REDISCOVER Mind-mapping
*My first full-length article in my new job
*How CSR Can Benefit From Mind Mapping
04 January 2010, Monday
By: Lynda C. Corpuz
A boardroom could be a venue for two scenarios: a meeting of top level managers, with the CEO stating rules and regulations for his subordinates to follow an d bring down to their people – at times, no questions asked, or a meeting where people contribute to the meeting’s agenda, serve inputs from their people, and seek consensus for a desired outcome.
But pouring of ideas does not always end up cohesively as one idea could lead to another thus, raising another issue that veers away from the subject at hand. That’s why mind mapping is helpful for these occasions.
Not only mind mapping is essential to help ideas, words, tasks, or similar items linked to and arranged to a central theme or focus. These tools are also vital in implementing or reviewing a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).
MIND MAPPING IN BUSINESS
Back to Porphyry of Tyros (a noted 3rd century thinker), who visualized Aristotle’s concepts, to Ramon Llull (a philosopher), mind mapping or similar concepts have already been used in brainstorming, problem-solving, or visual thinking. The late 1950s to early 1960s saw the mind maps development (from semantic network) by Allan M. Collins (regarded as the “Father of Modern Mind Map”) and M. Ross Quillian. Tony Buzan (a British psychology author) says he invented the modern mind mapping, inspired by the general semantics of Alfred Korzybski, and popularized by Robert A. Heinlein and A.E. Van Gogt in science fiction novels.
“Webs,” “Mind Webs,” or “Webbing” – the mind map could be used for problem solving; outlining/framework designing; anonymous collaboration; union of words and visuals; an expression of creativity; condensing material into a concise and easy-to-remember format; team-building or synergy-creating activity – even enhancing work morale.
Mind map is now an essential tool used by businesses and corporations to challenge their employees: to think creatively yet still within an order or organization. Out-of-the-box solutions are generated through brainstorming sessions using mind mapping. The visual element of mind mapping also fosters better retention. One must differentiate though between a mind map and a concept map. Mind map is based on radial hierarchies and tree structures pertaining to relationships and originating from a central governing concept. Concept map, meanwhile, is linking connections between concepts in more varied patterns.
In the corporate boardroom, mind mapping serves as an ideal tool for fully comprehending an idea and seeing it as a whole. High-level executives are also including mind mapping in their presentations, with a visually-enticing and fully-detailed mind map presentation to keep the audience focused. Having a mind map ready for a meeting is practical to look at every possible angle of an idea and increase understanding of the issue at hand.
What makes mind map helpful is that you can intuitively arrange the elements based on their importance, and classify them further into groupings, branches, or areas to represent semantics or connections between bits and pieces of information. It is further suggested that mind mapping technique increases the learning/study efficiency versus traditional note-taking by 15%.
Planning and organizing tasks are done concretely by brainstorming through mind mapping. The visual cues (presented in a radial, graphical, and non-linear manner) through mind map’s branches disrupt the prioritizing of concepts often associated with hierarchies. This is geared toward encouraging users to connect concepts, without the temptation to start within a specific conceptual framework. One could simply take down notes using mind map for keywords or as a mnemonic technique to sort out a complicated idea. This could also be used to collaborate in color pen creativity sessions.
REDISCOVER NALD (Ronald James Panis)
“LIfe is short. Wear pants.” He was wearing shorts instead.
My fondest memory of Ronald (RJ or Nald to his friends) was when he was wearing shorts – pambahay shorts.
He was wearing a cap, a big white shirt (it looked like one of those corporate giveaway shirts), and his shorts that was with animal (leopard) prints (it wasn’t manly for sure).
Nald came to my aid one Sunday in U.P., some two years ago, as I asked him to buy me a cheap pair of slippers since my rubber shoes gave up on me in my first attempt to jog.
When I saw him approaching, carrying a plastic with a pair of black and red combo slippers (it was cute, the guy had a taste) he bought from the Philcoa overpass hawkers (if I remember it right), I was laughing and profusely apologizing to him. It only took a phone call (and he called me back) for him to never mind he was in his pambahay attire (which he kept repeating to me that day, to paraphrase him, “ikaw pa lang Lynda nakapagpaunta sa akin dito sa U.P. ng nakapambahay ako.”
U.P. fun
The adventures in U.P. didn’t end there. Since I had classes that time, we sometimes met and just walked around the campus (with him complaining of the long walks). We would raid the quaint bookstores in the Shopping Center (and that corner bookstore near the post office); we would buy fruit shakes; and he accompanied me (after my years of studying in U.P.) for my first time isaw and barbeque trip.
One time we met with our former professor and chatted a bit. When that professor asked, “kayo ba?” Sure Nald had a quick rebuttal, something like, “hindi ko papatulan `yang si Lynda.” To which I replied the same. And our professor just laughed at us.
Once, after I jogged, we met for a sisig dinner somewhere in Katipunan (through his influence I instantly gained back the calories I tried to shed that day) and off we went for a coffee chat over shows like Fringe and House M.D., among other things that matter to him (further studies in film, having a girlfriend, landing a more secured job, saving for the future).
One time, while walking past the Sunken Garden, he saw a lonely P50.00 lying on the ground, and he exclaimed with child-like glee, “Lynds, 50 pesos, oh!” We funnily debated whether to pick it up or what – in the end, he picked it up (think we spent that buying isaw or fruit shake), while he had this monologue, appealing to my conscience, saying that P50.00 might be a lunch meal of pancit canton and monay of the poor owner who lost that money. It was just funny that day.
