I'm a Sports Mom and I am loving it!

I am an avid sports fan. Basketball, volleyball, baseball, to name a few. In my country, the Philippines, we have a lot of basketball competitions, professional and college leagues. Our two major collegiate sports leagues are the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), although I watch the UAAP more than the NCAA. The UAAP's member schools are the top eight universities in the country, my Alma Mater included. The professional league has the the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Philippine Basketball League (PBL). Basketball IS big in this country. Some may find it amusing, because Filipinos are not meant to be really tall. 

The UAAP Men's Basketball season ended a few weeks ago. My Alma Mater, The Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas (UST), founded in 1611 is the oldest Catholic University in Asia. In sports circles, we are called the "Growling Tigers" with a never-say-die attitude. In this past season, the Men's Senior Basketball Team went from the brink of elimination to beating Ateneo University for a slot in the Final Four. We put an end to the 12-year consecutive finals appearance of the Ateneo University. From 4th seed, we went on and beat the top seeded team to gain entry into the Championships. Another record broken. Game 1 of the Championships was a big boost to the Tigers, however, we were unfortunate to snag the championship. Our opponent, the Dela Salle University (DLSU) won the championship this year. Oh well, as previously mentioned.. Never Say Die.

Jeron Teng (R) and Jeric Teng(L)

This year's basketball finals was particularly interesting. The two schools, UST and DLSU had brothers competing against each other. UST had Jeric Teng, and DLSU had the younger brother, Jeron Teng. Can you imagine how their parents felt? They could not side with any team. I could not even imagine how they were interacting at home after a game. I salute the parents, though. They raised their boys well. The minute the final game ended and DLSU was proclaimed champion, Jeron Teng left his overjoyed team mates to look for his brother in the crowd. He was overheard saying "Where's my brother?" When he found him, he took him to center court and raised his brother's hand in victory. I was teary eyed. Now that's love and respect.

On the 3rd of November, the draft for the professional league will start. Most of the graduating basketball players from the UAAP have filed their application. It will be a very interesting professional league this time. These college boys will be out of their comfort zone and will have to learn team play with former opponents. I am looking forward to the new recruits for both the professional and collegiate leagues.

Thousands of miles away, the NBA will start on October 29. Whoopie! Another sporting event to look forward to. Thank you to cable television, I can watch the games live. I am torn whether to root for Chicago Bulls - for Derrick Rose, or for Miami Heat, mentored by a Filipino, Eric Spoelstra. They are both strong teams and anything can happen. As with all sports, may the best team win.

I love sports and actively participated in it when I was young. I was a member of the Pepsi Skateboard Team and it was such a good experience for me. I played basketball with my boys when they were growing up. I engage in a "scream fest" with my daughter whenever we watch games on TV. Haha. Being a big sports fan gives me and my kids valuable bonding time. We sit and watch, heckle and jeer, jump and body slam... and of course, I don't forget the popcorn. :)

Happy Monday to all sports moms!  

The Women in my Life

Today I honor the women in my life. These are the strongest women I have shared a part of my life with. They have imparted knowledge and experiences that have been laid down as cobblestones in my path of life. I would never have been what I am now if I had not been part of their lives.

My Mom

My very first teacher. The very first woman who loved me even before I was born. She gave up her career in banking when I came into her life. She is a woman of strength. Her devotion to the Catholic faith is beyond compare. She gave me the best a mother can give a child. We may have had misunderstanding when I was growing up, but now I understand. She was molding me to be a responsible adult. Now my mom is nearing 75 years of age. She's not old, mind you. She still attends aerobic classes in the mornings, gets around pretty well by walking and goes ballroom and belly dancing during the weekends. She enjoys the occasional stroll in the malls. "Love yourself so that you may be able to love others too," is her most famous advice. Thank you, Mama.

Mama in her bright colored dress with frilly collar

Ms. Ramos

My kindergarten teacher. I simply adored this woman. She never had an evil cell in her. She was so caring to each and every little girl in her class, just like a mother would care for her own children. She taught us how to be obedient little girls. She taught us about God and the power of prayer. Ms. Ramos is now a nun, and our kindergarten batch plan to visit her at the convent one of these days.

Me and my Kindergarten classmates with our teacher, Ms. Ramos at Maryknoll College (now Miriam College)

My daughter Kristine

My first born is now a full grown woman. She was the darling of the family, the first grandchild. My mom held a significant role in her upbringing which turned out very well. Kristine never gave me any problems while she was in school, she breezed through college and is now gainfully employed in one of the largest banking institutions. Level headed and grounded, Kristine makes me proud of her achievements in life. Now 27 years old, I have no other dream but to see her marry and start a family of her own.

