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Does the closing in of the “ber” months ring a nostalgic bell? If so, you must be a Filipino by heart. Filipinos, a.k.a Pinoys, can’t help but feel the Christmas spirit as the first day of September arrives and the countdown to Christmas cheerfully begins. You will start seeing homes or tree branches along the roads glittering with Christmas lights and decorations, Christmas songs played over the radio, and even kids hopping from one house to another singing Christmas carols as early as October.

Pinoys, for the most part, are a very lively and happy people. These two distinct traits are much noticeable, especially during the Christmas season. The Philippines, being one of the biggest Catholic countries in Asia, celebrates Christmas for a longer span of time compared to other countries that observe Christmas as well. In fact, the country is known to celebrate the world’s longest Christmas season, which starts as early as September and ends during the Epiphany or commonly known as Three Kings’ Day.

What distinguishes the Pinoys’ ways of celebrating the Yuletide season from other Christian nations are the unique Christmas traditions they observe that have stood against the test of time and have been passed on from one generation to another. Allow me to talk about the impressive Christmas traditions I’ve witnessed throughout my stay in Cebu.

Misa de Gallo or Early-Morning Mass

Misa de Gallo, otherwise known as Simbang Gabi, is a series of dawn masses that begins every 16^th of December and ends on the 24^th of December. This tradition traces back to the Spanish-colonial regime when priests celebrate early morning masses so that farmers, who work all day long, can still have time to rest in the evening. Since then, this tradition has continued in all parts of the country and in every parish. For Filipinos, completing the nine masses not only heightens the anticipation of Jesus’ birth but also shows the believer’s deep devotion towards God. More and more generations are also inclined to practice this tradition in the belief that their special wishes will be granted upon the completion of the nine-day dawn mass. Nevertheless, it’s quite impressive to see devotees stick to this tradition of waking up early for nine straight days to complete the Christmas novena.      

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Christmas Eve and Noche Buena

For the Filipino Catholics, the Christmas Eve (Bisperas ng Pasko) is always celebrated with a Midnight Mass, which is unsurprisingly flocked by devotees. They feel that their Christmas would not be complete unless they are able to attend the Christmas Eve Mass. The mass usually starts around 8:00-10:00 in the evening of December 24, and sometimes lasts until an hour before December 25. Families then go back to their houses to celebrate and feast on their Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner). A combination of western and Filipino cuisine is usually prepared, such as roasted pig (lechon baboy) or roasted chicken, queso de bola, ham, pizza, ice cream, barbeque, and other Filipino delicacies that goes well with wine and beer. Christmas gifts are also exchanged among family members. This is relatively the time for families to bond and have fun.

Misa de Aguinaldo

Many families attend the Misa de Aguinaldo or the mass of Thanksgiving for the Birth of Christ on December 25. Most Filipinos perceive Christmas Day as a family affair, thus they take the time to visit their relatives and loved ones. Children usually visit their godparents, hoping to receive Christmas gifts.

Panunuluyan

This is the traditional reenactment of pregnant Mary and Joseph’s journey to find a place where Mary could give birth to Jesus. The actors portraying Joseph and Mary will be visiting pre-designated homes, whose owners will cruelly reject them. They eventually find their way to the church where a small stable is being set up.

Christmas Parties

Pinoys are fond of celebrating the Yuletide season by holding office or school parties before the Christmas holidays. Fun activities, such as parlor games, musical performances and dance numbers, are apparent during the party. Of course, the traditional exchange of gifts through Manito-Manita or Kris Kringle is almost always present in every Christmas party. These parties usually take place during the second week of December, or just before the schools and offices go on holiday.

Niños Inocentes

Niños Inocentes, also known as Holy Innocents’ Day, is observed on the 28^th of December. Never be fooled by anyone on this day as this is the December version of the April Fools Day. Most Filipinos celebrate this day by playing pranks on one another.

New Year’s Eve Feast

Filipino families gather for their Media Noche (midnight meal) on the 31^st of December. This feast symbolizes their hopes for a prosperous New Year. Loud noises can be heard at the strike of 12 midnight and firework displays can be seen in the night skies. Others opt for the safer way of merrymaking like toy horns (torotot), banging pots, blowing car horns, or clashing kitchen utensils.

Family Reunions

For Pinoys, Christmas is the best time to gather around and be reunited with other family members and relatives. It’s also the time to get reacquainted with distant relatives. Most Filipinos make this season as an annual tradition for gathering families and relatives.

