Top 10 Christmas destinations

The 80th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in New York, November 28, 2012.REUTERS/Carlo Allegri

 

SAN FRANCISCO - The Christmas season might be famous for carols and colored lights where you're from, but it's also the perfect time to experience new destinations and check out their holiday customs as well. From the jazz music and Nativity parades of New Orleans, to the Santa hats and sandy beaches of Australia, there's no better opportunity than Christmas to try seeing the holiday season in a brand new light. Online travel adviser Hotwire.com has compiled a list of its Top 10 most festive destinations for this year's holiday season. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. San Juan, Puerto Rico

There are only twelve days of Christmas, right? Not in Puerto Rico. This U.S. commonwealth begins its celebrations the day after Thanksgiving and keeps the Yuletide spirit flowing until the feast of the three kings on January 6. During the six-week-long festivity, visitors can enjoy the Christmas decorations seen at homes, businesses and throughout the streets. While you're there, you should also witness one of Puerto Rico's famous holiday traditions—group caroling called parrandas. Visitors to this Caribbean locale can also experience unique holiday culinary customs like lechón asado—roast pig on a spit—a coconut pudding called Tembleque, or the sweet sap from a Chilean palm tree, coquito.

2. New York, New York

If there's anything more iconic than the New York City skyline, it's the New York City Christmas tradition. Every year, The Big Apple plays host to some of the most famous holiday traditions in the world, including the nationally televised lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular. But The Empire State has tons more up its sleeve when it comes to Christmas traditions. Travelers can go ice skating in Central Park, discover unique international gifts at The Pond at Bryant Park, experience the incredible toy selection of FAO Schwartz and enjoy the spectacle of Macy's annual Santaland display.

3. Bondi Beach, Australia

In Australia, summer starts on December 1st, so while the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing a white Christmas, our friends down under are busy surfing and sunbathing. Bondi Beach, just four miles outside of Sydney, is a famous beachgoer hotspot, so the unsuspecting traveler could very easily mistake Christmas Day for spring break. Every year on December 25th, the beach turns into one big Christmas party, with festive trees in the sand, surfers wearing Santa hats and suits, live music and more. It might seem unusual to spend a Christmas on the beach, but there's also no denying the appeal of a good beach party. At Bondi Beach, you can have both.

4. Santa Claus, Indiana

With a city like Santa Claus, Indiana, the name really does say it all. This small Midwestern destination fancies itself "America's Christmas Hometown," and offers three weekends of Santa Claus celebrations throughout the month of December that are perfect for Christmas lovers of all ages. Travelers can journey into Santa's Candy Castle and enjoy 25 different gourmet chocolates, chat with online elves and check to see if their name is on the naughty or nice list. Santa's visitors can also enjoy other holiday attractions such as the amazing lights down Mistletoe Drive, a wooden rollercoaster, a Santa Claus museum and even a Christmas-themed miniature golf course.

5. Nuremberg, Germany

In Nuremberg, Christmas is synonymous with Christkindlesmarkt, which means only one thing—holiday shopping. Germany's own Christmas mega-market is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world, drawing two million visitors every year and occupying Nuremberg's central square area for the entirety of the Advent season. With its rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, a visit to the Christkindlesmarkt is like stepping back in time. Even the most jaded traveler may spring to life as the smell of fresh gingerbread and fruitcake fills the air. And with such a deep past, it's as easy to lose yourself in Nuremberg's Christmas tradition as it is to get lost in the stalls of the Christkindlesmarkt.

6. New Orleans

Those searching for a way to celebrate the holidays in a unique southern fashion need look no further than New Orleans, where the poinsettia gets as much love as the fleur de lis. In this French Creole town, Christmas events start in November, and they ring in the holiday spirit in ways you've never seen before. Take the Celebration in the Oaks, for example: a pop-up Christmas theme park that brings bright lights and carnival rides to New Orleans City Park, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Folks from colder areas will feel right at home on Fulton Street, where travelers will find spinning multicolored Christmas trees and might even find themselves caught in the (fake) snow, which comes drifting down four times every hour.

