NU 12 (nos. 8-12) by Peaches

Hold on..... my bladder!
If I can only hold my bladder for a few more minutes... hours. Yes,  I would rather wait until I get home. What an iiikkeee feeling to use restrooms that are not clean, foul smelling  and not well maintained. Restrooms must be ideal places to rest. Therefore I would vividly view a restroom facility as one with at least one set of sofa;  minimum of 5 toilet rooms, toilet are pearl white in color, a ledge on the back to place my personal  belongings, a covered garbage can, 3 rolls of pluffy toilet papers, sanitary napkins  and disposable underwears  available for use  (napkins, toilet paper and disposable undies are  locked-in cabinets in which keys are available any time with the housekeeping lady). In addition, there are 5 lavatory areas which are equipped with automatic faucets with both warm and cold water. Either a hand dryer or paper towels are provided and covered garbage cans are visible. This may seem so simple to implement  yet difficult to maintain. The set up can be provided  with the use of not so expensive materials and needs of a restroom. The more important factor is the proper usage of the restroom.  Therefore one's behaviour and attitude is that which counts, an attitude of DISCIPLINE which has been taught to me, to us since we were young. Discipline in the restroom are the following:  First discipline is to  be in line and what pisses me off is, when I am in a queue to use the toilet room and suddenly a lady cuts accross  and overtakes  without even a word . Second, those who use toilets  shall make it a habit to flush one (anyway you are not to be charged for the water) and what pisses me off is to see the toilet bowl dirty.  Third discipline, that all garbage, esp. toilet papers are thrown in the garbage can and not on the floor and toilet. Toilet papers clog the system and this pisses me off .   An attitude of discipline may not alone be the soultion,  injecting new ideas  may help  create an atmosphere of a clean and properly maintained rest room.  A green and red light with accompanying buzzing sound, built-in in each toilet room will   be a reminder.  After use of the toilet room, if one has used the toilet room properly, the green light will flash and the door will unlock. Howeveer if the toilet room was not propertly used, the red light will flash and buzz and the door remains locked. Hence this is an assurance of a clean toilet room after use. Regarding the queue, when one over takes, a whistling sound will be heard to signal that one has to be in line. I am sure this will work and...... I dont have to hold my
bladder anymore!       NU 12 (11)  What pisses me off at a restroom?   -   peaches

"Next Counter please"/ "Close"

I am one person who  values my time most. Whenever I go out especially on Sundays or on any  day of the week wherein  I either go to shop or for grocery I make sure that I know what I want and need  to buy. I therefore  have a list with me of  these things so that no time is wasted. This  idea sounds perfect and ideal. However i have realized that I can not control time  and have it as I wish. Reason:  the  sight of the long queue to the cashier. People are seen often crowded at  two or three cashier areas  for the reason of the  "next counter please" / "close" notice on  a number  of cashier's  table tops.  I frown at this and as often, I could not help but ask and I always get the same answer, "na ka break po".  I have no choice but to wait for my turn!
While waiting in the queue I thought of restructuring the cashier area and implement a process that would faciliate payment of all goods, shops procured in any one time that I/one  would like to pay. I vividly imagine  that there will be 15-20 cashier areas that will accomodate the settlement of all items procured. These areas will not be manned but will only be provided by sensored tables with two swipe machines. All I have to do is place all my procured items on the sensored table wherein the total amount to be paid will be shown. I will now have a personalized  procurement card which will be swiped in the two machines, wherein the first swipe will reveal if my card is valid  and it's corressponding balance which if in order will automatically debit the said amount due. The second swipe will reveal the remaining balance. This way I can monitor my card. This system will not in a way need cashiers, cashiers who are  "na ka break po".  It will be convenient for all customers because all cashier areas will be working therefore lessen queueing and I don't have to bring cash. There will however be a bagger to assist customers in  placing    bought/shopped  items on the sensored table and  packing.  Oh what a relief because I can be sure to lessen my waiting time and therefore  make sure not to extend my hours in the shop and grocery.   I'll be home in time to cook deliciously, rest and give my family quality time.

NU 12 (08)  - what pisses me at shopping/grocery - peaches          

Radioooooooo..  Please lower the volume!

It is a strict policy in the village where I live that Sundays and Holidays are non working days for constructing houses for the obvious reason that homeowners stay in their houses. It is that these days are considered real rest days and what a good feeling to stay in bed for another hour or two without hurrying to dress for clinic and prepare the children for school. A nice day to experience the deafening silence in the wilderness of my home away from the busy metro.  However because of a house being constructed in the neigborhood, right infront of our house,  the carpenter who watches the house seems not to care at all as he listens to his radio in rock music at full volume. Oh what a Sunday!
 Yes,  one ring to the security can stop that music. It is their responsibility to call the attention and warn  whoever takes care of the house but that ring to the security will mean I have to get up from bed.

