Meeting/Presentation with "Green Team" in the Hospital

A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along https://www-146.ibm.com/corporateservicecorps/ 

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Seems like everyone in the team had a great day today. Nitu (India) and Sabine (Austria) - working for the Marine Conservation Team had a village tour and witnessed a local wedding. Marcelo (Brazil) and Jessica (USA) working for the Library and Archives Group attended a story-telling contest. Cheryl and I met up with the "executive" Green Team and some doctors of the General Hospital of Makassar this morning. I am glad that the meeting went okay and everyone is so engaged.

 We first started with introducing IBM. We shared that IBM stands for International Business Machines. For them to better understand IBM, I told them that they must have encountered the brand when shopping (one of the things I love!). Most of the POS (point of sale) are products of IBM. But now, IBM is not just focused on hardware, but is also doing other businesses such as consulting.

To know how the meeting went, click Read More.. 

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Working in the Team Room with Interpreter & Lovely Dinner at New Dinar

A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along https://www-146.ibm.com/corporateservicecorps/ 


#ibmcsc #teamindonesia3

I thought we would finally get the chance to visit the hospital again but no, we were not allowed to go out of the hotel because of the same reason. Some of my teammates got to visit and meet with their clients. For Cheryl (USA) and I, we had to stay in the hotel and work on our presentations.


Our interpreter got a call from the hospital and advised that the director will send a memo to the hospital's "executive" team to meet with us tomorrow morning. We spent the day working on our decks and we are so glad that our interpreter, Lia is so nice to help us with our deck's translation to Bahasa Indonesia. What is amazing about her is that she just did not translate the texts but also created a new Powerpoint presentation complete with animation. I should be ashamed of the presentation that I did - especially that I claimed that I can make fireworks with it.

I, Cheryl and Lia in our Team Room

 (we got another room in the hotel to serve as our common room)

 

 See how many Powerpoint presentations opened in my ThinkPad

To know how my day went yesterday, click Read More..
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Something New for Lunch and Learning an American Dance

A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along https://www-146.ibm.com/corporateservicecorps/ 


#ibmcsc #teamindonesia3

We are on house arrest. For two days. Per IBM Security's advised, we need to stay in the hotel for our safety and security. There had been demonstrations in Jakarta and Makassar, and students are participating in rally against fuel price hike.

We were working in the lobby and caught the news update..

 
We had to stay in the hotel again yesterday and today (although some of my teammates got to the client sites). I and my partner, Cheryl (USA) stayed in the hotel and worked on our presentations. We received a call from the hospital this morning and the staff are actually waiting for us. I kind of miss them - the giggly, happy employees of the General Hospital of Makassar.

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Congratulations to the Winner of Jhajing Accessories Giveaway!

Have I told you I am missing my accessories so much? I decided not to bring a lot of them because I thought I would just buy locally in Indonesia and simply because I dread paying for the excess baggage. Most of the girls in our team love accessories, and every time I see them wearing necklaces, chunky rings and cute earrings - I thought of my big boxes of accessories and wish I have them here. It is actually interesting to realize that not wearing the style that you have affect your mood and motivation (at some level).

Anyway,  I am writing this blog to announce the winner of the Jhajing Accessories Giveaway! The winner will receive Php500 Gift Voucher which he/she could use to shop online or physically in the Jhajing Store.

So the winner is..


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Working from Hotel, Creating a Team Dance and Getting to Know Brazil

 A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along https://www-146.ibm.com/corporateservicecorps/ 


#ibmcsc #teamindonesia3



Work from Hotel. That was our status yesterday, and I guess it would be the same for today. ABV advised us to stay in the hotel because of the demonstrations happening around the city (due to fuel increase).

I am kind of worried and nervous about our assignment because we still need to meet up with the Hospital Director and our contact person, interview more department heads and check out the department's facilities. On the other hand, I am glad that we had to stay in the hotel yesterday because - well, it is the time of the month again. Perfect timing. I was so worried it would come during the weekend when we visited different diving spots and visited an interesting island. I should blog about it today.

To know what I did yesterday, click Read More..

We had lunch at a very good and affordable restaurant within the area. Too bad, I didn't bring my camera. But I had this Calamares (Fried Squid) with Butter and Soy. It is crunchy and chewy at the same time. I like it!

