Communi-k 2011 - 3rd Quarter

ISSN 2243-8939

communi-k KMBI

VOL 8 NO 2

Work On What Is

VITAL

INSIDE:

Green Is the Color of Worship

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Staying Positive in a Negative World

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Networking: Gusto kong Soldier of Ano ito at bakit ko | 1 “Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16) ma-promote Discipline ito kailangan 21 18

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IN THIS ISSUE VOLUME 8

NO2

3rd QUARTER 2011

Providing medical access to the community Page 7

NEWS 4

5 6

7 8

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Santiago branch sponsors feeding program Guagua branch attends “Winning Attitude at Work” Seminar Davao clients join Agro-Trade fair Koronadal grooves at the KMBI dance festival Naga branch aids clients affected by Juaning Almost 150,000 seddlings planted nationwide through Luntian Kinabukasan Project 399 KMBI program members affected in Davao flash flood EDS delivers Livelihood training to 34 branches Kalusugan ay Kayamanan Campaign assist 1,024 PMs Group loan operations monitor returning clients KMBI joins Bicol MF Summit and Trade Fair MI strengthen client protection

ENTREP 101

LEADERS’ EDGE 9

Breaking up with Debt

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Green is the color of worship

Do you really believe that being totally debt free is impossible?

Time to make a difference for God and His creation.

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Staying Positive in a Negative World

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Learn, Learn, Learn and Succeed Go! Expand your capabilities and be flexible, adaptive and proactive

COVER STORY 14

MF INDEX

Level Up: Work on What is Vital In trying moments, people normally experience fatigue, demotivation, and being unfocused. Come and let’s rediscover our vitality and work on what is vital!

Networking: Ano ito at bakit ko ito kailangan Para ka bang facebook na laging updated ang status mo sa iyong mga kliyente? O baka naman kailangan mong mag-twit para makakilala ng bagong kanegosyo. Tuklasin kung ano ang kayang gawin ng networking sa iyong personal na buhay.

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Humiliation? Failure? Rejections?

How can we possibly remain focused in the face of life’s challenges Page 12

TIPS 20 21 22 23

Face to Face (Harapin ang problema) Gusto kong ma-promote!

Say Goodbye to those Panda Eyes 10 Beauty crimes

Wer na u? D2 na me ENTREP Center!

Alamin ang sekreto sa pagkakaroon ng perfect attendance sa sentro

P R O J E C T U P D AT E S 27 28

PATH System switches on 2012 EISTOP automates accounting system KMBI continues to be ISO 9001:2008 Certified

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Feeling tired of going to work everyday? Learn from the perseverance of Alejandro dela Cruz on how to remain energized at work P. 26

F E AT U R E S T O R Y 16

Soldier of Discipline

EDITORIAL BOARD THE CHAIRMAN’S NOTE

Rizaldy R. Duque Editor-in-Chief Marissa M. Dela Rosa Managing Editor Lea J. Gatpandan-Domingo Editor Gellie Anne Abogado Associate Editor A. Edwin B. Aruelo Grace D. Bautista Kris G. Dalanon Contributors John David I. Ulangca Graphics Design Hector H. Celajes Jefferson T. Ng Circulation

I remember a quote I read once from Henry Ford, owner of Ford Motors, one of the leading companies in the automotive industry -“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Ford believes in unity and that the success of the company will be rooted in the success of each individual who belongs in it.

I believe that KMBI shares the same intention and way of working with Ford. In KMBI’s 25 years of existence, we have continuously been helping our clients not just financially but also spiritually as we provide them with more than just microfinance services. We have given them livelihood trainings, and many other benefits which could help uplift their lives in many aspects whether it be financially, socially or spiritually.

As we partake into KMBI’s 25th year anniversary let us always remind ourselves of what we work for, what we do in this organization and why God chose us to work here in KMBI. Allow it be our guide in bringing out the best in each of us. With the right goals, a humble amount of positivity, confidence and with full trust to God, our personal success will be within reach; and keep in mind that our success will branch out to the success of the whole organization.

Damiana D. Exiomo Chairman and President

For editorial, contributions, suggestions and inquiries, please contact: RM & C Department Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. 12 San Francisco St., Karuhatan Valenzuela City 1441 Philippines Email: leagatpandan@kmbi.org.ph

Mayroon ka bang natatanging kwento na gusto mong ibahagi?

Narito na ang KWENTO MO BA ‘TO? na magbibigay daan sa mga natatanging kwento ng mga empleyado sa operation. Anuman ang iyong posisyon...anuman ang iyong kwento, mapadrama, comedy, o action, basta’t sumasalamin sa totoong karanasan sa operation ay tiyak na pasok ang kwento mo dito!

Ipadala lamang ang iyong kwento at larawan sa pamamagitan ng email sa leagatpandan@ kmbi.org.ph “Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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News Briefs

Santiago branch sponsors feeding program

Guagua branch attends “Winning Attitude at Work” Seminar

Guagua Branch Staff after a day of fun and learning Santiago branch Program Assistants Romy Acosta and Raymond Cayaba assist program members in serving lugaw (porridge) with eggs to the children

At least 60 children from Brgy. Linglingay, Alicia, Isabela benefited from the recent Feeding Program sponsored by KMBI Santiago branch.

This program was in line with the Nutrition Month celebration last July according to the National Nutrition Council of the Philippines.

The said activity materialized for two consecutive weeks starting from the last week of July until August.

The KMBI staff and program members jointly helped in feeding the children. A bowlful of

lugaw (porridge) with egg was served and a simple presentation was prepared by the staff to entertain everyone.

The feeding program was organized with the help of Narcisa Abundo, Santiago Branch Center President and in coordination with Susana Andam, Brgy. Captain. “We didn’t expect that there are organizations like this. We have been trying to regularly conduct a feeding program but no one has ever volunteered to help fund it until now,” said Andam.

Davao clients join Agro-Trade Fair Three KMBI Metro Davao 1 program members were chosen to participate in the month-long Davao Agri-trade Fair held last August at SM City Davao.

Program members, Lorita Padilla and Evangeline Ledesma who are ornamental plant farmers and Alvin Montecillo, a vermi-compost producer were the chosen program members sponsored by KMBI to participate in the said trade fair and each were given a booth to promote and sell their products. “These program members used to have difficulty joining trade fairs because they have to spend daily transportation

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cost of almost 200 pesos. KMBI’s recent intervention is a big boost to their businesses,” said Belen Sison, EDD Manager.

The Davao Agro-Trade Fair is an annual bazaar set-up for the Kadayawan Festival which serves as a cultural community festival of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest of fruits and flowers which features the customs and traditions of the Bagobo tribe of Davao. Traders from all over Visayas and Mindanao join the annual Kadayawan Festival to scout for several ornamental plants and purchase in bulk primarily for landscaping purposes.

17 Guagua branch staff attended the Winning Attitude at Work Seminar on August at Mary the Queen Academy of Pampanga. The said seminar was organized

by The House of David Foundation with the aim to enrich participants’ attitude at work.

Mary Rachelle Guzman, directress of Mary the Queen Academy of Pampanga, discussed the Guides on Attitude and the Rules in Right Attitude. Guzman defined Attitude as “… an inward feelings expressed by behavior, roots is inward but its fruit is outward, our best friend or our worst enemy, more honest and consistent than our words, prophet of our future.”

According to Rose de Guzman, KMBI Guagua Branch Manager, she learned that, “Attitude is all about creating your own path of success and failure. It’s who and what we are, how we react to situations and what makes us do things.” On the other hand, Laine Santos, program assistant, testified that thru this seminar, she learned to prepare herself in doing the right things to affirm that she made the right decisions.

Guzman reminded everyone that, “Ability is what you’re capable of doing, Motivation determines what you do, Attitude determines how well you do it.”

News Briefs

Koronadal grooves at the KMBI dance festival With the theme “Sa Tunga sang Kabudlay may Kalipay (In the midst of poverty there is Bliss)” KMBI Koronadal branch organized a Dance Festival on September at the South Cotabato Cultural Gymnasium. 742 program members attended the said activity that aims to promote good relationship and unite the program members.

Aside from ENTREP program members, agricultural microfinance and community development program members also graced the said activity. At least 13 groups presented a modern dance while 17 presented an ethnic inspired dance. “The performances were great and I think everyone deserves to win,” said Ednalyn Hospital, Koronadal branch manager.

Koronadal branch awarded Best Center certificates to 26 centers based on their performance; KOR A-110 was declared winner for the Modern Dance Category; KOR A-219 for the Ethnic Dance Category; best banner went to KOR A-107; and the complete attendance award was bagged by KOR A-435 with 32 attendees.

