In this Issue:

2011 CLFG Teambuilding AgriMach 2011 Pool & Spa Expo Cross-Selling Seminar Active Branch Heads Meeting Seminar on Basic Business Communication Skills Seminar on Basic Supervisory Skills Training CEFFIs Donation to Flood Victims Proper Waste Management iPad Loan CEFFIs Lending Program Professionalism Office Ergonomics Whisperflo Pump Aqua Care 1-2 3 3 4 4 5

JUNE SEPTEMBER 2011

4 NOVEMBER 2011

BUILDING HIGH PERFORMING WORK TEAMS: 2011 CLFG TEAMBUILDING ACTIVITIES by Roxanne Arriola
To achieve a companys goals, we need to build high performing teams. Companies cannot survive without teamwork. It is the bond that promotes strength, unity, reliability, and support. On a rainy August 27, 2011, Cef and Ester Follosco Foundation Inc. organized a simple yet worthwhile teambuilding program that featured fun games and activities which aimed to promote camaraderie, sportsmanship, unity, and leadership. Through this program, employees learned to get along well, developed interpersonal respect and trust, built team spirit, and of course, had fun with one another. THE PLACE The teambuilding activity was conducted at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City. At first, I didnt think much of the place. I thought its just the same boring patch of green plants and open space. But as we arrived, I was badly mistaken. La Mesa Eco Park is a paradise in the Metropolis. It is a perfect place to have fun, to learn, and to breathe some fresh air. We were able to see beautiful views of the park's facilities: the La Mesa Dam, Shell Flower Terraces (a stairway with 117 steps), Orchidarium, Lagoon, the swimming pool, among others. Aside from teambuilding, we were also exposed to Environmental Awareness and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CL Follosco Group donated a sum of money to help save the La Mesa Watershed. THE FUN The activity started with a short briefing and orientation about the La Mesa Eco Park and its Watershed Projects, followed by an educational tour around the ecopark.

6 6 7 7 8 9 10 10

Building High Performing Work Teams continued from Front Page

We were divided into four teams: Blue, Red, Yellow and Green. Every group member wore a t-shirt according to their assigned color. Initially, the energy level was not that high due to heavy rains. In order to break the ice, each group was challenged to come up with a jingle. In just 10 minutes, all participants started to laugh, cheer, participate, and get involved.

as they progressed in the race. The first team to complete all the tasks was the Yellow Team followed by the Green, Blue and Red Teams.

The Yellow Team playing Balls in a Bucket

The Red Team performing their jingle

Games were not only just for fun. The challenges were designed to help sharpen the skills of each member. These made each team member feel that he had contributed to the success of the team, which was the primary objective of the CEFFI Committee. The first game was Balls in A Bucket. Teams had to transfer the coco-balls to the second empty bucket by lifting the end of the strings and making sure that the balls would not fall on the ground. Then, other members of the team had to do the same. All teams were very much challenged on how quickly they could transfer the coco-balls to the finish point. The faces of the participants showed how focused and determined they to win. They came up with different strategies to succeed. The Green Team (my team) won the first game. In second place was the Blue Team, followed by the Red and the Yellow Teams.

The competition between teams started to heat up. The second game was Pass the Coin. Teams formed straight lines with their arms entwined to make a chain. The coins had to be passed from the first member to the last member and put into the bowl within 3 minutes. All members of each team really moved in unity in passing the coins. Blue, Yellow and Red Teams accumulated equal number of coins while Green Team had the least.

Briefing before the Eco-Amazing Race

The Green Team doing their first EcoAmazing Race challenge

The Blue Team playing Pass the Coin

The last and the most exciting game was "The Eco Amazing Race facilitated by the La Mesa Eco Park staff in which the teams raced against each other. They put their heads together to answer questions about the environment and actively performed the challenges that led them to their next location where another funfilled task awaited them. The 8 locations and activities were revealed to the Teams in sequence

Despite of the rainy weather, all of us really enjoyed the activities organized by the CEFFI Committee. At the end of the program, we felt very satisfied. The experience we shared with each other is memorable. Even though we have various job functions and belong to different clusters or departments, we were still able to work together to accomplish common goals and objectives. Congratulations to the CL Follosco Group employees for a job well done!

