IN FAIRNESS by John Lapus a.k.a. Sweet

In fairness

12:48 am on Thursday, September 27, 2007

Na-delay na naman akong mag-post ng new blog. Naloka kasi ako sa mga comments niyo na “Cut!” is my best blog ever. Sa mga naiyak at the same time natawa, that’s the idea. I always make it a point to laugh at the things that make me cry. Anyway, na-pressure tuloy akong sundan. In fairness, nakaisip ako ng bago.

Ewan ko kung napansin ninyo pero madalas kong gamitin dito ang words na “in fairness.” Maski pag nagsasalita, maya’t-maya nagsasabi ako ng “in fairness.” Madalas ko ‘yan gamitin pero recently ko lang nalaman na two words pala ‘yon. Before, when I type those two words, ang nalalagay ko, “infairness.” Tanga.

Favorite ko ang “in fairness” kasi napaka-positive. It’s like seeing the good in things that are bad.

Ang pangit ng damit niya pero, in fairness, na-carry niya.

Malakas ang dating mo, Sweet, pero in fairness, mabait ka pala.

Ano ba naman ‘yang si Pia, laging naka-mini. Pero in fairness, sister, bagay sa kanya.

Bakla daw ‘yang si matinee idol pero, in fairness, ang daming fans at super talented.

Alam mo, Sweet, ang pangit ni Lani Misalucha noong araw pero, in fairness, siya ang pinakamagaling kumanta para sa akin.

It’s like seeing the sunshine after the rain.

Namatay ang tatay ko September of last year. In fairness, nabuhay ang career ko sa GMA the week after.

Lahat ng jowa mo, Sweet, niloko ka. Pero in fairness, ang dami mong kaibigan.

Super lugi ang GRAFFiTi, Sweet, pero in fairness, thankful ang mga staff mo kasi hindi mo sinasara.

Sweet, ano na ang nangyari kay Carlos Agassi? In fairness, ang gwapo pa din niya.

John, kawawa naman si Jennylyn, naipit sa GMA at kay Becky. In fairness, hindi naman daw siya pababayaan ng GMA.

It’s like seeing the silver lining in every dark cloud.

Grabe, buntis si Camille Prats. In fairness, nasa tamang age naman na siya at mukang masaya siya.

Kawawa naman si Ate Guy, walang pelikula. In fairness naman daw, happy siya sa piling ni Nori sa Amerika.

Grabe, nag-call boy pala ‘yang matinee idol na ‘yan noong araw. In fairness, noong nagkapera siya, tumulong sa pamilya.

Sweet, nagsara na pala ang Klownz Araneta. In fairness, may mga bago daw gimik na aabangan sa ibang branch dahil entertainment director na si Phillip Lazaro.

Alam mo, Sweet, hindi kita gusto noong araw. In fairness, napahiya ako nang makilala kita.

Maraming “in fairness” sa buhay ko. Yung mga pangit hinanapan ko ng magandang resulta at nasabi ko talaga sa sarili ko na, “in fairness.”

Last summer, may mga nakilala akong boys sa GRAFFiTi. Mga students sila ng UST. Nakipag-chikahan ako sa kanila, which I normally do sa mga customers namin. Habang nag-chichikahan kami, nag-text ang mga kaibigan kong bakla.

“Sweet, sino ‘yang mga ‘yan? Ang gagwapo. Hada ba ‘yan? Pakilala mo kami.”

Nag-text back ako, “Naku mga sisters, mga anak-mayaman. UST. Friendly lang.”

Anyway, pinakilala ko pa din sila. Kanya-kanyang chika na ang mga bakla. Yung type ko, binakuran ko talaga. Hahaha. One time, nakita ko ulit ang mga UST boys sa esQuinita, where GRAFFiTi is located, at kasama na nila ang mga friends kong ipinakilala ko sa kanila. Gosh, dinapuan ako ng insecurity nang bonggang-bongga. Hindi ko na-get ang concept na kasama ng mga friends ko ang mga boys na ako ang nagpakilala at ako hindi. Later ko na lang nalaman na nag-emote pala yung type ko sa mga barkada niya na hinipuan ko daw siya. Siyempre, naloka na naman ako. Hindi ko ugali’ng manghipo.

Nag-effort ako to death para kaibiganin ang mga boys. Painom at pagimik para makapag-bonding. Admittedly, gusto kong mabago ang pagtingin nila sa akin. In fairness, nagbago naman daw. Marami pa akong ginawang kagagahan para lang maging ka-close ko sila. Nagkatampuhan pa kami noong isa kong friend dahil nabwiset nga ako na hindi niya ko iniinvite sa mga chikahan nila, e, ako naman ang nagpakilala sa kanya sa mga boys. Na-explain naman niya sa akin na it was actually the boys who were aloof to me kaya ayaw nila akong makasama at first. Point taken, kasi madalas mangyari ‘yon.

Bihira ko ng makita ang mga UST boys. In fairness, some of them still text me once in a while. Sa ibang lugar na sila gumigimik, minsan daw with my friends. Last time I heard, some of them pinasok ng mga friends ko sa trabaho. In fairness sa mga kaibigan ko, matulungin sila.

I promised myself na hindi na ako kakaibigan ng mga boys other than the ones I have now. Magastos. At kung meron mang makipagkaibigan sa akin, baka hindi ko na pakilala sa mga gay friends ko. Talo ako in comparison sa ugali. Motherly at submissive ang mga kaibigan ko, samantalang ako, loud and spunky. Hahaha. Aminado naman ako.

