Thank You Juice.Ph!

I attended the exclusive screening of the movie "Bad Teacher" for the Shoot Some Juice and Write Some Juice contestants. I tagged along my coworker Jen. After work, we headed to Powerplant Mall for the event and since we got there a little too early, we had time to roam around and check out some boutiques. I tried hard to restrain myself from shopping knowing that I am travelling next week anyway so I could shop where I am going. I debated between buying Happy Lemon or Starbucks Coffee Jelly and the latter won. I'll go check out the former some other time (I heard so much nice things about it and the brand has a steady stream of followers now).

Before the movie screening started, the Shoot Some Juice and Write Some Juice contest winners were awarded. Out of the more than 400 hundred entries, 4 online personalities were chosen and each of them won a writing and photography stint in Juice.ph, Php10,000 cash and a new Apple iPad 2. Lucky them!!! I could only wish I was one of the winners. The winners were: Arriane Serafico, Therese Reyes, Kisty Mea, and Brian Carrera Shaw. The criteria for judging were based on Creativity, Originality, Juice Factor (presence of EYP-recommended establishments) and Social Media Reach. I am sure I got a whooping 0% in Juice Factor. On second thoughts, I didn't mention any EYP-recommended establishment in the sample article I submitted (read: banging forehead at the concrete wall). I really wasn't after the iPad, I wanted the writing gig. Anyway, better luck next time I guess.

So, to heal the longing heart (read: graceful loser), I switched gears to just enjoy the movie shown. Good thing that I enjoyed the movie as it was funny in a twisted sexy (read: dirty) way. The sexual innuendos were all over that movie from start to finish (especially the car wash scene, the Justin-dry-humping-Cameron scene and the bar scene).

Cameron Diaz's signature brand of xrazy, sexy, cool was just fitting for Elizabeth Halsey, a confident, cunning, sultry, self-absorbed gold digger who decided to become a teacher for what she deems as the easiest way to  get her through everyday (short hours - what could be better than that?) and a good avenue to earn her keep for a much-dreamed of boob job. The movie by the way is rated R for sexual content, nudity, profanity and some drug use. 

If you’re the type of person that is easily offended by the idea of a teacher abusing the education system and her students - or the type to get stuck on the question of how a person with few scruples and no morals gets hired as a middle school teacher in the first place, then this film will be impossible for you to enjoy. -ScreenRant

If you would like to chuckle and to let out a little laugh is all you’re after, this movie will deliver what you expect it to, and may even make you giggle. If however, you expect anything more than that, then pass this up and watch another movie.

Visit Juice.ph for some juicy information about what's happening around the metro and EYP for the most comprehensive source for phone and business listings in Metro Manila. Thank you Juice.ph for the awesome movie time with bloggers and photographers and a chance to meet Pia and Saab Magalona. 

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International Blog Day 2011 iRecommend

I have been blogging since 2004 and I started blogging using my Multiply account but I only understood the concept of blogging and all there is to it (page ranks, ads and all) back in 2008. I know I once had a Blogger account back in 2004 but I already forgot the link. I started other Blogspot accounts from 2004 to 2008 but only to write about things I feel and stuff without the intention to let others read such (except maybe if they stumble upon my link accidentally). I can still remember some links but I would rather not share it to you guys as some are too personal to share. I do have some WordPress blogs too. I have no idea where I got all the energy to maintain the hoards of blog that I keep. Yes, I have a "secret" blog as well that I maintain and I use a pseudonym.

I've started to love blogging really back in 2008. It has became my closest confidant until it evolved to a hobby blog and then eventually my blog is now a mix of things that happen in my daily life at work, at school, matters of the heart, make-up, travels, rants, raves, random stories, anything that interests me really among other things. If you are reading this post now, thank you for spending time to visit my written lair. If this is your first time, I hope you will be back for more. However, the point of this post is to introduce you to some blogs that I have recently stumbled upon while blog-hopping (one of my favorite past times).

Read along as I share to you six new blogs. Please feel free to leave me a comment if you liked any of the blogs that I will be featuring or if you wanted to share links to your International Blog Day 2011 article too or if you wanted to recommend a link I can visit. Ahhhh, the viral effect of social media...