7. Tokyo, Japan

If you're looking to spend your Christmas somewhere really different, there's no better place to visit than Tokyo. Since Christians account for only one percent of the population, Christmas is not a national holiday, and employees don't get the day off. Despite that, Christmas is celebrated as a commercial holiday in Japan, and every year, the trees in Tokyo are lit up for the season and the Japanese, like their Western neighbors, still have shopping to take care of. Christmas Eve in Tokyo looks very different from Christmas Eve in North America and Europe, and bears a striking resemblance to Valentine's Day. Instead of spending Christmas with family members, the Japanese go on romantic dinner dates with their significant others, celebrating the holiday over a chicken dinner and some Christmas cake.

8. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam has not one, but two bearded gift-bearers that visit during the month of December: Sinterklaas and Santa Claus. Sinterklaas has been the richer holiday icon in Amsterdam, and gives the children most of their gifts on December 5th, marking the feast of St. Nicolas. Santa Claus, whose story is actually based on Sinterklaas', comes on December 25th and brings the children a couple of minor presents. Santa Claus also brings the beginning of the Dutch Christmas - a two-day celebration complete with food, warmth and family - which starts on December 25th and ends on December 26th. For potential visitors, the draw of Amsterdam‘s double-celebration is hard to compete with. Two feasts, two Santas and two days of gleeful Christmas parties. And when it comes to giving and receiving gifts, how much more Christmas could a traveler really ask for?

9. Aspen, Colorado

Whoever coined the term "Winter Wonderland" was probably imagining something very much like Aspen, Colorado at Christmastime. Peacefully nestled amid a trio of snowy mountains, Aspen is the perfect spot for travelers who like to celebrate their holidays in earmuffs and beanies. This snowy city hosts the 12 Days of Aspen, a holiday celebration from December 20th through New Year's Eve, which includes a variety of activities that are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit—from shopping and restaurant deals to concerts and ice-staking. And with its four world-class ski resorts, acres of white-powdered aspen trees and upscale shopping options, Aspen is a prime destination for travelers looking to release their inner snow lover.

10. Lapland, Finland

Lapland in Finland is the ideal destination for the nostalgic traveler in all of us. After all, who doesn't remember writing letters as a kid and addressing them to the North Pole? Now you can visit Santa at home. With the Arctic circle cutting right through its heart, Lapland is the closest you're likely to get to the North Pole you imagined as a kid, and that makes it one of Finland's busiest tourist destinations. Visitors of Lapland will want to get tickets to at least one of the area's Christmas theme parks: Santa Claus Village and Santa Park. These parks live out their themes to the fullest, complete with staff members in elf costumes and reindeer sled rides. But the real draw to these parks is Father Christmas himself, who will even meet privately with families who have made a reservation. — Reuters

DOLE approves minimum wage hike rules for C. Visayas, C. Luzon

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has approved pay increases of P22 and P6 for minimum wage earners in Central Visayas and Central Luzon respectively.

Baldoz also signed the implementing rules for a P7 increase in the cost of living allowance (COLA) and the integration of the previous P10 COLA for minimum wage earners in Eastern Visayas.

Central Visayas

The P22 salary adjustment in Central Visayas took effect December 7, bringing the minimum salary range in the region to P262-P327 depending on the area classification and industry sectors.

However, the increase does not apply to the wages of domestic helpers and other workers employed in the personal service of another, such as family drivers and barangay micro business enterprise (BMBE) workers.

Also under the pay hike rules, “workers who are paid by results, piecework, takay, pakyaw, or on task-basis shall receive not less than the minimum wage rate for normal eight-working-hours, based on a prescribed formula.”

Private schools have until the beginning of school year 2013-2014 to adjust their workers’ salary.

However, distressed establishments, new business enterprises, and retail/service establishments adversely affected by natural calamities may apply for exemptions with the  Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

Eastern Visayas

For Eastern Visayas, the P7 added to the COLA will be on top of the existing P15 COLA under Wage Order No. RB VII-16, Baldoz said.

