September 25, 2010 2 – 4 – 6 – 8, Who do we Appreciate? Housekeeping, Housekeeping, Yay, Housekeeping! By Barry Wallace I have always been a huge fan of our Housekeeping department. Our Housekeepers are hardworking, dedicated, fun, and full of team spirit. I am not just speaking from my personal experience but on behalf of our guests. I receive numerous comments thanking our Housekeeping staff for making guest experiences Sitting: Consolacion Gampong, Agripina Agyapas, and Cecilia Ferrer ones that will long Standing: Barry Wallace and Lai Hung Wong be remembered. Our hotels are fresh and clean, well maintained, and cared for. Not only are our accommodations top-notch, but so is our hospitality. Our Housekeepers’ daily interaction with our guests is commonly referenced in letter after letter—a warm smile, a sweet song, an extra pillow, a funny story, calling one by name, sharing a homemade treat. These unique experiences translate into return guests and new customers because they are shared over and over again. Who doesn’t like to share the tales of their latest trip! So as we bid Aloha to another International Housekeepers Week, let us remember the terrific job our “Ambassadors Extraordinary” do each and every day and thank them for their significant contribution to the many successes that Outrigger enjoys. Our Housekeepers—No Ka Oi! See photos on pages 4 - 10 Influenza is Still Very Dangerous: Get Your Flu Shots Now By Dr. Richard Kelley As fall begins, we move again into flu season. As I do every year, I urge everyone in our ‘ohana to be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect themselves and their families from the flu. I particularly recommend flu shots – I got mine this week. Influenza viruses are always changing, so scientists have to work hard to develop a vaccine that will match the viruses most likely to cause the flu each year. Last year, the A/H1N1 strain of influenza, also known as swine flu, caused the first flu pandemic (global outbreak) in more than 40 years. As a result, people needed two flu shots in 2009, one for the regular Continued on page 11 Reyn Nakamasu does the right thing! Saturday Briefing Page Happy Birthday! Oct 6: Emilio A. Puyot Jr., Richard A. Carta, Sheila C.Y. Shinn, Chi-Man Mar, Chao Hong Xu, Ashly K. Copp, and Cinderella M. Cacayorin. Oct 7: Patricia A. McGregor, Deelight A. Quezon, Robert D. Garcia, John Henry Q. Acosta, and Sauiluma Fonoti. Oct 8: Yee Wan Wong. Oct 9: Gina M. Furuike, Rosario U. Abad, Tamara A. Biho, Ganapati Maheshwaran, Andrew S. Luersen, Bobbie Jean Asato, Jenny K. Gambsky, Roy Yahya, Dionisia C. Dumlao, and Alex Hang Sheen. Oct 10: Myra M. Kuboyama, Lalaine B. Villanueva, Crystal C. Salavea, Shun Chi Lee, Jian Guo Xu, and Quyen Ngoc Phan. Oct 11: Ernest Saldua, Ululani M. Cho, Grant J. Gutierrez, Ruby M. Balagso, and Mary Colleen Heyer. Oct 12: Jean Rolles, Tat Kei Leung, Joel T.P. Pearlman, Roy K. Cordeiro, and Kathleen Y. Yamagata. Saturday Briefing is published by and for employees of Outrigger Enterprises Group (OEG) Editor-In-Chief: Richard Kelley Senior Editor: Kathy Foley Supervising Editor: Pila Hanson Contributing Writers: Employees of OEG Visit us online at: www.saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com Submissions to Kathy Foley Employment Opportunities If you are interested in the positions listed below and meet the qualifications, you may apply online. Please go to WWW.OUTRIGGER. COM, click on ABOUT OUTRIGGER, then EMPLOYMENT. We only accept online applications for the open-listed positions from internal candidates. If you have any questions, please call Chad Teramae at (808) 9216989. Application deadline for the following positions is October 1, 2010. Restaurant Utility (On-Call) Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Assist in the daily function of the kitchen to meet general standards. Duties include but are not limited to loading and unloading the dishwasher and making sure all areas are clean and well maintained. Experience in working in a kitchen environment preferred. Front Service Supervisor (Full Time) Will be responsible for assisting the Front Office Manager with overall operation of the Bell department. Will also assist in loading, unloading, and delivery