Ag-Mech at AgriMach Road Show 2011

by Clenisa Vale Ag-Mech participated in the 2011 Agri Machinery and Equipment Road Show sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. The road show was part of the DAs rice mechanization program and showcased various rice technologies available in the market, from production, post production and processing. There were booths as well as equipment displays. The AgriMach Road Show 2011 was held in three places: Luzon - Philmech Compound, Muoz, Nueva Ecija on August 2324; Visayas - Iloilo City on September 22-23, and; Mindanao Gen. Santos City on September 2729. Photos were taken during
AgriMach Luzon 2011Entrance Ag-Mechs John Deere Tractor Display

Ag-Mechs Booth

With DA Secretary Proceso Alcala

AgriMach Luzon 2011.

CLF & CJF at the Pool & Spa Exhibition Asia 2011
by Kara Orejola CLF & CJF attended the Pool & Spa Exhibition Asia 2011, which was held last September 21-23 at the IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Centre, Bangkok, and conference for the pool and spa industry. International experts and leading brands graced the exhibition. The event showcased the Pentair latest from from leading like and international companies Australia, companies from other countries like the USA, China, Malaysia, Thailand and the Czech Republic. CLF & CJF were able to bring several new ideas for the Trading Cluster.

Thailand. It is South East Asias only dedicated trade exhibition

Pool & Spa Exhibition Asia 2011 Entrance

CLF & CJF at PentAirs Booth

IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Centre, Bangkok, Thailand

Cross-Selling: The Secret to Selling More

by Raul Lapingcao The foundation of every successful cross-selling program is rooted in a strong Incentive System based on personal recognition and Financial Reward. The good news is, CL Follosco Group truly believes in the power of cross-selling and recognizes it as the key in promoting customer retention, revenue growth and improving the lives of employees through meritocracy. That is why on July 14, 2011 the management conducted a half-day seminar on cross-selling, which was attended by selected employees from CLFG units. Each cluster presented the products and services it offers as well as its incentive system. All eyes and ears were focused on the computation of incentive as well as the sharing. In the finance cluster, for example, an employee can earn as much as P50,000 per month through referrals or voluntary cross-selling. The program really boosted the morale of those who attended mainly because it is an additional employee benefit that would surely help increase ones income. It was also a day of learning for those who were not familiar with the incentive scheme as well as the packaging of cross-selling wherein if used correctly, it can close complicated opportunities and eliminate competition issues. Therefore, it was clearly pointed out that cross-selling is not just about plain selling but involves teamwork. Everyone in the organization should fully participate in the program to achieve the companys goal as a whole.

My Experiences at the Meeting with Actives Branch Heads

by Sheryll Aquino July 15, 2011 was really a day to remember because it was our Branch Head Meeting. All Actives branch heads attended: Mr. Cris Tamayo (Davao), Mr. Dom Viray (Baguio), (Cebu) expected respective included Mr. and Each to Raul of a Lapingcao truly us was report These personnel, yours deliver moment when I tried my very best to report in front of the CLFG pillars - our well-loved and ever energetic Chairman CLF, our very smart President RFC. MFB and our ever supportive Vice President & COO, I considered this as one of the greatest accomplishments in my career. It was really an honor to be a part of this meeting. To be honest, I got a thousand and one emotions before the big day but I realized that the best way to overcome these mixed feelings is just to be myself. It really worked! I have learned a lot. The mere thought that the big bosses would be there made me feel intimidated. But then, I was wrong. It was really About the Author: Ms. Sheryll Aquino is a Marketing Officer of Active Dagupan since June 2008. a wonderful feeling to know that the bosses welcomed and valued our ideas. They even shared their recommendations on things that needed to be done in order to be more effective and efficient in our respective areas. For me, it was a glorious moment! I really look forward to participating again in such meeting in the future.