TOP: Parade from South Cotabato Sports Complex to the South Cotabato Cultural Gymnasium BOTTOM: One of the performances during the Dance Festival

Prizes were given away in between the programme through a raffle draw. At the end of the activity, Hospital gave the closing remarks and thanked everyone who participated and helped organize the said activity.

Naga branch aids clients affected by Juaning Some 226 KMBI Naga branch program members affected by typhoon Juaning benefited from the relief goods operation initiated by the branch on August at Brgy.

Bagumabayan, San Miguel and San Roque, Bula Camarines Sur. “Their houses and resources were submerged in the flood and some of them

were temporarily residing at the evacuation centers,” said Victor Palce, Naga branch manager. The first leg of the relief operation was held at the Bagumbayan Barangay Hall on August 26, 2011 and was attended by 161 clients; while the second leg on the 31st of August helped 65 clients from Barangay San Vicente and del Rosario, Milaor, Camarines Sur.

“You’re the first microfinance to have a relief operation done in this barangay, this relief will be consumed for one or two days; but your immediate assistance during these times will be surely remembered,” said Anaflor Lim, Bagumabayan Barangay Chairman.

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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Organizational News

Almost 150,000 seedlings planted nationwide through Luntiang Kinabukasan Project Almost 150,000 seedling seedlings were reported planted nationwide to support the Luntiang Kinabukasan project for the third quarter of the year. For this intervention, 59 KMBI branches nationwide organized tree planting activities in their respective locations.

As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, KMBI launched the said project as intervention for environmental preservation through tree planting project.

The project also aims to develop awareness among Board, staff, and clients on the importance of trees and its effect on our lives, and on how to become good stewards of God’s creations. The theme is based on KMBI’s four aspects of transformation focus: Spiritual, Economic, Environmental and Social or SEES. The project was also supported by Haribon Foundation and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Clockwise: Fay Amodia, Acting operations Manager for NCR, planting orientation with HARIBON Foundation in Tanay Rizal; KMBI Bus on the way to the planting site

399 program members affected in Davao flash flood Davao City is caught by surprise with a sudden flash flood on Tuesday night (June 28) affecting 399 KMBI program members of Metro Davao1, where two of the program members have died. KMBI immediately organized a relief operation on July 1 at Peace Assembly of God Church, Pag-asa, Matina, Davao City to reach out to affected families in Matina and Bangkal.

“Angelina Paches and Adora Baricuatro are among the people who died during the flash flood,” said Maribeth Pabayos, MD1 branch

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manager. She also said that Baricuatro is one of the program members who joined the mass wedding on Saturday (June25). “I was so saddened by the fact that after the wedding, she’s gone together with her two children and parents who just came for a visit to attend the wedding,” she added.

KMBI spent a total of P121,899 during the said relief operation. During the relief operation the flood have subsided and evacuees already returned to their homes.

EDS delivers livelihood training to 34 branches EDS or Entrepreneurship Development Services reached a total of 1,235 participating clients for its livelihood training project. With the aim to give clients the desire to dream big, have the passion to grow, and help in job and income generation for the community, EDS project served areas of Calabarzon 1 & 2, Caraga, Cebu, Davao, Leymarbo, NCR North, SOCKSARGEN, North Luzon East and West, Pampanga, and Rizal for the third quarter of the year.

EDS delivers/p.8

Organizational News

Kalusugan ay Kayamanan Campaign assists 1,024 PMs and Philippine Colleges of Occupational Medicine, Southern Mindanao Chapter.

The project aims to provide healthcare services and awareness in the community, provide an opportunity to hear the gospel, and to be more proactive in saving other people’s lives through the bloodletting activity, which is in line with KMBI’s 25th year anniversary celebration.

Group loan operations monitor returning clients Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc. (KMBI) will be implementing a separate monitoring system of the returning clients effective July 1, 2011. This is to provide better services for the clients by obtaining accurate information for decision making.

“This new implemented monitoring system will help KMBI in monitoring and properly accounting the number of returning clients,” said Harry Dalanon, Accounting unit head.

CLOCKWISE: Amy Magpayo, Transformation Coordinator for Luzon, with volunteers checks medicines for the medical mission; Ang Kalusugan ay Kayamanan Tarpaulin at the venue; Roda Caronongan, Systems Management unit head participates in the blood letting activity; Consultation with one of the volunteer doctors.

KMBI recently finished its “Ang Kalusugan ay Kayamanan” campaign, a medical and dental mission, which ran from August to September. The said mission reached a total of 1,024 beneficiaries in Bulacan, Pampanga, Cebu, Batangas, and Davao area.

Aside from medical check-ups and dental procedures, beneficiaries received free medicines and vitamins some of which

are sponsored by Pfizer, Sherryville Medical Healthcare and Products, Pharex Health Corporation, Getz Pharma, GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), Unilab, 4HG Cooperative and Design plus.

The project was also in partnership with Cebu Doctors’ University, Ugnayan ng Pahinungod Manila, Philippine Dental Association Cebu and Davao, Philippine Red Cross, Intellicare

As per the new monitoring system, all clients who have previously resigned and decided to join the program again after some time, will be reported as Returning Client. The Branch Accountant will be in charge with the monitoring and updating of clients through the Daily Operations Update (DOU). The Branch Manager shall check and approve the DOU prior to submission to the Head Office.

The new implemented monitoring system will not only be of help to KMBI in obtaining the essential information; but will also be a big help to all clients as this would be considered in making decisions with regard to the improvement of the services provided

by KMBI. “Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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Organizational News

KMBI join Bicol MF Summit and Trade Fair Enterprise.” Bicol Microentrepreneur Council organized the said activity on September 21-25 at the Landco Plaza, Legazpi City Albay to help the Bicol microentrepreneurs market their products and expose them to different business opportunities.

KMBI invested a total of P14,000 for the said initiative that covered all expenses of the participants. All products on display at the KMBI booth like the Abaca made bags and pouch and pili nut products were produced by its program members. Other items exhibited in the trade fair were also made by the clients of different Microfinance Organizations and/or organizations which are members of the Bicol Microfinance Council, i.e. Camalig Bank, Rural Bank of Guinobatan Inc., Simbag sa Pag-asenso, Kolping Society Phil. Inc., and People Center for Sustainable Development.

TOP-BOTTOM: Merly Borbe, Legazpi Branch program member, during the Cooking Contest; KMBI’s Trade Fair Booth

Three Program Members of KMBI (Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.) Bicol area participated in the annual Bikol Microfinance Summit and Trade Fair with the theme “Building Synergies for Sustainable Social

At the end of the activity, KMBI bagged the Best in Ethnic Design and Best in Original Design awards, and got second place for the dessert-making contest.

According to EDS (Entrepreneurship Development Services) associate, Janice Balajadia, KMBI will continue joining trade fairs and bazaars since “… This will help and assist the clients in marketing their products.

It is also an experience for them to further know the marketable quality of products.”

MI strengthen client protection With the recent renewal of contract with Country Bankers Dev’t Corp. both parties agree that the enrollment of dependents will no longer be coterminous with the microinsurance of program members. This indicates that in case of death of the program member, the enrollment of her dependents does not cease.

According to Nesie Parsacala, Finance and Accounting Manager, with the enhancement of policy, the dependents of the program members to benefit from this feature because, they can still avail of the benefits until they reach the maturity of microinsurance enrollment.

The microinsurance is part of the financial services of the organization to support and assist clients and their families in case of death.

The enhanced policy will be implemented effective September 01, 2011 and will be implemented on the microinsurance of the Program Members and their dependents who have enrolled on or after the said date.

Program Members who are already enrolled before the said date will still have the previous contract prevailing until their next loan.

EDS delivers... from p.6 The livelihood training consists of Basic Entrepreneurship Orientation, Entrepreneurial Assessment, Budgeting and Savings coupled with livelihood skills training workshop. Livelihood Training Workshop topic ranges from Food (Meat Processing and Chocolate Molding) to Non-food (Candle Making, Bead Craft, Dishwashing Liquid, Detergent Bar and Powder production) as well as services (Massage Therapy to be offered at Bicol Area).

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According to Belen Sison, EDD manager, one of the goals of this project is for clients to have an awareness on entrepreneurship; and initially grow in their mindset from being a livelihood oriented entrepreneur to a growth-oriented entrepreneur.

“The success of the program will not be determined only thru the number of trainings conducted rather on the impact of the program to the lives of the clients,” said Sison.

The livelihood training is a collaborative effort of the Branch and EDS. The Branch has the option in choosing the livelihood training intervention, inviting participants up to encouraging and monitoring if the attendees pursue the new business idea generated out of the training.

Leaders’ Edge

Breaking Up with DEBT

By Gellie Anne Abogado

D

o you really believe that being totally debt-free is impossible? Come on!

