Month of May

We all know that the 1st of May is Labor Day. A major difference with Labor Day in Korea and Philippines is they mark it here by giving gifts to the employees while our country mark it with various protests by Labor groups. It just shows we have a long way to go in realizing the value of employees. I and my fellow Kabayans were pleasantly surprised two weeks ago when we were asked to choose our Labor Day Gift from the company, we had to choose from four different items - a Knife Set made in Germany, a Steam Iron made in France, a Glasslock Food Container set, or a Food Preserver made in Korea. My wife chose the most likely item we need when we get back home - the Knife Set made in Germany. Its really nice to know how companies take care of their employees here as its actually customary for a company to shower gifts to employees atleast 3 times a year - Labor Day, Korea's Holy Soul's Day, and Korea's New Year's Day. These simple gestures entice the employees to work harder for the company. I can only dream that this kind of tradition will soon be practiced in the Philippines and we will finally have a real open relationship between employers and employees.

The month of May is also the month of Fiesta in Bohol! My Manoy Jigz wrote a nice entry in his blog on his personal insight of our hometown's rich tradition of fiesta merry making. All I can share is, Fiesta in Bohol is definitely a unique and enjoyable tradition a Filipino should try to experience atleast once. Whenever fiesta comes in Bohol, it means family and friends (sometimes, even strangers are welcome) sharing happy moments together.

Back here in Korea, we have three holidays in May - May 1, May 5, and May 12. For us Filipinos, three opportunities to have whole day OT. However, May 5 will be a holiday I will share with my family as this is Childrens Day. Our company hosts an annual activity for its employee's families as they lined up a Fun Walk at the beachline where simple gifts and shows are prepared. This is another indication as to how our company value their employees.