| Lyndon Speaks

Hiatus

Yes, it has been ages...

But guess what?!

The hiatus will soon be over...

'til then...

Wait on!
~Lyndon Jason

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Test Your Skills: Slogans

Hear ye, hear ye! And by the way, a lucky Friday the 13^th to all of you!

Welcome back to Lyndon Speaks!

Slogan - a catch phrase or small group of words that are combined in a special way to identify a product or company

Now let me test your skills in identifying the companies/products that popularized the slogans below. Below are famous old and new slogans of companies/products – local and foreign. Test your knowledge.

Do not peek! Answers follow below the list of slogans!

Game on!

1.     Simply Amazing
2.     Abot mo ang mundo
3.     We’re changing lives
4.     So clean. So good.
5.     We find ways.
6.     You’re in good hands with ______.
7.     Bida ang sarap.
8.     Love ko ‘to!
9.     Tikman ang tagumpay
10. Sarap to the bones
11. Hahanap-hanapin mo
12. Pasalubong ng bayan!
13. Hari ng padala
14. The quality you can trust
15. Asia’s first
16. It’s time every Juan flies
17. Excellence in flight
18. Asia’s most refreshing airline
19. No other mall comes close
20. We got it all for you
21. LovEmAll
22. Where dreams come true
23. Connecting people
24. We’ll take you farther
25. The world’s local bank
26. High performance. Delivered.
27. Just do it
28. Let’s DOH it
29. May liwanag ang buhay
30. WOW ___________
31. _________ Truly Asia
32. Uniquely ____________
33. _______ Live it. Love it.
34. Amazing ____________
35. Experience ____________
36. Impossible is nothing
37. World without strangers
38. Have it your way
39. In the service of the Filipinos worldwide
40. The best place for cartoons
41. Nakasisigurong gamot ay laging bago
42. The nation’s national bookstore
43. Sarap ng filling mo
44. Your potential. Our passion.
45. _______ inside
46. Think
47. It’s not just coffee, it’s ______ coffee.
48. Taste matters
49. Is it in you?
50. Ito ang tama
51. Samahang walang katulad
52. Great value for your money
53. There’s an APP for everything
54. Invent
55. How thoughtful, how _________
56. Finger lickin’ good
57. Quality is our recipe
58. America’s favorite pizza
59. Your new experience of motoring
60. The power of dreams
61. Don’t be evil
62. Laging handa
63. Like no other
64. Everyone’s invited
65. Life’s good
66. Sakay na!
67. Wala pa ring tatalo sa ______
68. Hindi lang pampamilya, pang-isports pa
69. Number 1 recommended by dentists
70. Louder. Bolder.

Answers:

1. Smart Telecoms
2.     Globe Telecoms
3.     PLDT
4.     Sogo Hotel
5.     BDO
6.     Metrobank
7.     Jollibee
8.     McDonalds
9.     Chowking
10. Max’s
11. Mang Inasal
12. Dunkin Donuts
13. LBC
14. Boysen
15. PAL
16. Cebu Pacific
17. Korean Air
18. Zest Air
19. Mall of Asia
20. SM Malls
21. Ayala Malls
22. Disneyland
23. Nokia
24. BPI
25. HSBC
26. Accenture
27. Nike
28. Department of Health
29. Meralco
30. Philippines
31. Malaysia
32. Singapore
33. Hong Kong
34. Thailand
35. Macau
36. Adidas
37. Giordano
38. Burger King
39. ABS-CBN
40. Cartoon Network
41. Mercury Drugstore
42. National Bookstore
43. Rebisco
44. Microsoft
45. Intel
46. IBM
47. Starbucks
48. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
49. Gatorade
50. Red Horse
51. San Miguel Beer
52. Robinsons Malls
53. iPhone/iPad
54. HP
55. Goldilocks
56. KFC
57. Wendy’s
58. Pizza Hut
59. Toyota
60. Honda
61. Google
62. Boy Scouts
63. Sony
64. Samsung
65. LG
66. Super Ferry
67. Alaska
68. Family Rubbing Alcohol
69. Colgate
70. Lyndon Speaks

How many did you get?!

Hope you enjoyed!

Market on!

~Lyndon Jason

Happy Hours At Starbucks

'tis the season to be jolly!

Welcome back to Lyndon Speaks!

Started last Monday, 2nd of May 2011, and will end this Sunday, 8th of May 2011, Starbucks Philippines is offering their world-famous frappuccino at 50% less their original prices. It is like a BOGO for Starbucks' Frappuccino.

From 12:00 high noon until 2:00 in the afternoon for one whole week, frappuccino enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite Starbucks drinks at half a price. And to better service all Starbucks' patrons, the store is limiting an order of 2 cups per person.

Of course, Filipinos grabbed the chance to enjoy their favorite drinks at a lower price. That is why several Starbucks shops in the country are jam-packed with frappe-cravers. To help you fully enjoy your drinks, here are some tips from Lyndon Speaks.

