yZaBeLLe's 4TH BiRThDaY..

January 24, 2011

Reanna Yzabelle's 4th birthday!


Despite the hectic schedule, I went home because of the promise I made to celebrate with the whole family..

my PRESENCE!

Dad went home early..


He is Yzabelle's best friend and thus, he knows her most favorite food..


DINNER @ Jollibee..

the FAMILY that prays together,
              eats together,  and plays together,
                       
                             STAYS TOGETHER!

with Ate Lianne who sometimes becomes her rival but of course, more of a sister...



a LOLLIPOP...

with Ate Desirel who is always Yzai's kakampi at all times..

who always puts on her make-up, lipstick, and eye liner...


an instant MAKE-OVER...

with Kuya Gab who always makes her cry, shout, and laugh..

oftentimes, they are enemies but they won't last a day without teasing each other..


a GUMMY candy..







We enjoyed the rest of the night strolling and Yzai's birthday was indeed complete...
she had a dinner @ Jollibee, had a mole on her face as she demanded, had a pink lipstick which faded after a few minutes and she wore her favorite pedal which was not zipped up all night...

whew! nevertheless, we were all happy!






(//_^)

iN CeBU..

an experience worth remembering..

a memory worth keeping..

an adventure worth repeating..

in CEBU..

a night with a friend.. (pix with him censored!)
a night to overcome my fear of heights..
a night realizing how awfully small I am in a world so large..



(//_^)

MEeT LAwREnCE..

            Lawrence Delos Miles’s life exemplifies dedication and perseverance. With parents who are both connected with the academe, learning and discovering new things must have been inculcated in his mind. His parents might be very busy in their jobs and his independence might have developed his capacity to be creative and innovative.

His choice to become a teacher and principal let him shared his knowledge and experiences to his students. It symbolizes his willingness to impart himself through teaching. His experience as an assistant cashier and teller in a bank probably made him realize the importance or the value of money because I think learning through experience is more effective. Just like any new graduate, during that time maybe he was still gathering experiences and looking for a career where his passion can really be applied.

            When he became a Design Engineer of General Electric (GE), the twelve (12) patented designs on vacuum tube and related designs for just a period of six years showed his exceptional skills in inventing and in designing. If he hadn’t proven himself, I guess Mr. Winne and Mr. Du Chemin would not have trusted him and his ideas on the value analysis concept.

            His position as a Purchase Engineer in the same company helped him in formulating the “function approach” for GE to improve cost and productivity. He did his job, came up with a brighter idea, shared his newly found knowledge, put it into writing, and so, his efforts were properly acknowledged. Quoted from the movie, 3 Idiots, Mr. Miles didn’t run for success. He just did his best in his line of expertise and success did run after him. For me, it was not luck at all, but a fruit of his labour and commitment to change the perception of industry leaders towards value in business. The functional approach of value analysis might have also changed the attitudes of those trained and influenced by Mr. Miles. He became even more successful when he authored books on Value Analysis and Value Engineering. Not only did he learn from his experiences but he made use of those experiences in a right way.

             The numerous awards he received were concrete proofs that testified his credibility in the world of value engineering. One attitude I have observed in Mr. Miles is his selflessness in sharing what he knows about Value Engineering and its process. He was more than willing to spend time and accept all invitations he received. The gratitude of the several organizations was given back to him through acknowledgements and rewards. If it had not been because of his support, the value engineering societies might not have been organized and gave birth to another similar society having the same goals. To some people, he was like a long-awaited personality bringing hope with him as inscribed in his Brazilian Medal that his visit in Brazil was a value beyond any analysis.

His eighty-one (81) years of existence showing a fulfilled and happy life left a legacy for all willing individuals who want to put value analysis into practice. I might be one of them. Who knows? 

(//_^)

ThE EvOLuTiON oF vALUe EnGiNEERinG

Crown Regency Hotel and Towers (miniature)

The World War II saying which says that “necessity is the mother of invention” has been proven by the conceptualization of the value analysis. We should be thankful, in a way, to the war because it forced the father of Value Engineering, Mr. Lawrence Delos Miles, to think outside of the box.

The history of Value Engineering (VE) started as a concept and through the efforts of Mr. Lawrence Miles, value analysis was slowly implemented. The pressure caused by the war during that time has motivated him to find immediate solutions to their problems. I believe it did not require him a lot of convincing power to get the support of William Sredenscheck and Harry Erlicher because of their present situation. All wars are considered harmful but indirectly blaming the scriptures, since it was written so it was done. Nevertheless, it was still a blessing in disguise in the aspect of VE.

I believe value analysis was long applied by the ancient people. Since human beings have the ability to invent and innovate according to what is needed, tools were made to provide convenience. People from long ago focused on the basic needs. In fact, their houses were built simply to provide shelter. No more. No less. When they need something, they find ways to provide it. It’s that simple.