My pretty little girl who's not so little anymore

My sister Heidee

My frugal and practical sister. She was the one who urged me to pick myself up from the rut I was in. If it were not for her, I would not have gotten into the call center industry. I would have probably ended up a bum if she did not burst my bubble. From her, I have learned that I should not be content with working 9 to 5. Despite her high position in a banking instution, she still has small businesses on the side. "A few pesos earned, when put together is a significant amount."

My "practical lifestyle" sister

My sister Rochelle

This quiet little kid who'd spend hours playing with her dolls turned out to be a purpose driven mom of two. A practicing orthodontist, my sister did not end up with just that. She enrolled in Nursing school and earned her second degree. She is preparing to land a job either as an Orthodontist or as a Nurse in the United States. With two professional degrees, the future is bright for her.

My sister Rochelle who never grows tired of perfecting her craft

My cousin Joyce

My very first best friend. Joyce and I are almost the same age and we had our first borns months apart. Unfortunately, Joyce's first child was not able to live longer than 5 days. The only one among her siblings who was not able to finish college, Joyce is a pillar of strength. She never took it to heart, and with the support of her husband, she found herself engaged in small business to help sustain the family. Joyce is now battling breast cancer, and all I ever pray for is for her to recover from it.

My very first best friend - my cousin Joyce

I am so blessed to have these women in my life. They have taught me to be strong, to go for my dreams, to be practical and to never stop learning. 

Do you have women like these in your life?

Perfect Wine Everytime

The holidays are fast approaching. It is that time of year when family and friend gather together around a good home cooked feast, sharing stories, and enjoying a good bottle of wine. A few more weeks and we will be looking at receiving guests for Thanksgiving dinner.

In this busy age, it may be stressful to prepare for such events. Long lines in the grocery are not very enjoyable, coupled with the fact that it is not that easy to find the perfect meat we have been planning to prepare. Surpassing this initial hurdle, we come across the difficult task of finding the perfect wine to serve our guests. Wine stores would be busy and it would be difficult to have a store clerk to attend to your questions.

I have started planning early this year. I have taken note of when poultry, beef and pork are delivered in our local grocery store. I have learned to purchase veggies in a small produce stand that sells organically grown goodies. But what is so great is that I found out that I could purchase quality wine online. I was in such a joyful state when I learned about Inclub by Invino.

Inclub is a wine club that offers its members quality wine matched with their personal preferences. Acquiring membership online is quick and easy, giving new members a chance to take a quiz to determine the type of wine that would provide the best experience. Inclub uses algorithm based data to tailor-fit the wines that would be shipped to the member. As a member, we can get to choose the amount, quality and frequency of delivery based on the budget that we set. The wines are sourced from labels around the world by a panel of experts and we can be assured that we are offered only the best at an unbelievably affordable price. Other than that, we can also change our preferences anytime online.

Invino and Inclub co-founder and CEO Tony Westfall is proud of this endeavor, allowing the company to reach out to wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. To ensure that members will receive, the company provides members a 100% Palate Guarantee. According to Mr. Westfall, "Our satisfaction guarantee encourages adventure. Wine discovery should be without risk."

Thanks to Inclub, I can now be assured that I would be getting the wine I need for any occasion. I can be confident that my guests would enjoy it. This is exactly how purchasing wine should be - tailor fit to my needs, affordable, and of high quality. I can simply go online and have the best wine experts working to provide 100% customer satisfaction.

I am now confident that I will be the perfect hostess this holiday season. You can be one too.

Inclub by Invino.

Perfect Wine Everytime.

This is a sponsored post for Invino. I have been compensated for my time. All opinions are mine. 

Call Centers 101

The Call Center industry in the Philippines has shown enormous growth in the past decade. Fresh graduates of any course are eligible to apply and have a high chance of eventually getting hired. There are some centers that are "equal opportunity employers," meaning they hire undergraduates or middle aged people as long as they have exemplary English communication skills coupled with a great personality. The job offer usually consists of an above average salary, performance based incentives, and comprehensive HMO benefits, making it very difficult for an entry level applicant to resist.

Before you submit your resume, there are some things you need to consider if you are thinking about building a career in the Call Center Industry. Here are some of the few:

First, you need to have really good written and spoken English communication skills. You have to make English your native language while in the workplace. The very first rule you would have to take to heart is "EOP," or English Only Policy. Speaking in the vernacular may get you into trouble.  

Second, you have to learn to work around the Circadian rhythm, meaning you have to learn to stay awake at night to take calls or respond to email. You will have to give up your late night parties and find some time to sleep in the mornings. Your reward: A night differential pay that ranges from 10-20% of your hourly rate.