Excitement helps. Go early.

Go to the store before 12:00 noon to avoid the long queues. You may enjoy your favorite drink with your food for lunch. Being early on the store will ensure you the first spot on the line and will guarantee you with the drink that you want to order. Take it from me who did not get my first choice of drink. =)

The more hidden it is, the better.

Look for a Starbucks store hidden from most of the people. These stores may be hard to find but, hey, Starbucks is everywhere and you would find one which is not visible and accessible to most people. Try the Starbucks store located at the lower ground floor of Greenbelt 5 in Makati. You'll probably get your frappuccino in 20 minutes or less (unlike in a crowded store where you'll spend an hour to have a sip on your drink).

Try a fancy name.

If your name is Jason, James, Kristina, or Maria, try not to use it. If you have Paul for a name, try not to use it as it would be very confusing if the barista will call it out and 5 more people with the same order as yours are coming at the counter. Try to use fancy names like: Tinkerbelle, Tiburcia, Tiburcio, Agapito, Thumbellina, Aladdin, Snow White. If you have your friends with you, why not try to give the names of Snow White's seven dwarves. "One grande Moccha Frappuccino for Tinkerbelle" - now that would be good to hear! =)

Clean your ears.

If you have picked a store along a busy road, make sure you had your ears cleaned because you need to have a good hearing after you have ordered. Make sure that you are able to pick a spot where you can hear the baristas calling out your name and your order. Most people stay in front of the pick-up counter. You may not stay there with them as long as you can hear the baristas calling out your name clearly.

Bring your own patience.

Long queues on both the counter and the pick-up station may discourage you. Don't be and never be! Bring loads and loads of patience when you want to get your drink at half the original price. The rewards that you'll reap will surely suffice the patience that you'll give for just one hour. Hahahaha. =)

Know what you want.

Try not to be the person in line that everyone hates. Do not think of your order when you are already in front of the counter. You'll have plenty of time to decide while you are standing on the long queue. It would be much better if you are ready to order even before you reach your turn.

Those are just some few tips. And I hope that these will help you enjoy your half-priced Starbucks Frappuccino.

'til next time! Enjoy!

Sip on!
~Lyndon Jason

Fast and Furious: Fast 5: Rio Heist

Cars, vault, bald-muscled men, humor, and more cars!

Welcome back to Lyndon Speaks!

As usual, I would not go into the details of this movie. All I'm gonna do is invite all of you to watch it on the big screen.

The latest installment of the Fast and the Furious series is now playing on movie houses in the Philippines nationwide. Set on Brazil, Fast Five brings back our favorite duo - Dom and Brian. If you loved the first FF movies, then you'll love this even more as this is as thrilling as the rest of its brethren in the series. Fast Five centers on the value of family. Also, keep your butts glued on your seats even when the credits are rolling. =)

Fast Five stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson and Ludacris to name a few. Fast Five is directed by Justin Lin.

Fast Five is really worth watching on the big screen. I did enjoy watching it!

What are you waiting for?! Grab your tickets now! Make sure to reserve your tickets early as movie houses are jam-packed with Fast and Furious fans!

'til next time!

Fast on!

~Lyndon Jason

Fight The Heat

The heat is on!

Welcome back to Lyndon Speaks!

It is summer time in the Philippines! And due to global warming, summer in the country has gotten hotter to the point that the capital city has reached an all-time high temperature of 35.5°C yesterday. The Department of Health has warned Filipinos and tourists of the threat heat stroke may bring.

Heat stroke is a condition where the body suffers from severe high temperature. With this heat that we are experiencing, it is possible to acquire this condition. Symptoms of heat stroke are severe headache, confusion, increase in breathing, and a high body temperature of 40°C or greater. Heat stroke may cause death.

Because of this, it is just right for everyone to combat the heat. Here are some tips:

Drink plenty of water.

We are taught to drink 8 glasses of water everyday. But with this heat, we should drink as much water as we need. Do not wait until you become thirsty. Always make sure that you are hydrated. Always bring with you a bottle of water where ever you go. Even if you are indoors, make sure to gulp as much water as you could. Every after an activity that you perform, make it a habit to drink. Water will surely keep you alive from this scorching heat.

Ice helps.

Besides from water, ice is your good friend during the summer. You could put an ice on your forehead when ever you feel that you are in heat. You can also put ice under your armpits to cool off your body temperature. If you do not have ice with you, you could always do a cold compress. You could also use your imagination and use what ever you have as cold compress. For instance, you could use a bottle, fill it with very cold water, and put it in your forehead or damp your whole body with it. Anything to cool off your body.

Always take a bath.

Taking a bath 2-3 times a day really helps in cooling down your body temperature. Take a bath like there is no tomorrow. Make sure to shower thoroughly. Bathe your entire body until you feel refreshed. You should also make it a practice to take a bath before going to sleep. This will help you relax from the day's stress and also will help your body cool off for the night. Of course, take a bath before going outside (to avoid heat stroke and for other sanitary purposes.. :p).