In fairness, nabago ‘yan last week. I think it was a Wednesday night. Isang table lang na all-boys ang customer ng GRAFFiTi. Ang popogi. Mukhang mga disente kasi nag-i-English, may mga car keys at sosyal ang mga cellphone. Lumapit yung isa. Picture daw with me. Nakainom na ang mga loko. Inofferan ako ng beer. I told them hindi ako nagbi-beer at tequila girl ako. Ang kulit. Libre daw nila ako ng tequila. Sabi ko, huwag na kasi may imbak naman ako.

Ang ending, nag-bonding kami to death that night. Nakakatawa yung question and answer portion namin. Prangkahan—from sexual experiences to sex organs, pati na rin love life at career. Niyaya pa nila ako sa isang club after namin sa GRAFFiTi. Pucha, first time ako nalibre ng lalaki ng drinks. Feeling ko, girl ako. Alam noong isa na type ko siya pero hindi na aloof sa akin. That time, muntik na akong manghipo for the first time. Hahaha. Sa dami ng mga babae sa club that night, sa akin pa siya nakipagsayaw. Grabe!!! Feeling ko panaginip lang or lasing na yata ako.

Palitan kami ng numbers at textan ng mga “hi at hello.” Ininvite nila ako to watch NCAA sa Araneta. I asked them kung ano ‘yon. Para daw yung UAAP pero mga ibang school naman. Championship na daw kasi.

Sa Araneta ako galing today, Wednesday. Letran vs. San Beda. Pag nag-win ang Letran, may isang game pa daw on Friday pero pag San Beda nag-win, champion na daw. Grabe, nasa harap ang tiket na nilibre nila sa akin, nakaka-touch. First time ako nalibre ng mga lalaki ng tiket. Kahit tiket ng bus hindi pa ako nalibre ng lalaki. Champion ang San Beda.

Tuwang-tuwa ang mga new friends kong San Beda boys dahil champion sila for two consecutive years. In fairness, sa na-experience ko with them, champion din ako.

CUT! by John Lapus a.k.a. Sweet

Cut!

12:27 am on Saturday, September 22, 2007

It was September 20 of last year when I got a call from Ms. Lani Mercado at around 7:00 pm. We saw each other the week before, when I guested on QTV 11’s Moms. She got my number because she wanted me to host the birthday party of her husband, Senator Bong Revilla, the following weekend.

Nagpapamasahe ako when I recieved her call. Galing ako that day sa taping ng Lovely Day ni Love Anover, kung saan pinahawak nila ako ng mga ahas, palaka, at ipis. Sinagot ko agad ang tawag niya kasi baka ma-victim si Ms. Lani ng ringback tone ko na akala mo ako na ang kausap mo pero hindi pa pala. I thought the call was about Bong’s birthday party. I was wrong.

JOHN: Hello. Yes, Ms. Lani? What can I do for you?

LANIE: Hi, Sweet. I don’t know how to say this. Your father passed away an hour ago. Nasa PGH (Philippine General Hospital) si Bong ngayon taking care of everything. I will text you the number of Direk Felix so you can coordinate with him. Magkakasama sila doon.

Marami pang sinabi si Ms. Lani pero parang hindi ko na maintindihan. I was visualizing the face of my father pero hindi kumakagat. I was thinking of the last time I saw him pero hindi ko din maalala. I tried to analyze kung paano ba dapat mag-react ang isang tao pag nalaman mo na namatay na ang tatay mong umiwan sa iyo noong bata ka pa. Nag-isip din ako kung paano ko tatawagan ang Ate ko about the news, e, almost eight years na kaming hindi nag-uusap. At ang pinaka, paano ko sasabihin sa Nanay kong nasa Amerika na patay na ang lalaking pinakamamahal niya? Ang dami kong inisip, but honestly, I felt nothing.

Kumalat na pala sa mga taga-showbiz through text na patay na ang tatay ko. Some of my friends, nag-text na agad sa akin ng “condolence.” Yung iba na talagang close ko, nag-volunteer pa na sasamahan daw ako basta pumunta lang ako. I told them not to worry at pupunta talaga ako, tatapusin ko lang ang massage session ko.

Mga 9:00 p.m., sa Funeraria Paz na ako pinapunta ni Sen. Bong. Paalis na daw kasi sila sa PGH. Saktong pagdating ko, padating na din sila. Si Bong ang sumalubong sa akin. He hugged me and whispered, “kilala mo na ba si Adora?” I said yes.

Adora is the woman na kinakasama ng tatay ko bago siya namatay. May isa silang anak named Joey Anne, who is now a nursing student in Lipa, Batangas. Doon yata sila nakatira. Nakakatawa kasi magkamukha ang Ate ko at si Joey Anne. So bale, tatlo kaming magkakapatid na babae at prangkahan na, ako ang pinakamaganda. Hahaha. I hugged both Adora and my half-sister.

By 10:00 p.m. na dumating sina Rudy Fernandez at Phillip Salvador, who were also friends of my father. Writer ang tatay ko ng mga action movies—mostly mga pelikula nina Bong at Daboy.

Dumating na din ang TV crew. Buti na lang naikwento na sa akin ni Bong ang mga nangyari kaya alam ko na ang isasagot sa mga crew na dumating. I did my best na magmukhang malungkot when they interviewed me. Habang nangyayari ang mga ito, nakita kong kinakausap na ng Funeraria Paz staff si Adora.

Daboy requested na puntahan daw namin ang bangkay ng Tatay ko sa morgue. Bong and Kuya Ipe agreed, so I asked the Paz staff kung pwede. Pumayag naman at sinamahan pa nila kami. Mga anim na bangkay ang nandoon that night. Nasa may pinto lang ang sa tatay ko since siya ang latest arrival.

