Thursday, September 13, 2012

Lifestyle: 7 reasons to embrace getting older - The best parts of getting older


Why all the doom and gloom about the ageing process? We can’t wait. Bus passes, less stress, more time to spend on hobbies – yes please! Here are seven reasons to embrace getting older:


Reason to embrace getting older 1: You’re all kitted out
The further we advance into old age, the more we seem to have acquired useful possessions that most people may never have even thought of. Collecting paraphernalia over the years is fantastic because it means we can do pretty much anything without having to hit the shops first to buy special items. Vintage fashion is back in? Perfect – we kitted our wardrobe out for this trend back in the 1950s. You need a melon baller? No probs – there’s one in the cutlery drawer. It’s so handy!

Reason to embrace getting older 2: Less spots and more laughter lines

As we get older our skin tends to get drier, which means less chance of spots (hooray!). This is great news as we no longer have to worry about the dermalogical impact of eating a greasy pizza when we need a little pick-me-up. We may have wrinkles instead of spots, but we don’t call them wrinkles; we call them “laughter lines”. Laughter lines are great because they remind us of all the times we’ve laughed until our ribs hurt – funny memories are one thing that plastic surgery and fillers won’t give us.

Reason to embrace getting older 3: You’re one wise owl

Grandma was right all along – it has been scientifically proven that older really does mean wiser. Researchers from the University of California scanned the brains of 3000 Californians aged between 60 and 100, and found that older people – despite having a slower reaction time – are remarkably good at making decisions because of the lower levels of dopamine in their brains. The high level of dopamine in younger brains often leads the younger generation to react to difficult situations emotionally rather than logically. Older people are less likely to be fuelled by emotion and more likely to make well-informed decisions. If anyone’s facing a tough decision, just come to us.


Reason to embrace getting older 4: Less stress

Forget the”grumpy old man” label. As we get older, we seem to leave the hardest parts of life behind us. Finding our way through the tangled web of our teenage years, careers, and parenthood were difficult; now as we’ve done all that, we can relax and look back on it all with fond memories. Old age means less stress, and less stress means we have more time for family, hobbies, and general happiness. Whether it’s the hummingbirds feeding on the fuchsias you planted, or the sound of the rain pattering on the shed, take advantage of the finer points of life now as you’re given the chance. Don’t mind if we do! 

Reason to embrace getting older 5: Discounts, discounts, discounts.

Concessions, discounts, offers for OAPs, senior citizens passes ... we don’t care how they word it to avoid offending us, we’re just happy to have had some kind of recognition that we’ve made it to this age. Don’t be shy about revealing your real age when it comes to discounts – look out for places that do special offers and reap the benefits. You’ve lived this long, you may as well cash in on the accomplishment. That’s one more part of getting older for us to do our happy dance about (if our knees can still take it).

Reason to embrace getting older 6: Getting away with being cheeky

As we advance into our senior years, it seems easier to get away with being cheeky by using our hearing aids or other ‘old person’ paraphernalia to our own advantage. If your hearing has become a little less effective than it used to be, use your hearing aid to your advantage by cracking out some cheeky one-liners such as “we needed to do the washing up? Oh sorry I didn’t hear you - the old hearing aid’s playing up. It’s done now? Never mind then”. Tricking people so you can get away with being cheeky is a definite plus side to getting older. Was that a slip of your walking stick, or did you really just push your way to the front of the queue?

Reason to embrace getting older 7: You’re confident

We have finally accepted our bodies the way they are and no longer ponder how much nicer we’d look with bigger boobs or better abs like we did in our teenage years. If we go out looking a little worse for wear, others see it as endearing rather than lazy. Similarly, if we have visitors round to our homes it’s okay not to have our cupboards stacked full of exotic drinks and food; for our guests, a cup of tea and a carrot cake will 
do just fine.

(Article from realbuzz.com):)

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Places: A day tour at Shenzhen, Guandong - China


Window of the World
When working overseas, part of my one-month vacation is to explore another country. Together with my colleagues, we went to Shenzhen, China via Hong Kong for a one day city tour.  It locates literally one train stop from Hong Kong, you go through the custom from HK, then after one stop you enter the country through Chinese custom again. Shenzhen was one of the most dynamic city I have visited.

The moment we met our tour guide. He immediately started the tour of the city. We witnessed the enormous economic development of the country, and at the same time the dark side of the rapid capitalistic growth. Massive shopping centres co-exist with the people with no social security at all. Of couse China is not the poorest country in the world, in fact it's quite opposite, and the scenes you see is nowhere near the extent of poverty from Africa. However, the nature of the capitalism to polarize the society into two extreme ends was easily noticed in the city of Shenzhen.

We went first to the Shenzhen Window of the World is a fantastic replica park situated at the Overseas Chinese Town. Here you can see vivid replicas of the world's wonders, historical heritages and famous scenic sites. The entire masterpiece is built at ratios of 1:1, 1:5 or 1:15. 

We did not stayed long at this theme park and proceeded to food and spices stores instead for lunch.  After our lunch we toured the numbers of jewelry factories and pearl/oyster farm. Then proceeded to the shopping centers where we are given two hours to shop, and dine before having our free dinner in one of the finest restaurant in Shenzhen.

