Five Things I Have Learned in the Spa, Massage Therapy and Wellness Industry,
I learned from a Pencil
(Text and Thoughts during the Oath Taking and Induction
of
Newly Licensed Massage Therapists
June 17, 2011)
By Eunice Estipona
The original version (author unknown) of what I will share with you was forwarded to my email last May 24, 2011 by my good friend Rommel Martinez. He is a great massage therapist and was a top-notched student in the previous licensure exams. However I decided to add my own thoughts and experiences to this wonderful story. So today, I am sharing this with you as I shared it (but more articulate and profound than) during the June 17, 2011- Oath Taking and Induction of the Newly Licensed Massage Therapist at the Grand Opera Hotel in Manila, Philippines.
Nearly a decade ago, I was at our oath taking held at the Department of Health in Sta. Cruz, Manila, at the time of this writing, the newly inducted 2011 LMT oath takers have been held at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel- a great leap in boosting the morale of new massage therapists. Thanks to people who paved the way for this to happen and that includes the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy and his team headed by the Chairperson, Dr. Kenneth Ronquillo and Ms. Josephine H. Hipolito CEMT Secretariat, both are great pillars in the massage industry) with the collaboration of the Philippine Association of Licensed Massage Therapists headed by its President, Mr. Jevren Sibug and Vice-President Mr. Pedro Vasquez II (or Sir Pete as we fondly call him) both of whom are enthusiastic encouragers and inspiring people in the field of massage therapy in the Philippines and the Continuing Massage Therapy Education Council (CMTEC), Massage Therapy Assessors, together with all the Training instructors nationwide, for sharing your knowledge and wisdom to the industry, the amazing lives that you have touched are the inspiration for the next generation to come, all of whom I dearly admire- indeed the massage profession has gone a long way. All your efforts made a difference because you took the time to organize and volunteer. Thank you for being the models of vision, passion and purpose that this industry so desperately needs. Know that you are all represented in these pages.
Last June 17, 2011, during their oath taking and induction, as a guest speaker, I cannot help but reminisce about the past and how the profession has evolved and it helped me find my rainbow in the industry. Indeed massage therapy is a viable career as the year’s current theme states. Kudos to all of you who makes a difference in the world of massage therapy, hats off to all of you and God bless you in your endeavor to be an instrument in the progress of massage therapy profession in the Philippines. Your example is a wonderful lesson to us all. Please accept my sincere thanks.
The first lesson I have learned from a pencil and from the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry is that, everything you do will always leave a mark. An area to look into is to leave a mark or to leave a legacy, although a good ambition- it’s a short sighted one. You are not placed here on Earth to be remembered or to just leave a mark, you are here to prepare for eternity. In preparing for that, you have to use your career, your work, your license, your profession- but you might be asking, how? You have to make sure that your stepping stone with all the gifts that has been given you is spent not only on yourself but for others. This means everything you do, even simple chores or words as saying “God bless you”, “Thank you”, “I love you”, “Forgive me”- has eternal implications. I believe that one of the foundations of truly leaving a mark in another person’s life is to feel happy for the success of others. Sometimes, people aren’t happy for the success of others because they feel threatened. If you think badly of the success of others, you won’t be successful because you will also be thinking badly of your own success- you will eventually put yourself down too. So it’s very important to bless those whom you admire- so that their blessings will rub off on you. If you see a classmate, a colleague, a neighbor, a seatmate, a fellow massage therapist, a massage instructor or anyone who gets successful, who gets promoted, who gets the position, who gets an award – be happy for that person, bless them, admire them and learn from them. You need to wish blessing on others and train yourself to celebrate the success of others because what goes around comes around. That is why it is very important to say “God bless you” because with the blessing you give unto others, that is also the blessing that will be given to you.
The second lesson I have learned from a pencil and from the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry is that, you can always correct the mistakes you make. We will always fall short out of others expectations or even our very own expectations. We are not perfect but there is no reason not to strive for correcting our mistakes or giving ourselves a second chance. Your past doesn’t matter, your mistakes doesn’t matter- what matters is what you will be doing after your mistake. After we have fallen. If a pencil makes mistakes, it doesn’t worry, it doesn’t whine, it doesn’t blame- not because the pencil does not care- but because the pencil knows that it can always correct the mistakes it has made. The pencil can always depend on its eraser (or its correction fluid- whatever..). When we make a mistake- erase. Erase. Erase. Erase. How do we erase? by forgiving ourselves, by forgiving others, by starting all over again, by saying “sorry”, by learning from our mistakes and by doing it right the next time around. How many times do we need to forgive? In Matthew 18:21, 22 said we must forgive seventy times seven. Jesus is saying we should forgive other people abundantly more than we could ever forgive. Madaling sabihin pero mahirap gawin so what do we do now? We should train ourselves and practice it daily to get the muscles of forgiveness strong- na madali tayong makapagpatawad. Make it a part of our habit to get less and less angry, less and less resentful everyday. Another angle to look at it is with our mistakes and our weaknesses- these are God’s way for us to work with and look for others who are strong in areas where we are weak. Why do we have weaknesses? In order for us to form teams, help each other and cooperate with each other. Our strengths maybe the weakness of others and our weaknesses maybe the strengths of others this is why we need each other. That is precisely why we have different systems of the body because each of our systems serves different function but every cell, tissue, organ and system works together to make our body alive. Each has its own function even though we make mistakes. So, believe that even if we are imperfect, together with others, you can still achieve what God has placed in your heart. As a pencil, we always have an eraser with us. Erase. Erase. Erase.
The third lesson I have learned from a pencil and from the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry is that, what is important is what is inside of you. No matter what appearance we have. No matter where we graduated. No matter what we have achieved what is important is what is inside of us. What is your purpose for living? What is your unique role in the world? Just like a pencil, the outer doesn’t really matter as long as the pencil writes. Kahit maganda at mamahalin ang pencil kung hindi naman makasulat – wala ring function. Yun naman talaga ang function ng pencil – magsulat, for drawing, for marking, etc. Pencils are not meant for display, to be thrown away or to be a weapon. As a pencil we have to look at what is inside of us- what we have to offer, what we have to give and what we have to contribute. Do not be trapped by other’s expectations and other people’s opinion- drowning your dreams and your inner convictions. Have the courage to follow your heart and your gut. A large percentage of our lives will be spent on work and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you truly believe is great work. The only way to do that is by loving what you do, loving your clients, loving your profession and loving what you are contributing to others. If you haven’t found your one true love (whether this be at work or matters of the heart) then keep looking and never settle anything less than what you really love and have passion for. And when you find it, take care of it, nurture it and cultivate it so it will get better and better as the years go by. Discover what is inside of you by discovering your passion, discovering your core gift, discovering your true purpose, discovering your mission, discovering what you are excellent at, discover your core competency and discovering your hunger. You need to work at that gift and spend your entire time to develop your gift, your talents and your skills. When you try to answer: why do you want to be successful? Why do you want to be wealthy? Why do you want a license? Is it for our own selfish gain? Is it because you mother or aunt told you so? Is it to prove your self? Your reasons, your why, your purpose will always direct you. Because if your “why” is big enough you will always succeed in achieving your goals. The reasons must always come from the heart and not just from the brain. Establish your mission and the driving force in you life. Keep looking inside of you and get to know yourself deeply until you find what moves you and don’t settle for anything less than what you truly love to do. After this, move on into different avenues of career development. Never stop learning. Continue to hone your skills, your strengths and your talents, huwag magsawa sa pag attend ng mga seminars and trainings and do not be tired of learning. Learning is an investment on yourself, do not look at learning as a burden or as “gastos lang yan”- continue to learn and be hungry for things that will make you a better person- inside and outside. One way of learning is to be able to read a lot and if you can afford it- travel and learn from other culture. If you can afford it or your family supports you, start planning to travel. My travels both locally and abroad also gave me the privilege of appreciating and understanding that every tribe and culture worldwide should embrace diversity and converge on a common goal of being a flowing well for others to benefit from. We learn from history and the practice of other cultures. Its been an amazing experience. Because you cannot give what you do not have. Look for people who will inspire you, the insights and the wisdom to advance your career. Focus on what is inside of you: your character and your attitude because what is inside of you will be shared to others.
The fourth lesson I have learned from a pencil and from the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry is that, in life you will undergo painful sharpenings, which will only make you better. Sometimes, you will feel that life is awful, that there is nobody there for you, that there is no hope and that life gets to hit you in the head with a brick- yeah… BIG TIME- but these bitter pills will ultimately make you better. These are learning curves which will tilt you either to become bitter or better. In every problem- dapat nagiging mas mabuti tayong tao at nagiging mas mature. Never lose faith. We will never know what tests will come your way: you might not be earning enough, you might be in a difficult situation, you might be in the cross roads of your life, you might start with a daily wage of just fifty pesos a day (I was earning only 50 pesos a day), you might receive a harsh remark, an undeserved criticism, friends turned enemies, money concerns or seemingly impossible problems. But in all these please remember that how you react is how God looks closely at you. Everything will soon pass. Everything is for your character development. These are opportunities to either demonstrate love or hate. Every year, every month, every day and every minute is an important moment to bless others. Just like a pencil, in order to be used- we need to be sharpened.
The last but not the least, the fifth lesson I have learned from a pencil and from the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry is that, to be the best pencil, you must allow yourself to be guided by the hand that holds you. Our lives are like an empty canvass and in order to make the best of who you are, we are to submit everything to Him. Remember that life is a trust, being a massage therapist is a trust, being a massage instructor is a trust, being a spa therapist is a trust, having a license is a trust- Everything is a trust. A pencil will not be able to write no matter how expensive or how beautiful your pencil is- if the Hand that holds it will not use it- it will not be able to serve its function. That pencil is us. The hand that holds us is our Creator. Our time on Earth and our energy, our money, our intelligence, our resources, our friends, our colleagues in the industry, our family, relationships, our talents, our abilities, our skills, our instructors, our license and our profession and everything we have now are a gift from God that He has entrusted to our care. We never really own anything during our brief stay on Earth. God is temporarily assigning it on our care while we are here. Two years ago, I have been diagnosed with myoma- a non-life threatening disease (in most cases) and that time, even if it’s not a case of life and death, I have come to realize that I have to focus on things that matters most. Remembering that everyday we are closer to our graves and we’ll be dead soon is the most important tool to help us make the big decisions in life. Because almost everything- success and even failures, sama ng loob, our titles, our diplomas, our certificates, our position, the wealth that we accumulated, the education we reached, the Earthly accomplishments- everything we cherish or enjoy- are all temporary- it will all fade away in the face of death. What is truly important is our relationship with the Creator and relationships with our fellowmen. You will not face death with your awards or diplomas or money – if that is the case then focus on what is really important and nothing is more important than relationships. If relationships are most important then decide now to grow old with each other- grow old with your colleagues, your classmates, your friends and instructors. Grow old with the one you truly love. Just prepare your heart and the Hand that guides you will give you the right opportunities, the resources and the right people that will prepare you for success. So keep preparing, keep sowing- the Hand that holds you will always have a right timing for you to give birth to your great aspirations.
In conclusion, your first job after this oath taking and induction is to take care of everything you have been given. Your time is limited so do not waste it living someone else’s dream for you or waste it with petty things and disagreements. Follow your rainbow, follow your heart and follow the hand that holds your future. Everything else is secondary.
God bless you more and more!
This is a prepared text and thoughts of Eunice Estipona on the recently concluded 2011 oath taking and induction of newly licensed massage therapists in Manila, Philippines. To download a copy on your computer, click on the link below:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/60833737/Five-Things-I-Have-Learned-in-Massage-School-PDF-File
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Monday, July 25, 2011
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Stereotype stories
Stereotype Stories
By Eunice Estipona
What first comes into your mind when you hear the word Spa? Massage? Beauty? Wellness? How do you stereotype these words? Is it one which relaxes you? One that creates an emotion of serenity? Stereotypes can either be positive or negative but when it comes to people, it ignores the possibility that an individual is unique. Stereotypes view people by painting all members of a group with the same brush. A few days ago, I read and viewed a few videos/ stories all with one similar theme: stereotyping.
Stereotyping story #1- Stereotyping religion
Its extreme to judge a religion by what others have done. Let us instill forgiveness not vengeance inspite of stereotyping. Let us continue to pray for a heart that would find understanding in this troublesome world.
Stereotyping story #2- Stereotyping Names (from an email by my friend, Rommel Martinez)
A Pinoy went to a bar in Hawaii to have some drinks. At the counter, he sat next to the famous Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg who was already ahead by a quart of alcohol. After a couple of beers, the Pinoy sensed that Spielberg was glaring at him. Suddenly, in a flash the Pinoy crashed down from his stool, felled by a vicious hook from the director.
Picking himself up, he yelled, "Wat is dat por?"
Spielberg ranted: "That's for the bombing of Pearl Harbor , you #@@!!##! My dad perished in that bombing!"
"But I am not Jafanese... I am Filipino!" exclaimed the Pinoy.
The inebriated director replied, "Yeah yeah yeah ....Japanese, Burmese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino ...you are all the same."
Regaining his composure, the Pinoy dusted off his white pants, straightened the collar of his loud bird-of-paradise printed shirt, took his seat and ordered a double R&B from the bartender. After a few sips, the Pinoy stood up and delivered his best Jackie Chan karate kick, sending the director flying halfway across the room.
"What was that for?!!" shouted the surprised Spielberg from about fifteen feet away.
"Dat's por da sinking of da TITANIC! I had my grandpader on dat ship!" the Pinoy answered back.
"You ignorant! The TITANIC was sunk by an iceberg!" exclaimed the director.
"Yah yah yah...Iceberg, Spielberg, Carlsberg... you are all the same."
When we see a Filipina working in Hong Kong, do we stereotype them as domestic helpers, nannies and care givers? what about Filipinas working in Japan? Although most of what Filipinos do outside the country are honorable work, not all people have the right mindset. I have personally experienced stereotyping when we touched down Frankfurt, Germany and we were not allowed to get out of the terminal just as quickly as others would, just because we were carrying Filipino passorts and maybe (just maybe) there have been a lot of reports of people coming into transit but exiting Frankfurt illegally, who knows? it just seems stereotyping is everywhere. The question is, how do we want as a country and a race to be remembered? What do we want to be stereotyped as a nation five years down the road?
Stereotyping story #3- Stereotyping beauty and color
The Filipinos have often stereotyped white skincolor as something superior and thus, we have all kinds of whitening and bleaching products and services in the spa. Even the type of hair is stereotyped as beautiful if its straight but its ugly when its curly. Therefore salons kept on urging us to rebond, relax and straighten our hair. Media (especially TV commercials) has often made us think that outside beauty is a thing to focus on but true beauty lies more than skin deep. Although a beautiful face has its merits, we should focus more on our attitude and our hearts. We should not judge the book by its cover.
Stereotyping Story #4- Stereotyping Brands
Believe it or not consumers stereotype brands. What comes into mind when we hear the words, Dolce and Gabbana? Levis? La Coste? Havaianas? Nike? what about when we hear the words Marriott Hotel what comes into our mind? Several years ago, I read two stories about this great hotel chain and the wonderful people working there. First, the Cambridge Marriott Hotel which is legendary for its exemplary service. At a time when the hotel industry was feeling the crunch, it even made more money. It's even rare to find people leaving the hotel without returning back. The secret? The doorman of the country called Phil Adelman. He was 59 years old when he was hired at Marriott, barely a high school graduate and had no hotel experience. He originally applied for a job as a dishwasher but was willing to accept any post that Marriott would give, Phil became a doorman. Phil grabs doors, slots luggages, he does more than make every guest feel welcome and at home. He is as much a performer as a service worker. He has some dramatic ideal of the doorman in mind and he tried to live up to that ideal. He loves people and takes pride in the work itself. The talent and charm of Phil Adelman is the giving of small favors for people without making them appear as much. He never hangs around waiting for a tip. According to Phil, "waiting around for the tip, spoils the ritual of providing service both for him and the guests" plus, he doesn't have to. It's the guests who track him down to give him tip. His joy is in serving people and his passion is in having served well. Even after he was diagnosed with colon cancer- he never missed a day of work, according to his wife Helen. In 2007, he died at the age of 80.
Another employee of Marriott, Albert "Smitty" Smith was awarded the Best Sports Salesperson of the Year, beating all the other salesperson from every Marriott branch all over the world. Even when half the Dodger's team went to the other competing hotel to take advantage of the lower price, Albert took a day off. Not for himself though. He would call the other hotel and ask one of his friends what time the team would arrive then he would go over there in full uniform and wait for the team in the lobby. One time when the Dodger's came to town, Coach Tommy Lasorda led the team into the competing hotel and he was standing there waiting for them. Tommy smiles, shook his hand and said "Smitty, what are you doing here? Are you with the hotel now? This is great! So are we!" But Albert replied that he was still at the Marriott but he was there to wish them luck against the Braves and that he brought their special order from the Marriott after the game because their new hotel's room service closes at 11pm so he would miss his late night snack but most importantly, he also told them that "eventhough you can't afford to stay with Marriott anymore, we still love you".
Marriott. Great brand. Positive stereotyping. But wherever you are, whether working for the Marriott or not, the next time you stereotype your job as a necessary evil or you think like giving up on our work, think of Phil and Albert. Our work, staff, colleagues, company and bosses are a blessing. From them we can learn how to hone and cultivate more of our talents and skills. Our superiors detects the hidden gem in us and gives us the opportunity to contribute to the team. I am really blessed for having to learn and work hand in hand with great people in the spa, massage and wellness industry who taught me more than loving my career but loving people as the bottomline. Whatever the appearance, color, the creed, the religious affiliation, age, gender, etc...and that is positive stereotyping!
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” Colossians 3:23(NIV)
By Eunice Estipona
What first comes into your mind when you hear the word Spa? Massage? Beauty? Wellness? How do you stereotype these words? Is it one which relaxes you? One that creates an emotion of serenity? Stereotypes can either be positive or negative but when it comes to people, it ignores the possibility that an individual is unique. Stereotypes view people by painting all members of a group with the same brush. A few days ago, I read and viewed a few videos/ stories all with one similar theme: stereotyping.
Stereotyping story #1- Stereotyping religion
Its extreme to judge a religion by what others have done. Let us instill forgiveness not vengeance inspite of stereotyping. Let us continue to pray for a heart that would find understanding in this troublesome world.
Stereotyping story #2- Stereotyping Names (from an email by my friend, Rommel Martinez)
A Pinoy went to a bar in Hawaii to have some drinks. At the counter, he sat next to the famous Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg who was already ahead by a quart of alcohol. After a couple of beers, the Pinoy sensed that Spielberg was glaring at him. Suddenly, in a flash the Pinoy crashed down from his stool, felled by a vicious hook from the director.
Picking himself up, he yelled, "Wat is dat por?"