Humagulgol ang Titanic Action Star na si Bong, lumuha ang Urian Best Actor na si Kuya Ipe, at niyakap naman ni Daboy ang bangkay ng tatay ko. Nainggit ako sa kanila. Ganoon dapat yata din ang reaction ko pero bakit hindi ko magawa. Nakakaloka yung tatlo, yakapin ko daw ang tatay ko. Hindi nga ako sumisilip sa patay, yakap pa kaya. Siyempre, ginawa ko naman pero wala pa din akong naramdaman.

Ganoon pala pag yumakap ka sa bangkay. Alam mo na ‘yon yung tao na ‘yon, pero you know na wala na siya doon.

After naming pumunta sa morgue, Bong asked the Paz staff kung pwedeng akyat na daw kami sa kinuha niyang chapel for my father since ang dami ng tao sa lobby. Nag-agree naman sila kahit nililinis pa ang chapel at hindi pa tapos ang paper works.

By this time, may mahadera akong kaibigan na tumawag na pala sa Ate ko at sinabi na patay na nga ang pinakamamahal niyang Tatay. Siyempre ang Ate ko na mahadera din, e, tinawagan agad ang Nanay ko sa Amerika. Nasira tuloy ang hinanda kong eksena sa utak ko.

Back to back sina Nanay at Ate sa pag-text sa akin ng kung ano na daw ang nangyayari at nasaan na daw ang bangkay. Kahit sa text, damang-dama kong hysterical silang dalawa. Kaloka!

Habang nag-iisip ako ng mga isasagot kay Nanay at Ate nilapitan ako ng isang staff ng Paz.
PAZ: John Lapus, excuse me. Tatay mo pala ang namatay.

JOHN: Opo. Bakit po?

PAZ: E, kasi may nagsabi sa amin na hindi mo pala nanay yung pumirma. Hindi pwede ‘yon since a death certificate is a legal document. Legitimate wife or children lang ang pwedeng mag-sign.

JOHN: Naku, e, nasa Amerika po ang Nanay ko. Ate ko ba pwede?

PAZ: Kung dalaga pa siya, ok lang, pero mas ok kung ikaw kasi pareho kayo ng apelyido.

JOHN: Ah, ok. Ako na lang po.

It was then that I found out na Adora Lapus pala ang pinirma ni Adora kahit hindi sila kasal ng tatay ko at lalong hindi naman annulled or divorced ang Nanay at Tatay ko. To my surprise, mali din ang date of birth ng Tatay ko na nailagay ni Adora. I do know na one year lang ang tanda ni Tatay kay Nanay. At ang pinaka sa lahat, e, hindi alam ni Adora ang real name ng Tatay kong si Jojo Lapus. So ang ending kailangan kong tawagan si Nanay to double check all the facts about my father. Ayaw ko pa nga sana siyang tawagan kasi alam kong emotional pa siya, pero kailangan na daw i-process ang papers. Maryosep!

JOHN: Hello, Madir.

NANAY: O, ano ng nangyari? Tawagan mo Ate mo. Gusto na niyang pumunta diyan. Ano daw ang ‘kinamatay? Diyos ko naman. Huhuhu…

JOHN: Ay, hindi ka pa pala ready. Tawag na lang ako ulit.

Binaba ko ang phone and called when she texted me na ok na daw siya. Ayokong naririnig or nakikitang umiiyak ang Nanay ko.

By 3:00 a.m., pinasundo ko na sa driver ko ang Ate ko. Ang feeling ko, calm na siya by the time she arrives. I did not want her to be hystercial since siya pregnant noon. Mali ako ng akala. Sa lobby pa lang ng Paz, e, hinimatay na ang bruha. Muntik nang mapisak ang tiyan niya.

After a few minutes, e, kaya na daw niya kaya sinamahan ko na siya sa morgue. Ang Ate ko ay yung typical na namatayan at nakita sa news na ang sigaw niya habang umiiyak, “Bakit? Bakit? Bakit?” Halos sagutin ko na siya ng, “Heart attack! Heart attack! Heart attack!” But I understood her reaction. Very close sila ng Tatay namin. Kay Tatay niya unang sinabi when she got pregnant at the age of 16. Ganon sila ka-close.

Eto na ang punchline. Since naunang dumating sina Adora at Joey Anne sa Paz by 4:00 a.m., natutulog na sila sa family room. E, dumating na nga si Ate at gusto niya na din daw matulog sa family room. Lagot. Say talaga ng Ate ko na mas mataray pa sa akin “Dumating na ang tunay na pamilya. Pwede na silang umuwi. Gusto ko nang matulog sa ‘family’ room!”

Hahaha. Nataranta na naman ako. Nakalimutan kong bw*set nga pala si Ate kay Adora. Buti na lang at nandoon pa si Bong. Hiyang-hiya ako kay Bong. Siya na nagbayad ng gastos sa Paz, eto at pinapakiusapan ko pa na kausapin si Adora.

I told Bong na noong huling nakita ng Ate ko si Adora, hinampas niya ng flower vase sa ulo. Nataranta si Bong. Tinawagan niya si Direk Felix at Portia Ilagan at inutusang kausapin si Adora.

Ang ending, ako pa ang kumausap at nakiusap kay Adora na kung pwede, umalis muna. How I wished that things were simpler, na sana pareho silang nandoon ng Ate ko sa iisang kuwarto. How I wished na pareho kami ng Ate ko na hindi emotional. How I wished na hindi hysterical ang Ate ko. How I wished na nakalimutan na ng Ate ko na si Adora ang ipinalit ng Tatay namin sa amin. How I wished na eksena lang ang lahat sa pelikula at pwede akong sumigaw ng “Cut!”