“This is in line with the DOLE’s wage reform measure, the two-tiered wage system, which consists of a mandatory floor wage and a productivity-based pay,” she said.

The RTWPB will issue an advisory on the performance-based pay, which will be implemented through negotiations or collective bargaining between employers and workers.

Central Luzon

Last week, Baldoz also signed the implementing rules of the Wage Order No. RB III-17, which includes a basic pay increase of P6 a day for Central Luzon wage earners effective October 11 and the integration of the P24 COLA for workers in the region.

This new wage rate covers the provinces of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales and the cities of Angeles, Balanga, Cabanatuan, Gapan, Malolos, Muños, Olongapo, Palayan, San Fernando, San Jose Del Monte and Tarlac. — BM, GMA News

Pinoys in UAE raise P83,000 for 'Pablo' victims

Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates managed to raise some Dh7,500 (about P83,580) at a charity brunch for the victims of Typhoon Pablo.

“Brunch for a Cause” was a project initiated by the Filipino Community (FilCom) in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, according to a report on Khaleej Times on Sunday.

FilCom Governing Council president Matilyn Bagunu said the council will meet new Philippine Consul General Frank Cimafranca to decide how to send the funds raised to the Philippines, the report said.

Bagunu said they can send it to the Philippine Red Cross or to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, or to the Philippine National Police via FilCom member group Sangguniang Masang Pilipino International Inc (SMPII).

A third option would be to turn over the proceeds to the SMPII so its officials and members in the affected areas could distribute the money directly to the surviving families.

"But, we need to coordinate with the Philippine Consulate-General,” she said.

Meanwhile, the new Task Force Habagat is now collecting donations for disaster relief, including clothes, canned goods, and blankets.

Task Force Habagat chairman and United Cebuanos president Wendell Castro said they expect at least 30 boxes of in-kind donations initially from the Filipino community in the UAE.

Typhoon Pablo left more than 500 dead and caused some P6 billion in damage when it devastated parts of Mindanao, Visayas and Southern Luzon last week. — BM, GMA News

10 Best Ways To Say 'Thank You'

Source: mensxp.com

The most spoken pair of words, ‘thank you’, do not need an excuse. They never did. More often than not though, we just utter these words,

without injecting any compassion with them. So for those, who don’t know how to say it, here are few tips:

1. Smile and Say It

Does that ever fail? Never. Something that everyone can do, but is still not done enough, a smile breaks the ice like nothing else does.

2. In a Letter

Even though saying thank you with a card has been a tradition, for lack of a better word, saying a thank you through a letter might actually work well when people have forgotten to send a card!

3. With Flowers

She doesn’t have to be your girlfriend. Any girl you feel gratitude towards would be more than delighted to get a bunch of flowers with an underlining 'thank you' from you.

4. On a Dinner Date

A sumptuous meal, tranquil surrounding and soothing music in the background will more than express your gratitude to the other person.

5. Say It with a Gift

It can be many of the millions of prospective gifts available to mankind. A holiday at some exotic place, vouchers for a spa or anything less flamboyant but more appreciable will do the trick.

6. Hand-Made Card

Anything that takes an effort from your side would always be appreciated. The person on the receiving end of your affection will waste no time in thanking you back.

7. With a Hug

The most heartfelt feelings are expressed through hugs. Whether it is your friend, your girlfriend, or even your boss, a hug would always do what your words couldn’t.

8. On your Facebook Wall

Even the most shy of people find Facebook the ideal place to express their feelings. And the fact that you are acknowledging their favour or help publicly, it is bound to go down well with them.

9. Say it with a Kiss

Now this is something that has to be accompanied with a lot of caution. It can be apassionate kiss if it is your partner. If you are thanking a friend however, a quick peck won’t be a bad idea at all.

10. Recommendation

If you are saying thank you to one of your business partners, the best way to show your gratitude will be referring them to some vendors or partners you have good relationships with, thus helping them to grow their business.

A ‘thank you’ to someone should sound like you are sincerely appreciating their effort. And when you do that, same will be returned to you.