I may sound cranky and selfish depriving care takers of houses under construction in the village of something that may keep them company , their radios. That is not my point, I understand their situation. The only concern is to lower the volume!
It may sound simple and easy but warnings come and go. I seem tempted at times to go straight to the care taker to ask them to shut up the radio but I still can hold on to my patience and a bit of kindness. But two, three or four times pissed me off!
Solution:  May I suggest that all houses under construction will be provided radios by the homeowners association. These are special radios which will only function with the use of an earphone hence such radios are non functional without earphones! Great Idea!  Soundless!  Volumeless! Now I can sleep soundly ...... "ZZZ-zzz-ZZzzz" .......  to my heart's delight and can't wait for Sundays and Holidays!
NU 12 (10)  What pisses me off at the neighborhood? - peaches

          

Beeepp  Beepp.... No more!

I was in the province when at age  16 I had my first driving lessons, I use to tell my father that once I learned how to drive, I will drive for him. I was excited too and looked forward to the day when I can drive by myself.   At age 24 after my Med proper,  I resumed  and practiced my driving skills and with all confidence and determination, I  successfully learned how to drive. I finally got my driver's license.
I realized the advantages of knowing how to drive esp. when I started my practice as an Obstetrician Gynecologist beacause I have to go to 4 clinics in a row a day, I have to deliver and operate on my
patients in different hospitals and make daily rounds too. When I had  my children, I can  bring them to school and to their regular pedia check up. Well, all these I can perform and have to honestly say that this was when I was younger. As years went on, I realized the risk and stress of driving. Well not that my reflexes had waned but  I have observed the increase in volume of cars, jeepneys, buses, trucks, even pedicabs, tricycles, motorcycles, bicycles  and a lot more. At the same time the population of pedestrians has  also increased in number.  I am aware that this volume both in the number of vehicles and pedestrians are  uncontrollable. I even don't know if the number coding helps?  I am really pissed off  with the increase in volume of vehicles because each one vehicle wants to go first hence  different vehicles go anywhere, cut, overtake, stop,  in different directions. Pedestrians too are observed to be almost on the road and the funny thing  is I have to try to avoid them...  Beeeppp.. Beeepppp..  and not  them to try to avoid me. Well, as we say, ONLY in the Philippines!  But Am I hopeless?  Can this ever be resolved?  Strict Discipline? It doesn't only work that way.  My new Idea,  what if  sensored lanes/road are created wherein each vehicle and pedestrian is suppose to stay only in their  designated lanes. What happen if they don't?  There will be some kind of vehicle and human  electrocution but it will be  harmless .  They are  stuck there for a while and this will have  corressponding cash  penalty which they have to deposit in a built-in device anywhere in the road. Only after they deposit said amount, will they be able  to move their vehicle and themselves. Seems this will require a different technology but possible in due time..... and no... Beeeepp...Beepppp will ever  be heard!

NU 12 (12)  what pisses me on the road?  - peaches         

   

 Skyway... tollway...highway....

I am aware that sky ways were made to shorten my travel time and probably travel in a highway with not much cars, i mean no traffic in a way that I can have my own lane. The actual travel time from alabang to magallanes takes only about 12 minutes compared to approximately 20-30 minutes when I use the SLEX. One way costs Php 164.00 which is the main reason why the sky way is not chosen. Personally I choose this way for the main reason that I don't get stressed  (driving nor for my driver) and believing that chances of getting involve in an accident will be less. My gasoline too will take a long way.
Satisfied with the first year of using the skyway, lately I noticed an extended travel time. Reason: The toll booths which are supposed to handle cash payments are taking time before vehicles are allowed to go /enter the skyway for some reasons. I then decided to provide my car with an Electronic-pass (E-pass) obviously  for the purpose of using the epass lane wherein I dont have to pay in cash but use a sensor that would automatically allow the car to pass. However it does not happen that way because of the toll barrier  which initially blocks the way for E-passers and will only let go of vehicles after the sensor made sure that vehicles E-pass's is valid. Therefore it takes a while to enter the sky way. Worse is when E-passeres forget to load their E-pass.
It really had made a great difference that we had the sky way but I suggest that all vehicles who use this way are given the worth of their money. I gave the following a thought:
* For E-passers, there will be an  Epass lane entry which will be highly sensored to allow only valid Epass holders. The sensor in each vehicle will then reflect the amount deducted  and corresponding balance after use of the Epass lane. Therefore there will not be any toll barrier  hence will allow a smooth and continous flow to the sky way. Definitely this process will shorten the travel and make one rersponsible in maintaining a valid E-pass because invalid E-pass's will be penalized . (Php 5000.00) This lane will not even need to be manned.
* For those who pay in CASH, it will be a responsibility to ONLY PAY exact amount. This will be a "PAY ONLY EXACT AMOUNT LANE".  Again there will be a penalty for disobedience.