At times, he would call unexpectedly – like after he read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (that I haven’t started reading at that time). Or we would get to chat via Yahoo or exchange posts in Plurk.
Officemate first
Such recent times with him were a lot to recall. To think we met back in 2005 and became colleagues – the first time I saw him (when I was still applying with the company), I thought he was that old (coming from the main door, his cubicle was first before what became my cubicle) because he was too tall sitting there in that cube, lines forming on his forehead (might be busy finishing an article), and he was wearing his long-sleeves, rolled up.
He turned out to become a friend – whom we bonded over sisig of Rada St.;
which another friend of us reminded that Monday night that sisig lunches was her fond memory of Nald (at times he would go for sinigang with patis);
for MRT rides going home (and how he cleverly stole that Biogesic mock-up in one of those safety handles there at the train, and the next day showed it to another officemate, and it was such a source of fun);
how would I beg to him to accompany me home during the few times I spent late night with him and other friends;
how we didn’t talk for days because he was so makulit, trying to get a peek over my pay slip;
how he was quick to find a photo of then singer Timmy Cruz and posted it in his blog entry about our celebrity look-alikes (eehh);
how we improvised that skit for the Christmas party presentation (he sang then I think, ha ha) just for the hell of it, we didn’t win, and the humiliation was lighter because it was fun “performing” with him.
Fun cut short
I shared with Nald some of the lightest, funniest moments I had in recent years. Sure did he share a lot to those who knew him longer than I did (I could imagine his mother and brother living with his kakulitan and kakornihan).“
Life is short. Wear pants. “It was one of his lasts Facebook wall posts sometime before 2009 ended. Now the fun is cut short because we lost Nald.
It was unbelievable. I still couldn’t believe it even another friend of ours was telling me over the phone, breaking in sobs, that Sunday afternoon of January 1, “na wala na si Nald.”
He was calling me days after my 29th b-day (he never failed to call on my birthday, only last year, and when he probably realized it, he was calling me). But I didn’t answer his call (I don’t know what I was doing then, perhaps I didn’t feel like having some catching up). Our latest communication was SMS exchanges during Christmas and New Year, and he also was reacting to my Plurk posts. Who ever thought that last Sunday (incidentally my late father’s 62nd b-day), that he would bid good bye to this world?
I am filled with regrets for not answering that belated birthday call. But when I saw him Monday night, in his wake (as his remains were at the, how ironically, Eternal Life chapel), he seemed smiling. He looked serene. He was like assuring us, his crying friends, that it was OK, that he did his mission on his 29 years in this world: to make us all laugh especially during our lowest times.
And sure it was mission accomplished. And I’ll never forget him in his pambahay shorts.
Ronald James Panis, maraming salamat sa tawanan at kulitan. Maraming salamat at naging kaibigan ka naming lahat.
REDISCOVER Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon – Part 2
*Sidebar to the last cover story I wrote for MONEYSENSE; posting as posted from one of the sites dedicated to Sen. Gordon
A Volunteer Forever
For 47 years now and as the current chairman and CEO of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Sen. Dick Gordon and his able people are very active in the disaster rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.
He was there in the July 16, 1990 killer quake that hit the Luzon provinces; the June 15, 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption, and typhoons, the latest being typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng last September.
He also negotiated (without ransom paid), for the release of 18 Filipino hostages from the Abu Sayyaf in in March 2000; the May 2001 Dos Palmas, Palawan kidnapping; the OFWs in Southern Lebanon caught in the Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in August 2006, and in March 2009, led a prayer rally and appealed for the successful release of International Red Cross volunteers abducted in Sulu.
“Dati, ang ganda ng Sulu. Ngayon, mas mahirap pa sa daga. Bakit, niyayakap ba natin ang mga Muslim? Takot kayo sa Muslim, eh. Ako lang ang tangang lumalapit sa kanila. Ako lang nakakakuha ng hostages from them ng walang bayad. Ngayon naghahanap ako ng koneksyon para mapalaya `yung pari (Fr. Michael Sinnott) at `yung anak ng kaklase ko na arkitekto. Kailangan bang mangyari ito? No. Pagawa mo ang mga infrastructure roon. Bakit hindi sila magrerebelde? Kung ako nakatira roon magrerebelde ako,” Sen. Gordon points out.
He also mobilized aid for the February 2004 Superferry fire; the 2006 Ultra stampede of the Wowowee anniversary show; the October 2007 Glorietta blast; the June 2008 MV Princess of the Stars tragedy, and provided psychosocial and first aid assistance and transported home the survivors of Superferry 9 tragedy last June.
Sen. Gordon also appealed to the international communities for support to PNRC. He launched the Millenium Partner fund in February 2000 wherein corporate donations were pooled to sustain disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts. Currently, it already raised P27 million in funds. It was during his term as PNRC Chairman and CEO that, for the first time, the organization became an international donor when they gave $35,000 cash contribution and disaster experts to help in the relief and rehabilitation of tsunami-stricken areas in Indonesia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
In 2006, he launched the Project 143 I Love Red Cross on International Volunteers Day to prepare and train communities to be self-reliant and ready in the face of calamities and typhoons. Also, a total of 15,000 houses were repaired and built from 2004 to 2008 in
Albay, Aurora, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Marinduque, Mindoro Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Southern Leyte, Quezon, Quirino, Sorsogon devastated by Guinsaugon landslide, typhoons Milenyo, Reming, Yoyong, Violeta, and Unding, and armed conflict in Mindanao.
During the 62nd anniversary of PNRC, Sen. Gordon distributed 62 ambulances and fire trucks to their chapters, in line with his dream of modernizing and strengthening PNRC’s rescue capability. He is also active in important discussions and conferences on disaster management and training, and climate change.