Please click the link BELOW..THANK YOU!

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Tips For Motivating Employees

Within the realm of distractions and competition galore at the workplace, how do you ensure that your employees stay motivated? Here is a look at some of those ways to do it:

1. Interact and Engage

In order to keep employees motivated, the thumb rule is to keep the flow of communication constant. Feel free to hold open discussions with the entire group as well as hold one-to-one interactions from time to time. The constant communication will keep your employees feeling important and motivated.

2. Implement Rewards

A reward-based system always works best in teams. The achievement of over-achievement of targets should be rewarded with a pay incentive, a public congratulation or any other tangible gift. This will also keep others motivated to perform well and outdo their peers.

3. Resolve Problems

Lack of enthusiasm takes place when employees feel that the management is not concerned about their issues. So, make it a point to pay heed to the individual as well as collective problems of your employees and presenting quick and feasible solutions to them.

4. Team-Building Activities

Apart from work, there needs to be other factors to motivate team members too. Activities for team building are an essential component. Keep your team engaged, and give them something exciting to look forward to, apart from their regular workload.

5. Hold Trainings

Training sessions at work give employees a sense of learning while at work. Not only are they getting paid for what they do, but also get to enhance their knowledge on the job. Keep the training regular and interesting, however.

6. Don’t be a Stuck-Up Boss

A calm, funny and approachable boss is always well-respected. Moreover, these qualities make it a pleasure for your team to work with you. Being arrogant and stuck-up is far from going to fetch you those brownie points. In fact, it is going to lead to employee dissatisfaction and frustration.

7. Praise When Deserved

Praising the work of your employees is not always about letting them dwell on cloud nine! Often it works the other way round.

8. Have Fun

Last but not the least, remember that the workplace can get extremely sombre and insipid if you do not infuse an element of fun now and then. You need not make that the mantra of the office, but the humour and fun quotient should definitely form an essential part of the work culture!

It is very easy to let the workplace become dull and for your employees to lose motivation. As a good team leader or employer, ensure there is the right blend of fun, team work and seriousness in the workplace.

Phl has potential to become Asia-Pac shipbuilding hub

[via Maritime Press Clipping]

A study by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Nomura Research Institute (NRI) showed that the Philippines has the potential to become a shipbuilding and repair center for oceangoing merchant and fishing vessels in Asia-Pacific, with bays and deep seashores, abundant labor and fiscal incentives. The country hosts some of the world’s leading shipbuilders: Japan’s Tsuneishi, which has its 2nd largest facility in Cebu, South Korea’s Hanjin in Subic, and Singapore’s Keppel in Batangas. These companies build ships such as bulk carriers, container ships and passenger ferries.

JICA’s study, entitled “Accelerating FDIs in the Philippines Shipbuilding Industry,” is part of the industry roadmap of the Department of Trade and Industry. It suggests that Philippine Investment Promotions Plan and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) should sell the Philippines’ strengths, provide locations with maritime data, and present opportunities to shipbuilders in China, Japan, and Korea. Business matching is urged between Filipino developers, shipbuilders, and suppliers and those of the three Asian nations.

As of first half of 2012, the Philippines was ranked as 4th world’s largest shipbuilder in terms of booked order, following China, Japan, and Korea. Shipbuilding is included in the 2012 Philippine Investment Priorities Plan, benefitting the food manufacturing, tourism, transportation, oil and steel industries. The Board of Investments approved incentives to the P259-million Filipino-owned ship repair facility Nautilus Shipyard Repair, Inc., being built at Navotas Fish Port Complex which, when it becomes operational in June, 2013, will have a capacity of 96 vessels as well as minimum berthing capacity of 7,500 tons.

There are today 121 shipbuilding and repair facilities in the country. In the past, industry output was limited to small ships, tankers, barges, and fishing vessels, but with the entry of big shipbuilders, ships with large tonnage capacities are being built. Marina data shows that the shipbuilding industry employs about 39,000 workers, including over 50,000 engineers and architects.