Don’t feel so hopeless yet! Yes, it may look that way, but trust me, having a debt-free life can happen.

At first, we have to understand that simply paying down debts wouldn’t be enough to get out of it. You have to set priorities on spending and set your goal. Number one rule: Commitment. Yes, commit yourself to have a debt free life. How to do that? H ere are some tips for you to save and have enough money to pave your way a real debtfree life.

1. Don’t Go Knocking on Debt’s Door – It’s the best and most obvious way. If you will keep on adding up debts on your list, you’ll spend longer periods of time paying for them. As much as possible do all sorts of alternatives to keep you from having debt.

2. Take it Easy on The Spending – Think twice before buying something. Do you really need it? Or the better question

would be, is it a necessity? Assess your spending habit. What urges you to buy something? If it’s not that good of a reason maybe you should cut off with the expenses and focus more on the important things. Do you really need that branded hand bag? Is P120 coffee really a necessity? Ask yourself the next time you make a purchase.

3. Perfect time to two-time – if you want to get rid of those debts you have, it’s about time that you look for an additional source of income. If you have skills in writing, you can get writing jobs over the internet; you might have baking skills so you can bake cookies to sell; or a negotiating skills to run buy and sell business over the weekends.

4. Have a Safety Net – Make sure that you have an emergency fund. So that when something unexpected happen you won’t need to borrow money from other people because you already have something you can stash for purpose.

Or if you really need to borrow money,

at least it won’t be as big as it would initially be.

5. The Perfect Time To Budget – It’s never too late to learn how to budget and it’s really “chicken” if you have the right perspective. All you need to do is to list all the things you need and all the bills you need to pay, allot a specific amount for them, allot some for your emergency fund, then for your personal savings then to pay for your debt and voila!

You can now spend the extra money on other stuff you want. Just keep in mind that as much as possible; don’t spend too much on things you won’t be needing. Save up as much as possible and you’ll be surprised how much your money has grown in time.

Remember, getting rid of debt is pretty much a financial diet. You need discipline and the right budgeting to help you go through the whole process. Once you’re out of debt, you’ll soon realize how much better life is without it.

Reference: http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/02/20-ways-to-get-rid-of-your-debt-for.html

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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Leaders’ Edge

GREEN is the Color of Worship

By Lea Gatpandan-Domingo

oops! It’s not what you think, guys! The title of this article may be controversial but please don’t get me wrong, I might get fired, haha!

Kidding aside, green is the color of nature and the call for deeper commitment for environmental protection is rapidly increasing all over the world. We, at KMBI, recently had our tree planting nationwide to respond to this call. But why tree planting is very important and how can we protect them?

Trees allow us to live We may not live in the forest, but we need trees in order to live. Have you ever imagined your life without a tree? Since grade school, we learned that trees give us clean oxygen to breathe in and it eliminates carbon dioxide level from the atmosphere.

It also provides us food and medicine. Even nowadays, people are still using wood to cook their food. Inside our house, we can still see and use tools and furniture made out of wood. Papers that we use are even made out of trees – tons of trees!

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Trees protect us from soil erosion and flood, and it controls our climate by moderating the effect of sun, rain and wind. Aside from protecting us, trees also serve us shelter for animals. Their dead leaves turn into compost make our soil fertile and healthy.

Without trees, man could not live as well.

Allow trees to live Recycle and reuse to save paper. By cutting down the usage of paper, you can also lessen the frequency of cutting down trees just to produce paper. Not only cutting down trees can harm the environment but also the process of making it. It uses large amount of electricity and chemicals that emits heavy level of carbon dioxide into the air. Aside from that, hundreds of thousand gallons of water are being wasted too. According to James De Rosa, Director of Research and Development for Global Warming Initiatives, Inc. in his study on “Helping Companies Reduce Greenhouse Gases,” one tree can produce 173 reams of paper. A total of 7 million reams of paper is equivalent to 12 pounds of CO2 being

released into the atmosphere.

Plant and nurture native trees or participate in tree planting activity. If you have trees in your backyard, water them regularly and stop burning dry leaves to prevent greenhouse gas emission. Even the simplest ways can create a positive impact in protecting our environment.

The Worship As Christians, we have to be faithful stewards of God’s creation. Worship in the bible defines as fulfilling God’s command, one of God’s commands is to take care of His creation; hence, taking care of His creations is an act of worship. We worship God for all the blessings and acknowledge that what we have is a gift from Him – including earth!

The task of environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility. It’s not yet too late to make our own little but significant contribution to save our planet. This is our home and this is our life.

Make a difference for God and His creation: Realize that God owns it all (Psalm 24:1) God expects us to be His stewards with nature (Genesis 1:26) Obey God in our lifestyle (Luke 12:15, 23, 34) God blessed different species of plants and animals (Genesis 1:22) God Made an Eternal Covenant with the Different Species of Plants and Animals (Genesis 9:8-9) References: http://greenyourfuture.experience.com,www.savatree.com,www.cleanindia.org http://www.flccolumbus.org/Stewardship.htm,http://www.christianecology.org/Stewardship.html

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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Leaders’ Edge

Staying Positive in a Negative World

By A. Edwin B. Aruelo

I

f you are to give a ten-minute speech about yourself and how you are doing these days, what are the words you would use to describe your circumstance? Would your talk be full of inspiration? Would you be able to fill up the full ten minutes with positive, truthful and uplifting words? Would it make you comfortable to talk about yourself to others? Would it make others listen comfortably to you as well?

John Maxwell says, “it’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you are not.” True enough, the way we see ourselves and our circumstance dictates our existence, our emotions, our dealings, our decisions and our perspective. It’s what makes us feel adequate or inadequate... likeable or unlikeable ... worthy or unworthy... winner or loser.

Many of us go through life carrying pieces of junk on our backs inscribed with words such as humiliation, failure, rejection, stupid, ugly, clumsy, worthless, unlovable. It’s impossible to feel good while our minds are being flooded with thoughts of negativity, worry, fear, judgement, criticism and self-doubt. How can we possibly expect to feel good while we constantly remain focused on all that is wrong in our lives and continue to expect the worst? The reality is, we can’t.

Happiness is not something that comes to you. It is something you create now.

Waiting for something to change in order to be happy is waiting to live your life. It is not what happens to you that counts.

It is how you react to what happens to you. It is your attitude. When you adopt a positive attitude, life becomes a rewarding adventure instead of something to get through.

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Thinking right about ourselves and our circumstance, is seeing ourselves from a better point of view – GOD’s point of view.

The key to right thinking is not only to see through to what you can be, but also to reach through and lay hold of what you can be by smashing through your limitations.

We need to rock our boxes even if it means falling out, even if others around us don’t understand. As Art Sepulveda says, “Thinking right about ourselves (and our circumstances) is not always popular; it will be challenging – to you and to others – but without a doubt, it will be rewarding.”

How do we stay positive, optimistic and regain proper perspective in the face of life’s challenges?

P

lan to choose to be positive. It’s a decision. It’s your will power that should dictate your choice. Always tell yourself: “I can,” “I am able,” “I can do it,” “I am a positive person.” Choose life rather than setbacks and limitations.

Don’t allow yourself to be bordered by the scepticism of the people around you.

When you fall down, don’t be beaten up by discouragements of not pursuing your race.

Aspire rather than dream. Move forward rather than leaving yourself in the corner.

O

perate on the principle of visualizing a great future. Realize that there is more to life than what you have experienced.

God wants you to live a big life. His desire for us is to live triumphantly. However, it is our responsibility to stay focused and do our part. Your vision of your future is the blueprint of what you would become.

S

erve to help others. Sounds funny? How can you help when even yourself are in need of help? Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose

yourself in the service of others.” Indeed, one of the best ways to appreciate life and to create a positive attitude is to be of service with the less fortunate than yourself.

Being of service reminds you of your blessings, keeps you busy with generous activities, and surrounds you with positive happy people.

I

nspect yourself to junk anger, resentment and regret. These are great sources of unhappiness if you allow it to infect your life.

Worst, these elements are too infectious!

No resentment can ever heal the pain you had neither hatred can allow you to move on with life. Holding to such solves nothing.

Learn from life’s lessons, and take your eyes off your past, because your past is not your potential.

T

otally dare to believe God. It is only when we have the right- relationship with God that we can realize that we are conqueror, an overcomer, a victorious warrior, adopted as son or daughter of the Most High, blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, accepted in the Beloved, and redeemed

by His blood. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. So the next time you feel that the world has taken its course against you, just remember how God mightily used ordinary people to execute extraordinary things: Adam was a failure (Gen 3:9-12, 17-19) Abraham was too old (Gen 17:16-17; 21:2-5) Joseph was abused (Gen 37:24-36; 39:7-20) Moses had a stuttering problem (Exod 4:10) Gideon was afraid (Jud 6:11, 13, 15, 27) Job went bankrupt (Job 1:20-21) The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once (John 4:16-19) Zaccheus was too small (Luke 19:3)

A. Edwin Aruelo more known as the HR Manager of KMBI; but is also a man of great faith and is willing to impart his wisdom in sharing the word of God.

