HCL Technologies starts operation, introduces Employees First, Customers Second

Last June 14, I witnessed the formal opening of HCL Technologies Ltd., the leading provider of global IT services, as it unveiled its Global Delivery Center for business process outsourcing services in the country.

Initially, employing 400 professionals in their offices in Quezon Ave., Quezon City, HCL technologies will deliver high value added transactions services such F&A, SCM and domain oriented industry specific processes.

According to HCL Technologies Global Operations head Raghavan Rangarajan, the company chose the country because of its time zone advantage, the pool of talent available and the growing prominence as a strong BPO services hub.

Vice President and Human Resource head Subrat Chakravarty said that HCL Technologies is committed to hiring and developing local talent following the management approach as espoused in Vineet Nayar’s Employees First, Customers Second (EFCS) book. He subscribed to Nayar’s teachings that value creation happens when employees interface with clients and this value, when is delivered to clients, brings profit to the business.

I was personally intrigued by Nayar’s pronouncements because this is the first time I heard of a company the puts first its employees before client satisfaction. During the interviewed, Chakravarty introduced Nayar’s book that has been around since 2005. Chakravarty largely attributes HCL Technologies’ success – business growth from 600 million to 4 billion and taunted as the fastest business growth in India – to EFCS.

Results of my initial on-line research showed that EFCS is a book based on “a first person CEO’s account” of Nayar that details the transformation of HCL Technologies. He described his leadership theories as “turn(ing) conventional management on its head”. Admittedly, he said that “placing customer satisfaction second may be an alarming thought for some” but he is also confident enough to say that “once you’ve read this book you may have a very different view.”

I, for one, am very curious and interested to delve more to what Nayar have to say. I would really like to get hold of his book, prove the worth of this management strategy and learn a thing or two.

So, what do you think?
Reader, please share if you know more about “Employees First, Customers Second”.

Big Job Fair this June!

For the newly-graduates, in-between jobs and career advancements seekers, brave the weather and head out to the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia this June 22 to 23. Following their successful feat last year, JobStreet.com is once again staging its biggest career fair via the Jobgantic Career Fair 2012.

This year, Jobgantic Career Fair is bigger with over 300 employer booths spanning SMX Convention Halls 2, 3 and 4 that offer both local and overseas employment opportunities. Job seekers get to have a knack at job positions in top-notch conglomerates and multi-national companies like San Miguel Corporation, Ayala Land, Robinsons, Coca Cola, Toyota, McDonalds, Jollibee, PLDT and SMART, ABS-CBN, Petron Marketing and RCBC to name a few that have signed up for the event. For BPO work, ADP Philippines, Accenture, Convergys, IBM, JP Morgan & Chase Co. and Sykes are but some of the biggest BPO companies that job seekers can apply to on the spot.

According to JobStreet.com, their job listing shows that jobs in engineering (17%), customer care service (14%) sales and marketing specializations (11%) are among the most sought-after job positions. These are followed by those which require skills in general works and maintenance services, manufacturing, computer and information technology, building and construction, administrative and human resources and hotel and restaurant. Thus, job seekers should align their career plans and resumes to grab these opportunities. The company also noted that there is an influx of jobs for the youth segment—almost 80% of the total jobs posted.

“As of press time (June 4), we have hit our record high, if not one of our record highs of over 80,000 jobs available in our website,” exclaims Carolyn Enriquez, senior marketing manager of JobStreet.com, who further explains that companies have started posting jobs heavily this month. “If the numbers continue to increase, our job seekers signed up with JobStreet.com can look forward to bigger and better chances of getting the job of their dreams soon. All they have to do is just log on at JobStreet.com and apply to the thousands of jobs online.”

Aside from the employer-companies, job seekers can also visit job assistance booths set up by concerned government agencies such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)—making the event a one-stop shop for job seeker services.