of guest baggage; arranging ground transportation; providing information to guests; delivering amenities; picking up and delivering laundry; and performing other duties as required. Retail Custodian (Full Time) Must be able to understand and abide by the rules, policies, and procedures relating to refuse and recyclable collection and safety. Must also be able to lift 75 lbs and have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Housekeeper I (Full-Time) Must be able to work well with others, follow instructions, and communicate in English. The ability to work flexible days and shifts is required. Experience in cleaning and servicing guest rooms and/or public areas preferred. Mauna Loa Village Housekeeper I (Full-Time) Must be able to work well with others, follow instructions, and communicate in English. The ability to work flexible days and shifts is required. Experience in cleaning and servicing guest rooms and/or public areas preferred. Save Me! By Kathy Foley Help us Go Green! If you currently receive a hard copy of this newsletter and would like a link to your e-mail instead, please email kathysb@outrigger.com and type “LINK PLEASE” in the Subject Line. These little guys thank you, and so do we! Give. Advocate. Volunteer. Live United. at kathysb@outrigger.com, Aloha United Way Campaign 2010 via interoffice mail to OEH/HR, By Char Luning & Kathy Foley or by phone at (808) 921-6957. O‘ahu’s Aloha United Way campaign ends October 8. See your department/ hotel recruiter if you have not received your pledge form. If you have any questions, please call Charlene Luning at 921-6951 or e-mail her at charlene.luning@outrigger.com. Mahalo for your continued support! © 2010 Outrigger Hotels Hawaii Saturday Briefing Page An Equal Opportunity Employer We Appreciate Housekeeping Continued from page 1 King Fong Lau, Isara Jones, Joanna Huang, Yuk Lan Lau, Jenny Wu, Rui Mei Qiu, Shao Huan Liu, and Gui Fang Huang Imelda Suguitan, Melvin Fiesta, Ofelia De Jesus, Rebecca Chen, Lourdes Queen, Thelma Lestino, Betty Cabasag, and Wilson Asidera Sitting: Elizabeth Aquinaldo, Conseta Serdenia, Pureza Baptista, Sonia Damaso, Ferdinand Llamas. Standing: Natividad Esta, Rosalina Manzano, Leilani Adap, and Dr. Chuck Kelley. Sitting: Kay An, Shun Rye Lee, Herminia Agbayani, Lilia Arca, and Chu Ja Oh. Standing: Chong Suk Im, Susan So, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Cristiana Mamuad, and Chong Suk Ahakuelo. Sitting: Thelma Fernandez, Dena Domingsil, Arlene Galanto, and Susana Mendoza. Sitting: Susana Lee, Hai Yan Hou, Hui Hong Tan Lu, Wan Ruo Kwock, and Lily Lee. Standing: Violeta Robles, Bruce Schneider, Corazon Mendoza, Barry Wallace, Mercy Standing: Wo Shun Kam, Xiu Qing Li, Cynthia Thom, Mercy Valdez, Barry Wallace, Hai Shan Peng, Kam Hang Mak, Thelma Fernandez, and Herminia Agbayani. Valdez, Marilyn Castillo, Brigitte Sewdat, and Sonia Lorenzo. Saturday Briefing Page We Appreciate Housekeeping Continued from page 3 Sitting: Hai Yan Hou, Xiu Qing Li, Cynthia Thom, Hui Hong Lu, and Wan Ruo Kwock. Standing: Ruthann Yamanaka, Kam Hang Mak, Susana Lee, Dr. Chuck Kelley, Hai Shan Peng, Lily Lee, and Wo Shun Kam. ORF Dream Girls (Front): Emilio Puyot, Renato Dela Rosa, Edmund Villanueva, Marlou Infante, Mark Paz, Irenio Dumslan, with (Back): Dr. Chuck Kelley and Bruce Schneider. Peter Hopgood and the Outrigger on the Lagoon - Fiji Housekeeping Team Kelerayani Gale, Sereima Tovosa, Lepanoni Waqa, Berni Keshin Lata, Adi Siteri Nailiko, Merewai Tuilovo, Sesenieli Tamani, and Elina Korowica Tepola Natadra, Ulamila Bali, Susana Raika, Serai Ganilau, Elina Kuriciva, Rosylin Leong, Kelerayani Gale, and Lavenia Fullman Saturday Briefing Page Front: Revelyn Tugas, Elena Breckels, Analiza Pascua, Liza Balucan, and Denota Rasay. Back: Allan Ramos, Helen Gazmen, Bruno Orozco-Martinez, and Jayson Abut. We Appreciate Housekeeping Continued from page 4 Shao Ling Huang, Shao Fei Weng, Jie Li Huang, Bobbie Asato, and Lilian Acosta Shao Ling Huang, Tereza Gapuzan, Susan Young, Herman Chiu, Nenita Nerveza, and Elena Ballan Marites Tagala, Josephine Villar, Noemi Gungab, Imelda Guillermo, and Valeriana Bonilla Emerson Sales, Charles Ursua, Amador Manzano, Kristoffer Pardillo, Ritchie Suico, and