President’s Message Employers value employees who understand and possess the willingness to work hard. In addition to working hard, it is also important to work smart. This means learning the most efficient way to complete tasks and finding ways to save time while completing daily assignments. Doing more than is expected on the job is a good example of professionalism and maturity. A workplace filled with and driven by employees with positive attitudes—vibrates continually to the tune of service and excellence and team success. This issue of Abiva Leads will bring you new inspirations and learning on how we can continue our work with great camaraderie, teamwork, and professionalism. I hope you will enjoy this issue and find new ways and techniques to keep your positive dispositions at work flowing. Happy reading!
Editor’s Note Camaraderie is one of the primary factors for a company to be in a successful state. How can a company improve camaraderie among its employees? Based on an article by Inquirer on the need to reinforce professionalism in the workplace, reinforced professionalism in the workplace makes happy employees, which leads to better working operation results. It can be considered as one of the key factors for a company to become successful. But how can a company encourage its employees to practice professionalism most especially in the digital age of millennials?
Contents • Professionalism in the Workplace by Vanessa Gregorio
• Professionalism Tips for Millenials by Ella Torrico
Professionalism is how you behave at work. Doing well is not enough to demonstrate professionalism; your boss, clients, and co-workers will notice if you lack this quality and it could lead to severe consequences to your career. To discount the importance of professionalism would be a big mistake. It can affect your chances for advancement or even the ability to keep your job.
• Call To Greatness Book Launch
In this age of passive-aggressive digital defenders, I hope we could all still learn how to stay calm and be always mindful of our actions and words whether it is published on social media or on our daily face-toface working routines. If someone, whether it is your colleague or boss picks on you, make it a conscious effort not to lose your cool. After all, our goal is to always remain professional in a corporate setting.
• Author’s Testimonials
For this issue, we’ve provided a few of tips on how to practice and observe professionalism in the workplace, professionalism tips for millennials and a brief run-down of our company events and celebrations for the first quarter of the year that encourage camaraderie among Abiva employees.
• Abiva Bowling Fest by Jonjon Dela Cruz
Team Ella Torrico Editor-in-chief
Cora Sapo Vanessa Gregorio Managing Editors
Vanessa Ang Graphic Designer
Jonjon Dela Cruz Contributing Writer
For interested contributors and topic suggestions, drop us an email at mgtorrico@abiva.com.ph
Professionalism Professionalism in the in the
Workplace
Workplace
The office or field is not just a place where you earn your salary; it’s also a place and an opportunity to show competence, good attitude, skills, and ability to adapt to different workplaces. Here are a few pointers on how to maintain professionalism in the workplace:
Make Being On Time A Habit
Not only does it avoid you from unnecessary salary deduction or admonishment, arriving on time at work also gives you a sense of consistency and less stress. Despite the worsening traffic situation and changing weather we should be able to factor this in whenever we decide what time we leave for work
Keep Gossip Out The Door
Water cooler and coffee talk cannot be avoided, but gossiping not only shows unprofessionalism but also breeds to issues and leads to office conflict that impedes the productivity of the company. When there are issues that you think should be confronted and there are violations in the company regulations, better head to the Human Resources Department so the concern can be held professionally.
Stay Positive
Sometimes, there are really just days when things are bleak for us, but we shouldn’t let this get in the way of our work. At the end of the day, each institution has a purpose and employees must be able to contribute to the progress of every working day. Let us not just think of our individual purposes in our departments, but our overall impact to the company. By thinking this, we could stay more positive about our jobs.
Listen to Others
Open mindedness is essential to a synergetic workplace. Opinions and strategy may differ, but a compromise can always be reached if all parties involved are open to knowing others’ stand on issues. All departments have different functions and listening to how others’ work is significant to making your own tasks easier.
There’s Always Room for Improvement
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve only been working for five months or five years, all of our respective fields of work always have developments and it is essential for us to keep up with these changes. Learning new software, methods, and other skills will not only help your company improve operations but will also earn you another notch on your belt as a working professional.
Professionalism tips for
Use Your Social Media Wisely
Millennials
Build a digital boundary among your colleagues and bosses. Is it rude not to accept your boss or colleague’s invitation on social media? Nope. It is totally okay if you want to keep your personal life private as long as it does not affect your work. Always think before you click, this pertains from posting stuff that you think might not best describe your personality, beliefs and values in life. Some say that several employers nowadays consider doing a social media background check during the hiring stage. Thus, it’s better to be cautious of things we post online whether it’s a shared content, comment, or a personal opinion.
Golden Rule: DNC (Do Not Complain)
Talk It Out
The best way to deal with arguments or problems within your peers is to politely send an email to your colleague and explain your side or address whatever the problem is. So that a nice and easy communication flow will follow through within your team and/or organization. It doesn’t hurt to apologize or accept your shortcomings, what’s more important is you will not hold grudges with the people you are working with every single day.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Your colleagues and superiors might see you in a negative light even with your little complaints. They might think that you are not being productive and not ready to accept any challenges. With your complaints, it may also affect the job functions of your co-workers, the working environment around you, and your colleague’s position as well. Your complaints might give impression on how you function towards your work or how you handle your interpersonal relationships. Instead of complaining, why not formally offer solutions to your superiors by emailing them your issues and concerns.
