Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Base your Halloween costume on what type of employee you are



When I was still working in a call center, one of the events that employees look forward each year is the company’s Halloween party. It’s one of those times that almost everyone in the office really spends time and money and gives extra effort on what they would wear on that day. Aside from the fact they can be “someone else” for a day, some companies actually give generous prizes to those who can think of the best costume.
Having worked for different industries in and out of the country, I have met co-workers of different shapes and sizes. Some are still my friends up to now to whom I get to chat via Facebook from time to time while others seems to have lived in a cave that I don't know whatever happened to them.

With the many faces and personalities that I have worked with, I have come out with an unofficial compendium of the types of employees we get to interact in our respective workplaces everyday.  In the spirit of such fun-filled activity in the workplace, below are some costume suggestion to those people who have yet to decide who they’ll be come Halloween. Why not personalize your outfit base on what type of employee you are from the list that I prepared.


 
The Joker.
The official comic relief of the company. He may not be the smartest person in the group but his one-liners or punchlines can easily perk-up everyone especially during gloomy afternoons. 


But Man and Robin. The former is someone who always has something to say before he accepts a task given to him. Maybe this is his way of bargaining if he can lighten his workload. The later is his partner in crime, sidekick and best friend rolled into one.

Invisible Men.
There are actually two sub-types of invisibility in the workplace. The first one are employees who love to file leaves of absence while the other one are those who are present in the office but their outputs are seems invisible.

The Transformers.
These people have the ability to change their behavior, work habits and opinions depending on who they are dealing with or talking to in the office.

Care Bears.
Sometimes they are referred as the “mother, father, big brother or big sister” of the office. They care for everyone and hava a bagful of advices, shoulders to cry on and helping hands to anyone in need. You can talk to them inside the comfort room or a sleazy beerhouse and they won’t mind.

Team BFF.
This is a group who female employees who do almost everything at the same time--- their rituals in the CR, eat lunch, go home. They usually have the same nightlife thus most of the time, all of them goes to work late.

The Kanto Boys.
The male counterpart of Team BFF. Like the girl group, they spend a lot of time in front of the mirror especially if there is a pretty visitor in the office. You would often see them in a huddle outside the office during break time for a “yosi” break or “Wala ka sa lolo ko” moments


The Celebrities (Politicians, Athletes and Performers).
Politicians are those who are more concern about worker’s right in the company rather than their performances. Athletes might not be your ideal team player but when it comes to company sports fest, they are your leading scorers. Performers are those who excel during office programs--- they can sing, dance and do cartwheels. One common denominator among celebs is that all of them have good PR skills.

The Saint.
They are considered as the endangered species. They are straight “A” employees who have a good relationship with their bosses though they don’t want to be called as “teacher’s pets.” They amaze everyone because despite of their busy skeds and toxic workloads, they still find time to participate in company extra-curricular activities.

Gifted Child.
The people who have an answer on every question and problem in the office. But sometimes they know too much that they tend to cross the limits and can be a bit annoying although they don’t really mean it.

Commoners.
They are the so-called generic members of the class. It’s either they lack individuality or they always play safe at work that their boss won’t even notice if they will be absent for a week.

The above list should not be taken seriously although we can’t deny that it is a slice of reality from our workplaces. Whether you see your employees or even yourself in one of the categories or not, a fact that remains is that every one of us has a role to perform in our respective organizations.

This is my article published on the Philippine Daily Inquirer - Working People Section November 1, 2009.

Friday, October 17, 2014

6 reasons to watch “VIY: The Spirit of Evil” aside from a chance to win an iPhone 6



Halloween is just a couple of weeks from now and for sure you are already thinking of a scary movie where you’ll have a chance to hug or cling on your date especially during creepy scenes. Well, I have one “astig” recommendation which I saw last night at My Cinema, Greenbelt 3 during a special screening by Futuretainment, Inc.

I have six reasons for you to watch VIY: The Spirit of Evil and on top of them is a hair-raising news that you might end up owning a brand new iPhone 6 by just watching the film which will be shown in 3D in select theatres in Metro Manila, and in in 2D nationwide starting October 22.

1.  “VIY: The Spirit of Evil” is a hit dark fantasy film loosely based the story “Viy” by Nikolai Gogol, a legendary Russian poet. Gogol has been featured many times on Russian and Soviet postage stamps; he is also well represented on stamps worldwide. Several commemorative coins have been issued from Russia and the USSR. In 2009, the National Bank of Ukraine issued a commemorative coin dedicated to Gogol.  At least ten streets have been named after Gogol in various towns and cities and Russia.

