1st Future Leaders of Asia Forum on Social Entrepreneurship om January 17-20, 2008

The Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government in cooperation with the Development Studies Program will be holding the 1st Future Leaders of Asia Forum with the theme, "Social Entrepreneurship: Developing a New Generation of Asian Leaders".

This forum aims to gather promising college/university- based student leaders from January 17-20,2008 at the Ateneo de Manila University and introduce them to the concept of Social Entrepreneurship as a means of helping solve the most pressing social problems in their communities.

Our country faces several problems in education, health and the environment but these problems cannot be solved anymore through the usual means. Through Social Entrepreneurship, these student leaders will be asked to develop innovative and responsive solutions to these most pressing social problems.

Moreover, the forum aims to help prepare a new generation of Filipino and Asian leaders that will become effective and ethical catalysts of change in our society.

For more information you can contact Angeli Silang at angelisilang@ yahoo.com or if you would like to know more about our other programs on Social Entrepreneurship, you can contact Reese Fernandez at reesefernandez@ yahoo.com.

Peacetech Embassy :"Bridging Youth. Building Peace" CALL FOR APPLICATION

We are looking for 45 of the Philippines most dynamic youth advocates in the fields of peace; human rights; multiculturalism; and sustainable development. The gathering offers you an opportunity to work alongside young people who are committed to change and who are dedicated to being that change!


THE COURSE
As a PeaceTech Ambassador, you will undergo a course in peace and conflict studies including trainings and interactive workshops on the following subjects:

1. Peace Education - Peace and Conflict Perspectives, Transformation Skills and Analysis Tools

2. Embracing Diversity : Islam and Christianity as Religions of Peace

Understanding Islam and Christianity in relation to conflict transformation.
Understanding Islamic and non-Islamic cultures and ways of life.
Understanding the conflict in Mindanao (history of Muslims in Mindanao)

3. Practical Skills - The course does not only provide theoretical knowledge but also gives you skills to improve your work for sustaining peace in your own communities. Workshops focus on: Leadership and Youth Empowerment Skills
Facilitating Skills
Organizational Development
Community Empowerment
Youth Mobilization
How to give Workshops
How to facilitate Dialogues

Our trainers have hands-on experience from different fields. Their personal experience and knowledge creates a captivating, atmosphere.

4. Alternative Activities/Immersion - An aspect of the course focuses on sharing – celebrating similarities and appreciating differences. This includes activities such as immersion to Christian and Muslim communities, visits to Mosques, Churches and religious schools.


NOTE FOR APPLICANTS:
PeaceTech aims to provide our Ambassadors with a well-rounded experience. The course is not a "12-day walk in the park". While it is an amazing experience, we expect you to commit to giving back to your communities with the knowledge you have acquired during the course

Anyone who is interested should apply! We will consider your application as long as you can convince us that the course will add something to your life and help you make a difference.

We will screen applicants through interviews in your community. The 40-hour course is subsidized.

Successful applicants will pay a Php 100.00 registration fee (your contribution for the course, kits and materials). Certificates of completion will be given to those who successfully complete the course.

Final schedules and classes will be announced soon.

If you are 16 to 30 years old, fill-up the Application form and send it back to us via email at peacetech.net@gmail.com. For inquiries, contact 02-636-6562 , or email at peacetech.net@gmail.com or visit www.peacetech.net.

Earn Php 100 -Php 200.00 per hour as HOMEBASED CALL CENTER AGENTS

Do you want to earn Php 100.00 - Php 200.00 per hour in the comforts of your own home?

If you have internet connection of 5-12 kbps, a USB headset, a computer with at least 60 gig hard drive and at least 512 memory with Pentium 4 processor, your on your way of earning from Php 100 – 200/hour and become a HOME-BASED FULL-TIME CALL CENTER AGENT. Previous call center experience is an advantage.

For more information, please e-mail your resume to rubenlicera@gmail.com. You can also contact me at 09228234315.

CFIF conducts Training on "Effective International Trade Fair Participation"

What’s the most important part in Trade Fair Participation? preparation stage, during the event or the post fair? The answer is: ALL.

Tom Willemse, a CBI Consultant emphasized that every part of trade fair participation is crucial since all part of the pre, on, and post activities of trade participation contributes to the overall performance in attending the fair.

Attended by 22 participants from different companies who are ready to participate in the upcoming Cebu X 2008 show on March 6 – 9, the seminar dubbed “Effective International Trade Fair Participation” is organized by CFIF in cooperation with CBI of the Netherlands. Esteemed Trainor’s Tom Willemse of Intraservice Netherlands and Johan Laman represented CBI and held run-through on the basics of Trade fair participation. The seminar was held in the seminar room of CFIF’s new building along North Road Jagobiao, Mandaue City last September 26-27, 2008.

The seminar also included tackled topics on exhibition strategy, exhibition selection, stand design and decoration, the buying and selling process, getting visitors to your stand and stand behavior. Mr. Willemse and Mr. Laman also gave individual counseling to exhibitor’s who participated the seminar.