(Pangasinan).

concerning the critical issues in our branches. production,

feedback on agents, competition, new ideas on products and areas of expansion. The tinge of nervousness I had within was due to the fact that I was a first-time attendee to the said meeting. I accepted the challenge of the

Seminar on Basic Business Communication Skills

by Shiela Tandugon We all use language to conducted by CEFFI had CLFG's Marketing and Communications Assistant, Josine Kara Orejola, as the main speaker. It was attended by 28 participants from the different clusters. The seminar covered the and of through how this crucial seminar, basic

communicate, to express ourselves, to get our ideas across, and to connect with the person to whom we are speaking. Our ability to exchange with other ideas, people understand depends perspectives, and solve problems significantly on how effectively we are able to communicate. The better we communicate, the more we get to manage things within our control. To perfectly achieve that, we need to master the basics. This was the objective of the seminar on Basic Skills Business held last Communication

employees became more mindful communication plays in our lives especially in our work. Having a good foundation of the basics will make us go places.

communication process, purposes, types (oral vs. written), importance and flow. We also learned about the types of memos, business letters and proper phone etiquette. Everyone during watched actively the seminar sample participated as they clips, video

answered self-test questions and acted in some given scenarios. Indeed, communication is the lifeline of all business organization

June 11, 2011 at the training room of CLF 1 building. The seminar,

Seminar on Basic Supervisory Skills Training

by Donna Rhea Balandang On July 16, 2011, a half-day seminar provided of an us an understanding of the roles and responsibilities supervisor Analyst discussed or Ms. effective The manager. Diana pointers

2011 CEFFIs Upcoming Activities

November Seminar on Stress Management December CLFG Christmas Party

speaker, CLFGs Senior Financial Castillo, about

appropriate leadership behaviors and skills for effective supervision. The attendees actively participated in a role playing activity. Different scenarios participants were gained given a lot and All of presented by each group. knowledge from the seminar.

CEFFIs Donation to Cotabato City and Maguindanao Flood Victims

by Rodel Nace Last June, Cotabato City and Maguindanao were hit by heavy floods. The local and national government worked hand-in-hand to help the victims cope with this calamity. The Provincial Agricultural Office of Maguindanao reported that 11,197 farmers from 26 municipalities were affected by the recent floods, placing the amount of crops lost to estimated Php 84.9 million. Safe drinking water and hygiene kits remained as gaps in evacuation centers. A total of 16 schools were submerged in flood with more than 14,000 children having no access to regular education services, particularly in Maguindanao. The extent of damage due to flooding still calls for everyone to take part as the houses and livelihood of the victims were severely affected. In this situation, thousands of good Samaritans rose up to the occasion to help alleviate the plight of the victims. They came from all corners of the Philippines: from the religious sector, NGOs, schools, social clubs, LGUs, business communities, etc. They generously donated food, clothing, medicines and victims other necessities. It is good to note that our very own foundation, the Cef & Ester Follosco Foundation, Inc. helped victims by donating cash and boxes of noodles to the victims through Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR), an organization that mobilizes resources for the recovery and rehabilitation of the affected communities. With this simple donation, we helped hundreds of people living in the affected areas. Doing this kind of activity is one of the core missions of CEFFI, which is to help other people.

