Tough truths for leaders: Why employees quit their jobs

By Jun Cuaresma

THE mere plan to hand over a resignation letter has become a common joke. There is truth behind it, however, whether one pushes through or not with plans to quit. In today's business environment plagued by the great war for talent, statements like this are cause for concern not just for people management and human resources leaders but also for all who share the responsibility of promoting employee engagement and talent retention.

Speaking of truths, here is a tough one to handle: A Gallup study revealed that nearly 50 percent of the US working population is on the hunt for a new job, with businesses seeing a higher number of workers actually quitting their jobs. What is more interesting is that workers across all job categories are looking for new work opportunities at the same rate. The figures are worrisome, with experts calling the phenomenon "The Great Reshuffle."

Why do employees quit? It is not just because of pay issues nor employees hating what they do. The real cause is more workplace related. A 2022 McKinsey survey highlighted that one of the top reasons employees resign was because of their bosses. Having "bad managers" drives staff away — not a good thing to hear when you are the boss. All is not lost, however — there are options that leaders can undertake to help their company address high attrition rates.

Implement people engagement

The same survey showed that when employees were interested and highly engaged in their work, they were more productive compared to peers who showed signs of disengagement. The solution seems simple at best: get staff more engaged in their jobs. But for this to work, managers must realize that the role of a leader extends beyond the completion of deliverables and proper delegation of work. An effective leader knows the importance of people engagement and the plethora of benefits it provides.

In a previous article, we emphasized that a toxic workplace is much more detrimental than we realize. For one, a toxic work culture contributes to stress buildup and work burnout (the latter considered as an occupational phenomenon by the International Classification of Diseases), which is caused by severe workplace stress that is not adequately addressed.

Beware of 'quiet quitting'

Another tough truth: quiet quitting is real. In its research, Gallup defined "quiet quitters" as those employees who do not aspire to achieve more, those who do not bother to go above and beyond in their duties, or those who are perfectly content to complete just what their job description covers. Nothing more and nothing less. This phenomenon is disconcerting considering that in this day and age, effective collaboration and leadership styles require an innovative and go-beyond mindset.

To solve this, HR (human resources) teams should be adept in implementing new policies to prevent employee disengagement and burnout. One strategy could be as straightforward as mandating regular manager-coachee sessions that will be helpful for managers in checking with members of their teams.

Find new ways to attract, retain talent

Simple enough? Think again. As changes to workplace arrangements are implemented, traditional approaches in talent acquisition and retention may no longer be as effective as before.

Look at the whole talent retention process as a classic push and pull between employer and employee. On one end, staff can be demotivated by factors including toxic work culture. To be able to tug and pull, and make staff stay, employers should be knowledgeable about demotivators as much as factors that motivate. Lessen demotivators by replacing these with engaging corporate acts — be it a higher pay, promotions or similar people engagement initiatives.

The next time you hear a joke about an employee planning to resign, do not take it as lightly. A myriad of factors makes employees quit their job, and it is not just HR officers who are responsible for finding ways to make staff stay. Ensuring the effective implementation of people engagement measures is the duty of every employee, managers and new hires alike.

Jun Cuaresma is the managing partner & COO of P&A Grant Thornton. P&A Grant Thornton is one of the leading audit, tax, advisory and outsourcing firms in the Philippines, with 24 partners and more than 1,000 staff members. We'd like to hear from you! Tweet us at @GrantThorntonPH, like us on Facebook at P&A Grant Thornton, and email your comments to pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com. For more information, visit our website at www.grantthornton.com.ph.

UP Concert Chorus celebrates 60 years with concert on Feb. 4

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

A musical number from the UPCC 58th anniversary concert in 2020

The University of the Philippines’ performing group, the UP Concert Chorus (UPCC) or simply Korus, celebrates its 60th anniversary with a concert entitled “Sama-Sama Together” to be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, 5 pm at the UP Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.

Established in 1962 under the incumbency of UP President, General Carlos P. Romulo with Dean Ramon Tapales as UPCC’s first conductor, the UPCC has evolved into an internationally renowned and multi-awarded choir that has perfected versatility in singing classical, folk, pop and Broadway musical genres with their signature vibrant choreography under the stewardship of the much-beloved Dean Rey T. Paguio.