Herman Chiu Emerson Sales, Christina Tamara, Marylou Dela Cruz, Elena Ballan, Edward Livae, Nenita Nerveza, Tereza Gapuzan, Herman Chiu, Susan Young, and Amador Manzano Agricola Molina, Conrada Corpuz, Kiyo Kaneshiro, Ritchie Suico, Consolacion Caraang, Kristoffer Pardillo, Eufemia Saoit, and Narita Fangon Saturday Briefing Page We Appreciate Housekeeping Continued from page 5 Marjury Aguinaldo, Celestina Lazo, Epifania Taaca, and Marivin Nastor Ester Angeles, David Carey, Eva Bumagat, Rey Orpilla, Consuelo Butay, Alan White, Fang Hua He, and Ruthann Yamanaka Standing: Marina Manzano, Emiliana Cadiz, Filipinas Isidro, Ely Bareng, Inocencia Baclig and Jessica Su. Kneeling: Susie Coloma. Jessica Su, Filipinas Isidro, and Fritzie Ramones Emiliana Cadiz, Marina Manzano, and Miao Xia Chen Saturday Briefing Page Standing: Renato Garingo, Filipinas Isidro, Nena Corpuz, Marina Manzano, Emiliana Cadiz, Jessica Su, Inocencia Baclig, Miao Xia Chen, Ely Bareng, and Valentino Castillo. Kneeling: Fritzie Ramones, Susie Coloma, and Jane Chen. We Appreciate Housekeeping Continued from page 6 Narci Cacal, Sally Garcia, Tita Aquino, Norma Cadelina, Ray Velasco, Emelyn Medrano, Magie Gaoiran, Nina Andres, and Cora Sangueza Sitting: Pik Kuen Koo, Lin Heung Lo, and Lai Hung Wong. Standing: Kathy Oyadomari, Lei Shao Yu Miu, and Barry Wallace. Sitting: Ying Yun Wu, Benedicta Pascua, Pilarita Calumpit, and Rosita Rosete. Standing: Alan Naito, Philip Gagala, Barry Wallace, Jie Zhen Su, Mel Kaneshige, Xian Jiang Zhou, and Yuet Oy Au. Sitting: Yuan Mei-Lei Cheung, Mei Lin Ma, Clara Han, and Cindy Yip. Standing: Rosita Rosete, Barry Wallace, Joselyn Valenzuela, Xi Li Liu, Mel Kaneshige, Yuk Doong Chee, Alan Naito, Yuet Oy Au, Shao Qun Liang, and Shin-Ling Vat. The Housekeeping teams at Outrigger Resort & Spa Noosa and Outrigger Twin Towns Resort Saturday Briefing Page We Appreciate Housekeeping Continued from page 7 Meiying Gong, Shawn Usami, Gene Otsu, and Luz Redoble Sitting: Loida Gamatero, Eva Burd, Ana Marie Castel, and Saturnina Agonoy. Standing: Virgi Asakawa, Ruthann Yamanaka, Suzanne Mendoza, Mauricia Cabato, Evangeline Lintao, Qiao Lian Li, and Noemilyn Galanto. Sitting: Angelina Asuncion, Maribel Lagalo, Taciana Gagala, and Marcelina Martin, Standing: Ah Shu Lee, Ariel Guittu, Nola Sanchez, Jo Ader, Pam Yagi, Evelyn Garcia, Loretta Mendoza, Teodolfo Valencia, and Elsa Tacus. Saturday Briefing Page Kneeling: Brain Fong, Lance Gurtiza, Shawn Usami and Terri Chew. Standing: Gene Otsu, Kehau Cappo, Pattie Furtado, Bridget Orlando, Chong Suk Sakamoto, Luz Redoble, Florida Antonio, Steven Higa, and Simeon Miranda. Sitting: Mary Duldulao, Florence Corrales, Zenaida Manganaan, and Xorda Laurin. Standing: Ruthann Yamanaka, Lourdes Crodua, Wai Heng Ieong, Estrella Sablan, Leticia Dacanay, Jeanette Andrada, and Dean Nakasone. Sitting: Julie Ann Rivera, Joycelyn Manzano, and Zhi Yi Chen. Standing: Inocencio Agliam, Alberto Yanit, and Dean Nakasone. We Appreciate Housekeeping Continued from page 8 Sitting: Zenaida Cachola, Mindy Nakagawa, and Carlita Herring. Standing: Elman Pagaduan, David Cheang, David Carey, Lucio Galiza, and Kin Chan. Sitting: Purie Carcia, Ofelia Valdez, and My Le Pham. Standing: Tinay Acidera, Josefina Rivera, Lleuellyn Calses, and Peggy Napaepae. Sitting: Elina Sumasang, Leonida Lumantas, and Estrellita Baratti. Standing: Abella Carroll, Danette Ma’o, and Nelia Navarro. Sitting: Wendy Lee, Mei Juan We Chen, and Shanly Wu. Standing: Laura Li, Shao Bing Liang, and Feng Shi Yee. Sitting: Winnie W.L. Ho, Nuyang Wei, and Gah Yeu Soo Lee. Standing: Kan Miao Chee, Un Ha Zheng, Jenny Bao Hong, and Sophia Luo. Sitting: Yu Shin Ng, Litili Mati, and Jin Feng Han. Standing: Yuet Chun Liang, Yu Ying Lin, and Ok Soon Kim. Saturday Briefing Page We Appreciate Housekeeping Continued from page 9 At Guam’s Annual International Housekeeping Gala, Leonila Evangelista and Felicitas Garcia were honored as Most Valuable Housekeeper Award Recipients 2010 Sitting: Nena Ratuita, Ken Kettenacker and Jeff Serrano. Standing: John Wigsten, Angelica Loughlin, Charlene Goo, MKM Jiffry, Joy Carriaga, Faye Tarape, and Donna Lacson. Nicole Gutierrez, Nena Ratuita, and Angelica Loughlin Eugenia Pasion, Nenita Viglia, Elena