Features and Benefits of the PLV World Card

A couple of days back, I attempted to use my faculty ID at Tully’s Coffee to check if I can really get a discount. I did.

I got 5% off on the pastry product I bought, and my drink got an automatic upsize! How cool is that?

Tully’s Coffee is my go-to place whenever I need to wait for someone or something. That time, I just wanted to make use of my remaining 30 minutes prior my evening class so I went there to do something on my laptop and of course, do my favorite thing in life – to eat (I had to stuff my belly because my class practically ends after dinner time). 

So here’s the big question for those who are wondering about this faculty ID that I am referring to? Ladies and gentlemen, it is the PLV World Card.

PLV or the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela is a public university here in our locality. The local government unit opened its additional world-class campus on January 19, 2018 in Barangay Maysan. During its launch, the PLV World Card was also introduced, to give the PLVians a better experience of studying in a high-tech academic institution.

Aside from getting discounts from the university’s partner merchants, what is the PLV World Card good for?

1.       Entrance Access to Campus – Before the students enter the campus, they need to tap the card at the turnstile. Their parents will be alerted via SMS every time they go in and out of the campus gates.

2.       Access to Academic Details – If the students need to view their grades and class schedule, or if they want to check the latest university updates and announcements, they may simply proceed to the designated kiosks around the campus and use the card as passkey to their desired information.

3.       Perform Cashless Transactions – The PLV World Card is also designed to have a debit card functionality. Vendors in the campus have POS to facilitate the cashless purchases of the cardholders. One may deposit money or “load” this special debit card at the cashier’s office in PLV Maysan campus.

4.       Get discount from partner merchants – Tully’s Coffee Shop is just one of the many partner merchants where the card may be used. One will know if an establishment honors the PLV World Card if the logo below is displayed. Promo period per merchant varies so, you have to be a little more conscious about that.

Photo Credit: Iskay dela Cruz

The 12 Qualities of a Thriving Artist

Last semester was my first attempt to teach the course, “Reading Visual Arts.” It was a challenging assignment because I am no art major and I have been most comfortable in teaching oral communication and business communication for the past few years. I only have my Humanities 2 subject way back in college as my humble background, a course where I learned some art studies basics.

Upon finding out that I will handle the said course, I rushed to the PLV library in Maysan to look for reference materials for my syllabus. Fortunately, my friend Michael King Urieta was the library’s featured Book Icon that month, which meant that a good number of his books are lent there for a month (King is my go-to person whenever I need books for the subjects I teach. He even gave me a useful book in Philippine Literature which is among my prized possessions as a teacher).

King’s collection did not fail me. I got at least four interesting art books where I was able to extract useful information for inclusion to my syllabus. While browsing through the readings, I was able to stumble upon an article on “The Myth of the Starving Artist,” which debunked the notion that there is no money in art. The article emphasized that artist will not starve is he or she knows how to thrive. 

Here’s the Myth of the Starving Artist (text not mine):

1.       The starving artist believes you must be born an artist.

The thriving artist knows you must become one.

2.       The starving artist strives to be original.

The thriving artist steals from his influences.

3.       The starving artist believes he has enough talent.

The thriving artist apprentices under a master.

4.       The starving artist is stubborn about everything.

The thriving artist is stubborn about the right things.

5.       The starving artist wants to be noticed.

The thriving artist cultivates patrons.

6.       The starving artist believes he can be creative anywhere.

The thriving artist goes where creative work is already happening.

7.       The starving artist always works alone.

The thriving artist collaborates with others.

8.       The starving artist does his work in private.

The thriving artist practices in public.

9.       The starving artist works for free.

The thriving artist always works for something.

10.   The starving artist sells out too soon.

The thriving artist owns his work.

11.   The starving artist masters one craft.

The thriving artist masters many.

12.   The starving artist despises the need for money.

The thriving artist makes money to make art.

What these pointers made me realize is that, artist or not, one should know how to "sell" himself or herself to potential clients. This  entails people skills and of course, intelligent grit to succeed.

How to Get Your Press Release Published

When Senator Win Gatchalian was still the mayor of Valenzuela City, he commended our then department head, Ms. Ahna Mejia, in a tweet saying that he has the best PIO in nine years!

A PIO, or Public Information Office, serves as the marketing arm of government units. This office is usually in charge of activities linked to public relations, such as writing press releases to be sent to news editors.

A few years back, Miss Ahna huddled her writers, which was my team, to share her notes from a media relations training attended by PIO heads of Metro Manila. Based upon her notes and discussion with us, here are the 9 things to remember to get your press release accepted and published by editors:

1.       Think like a journalist.

Enough of ‘trapo’ news that overemphasizes your boss or your office’s well-doing. Provide beneficial information to the readers.

2.       Be straight to the point.

Leave flowery words to literary essays. Tell your readers upfront the information that they are interested to know.