I

mplant God’s word in your heart. This will deliver you from emotional baggage the enemy had thrown at you in time of weakness. Allow God’s word to shape you.

Trust on His promises that you may be able to say to yourself – no doubts, borders, no limits, no fears... only faith in God.

V

isit your prayer closet daily. It is in this place of intimacy with God that you can find peace and tranquillity despite of negative situations around you. Nothing can beat the power of our bended knees. God speaks. God listens... and when He listens, God answers.

E

xercise your “ax”. Discover your ax – your gift, your calling, your abilities – and fill your heart with gratitude. Count your blessings. Avoid the tendency to compare your life with the lives of others, with your ideal hopes for life, and with your own life when you were younger. Every moment of your life is a gift -- not something you are “entitled to” or something you “deserve.”

Practice “zero-based gratitude” - being grateful for everything in your life -- grateful that you woke up this morning, grateful that you have enough food to eat, grateful that you can walk and breathe and see.

Let me close in saying that having a positive mental attitude is no cure to the ills of the world. It can never roll back the price of gasoline and basic commodities, neither it will spontaneously cure the graft and corruption in the government nor expedite judicial processes in our country, and in a larger scale, solve poverty, but at least, being positive always brings “hope.” It isn’t always easy, but I do believe that having a positive attitude is much better that being negative.

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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Cover Story

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very organization, regardless of type and size, (corporation, not-for-profit institutions, or government agencies) will eventually reach a point of either disheartened, weakened, low-spirited or even damaged to a certain degree. This may happen because of various reasons like leadership crisis, uncertain or compromised operation, mission drift, end of business cycle, etc. Eventually, organizations under trying moments will experience fatigue and by that time staff are demotivated, unfocused, and stale due to mediocre performance – lacking vitality. Unless revitalization is seen necessary and urgent, it will not be able to prevent its end.

Often times, revitalization is reactive…but it may actually be done pro-actively to prevent an organization arrive to an extremely difficult situation. In this article, I am going to discuss some suggestions in revitalizing an organization. Please note that while I will use “organization” as the object of revitalization, what will be discussed below is also applicable to branch setting.

You may be asking, “How to revitalize an organization?” Theresa Henige Oland, a management & public affairs professional, discussed in her blog “The Message Pub” the relevance of mission in revitalizing an organization. She stressed the importance of being reminded about the organization’s mission. Most organizations start with welldefined mission and a strategy map how it will be accomplished. However, as time passes, it is easy to become complacent and lose sight of our mission. To prevent drifting away from our reason for existence, Oland emphasized the importance of reviewing our mission periodically to see if it is still relevant and if it is being pursued.

Getting a clear sighting on purpose is particularly important when we are stalled

14 | Communi-K • vol. 8 no.2

and drifting. We may simply need to be reminded of our charter. Focusing on our mission will generate a renewed commitment to achieve our goals. It will also motivate people by reminding them of why they do what they do, and why our organization is important.

To regain focus, William Bridges in his article “Reorientation + Renewal = Revitalization” (published in The Linkage Leader), recommends to Paint a convincing picture of our optimal future state—or the future of the whole organization to have our destination established again (and again and again).

He also affirmed that participative planning to get there is necessary. Bridges says that to present them with the plan does only half the job, for it is in working through the issues and in designing the best solution that we really come to understand what is needed. Remember that people who participated in crafting the plan are the same people who will invest in implementing the plan.

Basically, in revitalizing an organization changes are introduced to get it back to its feet again. These changes may touch on different dimensions of people inside the organization including physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual, depending on the need. Its implementation may be manifested in several management aspects such as strategy, structure, and system.

Common reaction to change is resistance because it creates discomfort to our usual routine. Contrary to this, it actually keeps us current with the times. It motivates us to improve on previous relationships and processes.

Nonetheless, given that there is resistance and to lessen it, clear and timely

Work On

VIT

By Rizaldy Duque

What Is

TAL

communication is imperative.

Uncertainty becomes certain when reasons for change and its corresponding benefits are made clear to the stakeholders at the onset. It will also encourage more participation if good behaviors toward the introduced changes are rewarded but make sure that you are not unwittingly rewarding the old ways of being and doing. Bridges cautioned that, “Even leaders who are personally committed to a change in the large-scale, strategic sense often find that they are thoughtlessly doing and saying things that reward people for acting the old way on an individual or small-group level.”

In the context of KMBI and under the assumption that we are a Christ-centered organization, it is equally important (or may be the most important) that we instigate change in our prayer lives, too.

Prayer is one of the less enjoyed activities in KMBI. “Prayer is one of the greatest and most excellent means of nourishing the new nature, and of causing the soul to flourish and prosper.” These were some very meaningful words spoken by Jonathan Edwards over 200 years ago in his famous sermon on prayer. Times have changed and so has society, but Edward’s message remains timeless. Prayer has not changed nor has its amazing benefits.

Our relationship is strengthened when we pray – such a powerful benefit of prayer. It helps us to understand that person a little bit better when we pray for those we know and love. It allows us to be more patient and understanding in frustrating situations, and knowing that He will answer our prayers in His time makes it easier. Perhaps it is because we are taking action and feel ownership in our relationships, but most

likely it’s God’s amazing grace that helps to strengthen our relationships through prayer.

Not only does prayer strengthen our earthly relationship, but it also draws us closer to the Lord. It truly helps us establish a relationship with Him, and understand more fully who he is and how he performs miracles in our lives every day. After you’ve begun to pray on a daily basis, you suddenly begin to see Jesus and His miracles everywhere. You see Him in the sunset, feel Him in great gratitude for the roof over your head and the food on your table. You know Jesus; you yearn to be more like him.

“Prayer that is constantly and diligently attended to is one of the best means of leading not only an amiable and pleasant life; but also a life of much sweet fellowship with Christ, and of abundant enjoyment of the light of his countenance,” says Edwards in his speech. To put it quite simply, when we pray, we are growing closer to the Lord we love. We are easing the struggles in our lives and improving our relationships, all the while getting to know Him by learning His word, and applying it to our lives in many meaningful ways. Prayer indeed revitalizes!

On personal note, I am deeply convicted that prayer will shield us from becoming disheartened, weakened, low-spirited or even damaged. While the things I discussed above are important, let me reiterate that prayer is the most important one and I encourage everyone in KMBI to excel in this fundamental aspect of our organization’s life. There are no limits to the rewards of praying to a God who is forgiving, patient, and good to us all the time. In fact, the list truly is endless, and it’s different for every individual. Thus, to revitalize our organization, our personal lives, and our relationships, let us start working on what really is vital – prayer.

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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15

Cover Story Leaders’ Edge

Learn, Lea and Suc A

ccording to Peter Senge, “Learning organizations are organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire. It is where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured and where collective aspiration is set free. It is where people are continually learning to see the whole together. In this very competitive world, these organizations excel because they are flexible, adaptive and productive.”

One example is Toyota; its operating principle is “to make all its work a series of nested, on-going experiments through which operations are constantly improved.”

Expectations are clearly set before work is done; but as they perform, they keep an open mind by investigating gaps between expectations and reality along the way.

When a problem is discovered, they seek ways to improve. Here, they develop a deep understanding of their processes, product and people. Toyota summarizes its values and conduct guidelines with the following principles: challenge, kaizen (improvement), genchigenbutsu (go and see for yourself to thoroughly understand the situation),

respect and teamwork. Today, it has grown to become a multinational corporation expanding to a global market.

Hence, Learning is attainable and important for an organization’s sustainability and growth; but to produce impact, there has to be a culture. How can we have such a culture? Senge presents five disciplines systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, building shared vision and team learning. We further categorize these with the following: improving oneself, building great teams and setting a new view on leadership.

Improving Oneself Finishing a master or doctorate degree does not indicate that we have arrived at peak learning. Lessons get obsolete in three to five years. So, if we really want to improve, we should live in a continual learning mode.

This is a lifelong discipline and is coupled with an acceptance that we do not know many things; that we are incompetent in certain areas and that we need to learn and grow.

Management guru, Peter Drucker, reinforced this in his article “Managing Oneself”. He said that we need to discover where our intellectual arrogance lies and overcome it. For example, many artists pride that they are poor in mathematics. Drucker said this is self-defeating. Though we need to continually work on our strengths and not much on weaknesses, we should not be “contemptuous of knowledge in other areas.” Artists may still improve their arithmetic skills which they may be able to use for the improvement of their art works.

