Boost Your Confidence Boot Camp Batch 16

I invested in my personal development by enrolling in Jonathan Yabut’s Boost Your Confidence Boot Camp: Public Speaking & Business Writing last August 28, 2021. I was part of the boot camp’s sixteenth batch. The goal was to learn the best practices of communication during the time of the pandemic, wherein most of us are on WFH (work from home) setups.

I made the right decision because the two-hour boot camp was a goldmine of information and practical tips. My favorite was the positive way of apologizing because I am the kind of person who apologized for every oversight. Instead, I must say “thank you for spotting that”, or “thank you for your patience” instead.

Voice modulation was also tackled during the session, as well as speaking directly to the point. I highly recommend this for prolific writers like myself whose skills may be in demand when practicing creative writing, but cumbersome during real-world business communication.

Please consider participating in the future batches of this boot camp! It is worth the investment. I also recommend Jonathan’s motivational books which you can purchase here.

May we all continue learning, growing, and thriving amidst the challenges of the pandemic!

90 for Mary Johnston

I dispatched 90 earsavers to the frontliners of Mary Johnston Hospital, Tondo, Manila. Crocheting earsavers has been the defining project of my quarantine. It has given me a sense of purpose while staying at home.

Volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Seeing the frontliners who receive my earsavers smile gives me hope that the future will be bright. I hope that as I continue crocheting for our frontliners, a cure will be found to finally eradicate Covid-19.

I also attended the second day of the Virtual ACEF 2020, which tackled gender, innovation, and climate change in ADB projects. I enjoyed the sessions, and I was inspired by the role of women in the ADB’s projects to provide renewable energy across the ASEAN region.

I am positive that tomorrow will be a better day. Stay safe, everyone!

ACEF 2020 Day 1

I spent the first day of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2020 listening to the esteemed speakers discuss clean energy amidst the global pandemic. I did so while crocheting earsavers for frontliners.

Here were my key takeaways from day one:

• The economic downturn brought about by the pandemic could serve as a catalyst for finding alternative renewable energy sources.

• Cross-industry collaboration is crucial in enforcing changes for renewable energy.

• The Covid-19 crisis should be used as an opportunity to learn more about climate change and renewable energy

• We can foster job growth in this new normal by using sustainable development and renewable energy

• We must build our resilience and reimagine tomorrow

The conference will run until Friday. I cannot wait to learn more as I help our frontliners.

Stay safe, everyone!

Virtual ACEF Deep Dive

Today was the pre-event day of the Asia Clean Energy Forum 2020 (ACEF). This year, the event will be done virtually via their online platform. While the conference may be streamed via the interwebs for now, it does not diminish the value of the event. It is still an honor to be a part of this conference.

This year, I am crocheting earsavers while tuned in to the ACEF.

I attended the deep dive session on Green Finance Policies in Asia. Here’s what I learned:

• The pandemic is the perfect opportunity to explore innovative ways for green energy in the region.

• It’s all a matter of enforcement as we already have the technology for green finance, such as green bonds.

• While we are under quarantine, we must not leave anyone behind.

I look forward to learning more from this event until its run this Friday. Multitasking by crocheting and watching a conference is making my quarantine a lot of fun at the moment. This will definitely be worth telling my kids or nieces and nephews someday.

Promoting Gender Equality

Yesterday, I was at the Asian Development Bank for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The theme was Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace through Elimination of Harassment against Women. It was an encouraging forum as I got to learn that the ADB has been a continuous supporters of gender equality initiatives such as the Safe Spaces Act.

Other significant initiatives include:

• Inclusion of interns, volunteers, apprentices in the labor space as far as gender rights are concerned

• Inclusion of online workers and home-based employees in the sexual safety space

• Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment: one of our services is to allow our members to measure their internal policies to ensure fairness in employment life cycle and guidelines against sexual harassment.

• Both men and women are responsible in tackling sexual harassment issues

• Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment: we try to assess our members’ corporate communications to assure that they are inclusive for all genders. We also help our members become more gender-equal to attract and retain young talent, who are more likely to stay if their employers are inclusive.
  

I had an insightful day as usual at the ADB. I also got to have the best crinkles ever once more.
‘Til next time, ADB!

Digital Transformation

Yesterday, I got to attend the Rocket Boosting your Business through Digital Transformation conference at the Luxent Hotel. It was hosted by GEP Solutions. It aimed to impart new views and insights, teach new business trends, and allow industry disruption.

It was an honor to meet fellow blogger Loida of Happy Pinay at the event. One of the perks of attending industry events is networking. I am really blessed to meet like minded individuals every time.

It is important to know now that we are in the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that change is inevitable. Thus, we have to innovate in order to survive. As keynote speaker Andrew Chow from Singapore said, “technology is our friend, not the enemy”. We must learn to embrace the resources available to us in order to digitally transform our business and improve the quality of our lives.
My key takeaway is that digital transformation is a journey. It doesn’t happen overnight. With GEP Solutions, it is possible to have an infrastructure that is capable of operating in and adapting to the rapidly changing FinTech landscape.