“Basta may disaster, naroon ako. Sinasama ko mga tao ko. I’ll stay in the Red Cross for as long as I want. I’m a volunteer, nobody can fire me unless I steal,” he says. He adds, “Even if I’m the President of the Philippines, I’ll still be in Red Cross. I’ll be a volunteer forever.”
By Lynda C. Corpuz, Moneysense Magazine
Photography by Carl Valentin
See main article Ready for Anything
REDISCOVER Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon – Part 1
*Article – Sen. Richard Gordon – Ready for Anything
*My last cover story for MONEYSENSE; posting as posted from one of the sites dedicated to Sen. Gordon
Ready for Anything
He has faced down natural and man-made disasters, political adversaries, kidnap-for-ransom rebels, and economic crises. Now Senator Richard J. Gordon is facing the biggest challenge of his life – running for President of the Philippines.
By Lynda C. Corpuz
Moneysense Magazine Cover Story
If there’s one thing the ferocious flood brought by typhoon Ondoy proved is we’re not ready. Our national government wasn’t ready. The local government units in the affected areas were overwhelmed. And we were caught flatfooted. In the midst of lost and confused government officials, a brief television interview with a familiar face during emergency and disaster rescue operations offered assurance that at least someone knows what he’s doing.
Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon enumerated and displayed to the panning camera the manpower, equipment, and vehicles under the disposal of Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), of which he is chairman and CEO. It wasn’t a political ploy as some critics snidely remarked – he has been a volunteer since he was 17, as his parents were also active in the Red Cross, and his mother founded the Blood Bank – just Dick Gordon once again to the rescue.
“Sino nauuna kapag may delubyo? Mas marami pa kaming rubber boat sa Red Cross kesa sa Philippine Navy. Ang navy natin, all coast, no guard. Sino unang tinatawagan nila? Ako. Bakit ako? Because I will care. No matter where you are, I will look for you and care for you,” Sen. Gordon impassionedly narrates.
Disaster preparedness is a must. Sen. Gordon says we shouldn’t be stupid not to know that we’re expecting at least 20 typhoons a year. Then he pulled out his whistle and demonstrated how to be saved when disaster strikes. “Pag-pito ng tatlong beses (then he whistles), whether you like it or not, evacuate ka na. Hindi na ako magpapadala ng rubber boat. Whether it’s an earthquake, fire, or typhoon, dapat handa ka. Alam mo kung saan ang pinakamalapit na evacuation center sa inyo, dapat may dala kang basic necessities mo. Kung bahain ang lugar, dapat magpagawa ka ng elevated na kalsada, na bahay. You should adapt to disasters,” Sen. Gordon stresses.
To disaster proof the Philippines that’s in the typhoon- and earthquake-belt, Sen. Gordon says we should have a culture of cleanliness – from clearing the drainages to relocating squatters. National management of agriculture is another, opting to have our agricultural lands in locations less hit by typhoons, like in most parts of Mindanao, or review the engineering involved in our agricultural bases, like Northern and Central Luzon.
No one questions his exemplary track record as a volunteer in disaster rescue operations (see sidebar “A Volunteer Forever”). No one also doubts him as an effective leader, crisis manager, and man of action.
Cleaning up Olongapo
Before becoming a senator, Sen. Gordon led his hometown, Olongapo City, where he served as mayor for 13 years. From the grand vision to the minute details, then Mayor Gordon introduced systems to steer away Olongapo from its image of “sin city” to “model city.”
Before color coding became a traffic rule in Metro Manila, Mayor Gordon had color-coded jeepneys, plying specific routes within the city. The drivers sported uniforms, bearing their names and contact details – a rule ensuring that in an untoward incident, passengers would know their driver’s name and where to find him. “Ang driver hindi na siya mahihingan ng pulis, kasi dati colorum siya. Sabi namin, lahat ng jeepney at tricycle may route-bearing capacity. I did this without a law. I had to motivate people [to agree with me],” he cites.
While his initiative was initially met with protest, then Mayor Gordon proved that the traffic system was beneficial. Regularizing the licensed jeepneys and tricycles per route ensured a steady income for the drivers and operators. If the driver overcharges, the passenger could look after the driver’s record filed at the city hall – with the latter’s photo and contact details. “The jeepney could no longer be used for crime. The license could no longer be used for corruption. Locals and tourists knew [already] which colored jeepney to ride [depending on their destination],” Sen. Gordon says over the benefits of his instituted system.
And his becoming a mayor with his own brand of leadership and management style was something he learned from his father, James L. Gordon – who chose to become a Filipino, and hailed as the founding father of Olongapo as its first elected municipal mayor. “My father’s assassin (assassinated on February 20, 1967) rode a jeep, got off, and rode a tricycle and escaped. Mabuti na lang may nakakita kung saan huminto `yung tricycle. Ngayon, hindi na makapupunta `yung tricycle sa kung saan hindi niya dapat puntahan. Mahuhuli siya. That’s how I learned to do it. I also learned it from the color-coded, route signages of trains in Japan,” he shares.
“The Americans, who a number of them got robbed, thanked me for the system. The curfew was lifted and the people of Olongapo were thankful,” Sen. Gordon shares the inspiration behind the orderly traffic system in his bailiwick. He also instituted system among hawkers, wearing uniforms and I.D. and cleaning the area where they’re posted. He also purchased second-hand trucks to ensure timely garbage collection and proper disposal, collected by uniformed “sanitary technicians.” He also spearheaded public markets’ expansion, community organizations, among other development programs. “I came from a town where my father was assassinated. Where there were robbers and troubles abound. Na-organize ko lahat. Naayos ko lahat `yun,” he prides.
