THE PINOY IT MANAGER

The Pinoy IT Manager is a case study about Mr. Emerson Siscar, an IT Manager who works for a prominent educational institution. His responsibility is to ensure that all IT services work efficiently. Further, he needs to provide enterprise systems aside from computer units to various offices. However he is facing a big dilemma: the IT staff is starting to quit their low paying jobs. Mr. Siscar consulted the HR Director, but it provided more challenge because HR cannot increase the salaries.

This kind of situation is very common in the IT industry. Since IT is highly in demand plus the economic instability around the world, IT professionals, especially the ones who are highly experienced, tend to leave their companies and seek more satisfying jobs locally or abroad.

So...

How can the Pinoy IT Manager prevent his staff from leaving their jobs despite work demands and low pay?

Mr. Siscar can apply ANY or COMBINATION of the following alternatives:

1. He may allow his staff to do or accept IT job from small or medium businesses that are also in need of IT services during the weekends to increase their income;

2. If the school is in need of IT professors, he may allow his staff to apply and teach students. Through this, the staff can increase their income and also feel satisfied because they are able to share their knowledge/skills to others; and

3. He can recommend his staff to participate in international or local IT training/seminar if HR permits so he can help in their career development.

A Banapple Moment

I invited my officemate to eat in Banapple and I am glad she accepted it. I knew she hasn't tried eating in Banapple so I was confident that she will not reject me. We left the office early because it is always full with customers who work around the area.

Banapple is a local restaurant located in Il Terrazo, Tomas Morato Avenue, Quezon City. It is one of my favorite eating place within that area aside from Burgoo and Amici.

As we arrived, the restaurant was full and lucky enough that there was a single empty table outside for us to dine. We ordered a slice of Banoffee Pie (P85), a slice of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake (P90), one Lasagna Roll-ups (P170), Baked Creamy Cheesy Penne (P175) and 2 Ice Teas.

The cakes and ice teas were served first. The Banoffee Pie was great! My officemate loved the combination of the bananas and chocolate.

Then came our pasta orders. The serving was big so we decided to share. They were tasty and delicious. My officemate said that she found the penne dish a little spicy, however, it wasn't even spicy at all for me.

Soon our tummy was starting to feel full so we paused for a minute. Afterwards we decided to take out all the leftover cakes and pasta. Sayang naman kasi.

We returned to the office in time. I was so sleepy while we were on our way back.

I will truly miss Banapple and hope that it will not be the last time I will set foot in their restaurant. :)

x

Ya Kun Kaya Toast

After buying some fruits in the supermarket at Robinsons Place-Manila, I stopped by Ya Kun Kaya Toast to have a snack. Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a kopitiam that originated in Singapore and it sells kaya toast, coffee and bottled kaya. My brother introduced me to this kopitiam few months ago and since then I keep coming back. I love their kaya toast especially their coffee because its creamier. Singaporeans use condensed milk for their coffee instead of powdered creamer or sugar (because it is expensive there). I lived in Singapore for 3 months and I used to eat snacks in Kopiroti at Sun Plaza in Sembawang. There is also Kopiroti outside Robinsons Place-Manila but Ya Kun Kaya Toast is way better. I also like their staff because they are very friendly just like me! hehehe... I always order their Kaya Toast Set, but this time I ordered for the Butter Sugar Toast Set - Butter Sugar Toast+Soft Boiled Egg+Coffee (P115.00) for a change. After eating, I think that I like the Butter Sugar Toast more than Kaya Toast. I also think that Ya Kun Kaya Toast is also a good alternative for Starbucks, Coffee Bean, etc... if you're out of budget.

Korean-style Sauna and Spa

I went to Lasema Sauna and Spa with my Korean friend, Winnie Ho. She also brought her kids, Kyung Jun and Kyung Che, and Yaya Annie with us.

Lasema Sauna and Spa is located at the back of Ara Korean Restaurant. I've tried eating in Ara just once when I treated my OBMC friends for my birthday and the food was so good.

I paid P940 for the whole package that included Jjim Jil Bang+Sauna+Massage. The lady gave us a red robe for the massage; pink shirt+shorts for the Jjim Jil Bang; and key for our locker.

Jjim Jil Bang (JJB) is a Korean-style sauna and spa. Lasema has 4 types of JJB: Chungito Room, Salt Charcoal Room, Oak and Clay Room and Ice Room. Obviously the first three mentioned JJBs are heated rooms and each have different temperature. In every room, you can stay at about 5-10 minutes, then go to the Ice Room and enjoy the same method again. What I did was after leaving a heated room, I take a rest for 5 minutes then go to another heated room. It is advisable to drink water during rest time. Winnie also told me that a JJB experience will not be complete without eating hard-boiled eggs. Well we took a short break, ate eggs and drinked a lot of water to keep us hydrated.

After JJB, we took a shower in preparation for the massage. The massage room was dark and the service was so good. Nakatulog ako ng konti hehehe. Afterwards, we all went to the sauna or jacuzzi pools made up of hot green tea pool, hot ginseng pool and cold pools. You can relax in a hot pool for 3-5 minutes, then go to a cold pool and do the same routine again. Lastly, we took a bath and prepared to leave.

Aside from the spa and sauna, Lasema also has a restaurant. We ate Jjajangmyeon, Udon and Fried Pork with Sweet and Sour Sauce. Everything was Mashta (yummy)!

Expect a lot of people in the afternoon. Couples brought their kids with them so expect noise in the JJB area. There were also mothers and daughters having a bonding moment. Teenagers hanging out were also present.

If you want to sleep, there are caves where you can lie down and rest. They have this big television if you opt to watch Korean dramas and other programs. If you are hungry, they have a snack bar pack with Korean instant noodles and drinks.

I hope to go back to Lasema if I have a free time. The best time to go there is in the morning. Its a 24 hour sauna and spa btw.