You may want to take into consideration getting as much sleep as you can during the day, because the third requirement is that you have to have good health. Getting sick is not an option in this industry because an unplanned absence will hurt the business. In the same light, tardiness is not acceptable.

Me and my sarong at work

The fourth thing to consider is the ability to blend in with the culture, with employees' ages ranging from 18 or 19 to mid-50s. You learn to tolerate the rowdiness and happy go lucky attitude of the young ones, and have patience with the meticulousness of the older group.

Fifth, you have to learn to spend 9 hours of your day in freezing temperatures of centralized air conditioning, so invest in two or three good jackets to keep you warm. Kindly refer to the third requirement discussed above - you are not allowed to get sick. You can go see a doctor if ever you catch cold. However, it has been an outstanding joke in call centers that "if you are well enough to see a doctor, then you are well enough to go to work." Your reward: Monetization of your sick leave days at the end of the year.

Sixth, you have to understand that security measures have been put in place to protect sensitive customer information therefore cellphones are not allowed in the work place. Keep your smartphones in your lockers or deposit them with the guard on duty. Other centers allow Team Leads to collect the agents' cellphones for safekeeping. Inform your family and friends that you can only reply to their messages during your breaks. It is wise to give them the land line number of your office, in case an emergency comes up and that they need to speak with you ASAP.

The seventh thing to consider is you may be required to do overtime whenever the need arises, so it would be best to educate your family that you may miss certain school activities or family gatherings from time to time. Your reward: Recognition for your dedication to work and overtime pay

Vendo coffee at P10 per cup

Eighth factor to reckon with is that you will literally learn to love coffee. This brown liquid will eventually replace your blood, making it earn the title "The lifeline of call center workers." Your reward: Unbelievably alert at 2am.

Commuting to work at ungodly hours is the ninth thing call center workers have to deal with. You are lucky if you were given a shift corresponding to the opening of business hours in the US. However, there are "closer shifts" which start at 2am-3am. Taking a cab everyday will drain your finances, so taxis are not an everyday luxury. Take public transportation. Carefully map out your route, and take the well-lighted path if you need to walk. Keep in mind that you will be the target of robbers, so always have some kind of simple weapon (like a pen or a long umbrella) with you or enroll in a martial arts class. Your reward: You learn to be streetwise.


Lastly, succeeding in a call center environment is not an easy task as others perceive it to be, because there is a high demand for dedication, however, at the end of the day, you will still be earning more than an average employee will. Watch out for the brown nosers and their cohorts. These people initiate the ugly, ugly practice of office politics. If you can sway to their music, then good for you. Give yourself a pat on the back. Your reward: Possible promotion

Me and my fellow Quality Coaches

Call centers are a way of life. You gain deep friendships. You don't care if the top seller in the group has a college diploma or not. You get to speak with people halfway around the globe and learn about other cultures. You will understand that in order for you to be more fluent in English, it is important to think in English too. Your daily sustenance will consist of junk food from 24 hour fast food chains - burgers, pizzas, and microwave dinners.


So, if you think you are up to it, come and join the bandwagon for a ride you'd treasure your entire life.

Real UnliCHAT Experience with Globe’s GoUnli30

Stretching the family budget to get to the next paycheck can be utterly stressful. I am always on the look out for special offers in the supermarket - those 10-30% discounted goods, the buy one get one deals and the bundled offers are the ones that get my immediate attention. Frugality is the new norm in this day and age.

I have three children. My eldest, a girl is gainfully employed in a large banking institution. My two younger children are both boys, currently enrolled in college. My elder boy is the Head Drummer of the UST Yellow Jackets, while my youngest child is studying to be a chef. All three of them have smartphones which makes it easier for them to communicate with their peers. At first, I wasn't sold on the idea of them having smartphones, thinking that I would be spending more for their prepaid load. I worried that all those texting, chatting and calling would wreck havoc on my budget (and my daughter's as well).

Technology and social media has brought people together, allowing us to share the warmth of family and friends without having to spend so much. With the introduction of messaging apps on smartphones, connectivity got even better. Me, my children and my entire family can easily keep in touch with our loved ones here and abroad. My daughter can constantly stay in touch with her high school best friend now living in the United States. My eldest son can now easily provide updates on college sports to his best buddy who recently migrated to Canada, while my youngest son is constantly "brainstorming" with his group mates for new recipes to try. All of these would not have been possible without the innovation of Globe's GoUNLI30 and UNLICHAT25.

With GoUNLI30, subscribers can get unlimited texts to all networks, unlimited calls to Globe/TM and unlimited access to messaging apps like Viber, Kakao Talk, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, and the telco's very own messaging app GMessage without the need for Wi-Fi or additional data charges. Available for only P30 valid for 1 day, GoUNLI30 gives you no excuse to stay out of the loop and connect with more than 1 billion users around the world regardless of mobile network or connection. 