Building the “second city”
His leadership and management style was also met initially with resistance. He can be very demanding and brutally frank, and most Filipinos, being generally non-confrontational, get taken aback. But Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon says if he doesn’t call your attention over a misdoing – “hindi ka na niya mahal `pag ganoon.”
He speaks plainly and doesn’t mince words. Basically with him, what you see is what you get. “Kung baga, kailangan natin gawin ito. You have to earn my respect. And I won’t let you forget it. Kapag kinagagalitan kita, mahal pa kita. `Pag hindi na kita kinakausap, wala ka na sa akin,” Sen. Gordon explains.
But the volunteers who Sen. Gordon mobilized to help rebuild Olongapo and Subic after the U.S. bases left in 1992 didn’t see him as abrasive. They only saw a passionate man who made Subic Bay as proof of economic progress.
Sen. Gordon asserted that he was helping Olongapo people to have a better picture of themselves. “I’m drawing a picture of who you are. You must be this way. You must think of yourself as somebody honorable and with dignity. My slogan, ‘Aim High Olongapo’ was realized. Bawal ang tamad sa Olongapo. Lalong bawal ang tanga sa Olongapo, alam nila `yan. I met with them. Hindi ko sila bine-baby. I told them, ‘if this doesn’t work, you can sue me or you don’t vote for me the next time,’” Sen. Gordon stresses. Talk about tough love.
“I helped built self-help, self-reliance among them. Bawal din ang palaasa sa gobyerno. We were taking care of ourselves. In my first speech, I told them that we would build a ‘second city,’ and that was Subic. [I envisioned] that since the bases would someday be gone and that happened. Twelve years later, I built that ‘second city,’ – Subic Bay,” Sen. Gordon introduces his ascent to become the founding chairman and administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), a post he held from 1992 to 1998.
Sen. Gordon led a nationwide rally in September 1991 for the U.S. bases to be retained. He cites that the bill was filed in the Lower House by his wife, but it was not even discussed. That made Olongapo’s future in jeopardy as they were heavily relying on the U.S. naval base.
The cataclysmic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in June 1991 dumped not only wet ash on Olongapo, but also caused damage to their livelihood, properties, and morale. Despite such, the Philippine Senate voted 12-11 to reject the bases’ extension. “Marami kaming pinagdaanan ng mga taga-Olongapo. Maski noong inalis ako ni Cory (Aquino, following a government reorganization), pinaglaban nila ako. Lagi kong sinasama ang tao. We made Olongapo a city of rights and duties. I was the first mayor in the country helping other mayors. Nasanay ang tao. You have to practice citizenship,” he stresses.
“We put the Subic Freeport idea in the bill – wala `yun doon. When Subic was turned over to us, giba ang Olongapo. Nilinis namin `yun. Binalik namin sa normal ang Olongapo. We went through natural disasters and government corruption and [some men’s] selfishness. Pag-alis ng bases, kinaya namin. We attracted foreign investors. We built infrastructure. We created 100,000 jobs. We made the impossible,” Sen. Gordon illustrates how he and the Olongapo people bonded together in time of crises.
The transformation of Subic Bay earned the admiration and commendation of world leaders like U.S. President Bill Clinton, U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammad – along with the other leaders that attended the Asia Pacific Economic Conference held in Subic in 1996. “A slice of what they can be” is how Sen. Gordon sees the efforts he put in to make Olongapo and Subic Bay models to emulate.
WOW! Gordon
Sen. Gordon also has a knack for catchy slogans and is marketing savvy. Credit that partly to his first job as brand manager for Procter & Gamble. “That was an important job that could have given me a career in business. That was the best job in the world at that time. Mahirap makapasok doon. Sa klase namin, dalawa lang kaming nakapasok through our academic [record], leadership [potential], and personality. Walang lakaran. But I had to leave since my father was assassinated,” Sen. Gordon recalls.
That tragic event became the catalyst to his political career. Although he comes from a family of politicians (his mother, Amelia J. Gordon, is hailed as the first elected city mayor of Olongapo and the 2003 Pearl S. Buck Woman of the Year honoree), he didn’t set out to be a politician.
After his mother won the elections, Sen. Gordon entered the University of the Philippines-Diliman to take up Law. “There were three attempts on my father’s life, I couldn’t understand why. Then he was assassinated. I went to law school to know bakit hindi ma-solve-solve ang kaso ng father ko. Kung sino ang mastermind,” he asked then.
After elected as the No. 1 student councilor, former President Ferdinand Marcos asked Sen. Gordon to run as Student Council chairman. The events at that time were leading to the First Quarter Storm. He refused Marcos’ offer. “I told Marcos, ‘don’t call me again.’ He was my brod (brother) in U.P. Upsilon Sigma Phi. He asked me why I didn’t want to run. I said, ‘I’m running for the Constitutional Convention (ConCon in 1971),” Sen. Gordon cites the third event that led him to the mayorship of Olongapo City.
Running for the ConCon was a challenge for Sen. Gordon – his father was only mayor for three years; his mother didn’t want him to run, as she wanted him to finish Law, not to mention that they were not in speaking terms since he eloped and got married to Kate (the 1998 UNESCO Mayors for Peace Prize honoree in Asia, three-term Olongapo City Mayor, and Zambales Representative from 1987 to 1995).