To avoid long lines, job seekers can pre-register online to receive the Fast Lane Access during the job fair. To assist small and medium-sized enterprises with staffing requirements, Jobstreet.com is also willing to post job offerings for free. For more details, please go to http://www.jobstreet.com, send an e-mail to corpcare-ph@jobstreet.com or call 451-9999.

Business solutions for Pinoy SMEs

On May 29, PLDT SME Nation re-introduced three business solutions designed to liberate entrepreneurs from micro-managing daily operations. “PLDT makes sure that we offer relevant, useful and effective technology solutions to small and medium enterprise market,” said PLDT SME Nation vice president and head Kat Luna-Abelarde. “This way, SMEs can increase the efficiency of their operations and expand their market reach.”

For retail businesses, PLDT offers CheckOut, a web-based point of sale system (POS) that automates every function and process of sale transactions. Since data is stored in an online hosting service, accurate data can accessed from any desktop, laptop or tablet. Record sales, sales analytics, inventory and other important information now comes handy and readily accessible through CheckOut. For the CheckOut Software, the monthly service fee starts at P2,750.

The PLDT Watcher really lives up to its name because this business solution gives the entrepreneur access to watch the comings and goings of daily operations in real time. Designed to help reduce theft and pilferage, whether the treat comes from inside or outside elements, Watcher has a multi-camera system that is backed by a software solution. Unlike the ordinary CCTV system, camera snapshots and video clips can be sent through email and previewed from a computer monitor or mobile phone. Pay P2,000 monthly for the Watcher bundle.

For businesses heavily involved in transport, logistics, courier and delivery operation, the Field Asset System for Tracking (F.A.S.Track) is a web-based monitoring system that locates fleet of vehicles and people while on the road. Easily installed on vehicles or attached on a person’s clothing, the device enables business owners to view their assets in real time from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone. With nationwide coverage, F.A.S.Track can be an invaluable tool in fuel cost reduction, better maintenance of vehicles, and effective utilization of manpower. Packages start at P1,100 a month.

To stay ahead of competition, small and medium entrepreneurs can step up their operation through these business suites. By embracing technology and automation, SMEs can easily achieve efficiency. Adopting technology need not be expensive, many business solutions are affordable and offer great returns in terms of higher productivity and eventually, profit as well.

For more information on PLDT SME Nation’s business solutions, visit their website at http://www.pldtsme-nation.com.ph.

An Afternoon with ‘No Other Papi’

Got up and found that it was rainy day. Having second thoughts on going through the Tagaytay trip but told myself I already accepted the invitation so I dragged my feet to head out.

The morning is chilly and wet so I boldly put on my leather jacket for its test run and braved the pouring rain. I was a bit late at the meeting spot but was graciously welcomed by the hosts. They offered me breakfast which I enjoyed – the BLT sandwich from Aristocrat upon they recommendation. Not really surprised that other attendees backed out, we headed to our next stop at the SLEX Petron station.

Most media friends were there when we arrived having their first meal of the day. I sighed with relief when the sun came out amidst the cloudy skies but the morning really got brighter when the star of the day came in. Derek Ramsey was very gracious and, from the small talk, everybody was very impressed with his demeanor. He was casual the way he dressed and carried himself that easily warmed him up with the group

The ride to Tagaytay Highlands was very smooth and foggy. We were greeted with a pineapple with mint quencher and enjoyed the crisp, fresh air. After the group photo session, we transferred to the Midlands clubhouse for the business of the day.

EastWest bank, our host, treated us to a hearty buffet lunch and shared highlights of their current campaign, the Dream Big, Win Big Raffle promo. Derek spoke to the group and delighted us with tidbits of his many road trips.

Most then got giddy when the one-on-one interview session got underway. In a very Pinoy-like manner, everyone pretended to be shy at first but eventually couldn’t resist being starstruck with Derek. I, for one, could not come up with any questions and just proceeded to have a picture taken to complete my day. I’m planning to come up with a business piece, anyway (excuses! excuses!)

