Motivation is a growth essential. It is an internal engine and its welfares only show up after a large span of time. Emotions are also largely involved in an employee’s motivation. An employee who easily gets emotional about situations may lack the stability to perform optimally. There are several ways to motivate an employee and this article will show you the right techniques to further improve productivity in the workplace.

Provide great working equipment:

The office must have the best equipment, devices and gear that produce error-free outcomes in a small amount of time. Efficient equipment with zero connectivity issues and breakdowns will save precious time.

Courses and Development:

Employees are pleased when they can improve their abilities and get supplementary learning opportunities subsidized by the employer. This aids them to learn while complementing their resume at the same time. In return, the employees would feel grateful for the investment being disbursed on them, obliging them to achieve better by applying all the knowledge gained in the courses.

Eradicate the monotony and alternate:

Employees have their own specific tasks that are synchronized with their core capabilities. However, even if the workload requirements are perfect for the employee’s skills, he or she will end up getting bored doing the same work, which could lead to mediocre output.

This monotony can be eradicated with a rotation by giving people new tasks and exposing them to different workloads, colleagues, and experiences. Not only will they learn more but it will help them get a holistic understanding of the business’s function and vision.

Ensure that the workers are happy:

The happiest workers are the ones that perform best. Besides the working circumstances and the work culture implemented, the employer has to invent means of making the work appear challenging and exciting rather than ordinary and uninteresting.

Teamwork!

Teamwork always helps in increasing office productivity. Working alone is not always the happiest situation. Employees are discouraged especially when they see huge pile of workload and know that they have to face it alone. When there is teamwork in the workplace, it can be easier to execute with several individuals thinking on how they can perfectly execute the workload and, at the same time, discern the perfection of the work and also gratify your colleagues in the process.

Demand achievable goals:

Employers need to set realistic goals that are within the capabilities of the employee. Many employees do not respond well to aggressive employers that want to outstretch their workers to achieve farfetched goals. The workers will inevitably burn out.

Communicate with the employees:

Every employee desires to feel that he has the eyes and ears of the management. The boss must also display interpersonal skills that will make him seem humane or someone that could be treated as an equal. If the employee sees them as someone who is distant or arrogant, then they might not respond well in terms of productivity.

Promote incentives upon their success:

Incentives are always a good sight for employees after a successful task. As the saying goes, keep your eye on the prize. Employees are encouraged when they know there is a good end to their means.

Manage but don’t micromanage:

It is vital that employees need to be properly managed, instructed, and supported. But along with this, they must also be trusted and given the freedom to operate in whatever style they believe can best deliver the results. This freedom helps to keep them encouraged in the belief that they are trusted and reliable.

Employees need to think for themselves. They must be able to analyze and decide how they can best execute their jobs and the employers must make it possible for their employees to do so.

Prep up your bikinis, shades, sun block and all your summer staples because summer has officially and finally commenced! Everybody will sure be in search for some fun adventure to spend our few days of summer vacation and make sure to find a good and memorable way to spend it. Aside from Christmas, summer is one of the most anticipated seasons since summer also translates break or vacation time. Don’t we all love vacations where we can just sit back, relax, catch up with our loved ones, have a good time or everything that spells f-u-n? Caliraya Resort Club knows just every side of fun everyone is after.

Living up with its label “The Best Resort in Laguna” since its establishment in 1995, Caliraya Resort Club, headed by Mr. Luke Roxas, is a haven of adventure and heart-pumping activities nestled atop mountains of Caliraya and is a one-stop getaway place for out-of-the-ordinary activities adrenaline junkies and anyone of any age will surely enjoy! It houses wide variety of fun-filled activities such as Slip n Slide (mud slide), Superman Zipline, Pinoy Slide (mini zipline), the renowned Earth Ball and a summer usual go-to facility – swimming pool. Guests are entitled to FREE use of the swimming pools, Earth Ball, Slip n Slide, hanging bridge, obstacle course and Slide Pinoy. Other amenities such as the Superman Zipline, jetski, zorb ball, wall climbing, bungee fun and the likes have their corresponding rates.

