Christmas Party Traditions

Everybody surely wanted a break from work…a short getaway, a respite from tons of tedious load and deadlines. December is the month to live life and be merry, the time when employees put on their dancing shoes and nicest outfits.

There has to be time for everything, there’s time for work as well as play. For some, this season means partying and celebrating night-outs with friends, colleagues and office mates. For others, it is the most opportune moment to show off their dancing and singing skills.

Be it a small or large business, entity or corporation, employers give employees their much deserved reprieve from work. For a number of days, some employees start building up programs, prepare production numbers and set up games for everyone to enjoy and participate. The lively atmosphere is further emphasized by the anticipating crowd as each has something good in mind. Together, the feel of Christmas can be easily felt as well as being spoken of by everyone.

Nowadays, creativity is the name of the game when it comes to party formats. Each year, something new is being adopted as part of increasing fun. Some companies decide to involve all departments by sponsoring several competitions having prize money as mere reward. Employees also engage themselves in gift-giving as they hand out presents to friends and office pals.

Some businesses tend to become more creative as they adopt a themed party for Christmas. A party where costumes are highlighted by wigs, disco lights, bell bottoms and fancy make-up. Donning a John Travolta? Doing a Marilyn Monroe? As long as it takes you a trip where the seemingly outrageous becomes hip and hot, then a themed party 70’s style gives you the hype.

How about a masquerade ball for a Christmas celebration? Where stylish hairdos and flowing gowns rule the floor; where fine jewelry and elegant shoes match perfectly well; where guys’ well demeanor makes them fine gentlemen? Isn’t it really amazing to act at a time where casual dressing is passé?

While dressing up or being too made up is simply not your thing. How about a party where videoke kings and queens are stars of the night? A shindig of overflowing drinks, good food and great peers cap an evening of joy and heartily laughs.

Each has a fantasy awakened every Christmas. As adults venturing into a world of power suits and corporate attires, the season renders us the chance to keep that childish spirit alive. We all know that a part of us wants to party all night just like those days when we used to attend promenades. So, keep that imagination intact, party with friends and revel in the glitz and glam of what could have been a dream party for Christmas.

Success story of Miguelito’s Ice Cream

Success doesn’t come knocking at your door in any given day, along with hard work, sacrifice and perseverance; success can be achieved in a matter of time. That’s a proven formula as being told by Marlon and Michelle Aman of Miguelito’s Ice Cream business.

Their success story might be common but it still has full of lessons to be learned especially during these times where we all need some inspiration to get us going in the trying times of our lives.

Marlon and Michelle started off their LPG dealership business just after they got wed in 1997. with no business background at all fortitude and willingness were all the fuel they got to kick off their life’s engine, and with their 50,000 pesos initial capital they got from their “sayaw ng pera” they ventured into otherwise known as the ups and downs of a common couple doing business in “oido” manner.

Marlon was a credit investigator working in Planter’s Bank back then, and as such investigating business loans was his dawn till dusk officio. One fine day while talking to a retired bank employee, whom he is investigating, he was struck and dumbfounded by the irony of the situation: “never allow yourself to be a bank employee for more than five years, look at me; I make millions of pesos during my prime, not for myself but for the bank, but now here I am trying to make a loan for a small business and you’re investigating me.”

That was the very words that retired employee said to him which serves as his inspiration and motivation to start off their Miguelito’s Ice Cream business.

If you have motivation inside of you and the knack for making things work, chances are whatever comes along will be seen as an opportunity. In the case of Marlon and Michelle, opportunity came when they attended a business expo, spoke to one of the Ice Cream Machine agents and after which, they decided to rent the machine and tried it out in front of their LPG dealership business, sort of testing the water. Little they know that they are in for a big surprise with a turn out of P6,000 income per day for a P5 per cone ice cream.

The water was tested and it was good, but the price of P250,000 of the machine to some extent impeded them. For a small-time entrepreneur like them they cannot afford to make big risks, they have their LPG dealership business still in infancy and needs buffering. But gut feel finally won over their desire to do good business. Marlon finally decided to borrow money from his father who has a barbershop business. He managed to seek a P100,000 loan from the old man, and with Michelle’s ever protective miser (a wife’s inherent) attitude, that money served beyond its purpose. Miguelito’s Ice Cream was finally born!