1. Meganerd Runs

Megan is a 24 year old recent college graduate from Orlando, Florida. She studied Civil Engineering and Business Administration at the University of Central Florida. She is currently working for a consulting engineering firm as aTransportation Engineer/Planner. She blogs about her life and running (from her training runs to food to the actual races she joins) as well as a creative outlet for her creative mind. Besides running, Megan loves pumping iron, travelling, discovering new music, cooking, nutrition, traveling, surfing, coffee, cupcakes, and living a healthy life.

Lets all join Megan as she transition from college to career, train for her 2nd marathon, and discover even more about what life has to offer. She can only be excited for what the future holds!

2. This Is Glamorous

This blog is a celebration of design in all its forms: what began as a place to catalog beautiful things has transformed into an international place of inspiration, capturing the imaginations of thousands of daily readers from around the world. Be enthralled as this blogger who loves anything glamorous hypnotizes you and brings you to a glamorous state.

This award-winning design & lifestyle blog explores an enchanting array of topics including design, interiors, travel, fashion, art, photography, adventures in love and the daily search for beautiful things... Yes, all beautiful things.

3. What's Simmering In The Kitchen?

This is a new blog that showcases the creations of an aspiring (read: trying hard) chef wannabe. Join her as she discovers the many wonders that her hands can make in the kitchen as she indulges her self in creating dishes that are pleasing to the eyes and hungry tummies. She needs more followers so she gets more motivated to write and update.

4. Budget Biyahera

Budget Biyahera is a travel enthusiast that learned the value of budgeting at an early age. She diligently notes expense breakdowns, makes various itineraries for her family and friends that honed her organizational skill and later on putting this to good use in terms of traveling locally and internationally - at budget prices!

Check her blog to read about her Philippine travels as well as her Asian travels. She dreams of touring the world one day. Soon...

5. Not Your Ordinary Beauty Queen

Mar thought of putting up a blog site so she could share her insights on fashion, food and whatever she feels like talking about under the sun. She admits that she's not actually a fashion junkie but most of the time she wears the most comfortable clothing available. Being a student forced her to be practical and stylish at whatever cost. Recently, she has been trying to explore and be a little more creative when it comes to her daily style. To be fun, stylish and sophisticated is what she aims for.

This is a blog to document the evolution of Mar's style on being a plus size. To be fun, stylish and sophisticated is what she aims for.

6. TechnoPreneur

Arnold is a tech guy who reluctantly pursued entrepreneurship and now leads TeamSparrow, a team of web developers, designers and marketers. It is his hope to share his journey, learning — and unlearning — in his blog to encourage everyone who feels like they want to jump into entrepreneurship but thinks they are incapable of doing so. He describes his blog as raw — you’ll see successes and failures, ups and downs. Unfiltered. Unedited.

Just recently, TV5 worked with his group, Team Sparrow, for their much anticipated Pinoy Explorer travel adventure show (#NasaanSiAga campaign).

So, there's my contribution to Nuffnang's International Blog Day Initiative. I hope you find time to click on the links and visit the sites I have recently stumbled upon and have enjoyed reading since. Let me know if you liked any or if you are recommending any links for me to visit. Cheers to more blogging years ahead!!!

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Just In: Apple CEO Steve Jobs Resigns

I am not sure if indeed Apple loyalists out there are sad about his resignation but I think the cult followers (those who worship his genius and marketing acumen) are. Earlier today Steve Jobs announced that he would be resigning his position as CEO of Apple. According to the press release of Apple his position will be filled in by Tim Cook whom Steve highly recommended to the board.

(Reuters) - Silicon Valley legend Steve Jobs on Wednesday resigned as chief executive of Apple Inc in a stunning move that ended his 14-year reign at the technology giant he co-founded in a garage.

August 24, 2011

To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:

I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come. 

I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.

As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple. 

I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role. 

I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.

SOURCE

"Investors are very comfortable with Tim Cook even though Jobs has been a driver of innovation and clearly an Apple success. Tim has shown Apple can still outperform extremely well when he's been acting as CEO," said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross.

