The Modern Zoo (Workplace Analogy)

We always get to hear of people being compared to animals or the work area as a jungle.  And when that happens, we get to have various animal images in mind.  Some of them are accurate, some are extremes, a few are defenitely out of bound but as a whole, it is funny.  Funny because it either fits the person or the situation.

Here is my Workplace Zoo.  Hope you enjoy the analogy given!

The Lion

Known as the king of the jungle.  Simply put your workplace leader or someone who has that leader attitude.  They would roar at times.  Chew you when things goes bad. Delegate things (the politically right term of ordering you to do something). If they have proven that they can do things, people would follow them (alpha male syndrome), even if they don't want to. Normally you would see them with big hair or the lack of it (similar to an old lion).  They have that walk that says "I am the leader!".  If you will contradict them or question them (traditional leader attitude), they would either roar or have their claws out for some serious shredding.

Like their small relatives (house cat), they are also appealing and "cute".  Remember though, they do have a sharp set of teeth.

The Pack

They vary from one industry to another but still, they are a pack.  A term to be used for the general workforce.  They would work hard for the group.  They are always reminded that what they are doing is not for the individual but for the whole team.  They mave have different functions but still they are a team.  Loyalty is demonstrated even if  what they say is different.  There is a point of contradiction at times simlar to a pack fighting over a bone or piece of meat.  Can be protective on things, to a fault, and the sense of ownership can either be present or the opposite.  Kick them and they would cry but will be back afterwards (depending on the intensity of the kick delivered).  They can give you the puppy-eye look or the Puss-in-boots eye effect (Shrek character).  One thing is for sure, they are noisy.  Not just sometimes but most of the time.  They are not just noisy because they are discontented but even when they are contented (have you seen a dog frolic?).

The Fly

They are your "busy-bodies".  Your "intregero/intregera" - "tsismosos/tsismosas".  They would be around you, looking at what you have or what you are doing.  Ask you most of the time, regarding your life.  Then tell it to next ear available.  They would be buzzing, figuratively.  Bottomline, they can be irritating.  They are irritating.

The Peacock

The one who wants to be seen.  The one who will strut and even flaunt things.  They can be quite at times but definitely they are noticed.  They would do something to be noticed!  They can be your in-crowd or those who wants to be part of the in-crowd.  Some of them, unknowingly for them, doesn't know that they are doing it.

They are your "feeling - type" of people.  Feeling buff even though they just started a gym program.  Feeling fashionista even if they are not.  Feeling beautiful even if they look like clowns at times. (For non-Filipinos, the usage of the word "feeling" has a Filipino culture touch to it.

The Donkey

This are the type who will do what was instructed to them.  Ask them to pull, they would pull.  Faced with a challenge, even if it is simple, you need to fix it for them and then they will pull again. (Do you have somebody in mind already?)

The Bull

Branded as people with attitude problem.  Stubborn, difficult, a headache to most leaders.  Bound to be managed out (around 90% true).  They can be more than a handful but definitely one of those hardworkers that companies wish they can multiply in hundreds when handled right.

The Leech

Blood-suckers in the animal kingdom.  In the workplace, these are the kiss-ass type.  I feel that I have insulted the whole genus of the leech for they only suck/sip on blood, as far as I know.  But it is because of that sipping motion that they are used in this writing.  In Filipino, we call them "sip-sip" which means to sip.  If there is anyone who could give me a member of the kingdom animalia who could sip on something and lick ass as a normal practice and not just a hobby then please tell me. (When I say normal, it is in their nature and not doing the act for sexual stimulation, ok.)

                                                          *               *            *
From your normal animals, we also have your mythological animal list.  Mythological because you don't see them now and is simply believed as a creation of man's fancy.  Why add them to the list?  Because they are the perfect description for some people.  Happy associating.

The Dragon

Yes they are big but it is not the size that I would like to point out.  Its the temper of this creature.  If Catwoman says:  "Hear me roar.", this one would be ROAR with fire along with it.  Normally you would see this moment on extreme situations.  I am not simply describing a leader here, for this could be your neighbor (colleague) who is rubbed the wrong way.  Not just your regular wrong way but your wrong way in an extremely off manner.  For some Filipinos, you would hear they say: "bugahan ka nyan ng apoy" or "bugahan kita ng apoy, gusto mo?" ("He might breathe out fire at you." or "Would you like me to breathe out fire at you?")    Beware this moment!