Despite that, he pushed forward. “I said [to those asking why I was running considering my age and inexperience], ‘kung bibili kayo ng kalabaw, ano pipiliin ninyo, bata o matanda?’ Simple lang. Magaling ako magsalita, that’s why I went out and spoke to the public through the theaters owned by my mother and mother-in-law. We got three comedians to attract crowd. `Pag naparami na nila, saka ako pupunta at magsasalita. Hahabulin ko `yan from barrio to barrio to speak. I won, the No.1, and the youngest delegate to the ConCon,” Sen. Gordon prides of his first, major political achievement.
He says he ran for the ConCon because he wanted to change the country, and says his inspiration for this was Wenceslao Vinzons – the youngest delegate and signer of the 1935 Constitution. That was why he also joined Upsilon because of Vinzons, not because of Marcos or Ninoy (Aquino, Jr.), his fellow Upsilonians. “Like my father, Vinzons had a vision. Like Vinzons, I told myself, ‘I’ll be the youngest delegate to the ConCon. I’ll make my father proud of me,” Sen. Gordon cites, and adds that one of his most precious possessions is his picture of him, administering the Oath of Office to Diosdado Macapagal as president of ConCon. “Whenever I take my oath, I’m taking my oath to the youth of the land so they would have a better future,” Sen. Gordon cites.
He has certainly come a long way from being a wunderkind to a highly accomplished public servant. After his stint at the SBMA, unceremoniously kicked out by then President Joseph Estrada with whom he had a political rift, he came back as tourism secretary appointed in 2001 and served until 2004, before being elected as a senator. He enjoyed a high-profile and successful job as tourism secretary, having launched the highly successful WOW! Philippines campaign. He rebuilt Intramuros and made it a world-city of museums, with themed fiestas showcasing the products and specialties of the country. He didn’t only put back the Philippines in the tourism belt, but Sen. Gordon says he also created jobs in the hospitality and allied sectors.
“Do you hear [those things I did?] No, you don’t. Even if I say them, sasabihin, hindi mananalo `yan [Gordon] kasi wala siyang pera. That’s where their mistake lies. And their ignorance,” Sen. Gordon points out.
Running for President
His frustration over the press is understandable. He is already being counted out when he hasn’t even officially announced that he’s running. As of this writing, he has not officially declared his bid for the 2010 presidential race. Sen. Gordon says he keeps it as a “surprise” as his ace. “I don’t participate in surveys. SWS put my name in violation of my rights because I have my name. For this year, I never allowed to put my name in it. If it put in P321 million in four to five months; P100 million allotted for the surveys, I would top them. If I start advertising, I would rate. You’re right, I don’t rate even with my record – I don’t rate because I don’t fool the people. `Yung naipon kong kaunti, para sa pamilya ko `yan, hindi para sa pulitika `yan,” Sen. Gordon stresses.
He doesn’t kowtow to the masses, doesn’t pander to oligarchs, and doesn’t kiss butts. All he can offer is his record. He laments that candidates with nothing much to show in terms of performance are being hailed as the most winnable ones. He, on the other hand, has already done much, much more. “Nagawa ko na lahat `yan. Kung wala akong chance, kung wala akong pera, eh `di lalo na `yung mahihirap. Pupunta na lang sila abroad. It’s only the crooked politicians who are making money. Did I let my people leave Olongapo? I found a future for them.”
Sen. Gordon is also very specific as to what should be done for this country. He believes the key to transforming the Philippines is education. He envisions giving Filipino school children a very good teacher, feeding them, and providing access to good facilities. In fact, he already has a plan: generate a form of tax from text (SMS and MMS) messaging. “Stick to the vision. Set aside 10 centavos out of every text messages. And if there are two million text messages sent a day, that’s P73 billion a year. Right away, you can pay all the teachers. But build schools first. Create a corporation for a Health, Education, and Acceleration Program for this purpose. Also assign a doctor rotating around the schools so the kids can have access to health care,” Sen. Gordon explains.
Indeed, he is the man with the plan and a man of action. “You can demand from me,” he asserts. Yes, he banks on his record, and if he appears to have to remind people about it, Sen. Gordon only shows that he has got what it takes to lead this country. “I never run away from a fight. Never. What I’m offering is an experience of a lifetime,” he ends.
Photography by Carl Valentin
Hair and make-up styling by Chastine Isidro Fitcher (of Essensuals Toni&Guy)
Cover and editorial shoot and interview coordinated by Edlen Vanezza Bayaton
See related article, Volunteer Forever
REDISCOVER 6 factors to consider in the beauty business
6 factors to consider in the beauty business
By Lynda C. Corpuz, MoneySense magazine | 10/17/2009 12:12 AM
Beauty clinics make sometimes outlandish promises to transform you into the prettiest, slimmest, or whitest creature to ever walk this planet. But before you enter the Promise Land, consider these important factors:
1. Look for the name
Branding is everything, so they say, and this also applies to a beauty clinic. Dr. Emma Guerrero, president of Bioessence, a beauty clinic chain that started in Davao almost 13 years ago, says advertising does not create a beauty clinic. “A brand that is there for several years becomes popular because of the experience of their existing customers.”
Celebrity doctor Joel Mendez, president of Philippine Anti-Ageing Medical Society, Laser Medicine Society, Inc., and Mesotheraphy Society, Inc. and founder of the Mendez Medical Group (of Body & Face and Weigh Less Center, which is now going on its 10th year), says branding is important. “It’s important that a name becomes an icon since the market that you’re looking at is not just one year – you’re looking at a market good for five to 10 years.”