Kinausap ako ng kapatid ng Tatay ko na kung pwede daw, huwag na sa libingan ng mga Lapus sa Candaba, Pampanga, ang libing dahil nagbabaha nga daw doon. So kailangan kong maghanap ng paglilibingan sa Tatay ko two days before his interment.

Nanay decided not to go home. I agreed. Hindi ko papayagang sumabak sa gano’ng eksena ang Nanay ko. If ever, dalawa sila ni Adora na nakaupo sa harapan ng ataol at umiiyak. Nakakatawa. Baka malito ang tao kung sino ang babatiin ng condolence. At sa mga na-experience kong eksena, buti na lang nga at wala ang Nanay ko doon.

My half-sister Joey Anne is very pleasant. May breeding at tahimik lang. Alam kung saan lulugar. I’m very sure na magiging magaling siyang nurse someday. I made her feel that it was not her fault.

Si Joey Anne lang ang kinausap ni Ate during the funeral. Dumadating sila ng gabi to attend the mass at umaalis din ng madaling-araw. May mga bisita silang nagpunta kahit wala sila. Alam kong bisita nila ‘yon kasi hindi ako nilapitan.

Pangalan ko, ni Ate, Joey Anne, at mga pamangkin ko lang ang nilagay na names sa ataul. Pangit nga naman na may Sally at Adora on both sides. Nagpagawa na lang ako ng malaking korona na itinabi ko sa coffin, pinalagyan ko ito ng “from your loving wife Sally.”

Cremation ang ginawa sa tatay ko. Hinati kasi na parang asukal ang kanyang abo. Say talaga ng staff sa crematorium, “Paano po ang hatiin? 50/50 or 70/30? Sa mga chinese nga po minsan hinahati namin sa apat, e.” Nag-agree na ako sa 50/50. In fairness kay Bong, dalawang urn din na magkatulad ang binili niya.

Dalawang urn ang lumabas sa Funeraria Paz after the cremation. Isang papuntang Commonwelth Avenue at isa naman na papuntang Lipa, Batangas.

Pag-uwi ko ng bahay ko that night at saka lang akong naiyak. Hindi ko na alam kung gaano katagal akong umiyak kasi wala akong nadinig na sumigaw ng “Cut!”

perhaps i should retake the quiz!

i took the Heroes Personality Test and here's what i got! waaaah, ayoko si Noah, he has no "special" abilities!!! i wanted to be claire...huhu!

My Score: Mr. Bennet

I've scored 50 Idealism, 45 Nonconformity, 41 Nerdiness

Congratulations, you're Mr. Bennet! You are one mysterious person with mysterious motives.

Despite all the mystery, it's clear that you believe what you do is for the greater good, and you are obviously a well-educated person in your field.

My best quality: Dedication to your work/organization/etc. (somehow it's true?!)

My worst quality: Keeping too many secrets (sekretong malupet!)

never thought of it this way... :(

ang buhay Expat...

i've just read the recent post of kwentong tambay wherein nakwento nya na he was featured as the PINOYexpat of the Month in the PINOYExpats site.

mga mothers - ote, diane and rhea, check out the article, madame kayong makukuhang tips! :) and magregister na rin kayo kse malapit na....... :) goodluck!

Apple's iPhone now out in the market!

Apple's iPhone makes it to the stores in the US. according to the articles, iPhone will reach Asia by 2008 pa. totoo kaya un?! eh pinas pa!

Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt shows his iPhone after being asked about company partnerships

Pros:

• quad-band phone
• 3.5in (9cm) touch screen
• wi-fi
• no keyboard
• camera
• web browser
• audio and video player

Cons

• does not cater 3G network
  
• no instant messaging
  
• no voice activated dialing
• does not let people choose ringtones beyond the 25 pre-installed on it

Monster's Interview Self-Awareness Quiz

so i took the interview self-awareness quiz from monster. yes or no lang ang options. here are the results.

Question:

I have examined what I want to do in my career, my area(s) of interest, and the job and company traits that are important for me.

Your Answer:

Yes

Monster's Feedback:

Charging ahead and applying to jobs before truly figuring out what you want is a classic mistake. The result is wasting time on opportunities that aren't really what you want to do or perhaps even accepting a suboptimal job offer. Without proper introspection, you may also be ineffective at interviewing, because you don't demonstrate the proper focus.The more focused you are and the more you know yourself, the more successful your job search will be.

Read these articles for more information:

• "What Motivates You?"
• "Tell Me About Yourself"
• "Why Do You Want to Work Here?

>>>> as of now, i am already decided to pursue my career in SAP. since 2.5 years pa lang ang experience ko, i think highly that i should focus more on the technical and functional side. eto talaga ang career ladder na target ko dahil mas attractive sa market kapag expert ka technically. pero i'm not closing my doors for management side, there will come a time that i'll be able to handle a team. nagawa ko na un before eh. pero pag nangyari ulet un, gusto ko meron pa rin sa ABAP side. mala- Sir Ric or Ralf na ABAP IS Director of Danone. mala-consultant ang dating, nde ganun kabigat ang workload sa coding pero can be consulted on the feasible technical approach or designs sa requirements.

Question:

I have a good idea of the kinds of environments I can be successful in.

Your Answer:

Yes

Monster's Feedback:

Consider this basic truth: You cannot be successful in every environment, no matter how smart or talented you are. Different industries have different cultures and operating environments. And companies within the same industry can have different atmospheres. Even teams within the same company can be drastically different from one another.