3.       Lead should be around 35 words.

The traditional WH questions for writing leads are no longer the “in” thing. Your lead composition should entice the reader to read further.

4.       Make it interesting.

Instead of writing a documentation-type article, you may choose to create a story that could serve as a springboard to highlight the significance of the event. For example, instead of focusing on the inauguration of a new health center, you may say instead that a health facility is being brought closer to the community.

5.       Tag ownership.

There is no need to namedrop your mayor-boss in your article to emphasize his value in the completion of the project. It is obvious that if something is featured at your organization’s news portal, the attribution is already there.

6.       Cut the corporate talk.

There are different tones of English. The tone for broadsheets is different for magazines. Avoid using office jargons when writing a press release.

7.       Write as you speak.

News writing is like story telling. Do not attempt to use highfalutin words to impress your reader. The press release is not about you. It’s about the important event. Use of unfamiliar words may lead to miscommunication.

8.       Be relevant.      

Write stories that are of human interest. For example, the star on your article should be the project beneficiaries and not the public officials.

9.       Share background information.

Your press release would have more depth if a historical account is incorporated in the article. Go get some legitimate figures for your write-up.

Are you still writing your press release in a traditional manner? It’s high time to switch your style.

Five Reasons Why You Should Blog

For some, blogging is just hobby. For others, they do it to make money. Whatever your reason is for blogging, at the end of the day, blogging can be transformative. Every word posted can significantly create an impact not only to the reader, but also to the writer.

Here are the reasons why I love blogging (even if I do it on and off):

1.       “Writing is therapeutic.”

I heard this first from my friend, Ken Jamandre, who is now a successful college lecturer at UP Diliman. I have personally experienced how this is so true, at the time when my ex-husband and I separated (which was actually the initial reason why I created this blog account). At that time, I thought that I had to actively notice the beautiful things around me so that I could quit from being sad. I tried to search for little sources of joy so that I could blog about it and project that I am “happy.” Fast forward, I have moved on and I am ready to utilize this blog site to share more useful information; but this time, the approach would be different.  

2.       Blogging contests are enthralling.

As a mother who is always on the lookout for pleasant opportunities to share with my children, I have turned into blogging, specifically in Nuffnang, to join fun contests often made available. So far, the best experiences Nuffnang had given me are the Colgate-minion contest where I had the chance to bring my son to a movie date at EDSA Shangri-la; and the Mommy-bloggers workshop held at Richmond Hotel. Indeed, blogging can be your ticket to exciting things in life, most especially the free ones!

3.       “Portfolio is life.”

When I first attempted to apply for a writer position in a local government, I didn’t have a professional writing portfolio to submit, but my blogsite link. The stuff written there were entries that would pass for a personal diary. Little did I know that it would be my actual passport to my career path of being a writer. When I first joined Viral Media Source, it was also my blog site link which I have submitted to showcase my writing style to my head hunter.

4.       You have to take care of your skills.

BPO industry life and first-time motherhood combo has been my number one cause of stress during my mid-20s. I told myself then that I can’t be a call center agent forever so I reverted back to what I love doing which was writing. I kept on blogging making sure that the little talent I have for writing remains there. Nearly a decade after, I am a freelance writer with repeat clients for academic and political campaign writings.

5.       Leaving a mark is priceless.

I had a blog before where I kept my anonymity as I wrote about my hardships in life vis-à-vis rationalizing how my unpleasant experiences must be viewed with optimism. In a particular entry entitled, “There Can’t Be Two Queens in One Household,” I described the Filipino culture of living with extended families under one roof.  I wrote about how I consciously suppressed my voice due to fear of being misconstrued as a “rude” new member in the family. That blog entry elicited me an overwhelming feedback, describing my post as an eye-opener. 

You and I may have alike or opposite reasons for blogging. That’s cool. At the end of the day, what is the fun truth here is that a blog site is a useful TOOL that can serve your diverse needs to be in a business and to express ideas. Use it well because the online world is where most of us thrive now.

When Do You Stop Being a Parent?

It is a common practice among Filipino parents to give their children the gift of education as a way of planting seeds for their future. When students are asked why they want to finish schooling, the common responses would be – they want to help their families, they want to put an end to their poverty, or they want to assume the role as co-providers for the schooling of their younger siblings.

After I graduated in college, my father stopped working because he thought that I can already assume his responsibility as a family provider. I anguished quietly because I thought that he was being unfair. I surrendered my ATM to my mother so she could collect my bi-monthly paycheck and I was only being given a daily allowance, enough for me to reach and leave the office and maybe buy myself some candies. I suppressed the growing envy inside me as I watched my peers enjoy their salaries for themselves while me, I only get the chance to buy myself some new clothes when I am able to sell Avon and Natasha products to my officemates.

Later in life, my eyes were opened about when it is really the “end” of being a parent. I was demystified of what I heard from Mr. Ric Yu, a Fil-Chi businessman whom I have written a speech for when he was invited as a commencement speaker at the Valenzuela Polytechnic College.