Souza, Wilma Achuara, Erlita Soriano, Antonia Langundino, Mila Niau, Editha Udarbe, Leonida Briones, and Mylyn DelaCruz Saturday Briefing Page 10 Joannie Cruz, Florida Sonis. Iofina Isack, and Marino John Vangie Fernandez, Donna King, Nova Geronimo, Nenita Viglia, Elena Souza, Mila Niau, Leonida Briones, Reynold Pascual, Eugenia Pasion, Liza Ramos, Gundaway Tabalan, Mylyn DelaCruz, Editha Udarbe, Melanie Soriano, Sherry Oyamot, Wilma Achuara, and Yoly Ingeniero Influenza is Still Very Dangerous: Get Your Annual Flu Shots Now Continued from page 1 “seasonal” flu and a second one against the particularly dangerous A/H1N1. While it is not certain, it is likely that 2009 A/H1N1 viruses will continue to spread along with this year’s seasonal viruses during the 2010-2011 flu season. Accordingly, the vaccine recommended for the 2010-2011 season includes protection against A/H1N1 (pandemic) influenza and two seasonal flu viruses – influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B. The 2010-2011 vaccine is ready now, and during our annual Health Fairs this past week, it was offered to members Robert Ishihara exclaims, “That didn’t hurt a bit!” of our ‘ohana who work in Waikiki. If you missed the Health Fair, be sure to see Dr. Chuck Kelley’s article on page 12 for information on where you can get your shot. Flu shots are especially important to people who work in Travel & Tourism. Travelers can carry the flu virus thousands of miles in only a few hours, rapidly turning a local outbreak into a global event. Travel industry workers who greet guests from all over the world are thus at greater risk of catching the flu. I urge everyone to get their flu shots as soon as possible. Don’t delay. This is serious business. “Just do it.” Hai Yan Hou agrees with Robert, as you can tell by her smile. • Let’s look at some key facts about the flu. A slang name for influenza, flu is one of the oldest and most common diseases known. It is a viral illness that can produce many symptoms, including fever, cough, chills, and muscle aches. Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Bronchitis and pneumonia, both potentially very serious, can easily develop as secondary infections. • Although flu symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, the two diseases are caused by different “bugs.” Flu is much more serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the “seasonal” flu – the kind that goes around every year, especially during the cooler months – is responsible, on average, for the death of about 36,000 Americans each year. Believe it or not, the flu kills more Americans every year than traffic accidents. (There were fewer than 34,000 U.S. traffic fatalities in 2009.) • Each winter, the seasonal flu virus re-emerges and spreads, usually as a newly-mutated or evolved strain. Some years, the new strain is comparatively mild, and relatively few people get sick. Other years, it is highly virulent, spreading rapidly and killing many, particularly young children and senior citizens. There is a wealth of information on seasonal flu available at www.cdc.gov/flu. • Seasonal flu shots offer excellent, although not complete, resistance to the disease. They not only protect us from the current year’s flu, there is evidence that they also strengthen our immunity over the years. Saturday Briefing Page 11 FLU SHOTS – Frequently Asked Questions By Dr. Chuck Kelley Why should I get the flu shot? The flu shot will help protect you against catching the flu, which at the very least, would be a huge inconvenience and unpleasant experience. In the worst case, the flu can be deadly. your vaccine at Doctors On Call. There is no appointment needed, and it’s free. Bring your photo ID and Outrigger ID. And don’t forget, you want to protect your family and loved ones. If you catch even a mild case of the flu, you will be highly contagious before you realize you’re sick. This means you could spread the flu to your children, spouse, parents, friends, and others. Alternatively, HMSA members and covered dependents 18 and older can go to an HMSAsponsored flu shot clinic where the shot is free, in most cases, for those covered by HMSA or Medicare Part B. It will be necessary to show your HMSA or