Background
Laughter from the Heart was first developed in 1999 when the late Department of Education Secretary, Brother Andrew Gonzalez, commissioned Carlos Atayde to develop a workshop to help school heads and key school personnel provide a more conducive environment for learning and growth. This made Atayde develop a fun learning session that delved on serious topics. This session, or what is now known as the happyshop, was first conducted in Baguio City for school superintendents, district supervisors and principals from all over the country belonging to both the private and public schools.
After presenting the happyshops to educators, Atayde was invited by some companies based in Metro Manila to do the happyshops for their managers and line staff. Some of these companies were Mead Johnson, Avon and Equitable Bank. At the height of the economic crunch in 2001, he decided to shelve all efforts to promote the happyshops since most companies at that time were cutting back on their training particularly on the soft skills.
Late last year, however, after having given the happyshop to a group of professionals, Atayde was encouraged to offer Laughter from the Heart once again to groups and companies particularly those with stressful job functions. Since then, Atayde has been presenting these happyshops and the response has likewise been very encouraging.
Related links:
Company Profile of Values Media, Inc.