Jobs brought Tim Cook on board in 1998 to oversee the manufacturing of Apple’s computers. The Alabama native is an industrial engineer by training, and also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Duke University. Before joining Apple, Cook worked at IBM and at Compaq, the computer company now owned by Hewlett-Packard. - SOURCE

So, I guess Apple's future is hanging on a branch eh? (pun intended) What do you think will happen to Apple now that Cook has replaced Jobs? Will the product launches be as exciting as before? I guess we have to find it out soon when they finally unveil iPhone 5 and the third gen iPad. I wonder if Steve Jobs has iQuit somewhere in his resignation though. Hehe!

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Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

I love trying new products. I would willingly subject myself to testing products if needed. It's because I don't easily break out with any products (only my hormones and stress can make me break out to say the least). If I see or hear about a promising product then I would try and of course stop if it's not doing me any good. Just recently, I had the chance to try a new product from Estee Lauder. The brand recently launched the Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator and I was only too excited to try it. Anything that promises to erase dark spots and pimple marks (because of pricking), I am only game to try it. The Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator is a serum that could help to reduce uneven skintone such as acne scars, redness, dark spots, sun spots & discolorations.

Like most people, I have a bad habit of picking and pricking my pimples. It would drive me nuts to watch my pimples go big and red. I would pop a zit and I would wind up with some scars, the dark kind. I have this weird feeling of satisfaction hearing a zit pop. I know, I know. Apologies for the TMI. My scars don't heal easily so I am always left with some scars that I try to hide with concealer and foundation.

“In the new Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, the same glucosamine complex found in the brand’s original Idealist hero product still provides rapid cell turnover, but is now blended with Vitamin C and botanical extracts that target build-up of melanin in the skin. Antioxidant superpowers of rice bran extract and Vitamin E offer brightening powers, while licorice soothes any irritation that may cause future darkening.”

Estee Lauder says: In just 2 weeks: 62% of women showed a significant improvement in skintone in a clinical test. Over time skin looks noticeably clearer and brighter, vibrant and more even-toned. This intensive, yet gentle oil-free serum features powerful technologies to address the look of every key sign of uneven skintone:

1. Triple-Optic Technology provides skin with a brighter, more luminous look from the very first application.

2. CorrectTone Technology visibly reduces uneven skintone in 2 weeks, while anti-oxidants help prevent its re-appearance.

Imagine skin so incredibly clear, even-toned and radiant, you have nothing to hide. Proven gentle and effective for all ethnicities.

Constance Jablonski, Joan Smalls and Liu Wen are looking fresh faced and “illluminated” in the new set of ads for Estee Lauder’s Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. The campaign called Every Woman Can Be Beautiful celebrates the diversity of women as well as their product which has been "proven effective in all skintones".

I have just been using the product for 4 days and I can see that some of my dark spots has faded. I am definitely impressed and I will continue to use this product. I will write another post and probably post some before and after pictures soon. This product comes in 30ml and 50ml bottles. Housed in a sturdy bottle in Estée Lauder signature mint green and gold, this product is dispensed through a hygienic pump and you only will need about a pump or two for full coverage. I know it is a little pricey but so far I can say it is indeed a good buy.

NOTE: Image Credits - Estee Lauder

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Solo Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia feat Tony Velasquez’ Kenkoy

I would not deny that the best reading material while I was in my formative years was "komiks". Komiks or comicbooks are illustrated stories with different topics and genres. In the Philippines, one  of the renowned cartoonists is Tony Velasquez and has been since considered as the Father of Philippine Cartoons. Kenkoy is the very first Filipino cartoon character in Liwayway magazine. 

Let me know who is your favorite Filipino cartoonist or if you've ever read Kenkoy in Komiks. I will be giving away a Solo Kenkoy striped graphic shirt (worth Php595) and a dogtag necklace (worth Php495). Winner be determined through random.org. Thank you to Solo for generously providing these items. Just be a follower and leave a comment. And yes, please don't forget to join Solo in Facebook  and Twitter. This is open until September 24, 2011. 