The same goes for math experts; being good in computations should not be an escape ticket to failing grammar.

Another way to improve one’s self is to develop systems thinking. This is seeing the big picture of the organization and the ability to examine the interrelationship between parts. With such thinking, the long-term impact of any decision is highly considered. Senge said, we usually look on actions that produce instant improvements; but this often involves significantly longterm costs. A good example for this is when

http://www.infed.org/thinkers/senge.htm\http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Documents/managing_oneself.pdf\http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota

16 | Communi-K • vol. 8 no.2

Leaders’ Edge

arn, Learn cceed

By Kris Dalanon

an organization cuts back on research and design. It can bring very quick cost savings; but can severely damage the long-term viability of an organization.

Building Great Teams One practical way is developing a “psychologically safe” environment. Here, the staff can freely express their viewpoints to improve processes or can ask naïve questions without fear of being criticized.

They can question, disagree, or open up any information without fear of losing their jobs.

It is in this way that they can enter into a dialogue or a “genuine thinking together” regardless of positions. Senge adds that when the dialogue is joined with systems thinking, the staff develops a language that can deal with complexity as they become more open to each other’s ideas and are able to learn together. Their talks center more on solving important issues rather than dwelling on the negative things. From individuals, they mature to become a team.

As a team, they share a vision. This vision is something that they can own, and not just

memorized. This vision is concretized by sharing of ideas and plans as each staff see their specific part in achieving the whole.

So, they learn not because they are told to but because they want to.

Setting a New View on Leadership Traditional leadership relies on a special group of people within the organization who sets directions, make key decisions, and energize staff to own company’s causes.

Senge said this is based on the assumption that the staff is powerless and lack personal vision and inability to master the forces of change. These organizations should shift to a new view on leadership.

In a learning environment, leaders are designers, stewards and teachers. As designers, they set the pace or the learning process so that the staff can deal with critical issues productively, they foster individual accountability; and they grow leaders. As stewards, they commit to and are responsible for the organization’s vision; they put it first before self-interest; they see their personal vision as part of something

larger; and they build their staff to do the same. As teachers, they focus on purpose and systemic structure; they help their staff to understand their purpose as organization; they do not spoon-feed or teach people how to achieve the vision; they help them develop systemic understanding; they are open to challenge and further improvement; and foster learning.

Having a learning enviroment is a necessity because with this, companies and various organizations can produce better employees and members; thus, resulting into a company or organization with a better facade and output. This is definitely something that every leaders, companies and organizations should never take for granted.

Kris Dalanon being in KMBI for about six years now, she has grown to be a good leader to her staff. She is the kind who pushes them to be at their best and fully believes in their capabilities and what they can do.

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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17

ENTREP 101

Networking: Ano Ito at Bakit Ko Ito Kailangan?

F

acebook – Meron ka ba nito? Alam mo ba na ang Facebook ay halimbawa ng isang networking. Ito ay halimbawa ng isang social networking kung saan binibigyan tayo ng pagkakataon upang makakilala at makausap ang mga tao mula sa iba’t ibang lugar at estado sa buhay.

Sa pamamagitan nito ay marami tayong nakikilala na maaaring makatulong sa atin sa samu’t saring paraan. Kaya naman ang business networking ay importante din sa mga entrepreneurs.

Ang Business networking ay nakatuon sa pakikipaghalubilo o pakikipagkilala sa mga tao na maaaring makatulong sa iyong kasalukuyang negosyo. Sa unang tingin, parang madali lang ito, pero maraming kailangang isaalang-alang upang masabi mong matagumpay ang iyong business networking: Gaano na ba karami ang kakilala mo? Ilan nga ba sa kanila ang tunay na naiintindihan ang iyong negosyo? Ilan sa kanila ang naging kliyente mo o kaya naman ay nakapag-refer na sa iyo ng mga posibleng maging kliyente mo? Ilan sa mga na-refer nila ang naging kliyente mo o nakatulong sa negosyo mo?

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Hindi lahat ng iyong makikilala ay makatutulong sa iyong negosyo pero ang iyong mga magiging galaw ay maaaring makatulong sa iyo upang makatulong ito sa negosyo mo.

May mga oras na makakalahok ka sa maraming kaganapan kung saan iba’t ibang tao ang iyong makikilala na maaaring makatulong sa pagpapalago ng iyong negosyo maging direkta man ito o hindi.

Dito nagkakaroon kayo ng palitan ng business cards at pag-uwi mo ay minsan, malilito ka kung sino sila sa mga nakilala mo.

Maaari din itong mangyari sa iyo kung hindi ka makapag-iiwan ng marka sa isang tao.

Paano ka maalala ng iyong mga nakausap: 1. Magkaroon ng pagkakakilanlan – Kailangan mo ng trademark ika nga, halimbawa na lamang sa pananamit, magkaroon ng isang bagay na makakapag-tangi sa iyo mula sa ibang mga tao. Maaaring ito ay isang simpleng alahas o di kaya ay ang iyong pabango. Tandaan na ang pagkakatanging ito ay dapat na magiiwan din ng magandang impresyon.

2.

3.

Ibigay ang iyong buong atensyon – Marami sa mga maaari mong makahalubilo ay ang tanging intensyon ay ang makapaghanap ng network at hindi nakikipag-interact ng maayos sa iba. Ito na ang iyong pagkakataon upang mapakita na ikaw ay tunay na interesado na malaman ang tungkol sa negosyo o trabaho ng iyong kausap.

Maaari ka ring makapagtanong ukol sa propesyon at industriya ng negosyo ng iyong kausap. Walang tiyak na perpektong katanungan ang maaaring ipayo sa iyo ng kahit ano pa mang libro dahil ayon nga kay Dale Carnegie, “take a genuine interest in other people.”

Gumamit ng Keywords - Sa isang pagtitipon na kung saan mabibigyan ka ng pagkakataon upang makakilala ng mga tao na maaaring makatulong sa paglago ng iyong negosyo ay tunay na mahirap lalo na ang magiwan ng marka sa bawat isang tao na iyong makakahalubilo.

Tandaan na pati ang iyong salita ay dapat na makapag-iwan ng marka

4.

upang mas matandaan ka ng iyong kausap. Gamitin bilang keywords ang mga sumusunod na impormasyon ukol sa iyo habang ibinabahagi mo ang tungkol sa iyong negosyo: Iyong pangalan, Pangalan ng iyong negosyo, Industriya ng iyong negosyo, iyong produkto, at lokasyon ng iyong negosyo.

Ipakita ang iyong kaalaman – Sa iyong pakikipaghalubilo, huwag lamang basta magsalita upang may masabi. Tiyakin na ang bawat salitang iyong sasambitin ay makatutulong upang mas makilala ka pa nila. Lagyan ng sense ang bawat salita at siguraduhing ito ay matatatak sa kanilang isipan.

ang susi “ Networking ng tagumpay para

”

sa mga entrepreneurs.

Networking ang susi ng tagumpay para sa mga entrepreneurs, kaya naman nararapat lamang na pag-ibayuhin natin at linangin ang ating interpersonal skills upang mas magamit pa ito ng husto sa pakikipaghalubilo at pakikipanayam sa iba’t ibang tao lalo na sa mga taong lubos na makatutulong sa pag-unlad ng iyong negosyo.

Sanggunian: about.com | entrepreneur.com

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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19

Tips

FACE TO

FACE

Harapin ang problema Problema – hindi sila nawawala. Sa tuwing mareresolba na natin ang isa, may isa namang darating uli. Minsan nga napapaisip tayo na nilikha ba ang mundo sa problema? Ito marahil ang pananaw ng marami sa atin dahil nga marami na tayong naranasang iba’t ibang klase at lebel ng problema. Marami rin sa atin ang nag-iisip na ang mga taong namumuhay ng masaya at matagumpay ay wala ng problemang inaalala; at dahil nga diyan ay kinaiinggitan natin sila. Ang hindi alam ng ilan sa atin ay kapag lalong umunlad ang isang tao, mas malaking problema ang kanyang kakaharapin. Ibig sabihin din nito ay mas madaming pagsubok ang maaari mong kaharapin; ngunit bakit hindi nga ba natin makita sa kanila ito?

Hindi lamang ikaw ang may problema. Una sa lahat, kailangan mong tanggapin ang katotohanan na hindi lamang ikaw ang mayroong problema. Ang dahilan kung bakit ang ibang tao ay mas maunlad kaysa sa ilan ay dahil handa na sila na humarap sa mas malaking problema. Mga problema na kadalasan ay tinatakbuhan lamang ng ilan at ayaw harapin. Kaya naman kung hindi mo kayang harapin ang iyong problema, pinipigilan mo lang ang pagpasok ng tagumpay at pag-unlad sa buhay mo.