Conserve Our Environment with Proper Waste Management

by Jenalyn Dacalanio Can you imagine how much garbage we produce every day? Study shows that every person living in the Metro generates approximately half a kilo of waste per day. With an estimated population of 10.5 million, total waste generated in Metro Manila alone could accumulate 5,250 metric tons per day, 162,750 metric tons per month, and 1.95 million metric tons per year. It is indeed something we must take seriously before we find ourselves buried in our own trash. We create garbage, and thus we must be responsible for it especially now that it is becoming a big threat to everyones health and environment. We cannot avoid generating trash. However, we must minimize it and dispose of it properly. The most helpful principle in waste management is the 3R hierarchy: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. To RECYCLE is to transform used item into another useful item like making compost out of garden or organic waste. Other recycling processes are done by Recycling Centres and Junk Shops. We just have to segregate items and drop them off at the nearest center or shop. CLFG strongly encourages everyone to help conserve our environment. We can do so even in our little ways like using both sides of the paper, reusing old envelopes, and making note sheets out of used papers. CEFFI also has the Trash-to-Cash Program wherein used papers, cartons, bottles and dilapidated equipment are sold by the organization to junk shops. With this program, CLFG helps in saving Mother Earth and earns extra money at the same time.

To REDUCE is to find ways of minimizing production of waste, like buying goods with recyclable packaging, buying refills, and printing or photocopying on both sides of the paper. To REUSE is to utilize something to its maximum purpose, like re-using plastic containers and carrier bags, old envelopes, cutting printed onesided paper to make memo sheets.

iPad Loan: The Latest Addition to CEFFIs Gadget Loan

iPad loan is the newest addition to CEFFIs Gadget Loan. The iPad is the latest technology in the world of communications offered by the world famous gadget manufacturer, Apple. The iPad is 33% thinner and up to 15% lighter compared to notebooks and net books, complete with the latest features and applications such as cameras, videos, Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 3G, LED backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch watt-hour display, rechargeable mail lithium attachments supports, built-in 25 polymer battery with up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to The iPad provides fun and enjoyment to users because of its portability. It is more convenient for professionals like sales people, financial analysts, supervisors, managers and other executives since they can make reports using the gadget wherever they are. Moreover, they will be updated on music and a minimum storage capacity of 16 GB. the latest news and trends in the business industry and even send and receive emails, thanks to the iPads connectivity features, 3G and WiFi. They can even take pictures and videos with different angles using iPads two cameras for FaceTime and HD video recording. The iPad is thinner, lighter, very convenient and full of great features perfect for people who are always on the go. Once you pick up the iPad, youll be amazed. So what are you waiting for? Call CEFFI now and have your own iPad!

Thanks to CEFFIs Medical Assistance Loan!

Khristine Montes

CEFFIs Lending Program

CL Follosco Group, Inc. is All regular employees of CLFG can apply for these loans. Terms of Loan: Minimum of 3 months except for basic necessity loan Maximum of 1 year Exception: Maximum of 2 years for Livelihood Assistance Loan and Housing Loan; Maximum of 5 years for Car Loan. To know more about CEFFIs committed to help its employees secure their future. With CEFFI as its CSR arm, it offers loans to assist CLFG employees needs. Educational Assistance Loan Medical Assistance Loan Livelihood Assistance Loan Burial Assistance Loan Home Improvement Loan Housing Loan Health Care Loan Basic Necessity Loan Gadget Loan o Digital Camera o Cellphone o Computer/Laptop o iPod/iPad *NEW* Appliance Loan Car Loan

Last November 2010, my fatherin-law suffered cerebral stroke. It was an unfortunate incident and we were all unprepared. exams, Medicines, medical

hospital bills, among others, are the expenses we all had to shoulder and share upon. It was very difficult to finance such medical condition, but when I learned about the Medical Loan Program of CEFFI, I immediately grabbed the opportunity and applied for it. It was such a relief knowing that a program like this can help us get through in a very difficult situation. Thank you to CEFFI and more power!

Lending Program and how it can help you, contact Ms. Cel at 8965556 loc. 124.