UP Concert Chorus Batch 2000s with Nanette Inventor and conductor Jai Aracama

An icon of stage performance that pioneered ChoreoCapella or choreographed a capella in the Philippines, it is the recipient of several distinctions, including the world’s best in folk choral performance at the 2012 Festival Internacional de Cantonigros in Spain, Grand Prix winner at the 6th International Krakow Choir Festival in Poland, and 2012 Aliw Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The anniversary concert features different UPCC batches from the 1960s to the present performing songs and choreography of various musical genres such as liturgical, classical, opera, Filipino folk, Broadway, and pop.

UP Concert Chorus Batch 1980s

“From Thompson to Fettke, from Abelardo to Lucio San Pedro to John Lennon, from VST to APO Hiking Society, from Gary Valenciano to Itchyworms, from Nonong Pedero to Willy Cruz to Ryan Cayabyab… we are going sing the songs by these remarkable artists. The concert is going to be a musical extravaganza to remember 60 years by,” says Atty. Noriz Reyes, chairperson of the UPCC 60th Anniversary Concert Committee.

Three celebrated conductors will be leading the choir, they are: Prof. Joel Navarro, Prof. Ed Manguiat, and current UPCC conductor Jai Sabas-Aracama. Mr. Rico Mortel will be directing the show.

UP Concert Chorus Batch 1970s with Prof Rey Paguio (in black shirt)

Among those who have confirmed to perform include singer-comedienne Nanette Inventor; Edru Abraham of Kontra Gapi; Becky Demetillo-Abraham of Inang Laya; broadcaster Kata Inocencio; celebrity voice teacher Kitchie Molina; Bob Serrano and Popo Suanes of the Tux; Zebedee Zuñiga and Sushi Reyes of Opera; lawyers Dot Gangcayco, Noriz Castillo, Gigi Dizon Reyes and Jenny Aldecoa-Delorino; doctors Tony Comia and Melfred Hernandez; international performer Jonathan Badon; stage actors Lionel and Cynthia Guico; Filipino-American musician Nhick Pacis; singer-actress Olive Isidro; speech language pathologist Kaye Tuiseco of the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, music teacher Emmy Cayabyab; public relations strategist Ritzi Ronquillo; Vallejo City Vice-Mayor Rozzana Verder-Aliga of California, and around 200 more UPCC alumni.

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Prof. Joel Navarro, himself a UPCC alumni, promises that the event will be a treat not just for those who are familiar with the UP Concert Chorus’ brand of performing. He says, “It’s a lifetime event that you will want to attend. It’s not just our story. It’s the story of how music can build a community, transform a people and move the world.”

Conductors Ed Manguiat Jai Aracama and Joel Navarro

UPCC Alumni Association President Atty. Dot Gancayco stresses that as their way of giving back to the Alma Mater the Korus, the proceeds of the concert will go to the Dean Rey T. Paguio Scholarship Fund.

For ticket details and inquiries, contact Lowell Reyes mobile 09228050471.

CCP turns to TikTok to champion Filipino arts and culture

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Photo shows TikTok Philippines Head of Entertainment Alex Soon (second from left, seated) and Head of Public Policy Toff Rada third from left, seated) together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Atty. Krischelle Matas (CCP Legal Office), Alexander Cortez (CCP Technical Advisor for Artistic Matters), CCP Board Trustee Benedict Carandang, CCP Board Trustee Marivic del Pilar, CCP Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan (from left, standing), CCP Board Trustee and Vice Chair Michelle Nikki Junia, CCP President Margie Moran-Floirendo, CCP Board Trustee Junie del Mundo, and Atty. Lorna Kapunan (CCP Board Trustee) (from left, seated) during the memorandum of understanding signing.

TikTok Philippines, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, recently entered into an understanding with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to support the preservation and modernization of the arts and culture in the country by bringing traditions closer to the masses.

Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), TikTok would organize specialized training and joint events with CCP, as well as promotions across different communication platforms.

This is in line with CCP’s thrust to provide avenues that encourage Filipino artistic expression and content creation through TikTok and other forms of new media, manifested through its project series such as Kanto Kultura, a celebration of culture and the arts featuring Filipino artists.

PBBM highlights PH economy’s strengths at WEF country dialogue

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

DAVOS, Switzerland — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. highlighted before his fellow world leaders the state of the Philippine economy and the opportunities awaiting investors.

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Malacañang photo)

In his remarks during Tuesday’s 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF) Country Strategy Dialogue, the President said many opportunities are waiting to be unlocked, telling investors about the initiatives being undertaken to ensure the Philippines’ continued recovery that has made it more conducive for business. 