Spielberg ranted: "That's for the bombing of Pearl Harbor , you #@@!!##! My dad perished in that bombing!"
"But I am not Jafanese... I am Filipino!" exclaimed the Pinoy.
The inebriated director replied, "Yeah yeah yeah ....Japanese, Burmese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino ...you are all the same."
Regaining his composure, the Pinoy dusted off his white pants, straightened the collar of his loud bird-of-paradise printed shirt, took his seat and ordered a double R&B from the bartender. After a few sips, the Pinoy stood up and delivered his best Jackie Chan karate kick, sending the director flying halfway across the room.
"What was that for?!!" shouted the surprised Spielberg from about fifteen feet away.
"Dat's por da sinking of da TITANIC! I had my grandpader on dat ship!" the Pinoy answered back.
"You ignorant! The TITANIC was sunk by an iceberg!" exclaimed the director.
"Yah yah yah...Iceberg, Spielberg, Carlsberg... you are all the same."
When we see a Filipina working in Hong Kong, do we stereotype them as domestic helpers, nannies and care givers? what about Filipinas working in Japan? Although most of what Filipinos do outside the country are honorable work, not all people have the right mindset. I have personally experienced stereotyping when we touched down Frankfurt, Germany and we were not allowed to get out of the terminal just as quickly as others would, just because we were carrying Filipino passorts and maybe (just maybe) there have been a lot of reports of people coming into transit but exiting Frankfurt illegally, who knows? it just seems stereotyping is everywhere. The question is, how do we want as a country and a race to be remembered? What do we want to be stereotyped as a nation five years down the road?
Stereotyping story #3- Stereotyping beauty and color
The Filipinos have often stereotyped white skincolor as something superior and thus, we have all kinds of whitening and bleaching products and services in the spa. Even the type of hair is stereotyped as beautiful if its straight but its ugly when its curly. Therefore salons kept on urging us to rebond, relax and straighten our hair. Media (especially TV commercials) has often made us think that outside beauty is a thing to focus on but true beauty lies more than skin deep. Although a beautiful face has its merits, we should focus more on our attitude and our hearts. We should not judge the book by its cover.
Stereotyping Story #4- Stereotyping Brands
Believe it or not consumers stereotype brands. What comes into mind when we hear the words, Dolce and Gabbana? Levis? La Coste? Havaianas? Nike? what about when we hear the words Marriott Hotel what comes into our mind? Several years ago, I read two stories about this great hotel chain and the wonderful people working there. First, the Cambridge Marriott Hotel which is legendary for its exemplary service. At a time when the hotel industry was feeling the crunch, it even made more money. It's even rare to find people leaving the hotel without returning back. The secret? The doorman of the country called Phil Adelman. He was 59 years old when he was hired at Marriott, barely a high school graduate and had no hotel experience. He originally applied for a job as a dishwasher but was willing to accept any post that Marriott would give, Phil became a doorman. Phil grabs doors, slots luggages, he does more than make every guest feel welcome and at home. He is as much a performer as a service worker. He has some dramatic ideal of the doorman in mind and he tried to live up to that ideal. He loves people and takes pride in the work itself. The talent and charm of Phil Adelman is the giving of small favors for people without making them appear as much. He never hangs around waiting for a tip. According to Phil, "waiting around for the tip, spoils the ritual of providing service both for him and the guests" plus, he doesn't have to. It's the guests who track him down to give him tip. His joy is in serving people and his passion is in having served well. Even after he was diagnosed with colon cancer- he never missed a day of work, according to his wife Helen. In 2007, he died at the age of 80.
Another employee of Marriott, Albert "Smitty" Smith was awarded the Best Sports Salesperson of the Year, beating all the other salesperson from every Marriott branch all over the world. Even when half the Dodger's team went to the other competing hotel to take advantage of the lower price, Albert took a day off. Not for himself though. He would call the other hotel and ask one of his friends what time the team would arrive then he would go over there in full uniform and wait for the team in the lobby. One time when the Dodger's came to town, Coach Tommy Lasorda led the team into the competing hotel and he was standing there waiting for them. Tommy smiles, shook his hand and said "Smitty, what are you doing here? Are you with the hotel now? This is great! So are we!" But Albert replied that he was still at the Marriott but he was there to wish them luck against the Braves and that he brought their special order from the Marriott after the game because their new hotel's room service closes at 11pm so he would miss his late night snack but most importantly, he also told them that "eventhough you can't afford to stay with Marriott anymore, we still love you".
Marriott. Great brand. Positive stereotyping. But wherever you are, whether working for the Marriott or not, the next time you stereotype your job as a necessary evil or you think like giving up on our work, think of Phil and Albert. Our work, staff, colleagues, company and bosses are a blessing. From them we can learn how to hone and cultivate more of our talents and skills. Our superiors detects the hidden gem in us and gives us the opportunity to contribute to the team. I am really blessed for having to learn and work hand in hand with great people in the spa, massage and wellness industry who taught me more than loving my career but loving people as the bottomline. Whatever the appearance, color, the creed, the religious affiliation, age, gender, etc...and that is positive stereotyping!
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,” Colossians 3:23(NIV)
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Why are we where we are now?
Why are we where we are now?
by Eunice
(At-length analysis on why the Philippines is poor and what we can do about it)
After a decade in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, I have come to realize that an inexperienced staff with a track record of integrity is way more preferable than a brilliant employee with questionable ethics. The latter will become a problem in the future for the spa business. Here is why.
The video below hit the net community especially the Filipino audience online.
Before anything else, let us not talk about schools and crème de la crème. This will not be the focus of my blog. The thing that has really stuck into my mind is when Prof. Winnie Monsod said and I quote, “Eh saan tayo ngayon? (Where are we now?) If they (those in the government) are so good, why are we where we are now?”
In Philippine culture, we have always looked upon people who graduated with high honors, we have always saluted those who graduated from top universities especially those who studied in the US or abroad and we have placed in pedestals those whose diplomas and degrees are much higher than our own. If we are lead by great leaders coming from crème de la crème universities, who graduated with high honors and whose degrees and letters after the name is as many as the alphabet, in essence why is the Philippines still poor? There are a lot of factors and intricacies that this blog will not be able to answer. Suffice to say that one of the things that we have forgotten as a nation, we have placed too much emphasis on the outer realm, the diplomas, the school, the knowledge and the degrees to the point that we have exchanged our integrity for money, wealth or fame. It’s never enough to have a doctorate degree, to graduate with high honors or to graduate from a well-known university. The essence of going to school is for us to hone our talents, our knowledge and skills and apply them into our life, our practice and our work. An impeccable transcript of records, just don’t cut it in the real world of work. Excellence in itself is just not enough. There are a lot of excellent people in school with grade no lower than 1.5 (or A-) but their integrity and honor is as shallow as the cat’s pooo dugged under the soil. Do not get me wrong, hindi masamang magkaroon ng matataas na marka but do not let it overshadow our love for the country and our fellowmen. When Fortune 500 magazine asked the CEO’s of many Fortune 500 companies what they considered the most important qualities for hiring and promoting top executives, do you know what their unanimous answer were? It’s integrity and trustworthiness. Not technical skill, Not education, Not school. Not even a pleasing personality. But still, the good old-fashioned integrity, honesty, honor qualities that the Bible teaches. Only if we would turn and obey God’s word can we qualify to be a person of integrity and honor. Integrity and Honor, these things can never be taught even at Harvard.
Secondly, she said that “if you are going to help this country, you’ve got to be in this country.” The Filipino is also confused. Why? We want to stay in the country but there are no opportunities. There are no jobs that could help the people pay the crème de la crème tuition fees. I must admit, I am already at a point in my life where I am ready to move and I am contemplating on migrating abroad since all my immediate family is in the United States and I am the only one who is still a Filipino citizen. I think there are a lot (I mean a lot) of like me out there, who are ready to leave the country for better opportunities- for good. I do not blame them.
I have found the book, 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country by Atty. Alex Ledesma Lacson (also a graduate of the University of the Philippines) with my own thoughts and links added in CAPS:
1) Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.- THAT IS WHY LADY JUSTICE EYES ARE COVERED BECAUSE IT IS JUSTICE FOR ALL. RICH OR POOR ALIKE. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.
2) Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3) Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.- STOP BUYING PIRATED COPIES OF VCD’S, DVD’S OR CD’S. RESPECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. AT LEAST BUY MORE FILIPINO PRODUCTS THAN IMPORTED ONES. HINDI YUNG MAS PROUD PA TAYO PAG IMPORTED. THINK OF IT THIS WAY, IF YOU ARE BUYING MASSAGE OILS PERHAPS A LEMON GRASS, GINGER OR SAMPAGUITA MASSAGE OIL. MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES HINDI BA ANG TINUTULUNGAN MO RIN AY ANG ATING MGA FARMERS AND ATING MGA LOCAL BUSINESS MEN? PARA SILA AY SUMAGANA AT HINDI NA KAILANGAN PANG MANGIBANG BANSA NG MGA FARMERS OR NG ATING MGA KABABAYAN DAHIL SA KAKULANGAN SA TRABAHO. AT THE VERY LEAST, PERSONALLY, AT LEAST 70% OF THE PRODUCTS OR RETAIL THAT YOU BUY SHOULD BE PHILIPPINE MADE.
4) When you talk to others, especially foreigners speak positively about us and our country. – STOP COMPLAINING AND LOOKING DOWN ON OUR COUNTRY AND START ACTING ON SOLUTIONS. STOP BEING NEGATIVE AND PESSIMISTIC. START BLESSING OTHERS AND BLESSING OUR COUNTRY BECAUSE YOU AND I ARE SPECIAL.
I SUGGEST YOU START WITH KNOWING WHY YOU ARE SPECIAL? JUST IN CASE YOU FORGOT….
WHY THE FILIPINO IS SPECIAL by Pastor Ed Lapiz
Filipinos are Brown
Their color is in the center of human racial strains. This point is not an attempt at racism, but just for many Filipinos to realize that our color should not be a source of or reason for inferiority complex. While we pine for a fair complexion, the white people are religiously tanning themselves, whenever they could, under the sun or some artificial light, just to approximate the Filipino complexion.
Filipinos are a touching people
We have lots of love and are not afraid to show it. We almost inevitably create human chains with our perennial akbay (putting an arm around another shoulder), hawak (hold), yaka(embrace), himas (caressing stroke), kalabit (touch with the tip of the finger), kalong (sitting on someone else's lap), etc. We are always reaching out, always seeking interconnection.
Filipinos are linguists
Put a Filipino in any city, any town around the world. Give him a few months or even weeks and he will speak the local language there. Filipinos are adept at learning and speaking languages. In fact, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak at least three: his dialect, Filipino, and English. Of course, a lot speak an added language, be it Chinese, Spanish or, if he works abroad, the language of his host country.
In addition, Tagalog is not 'sexist.' While many "conscious" and "enlightened" people of today are just by now striving to be "politically correct" with their language and, in the process, bend to absurd depths in coining "gender sensitive" words, Tagalog has, since time immemorial, evolved gender-neutral words like asawa (husband or wife), anak (son or daughter), magulang (father or mother), kapatid (brother or sister), biyenan (father-in-law or mother-in-law), manugang (son or daughter-in-law), bayani (hero or heroine), etc. Our languages and dialects are advanced and, indeed, sophisticated! It is no small wonder that Jose Rizal, the quintessential Filipino, spoke some twenty-two languages!
Filipinos are groupists
We love human interaction and company. We always surround ourselves with people and we hover over them, too. According to Dr. Patricia Licuanan, a psychologist from Ateneo, and Miriam College an average Filipino would have and know at least 300 relatives.
At work, we live bayanihan (mutual help); At play, we want a kalaro (playmate) more than laruan (toy). At socials, our invitations are open and it is more common even for guests to invite and bring in other guests. In transit, we do not want to be separated from our group. So what do we do when there is no more space in a vehicle? Kalung-kalong! (Sit on one another). No one would ever suggest splitting a group and waiting for another vehicle with more space!
Filipinos are weavers
One look at our baskets, mats, clothes and other crafts will reveal the skill of the Filipino weaver and his inclination to weaving. This art is a metaphor of the Filipino trait. We are social weavers. We weave theirs into ours that we all become parts of one another. We place a lot of premium on pakikisama (getting along) and pakikipagkapwa (relating). Two of the worst labels, walang pakikipagkapwa (inability to relate), will be avoided by the Filipino at almost any cost.
We love to blend and harmonize with people, we like to include them in our "tribe," in our "family" - and we like to be included in other people's families, too. Therefore we call our friend's mother nanay or mommy; we call a friend's sister ate (eldest sister), and so on. We even call strangers tia (aunt) or tio (uncle), tatang (grandfather), etc.
So extensive is our social openness and interrelations that we have specific title for extended relations like hipag (sister-in-law's spouse), balae (child-in-law's parents), inaanak (godchild), ninong/ ninang (godparents) kinakapatid (godparent's child), etc.
In addition, we have the profound 'ka' institution, loosely translated as "equal to the same kind" as in kasama (of the same company), kaisa (of the same cause), kapanalig (of the same belief), etc. In our social fiber, we treat other people as co-equals.
Filipinos, because of their social "weaving" traditions, make for excellent team workers.
Filipinos are adventurists
We have a tradition of separation. Our myths and legends speak of heroes and heroines who almost always get separated from their families and loved ones and are taken by circumstances to far-away lands where they find wealth or power.
Our Spanish colonial history is filled with separations caused by the reduccion (hamleting), and the forced migration to build towns, churches, fortresses or galleons. American occupation enlarged the space of Filipino wandering, including America , and there are documented evidences of Filipino presence in America as far back as 1587.
Now, Filipinos compose the world's largest population of overseas workers, populating and sometimes "threshing" major capitals, minor towns and even remote villages around the world. Filipino adventurism has made us today's citizens of the world, bringing the bagoong (salty shrimp paste). Pansit (sauteed noodles), siopao (meat-filled dough), kare-kare (peanut-flavored dish), dinuguan (innards cooked in pork blood) balut (unhatched duck egg), and adobo (meat vinaigrette), including the tabo (ladle) and tsinelas (slippers) all over the world.
Filipinos are excellent at adjustments and improvisation, managing to recreate their home, or to feel at home anywhere .
Filipinos have Pakiramdam (deep feeling/discernment)
We know how to feel what others feel, sometimes even anticipate what they will feel. Being manhid (dense) is one of the worst labels anyone could get and will therefore, avoid at all cost. We know when a guest is hungry though the insistence on being full is assured. We can tell if people are lovers even if they are miles apart. We know if a person is offended though he may purposely smile. We know because we feel. In our pakikipagkapwa (relating), we get not only to wear another man's shoe but also his heart.
We have a superbly developed and honored gift of discernment, making us excellent leaders, counselors and go-betweens.
Filipinos are very spiritual
We are transcendent. We transcend the physical world, see the unseen and hear the unheard. We have a deep sense of kaba (premonition) and kutob (hunch). A Filipino wife will instinctively feel her husband or child is going astray, whether or not telltale signs present themselves.
Filipino spirituality makes him invoke divine presence or intervention at nearly every bend of his journey Rightly or wrongly, Filipinos are almost always acknowledging, invoking or driving away spirits into and from their lives. Seemingly trivial or even incoherent events can take on spiritual significance and will be given such space or consideration.
The Filipino has a sophisticated, developed pakiramdam . The Filipino, though becoming more and more modern (hence, materialistic) is still very spiritual in essence. This inherent and deep spirituality makes the Filipino, once correctly Christianized, a major exponent of the faith.
Filipinos are timeless
Despite the nearly half-a-millennium encroachment of the western clock into our lives, Filipinos - unless on very formal or official functions - still measure time not with hours and minutes but with feeling. This style is ingrained deep in our psyche. Our time is diffused, not framed. Our appointments are defined by umaga (morning), tanghali ( noon ), hapon (afternoon) or gabi (evening). Our most exact time reference is probably tanghaliang-tapat (high noon), which still allows many minutes of leeway. That is how Filipino trysts and occasions are timed: there is really no definite time.
A Filipino event has no clear-cut beginning nor ending. We have a fiesta , but there is bisperas (eve), A day after the fiesta is still considered a good time to visit. The Filipino Christmas is not confined to December 25th; it somehow begins months before December and extends up to the first days of January.
Filipino say good-bye to guests first at the head of the stairs, then down to the descamo (landing), to the entresuelo (mezzanine), to the pintuan (doorway), to the tarangkahan (gate), and if the departing persons are to take public transportation, up to the bus stop or bus station.
In a way, other people's tardiness and extended stays can really be annoying, but this peculiarity is the same charm of Filipinos who, being governed by timelessness, can show how to find more time to be nice, kind, and accommodating than his prompt and exact brothers elsewhere.
Filipinos are Spaceless
As in the concept of time, the Filipino concept of space is not numerical. We will not usually express expanse of space with miles or kilometers but with feelings in how we say malayo (far) or malapit (near). Alongside with numberlessness, Filipino space is also boundless. Indegenous culture did not divide land into private lots but kept it open for all to partake of its abundance.
The Filipino has avidly remained "spaceless" in many ways. The interior of the bahay-kubo (hut) can easily become receiving room, sleeping room, kitchen, dining room, chapel, wake parlor, etc. Depending on the time of the day or the needs of the moment. The same is true with the bahay na bato (stone house).Space just flows in to the next space that the divisions between the sala , caida , comedor or vilada may only be faintly suggested by overhead arches of filigree
In much the same way, Filipino concept of space can be so diffused that ones party may creep into and actually expropriate the street! A family business like a sari-sari store or talyer may extend to the sidewalk and street. Provincial folks dry palayan (rice grain) on the highways! Religious groups of various persuasions habitually and matter-of-factly commandeer the streets for processions and parades. It is not uncommon to close a street to accommodate private functions, Filipinos eat. sleep , chat, socialize, quarrel, even urinate, nearly everywhere or just anywhere!
"Spacelessness," in the face of modern, especially urban life, can be unlawful and may really be counter-productive. On the other hand, Filipino spacelessness, when viewed from his context, is just another manifestation of his spiritually and communal values. Adapted well to today's context, which may mean unstoppable urbanization, Filipino spacelessness may even be the answer and counter balance to humanity's greed, selfishness and isolation.
So what makes the Filipino special?
We are brown, spiritual, timeless, spaceless, linguists, groupists, weavers, adventurists. Seldom do all these profound qualities find personification in a people. Filipinos should allow - and should be allowed - to contribute their special traits to the world-wide community of men - but first, we should know and like ourselves.
From the Special issue of Light Touch Magazine, vol. 8 number 3, Copyright 2004, Glad Tidings Publication
5) Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier.- RESPECT ANYONE WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE AND HONOR OUR KABABAYANS.
6) Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
7) Support your church.- GIVE AT LEAST 10% OF YOUR INCOME, SALARY, COMMISSION, PAY(ANY MONEY THAT GETS INTO YOUR POCKET) TO CHURCH AND A SMALL PORTION TO ANY CAUSE/S YOU BELIEVE IN. THIS IS ONE WAY TO PROSPER FINANCIALLY. EVEN IF YOU ONLY RECEIVE 1 PESO. MANAGE THAT PESO WELL AND IT WILL GROW.
8) During elections, do your solemn duty.- PRAY FOR THE CANDIDATES AND VOTE FOR THOSE WHOM YOU FEEL CAN DO THE JOB WELL. NOT ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE POPULAR.
9) Pay your employees well.- FAIR TRADE AND LABOR. IN SHORT, GIVE THEM MORE THAN WHAT THE GOVERNMENT MANDATES.
10) Pay your taxes.
11) Adopt a scholar or a poor child.
12) Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.- DO NOT SEND THEM AWAY TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ABROAD FOR SO LONG THAT THEY FORGET WHO THEY ARE AND TURN THEIR BACK AWAY FROM WHAT THEIR COUNTRY IS LIKE TOGETHER WITH ITS CULTURE AND BEAUTY.
In summary, this would be an enlightening read which was sent to me by a friend and fellow OFW way back in 2004, just click on this link or if it does not work click on the link below:
http://www.meetup.com/businessandentrepreneurs/files/
It’s a big challenge for all of us Filipinos (wherever we may be) to do something. We are helpless on our own. We cannot trust ourselves not even our own intelligence. We need someone higher than us. We need Christ. Let us surrender our lives and our country to Christ and do something.
Now, what would be your next step?
Written by Eunice
by Eunice
(At-length analysis on why the Philippines is poor and what we can do about it)
After a decade in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, I have come to realize that an inexperienced staff with a track record of integrity is way more preferable than a brilliant employee with questionable ethics. The latter will become a problem in the future for the spa business. Here is why.
The video below hit the net community especially the Filipino audience online.
Before anything else, let us not talk about schools and crème de la crème. This will not be the focus of my blog. The thing that has really stuck into my mind is when Prof. Winnie Monsod said and I quote, “Eh saan tayo ngayon? (Where are we now?) If they (those in the government) are so good, why are we where we are now?”
In Philippine culture, we have always looked upon people who graduated with high honors, we have always saluted those who graduated from top universities especially those who studied in the US or abroad and we have placed in pedestals those whose diplomas and degrees are much higher than our own. If we are lead by great leaders coming from crème de la crème universities, who graduated with high honors and whose degrees and letters after the name is as many as the alphabet, in essence why is the Philippines still poor? There are a lot of factors and intricacies that this blog will not be able to answer. Suffice to say that one of the things that we have forgotten as a nation, we have placed too much emphasis on the outer realm, the diplomas, the school, the knowledge and the degrees to the point that we have exchanged our integrity for money, wealth or fame. It’s never enough to have a doctorate degree, to graduate with high honors or to graduate from a well-known university. The essence of going to school is for us to hone our talents, our knowledge and skills and apply them into our life, our practice and our work. An impeccable transcript of records, just don’t cut it in the real world of work. Excellence in itself is just not enough. There are a lot of excellent people in school with grade no lower than 1.5 (or A-) but their integrity and honor is as shallow as the cat’s pooo dugged under the soil. Do not get me wrong, hindi masamang magkaroon ng matataas na marka but do not let it overshadow our love for the country and our fellowmen. When Fortune 500 magazine asked the CEO’s of many Fortune 500 companies what they considered the most important qualities for hiring and promoting top executives, do you know what their unanimous answer were? It’s integrity and trustworthiness. Not technical skill, Not education, Not school. Not even a pleasing personality. But still, the good old-fashioned integrity, honesty, honor qualities that the Bible teaches. Only if we would turn and obey God’s word can we qualify to be a person of integrity and honor. Integrity and Honor, these things can never be taught even at Harvard.
Secondly, she said that “if you are going to help this country, you’ve got to be in this country.” The Filipino is also confused. Why? We want to stay in the country but there are no opportunities. There are no jobs that could help the people pay the crème de la crème tuition fees. I must admit, I am already at a point in my life where I am ready to move and I am contemplating on migrating abroad since all my immediate family is in the United States and I am the only one who is still a Filipino citizen. I think there are a lot (I mean a lot) of like me out there, who are ready to leave the country for better opportunities- for good. I do not blame them.
I have found the book, 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country by Atty. Alex Ledesma Lacson (also a graduate of the University of the Philippines) with my own thoughts and links added in CAPS:
1) Follow traffic rules. Follow the law.- THAT IS WHY LADY JUSTICE EYES ARE COVERED BECAUSE IT IS JUSTICE FOR ALL. RICH OR POOR ALIKE. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.
2) Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt.
3) Don’t buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino.- STOP BUYING PIRATED COPIES OF VCD’S, DVD’S OR CD’S. RESPECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. AT LEAST BUY MORE FILIPINO PRODUCTS THAN IMPORTED ONES. HINDI YUNG MAS PROUD PA TAYO PAG IMPORTED. THINK OF IT THIS WAY, IF YOU ARE BUYING MASSAGE OILS PERHAPS A LEMON GRASS, GINGER OR SAMPAGUITA MASSAGE OIL. MADE IN THE PHILIPPINES HINDI BA ANG TINUTULUNGAN MO RIN AY ANG ATING MGA FARMERS AND ATING MGA LOCAL BUSINESS MEN? PARA SILA AY SUMAGANA AT HINDI NA KAILANGAN PANG MANGIBANG BANSA NG MGA FARMERS OR NG ATING MGA KABABAYAN DAHIL SA KAKULANGAN SA TRABAHO. AT THE VERY LEAST, PERSONALLY, AT LEAST 70% OF THE PRODUCTS OR RETAIL THAT YOU BUY SHOULD BE PHILIPPINE MADE.
4) When you talk to others, especially foreigners speak positively about us and our country. – STOP COMPLAINING AND LOOKING DOWN ON OUR COUNTRY AND START ACTING ON SOLUTIONS. STOP BEING NEGATIVE AND PESSIMISTIC. START BLESSING OTHERS AND BLESSING OUR COUNTRY BECAUSE YOU AND I ARE SPECIAL.
I SUGGEST YOU START WITH KNOWING WHY YOU ARE SPECIAL? JUST IN CASE YOU FORGOT….
WHY THE FILIPINO IS SPECIAL by Pastor Ed Lapiz
Filipinos are Brown
Their color is in the center of human racial strains. This point is not an attempt at racism, but just for many Filipinos to realize that our color should not be a source of or reason for inferiority complex. While we pine for a fair complexion, the white people are religiously tanning themselves, whenever they could, under the sun or some artificial light, just to approximate the Filipino complexion.
Filipinos are a touching people
We have lots of love and are not afraid to show it. We almost inevitably create human chains with our perennial akbay (putting an arm around another shoulder), hawak (hold), yaka(embrace), himas (caressing stroke), kalabit (touch with the tip of the finger), kalong (sitting on someone else's lap), etc. We are always reaching out, always seeking interconnection.
Filipinos are linguists
Put a Filipino in any city, any town around the world. Give him a few months or even weeks and he will speak the local language there. Filipinos are adept at learning and speaking languages. In fact, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak at least three: his dialect, Filipino, and English. Of course, a lot speak an added language, be it Chinese, Spanish or, if he works abroad, the language of his host country.
In addition, Tagalog is not 'sexist.' While many "conscious" and "enlightened" people of today are just by now striving to be "politically correct" with their language and, in the process, bend to absurd depths in coining "gender sensitive" words, Tagalog has, since time immemorial, evolved gender-neutral words like asawa (husband or wife), anak (son or daughter), magulang (father or mother), kapatid (brother or sister), biyenan (father-in-law or mother-in-law), manugang (son or daughter-in-law), bayani (hero or heroine), etc. Our languages and dialects are advanced and, indeed, sophisticated! It is no small wonder that Jose Rizal, the quintessential Filipino, spoke some twenty-two languages!
Filipinos are groupists
We love human interaction and company. We always surround ourselves with people and we hover over them, too. According to Dr. Patricia Licuanan, a psychologist from Ateneo, and Miriam College an average Filipino would have and know at least 300 relatives.
At work, we live bayanihan (mutual help); At play, we want a kalaro (playmate) more than laruan (toy). At socials, our invitations are open and it is more common even for guests to invite and bring in other guests. In transit, we do not want to be separated from our group. So what do we do when there is no more space in a vehicle? Kalung-kalong! (Sit on one another). No one would ever suggest splitting a group and waiting for another vehicle with more space!
Filipinos are weavers
One look at our baskets, mats, clothes and other crafts will reveal the skill of the Filipino weaver and his inclination to weaving. This art is a metaphor of the Filipino trait. We are social weavers. We weave theirs into ours that we all become parts of one another. We place a lot of premium on pakikisama (getting along) and pakikipagkapwa (relating). Two of the worst labels, walang pakikipagkapwa (inability to relate), will be avoided by the Filipino at almost any cost.
We love to blend and harmonize with people, we like to include them in our "tribe," in our "family" - and we like to be included in other people's families, too. Therefore we call our friend's mother nanay or mommy; we call a friend's sister ate (eldest sister), and so on. We even call strangers tia (aunt) or tio (uncle), tatang (grandfather), etc.
So extensive is our social openness and interrelations that we have specific title for extended relations like hipag (sister-in-law's spouse), balae (child-in-law's parents), inaanak (godchild), ninong/ ninang (godparents) kinakapatid (godparent's child), etc.
In addition, we have the profound 'ka' institution, loosely translated as "equal to the same kind" as in kasama (of the same company), kaisa (of the same cause), kapanalig (of the same belief), etc. In our social fiber, we treat other people as co-equals.
Filipinos, because of their social "weaving" traditions, make for excellent team workers.
Filipinos are adventurists
We have a tradition of separation. Our myths and legends speak of heroes and heroines who almost always get separated from their families and loved ones and are taken by circumstances to far-away lands where they find wealth or power.
Our Spanish colonial history is filled with separations caused by the reduccion (hamleting), and the forced migration to build towns, churches, fortresses or galleons. American occupation enlarged the space of Filipino wandering, including America , and there are documented evidences of Filipino presence in America as far back as 1587.
Now, Filipinos compose the world's largest population of overseas workers, populating and sometimes "threshing" major capitals, minor towns and even remote villages around the world. Filipino adventurism has made us today's citizens of the world, bringing the bagoong (salty shrimp paste). Pansit (sauteed noodles), siopao (meat-filled dough), kare-kare (peanut-flavored dish), dinuguan (innards cooked in pork blood) balut (unhatched duck egg), and adobo (meat vinaigrette), including the tabo (ladle) and tsinelas (slippers) all over the world.
Filipinos are excellent at adjustments and improvisation, managing to recreate their home, or to feel at home anywhere .
Filipinos have Pakiramdam (deep feeling/discernment)
We know how to feel what others feel, sometimes even anticipate what they will feel. Being manhid (dense) is one of the worst labels anyone could get and will therefore, avoid at all cost. We know when a guest is hungry though the insistence on being full is assured. We can tell if people are lovers even if they are miles apart. We know if a person is offended though he may purposely smile. We know because we feel. In our pakikipagkapwa (relating), we get not only to wear another man's shoe but also his heart.
We have a superbly developed and honored gift of discernment, making us excellent leaders, counselors and go-betweens.
Filipinos are very spiritual
We are transcendent. We transcend the physical world, see the unseen and hear the unheard. We have a deep sense of kaba (premonition) and kutob (hunch). A Filipino wife will instinctively feel her husband or child is going astray, whether or not telltale signs present themselves.
Filipino spirituality makes him invoke divine presence or intervention at nearly every bend of his journey Rightly or wrongly, Filipinos are almost always acknowledging, invoking or driving away spirits into and from their lives. Seemingly trivial or even incoherent events can take on spiritual significance and will be given such space or consideration.
The Filipino has a sophisticated, developed pakiramdam . The Filipino, though becoming more and more modern (hence, materialistic) is still very spiritual in essence. This inherent and deep spirituality makes the Filipino, once correctly Christianized, a major exponent of the faith.
Filipinos are timeless
Despite the nearly half-a-millennium encroachment of the western clock into our lives, Filipinos - unless on very formal or official functions - still measure time not with hours and minutes but with feeling. This style is ingrained deep in our psyche. Our time is diffused, not framed. Our appointments are defined by umaga (morning), tanghali ( noon ), hapon (afternoon) or gabi (evening). Our most exact time reference is probably tanghaliang-tapat (high noon), which still allows many minutes of leeway. That is how Filipino trysts and occasions are timed: there is really no definite time.
A Filipino event has no clear-cut beginning nor ending. We have a fiesta , but there is bisperas (eve), A day after the fiesta is still considered a good time to visit. The Filipino Christmas is not confined to December 25th; it somehow begins months before December and extends up to the first days of January.
Filipino say good-bye to guests first at the head of the stairs, then down to the descamo (landing), to the entresuelo (mezzanine), to the pintuan (doorway), to the tarangkahan (gate), and if the departing persons are to take public transportation, up to the bus stop or bus station.
In a way, other people's tardiness and extended stays can really be annoying, but this peculiarity is the same charm of Filipinos who, being governed by timelessness, can show how to find more time to be nice, kind, and accommodating than his prompt and exact brothers elsewhere.
Filipinos are Spaceless
As in the concept of time, the Filipino concept of space is not numerical. We will not usually express expanse of space with miles or kilometers but with feelings in how we say malayo (far) or malapit (near). Alongside with numberlessness, Filipino space is also boundless. Indegenous culture did not divide land into private lots but kept it open for all to partake of its abundance.
The Filipino has avidly remained "spaceless" in many ways. The interior of the bahay-kubo (hut) can easily become receiving room, sleeping room, kitchen, dining room, chapel, wake parlor, etc. Depending on the time of the day or the needs of the moment. The same is true with the bahay na bato (stone house).Space just flows in to the next space that the divisions between the sala , caida , comedor or vilada may only be faintly suggested by overhead arches of filigree
In much the same way, Filipino concept of space can be so diffused that ones party may creep into and actually expropriate the street! A family business like a sari-sari store or talyer may extend to the sidewalk and street. Provincial folks dry palayan (rice grain) on the highways! Religious groups of various persuasions habitually and matter-of-factly commandeer the streets for processions and parades. It is not uncommon to close a street to accommodate private functions, Filipinos eat. sleep , chat, socialize, quarrel, even urinate, nearly everywhere or just anywhere!
"Spacelessness," in the face of modern, especially urban life, can be unlawful and may really be counter-productive. On the other hand, Filipino spacelessness, when viewed from his context, is just another manifestation of his spiritually and communal values. Adapted well to today's context, which may mean unstoppable urbanization, Filipino spacelessness may even be the answer and counter balance to humanity's greed, selfishness and isolation.
So what makes the Filipino special?
We are brown, spiritual, timeless, spaceless, linguists, groupists, weavers, adventurists. Seldom do all these profound qualities find personification in a people. Filipinos should allow - and should be allowed - to contribute their special traits to the world-wide community of men - but first, we should know and like ourselves.
From the Special issue of Light Touch Magazine, vol. 8 number 3, Copyright 2004, Glad Tidings Publication
5) Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier.- RESPECT ANYONE WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE AND HONOR OUR KABABAYANS.
6) Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
7) Support your church.- GIVE AT LEAST 10% OF YOUR INCOME, SALARY, COMMISSION, PAY(ANY MONEY THAT GETS INTO YOUR POCKET) TO CHURCH AND A SMALL PORTION TO ANY CAUSE/S YOU BELIEVE IN. THIS IS ONE WAY TO PROSPER FINANCIALLY. EVEN IF YOU ONLY RECEIVE 1 PESO. MANAGE THAT PESO WELL AND IT WILL GROW.
8) During elections, do your solemn duty.- PRAY FOR THE CANDIDATES AND VOTE FOR THOSE WHOM YOU FEEL CAN DO THE JOB WELL. NOT ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE POPULAR.
9) Pay your employees well.- FAIR TRADE AND LABOR. IN SHORT, GIVE THEM MORE THAN WHAT THE GOVERNMENT MANDATES.
10) Pay your taxes.
11) Adopt a scholar or a poor child.
12) Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country.- DO NOT SEND THEM AWAY TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ABROAD FOR SO LONG THAT THEY FORGET WHO THEY ARE AND TURN THEIR BACK AWAY FROM WHAT THEIR COUNTRY IS LIKE TOGETHER WITH ITS CULTURE AND BEAUTY.
In summary, this would be an enlightening read which was sent to me by a friend and fellow OFW way back in 2004, just click on this link or if it does not work click on the link below:
http://www.meetup.com/businessandentrepreneurs/files/
It’s a big challenge for all of us Filipinos (wherever we may be) to do something. We are helpless on our own. We cannot trust ourselves not even our own intelligence. We need someone higher than us. We need Christ. Let us surrender our lives and our country to Christ and do something.
Now, what would be your next step?
Written by Eunice
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Client, Patient, Customer, at Iba pa; Masseur, Masseuse, Massage Therapist atbp.
Client, Patient, Customer, At Iba Pa
Masseur, Massagist, Massage Therapist, At Iba Pa
By yunesa@yahoo.com
(you can view, read, download and print this article for free, see below for details)
Client, customer, guest, patient, patron……ano ba talaga kuya? Alam niyo hindi ko lubos maisip kung ano talaga ang itatawag sa kanila. (You know, I really don’t know what to really call them) So, for me to sound politically correct we will dissect the words. Minsan nga nagiging topic pa ito ng mga diskusyon di ba? (Sometimes this has been a topic of discussions, hasn’t it?).
Let us differentiate a client, from a customer, to a guest, patient or patron. I am writing here with the focus of how the terms are used from the viewpoint of someone in the spa, massage therapy, bodyworks, beauty and wellness industry. Remember I am writing here not to be politically correct but to present each and every word within the context of how we view it in our industry and how it is perceived and used by others in different fields.
According to several online dictionaries that I have compared, a client is someone who uses and pays a professional or a specialist for goods or services. So if a person is not a professional this means the person seeking his/her goods or services is not technically a client? Ganun ba yun? (Is that it?) So let us say for example you are not really a professional spa or massage therapist, you don’t have the right to call your clients…clients? Normally, the word client is heard in a lawyer’s, solicitor’s, accountant’s, advertising agency’s office, etc.. But in the spa, massage, beauty and wellness industry we have also been using this term instead of the perennially hated word “customer”.
Let us go to the word customer. A customer on the other hand, is an informal word that refers to an individual buys/ pays for goods or services. Commonly this term is used in the retail industry. Because the word customer, has been tainted badly by people who promote sex other than purely professional massage therapy. People in the industry have been embarrassed to use this and instead used other terms which will not create stigma for the professionals. So kung wala namang bibilhin na product sa spa ang isang tao, dapat huwag siyang tawaging customer or if you cringe when you hear that word from fellow massage/ spa therapists then do not use “customer” at all.