All these for only P30! But then, there is one more! If your child is only interested in exclusive chat service via the apps, you can save P5 more by availing of the UNLICHAT25 service! This provides the subscriber with uninterrupted and boundless access to Viber, Kakao Talk, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, Line and GMessage. All for only P25 a day! Its just like a blessing just fell down from heavens for the millions of budget-conscious mothers.

Availing of the service is a breeze. There are no long codes to type and confirmation is received within seconds. Go all out unlimited with GoUNLI30 and UNLICHAT25 now. Register by dialing *143# and then choosing GoSAKTO on your Globe mobile phone or by texting GOUNLI30 or UNLICHAT25 and send to 8888.

My family has been Globe subscribers for as far back as I can remember and with all these consumer friendly deals that they are offering, our loyalty is theirs - for life!

Kids with Tantrums Equals Parents with Trauma

The next door apartment where I live is occupied by a single mom and her 6 year old daughter. Every morning at around 6:30, the mother and child get into a screaming match. The mother gets pissed when her daughter is slow in finishing her breakfast. The child would start yelling that she wants hot dogs. The mom shouts at her child to hurry up getting dressed because the school bus will be arriving soon. The child would not budge because she's still watching cartoons. A screaming match would ensue, doors would slam, the child would match her mother's yells with her own loud crying.

And this goes on every single day.

Tantrums. Oh, am I so lucky that none of my children gave me this kind of stress. 

For the last 2 years I have been observing the mother-child relationship of my next door neighbor. The mom has to work to support her child. She's still pretty young, I would say late 20's to early 30's. She has a live-in nanny to look after the child while she's at work. There are no young children in our apartment complex so the child usually stays indoors. During weekends, I would hear her drilling her daughter over spelling lessons, grammar lessons and forcing her to come up with artwork. Lately, I have learned that the child is doing poorly in school and that she has to repeat Kindergarten class.  

One day, the child was screaming at the top of her lungs - "All I want is a hug!!!" and the mother's same decibel response was "I have to take a shower, I will be late for work!!!" Can you imagine the child's frustration over that? I would throw a tantrum too, if I were her child.

What exactly are tantrums? They are temper flares usually seen in children less than 4 years old. Early manifestations may be triggered by an unsatisfied want - like a toy, a preferred food or playtime. Contrary to belief, it is not about getting attention. Studies have shown that tantrums are the result of a child's inability to handle strong emotions like anger or frustration.

As a parent, dealing with a child with tantrums can be stressful. The most common advice passed down from generations is to ignore the child when the screaming starts. We should let the child know why they can't have what they want when they want it and then let them vent out their anger. After their fit, parents need to provide the child reassurance by telling them what needs to be done and when it should be done. If, out of frustration, a parent gives in to the child's demand, the child will recognize this as a manipulative tactic to get their way every time. We must look out for "trigger factors" to address the tantrum even before it starts.

We should also consider other factors that affect the child's behavior. Are they getting enough attention? Do they have a good relationship with their peers at school? Is the child stressed over something? Are we pushing the child too hard to excel in something beyond their capabilities? Tantrums are usually lesser in occurrence as the child gets older, however, if the child is over 4 years old and poses danger of hurting themselves or others, it might be time to seek professional advice. 

Photo courtesy of www.visualphotos.com

Our primary role as parents is to provide love, care and understanding to our children. Maintain a happy, healthy home where our children can learn independence, patience and respect. Be generous with the hugs, the kisses, the cuddling. Provide quality time. A simple "How was your day, sweetie?" would be enough to start a conversation. Read them a book, watch TV together, tuck them in at night and never forget to say "I love you" every time, all the time.

Before I end, I want to share this beautiful poem by Dorothy Law Nolte entitled "Children Learn What They Live"

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

Dorothy Law Nolte

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.

If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive.

If a child lives with pity, he learns to feel sorry for himself.

If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with jealousy, he learns what envy is.

If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with encouragement, he learns to be confident.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with praise, he learns to be appreciative.

If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love.

If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with recognition, he learns that it is good to have a goal.

If a child lives with sharing, he learns about generosity.

If a child lives with honesty and fairness, he learns what truth and justice are.

If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and in those about him.

If a child lives with friendliness, he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If you live with serenity, your child will live with peace of mind.

WHAT IS YOUR CHILD LIVING WITH?

Happy Monday to all the parents around the world! Blessings of love and peace!

A Letter for Daddy

Dear Daddy,

How are you? Its been a while since I asked you that even if I very well know you are happy and doing good. 