Feeling a natural high, the mood just got a notch higher when the trivia game started. We were on our toes with the question on entertainment, geography and EastWest’s campaign. (Hey, the Free Gas promo is still on until November with every auto loan at EastWest bank!) With luck on our side, our group won. Thanks to the quick raise of the hand of Joba (had a nice time with you, girl).

Rain started to pour again as we headed back to Manila. For a kilometer or so, visibility was just beyond 8 to 10 feet. With an afternoon with ‘no other Papi’, this day is one for keeps.

Monsterize your Kitchen

Certainly not. This is not Lady Gaga’s kitchen. Monster Kitchen is a baking school that offers very affordable fees for world-class training programs. From a simple hobby, Monster Kitchen’s students learn baking techniques that could pave the way to one’s career in the food and service industry armed with basic training and professional confidence.

Started in 2008, Monster Kitchen is foremost a supply store but the waning interest in baking prompted its owner, Jan Michael Uy, to put up a baking school. “We wanted to bring back the passion within the baking community and we are happy with the response,” said Uy.

Not your typical culinary school, Monster Kitchen offers a three-month program on Fundamentals of Basic Baking and Pastry Arts. Classes are small with maximum of 12 students learning European and contemporary techniques for three days in a week.

“Students get to bake. We do not simply follow the recipe and do cooking demonstrations. We let them experience the actual baking process using different techniques. This way, they become confident to use any ingredient and use any technique found in any kitchen they may end up later on,” explains chef Jesuit Paul Nuges.

A team of high caliber chefs like Albert Chia, Jo Venes, Kathy Dano, Mitchie Sison and Nuges head the trainings at Monster Kitchen that are certified by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The first batch of students composed of professionals, novices, coffee shop owners and homemakers received their certificates in a simple graduation ceremony last June 15. The event was made mouthwatering and memorable by the lavish spread of creatively-baked goodies, cakes and breads. “We are proud to showcase the cakes and pastries baked by our students. This way, everybody gets to sample and tastes our products,” exclaims Uy.

Based in Gaston Park, Cagayan de Oro, Uy finds the venue as an advantage rather than a concern for students. “For such competitive training, our fees are really affordable and cover the chef’s jacket, apron, cap, manuals, certificate and all imported ingredients. Plus, if you stay in the city, you get to see and visit all the tourist spots.” The three-month program is priced at P52,000.

Fully supportive of their students, Monster Kitchen also gives extra training in preparation for culinary competitions. As shown by the desserts in plated-design, baking fundamentals are important as well as the development of one’s creative abilities that are best shown during competitions. “We expose them to different culinary competitions. Every competition builds the character and confidence. Competition allows them to experience cooking and baking under pressure. And pressure is present in every kitchen,” explains chef Nuges.

The second batch of baking lessons started last July 11. “We are plan to expand the business outside Cagayan de Oro. Eventually, we will branch out in Manila since interest in baking can be found everywhere regardless of age,” said Uy.

Of late, Monster Kitchen has been getting inquiries from faraway places like Cebu, Davao, Lucena and Laguna. Monster Kitchen welcomes inquiries on their Facebook page.

On a reader’s comment about MyPhone

Before Christmas, I received a comment from a reader of my blog site.

The reader, basically, aired his complaint about the services of MySolid Technologies. The guy happened to be shopping for a new cellphone at SM Megamall. Upon payment for a new Myphone unit, he asked for a receipt but the sales attendant could not provide one. In his disgust, he withdrew from the transaction altogether.

In his comment, he mentioned that he would rather patronize foreign companies than buy from homegrown counterparts that do not follow laws and thus, deprive government of much needed taxes.

For my part, I immediately forwarded his comment to MySolid Technologies. They were to quick to reply and stating that “SM Megamall MyPhone Kiosks and Stores are NOT operated by us (MySolid Technologies) but by our dealers. The dealer (in question for Megamall) is Sienna Telecoms.”