Guest is a term used to refer to any individual or visitor who received hospitality from a home or a business entity. Generally, this is used in the hotel industry or any facility whose business is in accommodation, travel, holiday and tours industry. To be too technical about the term, in the spa, massage clinic or your wellness business, you can use the word guest if:
1. They are not regular visitors, meaning, to be technical about it, guest lang talaga sila. They do not come often.
2. You and your staff are really giving them the best service and value. What do I mean by this? How do we treat guests in our homes? I think the best example of treating guests is in the abode of Filipino homes. We treat them with utmost respect, honor, full-hospitality and accommodation. There are even times when the master’s bedroom is offered for the guests. We would tour them around even if that means being absent from the office or taking a half-day off. We would eat out with them from our own pocket and at our own expense not theirs, at marami pang iba. In short, they are treated as royalties and a distinguished part of the family.
3. To be again too technical about the term guest, guests are guests and they are not expected to pay. Naku! Hindi yata maganda ‘to…. if we are to be too technical about this term sa business natin…ang guest ay hindi natin ine-expect na mag-bayad. (Whew! This is not good because if we are too be too technical about this term, in our line of business, do you expect your guest at home to pay? Of course not, isn’t it? ) A guest is not expected to pay (?).
So meron na naman tayong sabit sa paggamit ng term na yan. So again, we will have another technical issue if we are to use that term.)
Let us go to the word patient or pasiyente in Tagalog. The word patient is generally used in the health and medical field naman because this is a person who requires medical care. So if you are in the premises of a medical setting, you are called a patient. Likewise, this term might be used also as an adjective meaning, someone who is fore bearing and one who embodies long-suffering or briefly, a patient is someone who endures. In Tagalog, mapagpasensiya. Which is correct in its context because when you are a patient, you are enduring some trying circumstances or situations. An ailment, disease or sickness. Before, the word patient is exclusively used by doctors, physicians but medical spas nowadays, use the word patient even if you do not have any illness, as long as you are in their premises and a receiver of their services they can call you a patient instead of client, guest, customer or patron. The word patient hooked two similar yet different denotations and connotations.
Last but not the least, the word, patron. The word patron means someone who is a regular individual who champions your business and some one who defends you. This person recommends you and your spa services. Patron is generally used by artists, in the restaurant, service industry or any institution where repeat business is high. The meaning of this in a technical concept, is wonderful because we really want people like these who are loyal and zealous of what we do and what we provide for them.
Before I end this brouhaha over these terminologies there is another set of terms that has been a controversy in the realm of spa, massage therapy and bodyworks. And these are the words: masseuse/masseur, massagist, massage therapist and bodyworkers.
Obviously a masseuse is a female and a masseur is a male, both of which professionally practices massage therapy as a source of income. Again, since these words have given some form of stigma for the professionals because of its other implied meaning regarding sex.
Massagist, is a neutral term, which may mean a female or a male, a term I have not found in the Webster’s dictionary but I have first encountered in Chapter XIII of PD 856 which is the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Massage Clinics and Sauna Bath Establishments of the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines, Section 2, Item Number 10 on the Definition of Terms, massagist refers to a trained person who has passed the masseurs examination and is a holder of a valid certificate of registration for masseur issued by the Department of Health. The word massage therapist has not been mentioned in the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Massage Clinics and Sauna Bath Establishments of the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines but has been mentioned in the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Tourism (DOT) governing the establishment of spa facilities. The DOT defines a massage therapist as someone who is a certified licensed massage therapist who has undergone extensive training either locally or internationally regarding anatomy, physiology and multitude of massage techniques.
Bodyworker may mean someone who is making or repairing vehicle bodies or someone who is engaged in the profession of bodywork. Bodywork is a broader concept than massage therapy because bodyworkers may include other forms of somatic bodyworks not only massage therapy and this includes: Yoga, Rolfing, Alexander technique, etc. Sometimes massage therapy and bodyworks are used interchangeably but to be technical about it, while bodywork includes all forms of massage techniques, it also includes many other types of touch and healing therapies that additionally incorporate vast assessment techniques and tools that may for example, allow a client to benefit their posture and/or aim to enhance their awareness of the 'mind-body connection'. Any activity which involves touch, energetic stimulation or the application of pressure or vibration to tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, joints, tendons and ligaments may be termed bodywork.
So in my personal opinion, whatever word we use, whether that be: client, customer, guest, patient, patron or masseur, masseuse, massagist, massage therapist, bodyworkers or whatever upcoming terminology that may arise, the basic principle is we use terms with value and dignity. Hindi na natin pag uusapan dito kung sino ang tama o mali. The issue here is about adding value to the industry. If you think, the term that you will use will add value to a person’s dignity or an industry’s dignity then by all means use it. But if, in the deepest recesses of your heart, you think that this term has become obsolete or needs some fresh new start then change it for your peace of mind.
We can argue on the uses of these words over and over or we can use any of these terms with malice or indignation or with love and respect. Remember, words are very powerful. God created the universe with words. Words became flesh. Words do become flesh.
Since I am not writing to be politically correct, as stated earlier, all definitions have been definitions found from different online and offline sources like dictionaries like Merriam Webster, thesaurus, Google, etc.
I will end this topic with a little twist to tickle our funny bones, but certainly not to degrade any language. Please bear with me.
After all these heated discussions and arguments which is right and which term is wrong, the English language is a crazy language and here are some of the reasons why: There is no egg in an eggplant, nor ham in hamburger. There is neither pine or apple in pineapple. French fries were not invented in France nor English muffins in England. Sweetmeats are candies, while sweetbreads, which are not sweet at all, are meat. There are a lot of paradoxes in the English language and we will find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a Guinea pig is neither a pig nor an animal from New Guinea. And why is it that writers write but fingers don’t fing? Hammers don’t ham and grocers don’t groce? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why then isn’t the plural of booth beeth? One goose, two geese. So one moose, two meese? Gets confusing….right?
Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? That you can comb through the annals of history but not a single annal? Or an anus? If a vegetarian ate vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Have running nose therefore they run? and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise guy and a wise man are opposites? How can overlook and oversea be opposites, while quite a lot and quite a few are alike? How can the weather be hot as hell in one day and cold as hell the other?
One has to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on.
As I quote Pastor Ed Lapiz, from the Special issue of Light Touch Magazine, vol. 8 number 3,Copyright 2004, Glad Tidings Publication “Filipinos are linguists. Put a Filipino in any city, any town around the world. Give him a few months or even weeks and he will speak the local language there. Filipinos are adept at learning and speaking languages. In fact, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak at least three: his dialect, Filipino, and English. Of course, a lot speak an added language, be it Chinese, Spanish or, if he works abroad, the language of his host country. In addition, Tagalog is not 'sexist.' While many "conscious" and "enlightened" people of today are just by now striving to be "politically correct" with their language and, in the process, bend to absurd depths in coining "gender sensitive" words, Tagalog has, since time immemorial, evolved gender-neutral words like asawa (husband or wife), anak (son or daughter), magulang (father or mother), kapatid (brother or sister), biyenan ( father-in-law or mother-in-law), manugang (son or daughter-in-law), bayani (hero or heroine), etc. Our languages and dialects are advanced and, indeed, sophisticated! It is no small wonder that Jose Rizal, the quintessential Filipino, spoke some twenty-two languages!”
English, Tagalog, Spanish, Norge, Nipponggo and all the other languages were invented by people and not by computers. Language is a blessing in the hands of responsible people. We can bless with words and we can curse with words. We can express our love with words or scar a person with words. Words can be used both as a positive influence and a negative one. Language embodies the creativity of the human race (which, of course, is not a race at all…ay sus!). That is why when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. Any why, when I say I would wind up my watch it means I would start it and when I say, I would wind up this talk, I would end it.
May we always have words that are encouraging, helpful, nurturing and loving to everyone around us.
Mabuhay!
You can view, read, download and print this article for FREE at this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13265296/Client-Patient-Customer-at-Iba-Pa-Etc
Masseur, Massagist, Massage Therapist, At Iba Pa
By yunesa@yahoo.com
(you can view, read, download and print this article for free, see below for details)
Client, customer, guest, patient, patron……ano ba talaga kuya? Alam niyo hindi ko lubos maisip kung ano talaga ang itatawag sa kanila. (You know, I really don’t know what to really call them) So, for me to sound politically correct we will dissect the words. Minsan nga nagiging topic pa ito ng mga diskusyon di ba? (Sometimes this has been a topic of discussions, hasn’t it?).
Let us differentiate a client, from a customer, to a guest, patient or patron. I am writing here with the focus of how the terms are used from the viewpoint of someone in the spa, massage therapy, bodyworks, beauty and wellness industry. Remember I am writing here not to be politically correct but to present each and every word within the context of how we view it in our industry and how it is perceived and used by others in different fields.
According to several online dictionaries that I have compared, a client is someone who uses and pays a professional or a specialist for goods or services. So if a person is not a professional this means the person seeking his/her goods or services is not technically a client? Ganun ba yun? (Is that it?) So let us say for example you are not really a professional spa or massage therapist, you don’t have the right to call your clients…clients? Normally, the word client is heard in a lawyer’s, solicitor’s, accountant’s, advertising agency’s office, etc.. But in the spa, massage, beauty and wellness industry we have also been using this term instead of the perennially hated word “customer”.
Let us go to the word customer. A customer on the other hand, is an informal word that refers to an individual buys/ pays for goods or services. Commonly this term is used in the retail industry. Because the word customer, has been tainted badly by people who promote sex other than purely professional massage therapy. People in the industry have been embarrassed to use this and instead used other terms which will not create stigma for the professionals. So kung wala namang bibilhin na product sa spa ang isang tao, dapat huwag siyang tawaging customer or if you cringe when you hear that word from fellow massage/ spa therapists then do not use “customer” at all.
Guest is a term used to refer to any individual or visitor who received hospitality from a home or a business entity. Generally, this is used in the hotel industry or any facility whose business is in accommodation, travel, holiday and tours industry. To be too technical about the term, in the spa, massage clinic or your wellness business, you can use the word guest if:
1. They are not regular visitors, meaning, to be technical about it, guest lang talaga sila. They do not come often.
2. You and your staff are really giving them the best service and value. What do I mean by this? How do we treat guests in our homes? I think the best example of treating guests is in the abode of Filipino homes. We treat them with utmost respect, honor, full-hospitality and accommodation. There are even times when the master’s bedroom is offered for the guests. We would tour them around even if that means being absent from the office or taking a half-day off. We would eat out with them from our own pocket and at our own expense not theirs, at marami pang iba. In short, they are treated as royalties and a distinguished part of the family.
3. To be again too technical about the term guest, guests are guests and they are not expected to pay. Naku! Hindi yata maganda ‘to…. if we are to be too technical about this term sa business natin…ang guest ay hindi natin ine-expect na mag-bayad. (Whew! This is not good because if we are too be too technical about this term, in our line of business, do you expect your guest at home to pay? Of course not, isn’t it? ) A guest is not expected to pay (?).
So meron na naman tayong sabit sa paggamit ng term na yan. So again, we will have another technical issue if we are to use that term.)
Let us go to the word patient or pasiyente in Tagalog. The word patient is generally used in the health and medical field naman because this is a person who requires medical care. So if you are in the premises of a medical setting, you are called a patient. Likewise, this term might be used also as an adjective meaning, someone who is fore bearing and one who embodies long-suffering or briefly, a patient is someone who endures. In Tagalog, mapagpasensiya. Which is correct in its context because when you are a patient, you are enduring some trying circumstances or situations. An ailment, disease or sickness. Before, the word patient is exclusively used by doctors, physicians but medical spas nowadays, use the word patient even if you do not have any illness, as long as you are in their premises and a receiver of their services they can call you a patient instead of client, guest, customer or patron. The word patient hooked two similar yet different denotations and connotations.
Last but not the least, the word, patron. The word patron means someone who is a regular individual who champions your business and some one who defends you. This person recommends you and your spa services. Patron is generally used by artists, in the restaurant, service industry or any institution where repeat business is high. The meaning of this in a technical concept, is wonderful because we really want people like these who are loyal and zealous of what we do and what we provide for them.
Before I end this brouhaha over these terminologies there is another set of terms that has been a controversy in the realm of spa, massage therapy and bodyworks. And these are the words: masseuse/masseur, massagist, massage therapist and bodyworkers.
Obviously a masseuse is a female and a masseur is a male, both of which professionally practices massage therapy as a source of income. Again, since these words have given some form of stigma for the professionals because of its other implied meaning regarding sex.
Massagist, is a neutral term, which may mean a female or a male, a term I have not found in the Webster’s dictionary but I have first encountered in Chapter XIII of PD 856 which is the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Massage Clinics and Sauna Bath Establishments of the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines, Section 2, Item Number 10 on the Definition of Terms, massagist refers to a trained person who has passed the masseurs examination and is a holder of a valid certificate of registration for masseur issued by the Department of Health. The word massage therapist has not been mentioned in the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Massage Clinics and Sauna Bath Establishments of the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines but has been mentioned in the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Tourism (DOT) governing the establishment of spa facilities. The DOT defines a massage therapist as someone who is a certified licensed massage therapist who has undergone extensive training either locally or internationally regarding anatomy, physiology and multitude of massage techniques.
Bodyworker may mean someone who is making or repairing vehicle bodies or someone who is engaged in the profession of bodywork. Bodywork is a broader concept than massage therapy because bodyworkers may include other forms of somatic bodyworks not only massage therapy and this includes: Yoga, Rolfing, Alexander technique, etc. Sometimes massage therapy and bodyworks are used interchangeably but to be technical about it, while bodywork includes all forms of massage techniques, it also includes many other types of touch and healing therapies that additionally incorporate vast assessment techniques and tools that may for example, allow a client to benefit their posture and/or aim to enhance their awareness of the 'mind-body connection'. Any activity which involves touch, energetic stimulation or the application of pressure or vibration to tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, joints, tendons and ligaments may be termed bodywork.
So in my personal opinion, whatever word we use, whether that be: client, customer, guest, patient, patron or masseur, masseuse, massagist, massage therapist, bodyworkers or whatever upcoming terminology that may arise, the basic principle is we use terms with value and dignity. Hindi na natin pag uusapan dito kung sino ang tama o mali. The issue here is about adding value to the industry. If you think, the term that you will use will add value to a person’s dignity or an industry’s dignity then by all means use it. But if, in the deepest recesses of your heart, you think that this term has become obsolete or needs some fresh new start then change it for your peace of mind.
We can argue on the uses of these words over and over or we can use any of these terms with malice or indignation or with love and respect. Remember, words are very powerful. God created the universe with words. Words became flesh. Words do become flesh.
Since I am not writing to be politically correct, as stated earlier, all definitions have been definitions found from different online and offline sources like dictionaries like Merriam Webster, thesaurus, Google, etc.
I will end this topic with a little twist to tickle our funny bones, but certainly not to degrade any language. Please bear with me.
After all these heated discussions and arguments which is right and which term is wrong, the English language is a crazy language and here are some of the reasons why: There is no egg in an eggplant, nor ham in hamburger. There is neither pine or apple in pineapple. French fries were not invented in France nor English muffins in England. Sweetmeats are candies, while sweetbreads, which are not sweet at all, are meat. There are a lot of paradoxes in the English language and we will find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a Guinea pig is neither a pig nor an animal from New Guinea. And why is it that writers write but fingers don’t fing? Hammers don’t ham and grocers don’t groce? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why then isn’t the plural of booth beeth? One goose, two geese. So one moose, two meese? Gets confusing….right?
Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend? That you can comb through the annals of history but not a single annal? Or an anus? If a vegetarian ate vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Have running nose therefore they run? and feet that smell? Park on driveways and drive on parkways? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise guy and a wise man are opposites? How can overlook and oversea be opposites, while quite a lot and quite a few are alike? How can the weather be hot as hell in one day and cold as hell the other?
One has to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill a form by filling it out and in which an alarm clock goes off by going on.
As I quote Pastor Ed Lapiz, from the Special issue of Light Touch Magazine, vol. 8 number 3,Copyright 2004, Glad Tidings Publication “Filipinos are linguists. Put a Filipino in any city, any town around the world. Give him a few months or even weeks and he will speak the local language there. Filipinos are adept at learning and speaking languages. In fact, it is not uncommon for Filipinos to speak at least three: his dialect, Filipino, and English. Of course, a lot speak an added language, be it Chinese, Spanish or, if he works abroad, the language of his host country. In addition, Tagalog is not 'sexist.' While many "conscious" and "enlightened" people of today are just by now striving to be "politically correct" with their language and, in the process, bend to absurd depths in coining "gender sensitive" words, Tagalog has, since time immemorial, evolved gender-neutral words like asawa (husband or wife), anak (son or daughter), magulang (father or mother), kapatid (brother or sister), biyenan ( father-in-law or mother-in-law), manugang (son or daughter-in-law), bayani (hero or heroine), etc. Our languages and dialects are advanced and, indeed, sophisticated! It is no small wonder that Jose Rizal, the quintessential Filipino, spoke some twenty-two languages!”
English, Tagalog, Spanish, Norge, Nipponggo and all the other languages were invented by people and not by computers. Language is a blessing in the hands of responsible people. We can bless with words and we can curse with words. We can express our love with words or scar a person with words. Words can be used both as a positive influence and a negative one. Language embodies the creativity of the human race (which, of course, is not a race at all…ay sus!). That is why when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible. Any why, when I say I would wind up my watch it means I would start it and when I say, I would wind up this talk, I would end it.
May we always have words that are encouraging, helpful, nurturing and loving to everyone around us.
Mabuhay!
You can view, read, download and print this article for FREE at this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13265296/Client-Patient-Customer-at-Iba-Pa-Etc
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Smartest Spa/ Massage Therapist (Ang Pinaka Matalinong Spa / Massage Therapist)
The Smartest Massage/ Spa Therapist
(Ang Pinaka-Matalinong Massage/ Spa Therapist)
By
Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
I would like to share a story about four people flying in a small airline plane going for a vacation. Itong small airline plane na ito has four passengers inside: may pilot, may minister and two young women, one of whom graduated on top of her class as a summa cum laude in a prestigious massage and spa school.
As they were flying, the pilot turned to his three passengers and said, “We are having engine trouble, I have a bad news and worse news, which would you like to hear first?” They all agreed to the bad news first. “The bad news is”, the pilot continued “we are having mechanical trouble, the plane’s going down and we will surely crash. The worse news is we only have three parachutes in the cabin and there are four of us”.
The pilot started to reason out “I have a wife and two small children, I am sorry but I am going to have to take one parachute” and without any hesitation, he grabbed one of the parachutes and jumped out of the plane.