I just wanted to catch up with you and let you know how much I miss you. A few hours ago, while I was making dinner, an image of you flashed through my mind. It was that time when you asked me to accompany you to the recruitment agency. You remember that, Daddy? You said you were ready to take on an overseas assignment so that you could secure our future. I patiently waited for you to be done with speaking with the recruiter. I silently wished your application would get disapproved. I'm sorry, Daddy. I just was not sold on the idea of growing up with you being miles away.

Eventually, things did not turn out the way you wanted. It turned out better. You and Mama started a business which took off like crazy! There was no need for you to leave. But it was me who left. I abandoned the dreams you had for me. The main reason you wanted that overseas job was to save enough money to send me to medical school. 

I ask for your forgiveness, Daddy. I did not turn out to be the doctor that you have wanted me to be. I know how devastated you and mama were when I quit during my junior year. I am so sorry.

Life has been hard, it has been a continuous struggle for me to make ends meet. I am still working so hard to make you proud of me. Your grandchildren are all grown. I raised them all by myself. At this point, I would like to thank you for teaching me to have faith in God, that every thing will be okay if I just sit still and pray. Do you know Daddy that I look up to you every time I come face to face with adversity? You were my pillar of strength. You still are.

My parents

Daddy, lately I have took up writing. Remember the time when I asked permission from you if I could enroll in Journalism? You said that writers do not have a future, and that you worried that I would end up to be a contributor for a comic strip. It was my passion, Daddy. I am now living that dream. I ask you to understand. I promise that this time, I won't let you down. You're going to be proud of your little girl. 

I will be visiting soon. I'm sorry I haven't been there in such a long, long time. But that doesn't mean I have forgotten you. How can I do that when part of me is you? I would have never walked this earth if it were not because of you. We may no longer talk, but I know words are not important now. It is through the heart that we communicate. I wish I could still feel your touch, hear your laughter, even cut your toe nails! I miss those weekends when we'd all have dinner somewhere fancy. I miss the out of town vacations, the lavish Christmases, warmth of being a family - a complete one. 

When I come to visit, I will bring you your favorite Sampaguita flowers. I'm sorry I can't afford to buy the really thick lei. I know you'd appreciate what ever I could give. I will tell you once again how much I love you and that I miss you so much and then I would lay those fragrant little white flowers on your tombstone and pray to God to give you a hug for me. 

Your little girl,

Eileen

Good Grooming, Social Graces and Dressing for Success

I am no fashion guru. I am comfortable in jeans, t-shirts and running shoes. I dress up occasionally (as needed), however, I abhor high heeled shoes. I just do not get the logic. If you're short, then that's it. You are short. The last time I wore heels was during my sister's wedding. That was 12 years ago. Lovers of stilettos and wedges declare that it makes them look and feel sexy. Huh? How can you feel sexy when your feet are killing you?

Although I am not interested to go along with the latest fashion trends, I am still very observant of the way some people "sell" themselves. I guess I can chalk it up to the way I was brought up. I always remember my mom's advice - "Flaunt what you have, and hide the rest." So very true.  Spending my growing years in an exclusive Catholic girls school greatly influenced my fashion choices. I go for comfortable clothes in earth tones, and I don't wear make up. I never did go for long fingernails. Clean is enough for me. Maybe my subconscious is still living in my high school years when I have to endure the daily fear of being slapped a demerit for violating the dress code.

Let me share some of my opinions on proper grooming and social graces. Again, I am no expert, however I am sure that a lot of people would agree with me on these:
.

1. Choose clothes that flatter your good points. Direct attention to that part of your body that would cause envy in others. If you have a small waist, then accessorize with a wide belt in an eye-catching color (of course it should be color-coordinated with the rest of your attire). If your are busty, you DO NOT have to wear blouses with plunging necklines. A simple button down blouse with a nice long pearl necklace would be enough. You do not have a huge wardrobe. Just a few good pieces that you can mix and match would do. Accessorize and mesmerize! 

2. Comfort is first. Shoes are a must if you are a member of the corporate world. The type of footwear would depend on company policy. Closed shoes, high heels, peep-toe, pumps, strappy sandals or boots. Leather or faux-leather would be the first choice, however any material would be acceptable as long as it blends in with the whole ensemble. Flip flops are a definite no-no. Oh no no no!

3. When using make up, it is always safe to choose "day" tones. Shades of brown are good eye shadow colors for work. Save the vibrant, bright, glittery shades for gala events. Foundation creams (or powders) must be close to your natural skin tone. I have seen many women look like geishas because their face color is so different from the color of their neck and arms. Same with choosing lipstick color. Use your luscious red lipstick when attending formal gatherings or during a late evening event. Light, pink shades are the best to wear when going to work or a lazy afternoon stroll in the malls.