You should never accept a job where you can't succeed. Figuring out where you fit is key to determining whether you should proceed with an opportunity.

Read these articles for more information:

• "Assess Company Culture to Find the Best Fit"
• "The Corporate-Culture Conundrum

>>>> marami akong nicoconsider before accepting a job offer --- the team, the management and the company's processes, and the like. there was one time, may job offer ako, maganda sha at higit na mas malaki ung offer kesa sa nakukuha ko now. at isa pa eh supervisory level daw ako. pero nun malaman ko na 2 lang kame sa ABAP team eh nadisappoint ako. mukhang susulitin nila ako. yes, i am very competent in handling challenging and toxic workload but in that case i don't think it's worth it. mapolitika daw ung company na un at before ako pumasok eh nagcrash pala ang production nila kaya thanks but no thanks na lang ako sa kanila. hihi!

Question:

I have practiced my answers to common, predictable questions out loud, but I don't sound rehearsed

Your Answer:

No

Monster's Feedback:

You should practice, practice, practice for inquiries like:

Tell me about yourself.
Tell me about your most significant accomplishment.
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with conflict and how you dealt with it.
What would you do if ____? The catch is, it's best if you don't sound like you have memorized your responses verbatim. In fact, in any interview, you should be prepared but flexible based on the nuance of the question, the nature of the job and your relevant strengths.

In any case, you can't possibly prepare for every question. Go for the most probable, and remember to have examples eady.

Read these articles for more information:

• "Think of Your Big Interview as a Simple Conversation"
• "Interviews Are Like First Dates

>>>> oo may common answers ako na nde ko kinabisado pero dahil sa dami ng interviews na na-attendan ko eh nauulit talaga ang sagot ko hanggang sa maging template ko na sha. hehehe. sa lahat ng ni-enumerate na questions above eh alam ko na kagad ang isasagot ko. kaya ang tangi kong tip ko sa inyo ay magtry ng marameng interviews, nde ka na kakabahan at magiging madali na for you dahil paulit ulit lang naman ang tanong nila. hehehe.

Question:

I know what behavioral interviewing is and how it works.

Your Answer:

No

Monster's Feedback:

Behavioral interviewing is now the norm, not the exception. The behavioral interview starts with the interviewer structuring questions based on the competencies required for the job. These questions ask you to prove your level of competency by providing specific examples from your background.

These are essentially stories. Draw the raw material to answer behavioral interview questions from your work history -- stories about when you have succeeded and failed, complex or big projects, conflict you have experienced and difficulties you've overcome.

Behavioral interviews aren't easy, but the beautiful thing about this methodology is that if you prepare for them, you will be prepared for traditional interviews, too. Read these articles for more information:

• "You Can Survive the Behavioral Interview"
• "Tell Me About a Time When...

>>>> ah un pala un?! so ibang term lang siguro for situational interviews which i am used to. hahaha!

mga kwentong katatawanan

sa ngayon eh madalas na akong magblog-hopping. madame akong hinahangaang bloggers lalo na yung mga nakakatawa. as in natatawa ako ng malakas sa pagbabasa lang ng blog. sa ngayon ay 3 pa lang ang mga blogs na kinaaaliwan kong basahin. eto sila:

1. jesse monggo-ness - all of his entries are in english. kung kinakelangan magtagalog or magchabacano eh ay may translation pa rin sha sa english dahil madameng dayuhan ang naaliw sa kanya. blogger award winner sha subalit sa ngayon eh pansamantalang natigil ang pagba-blog nya dahil sa work. pero try nyo balikan ang mga entries nya at matatawa ka. promise. lahat ata ng entries nya ay binalikan ko at binasa. pampalipas oras noong mga panahong petix ako. hehehe.

2. the chronicles of tonyo tubero - kelan ko lang eto nabasa. kahapon lang ata. nagcomment kase sha sa blog ng friend ko kaya i checked out his blog. mukang taga-acn din sha na nasa MSE. nakakatuwa shang magblog. taglish sha magsulat at lalong nakakatawa ang mga pagbabarok nya ng spelling ng mga english words. konti pa lang nababasa ko kaya madame pa akong babalikan.

3. mga kwento ng isang siraulong ofw - eto ata ang inspiration ni tonyo tubero sa pagba-blog. halos pareho sila ng humor. si kwentong tambay/ofw eh isang OFW sa america. sha si unkyel batjay, eto ung mga kalokohang Q&As. hehehe. may book ata sha, pero nde ko pa maconfirm. ngayong gabi ko lang nakita ang blog nya eh. i'll keep you posted pag naconfirm ko.

kaya kung gusto nyong matawa eh you could drop by these blogs. matatawa at matutuwa kau promise.

Eight Tips To Negotiate A Higher Starting Salary

i've been google-ing a while ago on how i can negotiate wisely with prospective employers and i found nothing until i got disconnected from the VPN and so i re-logged in at AIM. luckily, an article from AOL Jobs popped up and voila! here it is --- the exact material that i've been looking for... :)

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You landed the interview, you impressed them with your credentials, skill set and enthusiasm, and now you've been called back for a second interview. You know they want to hire you. The problem is, you'd like more money than they're prepared to offer. How do you convince the decision-makers to offer you a higher starting salary without taking yourself out of the running for the job?

It's all in the preparation, attitude and presentation. Here are some tips.

Use Your Marketing Skills

1. Do Your Research
Learn as much as you can about the pay scale of the company that wants to hire you. Find out the industry average, as well. You may aspire to a career in scheduling at a major airline, but if their practice is to hire from within, you might need to accept an entry-level position. Union constraints may limit any flexibility on salary levels, no matter how many university degrees you have.