The summa cum laude, immediately spoke, “I have been voted the graduate most likely to succeed in my spa school and have been honored as top of my class. I am sorry but I might be the one to come up with a cure for fibromyalgia through massage, who knows? I might even be the one to solve the economic problems of the industry.” With that said, the top graduate grabbed the second parachute and jumped.
The minister then spoke and said to the remaining young woman, who unusually remained calm, “Young lady, you take the last parachute, I have made my peace with God and I am willing to go down with the plane and die. Now take the last parachute and go before it’s too late.”
“Relax, Reverend” replied the young woman, “the top graduate, the one voted most likely to succeed jumped out of the plane with my knapsack. We have two parachutes left for the two of us.”
Lesson? A lot of young people think they are pretty smart especially if they came from reputable schools with high honors and adulation from people. But what they do not understand is that in this industry as in all the others, many things are to be learned, not in the massage table or in the spa lecture rooms but in the streets called life especially in the work place.
Like the top graduate, these smart people as they see themselves, jump out into the world without parachutes. They think they know it all, and they start pushing their way around to the point of hurting people and they will soon crash….because what they have is only a knapsack and not a real parachute.
It is okay if we are passionate at what we do, but if we, the younger generations started criticizing older generations or people just to impress others on how brilliant or talented we are, or we act on impulse at hindi tayo nagiisip bago magsalita then we start to recklessly hurt other people. In the long term, we are also hurting ourselves. Because believe it or not, the value we give to other people, is the value we give to ourselves. So relax and take it easy…..
Take time to study, analyze, keep your opinion to yourself, sabi nga sa isang lumang kasabihan na ang latang walang laman, pagulungin mo sa lansangan mas maingay pa daw sa batingaw (there is an old saying that an empty can sounds the loudest). Be tactful in saying things and pray before you react. Although siyempre minsan talaga gustong gusto mo ng mag react di ba? (Of course, sometimes you cannot help but react or defend yourself) As humans, we would always choose the way which has the least resistance. Sometimes, ito yung pag sasalita ng walang pakundangan kaya nga minsan mas gusto ko yung nag susulat kasi I can erase and edit eh yung salita? Pag nasabi mo na hindi mo na maibabalik. (Sometimes these are the words that we hurl to another person and sometimes, it is better to write because when you write something you can erase and edit while a hurtful word cannot be taken back). Kaya mas masakit sa aking palagay yung salitang isinulat or idinaan sa letter kasi may time pa tayong mag isip isip bago natin matapos ito di ba at magbago ng isip? BUT of course, if done in good taste, we should be open for a little nudge or reminder. Mas maganda siguro kung love letters ang sinusulat natin sa kapwa…hehe….(It would be better if we can write instead a love letter….)
In the massage and spa business industry, I also learned that there is a time for everything Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. There is a time to speak and correct. Naniniwala ka ba na ang Diyos ang author ng time? (Do you believe that God is the author of time?) Siyempre, if you believe that God is the author of time, then you would trust him for the right time wouldn’t you? God is never a second too early or a second too late. God is always right on time because He is perfect.
I remember that when Fortune Magazine asked the Chief Executive Officers of many Fortune 500 companies what they consider the most important qualities for hiring and promoting their staff. Do you know what the unanimous answer was? Its their attitude especially of integrity and trustworthiness. Hindi pinag uusapan kung saan ka grumaduate (we are not talking here where you graduated). It is not your technical skills, knowledge, education and work experience that matters. But the good-old fashioned attitude. The qualities that God wants us to emulate from Him.
After more than eight years in this industry, I have come to realize that an inexperienced worker with a track record of loving his work and impeccable attitude of work ethics is much more preferable than a brilliant employee who graduated with high honors from a top university with questionable ethics. If I were to choose only one, I would rather hire for the attitude rather than the credentials.
Ang problema lang sa work ethics and attitude (the problem with work ethics and attitude)…..is that there is no school for them. The only thing we can do to achieve that is to surrender our lives to Christ and let Him lead our way. Even management experts agree that your attitude towards your work, determines the outcome of your work. Our attitude determines our future.
We would often encounter classified ads that says they are looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree, someone who graduated from well-known universities, with pleasing personality, a Licensed or Certified Massage/ Spa Therapist, hard-working, talented, ambitious, proficient in oral and written English and so on and so forth. Although these are very good qualities, no doubt about that, but they are not the most important qualities to look for. Mas maganda kung meron ka ng magagandang credentials mabuti ka pang tao. Talagang nakaka bless. Double blessing ika nga. Believe me, we need more of those people today more than ever before. I think if attitude and values are stressed more in our massage and spa schools today, less and less problems will be faced by spa owners and operators regarding staff attitude and lesser incidences of back biting, rumor mongering and lower percentage of staff turn-over. Because everyone will be looking out for each other’s benefit and not to each his own.
In Japan, managers and supervisors are not hired based on their education, abilities or skills. They were hired based on their mutual obligation to teach and train their staff. So Japanese managers devote 20-30% of their time developing the potential of their staff. If we are neglecting to look into the applicant’s passion to learn, to teach what he/she knows to the staff, we will have stunted growth in our spa, massage clinic or wellness center. Training should not stop with skills. It is a continuous process. If we will only train people in skills, the result is a pool of graduates who are bright, very good with massage and spa skills and educated in theory but who are individualistic, selfish, unable or unwilling to be a team player. Gusto lagi kanya-kanya. Para sa kanila…. Akin, ako…yun ang mahalaga…..(For them, I, me and myself are what is important). The hard truth is, kaya nagkakagulo sa spa dahil ang daming ayaw mag patalo. (That is why the spa human resources sometimes experiences chaos because nobody wants to give way). Everyone wants to have his or her own way.
The height of achievement in Japan is for the manager or supervisor is the promotion of his/her staff to a position higher than his/hers. Take note ha….higher than the manager or supervisor. There is a special ceremony pa nga to celebrate the occasion, and the celebration’s center of attention is not the one who got promoted but the supervisor or manager that made the promotion possible. There is a spirit of self-sacrifice at work within the framework of the corporate organization.
Ang totoong leader is someone who is willing to share their knowledge to develop people to the point of letting others surpass him in knowledge and ability. Effective leadership is always being a servant first and it does not come for just a year or two. It comes with years and years of persistence and hard work and believing in yourself and your people. One day at a time. The fruit of one’s labor does not come only after two months or a year, it comes in years and even decades of persistence. So there is still a lot to learn and to accomplish out there and we have only scratched the tip of the iceberg. We have to be sure we are hanging on to a parachute not a knapsack.
We know already that we are an effective servant if we are willing, at any moment, to receive from others and to learn from others.
Are we helping because we want to get something? Are we are helping even if we are not getting any monetary rewards? It is always a pleasure to give than to receive. But, we cannot give what we don’t have so we have to cultivate ourselves first before others. Even in an emergency inside an airplane, one should place the oxygen mask first to himself/herself before placing the other oxygen mask to a child di ba? Simply because you cannot help another person if you, yourself are also helpless.
When we also did or said something, we should be quick to apologize. It is said that the three most neglected words and the difficult things to say are: I am sorry, I love you and Thank you. So let us start practicing to use them more.
We are not perfect but we can make a difference.
To conclude, here is a song that I found very timely from Noel Cabangon (or is that a K?) entitled Ako’y Isang Mabuting Pilipino (I am a Good Filipino):
AKOY ISANG MABUTING PILIPINO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARW551VzUFw
Akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko ( I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)Tumatawid ako sa tamang tawiran (I would cross in the correct pedestrian lane)Sumasakay ako sa tamang sakayan (I would ride and alight in the correct spot)Pumipila’t di nakikipag-unahan (I would line up and will not get ahead of others who are already in line)At di ako siga-siga sa lansangan (I am not a street bully)Nagbaba’t nagsasakay ako sa tamang sakayan (I alight my passengers in the right place)Di nakahambalang parang walang pakialam (I do not just stop anywhere I want as if I do not care)Pinagbibigyan ko'ng mga tumatawid sa kalsada (I would always give way to pedestrians)Humihinto ako pag ang ilaw ay pula (I would stop when the red lights are on)Pagkat akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (Because I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kaniyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)Di ako nangongotong o nagbibigay ng lagay (I do not accept or give bribes)
Ticket lang ang tinatanggap ko’t binibigay (Only traffic tickets are given and accepted by me)Akoy nakatayo dun mismo sa kanto (I stand right in the corner)At di nagtatago sa ilalim ng puno (And I do not hide under the tree)Di ako nagkakalat ng basura sa lansangan (I do not throw trash in the streets)Di bumubuga ng usok ang aking sasakyan (My automobile does not emit smoke and polluntants)Inaayos kong mga kalat sa basurahan (I throw trash in the trash can)Inaalagaan kong aking kapaligiran (I take care of my environment)Pagkat akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (because I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kaniyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)Lagi akong nakikinig sa aking mga magulang (I listen to my parents)Kaya't pag-aaral ay aking pinagbubutihan (So I study hard)Di ako gumagamit ng bawal na gamot (I do not use prohibited drugs)O kaya’y tumatambay at sa eskwela’t di pumapasok (nor do I wander around and not go to school)Pinagtatanggol ko ang aking karangalan (I uphold my honor)Pagkat ito lamang ang tangi kong kayamanan (Because this is my only wealth)Di ko binebenta ang aking kinabukasan (I do not sell my future)Ang boto koy pinahahalagahan (I give importance to my vote)Pagkat akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (because I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kaniyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)Akoy isang tapat at totoong lingkod ng bayan (I am an honest and true servant of the people)Pabor o lagay ay di ko pinapayagan (I do not allow special favors and bribes)Tapat ang serbisyo ko sa mamamayan (I practice honesty in serving my fellowmen)Di ko binubulsa ang pera ng bayan (I am not corrupt and do not place the money of the people in my pocket)Pinagtatanggol ko ang mamamayang Pilipino (I defend my fellow Filipino)Mga karapatan nila’y kinikilala ko (I acknowledge and uplift their rights)Ginagalang ko ang aking kapwa tao (I respect my fellowmen)Pinaglalaban kong dangal ng bayan ko (I defend the honor of my country)Pagkat akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (because I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kaniyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)
------
Attitude…. It’s an everyday thing, don’t you think?
A list of magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
TERMS OF REPRINT
You can freely distribute a copy of this article provided, that you follow the terms of reprint. Be certain to read our TERMS OF REPRINT and honor our TERMS OF REPRINT when you use this article. Thank you.
Helpful Link: The Digital Millennium Copyright Act – Overview http://www.gseis.ucla.edu/iclp/dmca1.htm
Our TERMS OF REPRINT are fully enforcible under the terms of: The Digital Millennium Copyright Acthttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c105:H.R.2281.ENR:*** Digital Reprint Rights **** If you publish this article in a website/forum/ blog, etc. You Must Set All URL's or Mailto Addresses in the body of the article AND in the Author's Resource Box as Hyperlinks (clickable links).* Links must remain in the form that we published them. Clean links should point to the Author's links without redirects having been inserted into the copy.* You are not allowed to Change or Delete any Words or Links in the Article or Resource Box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with articles. You can change where the paragraph breaks fall, but you cannot eliminate all paragraph breaks as some have chosen to do.* Email Distribution of this article must be done through Opt-in Email Only. No Unsolicited Commercial Email.* You are allowed to format the layout of the article for proper display of the article in your website or in your ezine, so long as you can maintain the author's interests within the article.* You may not use sentences from this article as an input for any software that steals sentences from others in order to build an article with software. The copyright on this article applies to the "WHOLE" article.*** Author Notification ***We ask that you notify the author of publication of her work. Eunice can be reached at: http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com*** Print Publication Reprint Rights ***If you desire to publish this article in a PRINT publication, you must contact the author directly for Print Permission at: mailto:http://us.mc391.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=judy%40judymurdoch.com============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= The content of this article is solely the property and opinion of its author, Eunice
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(Ang Pinaka-Matalinong Massage/ Spa Therapist)
By
Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
I would like to share a story about four people flying in a small airline plane going for a vacation. Itong small airline plane na ito has four passengers inside: may pilot, may minister and two young women, one of whom graduated on top of her class as a summa cum laude in a prestigious massage and spa school.
As they were flying, the pilot turned to his three passengers and said, “We are having engine trouble, I have a bad news and worse news, which would you like to hear first?” They all agreed to the bad news first. “The bad news is”, the pilot continued “we are having mechanical trouble, the plane’s going down and we will surely crash. The worse news is we only have three parachutes in the cabin and there are four of us”.
The pilot started to reason out “I have a wife and two small children, I am sorry but I am going to have to take one parachute” and without any hesitation, he grabbed one of the parachutes and jumped out of the plane.
The summa cum laude, immediately spoke, “I have been voted the graduate most likely to succeed in my spa school and have been honored as top of my class. I am sorry but I might be the one to come up with a cure for fibromyalgia through massage, who knows? I might even be the one to solve the economic problems of the industry.” With that said, the top graduate grabbed the second parachute and jumped.
The minister then spoke and said to the remaining young woman, who unusually remained calm, “Young lady, you take the last parachute, I have made my peace with God and I am willing to go down with the plane and die. Now take the last parachute and go before it’s too late.”
“Relax, Reverend” replied the young woman, “the top graduate, the one voted most likely to succeed jumped out of the plane with my knapsack. We have two parachutes left for the two of us.”
Lesson? A lot of young people think they are pretty smart especially if they came from reputable schools with high honors and adulation from people. But what they do not understand is that in this industry as in all the others, many things are to be learned, not in the massage table or in the spa lecture rooms but in the streets called life especially in the work place.
Like the top graduate, these smart people as they see themselves, jump out into the world without parachutes. They think they know it all, and they start pushing their way around to the point of hurting people and they will soon crash….because what they have is only a knapsack and not a real parachute.
It is okay if we are passionate at what we do, but if we, the younger generations started criticizing older generations or people just to impress others on how brilliant or talented we are, or we act on impulse at hindi tayo nagiisip bago magsalita then we start to recklessly hurt other people. In the long term, we are also hurting ourselves. Because believe it or not, the value we give to other people, is the value we give to ourselves. So relax and take it easy…..
Take time to study, analyze, keep your opinion to yourself, sabi nga sa isang lumang kasabihan na ang latang walang laman, pagulungin mo sa lansangan mas maingay pa daw sa batingaw (there is an old saying that an empty can sounds the loudest). Be tactful in saying things and pray before you react. Although siyempre minsan talaga gustong gusto mo ng mag react di ba? (Of course, sometimes you cannot help but react or defend yourself) As humans, we would always choose the way which has the least resistance. Sometimes, ito yung pag sasalita ng walang pakundangan kaya nga minsan mas gusto ko yung nag susulat kasi I can erase and edit eh yung salita? Pag nasabi mo na hindi mo na maibabalik. (Sometimes these are the words that we hurl to another person and sometimes, it is better to write because when you write something you can erase and edit while a hurtful word cannot be taken back). Kaya mas masakit sa aking palagay yung salitang isinulat or idinaan sa letter kasi may time pa tayong mag isip isip bago natin matapos ito di ba at magbago ng isip? BUT of course, if done in good taste, we should be open for a little nudge or reminder. Mas maganda siguro kung love letters ang sinusulat natin sa kapwa…hehe….(It would be better if we can write instead a love letter….)
In the massage and spa business industry, I also learned that there is a time for everything Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. There is a time to speak and correct. Naniniwala ka ba na ang Diyos ang author ng time? (Do you believe that God is the author of time?) Siyempre, if you believe that God is the author of time, then you would trust him for the right time wouldn’t you? God is never a second too early or a second too late. God is always right on time because He is perfect.
I remember that when Fortune Magazine asked the Chief Executive Officers of many Fortune 500 companies what they consider the most important qualities for hiring and promoting their staff. Do you know what the unanimous answer was? Its their attitude especially of integrity and trustworthiness. Hindi pinag uusapan kung saan ka grumaduate (we are not talking here where you graduated). It is not your technical skills, knowledge, education and work experience that matters. But the good-old fashioned attitude. The qualities that God wants us to emulate from Him.
After more than eight years in this industry, I have come to realize that an inexperienced worker with a track record of loving his work and impeccable attitude of work ethics is much more preferable than a brilliant employee who graduated with high honors from a top university with questionable ethics. If I were to choose only one, I would rather hire for the attitude rather than the credentials.
Ang problema lang sa work ethics and attitude (the problem with work ethics and attitude)…..is that there is no school for them. The only thing we can do to achieve that is to surrender our lives to Christ and let Him lead our way. Even management experts agree that your attitude towards your work, determines the outcome of your work. Our attitude determines our future.
We would often encounter classified ads that says they are looking for someone with a bachelor’s degree, someone who graduated from well-known universities, with pleasing personality, a Licensed or Certified Massage/ Spa Therapist, hard-working, talented, ambitious, proficient in oral and written English and so on and so forth. Although these are very good qualities, no doubt about that, but they are not the most important qualities to look for. Mas maganda kung meron ka ng magagandang credentials mabuti ka pang tao. Talagang nakaka bless. Double blessing ika nga. Believe me, we need more of those people today more than ever before. I think if attitude and values are stressed more in our massage and spa schools today, less and less problems will be faced by spa owners and operators regarding staff attitude and lesser incidences of back biting, rumor mongering and lower percentage of staff turn-over. Because everyone will be looking out for each other’s benefit and not to each his own.
In Japan, managers and supervisors are not hired based on their education, abilities or skills. They were hired based on their mutual obligation to teach and train their staff. So Japanese managers devote 20-30% of their time developing the potential of their staff. If we are neglecting to look into the applicant’s passion to learn, to teach what he/she knows to the staff, we will have stunted growth in our spa, massage clinic or wellness center. Training should not stop with skills. It is a continuous process. If we will only train people in skills, the result is a pool of graduates who are bright, very good with massage and spa skills and educated in theory but who are individualistic, selfish, unable or unwilling to be a team player. Gusto lagi kanya-kanya. Para sa kanila…. Akin, ako…yun ang mahalaga…..(For them, I, me and myself are what is important). The hard truth is, kaya nagkakagulo sa spa dahil ang daming ayaw mag patalo. (That is why the spa human resources sometimes experiences chaos because nobody wants to give way). Everyone wants to have his or her own way.
The height of achievement in Japan is for the manager or supervisor is the promotion of his/her staff to a position higher than his/hers. Take note ha….higher than the manager or supervisor. There is a special ceremony pa nga to celebrate the occasion, and the celebration’s center of attention is not the one who got promoted but the supervisor or manager that made the promotion possible. There is a spirit of self-sacrifice at work within the framework of the corporate organization.