For those who are planning to go to amusement park to get their dose of adrenaline rush with their friends this summer, who says you can only get it at amusement parks? We house the amenities that adrenaline junkies and everyone of every age who wants to try something new will surely love!

How to Get There

Caliraya is a 2 to 3-hour drive from Manila. If via private transportation from Manila, take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and exit at Calamba.  At the Calamba crossing, turn right and travel straight through the highway passing the towns of Los Baños, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta Cruz and Pagsanjan.

After passing the Pagsanjan Archway, there is a T-Road (atop is a Catholic Church).  Turn left to Lumban, then after passing a bridge turn left going to Paete (but need not to travel up to Paete).  Just a few meters ahead, a Y road is visible.  On this Y road, take the right wing going uphill (Caliraya Resort Club signage can be seen from here).  Go straight to reach the resort’s parking space and a resort staff shall provide assistance in crossing the lake by ferry.

Commuting to Caliraya is not a problem. You could either take a bus from Cubao or from Metro Manila. From Cubao take a bus, HM Transport or any bus for about 2 and a half hours going to Pagsawitan. From Pagsawitan terminal, take a 5 minute tricycle or a jeepney ride bound for Lumot from Lumot terminal, take a jeepney ride going to Lewin for about thirty minutes. Upon reaching Lewin, you then take a 3 minute boat ride that brings you to one of a resort at CalirayaLake. If you’re coming from manila take a bus with a signboard of Sta.Cruz in Laguna and get off at the Pagsawitan, Pagsanjan terminal. Once in Pagsanjan take a jeepney or tricycle ride to the Sta. Cruz terminal. The jeepney will pass through Pagsanjan, turn left through Lumban, then up the mountain road to Caliraya.

For inquiries and reservation, please call 632-1010 local 424 or visit our official website at www.caliraya.net. You can like us on Facebook at  /calirayaresortclub to know more about the resort and to read reviews and comments of our guests. You can also follow us on Twitter at  @ilovecalirayaph.

The following are some ways one can handle a perfectionist superior.

1) Listen to his instructions carefully and follow them

Most of the time, superiors lose their temper because of mistakes committed due to misinterpreted instructions. When your superior asks you to do certain things in very specific ways, make sure that you follow all of them faithfully. And just in case you are not quite sure if you can trust your memory, take down notes.

2) Remember quality

Perfectionist superiors naturally expect your output to be of high quality. For them, flaws are never an option. So when your superior asks you to do something, be sure to do it give it your very best shot. Forget about short cuts and cheap tricks when you’re working for a perfectionist superior. You may have a jolly good time with your job at first, but rest assured that the poor quality that result from lazy short cuts will sooner or later come back to haunt you.

3) Pay attention to details

A perfectionist individual has an eye for details—no matter how small or obscure they may be. Always expect that your superior will be keen to those small elements. So, always study your assignments and look for the parts which may need more attention. Perform the necessary actions to perfect your output before your superior can make an issue out of these things

4) Double-check everything

Most of the time, it is difficult to spot your errors as do your work. To be extra sure of things, double-check every single every inch of your output before submitting it. This simple act of steadfastness can save you from being reprimanded. Remember, your superior, especially a perfectionist one, will not miss anything. Do not wait for him to catch your potential errors before you take the necessary actions.

5) Do not be so sensitive

Admit it. A perfectionist superior can be so sensitive even when it comes to the littlest of things. Sure, he usually resorts to scolding you just because he saw something wrong about what you have just done. But does this mean that you have to be sensitive as well? Of course not. Do not take things personally. If he seems not to be so fond of you, remember that he is like that with everybody else.

6) Look at the brighter side of things

There is a reason why your superior is currently in his position. Most probably, it is his eye for details and meticulousness that makes him worthy of his managerial position. So, instead of whining and detesting him, why not learn from him? Also, working for a perfectionist superior can also influence you to be more thorough with your own work. Isn’t that good?

Nobody said that this was going to be easy, but always keep in mind that working for a perfectionist is actually doable. Plus, like what was just mentioned earlier, it has its perks, too. Certainly, you can learn a lot of good things about work because of your perfectionist superior.