The participants we’re Velma Alicaya, Susan Genson, Rowena Alterado, Cecille Genson, and Carolyn Seno of Venus Craft; Bridget mariposa of APY Came, May Sarmiento of PhilExport Cebu, Karla Batiquin of Design Ventures, Inc.m Don Bartolota (Wireworks), Ernst Rama (NCB Industries), Charlene Lim and Jen Siarot Arden Classic, Inc., Charmaine Ong (Angel Whispers Gifts and Crafts, Eric Casas and Agnes Casas (Kirsten International), Carmen Rodriguez (Accessoria, Inc), Cristina Gaston (Hacienda Crafts Co. Inc.), Charmaine Basubas (Diamond Cane International) with Irene Ngosiok, Ruben Licera, Bert Dico, Rosemel Calderon, Lalyn Lumapas, and Marilou Matura of Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Inc. (CFIF).

The CBI (Center for the promotion of Imports from developing countries) is an agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The CBI was established in 1971. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of developing countries by strengthening the competitiveness of companies from these countries on the EU market. The CBI considers social values and compliance with the most relevant environmental requirements to be an integral part of it’s policy and activities.

IN PHOTO: Tom Willemse and Johan Laman of the Netherlands CBI flanked with some of the participants of the training.

The Basics of ART OF SMALL TALK

What is small talk? Small talk is the ability to start a conversation with other people and keeping the conversation flowing.

Good conversationalist don’t monopolize conversation, but orchestrate it. Small talk experts always end up conversation bearing the admiration of the people whom they talk to. Look around you, most of those who can do small talk are good conversationalist and successful in their careers and life.

It may be a predicament to some, but should you wish to become an expert, you should practice and observe the following tools of knowing this skill and art known as L.I.F.E.

LISTEN. Every good conversationalist always exerts time to research for them to orchestrate the approach. Everything should be planned. Thus, every good speaker is able to identify what objective and purpose is he/she in for that matter. To successfully do this, take time knowing the following:

1. Your purpose, your objective
2. Basic information about the person/event /activity
3. The profile of the person you are talking too ( eg. name, age, address, nickname
4. Find a good timing.
5. Prayer. As God promises, those who will ask shall be given.

INTRODUCE. The old adage Golden Rule teaches us: “Do unto others as you would like others do unto you.” Therefore, if you want to be a friend, be a friend. We should take the first step in knowing the person. But how can I easily introduce myself?

1. Smile.
2. Introduce your name, creatively. Initiate an effective “opening line”. Don’t forget to introduce your fullname.
3. Offer a hand. However, please observe proper etiquette.
4. Start the talk. Find the persons interest.
IMPORTANT: Remember the person’s name. a man’s name is the sweetest word.


FOCUS. To successfully win a friend, a person should focus his time and effort in knowing the person intimately.To do this, observe the following:

1. Be sincere.
2. Act confident and comfortable.
3. Offer some free information.
4. Connect.
5. Talk Less, Listen more.
6. Empathize.

EXIT GRACIOUSLY. Every good thing must come to an end, so as with good conversation. Prepare some exit lines to accomplish this, however acknowledge that you sincerely appreciate talking to him/her: eg. “Thank you. It was a pleasure talking to you”. Should you wish to continue the conversation some other time, leave a “key” where she/he can contact you. You do the same.

One last thought. Your exit line should be coupled with a warm handshake and a friendly smile.

With this, you'll have a wonderful day knowing you have a new found friend.

Cebu X 2007: Definitely inspiring!

Cebu X 2007 – Everything Inspires

By Ruben Licera, Jr.

Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition (Cebu X) this year showed a more dynamic and varied representation of its avant garde and design oriented masterpieces. The credit goes to Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation’s (CFIF) intensive design and product development program implemented by the business and design information powerhouse of the Philippine furniture export industry – the CFIF Information Centre (CFIF IC).

Tagged under the project name “Design and Product Development Program (DPDP) for Cebu X 2007”, 26 companies participated in a well-orchestrated series of consultancy visits coupled with seminars and workshops designed to enhance the industry’s outlook in conducting research and product development.

The pool of consultants for the program is composed of two of the industry’s leading designers, Carlo Tanseco and Val Padilla, along with three of the finest from Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines (PDDCP) – Art Delgado, James Non and Rowe Requejo.

The series of design and product development trainings and workshops with consultancy visits was done through CFIF’s collaboration with the Association of Industrial Designers (VDID). The partnership was facilitated by the Foundation of Economic Development and Vocational Training (Sequa) and funded by Asia-Invest of the European Commission. Featured resource persons are leading German industrial designers Matthias Votteler, Frank Bauer, Jan Armgardt and Auwi Stuebbe.

The participating companies’ products were highlighted in well-curated special settings located in major thoroughfares of the show.

The consultancy program is subsidized mainly by CFIF with funding from Asia-Invest of the European Commission and Pearl2 of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Cebu X 2007 international trade buyers, guest and visitors pulse showed that they were impressed with the newly showcased products displayed in boutique-style representation.

Despite the downtrend in statistics of the last shows, show organizers are optimistic that this development can still infuse the required adrenaline to further advance Philippine-made furniture and furnishing products to be in every home in the world

SHOW STATISTICS. USA is the country’s largest market contributing to almost 18% of the total sales during the show as reflected on the reports given by the exhibitors. Cebu X 2007 earned more than US$15 Million in total sales.