4. Mind your extremities. Pay extra attention to your hands and feet. Get a manicure/pedicure if you must, however if you are not into it, at least make sure that your fingernails and toenails are clean and trimmed. Set aside an hour or two every week to soak your feet in warm water with a few drops of moisturizing liquid soap. Invest in a foot file to scrub away the dry skin and callouses. After every shower, rub generous amounts of lotion on your hands, elbows, thighs, knees, legs and feet. My aunt gave me valuable advice related to this. She told me "Keep your nails clean. People can readily see your fingernails or toenails and if they are always dirty, what do you think people would say about your body parts that are hidden under your clothes?"

5. Take care of your crowning glory. Hair treatments never come cheap so if you cannot afford them at this time, keep your hair healthy by regular washing and conditioning. During bad hair days, it would be best to gather them up in a bun or in a sleek ponytail.

6. Use "Please" and "Thank You" often. It is always pleasant to hear someone say these words. They convey that the person was raised well. These two words may make or break the entire corporate impression you are trying to build.

7. No "butts." Do not interrupt when a person is talking. If what you need to say is really important, wait for a lull in the conversation and then start your statement with "Excuse me, Ma'am..." followed by "may I.."

8. Keep private conversations private. When making or receiving a call regarding a sensitive matter, it would be best to stay out of earshot from friends, family or colleagues. You wouldn't want to be the topic of gossip for weeks to come, right? Politely excuse yourself and tell them you're taking an important call. Pretty sure they will understand.

9. "A silent river runs deep" Make this your daily mantra. You need not brag about your conquests, your achievements, and everything else with the words "I," "Me," or "Mine" in your statements. Always leave an air of mystery. If you have told everyone about your entire life, then they would start to lose interest in you. Keep your "audience" at bay and make them want to know more. Cliche as it may sound, but there is truth to the saying "An empty can makes the most noise."

10. If you don't have anything nice to say, then shut up. Many organizations have been flung into disarray because of a handful of words that were delivered in bad taste. It may be unintentional, however, choosing the right words to say is always the right way.

Women of elegance were not born. They were trained.. and its not too late to go for that change.

I can never forget a campaign ad of Marie-France... "Give yourself a good hard look in the mirror...ARE YOU STILL THE WOMAN HE MARRIED?"

Graduation and Job Hunting in my Philippines

October is just a few days away, and soon there would be another batch of college graduates ready and willing to join the workforce. There are a lot of job opportunities in the Philippines but the unemployment rate is still high. After spending thousands upon thousands of pesos, parents feel a false sense of relief that finally, their son/daughter would soon find a job and help out with the family finances. Not exactly. There are obstacles to face before they can land a good paying job, or simply put, just a job. 

Vacancies posted in newspapers and online ads can be disheartening for a new graduate. The long list of requirements are not applicable to one who is just starting out in the employment jungle. To cite the most common examples:

"Applicant should have at least 2 years experience in the field." Chances of a fresh graduate getting hired: 0%

"Not over 22 years old." Now, doing the math, the average age of a college graduate in the Philippines is 21. If the first qualification states "at least 2 years experience," that would mean that the applicant should have been done with his/her college education between the ages of 18-19. Chances of getting hired: 0%

"Willing to be trained." This simply means that companies may only pay the successful applicant a training fee. There will be no benefits and no security being hired as a regular employee

"Willing to work long hours." This is sugar-coating the "no overtime pay" policy of the company.

"Applicant should be good looking and have a pleasing personality." Duh?!

That's just the tip of the iceberg. When you feel that you have all those criteria stated above, you have to come face to face with the pre-employment document requirements:

Transcript of Records - A student may spend up to 500 pesos to get a copy of his school records. The wait time would be one to two weeks for this.

NSO Copy of Birth Certificate - Enduring the long, long, LONG lines at the National Statistics Office to get a copy of your birth certificate. This would cost Php 140.00 and would only be valid for 6 months. If you are not yet employed within 6 months, then you have to do this step all over again. There are private companies offering door to door delivery of your document for roughly twice the cost of the standard fees. Once you secure your copy, make sure to have at least 10 photocopies of it, since you will be asked for a copy of it when you apply for other pre-employment documents.

NBI Clearance - A certificate attesting to having a clean civil record, meaning no civil or criminal case has been filed against you. Again, the lines here are really long. It would take half a day to get your copy. If it so happens that you have a "hit" (which means someone with the same name as you has a criminal record), you'd have to be asked to return after 10 days. One good thing is that the National Bureau of Investigation has an online service wherein you can fill in your personal details and you'd be given a schedule to go to their satellite offices for biometrics and payment of fees. Just hope you don't get a "hit" or the process will still be the same. The legal fees for an NBI clearance is Php 140.00.