In the afternoon, we had our team meeting in which we planned our common presentation (the one that we will present to our team once we are back in our home countries). I can't believe that we only have one week to finish our assignment and present to our clients. I found out that there are other activities lined up for us. In less than two weeks, we would need to pack our bags and take different flights back. The thought makes me sad.

Before the meeting starts, Cheryl (USA) gave their little presents from Yogyakarta.

Girls got bracelet and flip flops!

And boys got musical instruments! How lovely!

After the meeting, time to do our afternoon exercise! Nitu (India) once again lead the session. I have attended a couple of afternoon sessions, and I am really surprised that I can now reach and touch my feet - while sitting - legs stretched. Again, we couldn't control our laughter whenever we would do the Aaaah... ooohhhh.. mmmm.. breathing exercise especially when Marcelo (Brazil) will join. We just love his deep voice!

After the Yoga session, time to do the dancing exercises. We danced to the tune of The Real Slim Shady with each of us doing the dance step and everyone would follow. It was the first time that Cheryl (USA) joined us and she really is such a cool lady! I did the otso otso dance and I said it is a Filipino Dance. Now they don't want to believe me!

We then started choreographing our Team Dance. I know we got a lot to do for our assignments, but this team got tons of creative ideas and we still think of more things to do.

I haven't really shared that I am quite observant about people's mannerisms, and I have "validated" another one today - from Marcelo (Brazil). "Hm.. Hmm..?!" He always says that - whenever he will say Yes, whenever he will ask something (he will just point at it, and say "Hm.. Hmm..?!". When I told him about it, he said he never realized it!

And since I am talking about Marcelo - time to get to know more about Brazil. I really wanted to visit the country, and I really wished that my assignment would be in Brazil. He showed me the pictures of his place - where he lives (nice view of mountains and blinding lights from the city, with beautiful lakes); the feasts and festivals which he calls "fantasy" (probably because most of the people come in costumes); and of course, the food!

I wish I got time to get to know the other countries too and blog about them.

I also shared with them my pictures from the Philippines - Boracay, Batangas, Palawan and Ilocos. It was funny when Arun (India) said that that woman in the pictures is not me! I am not sure if I should be offended. Haha.

Anyway, I finished the day with KFC chicken (I know, I am addicted!) and working on a few more decks for our presentation.


Working from Hotel in Makassar,

Ruth

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Working @ Red Bowl Restaurant & Cafe

 A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along http://www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility/corporateservicecorps/

I can't believe I am still up at this hour. I had coffee (and shrimp, squid and Gado Gado) from Red Bowl where Cheryl and I "worked". We worked on the presentation for tomorrow and sort of organize the data that we had collected from interviews we had with hospital employees.

It was actually nice of the staff from the Red Bowl that they actually waited for us to leave. They were like sitting (some of them standing) in the dining area and just let us finish our thing. No one turned off the lights, or the air conditioning unit. We just know they had to leave because they got their bags and things ready. They even provided us with extension unit so we can plug our ThinkPads. I rarely experience such kind of service. I like it!

Anyway, the main reason why we went to Red Bowl is because of the food and the place - it is very quiet in there and it is just perfect for brainstorming and working. Here are some food we had tonight..

Gado Gado  

One of my favorite dishes in Indonesia. 
It is made of fresh vegetables and tofu with peanut sauce. 
It has a perfect mix of taste (spicy) and texture (crunchy crackling)

 

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In a Japanese Restaurant in Indonesia with Americans, Brazilian, Indians and Mexican

I learned new words/phrases last night. But they are not the ones which you can use in daily conversation. I don't want to share the things and the phrases my team and I learned last night. I would rather that you learn it from the locals than in my blog. ;)

Anyway, we had Japanese food last night. I am not really into Japanese food but this restaurant called Shabu Tei really offers good rolls - however, I am not very impressed with the service.

Want to know the kind of food the restaurant serves? Click Read More..
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Human Nature and Social Entreprenuers + Giveaway

I am (temporarily) transferred here in the island of Makassar (Indonesia) to work with 9 other people from different countries and help the local government and businesses in their projects. It is very interesting project because the hospital (our client) wants us to help them become a Green Hospital. Anyway, one of the things that the facilitator and organizers asked us to bring is the mosquito repellant. Most of the team know about the Deet ingredient and I told them that it is very harmful in the body. I shared that there is one brand in the Philippines that uses organic and all natural products - and yep, I brought the Human Nature Citronella Bug Spray with me - and I am glad no bugs had been bugging me since I arrived.
 