At present, almost everything is provided for our convenience. As a result, innovation sometimes becomes a basis for excellence. In technological gadgets for example, the more features the better. But this must not be applied in everything. In this time of economic crises, we still need to be practical. The usability of any product must always be considered. It should be a necessity so that its price, even how expensive it is, will still be reasonable.

During the time of World War II, Mr. Miles focused on finding available substitutes that would provide the same function. His dedication in his job as a Purchase Engineer made him successful in his endeavour to share his idea on value analysis. During the time when value analysis was conceptualized in 1946 until it is being adopted by the Bureau of Ships in 1954, I think it was never easy if Mr. Miles’ commitment was half-baked. It must have been his perseverance in convincing other professionals that made him gain the support of his countrymen. Taking General Electric Company as a concrete example was enough evidence on the results of applying VE. The history is worth continuing in other countries like ours so that someday, we will also be part of it. It is always better to be part of any history than just a statistic.

Value Analysts will not simply help the industry go back to the basic but at the same time, provide equal or better alternatives. Since the implementation of Value Engineering creates a remarkable impact in the industry, the history is worth remembering.

At present, most people want something new or something different. If necessity was the mother of invention, let value engineering be the mother of innovation.  (//_^)

vALUe EnGiNEERinG in THe CoNsTRuCTioN iNDusTrY

Hotel Construction (Cebu)

            

           The evolution of the value engineering concept can be considered as an answer to most economic problems particularly in building construction. I agree that a number of existing construction projects carry unnecessary components because in reality, a perfect project does not exist. Therefore, it would be more beneficial if value engineering (VE) is considered at the design stage which is also emphasized in its distinction from value analysis which on the other hand, is particularly for existing products. Though most projects are subject to improvement, VE must either improve or eliminate unnecessary costs. If a construction project has already been built and subjected to VE, the application of value analysis might just be minimal.

            Identifying the functions can be done with ease but finding alternatives and/or substitutes at the lowest possible cost requires skills and expertise of a team of decision makers. The best option is the one that gives the most sensible savings yet improves or maintains the performance or the quality of the project.

            Value Engineers always prefer what is readily available and whichever costs less and thus, it avoids baffling situations and reduces stress in the workplace. Mr. Lawrence D. Miles, the father of Value Methodology, developed the concept through research. I believe that the use of a value job plan really requires the team to do research and analysis before coming up with the best decision.

In USA, VE is now employed on a mandatory basis. It’s good that the government did impose such law requiring the different industries and federal agencies to experience the good effects of VE. The inexpensive cost in implementing it and the several stories of success are enough reasons to make it compulsory. Eventually, the public will just accept it once they see the advantages.

The concept of value engineering is carried on and propagated through the professional societies. Since it should also grow with the times, members and practitioners are updated through regular conferences and publications. In this way, the dissemination of the concept and sharing of ideas, opinions and experiences become easier.

In this time of economic crises, value engineering can now be considered as a need. Samples shown in the book of Juan de Vincente illustrates a clear evidence that VE helps a lot in the cost reduction of construction projects after a methodical and rigorous functional analysis. The huge amount of savings after the inexpensive cost of implementation makes another success story worth telling to the world.

ROBINSONs-GenSan (construction phase)

Even if I am not a value analyst, I could still use the “systematic application of recognized techniques” in every decision I make from time to time. For me, as an advocate of VE, this is consistency. I’ll walk the talk and I’ll live what I teach. Someday, these learnings might give me ideas on how to deal with bigger things in the bigger world. (//_^)

 

aFTeR mORe tHaN THRee DeCAdEs oF eXisTenCe..

_giNggiNg_ @ 12..

dreams of having a baby brother..
wishes to grow taller..

loves biking..
enjoys singing..
likes dancing..
excels in declamations and speeches..

hates lighting a match..
fears lightning and thunder..
avoids crossing busy streets..

a cartoon-addict.. SMURFS and Care Bears!

_GiNa_ @16

dreams of becoming a nurse..
wishes to gain weight and grow taller..

loves singing..
enjoys reading pocketbooks..
likes mathematics..
excels in music..



hates washing clothes..
fears cooking oil while frying..
can't avoid television shows.. 

refrains from falling in love!

_giN_ @ 18

dreams of becoming a licensed civil engineer..
wishes to drive her own car someday..

loves to sleep..
enjoys Mathematics..
likes video games.. super mario and pacman!
excels in class,  NDDU academic scholar, DARBCI scholar and consistent dean's lister..

hates Mondays..
fears Popsy.. (kasi may BF na kahit bawal)


believes in "STUDIES FIRST, LOVE LAST".