Three Kings

The Epiphany or the Three Kings is celebrated every first Sunday after the New Year. This day officially ends the Christmas season for the Filipinos.

Parols

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Filipinos have also retained their traditional Christmas decorations in the form of parols. These star-shaped lanterns are as recognized to Filipinos as Christmas trees are to Westerners. The Christmas parols signify the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Three Kings to Jesus’ manger. Today, the original star-shaped parol has evolved to various shapes and forms that are more catchy and vibrant in appearance.

Belen

Aside from the traditional Filipino Christmas parol, the belen is another distinct Christmas symbol for the Filipinos. The belen is a representation of the Birth of Christ in the manger. A lot of outdoor belens can be seen in church or school surroundings. Several belen-making contests are held annually where residents or establishment of a baranggay may participate.

Caroling

Christmas in the Philippines is not complete without kids or even grown-ups going from one house to another to sing Christmas carols. This tradition is called caroling or “panaygon” in the Cebuano dialect. Some carolers make use of tambourines made of tansan that are flattened aluminum bottle caps. Every caroling ends with the chant “Maayong Pasko!,” which is a cue for the homeowners to reward them with money. If not for pure fun, this tradition is also a way for some Filipinos to raise funds that they can use for future goodwill projects.

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Looking back, that was so much fun. But, now that I’m all grown up and drive my own car, I have come to realize that it’s no fun to be traveling on such rough roads. There’s nothing amusing about it at all. Driving through coarse terrains and merciless potholes not only leaves your body all worn out, but also lessens the life of your car, so to speak.

Just recently, I’ve witnessed new pavements and potholes being fixed. I am left wondering if the election is just around the corner or if these road projects are part of an early campaign for aspiring political candidates. This may sound funny, but sadly there’s some truth to my out-of-the-blue sentiments. Road repairs and developments are apparent once elections draw near. Not only that, you can see huge signs and big tarpaulins over such roads reminding everyone who paid for it and who did it.

I guess by now you’re getting what I mean. It’s just unfortunate that somehow this tactic still works in most cases. It’s almost like a defeated mindset. Of course, there are still honest ones who are doing their duties as public officials without hidden agendas at the back of their minds. I just wish there are more dedicated officials looking out for the betterment of the community and not for their own sakes. These thoughts often come to mind every time I see roads being fixed or developed.

In my years of living in Cebu, which I proudly call my home, I’ve realized that driving here is also quite different. Allow me to share some of the insights I’ve learned about the “rules of the road” that other expats might find useful in adapting with the driving styles in the Philippines.

• Speed Limit. If you are driving in the Philippines, there’s actually no need to worry about speed limits. In fact, speed limits are slightly enforced, if at all, so are other rules of the road. It’s like the traffic and road conditions dictate the rate of your speed, more than any speed limit sign or law. Here, the general speed limits are 60 km/hr as the minimum speed and 100 km/hr as the maximum rate. However, you’ll notice that most cars are actually driving over speed limit.
• Road Quality. Urban areas mostly have well-paved roads. However, some rural areas could have problems with potholes, lack of visible road signs and poor lighting. Road block signage or warning signs during road repairs are sometimes vaguely indicated by putting big rocks on the road. Mountain roads often don’t have guardrails and extra caution must be observed, especially when driving at night.
• Checkpoints. Various checkpoints can be set up during police operations. In such cases, you just need to slow down unless you are asked to pull over. Numerous government agencies, such as PNP, AFP or DENR, conduct checkpoints when looking for illegal loggers, poachers or guerilla members of NPA, Abu Sayyaf or MILF.
• Driving Style. Driving here could be nerve-racking for first-time drivers. You will experience being cut off frequently. Some drivers routinely pull into traffic without so much care at other oncoming vehicles. Driving precautions are regarded lightly and not strictly enforced. In fact, most drivers don’t have their seatbelts or helmets on. Drivers of passenger buses, taxis, or trucks can drive for 24 hours straight, as long as their body can tolerate. If DUI is strictly observed in the States, here it’s almost unenforced. Driving in the Philippines can be stressful, especially for foreigners, who are not used to the traffic flow and unpredictable driving situations. You have to pay close attention to your driving, and nothing else.
• Driver Liability. The driver is nearly always 100% accountable during collisions or road accidents, regardless of fault. You can be in deep trouble if you hit a pedestrian, more so if it’s a child, who perhaps crossed the street out of the blue. You can face a long strenuous court case and even a possible deportation.
• Pedestrians. You’ll see a lot of jaywalking here. Some people are way too undisciplined to wait for their turn to cross the street. People also have a curious habit of sitting idly on the side of the road, or worse, putting up stalls or “pongko-pongko” tables for their mini eatery business. During happy occasions like fiesta or holidays, you can expect jolly people walking at the streets. You must SOUND your horn should you see anyone not paying attention, lest you hit them, and it’s still going to be your fault.
• Vehicles. You are lucky if you are not caught by traffic enforcers while driving a car without headlights or taillights during the night. If you are driving at night, you can also expect some drivers not dimming their bright lights for incoming traffic. I have also witnessed some taxi drivers using the handbrakes to stop their car. Overloading is common, especially on commercial vehicles like public utility jeepneys. In very remote areas, you’ll be amazed to see commuters sitting on top of the bus or jeepney.
• Driving Attitude. Show aggressiveness when driving, but don’t be a jerk. If you’re driving in the Philippines, you are expected to follow closely, enter traffic and be fairly aggressive. There’s no time for hesitation as it might only cause accidents. You need to learn to decide quickly and commit.