And since Human Nature wants to spread the good news and the good products, Human Nature will give away exciting prizes (together with other social entrepreneurs) in this blog.

Want to join the contest and know more about Social Entrepreneurship? Please click  Read More... 

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Karaoke Night in Makassar, Indonesia

A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along http://www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility/corporateservicecorps/


Bon Jovi. The Beatles. Pink. Oasis. Katy Perry. We had them last night. We did Karaoke! I did Karaoke! Although it is pretty popular in the Philippines (think Red Box), I am not really into it, but I joined because I was with a fun group. And we did have fun!

One hour went by so fast - and we couldn't believe we were singing the last song. It was fun! But sad at the same time, because our in-country manager left this morning to assist the next team which will be assigned in Malaysia.

Click Read More to know about what happened..


She is one of the Anna's assisting us in this assignment (we have Anna B and Anna S). Anna B left yesterday to Jakarta, and Anna S just left this morning. They are the coolest people and they did very well in the job - bringing us all to one country (or one island), ensuring we have all the things that we need (e.g. microwave, refrigerator, a common room for the team), and helping us to connect (by even buying broadband sticks so we can get to the IBM network). Just yesterday, we told Anna S that we wanted to go to Tana Toraja instead of Bantimurong Waterfalls and Butterfly Sanctuary - and she is all cool telling us that she will arrange everything for the trip. She is effortlessly beautiful with that cutest Australian accent. She will be missed!

Anna S and Jessica!

 Vivek and Sabine!

Regarding our client - we once again talked to the department heads - well actually it was Cheryl who did the interview with the help of interpreter - understanding the Go Green Project and waste management initiatives. I did a bit of research regarding the ISO accreditation that the hospital wanted to be accredited for. It appears that such ISO pertains to administration and operations; and there is nothing specific about being green. I suggested to my partner that we meet up with the client again to discuss expectations especially that when I checked the assignment document, it says that the main objective is to be accredited on ISO; however, it appears that most of the employees and department heads are talking about being a Green Hospital.

It is important for us to validate the objectives and set the client's expectations before we go further in our project - because the worst that could happen is that we work for something that is not what the client is expecting.

I think we are doing good in this first week and I thought that we had already built relationship with our client and the hospital's employees. Cheryl was just sharing that we had only known each other for less than a week, but we are already so close that we felt like we are sisters. The same for the hospital employees - they are so nice and pleasant - that sometimes they would just sit infront of us and watch us eat. We even have one employee who even offered to teach me how to wrap my hair using a scarf. I really love the girls!

The funniest thing is when I told them I am a celebrity in the Philippines! I showed them my pictures taken during blog and media events, and even the ones published in magazines. It was fun sharing a bit of myself to these people. We felt so close to each other that taking pictures seems so natural like that. We always take pictures everyday - and it is so funny that they also take out their smart phones to take pictures (yeah, most of them use smart phones and I feel sorry for my old Nokia 6680).

Unfortunately, I have accidentally deleted the pictures I had taken yesterday because I was clearing my memory. There are just so many memories and experiences, and there isn't enough memory space. So I don't get to share much pictures for this blog.

I hope the other teams are doing good with their assignments too. We had our very first team meeting yesterday - we identified issues of our clients, challenges and help that we need and of course, we planned our weekend trip. This weekend, we are going to Tana Toraja!

Will have to end this post and prepare for the trip. I don't have much clothes to bring. I really need to go shopping. But before that, we need to get stuff for Sabine's birthday! We will celebrate in the bus on the way to Tana Toraja!

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Charades, Pizza, Indian Birthday Party and Busca Vida

A blog series about my in-country assignment to Makassar for IBM Corporate Service Corp.
Follow along http://www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility/corporateservicecorps/

Pizza! That's what we had last night, after almost a week of eating Indonesian Food. My tongue is literally on fire!

It was a productive day yesterday, I think. We had a meeting with the Vice President of the Local Hospital. At first he was pretty upset because we came without interpreter. What really surprised me is that not a lot of people in the island do know/recognize IBM. They always associate the brand with computers and machines. I know I am not the most techie person but I am working for IBM, and I am proud! We have to explain that IBM also does consulting services and we are volunteers who want to help their hospital to Go Green - or should I say Go Greener.

Before the meeting we tried to understand the hospital's organizational chart. It was fun doing charades and trying to understand functions with the help of Muslim employees of the hospital.