Celebrity endorsers are also a come-on for beauty clinic clients, says Francis Albert Labora, public relations manager of Forever Flawless, a beauty clinic chain of six years. “In our case, the public gets familiar with us through (actresses) Lorna Tolentino and Judy Ann Santos. ‘Ah, pinagkatiwala nila Lorna at Judy Ann `yung mga balat nila sa Forever Flawless.’ So that means something. And even in beauty care, we are still showbiz oriented.”
Lagrace Espiritu, 38, operations manager of Banco De Oro-Equitable PCI Bank Timog branch, gets regular facial treatments and is currently enrolled in Bioessence’s slimming program. She says celebrity endorsers have a come on, but not that much. “Siyempre, kung ang endorser hindi naman kagandahan, bakit ako maniniwala? An established name is what I consider in going to a beauty clinic.”
2. Visit one near you
Truly, the mall is the mecca for most activities and interests. No wonder majority of beauty clinic chains today are located in the malls. “It doesn’t really matter though if it’s a stand-alone or a chain of beauty clinics inside a mall, as long as they satisfy your need. And usually, it’s the brand that clients think of,” Dr. Emma says.
“We like the mall setting better because we’re more accessible. A freestanding beauty clinic still brings intimidation – like they’ll be seeing and paying for a doctor – although there is still clamor for it among those who want to avoid the crowded malls,” Francis says. “Beauty clinics now are like a one stop-shop that offers clients most of what they’re looking for,” says Dr. Michelle Cruz, medical director of Forever Flawless. And gone are the days that weekends are for your salon needs, Dr. Joel says. “Most want a treatment to be done right away, that’s why we’re at the malls to cater to such clients.”
3. Check its affordability
As she ages, the more chances for Lagrace to get fatter, this mother of four thinks, so she considered a slimming regimen. She first canvassed among beauty clinic chains for affordable rates, at the same time, a program that will help achieve her desired results. Income from her various sidelines formed part of the partial lump sum she paid the beauty clinic. She will complete the balance at the end of the program, which she availed through a buy-one take-one promo of 50 sessions (with a prescribed thrice a week visit) for P30,000. “My other income is what I use for my luxury. That way, I give time to myself without sacrificing the needs of my family.”
Vanity is not anymore a luxury as more people include it in their budget, Francis observes. “(And) affordability makes beauty clinics more popular today,” Dr. Michelle says. Dr. Joel opines that longevity is the name of the game in the beauty clinics segment. “Ngayon, pababaan ng presyo ang labanan. The value for money must be there. Kaya binibigay namin `yung tamang serbisyo sa abot-kayang halaga.”
Cash remains a preferred method of payment. Currently, the mass market, which is also boosting the vanity business, is mainly driven by price in their search of a beauty clinic, says Dr. Emma. She illustrates that prices of beauty clinic services catering to the low-end market are from P200-P700 per treatment, while the middle-range spends P800-P1,500 per treatment. The upper market, which mostly avails of technology-aided services, spends around P1,500-P3,500 per treatment.
4. Confirm the standards
Females are still majority of the clients availing of popular beauty clinic services like facials, slimming, and whitening. There is also a growing base of male clients who mostly avail of facials and spa services. And well-trained aestheticians or consultants who perform non-invasive treatments such as facials, apart from doctors who do medical procedures, service them.
Equipped professionals should compose a beauty clinic, Dr. Emma says, that’s why she sends her staff to trainings abroad to keep them up with international standards. Dr. Joel says it’s a must to go where the trend is. “Training and updating is important, kahit alam na namin ang gagawin. On my end, I’m hands-on. I teach my doctors what to do. Pero hindi ako magkukunwari na alam ko kahit hindi ko alam,” Dr. Joel points out.
Apart from the doctors and staff, a beauty clinic that changes beddings regularly, sanitizes equipment frequently, upgrades tools and clothing whenever necessary are hygienic factors the mass market are not really particular about, but the mid- to high-market always look for, apart from the Zen-inspired ambience that is calming and enticing, Dr. Emma illustrates.
As for Lagrace, she will only go to a beauty clinic that’s referred to her. “Kapag sinabi na maganda ang serbisyo sa isang beauty clinic or salon, pupunta ako. Pero kung pupunta ako just for the experience, hindi, takot ako sa ganoon.”
5. Find one that goes the extra mile
Lagrace first met with a dermatologist when she was 32, to remedy the two to three visible chicken pox marks on her face. That visit went well, though she didn’t instantly become a beauty clinic patron. Only when she reached 35 that she started regularly visiting one. And so far, she finds the services commendable. “Pero kahit maganda `yung service, kung hindi friendly `yung mga tao roon, hindi ko pupuntahan.”
Since most of Bioessence’s clients are top executives who can’t afford two to three hours of visit, the beauty clinic makes sure they attend to them right away, Dr. Emma says. “Doing clients’ appointments properly and following up via calls to check if they’re applying their home medications are just two of the ways that we provide our clients value for their money,” she adds.
Dr. Michelle says, as per Forever Flawless’ experience, patients’ compliance is high, coming to the clinic twice or thrice a week for their scheduled treatments. “Hindi natatapos ang pagiging pasyente mo paglabas mo ng clinic. Pasyente ka pa rin namin paglabas mo, because we make sure you follow the prescription that we give you.” “The clients remember the aesthetician or doctor more than the service and the price. There are also patients who don’t want any other aesthetician or doctor to attend to them, gusto nila `yung suki nila – sinusundan din nila `yun kung saan man nalipat,” Francis says.