Ang totoong leader is someone who is willing to share their knowledge to develop people to the point of letting others surpass him in knowledge and ability. Effective leadership is always being a servant first and it does not come for just a year or two. It comes with years and years of persistence and hard work and believing in yourself and your people. One day at a time. The fruit of one’s labor does not come only after two months or a year, it comes in years and even decades of persistence. So there is still a lot to learn and to accomplish out there and we have only scratched the tip of the iceberg. We have to be sure we are hanging on to a parachute not a knapsack.
We know already that we are an effective servant if we are willing, at any moment, to receive from others and to learn from others.
Are we helping because we want to get something? Are we are helping even if we are not getting any monetary rewards? It is always a pleasure to give than to receive. But, we cannot give what we don’t have so we have to cultivate ourselves first before others. Even in an emergency inside an airplane, one should place the oxygen mask first to himself/herself before placing the other oxygen mask to a child di ba? Simply because you cannot help another person if you, yourself are also helpless.
When we also did or said something, we should be quick to apologize. It is said that the three most neglected words and the difficult things to say are: I am sorry, I love you and Thank you. So let us start practicing to use them more.
We are not perfect but we can make a difference.
To conclude, here is a song that I found very timely from Noel Cabangon (or is that a K?) entitled Ako’y Isang Mabuting Pilipino (I am a Good Filipino):
AKOY ISANG MABUTING PILIPINO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARW551VzUFw
Akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko ( I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kanyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)Tumatawid ako sa tamang tawiran (I would cross in the correct pedestrian lane)Sumasakay ako sa tamang sakayan (I would ride and alight in the correct spot)Pumipila’t di nakikipag-unahan (I would line up and will not get ahead of others who are already in line)At di ako siga-siga sa lansangan (I am not a street bully)Nagbaba’t nagsasakay ako sa tamang sakayan (I alight my passengers in the right place)Di nakahambalang parang walang pakialam (I do not just stop anywhere I want as if I do not care)Pinagbibigyan ko'ng mga tumatawid sa kalsada (I would always give way to pedestrians)Humihinto ako pag ang ilaw ay pula (I would stop when the red lights are on)Pagkat akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (Because I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kaniyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)Di ako nangongotong o nagbibigay ng lagay (I do not accept or give bribes)
Ticket lang ang tinatanggap ko’t binibigay (Only traffic tickets are given and accepted by me)Akoy nakatayo dun mismo sa kanto (I stand right in the corner)At di nagtatago sa ilalim ng puno (And I do not hide under the tree)Di ako nagkakalat ng basura sa lansangan (I do not throw trash in the streets)Di bumubuga ng usok ang aking sasakyan (My automobile does not emit smoke and polluntants)Inaayos kong mga kalat sa basurahan (I throw trash in the trash can)Inaalagaan kong aking kapaligiran (I take care of my environment)Pagkat akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (because I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kaniyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)Lagi akong nakikinig sa aking mga magulang (I listen to my parents)Kaya't pag-aaral ay aking pinagbubutihan (So I study hard)Di ako gumagamit ng bawal na gamot (I do not use prohibited drugs)O kaya’y tumatambay at sa eskwela’t di pumapasok (nor do I wander around and not go to school)Pinagtatanggol ko ang aking karangalan (I uphold my honor)Pagkat ito lamang ang tangi kong kayamanan (Because this is my only wealth)Di ko binebenta ang aking kinabukasan (I do not sell my future)Ang boto koy pinahahalagahan (I give importance to my vote)Pagkat akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (because I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kaniyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)Akoy isang tapat at totoong lingkod ng bayan (I am an honest and true servant of the people)Pabor o lagay ay di ko pinapayagan (I do not allow special favors and bribes)Tapat ang serbisyo ko sa mamamayan (I practice honesty in serving my fellowmen)Di ko binubulsa ang pera ng bayan (I am not corrupt and do not place the money of the people in my pocket)Pinagtatanggol ko ang mamamayang Pilipino (I defend my fellow Filipino)Mga karapatan nila’y kinikilala ko (I acknowledge and uplift their rights)Ginagalang ko ang aking kapwa tao (I respect my fellowmen)Pinaglalaban kong dangal ng bayan ko (I defend the honor of my country)Pagkat akoy isang mabuting Pilipino (because I am a good Filipino citizen)Minamahal ko ang bayan ko (I love my country)Tinutupad ko ang aking mga tungkulin (I accomplish my duties and responsibilities) Sinusunod ko ang kaniyang mga alituntunin (I follow my country’s rules and regulations)
------
Attitude…. It’s an everyday thing, don’t you think?
A list of magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
TERMS OF REPRINT
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Suggested Interview Questions and Answers for the Spa, Massage Therapy, Bodyworks and Wellness Professionals
Suggested Questions and Answers for Interview
By Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
(see blow for details on how to get a free copy of this article)
In this highly competitive age, what are the key qualifications that corporations are looking for in their prospective staff? When you look at classified ads, its common to see companies looking for a pleasing personality, an impeccable educational background, proficient in oral and written communication, etc. But when Fortune Magazine’s CEO’s were asked what they consider the most important qualities for hiring and promoting top executives, the unanimous answer was integrity and trustworthiness. As a spa consultant and director, I get to ask questions to prospective applicants and I find these questions to be the most useful in screening for the right fit. We are looking for people with a heart in their work, not only technical skills and education.
Companies most affected by the slump are suppliers of electric components to major global brands like Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, IBM, Dell, Intel and Samsung.
These major players intend to cut costs and manpower as part of their strategy to tide the recession, according to a study by the SBMA.
To soften the impact of layoffs and cost-cutting approach to doing business, Salonga said the SBMA re-integration program would give displaced workers “lifesaver opportunities” in the agro-industry, small-scale enterprise and hospitality industry. Training will include short technical courses.
“We will focus on existing job markets, but we will also try to create new markets after studies show that they are feasible,” he said.
These potential markets are in food processing, handicraft and novelty items, as well as spa services, he added.
Salonga also expressed hope that the local economy will survive the recession and bounce back soon.
Excerpt from:
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5384:subic-unfurls-safety-net-for-displaced-workers-&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71
With all the news, views and everything in between regarding the world economic crunch here is the article that I wrote for Manila Bulletin for those who would like to impress/excel or at least pass their interviews, here are some words on what to ask and how to answer them:
:
Trabaho ba Kamo?
http://trabahobakamo.blogspot.com/2009/01/job-interview-questions-and-answers.html
Job Interview Questions And Answers
Job interviews are usually the clincher in the job application process. Even the most intelligent candidate can fail if he doesn't know how to handle an interview. The best way to make sure that we succeed in this very important step is not only to know what possible questions will be asked but also to know the best answer to give for each question.
Eunice Estipona, spa consultant and director gets to interview prospective applicants and shares the most useful questions for screening and choosing the right candidates. She also gives suggestions on how to begin to answer these questions as she contributes her knowledge to the Manila Bulletin Classified Readers Section (January 25, 2009). She further reminds the readers that there is no wrong or right way to answer these questions but they can practice expanding on the suggested answers on their own. So you can put your own words and personality in these statements….Here's what Ms. Estipona wrote:Q: Tell me about yourself.A: I put my heart into everything I do, whether it be sports or work. I find that getting along with your peers and being part of the team makes life more enjoyable and productive.Q: How much is the salary you are expecting?A: I'm looking for a job and a company to call home. The most important thing to me will be the job itself and the company. If I am the right person for you, I'm sure you'll make a fair offer appropriate to my job responsibilities, experience, and ability to do the job successfully. May I ask what figure you have in mind or perhaps the salary range for this position?Q: Why do you want to work here?A: I am not looking for just another paycheck. I enjoy my work and I am proud of my profession. I believe (name the company you are applying for) has superior service and reputation. I share the values that make this possible, which should enable me to fit in and complement the team. I believe that the company can provide me with a stable and happy working environment. I think that your company has that reputation and that such an atmosphere would encourage my best work. (Please make sure that you have read the company’s profile before you answer this)Q: What did you dislike about your last job?A: I really liked everything about the job. The reason I left is to find a position where I can make a greater contribution and a greater intellectual challenge.Q: What have you learned from the jobs you have held?A: More than anything, I have learned that what is good for the company is also good for me. So, I listen very carefully to directions and always keep my superiors informed of my actions.Q: What do you think are your biggest accomplishments?A: Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with (mention the job or project you are most proud of and how you contributed to accomplishing as its goals). I made my contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We all did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye on the bottom line.Q: How long would you stay with our company?A: I take directions well and love to learn. As long as I am growing professionally, there is no reason for me to make a move. How long do you need me to be of use there?Q: Can you work under pressure?A; Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and proper time management to reduce panic deadlines within my area of responsibility.Q: How do you handle tension?A: Tension is caused when you let things pile up. It is usually caused by letting other areas of responsibility slip by for a period of time. I find that if you break those overwhelming tasks into little pieces, they aren't so overwhelming anymore. So I suppose, I handle tension by handling the causes of it, by not letting things slip in other areas that can give rise to it.Q: What interests you most about this job?A: Before I answer, could I ask you to describe a typical day for me? I am looking for a challenge and an opportunity to being a team player and an opportunity to make a contribution.Describe a situation in which your work or idea was criticized.A: I listened carefully and resisted the temptation to interrupt or defend myself. Then I verified what I heard to be sure my facts were straight. I asked for advice, we bounced some ideas around, then came back later and re-presented the idea in a more viable format. My supervisor's input was invaluable.Q: Why should I hire you?A: I believe I have the qualifications that you need; I am a team player; and I take directions and have the desire to reach success.Q: What can you do for us that no one else can do? Why do you feel you are a better candidate than others?A: I can bring to this job a determination to see projects through to a proper conclusion. I listen and take directions well. I am analytical and don't jump to conclusions. And finally, I understand we are in business to make a profit, so I also keep an eye on cost and return.Q: What kind of people do you find it difficult to work with?A: People who have a blatant disregard for others and do not follow procedures or are slackers - the occasional rotten apples who don't really care about the quality of their work. They are long on complaints but short on solutions.Q: (follow-up to the previous question) How will you handle these people?A: I would stick to my guns, stay enthusiastic, and hope some of it will rub off. If no amount of good effort on my part solves the problem, I will still maintain cordial relations. Life is too short to be affected by people who always think their cup is half empty.Q: What do you think of your last boss?A: I liked him/her as a person (if applicable), respected him/her professionally and appreciated his/her guidance.Q: Were there things that your supervisor did that you disliked?A: I have never thought of our relationship in terms of like or dislike. I have always thought our role was to get along together and get the job done. We had a very good relationship as far as I can remember.Q: Can you take instructions - and criticism - without feeling hurt or upset?A: Yes, I can take instructions - and more importantly, I can take constructive criticism without feeling hurt. Even with the best intent, I will still make mistakes and at times someone will have to put me back on the right track. I know that if I expect to rise in the company, I must first prove myself to be manageable.Q: How do you take directions? How do you handle criticism?A: I take directions well and I believe that there are two types: carefully explained directions - when my boss has time, and then there's the other, a brusque order or correction. While most people get upset with the latter, personally, I always believe the manager is troubled with bigger problems and a tight schedule. As such, I take the direction and get on with the job without taking offense so my boss can get on with his/her job as well. It's the only way to accomplish our tasks.Q: What is your greatest strength? What do you consider your outstanding qualities?A: Perhaps my greatest strength is the ability to stick to a difficult task yet be able to change course rapidly when required. I believe in planning and proper management of my time and yet I can still work under pressure.Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced?A: (Give an example which is specific to your case; what follows is an example) Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions is to fire someone but I would like to emphasize that once I had examined the problem and reached a conclusion, I acted in a timely and professional manner, with the best interests of the company at heart.Q: Are you willing to take calculated risks when necessary?A: Naturally, I would never take a risk that will in any way jeopardize the safety or reputation of the company or colleagues. In fact, I don't think any employer would appreciate an employee at any level taking risks of any nature without first receiving a thorough briefing and a chance to give input.Q: Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest.A: Perhaps an 8 or 9, as I always give my best shot, but in doing so, I always increase my skills and therefore always see room for improvement.About The Author:Eunice Estipona is a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker, lecturer & author. One of her advocacies is to make healing & information regarding the field of spa, massage & wellness accessible & affordable to everyone.Source: The Manila Bulletin, January 25, 2009 page CC-6
JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS THAT TAKE SOME DELIBERATION TO ANSWER (Special Situations)While these questions may not be asked of you, here are some sample responses to difficult questions which you can adapt to your needs:Q: Why are there gaps in your work history?A: No job in my experience has been irrelevant or a waste of time if it increases my knowledge about how a business works while making money on the side. Every job I have held has given me new insights into my profession and the higher one climbs, the more important the understanding of the lower-level more menial jobs. They all play a role in making the company profitable. And anyway, it's certainly easier to schedule and plan work when you have first-hand knowledge of what others will have to do to complete their tasks.Q: Why were you out of work for so long?A: I made a decision that I should enjoy my work too much to accept just another pay check. So I determined that every job should be where I could do my best and make a solid contribution. I feel that you are a group that expects people to pull their weight, because you have got a real job to do. I like that and I would like to be a part of the team. What have I got to do to get the job?Q: Wouldn't you be better off in another (bigger) firm?A: Not at all. My whole experience has been with small (meaning less than 5 employees) and medium sized companies (meaning more than 10 but less than 25). Now coming from that background, I have done a little bit of everything. That means that no matter what you throw at me I will be able to learn it quickly. For example, what would be the first project I would be involved with in your company?Q: How long have you been looking for a job?A: Well, I have been looking for about a year now. I've had a number of offers at that time but I have determined that as I spend most of my waking hours at work, the job I take and the people I work with have got to be people with values that I can identify with. I made the decision that I wasn't going to suffer clock-watchers and work-to-rule specialists anymore.Q: Do you make your opinions known to others when you disagree with the views of your supervisor?A: If opinions are sought in a meeting, I will give mine in a cordial and professional way, although I am careful to be aware of others' feelings. I will never criticize a co-worker or superior in an open forum; besides, it is quite possible to disagree without being disagreeable. However, all my past managers made it clear that they valued my opinion by asking for it. So, after a while if there was something I felt strongly about, I would make an appointment to sit down with them and discuss it one on one.Q: What would you say about a supervisor who was unfair or difficult to work with?A: I would make an appointment to see the supervisor and diplomatically explain that I felt uncomfortable in our relationship that I felt he or she was not treating me as a professional colleague and therefore that I might not be performing up to standard in some way - that I wanted to right matters and ask for his or her input as to what I must do to create a professional relationship. I would enter into the discussion in the frame of mind that we were equally responsible for whatever communication problems existed and that this wasn't just the manager's problem.Source: Manila Bulletin, January 25, 2009 page CC-6
To be able to view, read, download and print for FREE the whole article please visit: http://www.scribd.com/doc/11514591/Suggested-Interview-Questions-and-Answers
A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries.
You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
Follow this blog for updates
View my latest TV guesting on YouTube:
By Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
(see blow for details on how to get a free copy of this article)
In this highly competitive age, what are the key qualifications that corporations are looking for in their prospective staff? When you look at classified ads, its common to see companies looking for a pleasing personality, an impeccable educational background, proficient in oral and written communication, etc. But when Fortune Magazine’s CEO’s were asked what they consider the most important qualities for hiring and promoting top executives, the unanimous answer was integrity and trustworthiness. As a spa consultant and director, I get to ask questions to prospective applicants and I find these questions to be the most useful in screening for the right fit. We are looking for people with a heart in their work, not only technical skills and education.
Companies most affected by the slump are suppliers of electric components to major global brands like Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic, IBM, Dell, Intel and Samsung.
These major players intend to cut costs and manpower as part of their strategy to tide the recession, according to a study by the SBMA.
To soften the impact of layoffs and cost-cutting approach to doing business, Salonga said the SBMA re-integration program would give displaced workers “lifesaver opportunities” in the agro-industry, small-scale enterprise and hospitality industry. Training will include short technical courses.
“We will focus on existing job markets, but we will also try to create new markets after studies show that they are feasible,” he said.
These potential markets are in food processing, handicraft and novelty items, as well as spa services, he added.
Salonga also expressed hope that the local economy will survive the recession and bounce back soon.
Excerpt from:
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5384:subic-unfurls-safety-net-for-displaced-workers-&catid=45:regions&Itemid=71
With all the news, views and everything in between regarding the world economic crunch here is the article that I wrote for Manila Bulletin for those who would like to impress/excel or at least pass their interviews, here are some words on what to ask and how to answer them:
:
Trabaho ba Kamo?
http://trabahobakamo.blogspot.com/2009/01/job-interview-questions-and-answers.html
Job Interview Questions And Answers
Job interviews are usually the clincher in the job application process. Even the most intelligent candidate can fail if he doesn't know how to handle an interview. The best way to make sure that we succeed in this very important step is not only to know what possible questions will be asked but also to know the best answer to give for each question.
