A hahahappy day with bankers

Quest for Banking Excellence” was the theme of the Bankers Institute of the Philippines’ (BAIPHIL) fourth general membership at Mandarin Oriental Hotel last Nov. 22. The bankers’ slogan, “BAIPHIL beyond 70: Taking Stock, Harnessing Strengths, Forging Ahead,” serves as the inspirational guiding light in their banking operations towards reaching the highest zenith — serving their clients in the best, most efficient, and effective ways.

 I was introduced by the master of ceremonies, Aileen S. Guce, as a banker. I supposed it was because I worked with the Asian Development Bank before, or because my son, Karlo Marco, is with UCPB and my daughter Nina is with Bank of Commerce. Jokingly, while laughing, I said I’m not a banker, but, yes, I am a banker of laughter, which drew an applause and hilarious laughter from the participants.         

 After some warm-up exercises to loosen up and put the bankers into a laughing mode like never before, I told them that, as confirmed by scientific studies, our bodies cannot recognize fake laughter from a genuine one. Smiling, “ohs” and “ahs” were heard from everyone and they started to laugh their hearts out. They then started swaying, bending their waists as they clapped the Laughter Yoga way. The bankers’ soft, light side was unraveled and their funny bones were stoked as we did the numerous kinds of laughter.

 I encouraged them to get into the laughing habit by doing it first with a smile, then giggling and laughing even if it is fake until their laughter eventually becomes genuine. And soon their laughter will come from their hearts. Laugh to release endorphins, our bodies’ natural pain killers — and drive your aches and pains away.        

Below are the bankers’ motivating and positive comments right after the Laughter Yoga session:

• Pamela Martinez (Citibank, N.A.): A great laughing session! I highly endorse this Laughter Yoga seminar!

• Ermilinda Torregosa: Very enlightening session. Elvie’s laughter is contagious.

• Myrna R. Bundoc (Dev. Bank of the Phils.): Very relaxing, very educational, very good as stress reliever.

• Richie Salcedo (PSBank): Laughter helps us breathe better and handle stress better. Indeed, laughter is the best medicine in dealing with life’s demands and challenges.

• Don Gavino (ING Bank): First, my laughter was a fake one, then it became real. Very relaxing.

• Estrellita V. Ong (Security Bank): Very good! Never had a good laugh in a long time!

• Emmanuel C. Geronimo (China Bank Savings): I was relieved of stress, and had positive outlook and feeling of contentment because of Laughter Yoga.

• Zacarias Gallardo Jr. (Allied Bank): Laughter Yoga session releases the stress of work and brings the participants to a higher level to meet further challenges.”

• Yolanda D. Velasco (Land Bank of the Phil.): The Laughter Yoga session was very informative. It was a heartwarming laughter experience.

• Catalino Solidum (Bank of Makati): Very interesting. I have been an avid follower of the mantra that “laughter prolongs life and creates better relationships.”

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 The scheduled Laughter Yoga sessions for this month are for the secretariat staff of the House of Representatives at SMC Training Center, Tagaytay City, and for the staff of Fortune Life Insurance.

E-mail me at laughteryogaclub.phils@gmail.com. To laugh, view: lycphohohaha.