Ngunit paano natin haharapin ang

mga problema natin? Ang dapat lamang gawin ay hanapin mo ang kasiyahan sa pagresolba ng problema mo. Huwag mong masyadong seryosohin ang mga bagaybagay at huwag mong hayaang hilahin ka pababa ng iyong problema. Kaya sa tingin mo ay malaki ang iyong problema dahil sa iyong sariling pananaw. Katulad ito ng isang baso na half-full nga ba o half-empty?

Sabi nga sa Matthew 6:25-27 - “…Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Tanggapin ang katotohanan na kailangan natin ang problemang ito upang tayo ay umunlad. Naalala mo ba noong nag-aaral ka pa at binibigyan ka ng mga math problems para i-solve. Habang tumataas ang ating antas ay mas mahirap na math problem na ang ibinibigay sa atin at may natututunan tayo. Tulad din ito ng mga problemang kinakaharap natin sa araw-araw. Habang umuunlad tayo ay mas

lumalaki ang ating kakaharaping problema ngunit ito ay nagtuturo sa atin ng isang leksyon na tunay ngang makatutulong at mas makapagpapaunlad pa sa atin.

May ilan na mas nais pa na iwasan o di kaya ay takbuhan ang problema. Kapag iyan ang iyong ginawa ay mas hihilahin ka pa lalo pababa ng mga problema mo. Tandaan na habang maliit pa lamang ang problema ay dapat lamang na harapin na dahil kapag pinatagal pa ito, ay mas lalala lamang. Halimbawa na lamang ay kung may problema sa kasalukuyang trabaho, ang solusyon ng iba ay takbuhan ito at mag-resign na lamang. Paglipat sa kabilang trabaho ay iyon din ang naging problema hanggang sa wala ng nakuhang trabaho na tumagal. Hangga’t hindi mo hinaharap ang problema, babalik at babalik ito sa iba’t ibang paraan. Ngunit kung mas pinili mong harapin ang problema, agad itong matatapos, matututo ka at dadalhin ka nito sa panibagong lebel sa iyong buhay tungo sa pag-unlad.

Tandaan lamang na lahat tayo ay may kanyakanyang problema; ito ang paraan ng Diyos upang turuan tayo. Sa oras na harapin natin ito at malampasan ay tiyak na pag-unlad na ang kasunod.

Sanggunian: http://jacobkuttyta.hubpages.com

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Tips

Gusto kong MaPromote L

ahat naman tayo ay nais na mapromote, hindi ba? Pero bakit ba parang napakahirap nitong abutin at kapag naman malapit na natin itong marating o nandoon na tayo mismo sa itaas ay napakahirap namang manatili doon. Yun bang tipong “almost but not quite.” Nariyang mas tumataas na ang mga inaasahan sa atin at mas lumalaki na rin ang responsibilidad. Paano nga ba tayo magtatagumpay sa ating career?

1. Mag-aral at paunlarin ang technical skills.

Ang unang makikita sa atin ay ang ating teknikal na kakayahan. Kung tayo ay may potensyal ay mas magandang mas palawakin pa ang kaalamang ito. Kahit saan man kayo nagtatrabaho o ano man ang inyong trabaho, kung nais ninyo na magtagumpay sa inyong career dapat lang na pag-ibayuhin ninyo ang inyong verbal at writing skills.

Marahil ang ilan ay iniisip na ito ay hindi mahalaga pero dyan kayo nagkakamali. Sa mga pagsulat ng mga memo o di kaya sa mga meeting, kailangan mong magbigay ng magandang impresyon ukol sa iyong kakayahan sa pagsusulat at pagsasalita.

Hindi naman kailangang maging perpekto ngunit kung nais mong madagdagan ang iyong puntos sa pagpapatunay na karapatdapat ka na ma-promote, kailangan mong paunlarin ang iyong kaalaman sa aspetong ito. Sa pag-aaral naman, hindi naman kinakailangan na kumuha ka pa ng masters

o doctorate degree. Sa kabilang banda, magiging mabuti ito para sa iyong career pero ang pag-aaral na nais kong ipabatid ay ang pag-aaral ukol sa kung ano ang background ng industriyang iyong pinasok.

Halimbawa na lang ay kung IT ang industry ng iyong trabaho, dapat maging maalam ka sa mga basic terminologies man lang at kung anu-ano pa na may kinalaman sa iyong trabaho.

nga kay Lauren Novo, isang PR at blogger, “Find glamour in the task you are given.”

May iba nga sa atin na hindi nila gusto ang trabahong kanilang nakuha ngunit ayon sa sinabi nga ni Novo, hanapin mo ang kagandahan sa iyong trabaho. Ano nga ba ang naitutulong ng iyong trabaho sa kompanyang iyong pinapasukan? Kapag nalaman mo na kung ano ito, tiyak na mas mamahalin mo pa ang iyong trabaho.

2. Pagpapaunlad ng Interpersonal Skills.

Naaalala mo ba ang kasabihang “No man is an island?” Wala kang mararating kung wala kang makakasama o magiging kaibigan lalo na sa trabaho. Ang pagkakaroon ng magandang network sa trabaho ay importante. Hindi ka basta-basta mapopromote ng walang recommendation sa iyong superior at mga positibong feedbacks mula sa iyong mga kasamahan.

Kailangan din na makisalamuha ka sa lahat ng tao sa iyong opisina dahil kung mas maraming tao ang nakakaalam ng iyong mga kakayanan, mas makabubuti ito para sa iyo.

4. Huwag Palampasin ang mga Pagkakataon.

Maging isang simpleng company outing lamang ito o di kaya ay mga seminar, huwag mong palampasin ang pagkakataon na makasali. Ipakita mo sa iyong mga kasama na marunong kang makisalamuha sa lahat at pagdating naman sa mga seminars, maigi lamang na sumali ka upang mas madagdagan pa ang iyong kaalaman.

3. Mahalin at Pagbutihin ang Trabaho.

Importante ang pagkakaroon ng talino, likas na kakayanan at experience sa trabaho; ngunit hindi lamang ito ang mahalaga.

Nararapat lamang na maipakita mo ang iyong dedikasyon sa trabaho at upang maipakita mo nga ito dapat na matutunan mo rin na mahalin ang iyong trabaho. Ayon

Hindi madali at mabilis ang proseso ng pag-unlad sa iyong career at kapag narating mo na ang posisyon na nais mo, hindi din ganoon kadali ang magiging responsibilidad at trabaho mo. Mas malaki ang mga expectation ng tao sa iyo at sa isang pagkakamali mo lang ay marami ang maaaring maapektuhan. Hindi ito pananakot o kung ano pa man. Ito ay para maihanda ka sa kung ano ang iyong kakaharapin. Maging masipag, mapagkumbaba, makihalubilo at pagyabungin ang kaalaman – sa mga sangkap na ito, tiyak ang iyong pag-unlad.

Sanggunian: laurennovo.wordpress.com | ehow.com

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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21

Tips

Hide No More: 10 Beauty Crimes You Might Be Guilty Of

W

e, sometimes, take beautifying for granted. This is not about wearing makeup; but more of taking care of your skin. Yes, wearing makeup can make you look good; but isn’t a blemish-free canvass for your makeup better? It’s not always about concealing. We would be better and more budget-friendly, if instead of buying an affordable concealer, you won’t feel the need to buy one because you’re actually blemish-free!

Here are some of the Beauty Crimes that we often take for granted and the reason why we have this constant need to put our makeup on: 1. Overnight Cosmetics – Don’t you dare leave your makeup on when you sleep!

This is a big no-no as this will only block your pores and cause you acnes. Make sure that at the end of the day you remove your cosmetics using a makeup remover, then wash it thoroughly and lastly moisturize to hydrate your face overnight.

2. Facial scrubbing every day - Use facial scrub but take it in moderation. Do not use it every single day. Yes, a facial scrub can help remove the impurities in your skin but using it every day will only dryup your skin. Who wants dry facial skin?

Not me! Use them at least only 2-3 times a week, then use a moisturizer. If you have oily skin, skip the moisturizer.

3. Pricking Zits – I know, those facial ladies do that; but can you just leave that job to them? You might end up wounding yourself instead of speeding up the healing process. And please, do not . prick those zits using your bare hands to avoid infection.

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4. Pulling and Rubbing – How do you apply your eyeliner? Do you pull your skin on your eye part? How do you apply your concealer or makeup base? Do you rub them on your face? If your answer is yes, then STOP! It will only cause you premature wrinkles and we don’t want that to happen. So, when applying liner on your upper lid, close your eye naturally and line them, don’t pull. When you apply your concealer or makeup base, don’t rub, just dab using a sponge or your fingers or use a stippling brush.