Respect
Even if you disagree with your colleagues and superiors, strive to be kind and understand every situation in a positive perspective. Don’t give a cold shoulder or raise your voice just to prove yourself. Don’t shame your colleagues in front of everyone else. Remember, we are all working hard to fulfill our duties and responsibilities for our loved ones so be considerate and sensitive on how you address and treat your colleagues.
Don’t Be Late
No matter what your position is, always try to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early at work. Your tardiness may be least of your worries but it has a huge impact on your working records and history.
Book Launch Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. – Warren Bennis
Br. Jun is a visionary but more than being a visionary he find ways to fulfill his vision and turn it into a reality. Br. Jun is part of the De La Salle Brothers, the De La Salle Brothers are not priests but are full-time religious educators inspired by the example. of their founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle and have consecrated their lives for the service of the youth. Although the Brothers do not officiate in the Sacraments, it is the life of the young people that the Brothers seeks to transform. Br. Jun is one of the greatest legacies of the De La Salle Brothers, an epitome for all members. Not even an entire book can describe how he dedicatedly offer his life to the service of the youth in the education industry. But this time, Br. Jun offered to share his apostolic journey in the education industry as a visionary leader of various education organizations and De La Salle campuses such as De La Salle University, De La Salle Araneta University and De La Salle Lipa to name a few.
This 2017, Br. Jun Erguiza FSC published and launched his first book – Call to Greatness under Abiva Publishing House Inc. Call to Greatness is the collection of milestone speeches and messages of Br. Jun throughout his leadership stint as a president of De La Salle University, De La Salle Araneta University and Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines. Call to Greatness is divided into three chapters: Defining Greatness, Unleashing Greatness and Celebrating a Century of Greatness. This anthology aspires to inspire other education leaders and stakeholders to be a visionary of success of our youth and the overall success of the nations’ education industry.
Taking a break from the usual publishing work routine, APHI employees and their family representatives gathered for an afternoon of exciting and fun bowling fest held at the Playdium Bowling Center last May 26, 2017. The ceremony was opened by a surprising first strike from APHI Vice President and HIYAS President, Mr. Luigi Abiva. Everyone showcased his/her bowling prowess points respectively to lead their team towards claiming the gold. Employees and all family members were divided into teams named after Abiva’s titles. Team Everyday Mathematics bagged the 2017 Abiva Bowling Fest Championship with an all star player line up.
Furthermore, Johann Paolo Garcia of Team Math for Lifelong Learning (MLL) was named Best Scorer for Men’s division while Divine Cruz of Team Bulwaganscored the most points for the Women’s Division. The Bowling tournament was Abiva’s annual activity in line with the company’s Family Day Celebration.
WINNERS
TEAM
EM
Abstract Paguinto Alexa Paguinto Grace Montano
Sabina Montano
Jackie Piñano
Jairen Piñano
Ronnie Pilarca
Chit Macapanas
Vanessa Ang
Eva Tuvilla
Victor Beltran
Martin Racza
Rey Salde
Harold Cruz
Santi Melapris
Flo Espino
Kris Eusebio
Rey Salde
Author’s
Testimonials JOVE JIM S. AGUAS, PhD Author, Toward an Understanding and Appreciation of the Human Person Professor, University of Santo Tomas I have been teaching philosophy courses in college for twenty nine years something that I have enjoyed throughout my teaching career. When Abiva Publishing House invited me to write a textbook for Senior High School I considered it as an opportunity to share my knowledge with a wider audience – the incoming students and teachers in the Senior High School. Abiva Publishing House provided me with a wider platform to reach out to the young generation; in a sense I was able to go beyond the limits of the classroom. Through Abiva Publishing House I had the opportunity to offer my humble contribution in shaping or nurturing the characters of our young students and in enlightening our teachers as they venture together towards the understanding and appreciation of the value of the human person who is concretized in them. Abiva Publishing House relates with its authors not just professionally but also personally.
Based on my personal experience Abiva Publishing House is generously fair, encouragingly supportive and professionally considerate. There is a sense of personal touch in the way they deal with their authors. Textbook writing could be financially rewarding if one happens to deal with a professional and wellestablished publishing house and I can say that that has been the case for me with Abiva Publishing House. Abiva Publishing House does not only empower the 21sth century learners, it empowers the 21st century authors or writers as well.