In particular, he cited an International Monetary Fund (IMF) projection for the 2023 global economic growth, which will only be at 2.7 percent, slower than the 3.2 percent posted last year. This figure is a significant decrease from the 6.0 percent recorded in 2021.

“But for the Philippines, we project our economy to grow by around 7.0 percent in 2023,” he noted.

“Our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and liberalization of key sectors instituted over the years have enabled us to withstand the negative shocks caused by the pandemic and succeeding economic downturns and map a route toward a strong recovery,” he said.

President Marcos called on all governments to unwind trade restrictions and reinforce the commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) reform. 

“We have seen inflation accelerating globally in recent months… We are mindful that while protectionist policies may be appealing, even necessary in the short term, there will ultimately be no long-term winners,” he said.

“Countries also need to ensure that sufficient welfare measures are in place to cushion the impact of elevated inflationary pressures, especially towards the most affected and vulnerable sectors,” he added.

Geopolitical risks

In addressing current geopolitical risks, President Marcos reiterated the country’s support for the timely and effective delivery of practical, workable outcomes and encouraged economies to leave no stone unturned in finding common ground in these critical global issues.

He said the Philippines continues to focus on sustaining recovery by promoting a local environment that will nurture businesses to help them maximize their competitiveness and facilitate their entry into the global market.

The President likewise stressed the importance of economic and technical cooperation to assist the development of smaller economies and enable their participation, especially of small businesses and economic segments with untapped potential in the global economy.

Digitalization

To address the current energy and food crises, President Marcos said the country’s development plan puts together measures to hasten economic and social recovery toward inclusive and resilient development, underscoring the need for heightened collaboration to realize economic and social transformation.

“The government also recognizes the importance of digitalization as a key driver for long-term economic growth and as a tool for economic transformation,” Marcos said, promising to empower and enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to participate in the digital economy.

“We have begun large-scale deployment of digital connectivity across the Philippines to ensure universal connectivity, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas,” he pointed out.

Social vulnerabilities

Emphasizing the need to address current social vulnerabilities, Marcos underscored the importance of education, skills development, and lifelong learning to enhance the employability of workers.

He said government interventions and public-private partnerships (PPPs) must be strengthened to improve access to employment opportunities. He added that health systems and social protection must also be enhanced to decrease and mitigate present and future risks.

Present during the country dialogue were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

Joo-Ok Lee, the head of the Regional Agenda – Asia-Pacific, and member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum, acted as moderator.

The making of the self-righteous

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

WHAT is to be self-righteous? It’s when we base our idea of what is right and wrong, good and bad on our own estimation of things with hardly any reference to God. Or there might be some references to God, as usually the case, but in the end, it is our own ideas that would prevail. In other words, when we make ourselves our own law.

We are reminded of this danger in that gospel episode where Christ asked some Pharisees if it was lawful to cure a man with a withered hand on a sabbath. (cfr. Mk 3,1-6) What should have been an easy, common-sensical answer to make the Pharisees mad, even thinking of how to eliminate Christ. Their position typifies the rigidity of a self-righteous mind.

The common phenomenon of self-righteousness can be considered as the irony of ironies. That’s because one can earnestly pursue the path of holiness, of what is good and right, and yet ends up the opposite of what he wants. He can practically have the trappings of goodness and holiness and yet misses the real root of righteousness, which is God. It can be so self-deceiving that one becomes fully convinced he is righteous.

The main problem with self-righteousness is when one’s search for holiness does not go all the way. His relation with God, his understanding of God’s will and ways only goes to a certain extent. Usually it stops at that point where he feels he already knows everything. In other words, he makes himself the ultimate judge of things, discarding the many other things of God’s will and ways that may still be hidden in mysteries.

This was well personified by the Pharisees, scribes and other elders during the time of Christ. They preferred to stick to their own ideas of goodness and holiness, their own laws and traditions, and went all the way not only to be suspicious of Christ, always finding fault in him, but also to finally crucify him.

This danger of self-righteousness usually affects people who are considered intelligent, gifted, talented. They often regard themselves, either in an open way or in a hidden way, superior to others.

If one is truly righteous with a righteousness that is a participation of the righteousness of God, then he should include in his idea of goodness and holiness the essential virtues of humility, compassion and mercy. He always defers to the ultimate judgment of God. Whatever judgment he makes is always open to God’s judgment.