Many thanks to GEP Solutions and to Rotary Club of Commonwealth for having me!

Filta Shopify Meetup

Yesterday, I attended the Filta Shopify Meetup at their HQ in Ortigas. It was nice to meet fellow tech enthusiasts and learn more about e-commerce. If you want to work in a company that champions tech and commerce, please check out Filta! And do join their events in the future.

3rd Asia Finance Forum Day 2

Yesterday, we had the second day of the 3rd Asia Finance Forum. I learned about preparing for the future even when the technology of the present is still limited. We have to go from science fiction to science fact in this rapidly evolving world to become more financially inclusive. Because of that, risk management as a controlled framework to prepare for the future has been discussed during the forum. By working to regulate risk management practices, more people will have access to financial services that will equip them to face the future.
It was a privilege to be part of this forum. Thank you for having me, ADB!

3rd Asia Finance Forum Day 1

Day 1 of the 3rd Asia Finance Forum was all about inclusion. Technology must be used to provide access to the unbanked and those located in remote locations. At the same time, finance must be made easy to understand for everyone. The future of finance has already been made, and it’s up to us whether we will adapt or remain stagnant.

ADB FinTech Bootcamp Day 2

Yesterday was another opportunity to learn about finance and tech in the second day of the ADB FinTech Bootcamp. I enjoyed learning about risk management in farming and disasters. I also appreciated the proactive stance of the Philippines in using data to prepare of risks that may arise anytime soon.
I look forward to the main forum in the next two days!

ADB FinTech Bootcamp Day 1

Yesterday, I attended day 1 of the FinTech Bootcamp at the Asian Development Bank. I enjoyed learning about blockchain basics and seeing how the infrastructure could streamline financial services. I am sharing with you the slides from the bootcamp, and I hope that you will also be part of the future of FinTech.

RDFS 2019 Day 3

Yesterday, I attended the third day of the RDFS Forum at the ADB. The forum was wrapped up with solutions for sustainability such as smart farming and online businesses for agricultural products.
I also got to watch an art film entitled No Data Plan at UP. It was about the immigration crisis in the US, and it struck me how fortunate I am to live freely in the country I reside in.
I look forward to becoming an advocate of farmers in my own way by supporting local produce. I also want to keep the conversation going offline.
‘Til next time, ADB!

RDFS 2019 Day 2

Yesterday, I attended the second day of the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. It was another insightful day of learning on how traditional farming, sustainability, and technology can converge to build a better system of nourishing the planet. I also got to network and meet new friends!

I can’t wait to learn more on the forum’s last day. I am also looking forward to applying my insights to my job in the future.

RDFS Forum 2019

Yesterday, I got to hear mass at St. Jude. It’s the feast of the patron who has been good to me. It was only fitting that I began my day in his honor.

Then, I went to the Asian Development Bank for the Rural Development and Food Security Forum 2019. But before that, I had my go-to brekkie at the ADB Cafeteria: sardines, egg and garlic rice!

I learned on the first day of this forum that it’s important to factor in the interlinking risks and to move from distress-driven diversification to surplus-sustained diversification. It is also important to support businesses that provide opportunities to farmers and key stakeholders.

I look forward to learning more in the next two days of the the forum!

International Design Conference

Yesterday, I had fun at the International Design Conference 2019. It was held at The Eye at Green Sun, which was a hotel and conference center dedicated to the arts. I saw my friends Donna and Mariel there, and I also got to learn some insights revolving around the theme Design Futures.

Here are my key takeaways:

• 3D printers and automation in the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution should not hinder craftsmen from creating. Rather, it should foster collaboration between technology and manual craftsmanship to create better output.

• Creativity is still the same, whether it is aided with technology or not.

• People should be the center of design, not profit.

I am truly privileged to be part of this conference. I hope that I can apply my learnings to my work, as well as influence my decision-making process as a design thinker.

Innovation Journey

Yesterday, I visited the newly-opened HiFi Campus at the College of Saint Benilde. I was there for two talks: the Innovator’s DNA Coffee Collab and The Founders’ Journey to Impact Entrepreneurship Engaged Talk. Both forums were informative, but it was the first one that really resonated with me.

Ms. Judith Claridades hosted the Innovator’s DNA afternoon. We were composed of individuals from various backgrounds, age groups, and perspectives. We had an interest in how innovation and the mindset that commands problem solving through design can improve our lives and uplift our present human condition.

Ms. Claridades focused on the importance of the self in the innovator’s journey. Being self-aware is the first step in bringing forth positive change. After all, it is only by effectively improving our own selves that we can begin sharing our skills, talents, and ideas to help others along the way.

It was also worth noting that empathy is essential in innovation. We cannot influence others if we are stuck in our own worlds and refuse to feel the pain that others have. It was humbling to be reminded that innovation is not just an act that benefits our physical beings, but our spiritual growth as well. When we help others, we feed our soul, and this is how we leave legacies that make the world a better place.