Their every day was always filled with struggle and motivation, tears and laughter as every common business owner encounters, with no MBA or degree in business whatsoever they tread the water head on while learning along the way. Their humility serves a great purpose in their lives, alongside the Ice Cream Machine they would put sago or fish ball in order to augment the income, and in no time they managed to buy vehicles to help them with their growth. They also ventured into hiring a chemist in order for them to make their own Ice Cream mixes which they sold eventually. Importing Machines also became their next target, one thing led to another and in a short time, Michelle found herself in front of the Ice Cream manufacturer in China. With the help of a Chinese friend they managed to order 3 machines at first, of which had been sold out as soon as it arrived Philippine shore—and the rest was history.

The growth didn't stopped there. Their creative mind and calculated risks landed them other kinds of business -- waffle making machines, baking machines, and other food related machines were added to their list. Today, they are slowly putting up franchise for their Potato City French fries kiosk, and another business on coffee is still brewing. Palau and Cambodia were the only two neighboring countries on which Miguelito’s Ice Cream reached so far, as far as selling machines is concerned, but in no time at all the lists will be filled as they go international.

Kabuhayang Swak na Swak, a livelihood program of ABS-CBN finally noticed them last July of 2007 and they got featured alongside other successful business in the country, and indeed from the very words of Marlon and Michelle: “It maybe a cliché but still sipag at tiyaga, pati sakripisyo, will go a long, long way.”

You can reach them at:

Miguelito’s Ice Cream
407-1526 583-1055
http://miguelitoscorp.com

Christmas Gifts and their Relevance

Five months ago, Fernand Agor, a fresh grad working in a call center, was already excited about this coming Christmas. He didn't really know why. It was certainly a happy feeling but something weird was associated with it. Sometimes he thought it was a bit abnormal. It was a long way to go before Christmas. However he didn't mind that much the freakish part of his feelings. He had settled to the idea that he was happy, that was what he thought was important.

He was making a mental list of friends and relatives he would like to give a present for this Christmas. The joy within him was a burning life growing inside. He was more excited to know that he was experiencing the joy that started way back to the Roman festival of the Kalends which took place on the first of January during the Winter Solstice. Of course his gifts would be far different from what they had back then. Their gifts progressed from a form of evergreen branches to gifts of honey and cakes. His would be simple yet pleasant.

After he made his final list, he got conscious about the financial constraint along with it. Honestly, it was choking him that he had to make a quick change of plan. Instead of giving each of them a gift, he decided a gift for each family would cut down his expenses. Still, being a part of a big clan and having so many loving friends, the joy of it was slowly being replaced by worries. To get away with it, he gave up the idea.

During a lunch break at work, he had talked to his friend Dorothy. He asked her about how her family celebrates Christmas. He was excited when she mentioned about the gift-giving they always had since she was still in college. That was fifteen years ago. He was so impressed that he encouraged her to tell more about it. He had some pre-thoughts that her family was greatly close with each other. Surprisingly, she revealed otherwise.

Through out those fifteen years her mother never thanked her, not even wished her a merry Christmas. Although she never failed to give her mother a special gift each Christmas, her mother remained distant from her. Her father left them when she was five. Fernand believed that was the reason why her mother treated her differently.

Looking at her, he could feel the pain she was holding inside her. He felt guilty for suggesting the topic to her. He felt desperate finding comforting words so that she would feel better. He believed her mother loves her, only she couldn't show it the way she wanted. She is afraid of the love itself which she actually has inside for Dorothy. Then Dorothy smiled at him and said she was happy enough that she is free to show her love towards her mother through gift-giving.

The next day before his shift, he met his good friend Dianne at Starbucks in Paseo de Santa Rosa. Her father is an executive manager in one of Ayala businesses. He was eager to find out how they celebrate their Christmas, especially the gift-giving in her family. They usually donate in some charitable events which was a wonderful thing to know. However, he was disappointed to know they never had a gift-giving in her family. They always went abroad or had out-of-town trips during Christmas. He knew it seemed not appropriate to feel pity towards her but he was wishing she could experience the joy he felt whenever they had gift-exchange in their family. The surprise and fun they always had every time they un-wrapped their gifts. Although he could feel that Dianne was happy with the way her family celebrates Christmas.

