years, I hope to have transformed my company into a major player in the global education industry. Others may think this is a far-fetched dream but I always dreamed and tell everyone my dream. Some would think I am hallucinating already. But I am bored by simple and easy-to reach dreams and challenged by dreams that are super hard to reach. I also believe in our potential for international success. We have world-class teachers and we already have a proven system and program. We are ready to compete according to global standards.
So who or what contributed to the success of Ahead? The constant need for each person to be successful is what fuels the success of my company. Like me, everyone has his own goals and dreams. They need someone to help them and we are here.
MY MONEY LESSONS
Lasting For Decades
Rossana Llenado started ahead with a dream. Now more than two decades later she has developed one of the best tutorial and review centers in the country. Here’s how she did it.
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Find what you love to do.
- It may not be what you want in the first place but just like Llenado, if you see the need, work on that and then develop on it.
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Keep delivering high-quality services/ products.
- Remember that when you do a good job, you won’t be looking for clients or customers anymore. They will be coming to you.
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Find a niche market and work at “delighting” these clients with your offerings.
- Be flexible with your products and services – always find out what market wants and needs, and then work on what you have learned.
by rossanahead | Apr 6, 2017 | career
Armie Jarin-Bennett, president of CNN Philippines, shatters expectations.
She admits to being shy and introverted, preferring the comfort of the home she shares with her husband, former CNN director/producer John Bennett, and their children, aged 12 and 14, over parties.
She’s not afraid to shed tears, induced by fatigue and stress, before her staff.
The door to her office is always open so her staff, or even visitors like me, can step in and ask questions.
“Just call me Armie,” she tells me.
You see someone accustomed to answering questions because she’s done this as an interviewer in search of news, and as an interviewee that writers have sought out for her success story.
The BA Mass Communication graduate from De La Salle University entered CNN as an intern in the international media company’s Atlanta headquarters in 1996. She was hired the year after and worked as news writer-producer. She then rose to supervising producer and executive producer. As such, Armie worked long, unpredictable hours supervising CNN’s news operations.
In 2012, Armie won an Emmy award for “outstanding live coverage of a current event” for her coverage of the Egypt Revolution. She got an Emmy nomination again in 2013 for her coverage of the devastation inflicted by Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in the Visayas.
Armie’s stint with the editorial side of CNN ended in 2013 when she joined Content Sales in Hong Kong and headed CNN’s content business in Asia Pacific.
Making Adjustments
The Filipina thrust into an American work environment had to adjust to foreign ways.
“I was not used to hearing people say things like it is. I got offended easily.”
But Armie realized not to take things personally, because her bosses and colleagues never meant to hurt her feelings. They just wanted to make things right.
These are the same guidelines she follows as head of CNN Philippines. Apart from charting company directions, Armie believes it’s her job to set things right, help the staff improve their work, and guide those who need help.
She’s like a mother who shepherds her flock in the newsroom, pointing the way, leading them back to the right path when they go astray.
Armie stays with them all the way, even as early as 4 a.m., for an election coverage. She can stay way up late in the evening if the House debates aren’t over yet.
But you won’t see her partying because Armie is a homebody who prefers to spend her free time with her family. They go out, play board games, exchange stories during meals.
Armie monitors the news 24/7 on her cell phone while she’s at home, making sure her children enjoy their program of choice in the television in the family room.
“I don’t want to get in the way of my children’s fun.”
Her husband understands the pressures of her job. Semi-retired after spending 29 years at CNN, John feels comfortable looking after the children, thereby allowing Armie to focus on her job.
That job has taught Armie a lot—including the importance of shattering stereotypes about women.
“Why is it that when a man blows his top, they say it’s just how things are? But when a woman does it, they say it’s because she’s emotional? I complained about it,” Armie goes on.
Since she hates double standards, Armie doesn’t expect people to open doors for her, or treat her differently because she’s a woman.
But she expects commitment; fair, balanced, accurate reporting; and humility.
“It’s not about the glitz and glamor of being in front of the camera. It’s about public service. You need to understand your contribution to society and different people’s points of view. You need to do your homework,” Armie advises anyone who wants to join giant broadcasting networks like CNN.
She continues to do her homework, studying ways to grow CNN Philippines’ viewership, and continuing to make their news coverage relevant to the audience and the times.
Armie’s staff, knowing that she is as fair as the news CNN delivers day by day, is happy to grow with her.
Moving Up
How do you get promoted and make it to the top of a big media corporation?
Here are some tips from Armie Jarin-Bennett, who is president of CNN Philippines:
- Develop a nose for news. Be curious about what’s happening around you.
- Do your homework. Research on the subject assigned to you. Check and double-check facts. Ask questions.
- Breathe news 24/7.
- Have an amazing family that supports you and understands the demands of your job. When CNN asked her to go back to the Philippines and team up with Anderson Cooper for the Typhoon Yolanda coverage, Armie’s husband John assured her she would know what to do, and advised her not to worry.
- Establish reliable contacts or a network of news sources you can bank on.
- Be prepared to take calls, pack your bags and cover news assigned to you anytime, anywhere. Armie answered a call from Atlanta in the middle of the night. Could she go to Tacloban and do the Typhoon Yolanda coverage? She was then on business in Bangkok.
- Be a cowboy. Armie listened to the stories of the simple folk who were victims of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, and came up with a documentary which earned her an Emmy nomination.
- Seize opportunities to grow. Armie applied for her job in Hong Kong and her bosses supported her.
- Be fair, accurate, and balanced. Armie trains her staff to interview people representing two, three, and even four sides of a story, and give equal air time to all of them. She also makes sure her staff separate fact from opinion and keep the latter to themselves. For her, opinions are best left in one’s home, not aired in the newsroom.