Eunice Estipona, spa consultant and director gets to interview prospective applicants and shares the most useful questions for screening and choosing the right candidates. She also gives suggestions on how to begin to answer these questions as she contributes her knowledge to the Manila Bulletin Classified Readers Section (January 25, 2009). She further reminds the readers that there is no wrong or right way to answer these questions but they can practice expanding on the suggested answers on their own. So you can put your own words and personality in these statements….Here's what Ms. Estipona wrote:Q: Tell me about yourself.A: I put my heart into everything I do, whether it be sports or work. I find that getting along with your peers and being part of the team makes life more enjoyable and productive.Q: How much is the salary you are expecting?A: I'm looking for a job and a company to call home. The most important thing to me will be the job itself and the company. If I am the right person for you, I'm sure you'll make a fair offer appropriate to my job responsibilities, experience, and ability to do the job successfully. May I ask what figure you have in mind or perhaps the salary range for this position?Q: Why do you want to work here?A: I am not looking for just another paycheck. I enjoy my work and I am proud of my profession. I believe (name the company you are applying for) has superior service and reputation. I share the values that make this possible, which should enable me to fit in and complement the team. I believe that the company can provide me with a stable and happy working environment. I think that your company has that reputation and that such an atmosphere would encourage my best work. (Please make sure that you have read the company’s profile before you answer this)Q: What did you dislike about your last job?A: I really liked everything about the job. The reason I left is to find a position where I can make a greater contribution and a greater intellectual challenge.Q: What have you learned from the jobs you have held?A: More than anything, I have learned that what is good for the company is also good for me. So, I listen very carefully to directions and always keep my superiors informed of my actions.Q: What do you think are your biggest accomplishments?A: Although I feel my biggest achievements are still ahead of me, I am proud of my involvement with (mention the job or project you are most proud of and how you contributed to accomplishing as its goals). I made my contribution as part of that team and learned a lot in the process. We all did it with hard work, concentration, and an eye on the bottom line.Q: How long would you stay with our company?A: I take directions well and love to learn. As long as I am growing professionally, there is no reason for me to make a move. How long do you need me to be of use there?Q: Can you work under pressure?A; Yes, I usually find it stimulating. However, I believe in planning and proper time management to reduce panic deadlines within my area of responsibility.Q: How do you handle tension?A: Tension is caused when you let things pile up. It is usually caused by letting other areas of responsibility slip by for a period of time. I find that if you break those overwhelming tasks into little pieces, they aren't so overwhelming anymore. So I suppose, I handle tension by handling the causes of it, by not letting things slip in other areas that can give rise to it.Q: What interests you most about this job?A: Before I answer, could I ask you to describe a typical day for me? I am looking for a challenge and an opportunity to being a team player and an opportunity to make a contribution.Describe a situation in which your work or idea was criticized.A: I listened carefully and resisted the temptation to interrupt or defend myself. Then I verified what I heard to be sure my facts were straight. I asked for advice, we bounced some ideas around, then came back later and re-presented the idea in a more viable format. My supervisor's input was invaluable.Q: Why should I hire you?A: I believe I have the qualifications that you need; I am a team player; and I take directions and have the desire to reach success.Q: What can you do for us that no one else can do? Why do you feel you are a better candidate than others?A: I can bring to this job a determination to see projects through to a proper conclusion. I listen and take directions well. I am analytical and don't jump to conclusions. And finally, I understand we are in business to make a profit, so I also keep an eye on cost and return.Q: What kind of people do you find it difficult to work with?A: People who have a blatant disregard for others and do not follow procedures or are slackers - the occasional rotten apples who don't really care about the quality of their work. They are long on complaints but short on solutions.Q: (follow-up to the previous question) How will you handle these people?A: I would stick to my guns, stay enthusiastic, and hope some of it will rub off. If no amount of good effort on my part solves the problem, I will still maintain cordial relations. Life is too short to be affected by people who always think their cup is half empty.Q: What do you think of your last boss?A: I liked him/her as a person (if applicable), respected him/her professionally and appreciated his/her guidance.Q: Were there things that your supervisor did that you disliked?A: I have never thought of our relationship in terms of like or dislike. I have always thought our role was to get along together and get the job done. We had a very good relationship as far as I can remember.Q: Can you take instructions - and criticism - without feeling hurt or upset?A: Yes, I can take instructions - and more importantly, I can take constructive criticism without feeling hurt. Even with the best intent, I will still make mistakes and at times someone will have to put me back on the right track. I know that if I expect to rise in the company, I must first prove myself to be manageable.Q: How do you take directions? How do you handle criticism?A: I take directions well and I believe that there are two types: carefully explained directions - when my boss has time, and then there's the other, a brusque order or correction. While most people get upset with the latter, personally, I always believe the manager is troubled with bigger problems and a tight schedule. As such, I take the direction and get on with the job without taking offense so my boss can get on with his/her job as well. It's the only way to accomplish our tasks.Q: What is your greatest strength? What do you consider your outstanding qualities?A: Perhaps my greatest strength is the ability to stick to a difficult task yet be able to change course rapidly when required. I believe in planning and proper management of my time and yet I can still work under pressure.Q: What is the most difficult situation you have faced?A: (Give an example which is specific to your case; what follows is an example) Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions is to fire someone but I would like to emphasize that once I had examined the problem and reached a conclusion, I acted in a timely and professional manner, with the best interests of the company at heart.Q: Are you willing to take calculated risks when necessary?A: Naturally, I would never take a risk that will in any way jeopardize the safety or reputation of the company or colleagues. In fact, I don't think any employer would appreciate an employee at any level taking risks of any nature without first receiving a thorough briefing and a chance to give input.Q: Rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest.A: Perhaps an 8 or 9, as I always give my best shot, but in doing so, I always increase my skills and therefore always see room for improvement.About The Author:Eunice Estipona is a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker, lecturer & author. One of her advocacies is to make healing & information regarding the field of spa, massage & wellness accessible & affordable to everyone.Source: The Manila Bulletin, January 25, 2009 page CC-6
JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS THAT TAKE SOME DELIBERATION TO ANSWER (Special Situations)While these questions may not be asked of you, here are some sample responses to difficult questions which you can adapt to your needs:Q: Why are there gaps in your work history?A: No job in my experience has been irrelevant or a waste of time if it increases my knowledge about how a business works while making money on the side. Every job I have held has given me new insights into my profession and the higher one climbs, the more important the understanding of the lower-level more menial jobs. They all play a role in making the company profitable. And anyway, it's certainly easier to schedule and plan work when you have first-hand knowledge of what others will have to do to complete their tasks.Q: Why were you out of work for so long?A: I made a decision that I should enjoy my work too much to accept just another pay check. So I determined that every job should be where I could do my best and make a solid contribution. I feel that you are a group that expects people to pull their weight, because you have got a real job to do. I like that and I would like to be a part of the team. What have I got to do to get the job?Q: Wouldn't you be better off in another (bigger) firm?A: Not at all. My whole experience has been with small (meaning less than 5 employees) and medium sized companies (meaning more than 10 but less than 25). Now coming from that background, I have done a little bit of everything. That means that no matter what you throw at me I will be able to learn it quickly. For example, what would be the first project I would be involved with in your company?Q: How long have you been looking for a job?A: Well, I have been looking for about a year now. I've had a number of offers at that time but I have determined that as I spend most of my waking hours at work, the job I take and the people I work with have got to be people with values that I can identify with. I made the decision that I wasn't going to suffer clock-watchers and work-to-rule specialists anymore.Q: Do you make your opinions known to others when you disagree with the views of your supervisor?A: If opinions are sought in a meeting, I will give mine in a cordial and professional way, although I am careful to be aware of others' feelings. I will never criticize a co-worker or superior in an open forum; besides, it is quite possible to disagree without being disagreeable. However, all my past managers made it clear that they valued my opinion by asking for it. So, after a while if there was something I felt strongly about, I would make an appointment to sit down with them and discuss it one on one.Q: What would you say about a supervisor who was unfair or difficult to work with?A: I would make an appointment to see the supervisor and diplomatically explain that I felt uncomfortable in our relationship that I felt he or she was not treating me as a professional colleague and therefore that I might not be performing up to standard in some way - that I wanted to right matters and ask for his or her input as to what I must do to create a professional relationship. I would enter into the discussion in the frame of mind that we were equally responsible for whatever communication problems existed and that this wasn't just the manager's problem.Source: Manila Bulletin, January 25, 2009 page CC-6
To be able to view, read, download and print for FREE the whole article please visit: http://www.scribd.com/doc/11514591/Suggested-Interview-Questions-and-Answers
A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries.
You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from http://www.amazon.com/ or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
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Preventing or Avoiding Sexual Advances in a Spa, Massage Setting (50+ Ways of Handling Client Advances)
PREVENTING/AVOIDING SEXUAL ADVANCES DURING A SPA OR MASSAGE SESSION
“50+ WAYS OF HANDLING CLIENT ADVANCES”
by Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
This article/report is not an all encompassing, everything-in-it method of preventing or avoiding sexual advances in a spa or massage session. The methods and ways described herein are intended to at least minimize, if not totally eradicate a common malaise of our industry, having to deal with “sexually charged” clients. Like anything else in life, there are no guarantees and the practitioner is cautioned to use their own judgment about their individual circumstances and act professionally and accordingly. Trusting one’s guts and intuition may prove life-saving in some cases. As in all my writings, it is presented in a contemporary style to address mainly the practitioners and spa, massage clinic and wellness center owners or operators and a minority of the inquiring public.
Let me be clear that there is no one way to totally avoid sexual advances or offers of such. Massage is by nature an intimate and pleasurable experience but it is not intended to sexually gratify a person. Some spa and massage therapies require the client to be semi-nude and sometimes naked. Even in the most professional setting the massage/ spa professional is exposed to being vulnerable to temptations which might lead to awkward situations. We can combine several of the pointers mentioned and act with due diligence. Practitioners in the spa, massage and wellness industry should perform their tasks that only true and unadulterated professionals do.
Recently, I have been asked again a truly valid question, one relating to handling clients who are taking advantage of their practitioner (whether this is a spa therapist or massage therapist). There are some ways of handling this, but let us first take into account what one validates (on a professional perspective) as “taking advantage or inappropriateness” means. Ano ba talaga ang maco-consider nating inappropriate? These are some examples (and by far, not a complete one) of inappropriate behaviors:
1. When approached or asked by a client or practitioner requesting any sexual contact of any kind.
2. When a client is trying to touch the practitioner inappropriately or the client asks to be touched in private areas including but is not limited to the genitalia.
3. Asking the practitioner to do something sexual apart from professional massage/spa therapy.
4. Making direct and/or indirect movements and comments that make it uneasy for the practitioner to work professionally and proceed with the session.
How do you, as a professional, handle these types of clients? These are just some tips and pointers in handling these types of clients, how to prevent sexual harassment during a session, setting boundaries and how to free yourself from being perceived as a prostitute instead of a real, honest-to-goodness” spa or massage professional. I said some as you can adjust the pointers listed here depending on your specific condition. I am aware that there might be many questions and a combination of answers out there and we are at our liberty to implement these pointers as befits us:
1. Most of the time, simple statements like “I cannot perform more than just massage or professional therapy because I love my job” or “The only extra service we provide is a smile and a hot cup of ginger tea (called Salabat in the Philippines) or rice tea, which would you prefer?” or “if you cannot respect me in this way, I would be forced to terminate the session and you will be charged in full sir/ma’am _______ (the client’s name).”
2. Always address them with sir or ma’am, so even in addressing clients you have already set your boundaries. Never call them just by their first name or nick name. Overly sexual comments and requests or suggestions of the client should be handled by comments such as “we only provide professional therapies and anymore of those comments and requests will force me to stop this session immediately and you will be charged in full price”. These statements should be memorized and taken to heart by the practitioner.
3. Your establishment should have a clear and strict work ethics and guidelines which are to be implemented not just written- again, these ethical guidelines should be implemented all throughout the rank and file including management. No exceptions. An example of this rules and regulations: sexual advances towards clients by any employee will not be tolerated.
4.Immediate termination of employee/s will follow any complaint that is investigated and where legitimacy of the claim is determined.
5. In cases that you cannot control or your safety as a practitioner is being compromised, you can end the session immediately and ask the client to dress up and pay for the session and then to leave the premises.
6. Therapists should leave the area or room and should not return until
the client/guest has departed the premises.
7. The client’s name should be entered into the prohibited client database to prevent any subsequent appointments being made by the client.
8. Likewise, if you are the client, tell your therapist that you are only interested in professional massage, nothing more.
9. Move out of the room and let them cool off for the meantime.
10. Any sexual contact and indulgences between a client and a staff is equivalent to being fired on the job.
11. Create an environment that is conducive to a healthy, relaxing and satisfying experience for the client. Examples: do not display or post nude and sexually explicit photos, displays, etc. inside your spa, massage clinic or wellness center; if your spa has a video or movie lounge do not include videos that are rated X.
12. Never ever include any sexually appealing advertisements for your establishment or practice. I have seen ads that goes something like “young, pretty, sexy, discrete masseuse for hire”, “presentable, class A, awesome beauty, flawless, available for stag party”. Words such as sexy, hot, macho, meztisa, irresistible, heartthrob, etc. should not be used at all costs. Hay naku, ang ipinagtataka ko lang, why is it important to be sexy and with awesome beauty? Is it not enough to be decent, clean looking and professional? So, if you want to be taken seriously in your practice, never ever- and I say it again, never advertise like those mentioned above.
13. It should be stipulated in the employee’s manual that therapists are not allowed to date or to have any other external physical relationships with any client while that person is a client of your respective spa, massage clinic or establishment until after a period of six months since the client received the last service. Definitely, NO dating with clients. As a practitioner, you are not there to look for a boyfriend, you are on the job to make a living and not be looked down upon.
14. The room should never be too darkly lit. To be technical about it, under Philippine laws, in PD 856 Chapter XII Section 5.4.1 states a room shall be provided with illumination to permit effective inspection and cleaning in accordance with the DOH (Department of Health) general illumination standards. The massage room shall be provided with a minimum of 10 foot-candle or kilowatts (107.6 lux) have a minimum while a sauna bath room should be provided a minimum of 5 foot-candle or kilowatts (53.8 lux) illumination. In 5.4.2. All lightings shall be reasonably free from glare and distributed so as to avoid shadows. But if you will ask me, I would prefer lighting which can be adjusted so when doing massage or spa therapies it will not have too much glare and when cleaning the room one can have enough illumination.
15. It is also the responsibility of the practitioner to communicate clearly with the client allowing the client to be at ease and know that they are professionally (not sexually) handled.
16. During a massage, the practitioner should minimize, if not refrain from making direct contact with “stimulating spots” like the inner thighs, groins, nipples, etc.
17. No touching of private areas and genitalia.
18. An experienced massage therapist should be able to guide the recipient through the massage or spa process so that there will be little confusion about some of the basic areas that may cause embarrassment or confusion. Like, if there are client concerns regarding a body scrub or body treatment, the concierge, practitioner or therapist should explain to the client that he/she will get undressed, get the armpits and butt rubbed, etc. will make the client prepare psychologically on the procedure.
19. Presence of mind on where the practitioner rests their hands while the other hand might be working. Example, if your right hand is doing a massage your left hand should be assisting the movements of your right hand and should never rest in any private area of the recipient or client. Hindi dapat nakadantay sa maselang bahagi o kahit sa malapit sa maselang bahagi ng katawan ng client ang kamay ng isang therapist.
20. The amount of clothing worn during a session is dependent on the type of treatment or therapy to be administered. Therefore, do not expect that you will be asked to take all your clothes off if you choose Thai massage or Shiatsu. Normally these massage modalities are performed with the client’s clothes on. It is also common to be completely undressed during a Swedish massage BUT don’t despair, as your therapist will professionally drape areas which are not
being worked on. The bottom line is that, the client should be able to wear what makes them comfortable but not to the point of distracting the therapist’s work or disregarding the policies on clothing (if there are any) of the spa, massage clinic or wellness center.
21. Shorts can be provided by the spa to all clients and can be worn during the session.
22. The therapist should also instruct the client about what to expect before they begin to undress.
23. The therapist should leave the room when the client will be undressing and return afterwards. Generally, no less than 5 minutes and should knock before entering.
24. The practitioner should also say something like “Ma’am/Sir ______ (name of client) are you ready?” before opening the door.
25. To quote again PD 856 Chapter XIII Section 5.8.2 a massage room shall be provided with sliding curtain or wing type wooden door or equivalent materials at the entrance. Doors with locks are not permitted. If you will ask me, my personal favorites are the sliding doors or the accordion type doors. Some form of privacy is needed though when the client dresses and undresses.
26. The therapist should instruct the client to position himself/herself under a sheet or towel during the massage session.
27.The therapist should work on a client with the same gender.
28. The therapist should always cover the genitalia area at all times.
29. The therapist should ignore minor comments regarding giving “extra service”, “happy ending”, “pocket massage” and provide professional answers instead of joking about it.
30. Respect the boundaries set by the client and establish your own conscience-boundaries.
31.No therapist should take their liberty or make assumptions relative to what parts of the body can be touched. As a general rule, it is never appropriate to touch the genitals during a massage or spa session. The client should never expect to be touched sexually and the therapist cannot touch the client in a sexual manner.
32. Let us briefly touch the topic about breast massage. While there are documented benefits of breast massage, it should not be included in a full, complete or total body massage. Breasts (including nipples) are off-limits unless a very special request is made by a qualified therapist or physician. This means that breast massage can only be included if and only if, it is indicated in the patient’s (notice I used the word patient instead of client. guest or patron because of the medical condition that a patient really needs to undergo breast massage) plan of care and only after receiving informed voluntary consent from the client and their qualified health care provider (most often, a physician). But normally, breast massage should be restricted.
33. A professional massage therapist, whatever gender, should know how to deflect sexual advances by a client. If a subtle response does not do the job then a forceful statement or ending the session will be the correct alternative.
34. A client, who respects their practitioner, should feel confident to tell them that they feel they are being touched inappropriately. If it is just an incidental/accidental contact or just a slip, the therapist should immediately apologize and continue with the client’s discomfort noted accordingly.
35. The relationship between a client and a therapist should always be bounded professionally and not personally. Therefore, therapists are not allowed to give their personal mobile numbers or private contact telephone numbers without asking permission from management or having to consult with their direct superior. In the meantime, if the client is persuasive let them know that they can call the establishment during business hours so their concerns or any questions, if there are any, can be addressed.
36. If you will allow any relationship between the therapist and a paying client beyond the massage table or spa premises to a more social or even romantic connection is like inviting a host of ethical dilemmas. Examples of preventing social relationships include: do not go out on a date with a client, return a client’s phone call only within the premises of the spa or business establishment and during business hours.
37. Although I do not personally agree, installing a security camera (focused only on the massage table area and not the dressing area) inside the room to be able to monitor the activity in each room can also minimize ‘sexual harassment” for any or both parties, practitioner and clients.
38. All clients should be draped, whether they like it or not, except for the head and the area that the therapist is working on.
39. The genitals, breasts and nipples (especially for women) and the gluteal cleft (puwet or pwet) should always be covered professionally. In some cases, a portion of the gluteal cleft might be reasonably exposed if being worked upon.
40. The front desk people, concierge or receptionist should be able to screen clients before any procedures and ask relevant questions as well as professionally answer any concerns the client might have. It is very important that these people (front liners) project professionalism, care to the health and well-being of the client and reputation of their establishment. They
should undergo training and briefing on how they should handle client calls, answer specific questions, provide relevant data, etc. Inquire about this with your spa consultant.
41. If your establishment is accepting out-call or in-room services, be sure to bring a companion or the company driver to drive you to the location. The HQ (or headquarters) of your central information center should know the exact address, the time that you arrived and what time you will be done with the session/s.
42. Upon arrival, you should phone-in and let the HQ know about any changes in the service/s to be done, do this where the client can hear you.
43. Be firm in saying “NO” to any sexual requests and favors. Let the client know that you have a firm foundation in your profession. This will help reputable clients feel safe and non-reputable individuals know that they picked the wrong place and the wrong person.
44. Educate friends, relatives and significant others in the wholesome benefits of massage and spa therapies. Treat them to a spa day; buy gift certificates for them so they can experience the feeling and satisfaction of a client after a session. Thereby, dispelling the myth that massage (or any spa therapy for that matter) is a sexual experience.
45. If you are working in a spa, massage clinic or wellness center, bring them at work and give them a tour on the premises.
46. Never talk about a client unprofessionally between your colleagues. Examples of these conversations, include, but are not limited to: “her butt is perfect”, “ay, ang guwapo ng lolo mo ang sarap pagpantasyahan”, “makalaglag panty naman yang lolo mo” and other comments.