The Scorpion Lady

Beautiful to behold.  Fascinating to look at.  Watch-out for the stinger!  This my deary are your backstabbers.

The Phoenix

From it's death ashes, it will rise again.  A phoenix is reborn!

This are you battle-hardened individuals.  From their failure, they learned and rose again to fly the sky.  They can be calm at times like that of the mythological bird but also deadly if they want to.  A phoenix is known to burn down their enemy if pushed and the same can be said to this type of people. Since they have fallen already, its is either they die but they shall not be placed in that fallen state again.

                                                    *                         *                     *

That completes my animal list in the workplace based on my own observation.  Some may agree, some may not.  Some may say it is harsh while others may be rolling in laughter due to the analogy.  Bottomline, let us not be hypocrites.  You would have compared someone at work to a member of the animal kingdom.  Share your zoo list and we may simply laugh things out.

(Photos are lifted from the web.  I am not claiming any ownership on the images used.)

Why Coffee Shops? My 5 Reasons

People would go to coffee shops for various reasons.  May it be for a caffeine fix or to meet up with friends, there is always a reason to enter and stay into one.

The question remains, why do we go to coffee shops?

For me, here are my top 5 reasons:

Reason 1:  The Comfort

Coffee shops are everywhere.  Whenever I need a quick caffeine fix, then I simply go to one that is near as to where I am at that day.  For me comfort would spell as:
     -the type of chairs and tables that they have
     -a smoking area
     -availability
     -security
     -available power source
If I am to stay in a place, I have to make sure that I am seated well and using a table that is not wobbly.  That would mean that it is well kept and managed.  It needs to have a smoking area since I smoke.  Since, I normally bring a number of things with me on a near daily basis, I need to be sure that my area is secure and that it won't get swiped easily.  The power source availability is also a plus thing for I normally need it at this day and age of technology and handy gadgets.  When it comes to availability, that is one conditional subjective thing. I have to travel to one to be in one.

Because of the comfort that they offer, it is also a good place to chat and meet people in a relax venue.

My recommended place?  Bo's Coffee in Glorietta 5 and Robinson's Galleria, Mystic Cafe in Las Pinas and Starbucks Riverside in Festival Mall Alabang.  They all have power outlets, comfortable chairs and stable tables, a smoking area and I get to find a secure spot where I can work or simply enjoy my drink for the day.

Reason 2:  The Food and Drinks Available

The next reason as to why I go to one is because of the food and drinks that they offer.

I am a food lover!  If I like your food then you got me.  If I like your drinks, then I am a loyal costumer.  If I love both, then expect me to tell people about it and bring them in.  Being a blogger, I go around the metro to try things out.  Being a food lover, I will go around places to try you out.

Glorietta 5 Location

My basic rule:  I will try the basic offering and if you got it right, then I will expect your challenging offering to be good too.  If you get to impress me with a simple one, then there is no doubt that your specialty will be good.  Take for example a basic coffee drink, cafe latte.  It's coffee, cream and foam.  Nothing that complicated about it but definitely something that needs mastery; something that some shops were able to do right.

For that distinct coffee taste go to Bo's Coffee, Figaro and Qaldi (located in Muntinlupa City). No need for any added espresso.  For food, CBTL tops my list.  They have an eggs ben that I like.  It may not be the best but that hollandaise, egg and focaccia works for me.  Plus, their pasta is good too!

Reason 3:  A workplace that is away from work

For some people, being out of the four-walls of the office is a must to push their creative juices to the next level.  For some they just need a more relax space.  For me, it helps me do some of my stuffs and simply be productive.

That is why, you will see people hugging a table, doing some of their work and simply having a space of their own in some coffee shops.  It is also a relax place to do work discussion which is why some tend to do a pitch to possible clients in such places.  For me, it has that dynamic energy that helps me process some of the things that are running in my mind and see things in a different angle.  Some of my best ideas are processed inside a coffee shop over a cup of hot or a glass of cold coffee creation.  What best way to work for a smoker but in a place where one can smoke a cig, drink caffeine and play with ideas.

Besides the three mentioned places in reason #1, you could go to Seattle's Best and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Their BGC and Ayala Town Center location works well for me.
  
Reason 4:  A place to relax

We all need that place where we can unwind and simply shake off our daily worries.  For me, a coffee shop offers that.  It gives you a place where you can simply relax, enjoy good piped-in music and a drink all in one.  Some shops even has that magical ambiance of being detached from the world even if it is located in a busy location.  You tend to have that space where your worries cannot touch you for a moment and give you that breather that you need.