As part of your research, you need to have a clear idea of what your minimum salary expectations are. Do the math in advance and decide what your deal-breaker point is. There's no point wasting your time -- and theirs -- interviewing for a low-paying job in a company or industry that may not be able to offer the wages you need.

2. Don't Tip Your Hand
Leave the salary expectation question blank on application forms (?? -- does not apply for SAP Opps), and don't mention a specific salary level in your cover letters. You want to get past the paper screening into the "to be considered" file without anyone thinking your anticipated salary is too high. You also don't want to lock yourself into accepting an offer of $55,000 per year if the decision-makers had budgeted up to $70,000 to fill the vacancy.

3. Understand Your Value

Consider whether you are in a position of power. If you're in high demand elsewhere, you have leverage. Draw attention to it, but be careful not to emphasize it too much. Avoid acting overly confident or cocky. It's okay to mention that you have interviews at other companies, but don't try to force a favorable decision. (totally!!)

4. Let the Company Bring Up the Salary Issue
Avoid being the first to propose a salary figure. (??!!) Tell them you're interested in a mutually rewarding career with the company and you're sure you can agree on an acceptable compensation package. If you're backed into a corner, introduce your salary range, but make it clear that it is "up for discussion." Don't ramble on. Say what you have to and then be quiet and listen.

5. Emphasize the Benefits of Your Skills
When you talk about your last job, describe your accomplishments. Quantify your successes in terms of cost savings, increased productivity and overall contribution to the company. This will help the interviewers recognize the benefits of having you join their team, and will help boost the salary offer. If you earned performance bonuses or incentive awards, mention those so that you'll be viewed as an achiever, well worth top dollar.

6. Don't Blink
Listen to how the offer is presented. When the interviewer or prospective new boss states a salary figure, nod your head to signify you're considering it, but keep quiet. If they're low-balling you, the figure could make a quick jump in those few moments of consideration.

7. Be Reasonable
From your research, you know the offer is low. What do you counter at? If you choose 10%, you may have to accept a saw-off at 5%. Don't be confrontational. It's a calculated risk to walk away from a job offer. They might call you back with a revised starting salary or they might just close your file and hire someone else if they feel you've been greedy, arrogant or overly demanding.

8. Be Prepared to Be Flexible
If you want this job, consider agreeing to start at the salary level they're offering, so long as they offer additional bonuses for specific accomplishments. Be prepared to define them. Money is important, but consider the complete compensation package. Negotiate other perks and benefits and get them in writing. Ask about the frequency of potential salary increases. As with any negotiation, your goal is to create a win-win situation.

Believe in Yourself

Sometimes the only way you can get a higher starting salary is by being actively sought for your position. Other times, you may have to demonstrate that you have the exact skills the company needs and, if you play your cards right, you may land the job you want at a salary level beyond your dreams. In all cases, being well prepared, using a little psychology and practicing your marketing and negotiation skills will help you maximize the salary offer.

Please Help Save Man's Best Friend From the Dog Meat Trade

got this from PARC 's blog (me.find.home.). i have just signed my petition for House Bill 2991.

the deadline is on Saturday, June 30, 2007 and the goal is to have 50,000 signatures. unfortunately, as of the moment there are only 29,298. :( but we still have time --- kindly sign the petition and help save man's best friend from the Dog Meat Trade. puhleasse...

Please sign the petition now!

p.s. we would very much appreciate it if you could cross post this on your blogs as well. :) - polar, cholo and bebe

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An online petition initiated by www.DogMeatTrade.com is calling to every animal-loving being out there for help in showing the Philippine government that there are indeed a lot of people out there who support a move to amend the law on animal welfare by imposing higher penalty for cruelty to animals. The amendment is referred to as the House Bill 2991.

A query at the website of the Philippine congress regarding the status of the Bill shows the following results:

Bill Summary and Status
13th Congress
SPECIFIED HOUSE BILL/RESOLUTION NUMBER
2001-07-04 TO 2007-02-12 (Date of Filing)
Ordered by Bill Number
Search Results (1)

HB02991 [History]
Session No.: 13-1RS-023
Significance: N
Date Filed: 2004-09-22
Full Title: AN ACT TO INCREASE THE PENALTY FOR CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 8 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485

Principal Author: ESCUDERO, FRANCIS G.Date Read: 2004-10-26
Primary Referral: REVISION OF LAWS
Bill Status: Pending with the Committee on REVISION OF LAWS since 2004-10-26

The online petition is targeting 50,000 signatures by June 30, 2007. As of today, February 12, 2007, there are only about 6,300 signatures. We need at least 317 signatures per day till June 30 to reach or surpass that target. My personal target is 100,000, which translates to 679 signatures per day.

It can be done if you sign now and ask your friends to do the same. In fact, if you ask only 2 friends of yours that are listed in your address book, and then those two friends do the same and each asks 2 other friends to ask 2 friends each to do the same and so on and so on, the target of 100,000 signatures can be reached and surpassed in just 16 days by you and your friends' efforts alone and assuming that each email invitation is complied with only every 24 hours! You can reach a million signatures in just 20 days through the power of exponential growth! Imagine if you asked more than 2 of your friends...

I'm not saying that you go send out to everyone in your address book (but it wouldn't really hurt if you did that, too). But a whole-hearted plea to a handful of friends will go a long way for this petition. Again, let's try and harness the power of email to support this petition.

This is a legitimate initiative that will help those who are lobbying for laws that help and protect animals in the Philippines.

For more information about the online petition, please go here.

Please sign the petition now!