He should have the love that God manifested in Christ, the God made man to offer us the way, truth and the real life meant for us. And that love includes love of one’s enemies. It’s a love that can go all the way to offer one’s life not only for his friends but also for his enemies. This is the real test of a truly righteous person.

Yes, it’s true that Christ said that there can be no greater love than when a man lays down his life for his friends. (cfr. Jn 15,13) But St. Paul said that “God proves his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5,8)

In other words, even if we consider ourselves enemies of God because of our sins, God continues to love us. For God, we are all his friends, his beloved, no matter what the circumstances are. We have to reflect this kind of righteousness of God!

If there are those who do not love us in return, that’s their problem, not ours.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Celeste Cortesi gets love from beauty queens after Miss Universe stint

 Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in these photos taken from Instagram/piawurtzbach, Facebook/TheMissUniversePH, and Instagram/catriona_gray

By Jeline Malasig - January 17, 2023 - 12:58 PM

Former and current beauty queens shared messages of support to Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi after failing to secure a placement in the pageant’s 71st edition.

The 25-year-old Pasay beauty was bested by American bet R’Bonney Gabriel, a half-Filipina, in the prestigious beauty pageant on Sunday.

Celeste expressed her gratitude to her Filipino fans who supported her Miss Universe 2022 bid following her exit.

“Hey, guys! Thank you so much for your love and support. I truly, truly love you and I’m so grateful,” she said in a video, blowing a kiss to the viewers.

Celeste also shared a book excerpt about happiness on her Instagram after failing to secure the crown. It talked about how one’s happiness shouldn’t depend on others.

Meanwhile, some former and current pageant titleholders took to social media to offer her words of comfort following her Miss Universe exit.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who was also a backstage host for the pageant’s 71st edition, posted an Instagram Story featuring Celeste’s picture with the following words:

“Thank you for doing your best for the Philippines (Philippine flag emoji) You handled the pressure of carrying our flag so well! We’re so proud, mabuhay ka! (heart emoji)” 

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach shared a tweet on her account, which reads:

“We know you gave it your all, Celeste. We are very proud of you (heart and Philippine flag emojis” 

Miss Universe 2021 Top 5 finalist Beatrice Luigi Gomez shared an Instagram Story featuring pictures of her and Celeste with the text:

“We are so proud of you! You worked hard and represented us well. We love you, Queen @celeste_cortesi (heart emoji)” 

Miss Universe Philippines Charity 2022 Pauline Amelinckx posted an Instagram picture of them during the coronation of the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 last May.

Celeste, who represented Pasay, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022.

Pauline wrote the following which accompanied the post:

“We have seen you work, hustle, fight and GROW as you prepared to raise our flag. As I’ve told you before, you have my admiration for all your dedication in always becoming better. Always proud of you. You are a CELESTIAL QUEEN (crown emoji” 

Binibining Pilipinas 2022 1st runner-up Herlene Nicole Budol also shared words of support for her fellow beauty queen on Facebook.

“Celeste, maganda ka pa din. We love you (kissing emoji) Ako nga nabudol e” 

Herlene referenced her unpleasant experiences in her bid to secure a crown at the Miss Planet International last November, where she has since withdrawn “due to uncertainties by the organizers.”

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization national director, who was also crowned as Miss Universe 2011 3rd runner-up, also lauded Celeste for “bravely” raising the Philippine flag.

Shamcey shared a picture of her with the Philippine bet on Instagram and accompanied it with the following caption:

“You fought bravely to raise the Filipino flag on that stage and what truly matters is that you gave it your all and made your country proud. (Philippine flag emoji)” 

“This experience is truly a lesson in humility. It is a way to remind all of us to stay grounded for we are all created equal.”

“The new era of Miss Universe cemented its thrust on breaking stereotypes and embracing diversity. Apart from the glitz and glamour, we are again reminded of the true essence of this platform.” 

“Our work continues, to be a venue for women to find a purpose larger than themselves and to use their collective voices to create an unstoppable force for GOOD.” 

2 low pressure areas inside PAR – Pagasa

 

By Arlie O. Calalo, Manila Times

TWO low pressure areas (LPAs) have been spotted inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) although the first one may dissipate in 24 hours as both are unlikely to develop into a tropical depression, the state-run weather agency said on Tuesday.

Weather forecaster Obet Badrina of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) told The Manila Times that first LPA was estimated some 290 kilometers east of Maasin City, Southern Leyte while the other was at 125kms west-northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

"The LPA off Southern Leyte, which has been inside PAR for over a week, may eventually dissipate," said Badrina as he added that the other weather disturbance will also likely follow.