They also added that “MyPhone is a subsidiary of the Solid Group holdings – a PUBLICLY LISTED company under the Securities and Exchange Commission.” This makes the company an active and legitimate player in the industry.

First, I would like to recognize the reader for bringing up the matter. It is a fact that customer service in our country is lousy with few exceptions. Like him, we should do our part in protecting our rights as consumers.

Second, direct sellers and dealers should not operate unless they are fully prepared to be of service to their clients which includes issuing receipts for every transaction. This is a basic requirement but sadly is being overlooked by some businesses and government units as well.

Third, I appreciate the immediate response of Jingo Fermin of MySolid Technologies to my query. His reply readily answered all concerns.

I sincerely hope this clears the air for all involved. I am just glad my blog site had become a conduit in addressing and understanding the matter.

Lastly, I would to thank all those who read my blogs last year and rest assured that more exciting blogs will coming your way this 2011. And of course, comments are most welcome.

First Asian Spa and Wellness Conference in Singapore

The very first Asian Spa & Wellness Management Conference & Exhibition will be held on September 2 to 3 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Singapore. Pioneers and leaders in the spa industry spanning across Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan and Australia will be joining the event as speakers of the two-day conference.

This conference recognizes that the spa industry have grown dramatically in Asia, Europe, and the US over the years. With the Asian spa industry, covering day spas, hotel spas, resort and destination spas, and medical spas, gaining ground in popularity and interest in the international market, the demand for trained Asian spa personnel is also growing.

The Asian Spa & Wellness Management Conference & Exhibition 2010 will address these developments and extensively discuss the management of the spa and wellness business in Asia.

“There’s been a massive proliferation in the number of spas,” says Gerard Bodeker, a professor at Oxford University Medical School and author of the book, Understanding the Global Spa Industry. “There’s a huge awareness in global value and interest in Asian therapies, so Asian countries are now actively discovering and promoting their own health and heritage. There’s an across-the-board revival of interest in Asia in indigenous health traditions.”

With the opening of the medical spa at Sofitel, the Zen Institute is right on target as a serious player in the medical tourism field. ” The spa industry is relatively new in the country but we have enough success stories to share to fellow players in the industry,” shares Dr. Mary Jane Valdecañas, the owner and medical head of the Zen Institute.

Practitioners and industry stakeholders are particularly concerned with the level of management competence in the industry. “The Asian spa and wellness industry is a relatively new business for many. Asia as a whole is only beginning to invest in training and development for its staff and learning about the various business models and practices of established companies worldwide. There is still a lot of room to grow,” says Mr Elson Lee, Director of the Spa Wellness Group, a leading spa operator and training provider in Asia.

By putting into the fore the best practices and successful spa management models as benchmarks, the conference aims to elevate the standard and competency of the spa and wellness industry in the region.

Going back to Yabang Pinoy

I was lucky enough to check out their bazaar in 2008. Expecting the usual stuff one might see in many tiangge I dragged myself to the Rockwell Tent but my curiosity was quickly peeked with the new and interesting wares proudly laid-out with pride at the Yabang Pinoy bazaar.

Established in 2005, Yabang Pinoy is an organization of passionate believers and supporters of all things Filipino to realize the joy and spirit of simply being Filipino. Through their advocacies and campaigns, the organization is seeking “change in the mindsets” of Pinoys into “Shouting Proud Pinoys”.

To arrest the lack of concern over the Filipino language, Yabang Pinoy challenges every Filipino to enrich their knowledge through radio campaign and interactive shirts. The group popularizes Filipino idioms like “Batu-bato sa langit, ang tamaan huwag magagalit.” by distributing posters, stickers and printed shirts. The Mark Pecson project features a series of five-minute webisodes of an inglesero’s bold attempt to straighten his Filipino in a month’s time.