FOLLOWER - Google Friend Connect - 1 entry

Tweet about this and use the hashtag #SoloKenkoyLMK - 1 entry

COMMENT - 1 entry

SOLO Facebook Page - 2 entries

SOLO Twitter Account - 2 entries

Blog about this contest with a link to my blog - 2 entries 

***indicate in your comment what you did to be counted***

About the Collection

When Solo launched its first ever Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia featuring Larry Alcala’s Slice of Life last year, it was a show stopper. Many people took a trip down memory lane remembering the witty and playful comic characters of Alcala’s Slice of Life. Young and old remember their Sundays looking for the iconic caricature face of Larry Alcala among his cartoon drawings at the Sunday magazine. It is refreshing to see how Alcala’s Pinoy Cartoons are being celebrated and re-introduced to today’s youth as part of Filipino pop culture.

This creative collection has got us all hooked! Due to insistent demand, SOLO is brings out another innovation, its 2nd installment of the well-loved Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia series. This time it features no less than the greatest work of the Father of Philippine Cartoons, Tony Velasquez’s KENKOY.

Antonio "Tony" Velasquez, the Father of Philippine Cartoons, created Kenkoy way back in 1929. Long before the era of the movie stars and showbiz celebrities, there already was a Philippine pop icon named Francisco Harabas, more popularly known as Kenkoy. As Tony Velasquez described him, “He is always pusturyoso”. He was a debonair and his trademark fashion sense was Western influenced: decked in suspenders, charol shoes, double breasted suit, baggy pants, a sailor hat, and a slicked back hairstyle. Kenkoy is considered the most influential comic strip in the Philippines and most successful because of the wittiness and humor, as well as his antics, colonial way of thinking, and carabao-english. Kenkoy gained massive following that he was adapted into movies in 1950s-60s and musical act in early 90s.

This year, old meets new as Solo Pinoy Cartoonist Memorablia takes timeless Kenkoy comic strips and mixes it up on trendy silhouettes and fabrics with different treatments such as foil printing, embroidery, embossed printing, flocking, high density printing and washed effect. The collection consists of His&Hers graphic tees, polo shirts, woven tops and dresses, men’s long sleeves, shorts and accessories such as stainless necklaces and slingbags, gift sets like watches, vanity sets and lighters and will hit Solo stores in September. Each Memoriabilia Series item will have its own bio-tag of Tony Velasquez as well as its own unique packaging. To view the entire Men's collection, click here and Ladies' collection, click here.

Catch more exciting things happening online for the launch of our Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia collection. Join us in Facebook  and Twitter.

About SOLO Online Model Search 2011

SOLO’s best known for doing cool innovative online launches and the first ever online model search in the country. This year, Solo’s doing it again! To celebrate Father of Philippine Cartoon Tony Velasquez’ Kenkoy, Solo brings you the much anticipated and bigger Online Model Search 2011, now on its third year!

After we successfully launched Jaggy Tallada and Jhonna Flor as 2010’s grand winners and Mehran Khaledi and Phoebe Rutaquio as 2011's grand winners, we are now on search for two new faces of Solo to be officially unveiled in 2012.

Check out Model Search Site for contest details. All participants wearing any apparel from the Pinoy Cartoonist Memorabilia feat Kenkoy are to submit their creative photo entries embedded with graphic elements available for download via the website. Early birds submissions get rewarded with special prizes from Solo! Everyone can register to the contest site to submit entries and/or just vote. And this year, we’re giving away prizes to lucky voters as well! We will randomly pick 3 voters per month (September – November) to win Solo GCs! Modelsearch starts September 1 and ends November 30. Check out more details about the modelsearch on Solo’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages. You may be the next face of Solo!

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Yellow Cab Vesparade

Craving for Pizza? How about some Yellow Cab? Call for delivery or head to a Yellow Cab store to dine -in or take some out and watch a movie or go to a picnic until September 30, 2011 and stand a chance to win your very own Vespa.

Draw Dates: August 10, 2011, 5pm (3 Scooters Vintage Piaggio Vespa Px150e), September 10,2011, 5pm (3 Scooters Vintage Piaggio Vespa Px150e), October 10, 2011, 5pm (4 Scooters Vintage Piaggio Vespa Px150e)

MECHANICS

1. Promo is open to all Yellow Cab Pizza Co customers in the Philippines from July 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011.

