Remembering the reason for our Blessings

Wow... It has been a couple of years since my last post!  A lot has happened since then (between 2014-present time): a new baby, a new appointment, a new home, and more clients!  As my first blog post for the past couple of years, I find it fitting to recognize the reason behind all of the great things in my life and career.

It is timely too that it is Maundy Thursday (in a few minutes it will be Good Friday!).  It is Jesus that made all our blessings possible!  Without his sacrifice and love, we would not live the life we are living right now.  He saved us from our sins.  I'd like to use this blog post as another way of saying: THANK YOU LORD and I LOVE YOU.  May we all have a solemn Holy week and may we reflect about Jesus' love for all of us.

Greatest blessing: My family! (in our new home)

Another blessing: Appointed as one of the Skills Enhancement Facilitator for the ASEAN 2017.
Front row (seated): Me, Ms. Eivette Lagman of the Foreign Service Institute, Amb. Fortunato Oblena, Gov. Chatto of Bohol, Amb. Eva Betita and GIM's Ms. Kara Crisostomo
Picture taken during the ASEAN Bohol Training leg

Mindful Words

Who was the last person you had a conversation with?  Was your conversation a positive or a negative one?  As I was sitting in the middle of a coffee shop a couple of days ago, I can't help but overhear the various conversations going on around me.  It was a small crowded coffee shop, so I had no control of what I could hear at that moment.  On my right, a well-dressed female was speaking into her cellphone, talking about how stupid someone was during the last time she saw that someone.  Behind me was an American and Filipino discussing a project with enthusiasm as they look into a laptop.  On my left, a small group of four was talking about how annoying and "maarte" apparently this other individual was, who I'm assuming was not present.  

It is a bit disappointing how much negative attitude people are projecting publicly compared to a more positive attitude.  Being mindful of our words can change how our attitude is perceived by others and can surely help change our situation everyday.  I have learned from one of my mentors that "what the mind tells you, the body will follow".  Consciously, I began eliminating or transforming some words that I would frequently use in conversation into more positive or proactive words.  For example, instead of saying "failure", say "learning experience".

Positive thinking = Positive life

As a businesswoman, I am a believer of the power of positive thinking.  It is through positivity that we can achieve our goals and any other ambitions we have.  Between hard work and positivity, I would even say that it is the latter that allows us to turn our dreams into reality.  In the first place, it is with that mindset that we are able to set goals.  When negativity creeps into our minds, we are completely unable to see the possibilities that lie ahead of us.

Positive thinking is not only applicable to setting financial or business goals.  It is also essential for our personal lives (social life, love life, etc...)  If you think about it, we are more beautiful when we think of good things.  For example, if we wake up from a good dream, we find ourselves looking great in front of the mirror.  But if we wake up from a bad sleep, plus if we are dreading the day we have ahead of us, no matter how long we apply make-up we somehow don't feel as beautiful as before.  Positive thinking truly affects our appearance and our behavior with the people we relate to everyday.

with GK Kids after conducting a workshop for them!  Such positive energy from them!

Here are some tips on how we can achieve a positive life:

Sharing Personality Development with the Pinoy Youth

Since September last year (2013), I've been invited by Touch Mobile and Globe Telecom to conduct Personality Development to the thousands of youth participants of the Leadership and Youth Summit Series that they have been organizing.  I have been conducting classes and workshops on image enhancement since 2002 but this is the first time that I would encounter literally thousands of youth in one event.  It is gratifying to be able to share so many Personality Development lessons to these Filipino teens, especially because of how eager they are to learn about what some would consider are lessons only taught in expensive finishing schools in Manila.

More pictures after the break!

Karen Agustin-Ostrea guiding some male participants on how to walk with confidence in Gapan, Nueva Ecija last August 22, 2014.

Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss International 2013!

Congratulations to Bea Rose Santiago, who was crowned as the 2013 Miss International in Tokyo, Japan last December 17, 2013! She is also the Philippines' 5th Miss International Title Holder, following the win of Precious Lara Quigaman last 2005.  I was one of the trainers for Bea Rose Santiago before she flew to Japan for the Miss International 2013.  It is an honor to be part of the training team who helped Bea in her journey for her crown, Bea did a marvelous job for her country as she elegantly glided on stage and especially when she gave her winning speech in a very regal and poised manner.

Bea in her venus-cut styled deep fuchsia gown embedded with sequins and crystals.

Absolutely fit for the crown!

More after the break!

New Global Image Management Office

The new office of Global Image Management is now open!  Visit us for your Personality Development needs.  To celebrate the opening of our new office, we are offering special discounted rates for our Personality Development sessions until March 9, 2014.  Enroll now so you don't miss out on these valuable classes!

Visit us at:

Unit 210, 2nd floor, Cityland Makati Executive Tower 2,
De la Rosa st. corner Medina st., Pio del Pilar,
Makati City, Philippines

Landmark:  It's the first building on De la Rosa, if you are coming from South super highway, it's across SM Hypermarket and near Cash & Carry.

We offer a FREE Personal Image Profile Assessment, email karen@globalimagemanagement.com to request for a schedule for your free Personal Image Profile assessment.

Check out the sessions for next week and the fees after the break!

GIM recognized as one of TWH's partners

Last February 22, 2013, I had the honor of hosting the 40th Year Anniversary Event of one of my advocacies, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan.  His Excellence, President Benigno Aquino III, graced the event as he presented awards to PWD achievers.  Secretary Dinky Soliman of DSWD also presented the certificate of appreciation to various partners of TWH, including Global Image Management.  Aside from my hosting job during the event, I accepted the recognition given with gratitude.

Here are some photos during the event!  It was wonderful to see that the number of partners of TWH in empowering Persons with Disability is steadily growing.  I hope that organizations and individuals will continue to share our passion in motivating and empowering PWDs in their infinite possibilities!

Global Image Management receives a recognition as one of TWH's partners

His Excellency President Noynoy Aquino III presents recognition to 5 PWD Achievers

More photos after the break!