_giNa_ @ 21

Engr. Gina B. Andas..

first job as a teacher @ NDDU and
receives her first ever salary.. 


dreams of traveling into different places..
enjoys teaching..
loves stuffed toys, chocolates and flowers..
wishes to become a superhero..

many things has changed..
but there are some that did not or maybe, never..

i still fear thunder and lightning..
i still love singing..
i still love chocolates and stuffed toys..
i still hate crossing busy streets..
i still dream of traveling in different places..
and i still wish to become a superhero someday!





(//_^)

hOw d SUn SeTs..

Kiamba, Sarangani Province

one lazy afternoon..

butterflies are nowhere to find..
the crickets are still gathering themselves..
the spiders are almost done weaving their webs..
the ants are drowsing..
the flies are sleeping..






no stars to count yet..
but the skies looks so perfect!
like Heaven's masterpiece, as it was made to be..


to some.. 
it depicts loneliness..
it says goodbye..

but for me..
it proves how marvelous God is..
it tells me, "Be thankful.. You have time to rest and ponder on the things that happened today."
it's not an END of this day but a BEGINNING of a new day to come..

my time to refresh, restore, recover, revive, repair and recharge physically and spiritually..
what more could I ask for after enjoying a beautiful day?

millions of days are yet to come,
and beautiful sunsets too!






 (//_^)

cHRisTMaS 2010...

with Fr. Louie and Kuya Vic

Ganito kami sa aming GKK...


our Eucharistic celebration starts at 6 am and we are blessed to have a Passionist Priest as our presider every Sunday..

with SIL Liturgists and Knights of the Altar

these are some of the people I miss..

the very few individuals who choose to serve the community despite their hectic schedules..



me and my family were so thankful for the Yuletide 2010 experience as we play the role of St. Joseph and Mother Mary..

a symbolic play worth reflecting for married couples just like us..






(//_^)

oUr FiRst P.M.A.P. ExPeRiEnCE..

A New Horizon – the general theme of the 47^th PMAP Annual Conference suggests a renewal or a change that would improve or add value to an organization’s asset.

      Personally, I am an advocate for CHANGE. I believe this is one of the ways for our country to improve and grow. However, change can be towards the better or the other way around. The PMAP Annual Conference 2010 aims to reach ‘a new horizon’ and so, the topics in the different concurrent sessions were in line with this theme.

      Our first PMAP experience taught me five things. First, INNOVATION is a must. If we want to stay on top, we must embrace innovation. Competition is very stiff nowadays in the aspect of sales and marketing. In fact, competition is everywhere. Why do we, ladies, need to maintain our beauty and composure? Why do we, teachers, need to find new strategies and try different teaching methods in the classroom? Why do Manny Pacquiao, needs to practice boxing and undergo trainings despite the fact that he’s already on top? Just the same as why managers need to be good leaders at the same time. Whenever there is competition, we also need to level up. This is a challenge for all of us who are born champions. There is more to discover and accomplish every moment. We just need to be more observant and creative applying those knowledge and wisdom we saw and gained through experience.

      Second, we must strive for PERSONAL EXCELLENCE. We don’t have to run after success. We just have to be the best in whatever we love to do and eventually, success will be running after us. Management by Ownership (MBO) contributes to the agenda on personal excellence. Live it first.. Walk the talk.. Teach by example.. – these statements sum it all. As Wilhelmina Gonzales quoted, “True happiness comes from doing the things we love the most”. Servant Leadership is an ideal practice. This focuses on helping ourselves by helping others. Our efforts might not be well compensated at first but then, the priceless feeling of fulfilment pays it all.

      Third, inaction is not an option. We always have a choice. When we choose to give up or stop, then we fail. I have read long before that no one is seen to be useless in this earth because he or she can still be used as a bad example. For me, they are those who see inaction as an option. Dr. Benito Teehankee’s talk, Magsimula Tayo, mentioned the fatalistic behaviours of Filipinos. Though if seen on the brighter side, it seems like our faith in God is strong but when associated with laziness, it is seen as a hopeless case. We have to see things in a different perspective and we must cling to the fact that there is that something just waiting to be done.

      Fourth, there are no difficult people, only difficult situation. Sometimes, we need to hold our horses. Ms. Dina Loomis reminded us to avoid rush judgements. We must practice putting ourselves in the shoes of the people we deal with. I agree with her. Managers need to be broadminded, see things from afar and make decisions based on facts and figures.

      Fifth, people is the most important asset in every organization. There is no ideal leader but the best leaders are those who are task and relationship-motivated ones. We all differ in attitude and perception. As people managers, we have to see things in a positive manner. We have to remember that any business is built on trust. The way we see others depend on how we see ourselves. We will never be a leader, if we have no followers. So, as I may quote from Kenneth Blanchard, “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority”. 