5. Tester Makeover – Some people think testers are amazing because you can use them for free; think again! Testers are called testers because that is what they are for. A lot of people have dabbed their unsanitize fingers or might have used that sponge applicator on their skin. And if you’re going to use them, their skin problems like acnes, warts, and the likes may be transferred to your skin. Either way, wipe the product first with a tissue or bring your own makeup or “kikay” kit for testing purposes only.

6. I’m Not Thirsty – A lot of people take this for granted but one of the reasons why a lot of people have dry skin is because they are not hydrated enough.

No matter how many and how often you apply moisturizers, it will not completely do the job if you’re not doing the basics.

Drink 8-10 glasses of water everyday even if you’re not thirsty. It’s not only good for the skin but it’s also healthy.

7. It’ll Work On Me Too – Just because the sales lady says it worked well on her or a beauty blogger blogged that it covered up all her blemishes doesn’t mean it will have the same effect on you. As much

as you can use reviews to guide you as to what to buy and not, it is always safer that you leave the judgment to yourself; try the testers (but keep in mind #5) and read the ingredients. Know your skin and where it may have allergic reactions too. Just because it worked on someone doesn’t mean it will always work on you.

8. Only Lipsticks are for Lips – Don’t take your lips for granted. Your lips can dry up and chap and that is not a good sight.

Use a lip balm before applying a lipstick especially if it’s matte and also use one before going to bed. You can also use lip scrub products to exfoliate your skin or lightly brush your lips with a tooth brush.

If your lips are prone to drying up when using lipsticks, switch to a lip gloss for a more hydrated feel plus it will make your lips look plumper, the Angelina Jolie way!

9. Makeup Always – Allow your skin to breathe every once in awhile. Have at least one or two days of a makeup-free day. Just like you, your face needs some rest too. Cosmetics have ingredients which could cause clogging on your pores so better skip a day or two without makeup so as to prevent the clogging and acnes.

10. I cannot get any darker – If you think the sun’s rays will just make your skin darker; think again. The UV rays may also give you skin diseases, sun burn, and even skin cancer whatever skin tone you may have. Use a product that will give your skin at least SPF 15 for proper protection.

Often times it is the simplest of things that we tend to forget; and those simple thingsare often the ones that cause big damages. So, tell me, are you guilty or not guilty?

Tips

Say Goodbye to those Panda Eyes!

T

ired of your zombie look? Or maybe looking like a punched panda? Oh well, a lot of us have been bugged by those eyebags and dark circles. They make us look stressed and older. This is actually a common problem which is believed to be an effect of not having enough sleep and dehydration among other things. Some people think that there are no other solutions for it and if there is, it might be too invasive for them. But don’t be afraid. We have tips that will help lessen, lighten or might even completely remove your dark eye circles without holing your pocket.

Get Some Sleep!

The number one most effective way to reduce those dark eye circles is by getting enough sleep. At least 6-8 hours of sleep for my age (early 20’s) would be good. The younger you are, the more number of hours of sleep recommended.

According to fabric05.com, one of the reasons why people have those dark eye circles is because of insufficient sleep.

Beauty sleep wasn’t called beauty sleep for nothing!

Drink More Water Dehydration is one of the main reasons why you have those dark circles. Drink 8-10 glasses of water (we learned that in grade school, pretty basic.) a day to help reduce those dark eye circles and also to help maintain a good looking skin.

Cucumbers and Teabags The reason why you see this being used all the time on your favorite TV shows or movies is because this actually helps. According to healthtalkbuzz. com, cucumber is made of 90% water; therefore, it has a hydrating effect on the skin. Some researchers suggest using cucumber after refrigerating it. The cool temperature it releases actually helps reduce the puffiness of your eyes.

As for the Teabags, all you need to do is soak the teabag in warm water and then refrigerate it afterwards. This is

dual purpose as you can enjoy the tea and create a beauty treatment for your dark eye circles. When the teabag cools down, place it on the puffy part of your eye bags or dark eye circles. It is highly recommended to use green tea because of its anti-inflammatory ingredient or chamomile as it helps prevent swelling.

The cooling effect it generates also helps reduce the puffiness.

Cosmetics and Other Beauty Products There have been Eye roll-ons coming out of the market which is supposed to get rid or at least lighten your dark eye circles. Prices actually vary per brand or you can simply use a good foundation and concealer to hide them. You can do this before applying makeup to create a smooth and blemish-free looking skin.

Remember, the secret to beauty cannot be purely attributed to the expensive products you wear. There are natural ways to be beautiful, both inside and out.

Reference: gelleesh.com | healthtalkbuzz.com | fabric05.com

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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23

MF Index

Wer na U? D2 na me

ENTREP Center!

Ni Grace Bautista

W

er n u? tanong ni program assistant sa text sa kaniyang mga program members, at ang sagot ng lahat ay D2 na me ENTREP Center!

Aba! Talaga namang excited ang program members sa tuwing sasapit ang kanilang lingguhang center meeting. Ano kaya ang meron dito?

Isang beses sa isang linggo nagkakaroon ng tinatawag na Center Meeting ang bawat sentro ng KMBI. Inaasahan ang partisipasyon ng mga program members dito dahil higit na makatutulong ito hindi lamang sa KMBI kung hindi lalo na sa mga program members.

24 | Communi-K • vol. 8 no.2

aspetong ito, sinasanay ang mga program members sa iba’t ibang gawain gaya ng pagdarasal at pagbabasa ng Bibliya, group sharing, pagbuo ng magandang samahan, at pakikipagtulungan. Bukod dito ay pinapaigting nito ang kaalaman ng mga miyembro sa pagpapalago ng negosyo at pagtuklas ng bagong produktong maaari nilang mapagkakitaan.

Hindi Basta Araw ng Koleksyon Ang Center Meeting ay hindi lamang araw ng koleksyon; mayroong mas mahigit pang layunin ito na makatutulong sa paglago ng mga program members. Dito ginaganap ang mga transformational activities kung saan ang holistic transformation ay nagsisimula sa pamamagitan ng pagbabahagi ng bawat isa ng kanilang karanasan na maaaring makatulong sa iba nilang kapwa program members at kung saan naisasakatuparan ang transformation sa apat na aspeto ng buhay - SEES (Spiritual, Economical, Environmental, Social).

Bakit kailangan pa ng meeting?

Kung mayroong naitutulong ang Center Meeting sa KMBI lalo’t higit mas marami itong naitutulong sa mga program members.

Ang mga program members ay nagkakaroon ng dagdag kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng talakayan gamit ang SEES na ating ibinabahagi sa kanila. Tinutulungan din ng Center Meeting ang mga Program Members na magkaroon pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan habang pinatitibay nito ang relasyon nila sa isa’t isa. Naaalala mo pa ba ang inyong Center Mutual Guarantee (CMG)? Sa center nagmumula ang pagtubo ng CMG o accountability sa bawat isa. Mangyayari lamang ang “accountability” na ito kung sila ay nagkaka-isa. Parang isang grupo ng magkakaibigan lang ito, kapag walang tiwala ang grupo sa isa’t-isa, asahan mong di magtatagal ay masisira ang kanilang samahan.

Sa layunin ng Center Meeting na maisakatuparan ang pagpapaunlad sa mga

Ang Sekreto ng Perfect Attendance Sa requirement na 30-40 Program Members

sa isang center, hindi laging nakakayanan na magkaroon ng perfect attendance; kaya naman dapat na huwag isasantabi ang paggawa ng mga nakaaaliw at makabuluhang activities upang maengganyo ang mga program members na umattend linggu-linggo ng Center Meeting. Gaya ng kanilang responsibilidad na umattend, responsibilidad din natin na`sa bawat pagdalo nila sa Center Meeting ay may matututunan sila na makatutulong sa pagunlad hindi lang ng kanilang negosyo, kung hindi pati na rin ng kanilang sarili.

Kung walang Center Meeting, hindi lubusang maiintindihan ng mga Program Members ang tunay na intensyon ng KMBI. Maisasakatuparan lamang natin ang transformation na nais natin sa pamamagitan ng isang makabuluhang Center Meeting.

O, ikaw, wer na u?

Grace Bautista sees herself as a strict and tough leader with a motherly care for her sta. She also believes that a good leader is also a good follower and that is why she also practices obedience to her superiors and maintains her credibility.