47. Before any procedure/s, let the client sit and fill-up an intake form that details some of the common medical histories of the client including allergies, medical conditions like high blood pressure, etc. This will at least prevent (if not, turn-off) the client from assuming that the establishment is tolerating sexual services. It sometimes helps to interview the client after the intake form is filled-up and just ask some follow-up questions like what prompted him/her to have a massage? Is there any particular area that the therapist should focus on like the upper back or head? What are the painful areas? Etc.
48. It depends on the modality or the service/s to be rendered but a clear intent should be set from the beginning to work with the client’s quantitative goals. For example, a client came because of chronic shoulder pains. In order to establish yung ating quantitative goals, we should ask how long this has occurred, clearly explain the recommended therapy/ies to be made and how many times in a particular period (whether weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.), the cost and the
expected results- assuming that the client really wants and can afford the program, you have to meet the goals of the client.
49. I could not stress more about the practitioner’s demeanor and attitude in setting an appropriate tone that would dispel any misconceptions regarding “extra services”. The client watches how you handle him/her and any insinuation that you are open to an offer might give the client “lakas ng loob” to ask the practitioner for an extra service. So watch your language and movements.
50. Professional boundaries should be established before, during and after the session/s. It’s okay to be friendly and cheerful but do not overdo this and be careful about joking with clients.
51. Be aware of where you place the client’s hands while working with other parts of the body. Do not place nor rub the client’s hand on your breast or inner thigh and other areas that might signify that you are open for a sexual discussion or activity.
52. There are some body treatments or other types of waxing like bikini wax, Brazilian waxing, etc. that would really entail the client to be nude. In such circumstances, maintaining professional boundaries firmly in control is the best option. This is the time where you as a professional can prove that you are a grounded and mature professional.
53. Always practice “distancia amigo” or distance while performing massage or spa therapy. Meaning, always practice reasonable physical distance and focus less on your client’s sexually charged areas.
54. Be aware and monitor your own breathing techniques and right body mechanics while performing massage and other spa therapies.
55. There are some forms of massages that are oriented to sexually energize a couple or an individual. Some of these are: tantric massage, yoni massage, sensual massage, couple’s massage, etc. but as of this writing, these massages are rarely done in a spa, massage clinic or wellness center. It is more often in the privacy of the client’s home. To a client who is seeking these types of services, it is very important that you stress to your client that your sessions are not to stimulate arousal and is therapeutic in nature. Therefore, you will neither tolerate sexual advances, innuendos or sexual comments. Tell them that “my work is to bring healing and a sense of well-being and relaxation.”
56. Inform your direct superior at once regarding any untoward incident so that necessary precautions and the spa, massage clinic or wellness center’s protocol can be implemented as per definitive guidelines.
57. Train your staff to give professional remarks, intelligent and respectful answers and proper decorum. Your spa consultant can guide you through this.
58. Timed-sessions inside your spa rooms or installed wall clocks and your therapist knowing the duration of the treatment/s to be made will minimize sexual interferences.
59. Decent looking uniforms should also be worn during his/her duty hours by the practitioner.
All in all, there can be combination of ways that can at least deter clients on asking more than what a professional really does. In other countries, different ways have been implemented in order to strictly enforce client boundaries. To give you an example, in Minnesota, a client is not allowed to date their therapist until after two years of his/her last session. In Indonesia, a chastity belt is being worn. Thanks to the proliferation of day spas that slowly, the industry is now being perceived as a wholesome, even family oriented environment. Hopefully in the future, there might not even be room left for any sexually explicit activities in our industry just pure unadulterated pampering health and wellness at hand.
A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
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“50+ WAYS OF HANDLING CLIENT ADVANCES”
by Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
This article/report is not an all encompassing, everything-in-it method of preventing or avoiding sexual advances in a spa or massage session. The methods and ways described herein are intended to at least minimize, if not totally eradicate a common malaise of our industry, having to deal with “sexually charged” clients. Like anything else in life, there are no guarantees and the practitioner is cautioned to use their own judgment about their individual circumstances and act professionally and accordingly. Trusting one’s guts and intuition may prove life-saving in some cases. As in all my writings, it is presented in a contemporary style to address mainly the practitioners and spa, massage clinic and wellness center owners or operators and a minority of the inquiring public.
Let me be clear that there is no one way to totally avoid sexual advances or offers of such. Massage is by nature an intimate and pleasurable experience but it is not intended to sexually gratify a person. Some spa and massage therapies require the client to be semi-nude and sometimes naked. Even in the most professional setting the massage/ spa professional is exposed to being vulnerable to temptations which might lead to awkward situations. We can combine several of the pointers mentioned and act with due diligence. Practitioners in the spa, massage and wellness industry should perform their tasks that only true and unadulterated professionals do.
Recently, I have been asked again a truly valid question, one relating to handling clients who are taking advantage of their practitioner (whether this is a spa therapist or massage therapist). There are some ways of handling this, but let us first take into account what one validates (on a professional perspective) as “taking advantage or inappropriateness” means. Ano ba talaga ang maco-consider nating inappropriate? These are some examples (and by far, not a complete one) of inappropriate behaviors:
1. When approached or asked by a client or practitioner requesting any sexual contact of any kind.
2. When a client is trying to touch the practitioner inappropriately or the client asks to be touched in private areas including but is not limited to the genitalia.
3. Asking the practitioner to do something sexual apart from professional massage/spa therapy.
4. Making direct and/or indirect movements and comments that make it uneasy for the practitioner to work professionally and proceed with the session.
How do you, as a professional, handle these types of clients? These are just some tips and pointers in handling these types of clients, how to prevent sexual harassment during a session, setting boundaries and how to free yourself from being perceived as a prostitute instead of a real, honest-to-goodness” spa or massage professional. I said some as you can adjust the pointers listed here depending on your specific condition. I am aware that there might be many questions and a combination of answers out there and we are at our liberty to implement these pointers as befits us:
1. Most of the time, simple statements like “I cannot perform more than just massage or professional therapy because I love my job” or “The only extra service we provide is a smile and a hot cup of ginger tea (called Salabat in the Philippines) or rice tea, which would you prefer?” or “if you cannot respect me in this way, I would be forced to terminate the session and you will be charged in full sir/ma’am _______ (the client’s name).”
2. Always address them with sir or ma’am, so even in addressing clients you have already set your boundaries. Never call them just by their first name or nick name. Overly sexual comments and requests or suggestions of the client should be handled by comments such as “we only provide professional therapies and anymore of those comments and requests will force me to stop this session immediately and you will be charged in full price”. These statements should be memorized and taken to heart by the practitioner.
3. Your establishment should have a clear and strict work ethics and guidelines which are to be implemented not just written- again, these ethical guidelines should be implemented all throughout the rank and file including management. No exceptions. An example of this rules and regulations: sexual advances towards clients by any employee will not be tolerated.
4.Immediate termination of employee/s will follow any complaint that is investigated and where legitimacy of the claim is determined.
5. In cases that you cannot control or your safety as a practitioner is being compromised, you can end the session immediately and ask the client to dress up and pay for the session and then to leave the premises.
6. Therapists should leave the area or room and should not return until
the client/guest has departed the premises.
7. The client’s name should be entered into the prohibited client database to prevent any subsequent appointments being made by the client.
8. Likewise, if you are the client, tell your therapist that you are only interested in professional massage, nothing more.
9. Move out of the room and let them cool off for the meantime.
10. Any sexual contact and indulgences between a client and a staff is equivalent to being fired on the job.
11. Create an environment that is conducive to a healthy, relaxing and satisfying experience for the client. Examples: do not display or post nude and sexually explicit photos, displays, etc. inside your spa, massage clinic or wellness center; if your spa has a video or movie lounge do not include videos that are rated X.
12. Never ever include any sexually appealing advertisements for your establishment or practice. I have seen ads that goes something like “young, pretty, sexy, discrete masseuse for hire”, “presentable, class A, awesome beauty, flawless, available for stag party”. Words such as sexy, hot, macho, meztisa, irresistible, heartthrob, etc. should not be used at all costs. Hay naku, ang ipinagtataka ko lang, why is it important to be sexy and with awesome beauty? Is it not enough to be decent, clean looking and professional? So, if you want to be taken seriously in your practice, never ever- and I say it again, never advertise like those mentioned above.
13. It should be stipulated in the employee’s manual that therapists are not allowed to date or to have any other external physical relationships with any client while that person is a client of your respective spa, massage clinic or establishment until after a period of six months since the client received the last service. Definitely, NO dating with clients. As a practitioner, you are not there to look for a boyfriend, you are on the job to make a living and not be looked down upon.
14. The room should never be too darkly lit. To be technical about it, under Philippine laws, in PD 856 Chapter XII Section 5.4.1 states a room shall be provided with illumination to permit effective inspection and cleaning in accordance with the DOH (Department of Health) general illumination standards. The massage room shall be provided with a minimum of 10 foot-candle or kilowatts (107.6 lux) have a minimum while a sauna bath room should be provided a minimum of 5 foot-candle or kilowatts (53.8 lux) illumination. In 5.4.2. All lightings shall be reasonably free from glare and distributed so as to avoid shadows. But if you will ask me, I would prefer lighting which can be adjusted so when doing massage or spa therapies it will not have too much glare and when cleaning the room one can have enough illumination.
15. It is also the responsibility of the practitioner to communicate clearly with the client allowing the client to be at ease and know that they are professionally (not sexually) handled.
16. During a massage, the practitioner should minimize, if not refrain from making direct contact with “stimulating spots” like the inner thighs, groins, nipples, etc.
17. No touching of private areas and genitalia.
18. An experienced massage therapist should be able to guide the recipient through the massage or spa process so that there will be little confusion about some of the basic areas that may cause embarrassment or confusion. Like, if there are client concerns regarding a body scrub or body treatment, the concierge, practitioner or therapist should explain to the client that he/she will get undressed, get the armpits and butt rubbed, etc. will make the client prepare psychologically on the procedure.
19. Presence of mind on where the practitioner rests their hands while the other hand might be working. Example, if your right hand is doing a massage your left hand should be assisting the movements of your right hand and should never rest in any private area of the recipient or client. Hindi dapat nakadantay sa maselang bahagi o kahit sa malapit sa maselang bahagi ng katawan ng client ang kamay ng isang therapist.
20. The amount of clothing worn during a session is dependent on the type of treatment or therapy to be administered. Therefore, do not expect that you will be asked to take all your clothes off if you choose Thai massage or Shiatsu. Normally these massage modalities are performed with the client’s clothes on. It is also common to be completely undressed during a Swedish massage BUT don’t despair, as your therapist will professionally drape areas which are not
being worked on. The bottom line is that, the client should be able to wear what makes them comfortable but not to the point of distracting the therapist’s work or disregarding the policies on clothing (if there are any) of the spa, massage clinic or wellness center.
21. Shorts can be provided by the spa to all clients and can be worn during the session.
22. The therapist should also instruct the client about what to expect before they begin to undress.
23. The therapist should leave the room when the client will be undressing and return afterwards. Generally, no less than 5 minutes and should knock before entering.
24. The practitioner should also say something like “Ma’am/Sir ______ (name of client) are you ready?” before opening the door.
25. To quote again PD 856 Chapter XIII Section 5.8.2 a massage room shall be provided with sliding curtain or wing type wooden door or equivalent materials at the entrance. Doors with locks are not permitted. If you will ask me, my personal favorites are the sliding doors or the accordion type doors. Some form of privacy is needed though when the client dresses and undresses.
26. The therapist should instruct the client to position himself/herself under a sheet or towel during the massage session.
27.The therapist should work on a client with the same gender.
28. The therapist should always cover the genitalia area at all times.
29. The therapist should ignore minor comments regarding giving “extra service”, “happy ending”, “pocket massage” and provide professional answers instead of joking about it.
30. Respect the boundaries set by the client and establish your own conscience-boundaries.
31.No therapist should take their liberty or make assumptions relative to what parts of the body can be touched. As a general rule, it is never appropriate to touch the genitals during a massage or spa session. The client should never expect to be touched sexually and the therapist cannot touch the client in a sexual manner.
32. Let us briefly touch the topic about breast massage. While there are documented benefits of breast massage, it should not be included in a full, complete or total body massage. Breasts (including nipples) are off-limits unless a very special request is made by a qualified therapist or physician. This means that breast massage can only be included if and only if, it is indicated in the patient’s (notice I used the word patient instead of client. guest or patron because of the medical condition that a patient really needs to undergo breast massage) plan of care and only after receiving informed voluntary consent from the client and their qualified health care provider (most often, a physician). But normally, breast massage should be restricted.
33. A professional massage therapist, whatever gender, should know how to deflect sexual advances by a client. If a subtle response does not do the job then a forceful statement or ending the session will be the correct alternative.
34. A client, who respects their practitioner, should feel confident to tell them that they feel they are being touched inappropriately. If it is just an incidental/accidental contact or just a slip, the therapist should immediately apologize and continue with the client’s discomfort noted accordingly.
35. The relationship between a client and a therapist should always be bounded professionally and not personally. Therefore, therapists are not allowed to give their personal mobile numbers or private contact telephone numbers without asking permission from management or having to consult with their direct superior. In the meantime, if the client is persuasive let them know that they can call the establishment during business hours so their concerns or any questions, if there are any, can be addressed.
36. If you will allow any relationship between the therapist and a paying client beyond the massage table or spa premises to a more social or even romantic connection is like inviting a host of ethical dilemmas. Examples of preventing social relationships include: do not go out on a date with a client, return a client’s phone call only within the premises of the spa or business establishment and during business hours.
37. Although I do not personally agree, installing a security camera (focused only on the massage table area and not the dressing area) inside the room to be able to monitor the activity in each room can also minimize ‘sexual harassment” for any or both parties, practitioner and clients.
38. All clients should be draped, whether they like it or not, except for the head and the area that the therapist is working on.
39. The genitals, breasts and nipples (especially for women) and the gluteal cleft (puwet or pwet) should always be covered professionally. In some cases, a portion of the gluteal cleft might be reasonably exposed if being worked upon.
40. The front desk people, concierge or receptionist should be able to screen clients before any procedures and ask relevant questions as well as professionally answer any concerns the client might have. It is very important that these people (front liners) project professionalism, care to the health and well-being of the client and reputation of their establishment. They
should undergo training and briefing on how they should handle client calls, answer specific questions, provide relevant data, etc. Inquire about this with your spa consultant.
41. If your establishment is accepting out-call or in-room services, be sure to bring a companion or the company driver to drive you to the location. The HQ (or headquarters) of your central information center should know the exact address, the time that you arrived and what time you will be done with the session/s.
42. Upon arrival, you should phone-in and let the HQ know about any changes in the service/s to be done, do this where the client can hear you.
43. Be firm in saying “NO” to any sexual requests and favors. Let the client know that you have a firm foundation in your profession. This will help reputable clients feel safe and non-reputable individuals know that they picked the wrong place and the wrong person.
44. Educate friends, relatives and significant others in the wholesome benefits of massage and spa therapies. Treat them to a spa day; buy gift certificates for them so they can experience the feeling and satisfaction of a client after a session. Thereby, dispelling the myth that massage (or any spa therapy for that matter) is a sexual experience.
45. If you are working in a spa, massage clinic or wellness center, bring them at work and give them a tour on the premises.
46. Never talk about a client unprofessionally between your colleagues. Examples of these conversations, include, but are not limited to: “her butt is perfect”, “ay, ang guwapo ng lolo mo ang sarap pagpantasyahan”, “makalaglag panty naman yang lolo mo” and other comments.
47. Before any procedure/s, let the client sit and fill-up an intake form that details some of the common medical histories of the client including allergies, medical conditions like high blood pressure, etc. This will at least prevent (if not, turn-off) the client from assuming that the establishment is tolerating sexual services. It sometimes helps to interview the client after the intake form is filled-up and just ask some follow-up questions like what prompted him/her to have a massage? Is there any particular area that the therapist should focus on like the upper back or head? What are the painful areas? Etc.
48. It depends on the modality or the service/s to be rendered but a clear intent should be set from the beginning to work with the client’s quantitative goals. For example, a client came because of chronic shoulder pains. In order to establish yung ating quantitative goals, we should ask how long this has occurred, clearly explain the recommended therapy/ies to be made and how many times in a particular period (whether weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.), the cost and the
expected results- assuming that the client really wants and can afford the program, you have to meet the goals of the client.
49. I could not stress more about the practitioner’s demeanor and attitude in setting an appropriate tone that would dispel any misconceptions regarding “extra services”. The client watches how you handle him/her and any insinuation that you are open to an offer might give the client “lakas ng loob” to ask the practitioner for an extra service. So watch your language and movements.
50. Professional boundaries should be established before, during and after the session/s. It’s okay to be friendly and cheerful but do not overdo this and be careful about joking with clients.
51. Be aware of where you place the client’s hands while working with other parts of the body. Do not place nor rub the client’s hand on your breast or inner thigh and other areas that might signify that you are open for a sexual discussion or activity.
52. There are some body treatments or other types of waxing like bikini wax, Brazilian waxing, etc. that would really entail the client to be nude. In such circumstances, maintaining professional boundaries firmly in control is the best option. This is the time where you as a professional can prove that you are a grounded and mature professional.
53. Always practice “distancia amigo” or distance while performing massage or spa therapy. Meaning, always practice reasonable physical distance and focus less on your client’s sexually charged areas.
54. Be aware and monitor your own breathing techniques and right body mechanics while performing massage and other spa therapies.
55. There are some forms of massages that are oriented to sexually energize a couple or an individual. Some of these are: tantric massage, yoni massage, sensual massage, couple’s massage, etc. but as of this writing, these massages are rarely done in a spa, massage clinic or wellness center. It is more often in the privacy of the client’s home. To a client who is seeking these types of services, it is very important that you stress to your client that your sessions are not to stimulate arousal and is therapeutic in nature. Therefore, you will neither tolerate sexual advances, innuendos or sexual comments. Tell them that “my work is to bring healing and a sense of well-being and relaxation.”
56. Inform your direct superior at once regarding any untoward incident so that necessary precautions and the spa, massage clinic or wellness center’s protocol can be implemented as per definitive guidelines.
57. Train your staff to give professional remarks, intelligent and respectful answers and proper decorum. Your spa consultant can guide you through this.
58. Timed-sessions inside your spa rooms or installed wall clocks and your therapist knowing the duration of the treatment/s to be made will minimize sexual interferences.
59. Decent looking uniforms should also be worn during his/her duty hours by the practitioner.
All in all, there can be combination of ways that can at least deter clients on asking more than what a professional really does. In other countries, different ways have been implemented in order to strictly enforce client boundaries. To give you an example, in Minnesota, a client is not allowed to date their therapist until after two years of his/her last session. In Indonesia, a chastity belt is being worn. Thanks to the proliferation of day spas that slowly, the industry is now being perceived as a wholesome, even family oriented environment. Hopefully in the future, there might not even be room left for any sexually explicit activities in our industry just pure unadulterated pampering health and wellness at hand.
A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.
This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy
These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.
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