I beleive that this process when implemented will entail discipline and responsibility to all drivers and  vehicle owners.  It will indeed  allow us to travel smooth, stress free and accident free.........    and never be pissed  off at any sky way, highway, toll way.

NU 12 (09) Pissed off at skyway, tollway, highway .....peaches

  

  

MBAH Food Trip Report by Peaches

Food Trip Report

Often times I wonder what kind of business  i can indulge in. Definitely a venture that would 
 interest me, a  passion, yes my passion for cooking, therefore giving it a thought or two, why not a restaurant or food stall.  Thus, the reason why I was so excited knowing a food trip activity was scheduled one Saturday for  our entrep class which became a reality on March 09.
Although we were able to go to three food outlets only, the activity of observe, learn , observe (OLO) was applied and turned out to be very helpful  and challenged  my critical thingking.
Our first destination was Banana Leaf at power plant mall, which was very timely because it was almost 1pm and my stomach was grumbling. At the frontage of Banana Leaf , there were two ladies who greeted all of us in asian attire and guided us to our long table ( we were almost 20). Looking around, the entire  area seemed relaxed and very asian. The menu was at once  handed to us for which there were quite a number of dish presented.  It revealed a variety of contemporary southeast asian cuisine, from malaysian, singaporean, thai, indian, and indonesian cuisine. Most were spicy dishes but this can always be adjusted to the customers' delight according to the waiter.  The pictures in the menu were indeed mouthwatering  and delicious for which initially we were at a dilema what to order. Finally we had our choices and true enough all the dish we ordered were exclusively served and tasted with authentic ingredients. It was also observe that instead  of the usual plates were green banana leafs  to match all the spicy dishes  which made the presentation unique and more appetizing. What more if we ate with bare hands!  Banana Leaf, aside from the usual dine in has also engaged in events for which one can design his/her own menu.
Given that Banana Leaf has  been  there for a number of years, it is quite obvious that they are successful. Their prices are reasonable considering the location is a high end mall. Although this level of the mall are presented with different restaurants, each has  its own theme to offer. Banana leaf currently  has 7 branches in Metro Manila and 1 in Cebu. They are open  for franchising with new carreer opprtunities for one like me (whose passion is cooking).
In addition they too have promos for card holders. It was almost 2' oclock when we finished our meal and people kept coming.

Our second destination was meant for "sweet tooth" people, just like me. Sugarhouse which was just a few meters from Banana Leaf.  The area seemed  a bit crowded and waiters were attentive. Sugarhouse  initially started as a cake and pastry shop which after years was known as a full service restaurant with a complete line of selected meals  as chicken salpicao, beef salpicao,  and callos, usually served with a choice of  mixed vegetables, salad, salsa and rice either garlic or plain. They also have come up with Breakfast meals as tocino, longanissa, eggs and bacon.
 The group ordered  chocolate cake,  perfect with the right sweetness and the best apple pie in town (which according to the waitress was packed with 8 deliciously red apples).
For  sugar house' cakes to be more affordable, aside from the 8' cake, petite and baby cakes were made available. They have also come up with sugar free products like  mammon, empanada and cinnamon. The latest  "meal with a twist" is beef ribs in beer.
Sugarhouse has also ventured in take-out trays and catering and made to order cakes for all occassions. I still feel that Sugar house is a cakehouse and has come up as Manila's premier cake house and it is this that sugarhouse is branded with.

To the mind of most filipinoes, cakes and pastries are still considered as desserts or given as presents/gift for birthday parties or any event. Therefore unless you are a cake lover, I guess a simple dessert after a meal would suffice. Sugarhouse has been there for 25 years with 17 branches, an indication obviously of its success. It's venture  of  a "full service restautant" has added to its profitability. Through thoise years I guess too that  Sugarhouse has acquired loyal patriots which they have gained trust through the years.         