Driving in the Philippines can be daunting at first, but you’ll get used to it. There are definitely many interesting things you’ll learn and discover while traversing the roads and highways of my motherland. With all the not-so-pleasant road encounters I’ve shared, I hope my fellow expats would still learn to love the country I consider my home. After all, Philippines is not just filled with warm and exuberant people, it is also endowed with numerous must-see tourist attractions.

Schools who didn’t offer a nursing course suddenly took advantage of the nursing boom and joined the bandwagon. Profit became the priority, rather than teaching. These schools lack the equipment and staff, unfortunately resulting to incompetent graduates. Although most students are able to graduate, most of them fail to pass the local board examinations.

Today, the oversupply of nurses in the Philippines is quite evident. The fortunate ones who are able to pass the local board exams are faced with more challenges. Because of the global economic crises, countries with high demand for nurses opt to employ their own citizens. Aside from this, a diploma and a license are not enough tickets to go abroad. Nurses are required two years experience before they could apply overseas. Hospitals don’t have vacancies so nurses are forced to apply as volunteers where instead of getting paid, they are the ones who pay the “training fees.” After acquiring the two years experience, nurses still have to pass other nursing exams like the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (GFNS) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to name a few.

Most nurses are discouraged with their chosen profession because the required two-year experience is difficult to attain, since volunteer positions only last three months. Aside from the hundreds of thousands of pesos they spent to finish their education, they still pay for more exams, volunteer fees and visa applications. They shed large amounts of money, defeating the purpose of taking up their course so they can go abroad and provide for their families. Instead of pursuing their carriers, nurses are forced to work in call centers and English as Secondary Language (ESL) schools. Some companies wouldn’t accept nursing graduates because of the fear that they would just leave after their applications abroad would be accepted.

Hence, the current dilemma, what is in store for our dear Filipino nurses? Sadly, not much. If you’re willing to wait in queue for your one-in-a-million chance of hitting the nursing jackpot, then go ahead, get a nursing degree. But if you’re in it for the huge boon, get Search Engine Optimization (SEO) training instead. Or enroll in a three-month Virtual Assistance course and immediately earn back your investment.

Visit http://www.ststrainingcenter.com/ and earn yourself a bona fide income-generating degree.

http://outsourcingopinions.com/2010/01/outsourcing-cebu-bpo-updates-2/

Metro Manila is the capital of the Philippines; the political, financial, educational, and social-cultural center that comprises nearly 30% of the entire country’s GDP.

It receives a large portion of the government budget, and Philippine events tend to focus more on Manila’s happenings. Of course, having a large population means more business opportunities, more workforce allocation, and consequently, more profit. Imports and exports are largely centered here, and grounding a business in Manila means having every resource at an arm’s reach away.

So why are outsourcing companies moving or relocating to Cebu? Or moving out to other major cities like Davao, Iloilo, or Bacolod for that matter? If Manila is so rife with economic opportunities, why do BPO companies prefer the remoteness of these outlying cities?

1) To escape the excesses of Metro Manila. Well, the list of negatives is long. The country’s capital is the most densely populated city in the world, with a population density of around 43,000 people per square kilometer. The density congests every area in the city and, with migrants from provinces coming in droves, crime goes up and safety for ordinary civilians plummets.