LAKANGITING GARCIA, DA Author-Coordinator, Wikang Sarili K-10 Professor, DLSU-Manila Palanca Awardee Francisco Balagtas Awardee (KWF) Natatanging Hiyas ng Sining ng Panulat Awardee (GEMS) Matagal na panahon akong naging manunulat sa iba’t ibang publikasyon, mula sa magazine, dyaryo hanggang libro maging nalilimbag man o nasa e-format pero sa Abiva ko natagpuan ang kabuuan ng aking mga hinahanap. 1. Katapatan. Taong kausap ang mga tagaAbiva. Walang pretensyon o panlilinlang sa kanilang pakikipag-ugnayan sa iyo, maganda man ang balita o masagwa, malungkot man o masaya. Ganito dapat ang mga taong makakaugnay ninuman na ang layon ay bumuo ng mga bagay na instrumento ng ikagaganda ng kinabukasan ng mga kabataan. 2. Propesyunalismo. Sistematiko, maayos at bukas sa mga kinakailangang pagbabago ang Abiva kahit nananatiling nakaugat sa kanilang kultura. Dala marahil ng napakahabang tradisyon ng kagalingan sa kanyang larangan, wala ang yabang o pagmamalaki sa usapin ng pagpapainam ng trabaho. Sinuman ay makadarama ng kapanatagan kapag tumuntong ka sa pasilidad ng Abiva sapagkat makasisiguro ka na igagalang at pahahalagahan ang iyong kakayahan. 3. Pamilya. Aalagaan ka sa Abiva at kailanman ay hindi makadarama na nag-iisa ka sa iyong ginagawa.
Nandoon sila sa panahong kailangan mo ng tulong, pinansyal man o teknikal, kaya gumagaan ang anumang pasanin. Tulad sa sinumang kapamilya, gagabayan ka nila at makakaasang lagi silang katuwang sa iyong magandang layon. Bilang coordinator ng isang serye, nagbigay ako ng pagkakataon sa ilang baguhang manunulat. Nakita ko ang suporta, pasensya at tiwala ng Abiva lalo na sa panahong nagkakamali ang mga manunulat dulot ng kanilang kakulangan ng karanasan. Para silang magulang na handang humubog sa pag-unlad ng kanilang mga anak mula panganay hanggang bunso. Mahirap humanap ng publikasyon/ kumpanya na tulad ng Abiva na nag-iisa lamang sa kanyang kagalingan. Tulad sa kasabihang marami kang maaaring maging karelasyon ngunit iisa lamang ang iyong pamilya. Viva Abiva!
JOYCE CUPCUPIN Author, Real-Life Science 1-6, Gawi K-6 Colegio de San Agustin, Makati City Abiva is considered as an author– friendly publishing company. Not only is it committed in creating quality textbooks which is pivotal in producing globally competitive students, but also in promoting high standard in the company. Examples of which are as follows: a) The submission and approval processes are both straightforward and rapid and the technical standards are first-rate and highly professional; b) They make sure that their textbooks are compelling for their timeliness/ updatedness, scholastic depth, and graphic appearance; c) Abiva editors know about current, cutting-edge work in my area of scholarship. In addition, throughout the manuscript development and production process, Abiva staff work in partnership with the authors; d) Abiva understands the best business decisions they can make to promote high quality scholarly contributions of their authors; and
e) Working with Abiva editors, coordinator and employees can be described as encouraging and insightful. As a young educator and writer, Abiva has been instrumental in honing my skills in writing quality and competency equipped textbooks. It has truly been a blessing to me. Finally, “being published” and at least becoming financially stable is off my bucket list. I am fortunate to share this journey with Abiva, it has been with me through all of those exhilarating steps and treated every footfall as one of their own. Thank you, Abiva for everything. God bless and looking forward to more years of working with you!
REBECCA C. NUEVA ESPAÑA Author-Coordinator, STEM Project: New Perspective in Science Author, Science and Technology Philippine Normal University I started working with Abiva in 1989 when I was taken in as one of the writers of Science and Technology Series. It’s the camaraderie with the Abiva family where everyone was treated as one with them. The humbleness of President Louie and Sir Jorge. The staff took good care of the authors especially during promotion period. It’s the professionalism and fairness of Abiva that touched my life then. During the time of Ms. Ochie Sison, the authors of the Science group were treated well and very responsive in all the problems encountered in the writing project. Abiva takes care of the welfare of the authors during the writing stage. Abiva sets a quality standard in the operation as a book publisher. 28 years as an author just proved my commitment, loyalty, and trust to the way Abiva.
The Abiva and author relationship is always at the professional level, trust and confidence as well. Economically - Abiva has been good to the authors. Professionally - preparation of Design Training exposure to a lot of lectures through promotion and meet science teachers to share you knowledge and teaching experiences. Continue and retain the best practices in your operation as a book publisher. Assert the institution’s advocacy “ helping teachers help their students.”
NEW EMPLOYEES CORNER
PRODUCTION
Welcome to ABIVA Rosielyn Tupaz
Maria Criser Abad
Editorial Assistant
Assistant Editor
Kristine Mae Cabales
Aimee Grace Catahan
A
Assistant Editor
Jasper Nadine Birot
Monica Lazaro
Editorial Assistant
Production Clerk
Alcid Vitalez
A
Learning Solutions Specialist - Mindanao
SRA
HIGHER ED
Editorial Assistant
Eunice Vivien Macawile SRA Education Consultant