- Be patient. Work hard and learn from experience. There are no shortcuts. Go chase that story and show everyone what you’re worth.
– Maridol Ranoa-Bismark
Featured Photo from Television Asia Plus
by rossanahead | Apr 5, 2017 | Business Tips, Startup Guide
Startup enablement programs to help speed up growth and learning for Philippine startups and entrepreneurs have been launched by QBO Innovation Hub.
“We are excited to create success stories that will inspire Filipinos to start their own companies instead of pursuing opportunities overseas,” said QBO and IdeaSpace president Butch Meily.
QBO is an established partnership between the public and private sector including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), IdeaSpace Foundation, and J.P. Morgan.
It will start offering programs and services to startups including access to QBO’s networking events such as classes, workshops, mentorship, feedback sessions, and use of its co-working space.
Available services include professional consultations on legal and accounting matters; marketing and design; corporate and government partner resources referrals; assistance on incorporation, business registration, and intellectual property filing; and investors and potential partners pitching.
“DTI hopes that with our partners from industry, academe, and other government agencies such as DOST and DICT, our initiatives will help advance the development of our local startup ecosystem and increase the number of high-growth oriented enterprises that will bring the Philippine brand in a global scale,” said DTI Trade and Investments Promotions Group Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado.
Through QBO, startups will also have an opportunity to join J.P. Morgan’s Incubation Program, a stage agnostic module (involving the review of company business plans) that will be available to select and high-potential startups all year round. It initially plans to enroll 15 startups by the end of 2017.
“As one of the world’s leading financial institutions, J.P. Morgan celebrates new ideas and we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs in the country, especially those with underserved backgrounds,” said Roberto L. Panlilio, Senior Country Officer, J.P. Morgan Philippines.
“Engaging with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at their early stages is critical and we are excited about the tremendous opportunities they will bring to developing sectors and generating jobs, which are both vital in promoting prosperous and thriving communities,” he added.
To avail of these services, startups need to have an initial interview with the QBO team and undergo initial assessment. Through this, a customized plan will be designed to match with the resources needed by the startup.
QBO was launched in 2016 with DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez and PLDT Group chair Manny V. Pangilinan. It aims to link innovators, explorers, investors, academic institutions, startup mentors, funders, and enablers as well as a broad spectrum of partners and stakeholders from both public and private sectors to convene in constructive interaction.
“The Philippine startup ecosystem is growing incredibly quickly, fueled by a young population engaged in the internet and digital, and more importantly, by entrepreneurs that demonstrate incredible determination and commitment,” said DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara.
“By continuing to develop ideas into innovative products and technologies, startups can evolve to become great companies that positively impact the future of the Philippines,” she continued.
QBO is the first innovation hub in the country, pioneering the first public-private effort to establish an innovation ecosystem in the Philippines following the success stories of Silicon Valley in the U.S., Singapore’s startup hub BLK 71, and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre in Malaysia.
by rossanahead | Apr 4, 2017 | career, gender equality, woman
Women have worked their way up the corporate ladder in many industries. Gone are the days when women stay home and just do household works, today women are excelling in many fields and have been viewed as important contributors in the workforce. So the challenge sometimes isn’t so much to find job openings but to find the best careers that will help you achieve your #LifeGoals. We’ve listed up five careers that suit our modern day super Filipina.
IT Services
IT services made its way to the top of Jobstreet’s list of highest-paying jobs in the Philippines in 2016. Although the industry has been traditionally dominated by men, women are seen to be slightly dominating the science and technology industry in the Philippines according to an infographic released by Rappler in 2014. This means that women are not having such a tough time entering a male dominated industry that pays such high wages. Even those with minimal experience can sign contracts with their salaries reaching 38,000 pesos. Not bad, right?
Law/Legal
As we see in television and movies, learning legal matters may be a pain in the neck. This may sound like a cliché, but hard work does pay off! Law/Legal profession also made its way to the list of highest-paying jobs in the Philippines. It also shows that we have an equal amount of men and women in this industry. So to all women law students reading this, hang in there! Your sleepless nights and bottles of coffee will pay off when you enter the workforce.
Human Resource
Society has traditionally aligned women’s choice of career to social sciences or anything in the liberal arts and women have constantly tried to break away from this stereotype. But if your heart is happier in the management of workforce, no judgments! Human resource is a career not only dominated by women, by 72% but also one of the jobs that will surely offer big compensation package. In the Philippines, it is recorded that a Human Resource manager earns up to about an average of 65,000 pesos.
Financial Services
While people expect women to be good at management related jobs, very few expect them to be good at math. Don’t let that judgment hinder you from getting the huge compensation that finance industry offers. If you’re really bad at math, though, no worries! Services in the financial industry also encompass strategists and the like, which a lot of our smart women are good at. This is clearly evident because in 2014 about 69% of the workforce in this industry is women.
Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising
Women have always been creative, what a better way to use this creativity than to turn your passion into your career! Public relations placed 6th in the recent Jobstreet Salary Report for 2017 of highest-paying jobs, while advertising and media planning was at 10th and in these jobs, women have dominated by 62%. You’re not only using your creativity as your life career, as a bonus you also get good pay for it! Jobs in this industry has a salary range of 24,000 to 26,000 for those who have minimal experience. Nice deal, right?
Many job openings come and go in the Philippine job market but no matter what career you choose, always remember to love what you do. It’s when you choose the career you love when you get the greatest return. Because a modern-day super Filipina is not only smart but also passionate!
Written by Love Gardose