The city’s air pollution is also one of the worst in the world, with the pollutant particles making up nearly 60 micrograms of particles per cubic meter, almost 300% above acceptable levels.

Intense traffic problems is also a turn-off for most foreign investors wanting to establish businesses in the country. One hour or more traffic delay times are common in its congested streets.

The political turmoil in Manila is real and tangible, and even the rest of the country is easily swept by its chaos. Red tape and corruption among the government agencies are widespread.

With this list of harmful factors, no wonder BPO industries are trying their hand on other urban areas.

2) Cebu has established its integrity as a true BPO hub in Asia. A few years ago, Cebu emerged as one of the Top 50 Emerging Global Outsourcing Cities in a Thornton study, besting all other Asian cities in India and China. The achievement has convinced potential BPO investors to come to the city and set-up their businesses here.

Additionally, the quality of benefits offered by Cebu does not differ so much as with Manila’s. Literacy rate is high among the workforce. In fact, BPO companies actually work with the local schools and universities, producing graduates that are highly employable and competent. The cultural adaptability of Cebuanos with foreigners is the same, if not, better than their counterparts. Furthermore, Cebu already has the IT infrastructure capable of supporting a robust BPO industry.

The most obvious inducement of outsourcing is its cost-saving attribute.  By outsourcing certain jobs to offshore destinations, companies can cut their costs relating to expenditures for salaries and benefits in accordance with the law of the state where the company is situated.  Instead, companies will be paying less by having the jobs performed in places where salary rates are lower.  This cost-cutting option allows even small-sized businesses and companies to operate and survive despite the difficulties in today’s global economy.

With outsourcing, companies are also given the opportunity to select highly-skilled employees from certain agencies that offer human resources that are groomed for a particular job.  Thus, the company is relieved from that tedious process of selecting, hiring, training and grooming prospective employees.  In addition, outsourcing affords these companies with professionals and specialists who are trained and equipped for certain jobs.

Production is also likely to speed up if the job is outsourced.  Companies with limited manpower can still increase the production rate by outsourcing the additional projects while retaining the core tasks internally. 

Outsourcing is the new trend adopted by most businesses today.  Almost any job can be outsourced now; hence, it has become a useful tool for companies. 

Visit Outsourcing Truths for more information.

During these financially-troubled times, more and more companies have resorted to ways that tend to lessen operating costs and expenses.  One of these alternatives is resorting to outsourcing.  It is the perfect choice for those who want the job done fast.  Moreover, outsourcing the job can be less expensive since you do not have to pay for other operating costs related to training the company workforce.

There are a lot of freelancers that provide a full range of professional services.  In view of their expertise and mastery over the job, these individuals know how to beat the clock.  In addition, hiring a freelancer to do the job would cost less compared to hiring an individual as an employee.

When the company hires an individual, it has to pay for costs relating to training and schooling for the job.  In addition, the company has to comply with the legal requirements relating to the individual’s employment.  But with outsourcing, it is much cheaper, and the output is much better since the job is performed by professionals that specialize in certain fields.

No wonder outsourcing has become a more popular alternative for many businesses that seek to lower their operating expenses.  It has played a significant role in improving revenue ratings and provided a meaningful solution to the work required by these businesses.

For more on this, visit Outsourcing Truths to learn more about it.

Among the commonly outsourced jobs by these companies are the IT services being offered by many agencies and freelancers.  Many companies resort to this option since outsourcing allows these businesses to save on operating costs and expenses as against hiring and training employees on their own.  Moreover, getting their own employees would also mean that they have to spend on establishing and maintaining a company department within which those employees will be placed.

But with outsourcing, these companies are relieved from the burden of maintaining a regular workforce.  Rather than looking after their employees, they could focus their efforts on the company’s main objectives while these outsourcing agencies and freelancers do the job for them.

With outsourcing, companies are able to reduce their operating costs; thus, expanding their resources to other business areas.  Accordingly, businesses can re-focus their money and investments on higher-value opportunities, as well as simplify management.

Outsourcing is the best business leverage for these growing times because it dramatically improves the efficiency of the company.  By hiring outsourcing professionals, companies are liberated from the burden of handling employees.  It simplifies day-to-day management and reduces business risks.  With outsourcing, companies can focus their efforts towards more important matters and other strategic business goals.