CLFG Core Value: Professionalism

by Dane Balanon your workplace, meetings and In the previous issue of CLFG News, we featured Integrity, which is also one of the Core Values of the CL Follosco Group, Inc. appointments and avoid procrastination. 3. Honesty. You tell the truth and are upfront about where things stand. 4. Integrity. You are known for These days, every salaried employee with a degree considers himself a professional. Also, when you make a living out of your field of expertise that makes you a professional professional dancer, singer, doctor, etc. However, being a professional does not automatically entitle you to be a person practicing professionalism in your chosen field. In the workplace, professionalism refers to an individual doing their job with honesty, genuineness and with the best quality at the right time and place. Professionalism leads to logical and unbiased decisions. In the absence of professionalism, the concepts of "politics" and "mind games" find room to breed. Professionalism is rather a more difficult term to define since it would comprise various characteristics. Also, people have different viewpoints or perspective on what the attributes of professionalism are. Nevertheless, there are a few common traits when it comes to being professional: 1. Competence. Youre good at what you do and you have the skills and knowledge that enable you to do your job well. 2. Reliability. People can depend on you to show up on time, submit your work when its supposed to be ready, etc. Always be punctual at your consistent principles. 5. Respect for Others. This is the crucial element in team spirit, where people who have differences work together for a common goal. An individual should give consideration to others, take suggestions and share credits. 6. Self-Upgrading. Rather than letting your skills or knowledge become outdated, you seek out ways of staying current. 7. Being Positive. No one likes a constant pessimist. Having an upbeat attitude and trying to be a problem-solver makes a big difference. 8. Supporting Others. You share the spotlight with colleagues, take time to show others how to do things properly, and lend an ear when necessary. 9. Staying Work-Focused. Do not let your private life needlessly have an impact on your job. Moreover, avoid doing things not connected to work during office hours. 10. Listening Carefully. People want to be heard, so you give people a chance to explain their ideas properly. Moreover, professionalism is also judged based on the impression you portray to others. Hence, it is also important to appear professional from the way you dress to your body language. Here are some practical guidelines: Always wear neat and nicely pressed clothes, which you are comfortable in and can carry well. Women should avoid wearing exposing clothes (short skirts and plunging necklines). Makeup, perfume and jewelry should be minimal. Hair and nails should be neat and well-groomed. Men need to keep their facial hair neatly trimmed. Use effective communication skills like active listening, and always make good eye contact with others. When shaking hands, always offer a firm handshake. Switch off or put your mobile phones in silent mode while in a conference, business meeting or presentation. Everyone should realize the importance of professionalism in the workplace. Lack of professionalism would cause biased and wrong management decisions. Moreover, it could demotivate other employees and create a negative working environment in general. When we wish our workplace to uphold the attributes of professionalism, the person that we may want to work out on first is ourselves. Since action speaks louder than words, maybe being a living example of professionalism is all we need. As a saying goes:

Professionalism has nothing to do with the profession its about the person.

Office Ergonomics: Avoiding Physical Discomfort at Work

by Clarence de Dios

Office ergonomics = the basics of proper workstation setup and healthy work practices and habits

Desk You can help reduce your chances of injury by getting a document holder, arranging your electronics within your reach and making sure that the area underneath your desk remains uncluttered.

Spending a good portion of your waking hours sitting at a desk or working with a computer can become painful and even unbearable. These tips can get you on the path to making your workstation more ergonomic and more productive. Work Area Make sure that the space is large enough for you to spread out comfortably, allows a full range of motion and leave plenty of room to arrange the items you use most frequently in such a way that there is no strain for you to reach them. Laptop It's best to use it while it's on a table rather than on your lap. If you use it frequently, you might be better served by using a separate keyboard and mouse rather than using the built-in keyboard and touch pad to reduce strain on your wrists and hands. Keyboard Your keyboard should be placed so that your arms are parallel to your thighs. Do your best to use good typing techniques, keeping your wrists elevated and not hitting the keys too hard. Mouse Make sure to keep your mouse easily within reach and try not to grip it too tightly, as doing so can strain the muscles in your hand. If you find that using a mouse bothers you too much, try using an alternate input device like a trackball or a touch pad.

using a headset, or put the call on speakerphone. Work Habits Make sure to take frequent breaks. Get up and walk around to route your documents. Change positions frequently so that repetitive tasks and static work won't take their toll on you. An ergonomic workplace keeps employees healthy, happy and productive!