Photo by Justin Calderon (www.investine.com)

Police Clearance - As if getting clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation is not enough, a Police Clearance certificate is another document requirement in applying for a job. Legal fees are supposed to be Php 40.00, however, there are other charges that you find out that you need to pay. The last time I got a Police Clearance Certificate, I had to pay close to Php 200, because they are now issuing a Police Clearance Identification Card, valid only for a year.

Community Tax Certificate (CTC) - This is commonly known as "cedula," which is issued in the baranggay (village) where you reside. The fees depend on the declared monthly salary. If you are unemployed, you will only have to pay a minimal fee. I am not sure how this is computed. Some may charge only one peso (for unemployed), while others have a minimum rate of Php 32.50. You must avail of a CTC before January 30th because you will have to pay a penalty for it. 

Baranggay Clearance - This is a simple typewritten certificate attesting to the fact that you are a resident in the area of your declared address in other forms of identification. Legal fees depend on the baranggay (village) office.

Routine Medical Exam Results - Applicants have to comply with a general medical exam - blood tests, chest x-ray, stool and urine exam, medical history and physical assessment. Some companies ask applicants to pay for the fee, others may pay for it, and still others may deduct the cost from the initial paycheck.  

SSS ID - This is your Social Security System ID. New members of the system will be required to submit a photo copy of their NSO Birth Certificate and two valid IDs (government issued IDs). You will be given an E-1 form containing your SSS number. Keep this piece of paper, as this will be proof that you are already a registered member. While you're there, you might as well apply for the permanent ID card. 

Tax Identification Number (TIN) - New entrants into the workforce may be required to apply for their own TIN in the Revenue District Office where their employer is registered. Other companies may do this step for their new hires. Remember, you will only be issued one number in your entire working life. Make sure to keep a copy of the application form. If however, you have been previously employed, you'd have to request to have  your records transferred to the Revenue District Office of your new employer.

PhilHealth ID - There is an online service where you can apply for your PhilHealth Identification Number/Card, therefore relieving the public of the long long LONG lines. The HR department of some companies also assist their new hires to have their documents submitted to the PhilHealth Office. You would need copies of your birth certificate and that of your declared dependents too. 

Pag-Ibig/HDMF ID - The Home Development Mutual Fund provides qualified members housing loans which they can pay off in different terms from 10-30 years. You will be provided with a Member Identification number, after you have personally applied for it or processed your application online.

There are also additional document requirements depending on your field of expertise. A few of them are listed below:

1. PRC license - This is an ID for professionals who have successfully passed the board exams.

2. Seaman's Book - A passport-like document issued to merchant marines or sea-based workers. You have to enroll and pass in a SOLAS training course before you can apply for a Seaman's book.

3. Health Clearance Certificate - An important requirement for applicants in the Food Industry business. This may be expensive because you'd have to subject yourself to clinical laboratory tests.

Going through all these may discourage a young graduate to go out and find work. Aside from the fact that they would need so much money to pay for the fees, they have to endure standing in line for hours, some going to the extent of camping outside the government office just to ensure that they would be the first in line the following day.

This not only speaks for our youth, it also speaks for the blue collar workers, the daily paid laborers. These people have no money to pay for clearances and the like. They need a job, they are physically fit to work but will not be able to unless they are able to present the pre-employment documents. The end result? They would remain unemployed or be content with menial jobs that don't pay much.

Unless we do something to cut down on the costs of applying for a job, we will continuously be presenting a huge obstacle to increase our workforce.

Isn't it time that we push for the National ID system?

Martial Law - Thoughts About Growing Up In That Era

September 23, 1972. I woke up to the hushed chatter of my extended family. My parents, aunt, grandparents, great uncle and great aunts were all glued to the television set watching something they described as "a fearful thing." Martial Law has been declared over the Philippines.

I got myself some breakfast and sat down in the living room with the rest of the family. President Marcos was on television saying something a 7 year old could not decipher. I wanted my cartoons. Finally I asked, "What's going on? What's Martial Law?" The entire family just wanted to shove a rag down my throat "Hush!" they said. "There might be somebody around that would hear us." I still did not understand. 

As the months went by, I learned little by little what was going on in my Philippines. There was an imposed curfew, which was not too much of an effect for the family because my Dad was a doctor and he always had special privileges. My great uncle was the a member of the Armed Forces. My aunt a state auditor for the police force. We always had soldiers or policemen at home. I guess that was for security. Too young to understand.  