2.  If you’re a big fan of the worldwide monster HBO hit series “Game of Thrones” and deeply missed just about everything about the said TV show, you’ll have at least Charles Dance who plays Tywin Lannister in GOT in an important role in VIY. Plus, shades of special effects, gore and brutality of GOT can be felt in the movie.  VIY was shot in Prague at the Gatteo, Barrandov, and Letnyany studios, world-renowned locations that are also called the "European Hollywood" and home to the production of many blockbusters such as Van Helsing, The Brothers Grimm, The Chronicles of Narnia, Casino Royale, Hellboy, and Blade.
  
3.  VIY is produced by Russian Film Group and Marins Group and is distributed internationally by Universal Pictures, one of Hollywood so-called “Big Six” film studios. Lead star Jason Flemyng, who played the role of “Master Scientist” Jonathan Green, has also appeared in some of recent Hollywood box-office hits like Transporter 2; Case of Benjamin Button; Clash of the Titans; Kick-Ass; and X-Men: First Class.  

4.  VIY is the name of the dark and notorious monster responsible for the deaths of many village people in a sleepy 17th century Ukrainian village. It’s most terrifying ability is to murder and cut through the soul of any one with just the gaze of his many eyes. There is one very creepy sequence in the film where a number of terrifying monsters of all shapes and sizes appeared that made me blurt, “This is nightmare!”

5.  Jason Flemyng on VIY: “It's a classic story of redemption and of love and of adventure. “The special effects and the 3D is as good if not better as I've ever seen it, so the potential is limitless. I've made a hundred films now and five of them I love, and Viy is one of those five.”

6. The film became a certified hit when it was first released in Russia earlier this year. The first weekend take was $17 million, an all-time record for a Russian movie. 


Now if I happen to convince you to watch VIY, hold on dearly to the tickets that you’ll purchase because they might be your only chance ever of owning an iPhone 6. Here’s how:

a. All viewers of the movie are qualified to join the promo.

b. Participants must write their name and signature on their movie ticket (the side where the movie title is visible), and then take a selfie with their movie ticket.

c.  Go to the movie’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/futuretainmentinc and they must like th page and click the Watch and Win iPhone 6 promo logo for the next step and complete details.

d. There will be 3 winners of an iPhone 6 unit each, which will be drawn on October 25, 28, and 31.

e. Winners will be announced via Futuretainment FB account, Instagram account (@futureupdate) and the registered mail. Participants can only win once during the entire promo.

If this stuff still can’t charm you to watch VIY, don’t let the monsters in the film (watch the trailer below) make you.


Monday, October 13, 2014

What goes best with pizza?


I was browsing the net for some information for an article that I’m doing when I found myself reading a thread where people are arguing on what goes best with pizza.

The first comments where “beer, wine, ice-cold soda and even milk.” Then the responses became  amusing with “simple black dress and low heels” to “a good movie plus more pizza.” Two commenters gave cheesy yet sweet suggestions: “a boyfriend to share it with” and “the company of a good friend.”

I asked my 5-year old son Charles the same question and his quick reply was “with my Superman costume!”



Well, it seems that little Charlie still can’t get over with the superhero-themed afternoon playtime that he had along with other kids at Shakey’s Pizza along Katipunan Ave., Quezon City.  I have never seen him that happy in his spandex suit as he played, dance and share yummy slices of pizza and other food treats with fellow super kids.

With Shakey’s bringing in the “superpowers” of DC’s Justice League as they offer Justice League Unlimited party package, it will be easier to decide where Charles will spend his next birthday.  Charles sports Justice League merchandises almost every day from his school bag to lunch box and shirts to underwear (Son, if you happen to read this in the future. Please forgive me with these confessions. I just have to prove to my readers how crazy we are with the man of steel.)

As for the Shakey’s food packages on Justice League Unlimited, the platter of delights that will be served will surely make everyone happy, most especially the host of the party; by feasting on complete set meals of favorite menu items from Shakey’s.

 

For Package A, guests can take pleasure in 1 piece chicken and rice, paired with ice cream and 12 oz. iced tea. For Package B, it’s a delectable plate of 1 piece chicken, spaghetti, garlic bread, ice cream, and 12 oz. iced tea.

Package C, on the other hand, is a scrumptious serving of 1 piece chicken, spaghetti, garlic bread slice of pizza, 2 pieces of mojo, and 12 oz. iced tea. For Package D, it’s a delicious plate of 1piece chicken, spaghetti, 2 slices of pizza, 2 pieces of mojos, 12 oz. iced tea, and a bowl of creamy mushroom soup on the side.



Bring out the Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash and Green Lantern in your kids!  Party packages include signature dishes, activities, and even props that will further enliven the gathering. Guests are also encourages to dress up for the party. If you want to know more about this super celebration offering, just visit www.shakeyspizza.ph.