     

      The PMAP experience wrapped up the lessons we’ve had in our management subject under the ever humble, energetic and worth emulating professor, Dr. Polaus M. Bari. We are all grateful for we were given the chance to participate in the annual conference of people managers, given the fact that we are still managers in the making. We might not be HR managers, but I believe that as a college professor, I am managing people who might become managers in the future. Management, per se starts within, for if we cannot manage ourselves well, neither can we manage our families and the organization where we belong. I am a lifetime learner. I may not yet be a manager now but then, the adventure still continues. Who knows?

iSkuL bUkoL...

i love ALL my schools..

Mt. Matutum Christian School (MMCS), San Lorenzo Ruiz Academy of Polomolok (SLRAP), Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC), Holy Trinity College of General Santos City (HTC-GSC), Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT).. **hats off** to all my mentors!

imagine how many hours in my whole life have i spent in schools? but still, i end up as a T.E.A.C.H.E.R.

it's not a wonder if one day, i'll be putting up my own school..hahaha, who knows?
twelve years in the academe is too short for me to learn exactly HOW to teach. what to teach? it's all written in books and in the internet.


teaching is never easy. teachers can never be perfect, because students (defined as 'experts in the art of studying') aren't perfect either. there's too much pressure in the academe, although schools are not supposed to be pressure cookers (from the film, 3 Idiots) but a TRAINING GROUND. agree? *winks*

Isn't it that learning must be a beautiful experience? must be fun? must be a fruitful discovery?


why do people study? why is a degree so important? 
* to compete (Life is not a race, but a dream to be fulfilled)
* to earn a living (probably, in a way..)

it should be for SELF-EFFICACY!  


if teachers are experts in making the learners understand then students must also be willing to learn. learning is voluntary and a choice! if we claim to be professionals yet our level of understanding is shallow, our mentality is poor, our minds are narrow, our perceptions are limited, our attitudes are so unprofessional, and our life (still) has no direction.. then, let's look back and count the number of hours we spent just to LEARN!


wanna waste it?







(//_^)

mY JaNuARY BaBiEs...

Lianne Genevie was born on January 3, 2002. Liandra (as we call her) is a super lambing daughter. She replicates a beautiful Ilocana, don't she? She dreams of becoming a teacher like me and a singer, too. Her name 'Lianne' was taken from the names of her two grandmas, JuLIANa and NEmia.. the Genevie was taken from St. Genevieve whose feast day falls on the 3rd day of January... 


Reanna Yzabelle was born on January 24, 2007. Yzai or Sabel (her most common names) can never be discounted at her young age. Her persistence on things she wants is very evident. I think she is fitted to be a CAT battalion commander in the future. Wanna know why? Her voice is like a thunder, especially when she roars! Her name 'Reanna' was taken from CesaREAN, giNA, and RENAN.. 'Yzabelle' is in honor of St. Elizabeth who has been my inspiration during those difficult times of pregnancy...

Soon, they won't be babies anymore but January Ladies.. they'll be smiling differently, pose better maybe, and for sure, they'd be more lovely, pretty and beautiful.. 

I'd give my bet!

(//_^)

kEy oF G...

go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.

always finish what you have started. do things one at a time. turn off your cellphones. unplug your laptop. focus!

as far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

make friends with anyone but do not trust them. just love them.

speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

be articulate when you speak for them to listen with interest. choose words that heal, not those that kill. listen and ponder for you to learn.

avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.

avoid negative thinkers and chronic complainers. they radiate negative energies.

if you compare yourself with others, you may become bitter or vain, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

be what you are. walk your own road in your own way. no one ever beats a good man.

enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

prepare for the future. invest wisely. reward yourself.

keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

count your blessings. be thankful.

exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

professional jealousy is unhealthy.

to be continued...

it's the melody that lingers..

it's the tune that keeps me yearning for more..

_this is my key, key of G!_





(//_^)

QuaRTeR oF a DoZeN...

Appreciate what you ALREADY have before asking for anything else..

Count your blessings. Recount if necessary!

2010 now belongs to the history. 2011 is still a mystery.

After 3.6 decades of living, I now only ask for three things: FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE..



FAITH - an unquestioning belief in God. I need this to keep holding on. Faith in Him and faith in myself. What I think about is what I bring about.

HOPE -  a reason for keeping faith within. Hopefulness is a powerful state of mind. I need this to plan ahead, self-motivate, and shoot for the moon.

 
LOVE - the essence of living. I need this to be inspired and energized. I must live and love. Despite and in spite of anything, I must love. It has been proven that Love conquers all! Who am I to question?


2011: I choose not to prepare the thirteen round fruits for the media noche. I do not need tangible things to express my three solemn wishes for the year. We have fruits in the table to enjoy and eat all that we can. 

God has been so good and He will always be. To Him be the glory!





(//_^)