This enthusiasm and motivation is generously spread to different schools via Magyabangan Tayo Debate, Todo Patintero at Abakaya activities that help shape a nationalistic consciousness founded on the use of the Filipino language in the discourse of our unique and rich culture.

National pride is claimed through different Yabang Pinoy projects that promote the country’s rich marine biodiversity and endemic species. The Pinoy’s ingenuity and ideas are fostered by giving out books, journal notebooks and art materials to the youth.

In Pinasport, the group encourages members and advocates to boost local tourism by producing a travelogue of their island trips. These travel memoirs showcases the beautiful spots and adventurous possibilities of local destinations.

Yearly, Yabang Pinoy sponsors the Global Pinoy Bazaar wherein they rally in local enterprenuers and patrons to the Filipino consumer revolution. By staging this business exchange, they encourage the Pinoy to join their nation-building efforts by buying local concepts, talents, services, and products. They believe in the purchasing power of the peso that could bring more consumption and demand toward a better economy.

This year, Yabang Pinoy will be staging its fifth Global Pinoy Bazaar and showcase Filipino products made with 100% Filipino love and pride on November 6 to 7at the Rockwell Tent, Makati City.

All Filipino artists and entreprenuers with products borne out of 100% Filipino love and pride are invited to join the bazaar. Interested parties may visit http://www.yabangpinoy.com.

The rest of us can sit around or go to this bazaar and find out one more reason to be proud of ourselves.

Riding the property boom

With numerous real estate developments and expanding markets, the Philippine real estate industry rests comfortably on the crest of an industry boom.

Viewed as prime investments, big industry players like Ayala Land Inc., Robinson’s Land Corp., Vista Land and Lifescapes Inc. and Megaworld Corp. are now joined by SM Development Corp., Eton Properties Philippines Inc. and DMCI Holdings, Inc.

“The demand for housing is on the rise and I do not foresee any downturn in the next 10 years,” shares Bibcee de Guzman, Caloocan chapter president of the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines. “The investment climate is good and nobody’s scared to develop real estate projects. When the construction stops, that is the time to worry.”

The promising developments in the real estate industry provide enough reasons for buyers and investors to seriously look into the market.

Rising from the global financial crisis, the local real estate prices remain competitive. The Ondoy tragedy dampened the market for some months but has been seen on the rebound lately. Vibrant as it is, the industry even attracts foreign property investors and buyers.

Our banking system remains strong and liquid and these contributes to both investors and consumer confidence. From 30-percent loan interest rate during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, banks now offer 10.75 percent to an even low interest rate of 8.50 percent. For low-cost housing, Pag-Ibig Home Development Mutual Fund offers 6-percent interest on housing loans with payment terms extended up to 30 years.

Tourist arrivals are steadily rising and the figure easily translates to a surge in demand for hotels and condominiums. In the first quarter of 2009, a total of 1.3 million tourists arrived in the country. For the same quarter this year, tourist arrivals grew by 7.89 percent. Foreigners are also taking advantage of the retirement packages and incentives for ownership as provided by law.

The Philippines, through the Philippine Retirement Authority, has been attracting foreign retirees to settle in the country. In fact, prospective investors are already eyeing to put up retirement villages in Pampanga, Zambales and Bataan.

Medical tourists, attracted by lower costs, quality services and tourist spots, add the numbers in the demand for accommodations.

The projections for offshoring and outsourcing businesses that require the availability office rentals and commercial office spaces remain optimistic. Office rentals in Makati, Fort Bonifacio and Ortigas are highly-favored locations in the Metro.

Migrant workers have great interest in Philippine properties because prices are more affordable than those overseas.

As a rule of thumb, it is always best to transact with certified real estate brokers and reputable real estate companies in the Philippines when considering acquisition of real properties.

To set higher standards for the industry, Republic Act 9646 was approved by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last June 29, 2009. Entitled as An Act Regulating the Practice of Real Estate Service in the Philippines, Creating for the purpose of a Professional Regulatory Board for Real Estate Service, Appropriating Funds Therefore and for other purposes, the law covers all industry players including investors, brokers, appraisers, city assessors and real estate consultants.