True some would say that you have your own bedroom for that but it is still different if you get to lay on your bed, free of thoughts and simply sleep.  A coffee shop offers you that refuge at times.

(web-lifted photo)

You can try going to Mystic Brew Cafe.  Located inside BF Resorts Village in Las Pinas, it is on an active street but it gives you that isolation that you may need at times.  Figaro also has this atmosphere.  Small but cozy. CBTL in Ortigas (Emerald Ave area), definitely holds the title of being there but away from all the noise, for it is between two streets and is part of a small park in Ortigas Business Center.

Reason 5:  The Service

The staff can spell your success or downfall in any business.  They create that personal branding that any business wants. Why is Starbucks so known to people?  Its not really the coffee or the food, its their staff!  They have people manning the store always with a smile and energy that is simply spells positivity.  Same thing can be said with Mystic Brew Cafe in Las Pinas and CBTL.  In CBTL, they always smile no matter what.  With Mystic Brew, the owners who are always present takes the time to greet you with your name (especially if its your 2nd visit already) and give you a handshake.  That is personalizing your service!

Starbucks Rob Galleria Veranda

In terms of service that I like the most, (now this is HARD!) I would say Starbucks and Mystic Brew has it.  The consistency and feeling of being family radiates from both stores. Some coffee shops do have it too but not in all locations.  This is a big and a small coffee shop that has what matters most to customers.
 
                                                          *             *           *
Unfortunately, some people would go to coffee shops, especially if it is a known brand, simply to be seen.  Would order a small cup of coffee, worst would be sipping on a small cup of water and simply people watch and hug a table for quite a long time or talk loud if they are with company.  A nice past time but not so good identity creation.  Ok, not everybody can afford to go to a coffee shop on a daily basis but it doesn't mean you will go to great lengths to be in on and be branded as a free loader.  There is a saying that goes in the line of living within your means, right?

So those are my reasons.  A place to work, unwind and simply talk with people.  What is your reason?

You Made Them Smile. Thank you FILA!

After attending a meet and greet event of FILA last June 21, 2014, I cannot resist writing this entry regarding two girls who showed pure joy before, during and after the event.

I guess, I just want to share the joy that showed in their faces that day.  True enough, this world needs more stories regarding joy regardless of age and social status.

It all started simply with people being curious about who's who at the event.  You have your normal fans and by-standers but somehow, I personally saw and heard how this story unfolded that day.  Seeing it, made me decide that it is worth writing regardless what others may say.

It was during the first day, second venue of the meet and greet event of FILA, where I was invited to cover as a blogger.  There was this pair of girls, who turned out to be siblings who was inquiring about a jacket.  They asked Kathy Ngo, a social media practitioner about the price of the item being sold.  Even if she was not one of the store personnel, she answered them gracefully and even encouraged them to get it.  Which they did!  The reason for getting it?  They want Team Volcano, Michael Martinez, Fabio Ide and Tessa Prieto; the whole FILA Family endorsers to sign it!

Foldable fans were being giving out to be used for the signing session but for them it is not enough.  The signatures of their idols need to be captured with the right material.  It has to be the white and blue FILA jacket.

The jacket being signed by Michael Martinez

For some, it may be to much since they are both school girls waiting for their allowance from their working parents.  For them, it was a moment not to be missed!  They seized the moment and simply enjoyed it!!
For me, it was a moment that needs to be captured and shared to all.

Coming from a middle-class family, spending 1500Php for a jacket that won't be used afterwards is a big spenditure.  But the act of seizing the opportunity and enjoying the fruits of it is priceless!  It is a lesson that we need to apply in life.  Like the two girls who took that moment in a stride without hesitation, we need to take things in life also with the same attitude.

I don't know who will keep it, the elder one or the younger one, but I know that moment made some girls smile because they get to meet and greet their idols.  Kudos to FILA for the planned event and that opportunity to make a girl, or in this case two girls smile!  Something that will make them smile and be proud of being a fan and a FILA believer.

This is for you toniioreos and lizbarcelon (IG ID's)!

FILA Family, Meet & Greet; A Day of Wonder

Last June 21, 2014 was a very busy day for the whole FILA family.  It was not only a meet and greet event for the FILA fans but also a welcoming event for its newest endorser and family member, Michael Martinez, Philippine’s latest sports darling on ice.