Medicare card and a driver’s license or photo ID. Times and locations of HMSA flu clinics are available at http://tinyurl.com/369owvd. If I got my flu vaccine late last year, do I need another shot this year? Yes. Why? Because the flu virus is continually mutating and evolving into new strains. So each year, flu vaccine is formulated differently in order to be effective against the new strains of the disease. In short, last year’s vaccination may not be effective against this year’s virus. That’s why we all need a new shot each year. Can the vaccine give me the flu? No, absolutely, positively not. There is no live virus in the vaccine. Who should get vaccinated? Anyone can benefit from getting the flu vaccine because it reduces the chances of developing the flu and its complications. We encourage all employees to get vaccinated. However, people who are at higher risk of developing flu-associated complications are especially encouraged to get their flu shot. If you belong to one of the groups below, it is particularly important to talk to a health professional about getting the vaccine. • Senior citizens, 65 or older • Children, age 6 months to 2 years • People living in nursing homes or long-term-care facilities • Those with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma For the neighbor islands, the Human Resources department is currently making arrangements with some of the clinics and pharmacies for flu shots to be administered on property. There will be no charge to employees. Details will be sent to your property managers shortly. You always have the option of receiving the vaccine from your regular health care provider. For both Kaiser and HMSA members, you may sometimes (not always) be charged an office visit co-pay. In addition, HMSA members may get a flu shot at many pharmacies, but again, there may be an insurance co-pay or administrative fee for which you will be responsible. The Hawaii State Department of Health maintains a long list of providers on all islands who can administer the vaccine. Some locations are free; others require payment of an administrative fee. The list can be viewed at http://www.flu.hawaii.gov/general-info.html (click on the Vaccine Locator button in the Seasonal Flu section) • Those with other chronic conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease If you are working at one of our properties outside the United States, please contact your Human Resources department for information. • Those with compromised immune systems (caused by autoimmune diseases, certain medications, or HIV infection) How else can I protect myself from the flu? Besides getting the flu shot, you can minimize your chances of catching the disease by practicing good hygiene. For example: • People with other conditions, such as seizure disorder or muscle disorders • Pregnant women • Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season Who should NOT get vaccinated? The flu shot can be harmful to a small minority of people, including those who are severely allergic to chicken eggs, those who have developed serious allergic responses to the flu shot in the past, people who developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu shot, and children under 6 months of age. Where can I get the shot if I was unable to make it to the Health Fair? For those of you who are able to come to Waikiki, our Human Resources department has made arrangements for you to receive Saturday Briefing Page 12 • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash with soap for at least 15-20 seconds before rinsing, and rub your hands vigorously. (If you’ve grabbed a doorknob or stairway hand railing, you’ve probably picked up millions of germs and viruses. Be sure to wash before you handle any food, dishes, or utensils!) • Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or the inside of your elbow. Germs are spread easily when we touch things with our hands. So try not to sneeze directly into your hands. • Stay home from school or work if at all possible when you are sick. Let’s not spread the germs around! • Avoid coming in close contact with sick people. Stay at least three feet (1 meter) away if at all possible. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.