The Founders’ Journey to Impact Entrepreneurship was also interesting as Anna Meloto-Wilk, the president of Human Nature (a brand I love so much, that I actually sell their products on my online store- BUY NOW!) was part of the panel. I’ll never get tired of listening to Human Nature’s story from its humble beginnings to being one of the leading social enterprises today. As a Core Advocate for the brand, it is inspiring to watch our president unceasingly sharing our values to audiences that need more goodness in their lives.

As a blogger and freelance writer, I am always looking for inspiration to improve my craft and grow my mindset. It is always a treat to feed my brain with stories that uplift others while discussing how problems were solved through design thinking and empathy. Innovation should not be a big, lofty idea that is beyond everyone’s reach. Rather, it must be something that we practice by habit and instinct with each endeavor that we tackle each day.

We can all be innovators, if only we are determined to share what we know and believe in!

Motivation Mondays

Yesterday, I got to visit Clock In - Ayala Vertis North for the first time. It’s awesome to have a beautiful coworking space close near my house. It is also home to several networking events, which is also the reason why I was in the building. 

I was there for Motivation Mondays, a series of talks for yuppies on interesting topics. Last night, we discussed Goal Diggers. In line with the theme, we fueled up on delicious vegetarian food and coffee. 

The evening’s guest speakers were Maura Alvero of Vela Manila, and Fabien Courteille of Plush and Play. It was inspiring to hear about their stories of purpose and determination. 

My key takeaways were:

1. Become a platform for creatives- create a brand that will foster a community of photographers, writers, advocates, and target consumers.

2. Go on until your people don’t need you anymore- work until the people you train can carry on without you  

3. Start with why

4. Keep hobbies that can become your outlet

5. Be vulnerable 

6. Persevere for others  

7. Know what’s for you

8. Be open for collaboration

9. Different minds foster creativity

10. Get to know the people you are working with 

11. Cultivate relationships  

It was a different kind of Monday and I was happy to have learned insights from social entrepreneurs. I look forward to more purposeful Mondays to come! 

In_Pact Asia 2019

I was fortunate to be a delegate in the In_Pact Asia 2019, a conference on inclusive impact at the Asian Development Bank. I attended because of my passion for social enterprise, which I apply to my Human Nature online dealership.   

Please support me by making a purchase on my Human Nature Online Shop!  Every purchase supports communities in need and sustains my micro enterprise. Thank you! 

I started my day with a hearty breakfast at the famed ADB cafeteria.  

The delegate wristband was cool as it was embedded with spinach seeds, which makes it grow when it is planted.  

I also got to connect with Mariel, a familiar face from my previous conferences in an educational institution. It was lovely to chat with someone from the inclusive business space.  

My key takeaways from the conference is that diversity drives businesses to foster collaboration. This will drive inclusion in the sense that no one is left behind, and ethical business decisions will help workers thrive amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Also, social enterprise is key to sustain communities and to empower women to make a difference in the age of fair trade. 

It was a privilege to attend the fireside chat that featured Human Nature’s President Anna Meloto, who shared how Human Nature empowers women (particularly mothers) to have stable careers while caring for their families. 

I got to enjoy ADB’s notable cuisine and interact with like minded individuals. Learning about industrial trends is the reason why I attend seminars and conferences. May this be the start of more productive events that allow me to share, exchange ideas, and realize my place in the bigger picture of business and social impact. 

PCC Public Forum

Yesterday, I attended the Philippine Competitions Commission’s Public Forum on the Philippine Competition Act with special focus on the PCC Leniency Program. 

It was my last conference before I begin work this Thursday at a company near home. 

My key takeaway is that competition benefits consumers by empowering them with choice. It is the PCC’s obligation to ensure that this is not abused, and that businesses play fair in their operations. 

I find PCC’s conferences informative and straightforward. This is my fourth PCC conference, and it is fitting that my last one prior to returning to the workforce is with them. 

I am thankful for learning opportunities that allow me to sharpen the saw and broaden my horizons.  

Here’s to more learning opportunities in the future! 

Family Business Approach

Yesterday, I encountered a lady in the MRT who was forcing me to give her space. Since there wasn’t any space anymore inside the train, I fought for my place in the packed car. When we arrived at Cubao station, she violently pushed me just as passengers were leaving the train. I fell on the guys who were seated before I hit the floor. I was in shock, but luckily, I didn’t sustain any injuries and I didn’t lose anything.  

I made it AIM in Makati in one piece!  

I was able to attend the invitation-only Developing and Growing the Business Family Segment Forum. 

It was amusing to see my middle name on my nameplate instead of my surname. I guess the intern mistyped my name! 

My key takeaway for this forum is that risk management is an important part of assessing the family business. By capitalizing on areas with potential for earnings and managing risks, businesses built by families can survive financial and personal obstacles. There is a science behind developing family businesses, and it’s more than just ensuring that its members are having harmonious relationships. Because as it was discussed in the forum, harmony does not equate to unity.