It was a two-venue event which started in the FILA store at Robinson’s Galleria and ended at their branch in SM Megamall.  The whole event was attended well by fans and by-standers alike.  Well who wouldn’t attend this event if you get to see, have a picture and even get a hug or two from people who are endorsing FILA, right?  There to welcome the newest member of the FILA family were Team Volcano, Fabio Ide , Ms. Tessa Prieto and Ms. Cris Albert, FILA owner, nonetheless.

Both locations were packed with people wanting to see their sports and lifestyle idols in the flesh.  People can simply walk-in the store, get a FILA foldable fan to be used as an autograph sheet and have their phone cams ready for a photo shoot with their idol.  Each store location was rearranged to host a long table and a photo wall to serve as activity area for the meet and greet for that day.

People really took the time to line-up and wait for their turn at the activity area set on each store.  Fabio Ide was ever charming.  He took the time really to embrace each fan as they have their picture taken.  He even joked with some of them.  Team Volcano was ever charming too.  Tessa Prieto is another story.  Always her stylist self, she graced the event in a white dress design with small but bold red floral pattern at the neck and bodice area and a red fan hair piece completing her ensemble.  She is the fashionista that FILA is all about also. Showing support to the whole event was Ana Abad Santos of Red Turnip Theater.

Michael Martinez, along with his supportive mother, was at the SM Megamall location.  People were dying to see him and have their picture taken with him.

About Michael Martinez: (information used was from wikipedia)
Michael Christian Martinez (born November 4, 1996) is a Filipino figure skater. He placed fifth at the 2013 World Junior Championships. Martinez is the first skater from Southeast Asia and figure skater from the tropical zone to qualify for the Olympics and the only athlete to represent the Philippines at the2014 Winter Olympics.

Martinez began skating in 2005 at the SM Southmall ice rink. In addition to training in Manila, in 2010 he began spending several months a year in California working with John Nicks and Ilia Kulik. Martinez debuted on the Junior Grand Prix series in the 2010–2011 season. 

He landed his first triple Axel in competition at a 2012–13 Junior Grand Prix event in Lake Placid, New York. He placed 6th in his JGP event in Croatia. At the 2012 Crystal Skate of Romania, Martinez won his first senior international title, also a first for the Philippines. He finished 5th in his second appearance at the World Junior Championships and set a new personal best overall score of 191.64 points.

In 2013–14, Martinez started his season at the 2013 JGP Latvia where he finished 4th. He then competed on the senior level at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy, the last qualifying event for the 2014 Winter Olympics. He finished 7th and earned a spot for the Philippines in men's singles — a first for his country. Martinez then competed at the 2013 JGP Estonia and won his first JGP medal, a bronze. He withdrew from the 2014 Four Continents Championships but competed at Skate Helena and took the gold medal.

Back to the Event

Cos-players joining the event

Even if there was a big event in Megamall coinciding with the FILA event, the whole place was packed to the brim!  People who knew of the event stayed up until the last minute.  While those who saw the activity came in and even pulled other people to join the ever growing crowd.  We even had cos-players joining the event.

Besides the cos-players, we had true-to-heart FILA fans waiting to meet and have their moment with the whole FILA family.  One in particular hit me in terms of the sheer joy showing on her face. (Read her story in my other blog entry.  She deserves that focus.)

Besides the standard meet and greet, the whole FILA endorsers also took the time to shop for items that they need.  From sports apparel to shoes, items were taken off the rack to be fitted and packed for their use and promotion.  The same welcoming activity was made available also to the newest member, Michael Martinez.

Ms. Cris Albert, owner of FILA, was there to welcome all FILA endorsers and fans.  She was one charming lady who took a moment of her time to spend with people who believes in her product and shares her vision in life.

Tessa Prieto, Michael Martinez, Ms Cris Albert
 and Mrs. Martinez

As a whole, the event was one busy, tiring but fun day.  A day full of energy, people with drive and vision and a product that encompasses them all:  sports, healthy lifestyle and fashion.

Photos that day:
(All photos were taken by me personally)

The crowd at Robinson's Galleria FILA store

The crowd at SM Megamall FILA store

Team Volcanoes

Fabio Ide

Tessa Prieto

Ms Tessa Prieto and a fan (ME)

Ms Tessa Prieto and Ms Cris Albert

Shopping Moments

Love the shoes!

Michael Martinez, Newest FILA Family member

Michael with Ruppert

Michael getting a hug from Ms. Cris Albert

Signing sessions

Signing session