2. Every single-receipt purchase worth at least Php500 which includes any Coca-Cola product for dine in, take out and delivery transaction during the promo period will be entitled to one raffle coupon for a chance to win any one (1) of ten (10) vintage scooter units to be given away in three (3) monthly draws.

3. Customer shall completely fill up the raffle coupon with his/her name, address, telephone number and affix his/ her signature and drop entries in drop boxes located inside Yellow Cab branches.

4. Draws are scheduled on the following predetermined dates to be held at Yellow Cab Food Corp. Central Office and will be witnessed by a DTI representative.

5. Dine in and take out customers may drop their raffle entries in drop boxes located at Yellow Cab Pizza stores nationwide. Delivery customers must also drop their raffle entries in drop boxes at any store. Delivery customers may not endorse raffle to delivery riders upon receipt of ordered products. Entries may be dropped only until 11: 59pm of every cut off date.

6. A customer may only win once. Customers with raffle tickets that are not picked during the preceding draw automatically qualify for the succeeding draws.

7. Taxes for prizes exceeding Php 10,000 shall be shouldered by Yellow Cab.

8. Winners shall be notified via phone call and registered mail. Redemption period shall be 60 days from receipt of mall notification. GMA winners may claim their prize at Yellow Cab Food Corp. Central Office located at 5484 South Superhighway corner General Tinio St., Barangay Bangkal, Makati City and PROVINCIAL winners may arrange for transfer to their provinces via Yellow Cab Food Corp. Winners must present the winning stub, 2 valid IDs and the registered mail upon claiming the prize.

9. Yellow Cab Pizza Co. employees, directors, suppliers, third party agencies and their relatives up to the second degree of affinity and consanguinity are barred from joining the raffle.

I wanna win this for myself!!!

Yellow Cab Pizza Co. operates in 5 countries worldwide, with over 80 branches located in the Philippines. Visit www.yellowcabpizza.com for more information or call 789-9999 for 24/7 Great Pizza Delivery.

Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 4607, Series of 2011.

For updates, log on to Yellow Cab Facebook Page

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Dining Destination: Outback Steak Par Deux

A couple of weeks ago I had dinner at Outback with my Danish friend. I was too ecstatic to have him try the best burger in Manila, Bloomin' Burger. When I was checking out the menu, I could not find it anymore and I was close to disappointment when I figured out something. The burger's name was changed to Typhoon Burger. I asked out server Kitkat of the rationale behind it being named as such and she told me that it's because of the arrangement of the onion rings in the burger, shaped like the eye of the typhoon.

This was not a planned dinner because we were just supposed to buy plane tickets for an out of town trip. After going to the ticketing office, we strolled around Greenbelt 5, then went to have my nails done, had coffee at Starbucks, hunt for my maid-of-honor dress and window shopped. After all those walking, I could have eaten a horse. Haha! So we ordered Kookabura Wings for starters (which I wasn't able to take a picture of). I ordered Grilled Salmon and he ordered the Typhoon Burger. For all it's worth, I kinda like the name.

We didn't order any drink with alcohol because the free margarita we had before the meal kicked us already. Ah! We are not big drinkers to say the least. We just ordered iced tea and watermelon shake for our drinks.

After the main entree, we ordered some more, there's always room for dessert after all. We ordered Chocolate Thunder From Down Under. OMG! It was the yummiest. It was heavenly. Now I understand why it has become Outback's prized desserts. We ended the night with happy tummies. And yes, I have to tell you that our dinner was almost free because we only paid Php98. But wait, before you go head out to Outback Steakhouse, we only paid such because I was given a gift certificate equivalent to Php2000. So yeah,all those satiating goodness was just a little over two thousand (about US$50). Not too bad, ain't it?

THANK YOU SO MUCH OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE!!!

Outback Steakhouse Makati City

Ground Level, Glorietta 4 Ayala Center

Makati City, Philippines

Telephone: +6327298458

Fax: +6327298460

Store Hours: 11AM to 3AM (straight hours)

Other Branches

Outback Steakhouse Muntinlupa

Alabang Town Center

Outback Steakhouse Quezon City

E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue

Acropolis, Libis, Quezon City

NOTE: Pictures were taken using Blackberry Curve so pardon the bad lighting. 