Now if you’ll ask me what goes best with pizza? Well, I’ll take any drink for my pizza as long as I share a fresh from the oven pan with Charles messy hand and my wife’s wonderful smile after a hearty meal.   

Friday, October 10, 2014

Astig Tips: Halloween Costume for Kids

Are you having a hard time looking for a costume this Halloween?

Well, it's doubly harder for parents who wants something new and unique for their kids. That's why I came out of  some practical tips for parents who are having nightmares and a hell of an experience (OA words intended use for horror effect) searching for the perfect costume for their children. 


1. Give your kids a hand on choosing their costumes. You can ask them what they want but you should also consider if what they like is doable or appropriate.


 
2. Use your head and buy their costume now. Prices of these stuff will sure to jack up as October 31 comes near so better shop a few weeks earlier before the occasion.



3. Buy a costume that your child can also wear for a few more years and in other events. A Santa costume can be worn again on Christmas (every year) or a reindeer during a school play.



4. Never buy a costume that will take a looooong time to wear and undress. This is to avoid any hassle when your kid feels uncomfortable anytime while in character.


 
5. Use your mind and save money with handcrafted costume.


6. Don't make it a hard sell. If you will dress up your child, no need to place a name tag of the character. Wouldn't it be great if people will recognize them through the pieces he/ she is wearing.


7. Don't put so many stuff in and on the costume. Your kids will make rounds from one house to another for treat and trick and it's hard to move when you have a loaded bucket and heavy outfit at the same time.


8. Get some ideas by looking outside the window (or in front of the mirror). Different people passing by can give you some great suggestions



9. Zombie costume will be a common sight on Halloween so tell your kids to be someone or something else instead.


10. Always remember that whatever your kid will wear, it will always look good because anything about them is awesome!

NOTE: I don't own any of the images in this post. I just found them online via Google.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Hoodie You Want



What do you get when you cross Christmas breeze and monsoon rain? People wearing hoodies.

Well, that’s not actually a joke since hoodies are definitely one of the hottest things today. Well, they look cool, too.

A hoodie, also called a hooded sweatshirt or hoody, is a sweatshirt with a hood (apologies for the redundancies because I just want to make it really clear that my readers are thinking of the same hoddie that I have in mind).

But do you know the story behind the hoodie aside from the fact that it is a clothing with a muff sewn onto the lower front, a hood, and usually a drawstring to adjust the hood opening, and may have a vertical zipper down the center similar to a windbreaker style jacket?

Here are 7 Hoodie Trivia that you might find interesting:

1. The garment's style and form can be traced back to Medieval Europe when the normal clothing for monks included a long, decorative hood called a cowl attached to a tunic or robes, and a chaperon or hooded cape was very commonly worn by any outdoors worker.

2. The hooded sweatshirt was first produced in the United States starting in the 1930s by Champion in and marketed to laborers working who endured freezing temperatures while working in upstate areas.

3. The hoodie took off in the 1970s, with several factors contributing to its success. Hip hop culture developed in New York City around this time, and the hoodie's element of instant anonymity provided by the accessible hood.

4. Most critical to the hoodie's popularity during the 70's was its iconic appearance in the blockbuster boxing film Rocky.

5. By the 1990s, the hoodie had evolved into a symbol of isolation, a statement of academic spirit, and several fashion collections.  Young men, often skateboarders or surfers, sported the hoodie and spread the trend across the western United States. The rise of hoodies with university logos began around this time.

6. Hoodie Day was launched in May 2008 in New Zealand as part of an annual national Youth Week, a pro-youth initiative to challenge youth stereotypes.

7. In April 2013, the highly durable "10-Year Hoodie" was invented. The hooded sweatshirt is 100% cotton and the American manufacturers sourced yarns that are spun to become softer over time to ensure durability. 

Now if you still don’t have a hoodie to wear during the cold weather, you have a chance to get one courtesy of 7-Eleven’s Health and Beauty promo HOODIE TIME, a rewards/ loyalty promotion using your 7-Eleven  Every Day! rewards card.  You can get a FREE limited edition hoodie (two designs to choose from) when you accumulate P1,000 worth of Personal Care product purchases.

The personal care products included in the promo are the following: Shampoo, conditioner, hair treatment, hair styling, mouthwash, toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, body wash, face wash, face cream, face scrub, face mask, toner and cleanser, lotion, moisturizer, antiperspirant deodorant, alcohol, cotton, facial tissue, baby products, feminine wash, feminine pads, cologne, powder, cosmetics, shavers and sanitizer. For complete list of participating brands, just click HERE.

Visit any of the 1,100 7-Eleven stores now and add their exclusive line to your closet collection!