He said, “You can never stop being a parent.”

Our children will have different needs as they progress in life.

·         When children are babies, they need complete vaccine, diapers, and milk;

·         When they start to go to school, they need parental guidance for their academic performance;

·         When they reach their teenage years, they may have identity issues or other concerns that a parent should be able to help sort out;

·         Once they finish schooling, a parent should remain supportive for their children’s job hunting or career decisions;

·         When they start a family, the children may still need the wisdom and the occasional financial help from mom and dad…

You see, there is no “graduation day” for becoming a parent. Our children’s life journeys determine the constantly evolving challenges that they will have to weather. And these journeys are best taken care of when backed up by the tender love and care of mom and dad.

Here's my loving papa-turned-baby sitter to my daughter Hami.

 So, when do you stop being a parent?

Never.

Hami Redeems Ninong Max’s Birthday Gift

Even before my middle child’s christening at Max’s restaurant in 2015, I already have high regard for their excellent service because a cousin’s wedding reception a couple of years back was done at their Roxas Boulevard branch; and I was quite impressed with the way they have swiftly delivered a solemn wedding program, not to mention their food which is timelessly, unarguably palatable.

This year, for the first time, Hami was able to redeem her free gift from her “Ninong Max.” Unfortunately, we were unable to get her free chickens previously, for her birth month and Christmas, because I lost the temporary card necessary for redeeming the Ninong Max goodies.

I thought I had to go through the hassle of securing an affidavit of loss before I could do the free chicken redemptions for my kid. I was mistaken.  One random day I visited the place to probe about the procedures to reactivate my child’s account to claim the food gifts, I was surprised to find out that Hami’s permanent Ninong Max ID was just sitting there for several months waiting to be picked-up.

So we redeemed her first gift from Ninong Max.

Here are the perks for a Ninong Max ID holder:

Promo details according to their Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant/photos/a.104349093070.91742.42321613070/10150274868013071/?type=3&fref=mentions

While waiting for Hami’s treat from Ninong Max, I indulged my daughter’s sweet tooth.

Thanks to the very long APEC break here in Metro Manila, I was able to do lots of mommy duties for my children – I was able to pay attention to Deirdre’s christening requirements, I had the chance to sit and play pogs with Vladimir, and for the first time, Hami and I were able to redeem her free crispy and tasty chicken from Max’s Restaurant!

Nanay Muring: An Epitome of Volunteerism in Valenzuela

Today I’m sharing a story of an unsung hero whom I had the chance to interview during a recent assignment. She is Nanay Murita “Muring” Paulino, a 65-year old senior citizen who is both a Bantay Estudyante volunteer and a Central Kitchen volunteer.

Nanay Muring in Bantay Estudyante Suit

In Valenzuela, citizens are encouraged to engage in volunteer works to help contribute in making our home city a better place to live in. When I asked Nanay Muring of her timeframe until when does she see herself serving our city, I was moved by her response, “hangga't kaya ko po dahil wala naman po akong sakit” (as long as I can because I am not ill yet).

I could not help myself from gazing at her using a xennial’s lens. Despite her wrinkled skin, hers are magnetic eyes that showed me her big heart. I saw in her a contented woman who has won and lost battles through the years, yet who remained steadfast in nurturing her pure motherly soul. Her voice was filled with love and sincerity as she described her joy in serving the Valenzuelano children. In my mind, I couldn't help myself from thinking that her sun-kissed skin is her natural badge for her unrelenting selfless service. My heart shivered.

If you’re wondering where my admiration is coming from, let me talk briefly about her two volunteer works – Bantay Estudyante and Central Kitchen.

“Bantay Estudyante” is the brainchild of our handsome mayor, Rex Gatchalian [writer swoons]. In Valenzuela, senior citizens are welcomed for employment by the local government despite their age. During school days, volunteers are posted on visible sites during the ‘alpha and omega’ of classes only. They are deployed near the streets of public elementary schools to oversee the safety of the kids from vehicular accidents. They also prevent youngsters from brawling nonsensically over petty things.  

The Central Kitchen is a different activity. Here, volunteer-mothers help in preparing meals for thousands of identified malnourished and undernourished children enrolled in public schools, from kinder to sixth grade.

I have conducted interviews with other kitchen volunteers in the past so I know how tough their sacrifices are. They have to wake up at least 3:00 o’clock in the morning, leave their abode before dawn, start chopping veggies once they arrive at the kitchen, and twerk until all packed lunches are delivered in schools. These, ladies and gentlemen, are the efforts exerted by our mother-volunteers at the kitchen. So kids, I hope you’d really study well and pay it forward someday.

Nanay Muring communicated with me the essence of satisfaction and love – these are two things that many of us fail to achieve despite the credentials we brag on social media, despite the hollow praises we get from people who don’t really care about us.

Nanay, how to be you po? I salute you.