Discover what Outsourcing can do for you.  Visit Outsourcing Truths today.

The best thing there is about outsourcing is that it frees one’s hands from dabbling with the particular outsourced job. In addition, it frees up company resources by allowing it to minimize IT expenditures. Accordingly, there is no need to spend for equipment since one does not need to set up an in-house personnel or department for that matter.

By simply letting others do the job, one can redirect its resources into the core business of the company. It relieves the executive and administrative team from dealing with human-resource problems as well as issues that deal with manpower.

Among the best things about outsourcing is that one can save on expenses relating to training. In addition, outsourcing also allows companies to gain access to an unlimited pool of talented individuals that possess specialized IT skills.

Outsourcing is the intelligent choice for companies who seek to save on operating expenses, and focus on its core business. Through this medium, one can significantly improve the business by being able to focus on providing the best quality products and services.

Why drain your resources when you can use it on matters that really count? Relieve yourself from the burden of costly operational expenses by simply outsourcing your IT needs. Visit Outsourcing Truths for more information.

Aside from company incentives, employers are required by law to shell out funds for their employees’ 13th month pay. The outsourcing industry in the Philippines is not exempted from this mandate.  The only entities not required under this law are the government, employers of household helps and persons who hire people based on a commission-, boundary-, or task-basis.  

This is mandatory under the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 851. Under such decree, all employers are required to dole out a 13th month pay to all their employees receiving basic monthly salaries, regardless of the nature of their employment and not later than the 24th of December annually.  This covers all employers ranging from small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs to top-earning business processing outsourcing providers. Covered employees who do not receive their 13th month pay have the option of directing their complaints to the Department of Labor and Employment or to the National Labor Relations Commission.

To be entitled this bonus, which is equivalent to at least one month of an employee’s wage, the said employee must have rendered work for that company for at least a month during that calendar year.   This payout is calculated based on the employee’s basic monthly pay divided by 12 and multiplied by the number of months the employee has worked for the company within the calendar year.

Outsourcing companies engaged in the provision of information and communications technology or information technology services are awarded incentives by the Philippine government. To qualify for these incentives, a foreign corporation may establish a local office or a wholly-owned unit in the Philippines. By doing so, these outsourcing companies become governed by the Philippine labor laws, which in turn requires employers to give rank-and-file employees a 13th month pay. So, now we know why our friends working for the biggest BPOs are happiest every December.

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The Province of Cebu joins the rest of the Philippines as they prepare for the Synchronized National and Local Elections as per RA 7166 Sec. 2 slated for May 10, 2010. This will be the country’s first ever fully-automated nationwide elections.

Cebu’s political scene may not be as macabre as in other provinces or cities, but it sure is as byzantine as any arena where power is up for grabs. The long-standing squabbles and the repulsive tongue-lashing between incumbent Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia are just sneak peeks to the larger power struggle between two of Cebu’s most prominent political families — the Osmeñas v. the Garcias.

As for the province of Cebu, COMELEC has identified Lapu-lapu City, Toledo City and the towns of Daan Bantayan and Madridejos as “areas of concern” based on its initial assessment.

According to an article published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on December 3, 2009, a total of 13 candidates are running for mayor and 13 for vice mayor in Cebu City.  Among those mayoralty candidates who have filed their certificates of candidacy with the Commission on Elections-Cebu are Vice Mayor Michael Rama, John Henry Osmeña, Georgia Osmeña, Samuel Darza, Landelino Bontilao, Crisologo Saavedra, Ricci Ranili, Rodolfo Laconza, Cristituto Abangan, Salvador Solima, Anastacio dela Cruz and Fermiliano Dapitan.

Four personalities have filed their COCs for the gubernatorial slot. Rafael Jun Cesar Ajoc runs as an independent candidate, Godofredo Rojas Berizo runs under the PGRP camp, Hilario Davide III carries the flag of the Liberal Party, and the current governor Gwen Garcia seeks re-election under the LKCMD Party.

Glenn Anthony Soco is Gov. Garcia’s running mate while Eladia Balicoco is PGRP’s representative for the vice-gubernatorial race.  Gregorio Sanchez Jr., currently serving as Cebu’s vice governor, is the running mate of the Liberal Party’s standard bearer.

COMELEC has disclosed that it would announce the official list of candidates by the end of December 2009, prior to launching the poll automation process in January 2010.