Back Row (L-R): Coach Ron Camara, Sean Dainier C. Chang, Ron Timothy Joshua C. Ko Leong, Jet Orville Q. Chua, Marco Louis S. Young, MHCS Chairman of the Board Mr. Luke Roxas, MHCS Principal Ms. Emie Y. Ang, Hans Christian P. Panghulan, Won Il Shin, Dick A. Barrameda, James Bryan Louis L. Ang

Front Row (L-R): Paolo P. Limsico, Aldaniel D. Pinsotes, John Michael S. Dy, James Kurt Nicholas T. Porter, Derick Ivan T. Cheng, Benjamin Louis L. Ang

7^th Filipino-Chinese Alliance Basketball League Champion

Makati Hope Christian School, spearheaded by Mr. Luke C. Roxas, huddles the training ground of champions by executing excellence not just in academics but as well as in  athletics, by acing the 7^th  Filipino Chinese Schools Alliance Basketball League (FCSABL).

Recently, Makati Hope Christian School’s Aspirants Division 13 years old and below Team a rose victorious in the 7^th Filipino-Chinese Alliance Basketball League staged at Sure Shots Gym, Abad Santos Manila last Feb 16, 2013.

This achievement adds to the appreciation for their coaches for honing the students’ God-given talent to its fullest potential. These students are clear examples of the value of stewardship as they used their God-given talents to fulfill their duties and excel in every aspect of academics and athletics.

MHCS Students Aced Various College Entrance Exams and 2013 DepEd MTAP-Metrobank Math Challenge Winners (Regionals)

The Makati Hope Christian School remained to be on top at the 2013 Metrobank-MTAP-DepEd Math Challenge.

The 2012 MTAP Math Challenge is hosted and a join collaboration of the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI), Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), and the Department of Education. The accomplishment of the event was drawn from the deeper motivation of the said organization to contribute in improving the quality of Mathematics education in the Philippines. It is composed of varying elimination rounds which are participated in by elementary to high school students nationwide and is designed to encourage the mastery of mathematical skill among the elementary and high school pupils.

Yu-Wen Huang of H3 Amaziah nabbed the 3^rd place for High 3 Private School Sector, High 3 Public and Private School Sector and Lawrence Gabriel Dy of G6 Sunflower rose victorious as he placed 3rd place for G6, Private School Sector.

On the other note, our candidates for graduation in High School Pamela G. Yu and Jayne Lois San Juan greeted college with bright flying colors as they aced various entrance exams from top universities. Pamela Yu of H4 Jehoshaphat was chosen as one of the 15 candidates for 2013 Star Scholar of T.A.F.T OF De La Salle University, chosen as one out of 24,000 examinees to be a Top Achiever of 100 Top Achievers in the Freshmen Test in De La Salle University and as one of the 200 examinees out of 18,000 examinees to belong in the Director’s List in Ateneo De Manila University. While Jayne Lois San Juan was also selected as one of the 200 examinees out of 18,000 examinees to belong in the Director’s List in Ateneo De Manila University and a candidate of Benildean Excellence in Scholastics and Talent (BEST) in De La Salle-College of St. Benilde.

Up to now, the roster of the school exceptionally bright and talented students is never ending and it is because of the stability between academics and extra-curricular activities the Makati Hope Christian School inculcates from the staff to its students are important in honing a person towards being a role model to everyone in the future.

Everyone is set to be victorious at the MakatiHopeChristianSchool. You can reach us at 817-1111 for inquiries or you may visit www.makatihope.edu.ph

Along with Twitter, Facebook, and good ‘ol Wikipedia, YouTube is one of the most widely visited websites in the vast Internet Universe. Countless of businesses have started using this platform to market themselves, and I am pretty sure that there have been more than one instances where you wondered if this could work for your business as well. Hear me out. If you don’t want to be left behind by your competitors, you have to make it work for you. Here are five reasons why your business should engage in YouTube Video Marketing.

1) People have shorter attention spans.

Unfortunately, a great multitude of the human population is no longer fond of reading. While there are still some who prefer picking up the newspaper first thing in the morning, others have adapted the habit of just sitting in front of the computer and browse the Internet as much as they can. In fact, only a small percentage of Internet users does a lot of actual reading because the viewing of videos online has become one of most popular online activities. Considering this reality, it would be practical to resort to YouTube Video Marketing. Through snappy, colorful videos, you can market your products and services without getting to the point of boring your target market.