As for the celebrity doctor, Dr. Joel says he used to attend to a lot of details in his clinics. “But with the many clinics I have now, I still make sure I visit them. Hindi ko rin na kaya asikasuhin lahat. Pero pag nakita ako ng mga kliyente, I pass by, say hi, and do something for them. I have to live with the name, that’s why.”
6. Avail of the add-ons
Waiting is a common complaint among beauty clinic clients, which happens usually during weekends and in flagship outlets of beauty clinics that most clients visit, some not for just one treatment, but to avail of multi-services for half to a whole day. “Even how demanding the client is, what’s important is you make sure someone’s beside them. `Pag kulang pa, send another one. `Pag hindi pa rin kaya, I’ll be there or I’ll get their number and talk to the client myself. Pero pag hindi kaya, hindi talaga kaya.”
For such, marketing schemes are employed to ensure clients will endure the waiting, and become regulars eventually. Giving ice cream during summer, discounts when a client who doesn’t want to wait returns the next day on an assigned time, or tokens and freebies are what Forever Flawless are offering. Holistic packages and advanced treatments are next in their line-up.
Dr. Emma, meanwhile, recommends packages to clients who have a serious skin or diet problem and can finish a program prescribed to them. “Apart from the fact they can save up to 20% if they avail of packages, we make sure that each client’s specific need is done by a consultant or specialist, and we fit in the type of treatment, only if they need it.” Annual promos, like lunch break discounts, are what clients look for in Mendez clinics, Dr. Joel says. “We can lower our prices because we can. And we do that with the same expertise and facilities we have for those clients who can afford to pay more,” he prides.
And Lagrace, apart from achieving her target outcome from her slimming program, is also getting free services and tokens for the clients she referred to her beauty clinic. “Kasi `pag nakita nila sa iyo, that you’re an evidence of a good service provided by your beauty clinic, madali na maghatak na subukan din nila ang services ng beauty clinic mo,” she ends.
From the 2007 edition of MoneySense, the country’s first and only personal finance magazine. You can read more financial tips and stories at www.moneysense.com.ph.
as of 10/17/2009 12:12 AM
REDISCOVER (how to be a millionaire by 40)
How to be a Millionaire by 40
You’re either a gym owner, a serial entrepreneur, a dermatologist, real estate player, direct seller, or an insurance manager – as long as you’re determined, there is no stopping you to become a millionaire by 40.
Learn your way to a million –and more – through the stories of Gold’s Gym CEO and columnist Mylene Dayrit, serial entrepreneur Gwen De La Paz, dermatologist Dr. Theresa Tan-Pascual, real estate player Eduard Tolosa, Avon sales leader Mila Flores, and Philam Life unit manager Jeanette Fabico share in the September-October issue of MoneySense.
Also in this issue is Deputy Minority Leader and Bukidnon Representative TG Guingona (son of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona), talking about real estate, politics, and why it is important to stick our budget.
This September-October issue of the Philippines’ only personal finance magazine also carries articles about how to write your last will and testament; investing on margins; eight reasons why the gold price will rise, checking your checking account.
Also, Bank of the Philippine Islands president and CEO Aurelio Montinola III gives tips on how to cope with the continuing global and economic crisis.
Read also the buyer’s guide on home theater system; saving on your electric bill, and what to do when the product you bought poses health hazards.
Currently available in over 200 outlets nationwide, MoneySense is founded by veteran business and finance journalists with a combined 50 years of publishing experience.
To learn more about MoneySense, visit www.moneysense.com.ph. For subscriptions, contact 339-3361, 728-1073 or email info@moneysense.com.ph.
REDISCOVER (how to be a) money-smart couple
How to be a money-smart couple
Assigning money responsibilities, discussing money issues, planning for your retirement early, falling and getting back on your feet, working together as a team, and resolving differences quickly – these are the money lessons that six, model couples shared in this July-August 2009 issue of MoneySense.
Couples Eduardo and Filamie Aguillon, Alex and Elaine Araneta, Toots and Myrna Cortez, Sonny and Lyne Dilag, Michael and Monette Hamlin, and Lito and Ces Melendres share their ups and downs and how they become happy and contented as married couples.
TV personalities Julius and Christine Bersola-Babao also share how two heads are better than one, and how they are using well the opportunities and blessings they are receiving, and how they work together when it comes to business and their investments, particularly into arts.
This July-August issue of the Philippines’ only personal finance magazine also carries the “money stories” of matinee idol Carlos Agassi, Active Fun owner Tony Butler, and Casa San Pablo owner Boots Alcantara. Leadership guru, John Maxwell, meanwhile, shares how to lead in these challenging times.
Articles on global investing for beginners, toy collection as investments, bonds vs. bond funds, buyer’s guide to art, eating out on a budget, and things to do if you encounter bad customer service.
Currently available in over 200 outlets nationwide, MoneySense is founded by veteran business and finance journalists with a combined 50 years of publishing experience. To learn more about MoneySense, visit www.moneysense.com.ph. For subscriptions, contact 339-3361, 728-1073 or email info@moneysense.com.ph.
REDISCOVER Corazon “Cory” Aquino
President Corazon "Cory" Aquino (1933-2009) (Photo from http://philpoliticians.blogspot.com)
The pounding rains during the early morning of August 1, superstitiously, brought the sad news.
The first woman president of the Philippines and Southeast Asia, Corazon “Cory” Aquino, had passed away, after a year and six months of battle against colon cancer. She was 76.
From an affluent family, to a devoted housewife and mother to five children, to a widow, a devout Roman Catholic, and an unexpected heroine, Tita Cory had lived such a life.
Her administration maybe marred by several coups, and however womanly and afraid at times (as she was described in a TV interview yesterday by one of her former military aids), she never succumbed to pressure.