At home, Fernand was reconsidering his plan about Christmas. He admired the love Dorothy had for her mother. She told him the joy she felt from the gift-giving in her family was inexplicable. Even if pain was there, she would always continue to show her love for her mother. While on Dianne's part, he was a bit lonely knowing they never experienced the thrill of wanting something for a long time which eventually someone from your family would give it to you as a Christmas gift. She told him they could buy things they want to have even though it is not Christmas. They don't have to wait for Christmas just to have it. He believes that the special touch of waiting and knowing someone you love had prepared a gift for you was more than the material gift you actually had received. That was what he believed Dianne was missing. Just the thought of the process of un-wrapping and opening your gift and the joy along with it was already a wonderful experience he would always cherish and would never barter with anything in this world. Finally, he started making his Christmas list.

Popular Gift Items for Business

Holiday cheers simply rule the air, thus making such season a favorite time of the year. Not only families or friends do celebrate but restoring relationships also include building ties with social peers and business partners. Christmas is giving and receiving as dealt by those who want to spread the gift-giving spirit.

Be it a neighbor, patron or regular customer, businesses and entrepreneurs alike wanted to give something back to them, as means of appreciating doing business with the former. It is their manner of saying thank you, showing mere gratitude for continued patronage. It can also be a strategy of sort, as new customers or walk-ins are given freebies to make them feel welcome and greatly attributed. Hence, Christmas for some is also an effective time to renew business if not establish new ones.

Through the years, we have seen popular items given by businesses. Some best describes the nature of said companies while others prefer much creative giveaways. Here are some of them:

• Calendars. This is I think is the most popular giveaway for Christmas. Considering how Filipinos love new beginnings, calendars provide them an early gift start. Plus, many do appreciate receiving calendars during this time as they won’t bother to buy one.
  
  
• Shirts. Many shops offer these as gift items. Not only are these effective but does advertising as each normally bears the business’ name and address.
  
  
• Clocks. This is another popular gift item come holidays. Certain entities like pharmaceutical companies often if not always give wall clocks, alarm clocks or timers to their valued customers.
  
  
• Pens. Be it a fountain pen, ball point or mechanical, this surely comes handy. No need to worry about space as it’s too light and convenient to carry around and present as freebies.
  
  
• Office supplies. These typically include paperweight, pins, post-its, and notepads. They are not only easy to produce but very usable too.
  
  
• Food. Yes I’d come across people who give fruit baskets or even sweets during Christmas. This is a good choice as some prefer getting something which does not necessarily end up in the stock room or bin.

Relationships vary in ways that each need attention and care. For these establishments, the owners believe in creating rapport with new customers or extend social network through maintaining amiable connection with regulars themselves. Of course, business spells money and one way of doing it is through remembering and giving.

Be it a marketing strategy, financial move or not, the significance of it all lies on the business’ sense of companionship and addressing value to the ones supporting them throughout. That for once, they could simply set aside economics in exchange for kind words and open arms.

The season of giving attracts everyone merely for gifts and presents. However, this is one great time to share one’s blessings as handed out to you all year. Bear in mind people who does not only benefit you solely, give it out to your trusted and efficient employees and workers as well.

Popular Gift Items for the Family

The holidays become extra special every time we spend it with family. Some even started suiting up trees come September taking out from hidden shelves colorful ribbons, balls and wreaths. Childhood takes us down memory lane as we await mother’s good old Christmas cookies enticing innocent noses. Surely, each of us has their fondest memories come December 25th.

As children, we do believe in Santa Claus visiting our homes come Christmas Eve, laying down presents under the tree or fill our huge knitted socks with goodies. There were times when curiosity gets in the way as we secretly peek behind closed doors or pretend sleeping. These and all in the name of gifts!

As we grow older, we have soon realized the real essence of gift-giving. How we want to purchase the most original, well thought of items for our parents and siblings. But what do we usually end up thinking of buying? Here goes the list:

• Accessories. Be it a wristband, headband, cuffs or bangles, these are some of the most popular items for gifts come yuletide season. Well, some could cost over a hundred pesos or more but most of these naturally come cheap. Just try roaming around stores and malls and likely accessories of all kinds, colors and style are readily made available.
  
  
• Garments. In this list, the possibilities are endless. From T-shirts to blouses, pants or shorts, towels and undergarments, one can certainly find the perfect gift. Just make sure to take note of sizes and you’ll never go wrong.
  