Most of my friends who went Shenzhen before telling me that Shenzhen is one shopping paradise which I agreed. It is like a big Divisoria. People call Shenzhen as the jewel factory of China. They say 80% of jewelries in China are imported and manufactured here.

The trip was exciting and really an eye-opening experience. There are plenty of great places you can visit and definitely I couldn't have been more satisfied with the amazing sea food they have. :)

Hopefully, I will have a chance to visit this place again soon. Below are some of the pictures taken from this short trip to Shenzhen, province of Guandong, China:

City Tour

Window of the World

Metro train Station

Free Dinner 

Splendid Shenzhen

With local Chinese girls

For Good Luck!

WOW Theme park

WOW Theme Park

Thanks for visiting!

For your visa and travel needs to Dubai, UAE, you may contact us at: Globe 09052469480; Sun 09435794688

http://www.facebook.com/YslaToursTravelDubaiUaeTouristVisitVisa


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Lifestyle: Business - 5 Ways CXO (Customer Experience Optimization) Will Save You Money



What is CXO? CXO stands for Customer eXperience Optimization. There are two main areas CXO are divided into. The first is customer-facing assets like front-liners, sales people or customer service representatives. The second is non-customer facing assets like your supply chain, partners, and item processing.

Basically, it’s everything that comes into contact with the customer before, while, and after purchase.

Today’s forward-thinking companies are customer-centric from the very top of the organization. They work to put customer experience into their DNA where it is not originally.

A satisfied customer is a brand ambassador; a loyal customer loves to buy from you and will be open to cross-purchases. What’s more, opening up to CXO enhances your company’s internal processes, telling you what can’t be seen from internal surveys. Thorough CXO has a fantastic impact across different dimensions of your business.

A major facet of CXO is CEM, or Customer Experience Measurement. CEM is not your old-fashioned mystery shopper exercise, which only scratches the surface of customer service. CEM integrates the processes and metrics of Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, and, of course, customer service and research.

Using CEM provides insight into where your front-liners could do better: being more sensitive to customer needs, seizing opportunities to upsell or suggest other products, or adapting to supply issues, customer complaints, and technical failures.

The essential benefit of CXO is on your bottom line. Apply it thoroughly and you can count on the following:


1. Higher brand equity as you move from selling products to selling an experience


2. Greater loyalty and more positive mentions online, leading to lower marketing costs


3. Bigger cross-sales and better ROI per customer


4. More positive, satisfied staff, which leads to lower training and HR cost


5. Reduced friction and cost within your organization and between suppliers

CXO is far-reaching in how it influences your business for the better.

For more on how to implement CEM in your business, you may leave a comment below. MP:)

Friday, September 7, 2012

Lifestyle: Eat Bulaga - Mr. Pogi 2012 (16 Grand Finalists)



The grand finals of Eat Bulaga!’s  Mr. Pogi 2012 is going to be held on September 15. The 16 grand finalists from all over the Philippines were introduced in yesterday's episode.  They will vie for the title that could be their stepping stone to stardom and follow the footsteps of other famous Mr. Pogi titleholders like Jericho Rosales, Danilo Barrios and Edgar Allan Guzman.

And, they are:


1. Justine Merck de Jesus  (Cebu City)

2. Bonz Andre Militar (Davao)



3. Bryann Carlo Jaofrancia (Dasmarinas City, Cavite)



4. Chryst Josef Almazar (Sta. Rosa, Laguna)



5. Franz Akeem Aldover (Valenzuela City)



6. Frederick Lim II (Zamboanga City)



7. Jaylord Casiño  (Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City)



8. John Edric Ulang (Binangonan, Rizal)



9. John Paul Duray (Olongapo City)



10. Kelvin Engles (Sta. Ana, Manila)



11. Manuel Pablo Tonido ( Manam-an, Cagayan de Oro City)

12. Marcus Paolo Reyes (Zamboanga City)



13. McJonel Abrenica (Cebu City)



14. Robert Jbeili (Pangil, Laguna)



15. Roehl Mendoza (Caloocan City)



16. Rommel Galido (IloIlo)






Lifestyle: The Cosmo Bachelors Bash 2012 (How/Where to get the tickets?)


Calling all Cosmo Guys and Girls out there! The Cosmo Bachelor Bash 2012 is happening on September 18, 2012, 7:00 PM, at the World Trade Center. To get a free ticket, just buy a copy of Cosmopolitan Philippines September 2012 issue at selected 7-11 branches. The issue includes the free Cosmomen supplement with Paulo Avelino on the cover.