Her six years as president was also characterized by a struggling economy, but many acknowledges that her concentration to restore democracy after more than two decades of dictatorial rule, led to a more stable environment for the Philippines to grow economically, as what the following administration of Fidel V. Ramos managed to do.
Many also criticized Tita Cory for her seemingly lack of support to the arts, culture, and the media and entertainment industries. An anecdote I remember related to this was shared to my History in Broadcasting class last semester by no less the Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales: She recalls that during a banquet she and fellow artists hosted for then newly installed president Tita Cory, Pilita remembers that the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. wrote her a “fan mail,” saying how good her show, An Evening with Pilita. Tita Cory affirmed that to her, saying that Ninoy would come home early whenever it was Pilita’s show on TV, and she had to wait until Ninoy finishes watching.
While such anecdote maybe atypical of a wife’s concern over her husband’s TV habits, and if it seemingly sounded of Tita Cory’s being not interested in anything that’s media, ABS-CBN CEO Gabby Lopez, Jr. acknowledged last night in a vigil they were holding for Tita Cory, that if not for the late president’s decision to return to the Lopezes their businesses, including ABS-CBN (among returning other sequested assets to their rightful owners), we would not have the TV as we enjoy it today.
Tita Cory never withdrawn from the scene. Whenever her presence was sought, she was seemingly ready to be the calm voice of reason amidst warring political interests in this country.
For my generation – and those younger – she would probably best remembered as a mother to TV personality Kris Aquino (who said in a TV interview earlier with fellow TV host Boy Abunda, that she said sorry to her mother for the times she was not the daughter Tita Cory wanted her to be. (Remember the scene when Tita Cory approached Kris and the latter tearfully hugged her after her “I-have-STD” confession on public TV?).
She was not only the mother to Kris and her siblings, anyone could identify her as more than a former president, a global symbol of democracy, but also as a mother to her beloved country, Philippines – a respect she earned, and as remarked recently, a respect that our current president would never have (good thing she decided to cut her US trip short – it could probably the most decent thing she could do, after a week of bragging through her State of the Nation Address and a hearty exchange of laughter with US President Barack Obama).
Tita Cory maybe gone, but her legacy will remain. The outpouring of support the nation have showed (through prayers, vigils, and yellow ribbons everywhere), and even her family’s political opponents (Kris thanked the Marcoses earlier for praying for her late mother, and former President Joseph Estrada, who was ousted in 2001, with Tita Cory on the forefront of the oust movement, became an unlikely friend of the Aquinos in their trying times) only prove that the Philippines had such one admirable, decent, simple leader – traits that we hope our next president will have.
REDISCOVER sleep-deprived, love-filled nights
Playing goofy here (at Palm Cove, Cairns, Queensland, Australia – April 30, 2009)
How time flies – Robin and I are now on our second year.
The first night we met is always a tingling, giggly, high-schoolish crush moment for me. Robin didn’t mind my child-like moments then and on we became an engaged couple.
The two years of us are made of sleep-deprived, love-filled nights (for most part, as we also have our share of misunderstandings). Whether we chat online (I waiting for him to come home from work, him despite being tired from a 12-hour shift, he always makes time for me [and provided our Internet connections are good]), or if we’re together, we spent our nights with hearty dinner (takeaways or cooked by him [and me until recently!]), watching TV and commenting about the programs, watching DVDs, and during my last stay in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, we were playing Nintendo Wii (and how he always finds my golfing skill [Wii Sports] and my Mario Kart Wii know-how non-existent).
Communication is the key why we’re still together as a couple (and hopefully have more anniversaries to celebrate, together at that). There are also nights spent on serious talking – what the future holds for the two of us, career-wise and financially in particular. But the bottom line remains that despite the trials we’re experiencing and constantly learning to accept and deal with our imperfections, the LOVE remains. It is not enough to survive in this world, but our love for each other makes us stronger, strive harder, and aim for that life of togetherness.
(What a way to welcome our second anniversary though – I was asleep until 2:50am earlier and bolted out of bed just to chat with Robin. I missed him by seconds (as I saw him signed out)! But I managed to talk to him over the phone – he sensed I was still feeling dazed from waking up abruptly and gently told me to go back to sleep after greeting the two of us happy anniversary [and he was as amazed how we've been together for this long] and sent me good night with “I love you”]).
To Robin, thank you very much for everything. You will always be very much a part of me and I am truly thankful to have you. Happy second anniversary!
REDISCOVER Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao
How PacMan makes – and spends money
And know to recession proof your career
Indeed, Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao again proved he is the pound-for-pound king by defeating Ricky Hatton in May 2’s much-anticipated fight. Not only he knocked out Hatton in just two rounds, but PacMan again bagged millions for his latest victory.
Know more how exactly the People’s Champ makes money and spends and invest it in the May-June 2009 issue of MoneySense, the country’s only personal finance magazine.
Also in this issue is how to recession-proof your career and the hottest jobs for 2009. Singers Jaya and Sitti, meanwhile, share their successful money stories. Renowned book author Prof. W. Chan Kim shares tips on understanding and applying the blue ocean strategy for your individual and business success.
Also read how to save for college; pick a review center; save on school supplies; choose an Internet provider, and avoid investment scams.
Currently available in over 200 outlets nationwide, MoneySense is founded by veteran business and finance journalists with a combined 50 years of publishing experience. To learn more about MoneySense, visit ww.moneysense.com.ph. For subscriptions, contact 339-3361, 728-1073 or email info@moneysense.com.ph.