“Level Up: Next Gen� (John 15:16)

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25

Project Update

Feature Story

Soldier of Discipline

By Gellie Anne Abogado

lives and should not be because of the PA’s assigned to you.” He also further discussed the benefits of having a CBU (Capital Build Up) and the microinsurance which KMBI offers. “I explained to them that the longer they stay at KMBI, the higher their CBU will be; so that in case they decided to really stop loaning from KMBI and go on independently, they already have enough money to move on.” With the way Alejandro explained everything, he had won the program members’ hearts and they were finally at ease with him, at last.

Alejandro dela Cruz Story Program Unit Supervisor Trainee, Pasig branch “I always ask God to give me strength. It’s the only thing I ask for from the Lord,” said Alejandro dela Cruz, a former PA of KMBI West Ave branch and recently promoted as PUS at Pasig Branch.

Having no late, absents or even a single under time, Alejandro has really been the persevering one ever since. He is from Negros and the second from the eldest out of nine children. He supported his education in college and worked from being a library janitor to being a laboratory assistant. When he was on his 3rd year in college, he was accepted as a scholar of the Philippine Army because he was already an ROTC officer.

Because of his perseverance and hard work, he was able to graduate with a degree in BS Biology in 2002.

26 | Communi-K • vol. 8 no.2

Alejandro’s first work was with the Philippine Army. It has been his dream of becoming a soldier but soon, he felt like it wasn’t his calling so he decided to quit and tried his luck in Manila in 2008. He applied to a lot of job openings and when it was already down to two companies where he had been short-listed, he chose KMBI. “ I believe it wasn’t an accident that I am here in KMBI. This is God’s will,” said Alejandro.

When he finally started working as a PA at West Avenue branch, the program members assigned to him wasn’t very friendly at first because they were more at ease with their previous PA; but Alejandro never lost hope.

He explained to the program members that “…The reason why we are here is because of KMBI’s program that will help uplift our

A simple dream of having a simple life - that is what Alejandro asks for from the Lord.

He just wants to continue working in KMBI so that he can fully support his child who is still studying in Negros. He believes that he has been already in the process of fully fulfilling his dream because what guided him the most is after joining KMBI, he truly met God. “KMBI has given me more than my monetary needs, it introduced me to God, it taught me how to open the bible, and it has given me enough confidence to participate in our daily bible sharing.”

When asked for what advice he could give other KMBI staff, he simply said, “You should be committed and loyal and most importantly, learn to love your work.”

With two straight years of no absence, nor late, nor half-days, and even undertime, we can proudly say that we’ve got a really well-disciplined and hard working staff in Alejandro dela Cruz.

A passionate writer and blogger who came to KMBI to share her love and talent for writing and to continuously inspire people.

Project Updates

PATH System switches on 2012 EISTOP automates accounting system

MIS staff (left to right: Mark Jason Paras, IT assistant; Jofel Gandeza, MIS Manager; Christopher Santiago, IT assistant) testing PATH System Solution.

KMBI’s Information Technology (IT) Division recently presented its newly developed system solution for Human Resource (HR) Management dubbed as PATH (Payroll, Attendance and Time Keeping, and Human Resources Information) System.

PATH System aims to automate all the processes related to the operation of the HR Department from data entry, tracking, up to analysis. The system consists of five major modules: Recruitment and Talent Management.

A system that streamlines the various processes involved in recruitment from hiring up to deployment processes.

The system also has applicant tracking system that enables administrator to organize, control, manage, and continuously improve recruitment.

Employee 201 files. A system that allows HR department to keep digital personal record of all employees. This system can track information like employment experiences, history of offenses, training, promotion and salary package.

Employee portal. A system that gives employees instant access to both their own employee data and corporate information via internet without having to go through the HR personnel. Task includes application and approval of leaves, check 4HG loan status, travel plan and other benefit-related activities.

Time and attendance management.

Automates time tracking related processes.

This system efficiently organizes daily time and attendance keeping records of every employee. It would also minimize inaccuracies of records.

Payroll management. Automates the preparation of payroll, calculation of payroll taxes, generates payroll slips and reports.

Currently, the IT Division finished and tested the said modules and configured servers to be used. According to Ronel Castor, IT Officer, “this system will improve how data of employees are entered, checking for benefits, accounting of time and leave, and viewing of employment records.” Among the many changes PATH System will bring will be the addition of recruitment portal that aims to increase the accessibility of application and status for both applicants and hiring departments.

Once HR and IT Division is ready to flip the switch, KMBI employees should register to “Employee Portal” to access their employment information such as daily time record, application for leave or even loan status, and their work history at KMBI. “There will be an orientation on how to navigate this system before 2011 ends,” said Castor.

EISTOP or the Enhanced Information System towards Optimum Productivity is now taking its next step to enhance accounting system of KMBI. With Microsoft Dynamics AX, an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software solution for enterprises or large corporations with multiple office locations like KMBI, the organization is expecting to launch an automated accounting system in 2012.

According to Nesie Parsacala, Finance and Accounting Manager, with the new system, “It will increase branch efficiency and produce accurate report at real time.

Lessen or reduce operating expenses, maximize assets, optimize business processes and will provide excellent service both internal and external.”

The Dynamics AX will be connected by Remote Desktop Connection; thus allowing the Head Office to have access to the branch’s updates anytime. The branch will be able to make use of its features such as the General Ledger, Account Receivable and Payable, inventory and the likes.

“This will be of great help to the accounting system of KMBI because the Head Office, being the location of the server, can already see the updates of the branches without the usual file sending done in e-mail which usually takes more time,” said Jofel Gandeza, IT Manager.

The pilot testing for this project is set on January 2012 and it aims to have all branches utilize the software by December of 2012. For the next quarter, Parsacala will prepare a user training manual for the initial product test in Antipolo and Tandang Sora branches with the server located at the Head Office. After the initial test, the team will again congregate to discuss the results and possible product modification if needed.

“Level Up: Next Gen” (John 15:16)

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Organizational Performance

3rd Quarter 2011 Efficiency

Indicators Loan Activity

Cost per Unit Lent*

Php 0.22

Cost per Loan Made*

Php 1315.59

Financial Self-Sufficiency

99.41%

Operational Self-Sufficiency

102.99%

Client Outreach

267,987

Loan Portfolio

Php638.76M

Value of Loans Made

Php1.65B

Ave. No. o f Client per PA

275

MF Operations

1266

No. of Loans Made

274,108

Support Group

101

Number of Staff

*Peso-dollar conversion as of September 30, 2011 – Php 43.63

Project Updates

KMBI continues to be ISO 9001:2008 Certified

Our Vision

“To see people in communities live in abundance with strengthened faith in God and in right relationship with their fellowmen and the rest of creation”

Our Mission

“KMBI is a Christ-centered development organization, existing to help transform the lives of its clients by providing sustainable microfinance, training & demand driven non-financial services”

Left-Right: TUV Rheinland Phils. representatives Ms. Minda Villapando,Lead Auditor; & Mr. Rene Julian, Technical Export; conducts a follow up audit on quality management system implementation at Kidapawan branch; Center level verification on the implementation of Microfinance Program at West Avenue Branch.

KMBI (Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay Inc.) is now recommended for continuance of certification on its ISO 9001:2008 given

by TUV Rheinland Philippines in 2010. The surveillance auditing was done on September 18-22, 2011 at the KMBI Head and Extension Office, and branches in Kidapawan and Koronadal.

This year’s surveillance auditing scope was for the Design,Development Management Implementation of Microfinance Program. In addition to previously certified departments, six other departments had undergone the ISO

certification Audit, i.e Resource Mobilization & Communication, Entrepreneurship Development Services, Transformation, Legal, and Training Departments.

“This will be the first of the annual surveillance audit in line with the accreditation last year (October 7, 2010),” said Roda Caronongan, Systems Management Unit Head. The surveillance audit will be for the improvement of quality management system of the organization, better customer service and to check consistency in compliance to the system.

REGULAR HOLIDAYS

DATE

REGULAR HOLIDAYS

DATE

New Year’s Day Maundy Thursday Good Friday Araw ng Kagitingan Labor Day Independence Day

January 1 April 5 April 6 April 9 May 1 June 11

Eidul fitr National Heroes’ Day Eidul Adha Bonifacio Day Christmas Day Rizal Day

Movable Date August 27 Movable Date December 3 December 25 December 31

SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAYS Ninoy Aquino Day All Saints Day

August 20 November 1

28 | Communi-K • vol. 8 no.2

COMPANY SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAYS KMBI 4 last working days

Dec. 24, 26, 27, 28

Core Values Respect Integrity Stewardship Commitment to the Poor Discipline Innovation Excellence

Goal 25.250 “Reaching out to 250,000 Filipino households on our 25th year”

Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. Head Office: KMBI Bldg., 12 San Francisco St., Karuhatan, Valenzuela City Tel (02) 291.1484 to 86 l Fax (02) 292.2441 http://www.kmbi.org.ph