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Hanging Out at Salcedo Market

Let me share some photos I took from my recent trip to Salcedo Market.

Rambutan at Php80/kilo.  Rambutan is the medium-sized tropical tree in the family Sapindaceae.  It is native to Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries.  The name rambutan is from the Indonesian word "rambutan" which literally means hairy. 

This is probably my most favorite spot in the market. I so wanted to have a garden of my own one day. 

Corn in cob - my favorite! 

Bell pepper is also known as sweet pepper or capsicum and is very high in calcium. 

Pitaya or Pitahaya fruit is commonly known as the dragon fruit. It is a wonderful exotic fruit aside from being nutritious. It features a mouth-watering taste, an intense shape and color (kinda weird if you see for the first time).  It is a good fruit to eat when you are trying to lose weight because it has very high water content like watermelon. 

I was so happy when I saw a stall selling Europen breads. At last, I know where to get some rye when I decide to make some smorrebrod again. Smorrebrod is the Danish open sandwich that I have started to learn how to make. 

Have you been to Salcedo Market lately?

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JobGantic Career Fair 2011

I have been to job fairs and for me it is more convenient than going to different offices to apply for vacant jobs. Online portals can be daunting to search if you are a newbie to the internet but can be such a breeze for seasoned users. When an online portal showcases jobs in job fairs then it's an entirely different story. After you read this post, make sure to prepare copies of your resume and troop to the venue on the fair dates. 

Here's the official press release of Jobstreet:

JobStreet.com, the No. 1 Job Site in the country, gives the biggest career break there is for all jobseekers who want to leap to their job of their dreams through the JobGantic Career Fair 2011 on August 12 and 13 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

A total of 158,600 job vacancies in various fields of specializations from over 250 local employers and overseas recruitment firms are up for grabs at the leading job portal’s major event this year, which is taunted to be their biggest job fair ever. At present, pre-registration for the said event has totaled to over 45,000, a clear indication of that its 40,000 target number of jobseekers who will participate in the event will be surpassed.

Yoda Buyco, JobStreet.com’s marketing director says, “JobStreet.com is known to have the most number of employers including the top ones in the country. Hence, jobseekers can expect thousands of local jobs at the event. But in an internal study conducted by our Company, we found out the 25% or 850,000 of our total number of jobseekers (3.5M) opt in to (apply) for overseas jobs. This is the reason why we have clearly ensured that we are going to have our overseas recruitment client-firms with us.”

JobGantic Career Fair offers a good mix of employers and recruitment firms with 75% or 188 participating companies hiring for local employment while 25% or 62 others are for overseas employment. Of the mentioned 158,600 jobs that will be available at the event, 64% are for local employment and the remaining 36% are for jobs abroad.

As the event estimates more than 40, 000 jobseekers to attend the job fair, Jobstreet.com innovates a way to give these jobseekers an easier way gain entrance the career fair without the hassles of long and endless lines. Jobseekers are encouraged to pre-register at www.jobstreet.com to get a faster lane voucher. This voucher ensures the jobseeker immunity from long lines that hinders them from getting the most out of the career fair.

Meanwhile, a closer look at the demographics of the pre-registered jobseekers reflect that 49% of them are coming from the National Capital Region followed by those from the rest of Luzon at 41%. Based on work experience metrics, 45% of those who wish to try their luck at the fair are those with one to four years of work experience; 20% are those who are currently holding supervisor level or with five years or more work experience; and 17% are fresh grads and those with less than one year work experience.

Finally, JobGantic Career Fair has also invited some government agencies to provide jobseeker service assistance to include the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA). The inclusion of these agencies will better help the jobseekers land their dream jobs, whether here or abroad, and will also give the assurance of non-fraud transactions.

You can pre-register through this LINK.

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7 Things Never to Say to Your Boss

Here's an interesting read written by Karen Burns.

Everyone has a boss. Even if you "work for yourself," you're still an employee to your client.

A big part of maintaining the boss-employee relationship is to never allow a boss to think you dislike your work, are incapable of doing it, or--worse--consider it beneath you.