December 1972 came around. Like all little kids in that era, I was over-excited for the coming New Year celebration. Fireworks! Being a little tomboy, I loved lighting those firecrackers! Here comes one more revelation. Firecrackers were banned. Violators will be imprisoned. That was the first time I cried because of the strict regulations imposed by this Martial law. I got over it anyway. My parents said it was for peace and order. They said as long as we were not violating any rule, we were going to be okay. The only thing that made the family very upset was when my father had an emergency to attend to after midnight. Mom hated it so much.

Two of my siblings earned the titles "Martial Law babies," being born in 1973 and 1977. It may have been because no one in my family were involved in politics, I saw Martial Law as the era of law and order. As always, we would  go on Sunday-eat-outs, take a stroll in the park, and ride bikes around the neighborhood. I still remember being able to buy a tall glass of halo-halo (caramelized mixed fruits with shaved ice and milk) and fried bananas for 70 centavos. Pan de sal (fresh baked buns) was 25 centavos per piece. My parents said that the Philippines was doing good in the world economy. I did not understand. I had no knowledge of Gross National Product, foreign allies, or oil prices. I was a kid. All I knew was that some things changed, some stayed the same.  

January 17, 1981. Martial Law was lifted. At this time, I already had awareness of society, politics and the government. I was witness to the emerging lawlessness, the political turmoil, the dwindling economy. I wanted to understand what the clamor for "freedom" was all about. We were free, weren't we? We were not under any foreign rule. What kind of "freedom" did we need? 

A makeshift home of informal settlers in the Metro

Freedom from dictatorship? From the "Iron Rule?" People were asking for "Change." We eventually got the so called "Freedom" and "Change" that people were demanding from the government. 

Now that we are "free" there is still political and social unrest. The insurgents are still insurgents. The radicals are still radicals. Incompetent individuals have been elected into top positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are more informal settlers than ever before. The issue in Mindanao has not been resolved.  Political dynasties have emerged. The poor has become poorer. The purchasing power of the Peso has decreased so much that P100 pesos will not get you anywhere. 

I am now part of the Filipino workforce struggling to make ends meet. One of the millions blindly resigned to having huge income tax deductions from their paycheck. Lately, that money was discovered to have been squandered by the greedy few. What can the ordinary Filipino do? Shake their heads in disbelief and sulk. Cheated again. Even if the perpetrators of this scam would be found to be guilty and eventually serve their time in jail, the P10 billion would never be recovered. Is this the change that we wanted?

Government troops at a stand off with rebels in Zamboanga

41 years after the Declaration of Martial Law, I found some time to read about it. I wanted real information. I was enlightened when I learned about the reasons for the need to sign Proclamation No. 1081 into law. Some of these reasons have resurfaced in the current society, most significant of which is the on-going Zamboanga crisis in the island of Mindanao, wherein more than 100,000 individuals have been displaced. Below is a portion of Proclamation No. 1091, series of 1972:

WHEREAS, the Mindanao Independence Movement with the active material and financial assistance of foreign political and economic interests, is engaged in an open and unconcealed attempt to establish by violence and force a separate and independent political state out of the islands of Mindanao and Sulu which are historically, politically and by law parts of the territories and within the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines;

WHEREAS, because of the aforesaid disorder resulting from armed clashes, killings, massacres, arsons, rapes, pillages, destruction of whole villages and towns and the inevitable cessation of agricultural and industrial operations, all of which have been brought about by the violence inflicted by the Christians, the Muslims, the “Ilagas”, the “Barracudas”, and the Mindanao Independence Movement against each other and against our government troops, a great many parts of the islands of Mindanao and Sulu are virtually now in a state of actual war;

WHEREAS, the violent disorder in Mindanao and Sulu has todate resulted in the killing of over 1,000 civilians and about 2,000 armed Muslims and Christians, not to mention the more than five hundred thousand of injured, displaced and homeless persons as well as the great number of casualties among our government troops, and the paralyzation of the economy of Mindanao and Sulu;

It is true that no single person can make the Philippines rise to glory. It must be the collaborative effort of each and every Filipino. Bring back the sense of Patriotism. Bring back the culture of "Bayanihan (Brotherhood)." Remind the youth that the lowly "walis tingting" (broom) signifies bonding and unity. Without the braided rattan ring, all strands of the "walis" will scatter and be useless. However, gathered and bound together with that ring, each strand will be one with the rest and function as one. Hence, the saying "united we stand, divided we fall"

I do not favor any political party. Martial Law is a thing of the past. We should have learned our lesson. NOW I UNDERSTAND.

This is only my opinion. I am just an ordinary Filipino saying what I want to say - that this is how I experienced Martial Law and everything else that came after it.

Your opinions are welcome.