Brokers are now bound by law to apply for their licenses, pay taxes and comply with industry regulations. The implementing rules and guidelines were published last July 24 and fully implemented last August 9.

“We welcome this law because we are now considered as professionals. With this law in place, we are protected from colorum agents that stripped us of sales opportunities in the same manner that buyers are protected from shady transactions,” adds De Guzman. “Real estate buyers lose huge amounts of money as they become victims of scams especially with the introduction of online selling. But since we will now carry brokerage licenses, buyers can go to the Professional Regulation Commission for verification.”

In the same manner, property titles can be checked for authenticity with the Register Deeds, Assessor’s Office and the Land Registration Authority. The LRA is now putting into motion its program of filing land titles in digital format to curb the proliferation of fake documents. Land titles in digital format can already found in Quezon City, Cebu and Parañaque.

Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines is composed of more than 500 regular and associate members spread over 21 chapters in Metro Manila and the provinces. Under the leadership of national president Emily Quevedo-Duterte, the association remains as the premiere real estate organization in the country aimed at professionalizing the real estate industry and raising the level of ethical standards of licensed real estate practitioners.

Where’s the giraffe?

From an old sepia photo taken of me, newly-weaned from diapers, Tatay and Kuya, I had this passive affinity with Manila Zoo. As a true testament of family-bonding, I cherish that photo with an adult giraffe behind high fences at the background. During the recent family visit to Manila Zoo, I sought to capture the nostalgic tugs, relive them and share that with my kids. Dampening my romanticized purpose was the sorry state of Manila Zoo that was once the family destination before the advent of shopping malls.

Located along Adriatico Street, Manila Zoo today tries to educate and entertain visitors with a host of animals ranging from elephants, reptiles, horses, monkeys, tigers, birds and other endemic species. Aside from viewing the caged animals, there are now the Pet Zoo and horse rides for interactive activities. The mini park has picnic areas, a playground and small pond for boat rides. The entrance fee is pegged at P40 per head.

Manila Zoo showcases varieties of animals to the thrill of pre-scholers and early primary students. Older visitors, like me, can either be disappointed, pitiful and resigned to having a city zoo that could really use a lot of fund, work and inspiration from people who would care enough to share their passion time, and imagination. Least to say, cages are cramped and are poor imitation of the animals’ wild habitat. As for their health, the animals seemed to be well-fed since they do not look famished or emaciated. While famous zoos in other countries are making headway in providing natural sanctuaries to their ward of animals, Manila Zoo seemed to have been locked in a time capsule given the limited resources the institution had to work with.

In response, support initiatives have been shown by private individuals and companies. The MyZoo Volunteer Group was formed on January 2000 to transform zoos as effective educational institutions towards conservation of biodiversity. They raise funds and hold activities at Manila Zoo to improve its image and facilities. Through the recently-launched Baryanihan project, SM Hypermarket Adriatico enjoins shoppers to voluntarily donate their loose change for the purchase of various supplies to augment Manila Zoo’s cleaning and animal feeding.

Our last trip had me missing a giraffe. Its afforded enclosure was empty and left me to my feeble memory prompted by the old photo. On July 25, 2009, Manila Zoo celebrated its 50th anniversary. Manila Zoo has the following years to evolve and serve as a natural sanctuary capable of hosting imported and endemic species and preserving wildlife given the right kind of support from the public, private and government sectors. And may be then, I would not have to ask, “Where’s the giraffe?”

Carla Mortel is a dog-person but does not own one, and yet feeds the neighbors’ cats. In a not so distant past, she applied for a position in PETA Philippines because she is against animal cruelty. She is open for discussion on vegetarian diet, zoos and livestock. She, however, dislikes having nude celebrities campaigning for animal rights. She plans to revisit Malabon zoo with the family soon.