These sound like no-brainers, but many statements heard commonly around the workplace violate these basic rules. Looking for an example? Here are seven heard in workplaces all the time. They may seem ordinary, even harmless. But try reading these from your boss's point of view. You'll see right away why it's smart to never allow these seven sentences to pass your lips:

"That's not my job." You know what? A lot of bosses are simple souls who think your job is to do what's asked of you. So even if you're assigned a task that is, indeed, not your job, refrain from saying so. Instead, try to find out why your boss is assigning you this task--there may be a valid reason. If you believe that doing the task is a bad idea (as in, bad for the company) you can try explaining why and suggesting how it could be better done by someone else. This may work, depending on the boss. In any case, remember that doing what's asked of you, even tasks outside your job description, is good karma.

"It's not my problem." When people say something is not their problem it makes them look like they don't care. This does not endear them to anybody, especially the boss. If a problem is brewing and you have nothing constructive to say, it's better to say nothing at all. Even better is to pitch in and try to help. Because, ultimately, a problem in the workplace is everyone's problem. We're all in it together.

"It's not my fault." Yet another four words to be avoided. Human nature is weird. Claiming that something is not our fault often has the result of making people suspect it is. Besides, what's the real issue here? It's that something went wrong and needs to be fixed. That's what people should be thinking about--not who is to blame.

"I can only do one thing at a time." News flash: Complaining you are overworked will not make your boss feel sorry for you or go easier on you. Instead, a boss will think: (1) you resent your job, and/or (2) you aren't up to your job. Everybody, especially nowadays, feels pressured and overworked. If you're trying to be funny, please note that some sarcasm is funny and lightens the mood. Some just ticks people off.

"I am way overqualified for this job." Hey, maybe you are. But the fact is, this is the job you have. You agreed to take it on and, while you may now regret that decision, it's still your job. Complaining that it's beneath you only makes you look bad. Plus, coworkers doing similar jobs may resent and dislike you. And guess what? Bosses will not think, "Oh, this is a superior person whom I need to promote." Nope, they'll think, "What a jerk."

"This job is easy! Anyone could do it!" Maybe what you're trying to convey here is that you're so brilliant your work is easy. Unfortunately, it comes off sounding more like, "This work is stupid." Bosses don't like hearing that any work is stupid. Nor do they really like hearing that a job is easy peasy. It belittles the whole enterprise. If a task is simple, be glad and do it as quickly as you can. Even "stupid" work needs to get done.

"It can't be done." Saying something can't be done is like waving a red flag in a boss's eyes. Even if the thing being suggested truly is impossible, saying it is can make you look ineffectual or incapable. Better to play detective. Why is the boss asking you to do whatever it is? What's the problem that needs to be solved? What's the goal? Search for doable ways of solving that problem or reaching that goal. That's what bosses really want. Most of them do not expect the impossible.

Last words: When in doubt, remember that silence really is golden.

Karen Burns is the author of the illustrated career advice book The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use, recently released by Running Press. She blogs at www.karenburnsworkinggirl.com.

And if you want to know how to deal with your boss...

IF YOUR BOSS IS A PERSUADER

Laugh at their jokes, compliment them on their personal style (they’re such peacocks, usually) and don’t take it personally if they don’t seem to be paying attention. It’s never about you, it’s always about them. Give them the limelight as much as possible.

IF YOUR BOSS IS A UNIFIER

Treat your unifier boss personality type like a human being – ask after their kids, health and life in general. They like to be thought of as approachable, so approach them! Remember their birthday, make them a coffee and sympathise with the difficulties of leadership. Unifier bosses are really a cheap date if you know how to handle them.

IF YOUR BOSS IS A RULER

Get out of their way if they’re in a bad mood and don’t take it personally if they bark at you. Get the job done on time and to budget and they will love you for it – you might not get much praise, but you’ll certainly be hugely valued and appreciated.

IF YOUR BOSS IS AN EXAMINER

Be prepared for long staff appraisal sessions and meetings and appreciate the time they’ve taken to give you careful feedback. Back up any arguments you may have with facts and figures and you can win over these meticulous creatures.

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