2) It’s free to post YouTube videos.

The awesome thing about YouTube videos is that they are so much easier to produce compared to high-end videos that are required by television networks. And once their creation is complete, they can immediately be posted—for free! This means that you can establish your business brand online without having to spend a fortune. Actually, if you are resourceful enough, you can even do it without spending anything!

3) YouTube is phenomenal.

If you’re up-to-date with Internet Pop Culture, then you wouldn’t be surprised at all at the fact that the music video for Psy’s Gangnam Style has surpassed a billion views. Well, that’s just how powerful YouTube can be! The record-breaking music video has already reached and wowed even the biggest stars of Hollywood, a manifestation of how it can make videos accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world. Also, we should not discount the fact that YouTube has jump-started the careers of “nobodies” who are now making millions in show business.

4) It can be connected with other networking sites.

Sure, YouTube is very powerful on its own, but did you know that you can multiply its already monstrous potential through social media marketing? Social networking sites will dramatically extend the reach of your videos as they are precisely designed for the sharing of all kinds of things. If people like your content, there is a great chance they will link it to people who they think will find your videos to be interesting, or funny, or helpful. And through this, they can influence even more people to watch your videos, too.

5) It gains the trust of people.

Gone are those days when YouTube is only being used by entertainers. Now, it is also widely used for other things such as tutorials, reviews and businesses. This is why more and more people, even the professionals, go to YouTube to learn things. And if your content is genuinely relevant and useful, you will gain the trust and loyalty of your target market, which is pretty much the best possible result you can get from YouTube Marketing.

But how can we really assure that they would pay on time? Okay, let me tell you.

1) Move fast.

If you want to get paid on time, you have to make sure that your processes are done quickly but accurately. If a service or product has been completely given to the client, then bill them immediately and ensure that that entire process is fast as well. Besides, your clients may be too busy so you have to catch up with their pacing.

2) Give them good payment options.

A hassle-free payment process is what most of your customers need. Since they are busy and have different situations, it is important that you give all of them good options so they can freely opt whichever payment method would work perfectly for them. Through this, they can pay you right away.

3) Mark your own words; stick with the deadline.

If you want your clients to pay you on time and according to what has been set, then be a good example. Show them that you are professional enough by keeping your promises in the first place. Remember, you have to show them that whatever amount of money they are giving is really worth it. It is also very important to make sure you meet the deadlines; otherwise you do not have the right to ask them to pay on time.

4) Remember quality.

In a time when even big companies apply cost-cutting to minimize unnecessary expenses and save money, it is essential that you show them that each cent they pay for your services is worth it. You have to really satisfy your clients and give them even beyond what they expect so they would be eager to pay on time.

5) Follow-up but do not overdo it.

Some clients fail to pay on time because of the long internal processes in their companies. Some papers or even checks get stuck on tables under piles of papers. Knowing this, it is also good if you follow up. You may get in touch with the contact persons to remind them of their dues. But in doing this, you have to be very nice. Also, you should not overdue it.

Dealing with clients is challenging most especially making them pay on time. But if you are just going to be more efficient when it comes to your processes and if you are going to let them decided whichever way works for them, then things should be easier for you.

On popular social media sites like Facebook and Pinterest, we have control on the information we can relay to our friends, co-worker, and acquaintances. In certain organizations, however, the management’s hands are tied on what information they can provide. These information standards are covered by the Data Protection Act. I wouldn’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of the DPA before. But if you want to better understand it, consider these three important principles under the act:

Principle 3: The Amount of Personal Data You May Hold

“All information should be adequate, relevant, and not excessive.” It is important to know the specific information that you can disseminate, and the information that you need to hold. Unnecessary information should not be part of your data in order to 1) maximize the statistics you have and 1) avoid problems and controversies that are difficult to solve.

Principle 4: Keeping Personal Data Accurate and Up to Date)

Every piece of information that your employee gives you isn’t always factual. We are not saying that you should not trust them; it’s just that, as part of the management, it is important for you to make sure that all data given to you are accurate and up-to-date. Though competition is good for business in some aspects, you must make it a point that your company is always ahead when it comes to the latest information that’s related to your industry.