The Pagasa weatherman reiterated that the two LPAs would not have a chance to escalate into tropical cyclones.

However, the LPA and the shear line are bringing cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Bicol Region and Quezon, according to the 11 a.m. advisory of the weather bureau.

7 PH biz tycoons in Davos to support PBBM

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos, MB

ZURICH, Switzerland — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s participation in the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) has gotten the backing of seven of the country’s most prominent businessmen, Malacañang said.

Aboitiz President and CEO Sabin Aboitiz speaks at the luncheon with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos and other Filipino business leaders in Davos, Switzerland. Marcos is in Switzerland for the 2023 World Economic Forum. (Malacañang photo)

In a statement, Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the following business tycoons joined the President and his official delegation in Davos: 

• Sabin Aboitiz (Aboitiz)
• Kevin Andrew Tan (Alliance Global)
• Jaime Zobel de Ayala (Ayala Group)
• Lance Gokongwei (JG Summit Holdings)
• Ramon Ang (San Miguel Corp.)
• Teresita Sy-Coson (SM Investments)
• Enrique Razon (International Container Terminal)

President Marcos and his official delegation, composed of government officials and business leaders, arrived in Switzerland on Sunday afternoon (Sunday evening Philippine time).

The WEF is hosting a Country Strategy Dialogue for the Philippines. Marcos said this is going to be an opportunity to promote the country as a leader, driver of growth, and gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.

“One that is open for business – ever ready to complement regional and global expansion plans of both foreign and Philippine-based enterprises anchored on the competent and well-educated Filipino workers, the managers and professionals,” the President pointed out.

In an interview with the media en route to Switzerland, President Marcos said he was looking forward to “expanding and expounding” the significant strides his administration achieved in the WEF’s question-and-answer event. 

The President said he was also looking forward to the “pull-aside” or “pull-away” meetings on the sidelines of the WEF annual meeting.

President Marcos was invited by Prof. Klaus Schwab, the founder and Chair Emeritus of the WEF, at the sidelines of both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Phnom Penh and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Bangkok in November last year.

83,942 tourists visit Boracay from Jan. 1 to 15

by Tara Yap

TOURISTS at the white beach at world-famous Boracay Island. (Ernesto Cruz)

ILOILO CITY – A total of 83,942 tourists visited world-famous Boracay Island in Malay town, Aklan province from Jan. 1 to 15.

According to the Malay Municipal Tourism Office in a report released on Monday, Jan. 16, domestic tourists comprised majority of the visitors with 63,753. 

The office said there were 14,812 foreign guests and 5,377 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Boracay from Jan. 1 to 15.

The high number of visitors was attributed to the influx of tourists for the New Year when the resort-island brought back its spectacular fireworks show and the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan.

Among the foreign visitors was Filipino-American comedian Jo Koy and his family.

More than 1.75 million tourists visited Boracay in 2022.

Hidilyn Diaz, two others chosen to be part of IWF Executive Board

by Kristel Satumbaga-Villar, MB

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Athletes’ Commission has chosen Hidilyn Diaz as one of the three representatives to the IWF Executive Board in a milestone moment for the sport.

Hidilyn Diaz has been chosen as one of the athletes’ representatives to the International Weightlifting Federation Executive Board. (FIle Photo/ AFP)

Diaz will join Forrester Osei of Ghana, who retains leadership of the Athletes’ Commission, and Luisa Peters, who retired from competition after representing Cook Islands after the 2018 Commonwealth Games. 

The three chosen representatives will serve as full voting members of the IWF Congress and will remain in post until the next IWF electoral congress.

The IWF also becomes the first international federation to achieve such a level of athlete representation as far as IWF President Mohamed Jalood is concerned.

“I am delighted to welcome Forrester, Hidilyn and Luisa to the IWF Executive Board,” Jalood said.

“We look forward to working closely together as we seek to shape a new future for weightlifting, which places athletes at the center of everything we do.”

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Jalood added strengthening athlete representation in decision-making “is a key stepping stone to greater accountability and progress in our sport.”

The new Athletes’ Commission will hold its first meeting online in the coming weeks to discuss short-, medium- and long-term objectives.

Part of its priorities is establishing the athlete scholarship program.

Diaz is widely known as the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist when she won in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has also recently claimed a world championships title.