  
• Toys. Since the season is the season for children, one should not miss buying dolls, Lego sets, robots, remote control cars and Barbie. I bet everyone would agree that toys are a sure fire hit for godchildren, nephews, nieces, sons and daughters.
  
  
• Perfumes/Colognes. Filipinos are normally vain, and got to admit, who would not want to look, most of all smell good? This I believe is a common but safe gift since scents vary depending on the person you intend to give it to. It is so timely giving this come holidays as parties and get-togethers happen not just once but several times come Christmas season.
  
  
• Toiletries. Nowadays, going natural is the in thing. We think of soaps, shampoos, body sprays plus natural ingredients, then we have the hypoallergenic, water-based solutions suiting our personal needs. Of course, perfumes and cologne belong in this category but with soaps and lotions included, such has found its own niche in the market.
  
  
• Candles. Who has not received one these days? I mean, for some reason, candle making has become a thriving industry that it has taken new forms, sizes and shapes. Filipinos are naturally creative to come up with great designs, stimulating scents emitting not only light but a good gift idea for aunts and uncles.
  

One is living testament to mugs, key chains, stuffed toys, handkerchiefs given out as timeless presents. As much as we want each gift to be personalized, sometimes it is quite hard to not duplicate giving certain things. Well, Christmas is one season where families gather, enjoy home cooked meals, converse and play with brothers, sisters and relatives. Still, the art of giving never fails one as long family ties stick together. Come to think of it, “It is better to give than to receive.”

Filipino Gift-Giving Traditions

Whenever the Christmas season begins, we often think of get-togethers, family reunions and late night parties. It is the best time to keep abreast with old friends, mend ties with long-lost relatives and mingle with your best buddies.

Christmas has been a tradition, where we merely count days and number gifts, to be shared and given, notwithstanding the financial and time constraints. It is also a time where long cues and seemingly endless lines in both counters and gift-wrapping sections somehow give us the feel of holiday rush and peculiar excitement. Indeed, Christmas is our most favorite holiday.

Filipinos are known to be generous givers. Some tend if not really save a portion of their earnings so they could purchase gifts all year long. Many, if not all are very gracious hosts, opening their homes to entertain visitors and welcome guests. At this time of the year, kids anticipate wearing their best clothes, don their well-polished shoes and greet their godparents with ribbon and laces-laden gifts in tow. It is only at this time where both young and old, think of happy tunes and snow globes.

Gift-giving during the yuletide season does not only bring people close but closer. For anyone who wishes to give and share, making his/her Christmas list is never a chore. From a handful of “inaanak” to your office mates up to your friendly mailman, we tend to give even just a simple gift. These days, where many say how hard life is, Christmas is an exemption. As we try to find ways on how to stretch our strings and accommodate every person in mind. This is how the tradition of gift-giving works- it is never just the manner of giving but more of appreciating everyone.

From simple hankies to designer bags; from the ever-reliable fruitcake to homemade pies- these are examples of presents, tokens of Christmas. Boxes, big and small, are always adorned in colorful wraps, bearing names of our precious ones. Gift-giving just like us, had somehow evolved through time.

And who could ever forget the art of “monito-monita”, where one plays Santa in disguise. So much care and attention is given thinking of gifts and trinkets depending on theme and kind. There’s something small and round, something gooey and fun, creativity in this plays its part. The premise of staying unknown to someone offers added thrill to this gift-giving tradition in Christmas.

One can almost see oneself, in the company of neighbors and friends, in this annual party of homeowners. Families join hands in preparing parlor games, putting up decors for the dance. Parents dance ballroom while kids savor sweets and apples, minding not of reprimands. A potluck of dishes, from bowls of spaghetti to a number of egg rolls, it is a feast for everyone.

All in the spirit of love, we act as givers just for once. The traffic in EDSA, congested malls and prevalence of tiangges and ukay-ukay are but living proof that in the Philippines, giving is never out of bounds. Besides, more than the material things and gift boxes at hand, Filipinos share their hearts by reaching out to their families and loved-ones. Never mind the tired feet and poise less attires; think not of holdups and snatchers on sight, what matters is that when Christmas is about to come, we think of faces so well-loved to never ignore and just pass by.

Stories of Filipino Entrepreneurs and Businesses

Despite hard times and economic challenges, Filipino entrepreneurs and businesses are growing in numbers providing jobs and opportunities to our countrymen.

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