EDITORIAL BOARD

Chair Make sure to keep your lower back supported, and adjust your chair so that you can easily reach your keyboard and mouse. If this means raising the chair so that your feet don't quite reach the floor, get a footrest to help keep your feet from dangling. Monitor Center your monitor in front of you at a comfortable distance, and adjust the brightness settings so that its easy on your eyes. Make sure to take breaks from staring at your screen, too. Use a glass glare filter to eliminate glare. Lighting Adjust your shades or lights as much as you can to reduce glare, and position your monitor at such an angle to light sources that reflection is reduced. Phone Avoid cradling your phone receiver between your neck and shoulder as it can create a great deal of strain in your neck muscles. If you need to have your hands free, try

CONTRIBUTORS Sheryll Aquino Roxanne Arriola Donna Rhea Balandang Dane Balanon Jenalyn Dacalanio Clarence de Dios LA Funelas Raul Lapingcao Khristine Montes Rodel Nace Kara Orejola Shiela Tandugon Alex Tolentino Clenisa Vale COORDINATOR Kara Orejola ADVISER Ma. Ester F. Bautista

CLFG Product Feature: WhisperFlo High Performance Pool Pump

by Alex Tolentino

Its now officially here in the Philippines! Alpha Machinery & Engineering Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Pentair Pool Products in the country, is now selling the WhisperFlo High Performance Pool Pump. Its been called WhisperFlo for a good reason. Features Uses less horsepower to produce required water flow Specially engineered design assures whisper quiet operation Oversized strainer basket extends time between cleanings See-through lid makes inspection fast and easy User friendly Cam and Ramp lid is easy to remove and quickly locks in place with a quarter turn

Unique FunnelFlo diffuser and high efficiency impeller maximize water flow and energy efficiency while minimizing turbulence and noise. Energy-efficient motor with commercial grade frame, rustproof stainless steel shaft, and permanently lubricated sealed bearings for long life One year limited warranty Applications Provides optimum performance in a complete range of installations, including pool/spa combinations Operates suction-side, pressureside, and in-floor cleaning systems Compatible with pressure or vacuum systems, sand filters,

diatomaceous earth filters, and cartridge filters The WhisperFlo Pool Pump delivers maximum circulation efficiency at the lowest operating cost and long, trouble free life with minimal maintenance. No wonder more than 2 million Pentair Pumps have been selected by pool professionals!

CLFGs New Brand: Aqua Care Chemicals

by LA Funelas

Problends Products
Support CLFGs own! You may buy the following Problends products from CEFFI:

Aqua Care Chemicals is our New Brand for Swimming Pool and Water Treatment Chemicals. It is now used on Calcium Hypochlorite 70% Japan, and our new products, TICA (Trichloroisocyanuric Acid) 90% Japan Granules and Tablets, and SDIC (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate) 60% Japan. It will also be used on the following chemical products: Copper Sulfate, Soda Ash, Potassium Alum, Dry Acid, Solar Salt, DE Powder, Algaecide, and other chemicals for future development.

What it represents The boldness of the logotype represents the brands exceptional quality, reliability, and sophistication. It also relates to the values and integrity of the company behind the logo. The logo communicates the idea of delivering complete range of products chemicals and equipment, to make water clean, safe, and suitable for any commercial and industrial application.

Black Tea - Lemon Green Tea - Lemon Exotic Tropic Juice Dalandan Juice Melon Juice Banana Juice Mango Juice Pineapple Juice Buko Pandan Juice Hotcake Mix Leche Flan Mix Gravy Choco Drink Mix Breading Broth Powders

For your orders, contact Ms. Cel at 896-5556 loc. 124.