Principle 5: Retaining Personal Data

The data you’re holding now may not be needed after a certain period of time. Again, in order to gauge this, it is necessary to understand why you need the information you have. When a piece of data is no longer needed, dispose of it or store it someplace safe for future references. Excessive information can clutter your workplace and complicate your job. Be responsible and organized.

1) Leadership Qualities

There is a huge difference between a boss and a leader. A great boss isn’t just someone in a company with a higher rank; he must evoke a character that defines leadership. Give out clear instructions to your team; be good in balancing out and delegating workload. Manage team members well by recognizing and utilizing their skills for maximum productivity. Being a leader means coming to work on time, being an open-eared and open-minded manager who values the feelings and opinions of his team.

2) Positive Attitude

A general in battle should be as optimistic and motivating as he can so all his soldiers will be confident and pumped up for the battle ahead! Place confidence on your members and learn to trust each one, and when they perform well, create an appreciative aura by recognizing all those great accomplishments. Be generous in giving incentives! The attitude of a leader judges a member in professional terms, and not on personal grounds. Be sensitive to their feelings too; praise them in public if they deserve it and give if you need to correct them, make sure to do it gently and in private.

3) Tolerant

A great boss is a patient boss. He understands that his team is not perfect ad that they will commit errors from time to time. What matters is that he is always there to help his team become better. A great boss is someone who is task oriented but not extremely bossy or authoritarian. He should be understanding and flexible in the conditions of the team both in a professional and personal level. Being a father figure to the team will greatly help in the relationship and bond of the whole organization for a much comfortable, fun, and effective work place.

4) Knowledgeable

This is very important as you cannot drive your team when you yourself do not have the knowledge and skills required to fulfil the team’s goals. A real leader always keeps an open mindset; he is always willing to learn all the needed things required about the team, its goals and how to accomplish them. When the team needs help, he should be able to step in any time and execute well in assisting. The leader should be as knowledgeable as anyone in the team, and should upgrade the whole team’s knowledge base to remain up to par with the trends and competition.

5) Open Communication

Without this, there would be no team in the first place. Being able to broadcast tasks and expectations alone won’t do any good. One should always be ready to listen well to the whole team’s questions, concerns, or ideas about anything at any given time. Grant your team members a sense of freedom; lay out the fact that you are not just there to lead them. Always remind them that you are always available for any help they might need, may it be work related or not. Always work as a team.

Walk across the BSA Twin Towers, owned and headed by Mr. Luke C. Roxas, and be fascinated with the heart-stopping skyline view of the Metro 167 meters above ground linking the towers at level 52. Soaring to a height of 222 meters, the 55-storey twin establishment is Mandaluyong’s crown jewel as it provides an exhilarating 360-degree panoramic view of bustling Metro Manila. It is a commercial and condominium-hotel establishment at the heart of the progressive hub of Ortigas Center in Mandaluyong. Complemented with the hues of astonishing lights flashing on the towers’ pyramids, it turns into a mesmerizing establishment at night to drown everything else with its elegance. An experience across the BSA Twin Towers sky bridge is made extra special not only because of a different vantage point of the city lights but because of the prominent sight of the rainbow colors at the pyramid of the twin towers which were carefully handpicked to light up the Tiger City.

BSA Twin Towers is an architectural masterpiece by the St. Francis Square Suites and Resort (formerly ASB Condotels), headed by Mr. Luke Roxas. It is strategically perched in a convenient location within the most progressive hub of corporate, financial and social activities – OrtigasCenter– at  St. Francis Square behind SM Megamall and The Podium and a few minutes away from the Asian Development Bank and San Miguel Corporation. It provides you the convenience of choosing from an endless array of establishments for shopping, business and recreation. It is also highly accessible through any public transportation all carefully considered for your utmost convenience. BSA Twin Towers is also an ideal venue for meetings, conferences and seminars with facilities fitting for your business needs and meeting size. With its contemporary and carefully-appointed amenities, it surely is a venue conducive to business complemented the warmth of its staff dedicated to make your event successful in every detail.