Click here to email this petition to your friends.

Thank you very much.

Posted by siyerwin of me.find.home.

worst virus ever --- CNN announced

PLEASE SEND THIS TO EVERYONE ON YOUR CONTACT LIST!!

A new virus has just been discovered that has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive ever. This virus was discovered yesterday afternoon by McAfee . This virus simply destroys Sector Zero from the hard disk, where vital information for its functioning are stored. This virus acts in the following manner:
It sends itself automatically to all contacts on your list with the title:
"A Card for You".

As soon as the supposed virtual card is opened the computer freezes so that the user has to reboot. When the ctrl+alt+ del keys or the reset button are pressed, the virus destroys Sector Zero, thus permanently destroying the hard disk. Yesterday in just a few hours this virus caused panic in New York , according to news broadcast by CNN.

This alert was received by an employee of Microsoft itself. So don't open any mails with subject: "A Virtual Card for You." As soon as you get the mail, delete it !! Even if you know the sender !!!

must read for job seekers...

Six Job Hunting Myths Debunked

Source: Robert Half International
Posted: 2007-02-02 11:17:09 @ AOL

Everyone wants to give job seekers advice, and while much of it is useful, some guidance may miss the mark. Because the employment market is constantly changing, ideas that once worked well may no longer be effective. This doesn't mean you have to second-guess everything you hear, but do be aware of common job-hunting myths, like the following:

Myth No. 1: You should keep your resume to one page; any longer, and hiring mangers won't read it.

Few employers are so rigid that they'll toss out your resume because it's more than a page long. What's more important is that the document is interesting to read, tailored specifically to the position you are applying for -- and perhaps most important -- error free. In fact, 84 percent of executives polled by Robert Half International said it takes just one or two typographical errors on a resume to remove a candidate from consideration for a job opening; 47 percent said a single typo can be the deciding factor. While a one-page resume is preferable for entry-level candidates, those with five or more years of experience may require an additional page to describe their work history and accomplishments. Keep in mind, however, you never want to lose a hiring manager's attention by providing irrelevant details.

Myth No. 2: It's pointless to request an interview with a company that isn't hiring.

Even if a company isn't planning to add staff anytime soon, chances are you can land an informational interview. Look to set up a meeting with someone -- preferably a hiring manager -- who can tell you more about the organization and provide answers to questions you can't find online or in the company's marketing materials, such as its short- and long-term business goals. Many employers will be willing to sit down with you if you show genuine interest. An informational interview probably won't result in a job offer, but you will build your professional network and, in the process, may learn of future opportunities with the firm.

Myth No. 3: If you've applied for a position and haven't heard back, it's safe to assume the position has been filled.

Just because a company hasn't contacted you doesn't mean they aren't interested. It's not uncommon for hiring managers to be so busy they delay contacting candidates for as long as two months after posting an employment ad. Don't let this discourage you; instead take action to see where you stand. An overwhelming 94 percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International said candidates should contact hiring managers after submitting application materials; 82 percent of respondents recommend doing it -- whether by e-mail, a phone call or personalized letter -- within two weeks of submitting a resume.

Myth No. 4: The most-qualified candidates always get the job.

While employers want to hire professionals capable of doing the job -- and carefully compare candidates' education, skills and experience with the requirements of the position -- they also depend on intuition when making a decision. Forty-six percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International said they rely heavily on instinct when making hiring decisions; another 49 percent follow their gut at least some of the time. The traits that make an employer intuitively want to hire someone often involve soft skills -- that is, your ability to get along with the rest of the team. So, if you're interested in a position for which you meet only the minimum requirements, don't immediately dismiss it. Your personality may put you on par with someone with more experience than you.

Myth No. 5: There's no room for salary negotiation in today's job market.

Demand for skilled professionals continues to outpace supply in a number of specialties, and candidates with industry experience and expertise often receive multiple offers. Researching how much those with similar qualifications in your area are being paid will help you choose the best opportunity and negotiate a reasonable rate. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook is an excellent resource, as are industry publications, such as Robert Half International's annual Salary Guide.

Myth No. 6: When times are tough, take the first job offer you get.

An extended job search can put pressure on you to accept any offer that comes your way, but do your best to avoid accepting a position that may cause more heartache than happiness. Tolerating a job you hate -- whether for a week or year -- can set you back professionally and take a toll on your well-being. You may have to accept a "less-than-perfect" role in certain situations, but don't feel guilty holding out for a position with maximum appeal if you have the financial means to do so.

Tapping a variety of sources for advice during your job search often is a smart move. But, like any investigation, you may come across clues that are somewhat misleading. Recognizing common myths early on will make your job-hunting efforts far more effective and help you land the position you seek.

Robert Half International Inc. is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com.
Copyright 2007 Robert Half International.

my visual DNA

choice of treat reveals an indulgent side to you. A real food lover , you like to have all of your cake.

switch off, as you like to learn all the time. What grosses you out? Good manners are essential. Prodding, poking and picking get your “Yuck” factor ticking.

stylish as you are.

the filipinos await --- ELECTION '07

after all the trigger-to-switch-channels-and-makes-me-swear-a-lot campaign advertisements of senatorial candidates that we've all watched, now comes the most awaited moment for the politicians --- the ELECTION '07. well honestly, i didn't register 'cause 1. i hate to get up really early and sweat like a pig in an infinite line of registration 2. how can i be so sure if my vote will be counted considering that there'll be a lot of ballot switchings, unusual brownouts and more ways of dayaan 3. what the hell, will my vote make a difference on the current status of our country? i guess not...

it's not just that i'm being cynical here, we've all watched the news --- ambush here, vote buying there, ignorant celebrities trying to make their way into the dirty world of politics. come on, do we see any good during elections? god! help the filipinos...