Wear what is in.

Put all your dark-colored and thick clothes in your closet. You would not be needing those in this heat. Wear something comfortable. Wear thin clothes. Light colors work. During summer time, less is in. You could walk at the runway wearing the least amount of clothing, it is summer! This is the time to flaunt your abs and show your curves. Flip flops are in. Make sure to wear clothes that can let your body breathe.

Short is HOT.

Want to be as hot as the summer? Maybe it is time to change your hairstyle. This is the best time to cut your hair short. Try something that will show your face during the heat of this summer. Besides from having a low maintenance hairstyle, you'll also feel cool in this summer time. An added bonus is that you'll turn on the heat on others' eyes in a good way.

Stay indoors.

If you have no where important to go to, just stay indoors. Relax. Have a cold drink. Read a book. Turn on the air conditioning or the electric fan. Switch off other heat-causing appliances. It will also be helpful if you would unplug them. You could also try opening the windows where the air will blow in to your house.

Window shop.

I'll not be telling you to spend your money on malls. Rather, you can spend some time window shopping or having a cool fruit juice on your favorite mall. Have your friends with you and spend some quality cool time with them.

Always bring you weapons.

Umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, cap, mini-fan: these are your trustworthy weapons in this time of extreme heat. Make sure that you equip yourself with the best weapons and do not forget to have them as minute as possible.

I know that there are a lot more things that you can do to avoid having heat stroke. Whatever they may be, make sure to follow them and take care of yourselves. Summer may be shiny and gay but it may also be deadly.

Enjoy the heat everyone!

Heat on!
~Lyndon Jason

Signs To Help You Fish Out The Unwanted Boss

It is the status quo that employees are being evaluated of their performance when entering on a company or during performance reviews. Let us now turn the tables and let me help you fish out the unwanted boss.

Welcome back to Lyndon Speaks!

Below are the signs that will show you how incompetent a leader is. These signs are taken from BadBossology.com. Full article is also found by following the link.

Incompetent leaders...

Delegate work rather than balance work load

This allows all attention to be diverted from them in case of failure.

Lyndon Speaks: A bad boss does not know how to allocate resources efficiently. This causes work to duplicate or sometimes this causes unnecessary efforts to be exerted.

Reduce all answers to Yes or No rather than explaining their reasoning

A yes/no manager finds it a waste of time to find the real answer through intellectual thought.

Lyndon Speaks: Leaders should be able to give reasonings to their answers in an instant. Incompetent bosses do not know how to think ahead of time.

Not separate personal life from professional life.

They will bring their personal problem to work.

Lyndon Speaks: Leaders who cannot put away their personal lives from their professional ones greatly affect the output of the team. You should keep away from this type of bosses because they may stress you in ways you'll never expect.

Manage crisis.

If you are a company that has crisis managers, then you can say goodbye to innovation and progression.

Lyndon Speaks: Leaders, and those great ones, know how to be proactive and does not only manage crisis. They just do not rely on what others think and say but they find their ways to speak out what they say. If something is wrong, great leaders speak out for the welfare of their team.

Create an environment where mistakes are unacceptable

Being held accountable for wrong decisions is a fear for them.

Lyndon Speaks: It is just normal to make mistakes. A bad leader always points out ones mistakes. A good leader turns mistakes into learnings and help the team realize the good within a failure.

Humiliate or reprimand an employee within a group

A good leader takes employee problems away from a group setting to a more private setting.

Lyndon Speaks: Never, and I say N-E-V-E-R, reprimand an employee directly within a group. You may have other intentions of doing so, but it is just common sense not to do it in front of others.

Not stand behind subordinates when they fail

Never leave your people to hang out to dry.

Lyndon Speaks: A good leader should not only stand behind his team's back but should also know how to defend them well. An act of defending a team member is not in anyway good if not supported by a well-grounded reason.

Encourage hard workers not smart workers

Poor leaders miss this connection.

Lyndon Speaks: It is not about the quantity or the time one gives for his work, it is all about the quality of the output. Follow my previous post regarding this: Work Smarter

Judge people on hours not on performance

Bad managers will promote the employees that work the most hours and not look at the smart ones who work less……….meaning have better time management.

Lyndon Speaks: This is similar with the previous one. A performance is not based on the number of hours you render work, not by the number of over times you have, not by the number of extended hours you exert, but by the quality of work you have done.

Act differently in front of their leaders

This is an indication of low self-confidence.

Lyndon Speaks: Bad and incompetent leaders do not know how to act in front of their leaders when in doubt. Good leaders should handle themselves well when in great amount of pressure from their bosses.

These signs sure helped me in fishing out the rotten apples from the bunch of leaders and bosses that I have. And I am very proud to say that I am very lucky to have met great leaders like my Test Director and Test Lead from way back.

I hope these also helped you find out the best among the rest.

'til next time.

Fish on!
~Lyndon Jason