You may check the following 7-11 branches below for the your Cosmo mag copies:

Alabang Zapote Rd., Pilar Rd., Almanza, Las Piñas City
LG07 Cityland 10 Tower, Valero cor. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City
G/F Convergys, One Ayala Ave., cor. Salcedo St., Makati City
Sgt. Yabut nr. cor. Anastasio St., Guadalupe, Makati City
J.P. Rizal cor. Constancia St., Makati City
G/F Madrigal Building Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Chino Roces Ave. Cor. Malugay and Gil Puyat, Brgy., San Antonio, Makati City
Manansala Bldg., Estrella St., Rockwell Center, Makati City
RCBC Bldg. 3rd Flr. RCBC Poduim, Ayala Avenue cor. Buendia, Makati City
Boni Ave., Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City
Dapitan St. nr. cor. Asturias St., Sampaloc, Manila
A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila
896 Vito Cruz cor. Dominga St., Malate, Manila
Tayuman St. cor. Rizal Ave., Manila
Roxas Blvd. cor. U.N. Avenue, Ermita, Manila
MIAA, 4th Level, Unit 37, Southwing offfice NAIA Terminal 3, Pasay City
Star Cruises Center, Andrews Ave. Pasay City
G/F Two E-Com Retail Center, Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Lot 12 B.1 12th St. Airman's Village Airbase Area, Pasay City
Herrera St. cor. Morcilla, Pateros
131 Timog Ave. cor. Samar St., Diliman, QC
G/F One Orchard Condominium, Orchard Rd., Eastwood City, Bagumbayan, Q.C.
Matalino St. cor. Malakas St., Diliman, Q.C.
Tandang Sora Ave., cor. Mindanao Avenue, Q.C.
E. Rodriguez cor. Victoria St., New Manila, Q.C.
Emerald Ave., Ortigas Ctr., Pasig City
10th Flr., Net One Center, 3rd Ave., Cor. 26th St., Cresent Park West, bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Unit 14 E-Square Zone, Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
3rd Avenue cor., 28th St., E- Square, Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
26th St. Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Please also note that you can claim your tickets from the store cashier upon payment of the magazine. You will be asked to fill-out a monitoring sheet upon claiming the free ticket.  So, hurry up and grab a copy to get your free ticket for this much awaited event. :)

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Lifestyle: Philippines - "Ber" Months: The Start of the Christmas Season....


Parols (Christmas Lanterns)
In the Philippines when the "Ber" months begins, automatically starts  the Christmas season.

Christmas carols are being played everywhere as early as this month (September).The Christmas music signals the time for the people to prepare for the coming season.  And,  hearing a Christmas carol really entice you to smile and be merry, since music is considered as therapeutic..

Many of my friends posted on their Facebook wall, "Merry Christmas!"  in advance. I know that it's still three months away but I can't believe it's already September. How time flies so fast? So, we must approach it with much joy and glee. After all, Christmas is a merry season.

Apart from being a merry season, Christmas is also a busy season. You must plan as early as this month, so you do not have to do all the things in a rush. Below are some of the tips I think will be able to help you prepare for the coming season:

1. You must make your Christmas List as early as this time. This will help you be organize and will not forget anyone close or important to you. It will also minimize the possibility of wrecking your brains out of thinking of gifts to give them to the very last shopping days.

2. As you make up your list, budget your time and money. Parties will be here and there as early as first week of December. You do not want to be broke after this season. Right!

3. Last is to scout for GOOD finds. Research for unique and inexpensive items like in upcoming bazaars, mall wide  season sale or a do-it-yourself (DIY) gift (personalized). Gifts should not be expensive. It's the Thought that Counts!

And, not forget the real reason for the season. :)

Let's put CHRIST back in CHRISTmas!
Jesus is the REASON for the SEASON!

The Lifestyle: Business - The Art of Writing Customer Satisfaction Questionnaires



Customer satisfaction questionnaires are made so that you can confirm or refute some ideas that you may initially have about your store or people’s performance. Surveys should be focused and easy to answer, to limit check-box fatigue for the one answering.

Here are some tips to remember when writing your customer satisfaction questionnaire so that it delivers accurate and helpful results from your respondents.


1 . Nail the objective. This goes beyond “satisfaction levels.” Be specific about the departments, procedures, or products you wish to enquire about. You may include questions outside of your determined objective, but it’s useful to be sure about what you want to achieve.

2 . Ask the right questions. Focusing on getting actionable information will chart the course of your business for the better. For example, a questionnaire that helps ABC Deli decide to offer a lunch loyalty program may have a bigger undiscovered impact than ‘feel-good’ questions.

3. Be as specific as possible. Write each question to refer to one thing and avoid ambiguity. If you ran ABC Deli, and wanted to survey the frequency of lunch take-away, don’t say, “How often do you buy sandwiches or coffee to go?” Make sure your question is clear by asking a friend to answer the questionnaire and see how easy or confusing it is for them to answer.

4. Simplify by using a scale (1-5). Assigning qualitative values like Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Not Sure, Agree, and Strongly Agree to your scale, for example, simplifies the answering.

5. Be consistent on-year. If you are doing regular surveys, use the same questions as before, so that you can compare results.

6. Throw in some open-ended questions. When the survey is written with a good pace and hovers around the particular objective that you chose, you will get amazing and truthful answers that fit in a modestly-sized box. If people today express themselves in 140 characters or less, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Having a clear idea of the kind of information you want to get from this survey allows you to craft an effective questionnaire. And priming people with clear, simple to answer questions leads to unexpected and useful insight into what your customers think about your company and service. MP:)