.:excess:.
check out some hilarious posts (say of a typical "scholar ng bayan") written by my cousin yann.
achtung: if you're a GMA/TU groupie, you might not want to read these entries...
+ Kapuso's "Isang Tanong" Reviews: Part 1 and Part 2
+ Boo to Team Unity

para sa upcoming election at sa mga patapon na kandidato sa senado

sinend lang sa 'kin to ha...pero yung title ako ang may gawa...hehehe...

Maganda rin naman ang naidudulot ng pagiging prangka ni Senador Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Ayon kay Santiago, marami ang tumatakbong Senador dahil sa laki ng budget na ibinibigay sa kanila kada buwan.

Lumalabas na P35,000 suweldo nila kada buwan ay pakitang-tao lang sa milyun-milyong budget ng bawat senador. Kada buwan ay may Fixed Monthly Budget ang bawat Senador ng humigit-kumulang P2 Milyon.

Sa opisina pa lang nila ay humigit-kumulang P500,000 and budget nila sa Maintenance and Operating Expenses (Rental, Utilities, Supplies at Domestic Travels) at P500,000 para sa Staff at Personal expenses. Kaya para makatipid ang ibang Senador, kaunti lang ang staff na kinukuha nila. Nagtataka ka pa kung bakit mayroong mga Ghost Employee?

Bukod diyan, may P760,000 allowance pa sila kada buwan para naman sa Foreign Travel. At ang masakit pa nito, hindi na kailngan i-liquidate ang mga resibo ng mga gastusin 'yan kundi Certification lang ang Requirement.

Heto pa, lahat sila ay Chairman ng mg Komite sa Senado. Ang Committee Chairman ay tumatanggap din ng budget na sinlaki ng tinatanggap ng mga Senador na humigit-kumulang P1 Milyon din! Hindi sila mawawalan ng Komite dahil 24 lang ang ating mga Senador at 37 naman ang Committee sa Senado. There's food for everybody 'ika nga! Lumalabas na doble ang kanilang benepesiyo at kita kapag sila ay nabiyayaan ng Committee Chairmanship.

Sa P200 milyon na Budget para sa Pork Barrel ng mga Senador bawat taon,awtomatikong may 10% na S.O.P. o kita ng Senador na P20 milyon. Ito ang porsiyento na ibinibigay ng mga kontratista sa mga Senador na nagbibigay sa kanila ng mga Infrastructure at Livelihood Project.

Bago matapos ang termino ng isang Senador, kumita na siya ng P100 milyon sa Pork Barrel pa lang. Yung ibang Senador mas gahaman, hindi lang 10% kundi 20 - 30% ang komisyon hinihingi sa mga kontratista.

Pansinin niyo na lang ang pagbabago ng buhay ng ilan sa ating mga Senador simula nang manungkulan sa puwesto. Kung dati ay simple lang ang kanilang pamumuhay ngayon ay nakatira na sila sa mga eksklusibong subdivision,maraming bahay sa Pilipinas at abroad at mahigit lima ang sasakyan.

Ngayon nagtataka ka pa ba kung bakit gumagastos ng daan-daang milyong piso ang mga Senador sa kampanya para sa isang posisyon na P35,000 lang ang suweldo kada buwan? Bawing-bawi pala ang gastos kapag naupo na!

ANG SARAP MAGING SENADOR ! ! !

Build your APTITUDE

By Dr. John C. Maxwell

In my immature days of leadership, I used to think there was only one way to lead. Then I read a classic book by Florence Littauer called Personality Plus, and it opened my eyes to the way different temperaments and different personalities create different leadership aptitudes.

Over the years, I've identified four basic aptitudes of leadership - the directional leader, the strategic leader, the team-building leader and the operational leader. Each consists of identifiable strengths and weakness.

So the goal, it might seem, is to master all four aptitudes of leadership. In reality, however, no one person scores high on all four aptitudes. Most people are dominant in one and have a secondary strength in another. That's because the four aptitudes don't fit the same type of temperament and personality.

And since no leader possesses all four leadership aptitudes, the ultimate leadership environment consists of a leadership team. Unfortunately, the tendency among leaders is to surround themselves with others who share similar aptitudes.

This happens for three reasons:
1. Magnetism
The Law of Magnetism says we attract who we are, not who we want. The first staff member I ever hired was Stan Toler, a long-time friend of mine. We were friends even before I hired him as the only other staff person at the small church I pastored. Stan is a very successful leader in his own right, but he's just like me. Thus, we always wanted the same things.
2. Insecurity
People who are insecure typically do not like diversity. They wish everybody were like them. They want everybody to think alike, and when somebody is way out there and different, it makes them nervous.
3. Humanness
It is part of human nature that people who are just like us make us feel more comfortable. When you say, "Here's what I think" and everybody else says, "Yeah, I think that, too," you can't help but feel good. People who are different from us in their leadership aptitudes have a tendency to make us feel uncomfortable.

At INJOY, our leadership team includes directing leaders, team-building leaders, strategic leaders and operational leaders. I am in tune with and enjoy the ones who are just like me the most. But the ones who help me the most are the ones who are not like me.

Those who are unlike you in leadership aptitudes are going to make you uncomfortable, not because they're wrong and you're right and not because you're wrong and they're right, but because you're different.

Shake It Off And Step Up

this is an interesting read, sent by an officemate in amkor.

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US! Remember that FORGIVENESS--FAITH--PRAYER-- PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

- Author Unknown