The third and final destination was DRAFT Rockwell :
Draft Rockwell is  a european gastro-pub, serves european comfort food and the best beers in
town. It was newly opened at the power plant mall on November 2012. The area is comfortable although I would suggest curtain shades to cover the brightness that comes in from the outside. It is also good that they have their own restroom.

     

There were no other customers when we came in, maybe because it was almost 3 in the afternoon or is this restaurant  works best at night or a mean caters more to those who would love to drink and stay? I think I should go back during those hours to do my  "LOL" activity.       

Done March 21, 2013
Food Trip Report – "peaches"

NU 12 Serendipity Walk by "Peaches"

"peaches"
MBAH 10B
It's just a walk away!
The area  chosen is along the whole stretch of Daang Hari, Las Pinas City. Villages keep coming and growing like mushrooms, all residential at that. Well 3  gasoline stations,  a seafood market "dampa", Mcdonalds, and garden plants for sale!. All that at the moment.
A great opprtunity for more Businesses as...  <we biked there last Feb 24>

1.)     Grocery                                                                    31.)   Pasta and Potatoes Eat Time

2.)    Wet market                                                              32.)   Summer Outfit and Swim supplies

3.)    Dry market                                                                33.)   The Big Fish Aquarium Store

4.)    Convenience Store                                                  34.)    Video and Music Store

5.)    Coffee Break Time                                                   35.)    Photo Booth and Galery

6.)    Let's go Bar                                                               36.)    The Rx all Medicines Store

7.)    Salad Time Restaurant                                            37.)    Children's Tutor Time

8.)      Pizza House                                                             38.)    Photocopier stand 4

9.)                    Dirty Ice cream House                                                                     NU07 Serendipity

10.)                          Fruits  and Vegetables  Store

11.)                        Cold and Hot Tea Drinks

12.)                         Bread  and Cake House

13.)                        GYM for young and old

14.)                        Bike and  Motor Bike Store

15.)                        Sports Store

16.)                        SPA Time

17.)                        Hardware Supplies

18.)                        Salon for men and women

19.)                        Hand Nail and Toe Nail Treatment

20.)                        Bookstore

21.)                        School and Office  Supplies

22.)                        Tailor and Dress Shop

23.)                        All Occassions Boutique

24.)                        Clothing Accessories

25.)                        Shoe and Slippers Store

26.)                        Optical Shop

27.)                        Medical Clinic and Laboratory

28.)                        Pet Shop and Grooming Outlet

29.)                        Noodle House

30.)                        Chinese Dimsum Restaurant

31.)                        Filipino Restaurant

NU 12 (3rd) Positive Reenforcement to correct behavior

NEW ATTITUDE on MOTIVATION of PEOPLE, my STAFF

I have been an Administrator at micah  medical clinic  and diagnostic laboratory  for quite a

 number of years and part of my job is to handle people, i mean my staff. Well honestly it is not

as easy as it seems!Twenty five people in my staff, each with different behaviour and personality

is indeed something. Good if  they remain committed and determined to do their job well with no

 complaints from customers. The Clinic's Quality Policy has been focused on customer satisfact-

 ion and achieving the highest management standards.It envisions to be the primary choice as a

 provider of quality medical service. How then is this possible? Who will work for this?

 Obviously and seriously I have always believed that this is a great responsibility of my people,

 my staff. They must be productive and effective but sadly it does not always work that way.

 There are  times they keep on repeating the same mistakes and deficiencies. Hence memos keep

 pouring in, one on one confrontation, suspensions and even monetary form of discipline. Yet all

 these does not seem to be effective. This motivation only results in disappointments and frustra-

 tion.What can be done? What can enhance their performance? If customer satisfaction is a

 primary aim, then employee satisfaction should go in hand.

 A new attitude in motivating people, my staff ? Definitely!  First, I have decided to focus on

 positive reinforcement, a rewards system.Find out what is right, even for small accomplishments

 show appreciation, give rewards. Every opportunity must be taken advantage of. I can start on

 personal appreciative notes, small surprises, a pat on the shoulder, a nod, a thumbs up, a big

 grin, a sincere thank you, a congratulatory  handshake. These gestures doesn't need effort at all.

 Second, recognition of their strengths and not weaknesses, not faults,  therefore a chance to develop

 their talents, to be recognized thereby making them enthusiastic hence inspired and dignified. There is personal fulfillment and affirmation of self worth. This is employee satisfaction! I am strongly

 positive that starting this new year, motivational rewards and finding strengths not faults, will surely

 make a difference in working out  the most valuable asset of this company, my people, my staff.                                              *peaches* 3