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Meeting the Country General Manager

Blog written on 3/11/2012 at Hotel Kempinski, Jakarta, Indonesia 
Follow along at http://www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility/corporateservicecorps/

 
Kiki, the security head in Indonesia and the rest of the IBM Indonesia team welcomed us all with a warm smile. So this is how a client feels when visiting the local IBM office - or probably, they are just warm and happy to see "relatives" in their country - we are all IBMers after all.

We got to meet the IBM Indonesia, Country General Manager and he is one smart guy who is fun and witty too. It is also nice to visit IBM offices. IBM Indonesia office is located inside the mall. I personally love the modern interior and interesting Indonesian pieces displayed in the conference room. I would have loved to take more pictures that night but we needed to go to the restaurant for dinner.

It was a pleasure meeting the Country Manager but it would be a lot more fun if he could join us to dinner. It was nice that he came to the office just to meet us (it is a Saturday, and he should be spending time with his family).

The meeting ended (of course), with a photoshoot! Unfortunately, I don't have copy of the team picture, but I think my team members have. I will just wait for uploads and tags from Facebook.

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What Happened During My Last Day in Hotel Kempinski

Blog written on 3/11/2012 at Hotel Kempinski, Jakarta, Indonesia 
Follow along at http://www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility/corporateservicecorps/

A lot. A lot has happened today. This is our last night in Hotel Kempinski and no one wants to leave the place. I suddenly dreamed of being an Expat who always stays in luxurious hotels and do business; but then again, we are not on a holiday, and I am not even an Expat. We are here for the purpose - and that is to be immersed in the community to better understand its needs and challenges - and to be able to help. But that will come in the next few days. For now, all I can say is - I love the hotel room! The amenities and the automatic toilet bowl!

And I have to say that the hotel got the best breakfast offering (even our ABV partners think so!). It beats the grand dinner or lunch buffet offerings in Manila.

Only here have I seen sushi being served in the morning. They use avocado for the California Maki though instead of Mango.

Please click Read More to know what I did this day..

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Human Nature Opens a Flagship Store in Commonwealth

If you are passing through the Commonwealth Avenue, you cannot miss the new Human Nature store near the Caltex Gas Station. It is strategically built in that place with the goal of coming up with something beautiful in a place/road that is not even considered a business or industrial spot (but even called the deadly highway). 

I was invited to visit the store last week and the tour gave me the chance to get to know the history of Human Nature, and other social businesses. All I know about Human Nature is that it is a leading brand which offers organic and natural products at affordable price. Human Nature has been invading my dresser and washroom - I super love the Citronella Bugspray (which is my travel essential). 

To know more about the Human Nature, please click Read More..

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My (Not-So) Nude Pictorial Experience with The Boudoir Dolls

Guess what I am doing? I am browsing some nude pictures. Actually the pictures that were taken last week for my Boudoir Dolls shoot. (Before anything, read about my thoughts on my body and Boudoir Dolls - A Nude Picture with Boudoir Dolls.)

Not me. Picture by The Boudoir Dolls

Oh yes, I did it! I have been wanting to do it. Been wanting to have a nude picture of myself. I actually wanted it done during those times when I was still feeling that I was at my best. However, I just couldn't find the best studio/photographer who I will be comfortable working with. I love The Boudoir Dolls because pictures are taken by dolls too! Lovely ladies who believe in the beauty of every woman. It was Shayla Sanchez who I got to work with.

To know more about my experience, please click Read More..

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Congratulations to the Winner of the Non-Surgical Facelift Deal

Many, many thanks to all who joined my giveaway! and I mean, giveaways! I will make this post quick because I still need to go to my doctor to complete my vaccines (I am leaving in less than a week!) and do a little more shopping.

So the winner of the Non-Surgical Facelift Deal is..

 
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Freeway x Twinkle Ferraren's Hand Woven Summer Wear Collection

I cannot believe that it is already March. It only seems like yesterday when people greeted each other Merry Christmas. Here in the Philippines, summer unofficially starts in March, and it means that we need to be prepared for the endless beach escapades.

I am hopeful I will have the chance to experience beach life in another country. My team and I are still planning the staycation in Bali, so the first things I packed in my luggage are my swim suits.

Here's good news for all beach bums, Freeway collaborated with swimwear designer Twinkle Ferraren for its 2012 Swimwear Collection which features Hand Woven Collection. Ferraren's 3rd collaboration with Freeway is described as "feminine in action".
 

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