Gone are the days when vacations and getaways are attributed on certain months of the year. When everyone seems to be stressed from the daily work grind, relaxations are craved anytime and anywhere. In BSA Twin Towers Condominium-Hotel, you need not to suffer those tiresome hours just to get to the destination because the condominium-hotel is an accessible haven of relaxation as it has the essentials of a modern community. Visit the Fitness Center where up-to-date equipment can relentlessly be enjoyed to let off some steam; Fixate your eyes at the vibrant panoramic view of the city lights and feel the city’s aspiration while swimming leisurely at the Indoor Rock pool with its sleek landscaping and open air to give you a prominent sight not what’s just below but as well as what’s above; Plunge and go for a relaxing lap in the 153 meters-long Lap Pool that has carefully-assigned details which mimic the serenity of the sky at the ceiling. Take a glimpse right through the gigantic windows surrounding the pool areas of that relaxing sight of the Metro.

Transfer from one tower to another effortlessly and experience that heart-pumping feeling you can get from walking the sky bridge of BSA Twin Towers that are headed to both Indoor Rock Pool at Tower A and Lap Pool at the Tower B. Other perks involve making an event memorable at any of the Function rooms for an upscale residential lifestyle, relax and unwind at the Garden area at the 9^th floor where you can get a vivid sight of theTwinTowers from below, and spend fun times with your kids at the Children’s playground. BSA Twin Towers Condominium-Hotel is also an ideal venue for meetings, conferences and seminars with facilities fitting for your business needs and meeting size. With its contemporary and carefully-appointed amenities, it surely is a venue conducive to business complemented the warmth of its staff dedicated to make your event successful in every detail.

Feel free to indulge in some of the simple pleasures that only BSA Twin Towers Condominium-Hotel can offer. We accept daily, weekly and monthly accommodations. Guest will be entitled to free use of swimming pools and buffet breakfast for single or twin occupancy. You may call 632-1010 local 531 or 09222858569 for reservations. You can also visit us at the 4^th floor of  St. Francis Square Mall, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

Nowadays, with the rise of technological advancements and the boom of social media, looking big is no longer impossible for small businesses. All you really have to do is make the most out of all these versatile tools that’s been given to your hands. Be creative and use these instruments to further maximize your resources.

Here are four ways for you to do that:

1) Invest in your website

When people need a certain service of product, they rarely spend time rummaging through the ads printed on their trusted newspapers. This is because the online world has provided more convenient alternatives. In today’s world, one of the best ways to make people aware of your business’s existence is by creating an informative, competent, beautifully-designed website. If your website is mediocre, people won’t take you seriously. It is important that you update your site regularly. You should invest time and effort to post fresh substantial contents on it for you to make sure that your clients follow you. Always announce your latest achievements to let people know that your products and/or services are top notch. Hiring a Search Engine Optimization expert is also encouraged to make sure your website rank on the search engines.

2) Have a social media page

Social networking is one of the greatest blessings for small businesses. Through this, information is now easier to disseminate and advertising has become cheaper. In a world where almost everyone has an account in different social networking sites, it is a plus to have a fan page, for this gives you more opportunities to interact with your clients and let them know that you are always reachable. A Facebook page is one good example. For instance, when they feel happy about your product or service, they can easily tag you as they post their status updates. On the other hand, if they have any suggestions regarding the improvement of your products and/or services, they can easily let you know through these pages.

3) Create a brand

One of the most important things you have to consider as a businessman is having a specific brand that can be associated with you anytime. Your goal is to be recognizable considering all the other businesses that exist everywhere. It is a must for you to create a good logo that can be recalled by people as well as a slogan that will help you in promoting your business. Have these things printed on your business cards, company letterheads, and other documents to make things look more official and professional.

4) Pay attention to the telephone

Even though we are living in the internet age, the telephone still plays a very important role in every company. In fact, some believe that it can still be a company’s first line of defense. When customers need specific information than those that isn’t available in your website or social media page, it is good to have knowledge people on telephone lines that can answer these questions. Considering this, it is best to make sure that your clients would not be turned off with what they are going to hear.