Nalalapit tayo sa gutom

by Jake Macasaet

Ako ay isang magsasaka bago naging houseboy sa Maynila para makapag-aral. Kaya alam ko ang buhay ng isang magbubukid.
Noong panahon na iyon, hindi bumbili ang pamilya ko ng bigas. Kami ng tatay ko at ang kapatid na sumunod sa akin ay nakakapag-ani ng palay na sapat kainin hanggang sa susunod na ani.

Hindi kami gumagamit ng pataba at insecticide. Ang panlaban namin sa uod na kumakain ng lumalaking tanim na palay ay maraming klase ng ibon. Kasabay sa paghahasik ng palay ang maraming butil ng gulay tulad ng mungo at tapilan. May mais pa.
Dahan-dahang nagbago ang panahon. Una, nalason ang ating kapaligiran. Nawala ang mga ibon na kumakain ng uod na pumipinsala sa palay na lumalago.

Ikalawa, dahan-dahan din na lumiit ang mga sakahang lupa. Ang dating mga maliliit na bukirin ay bahay na ang nakatanim ngayon.

Hindi mahihinto ang pagliit ng sakahang lupa dahil masyadong mabilis dumami ang tao. Higit pa sa dalawang milyong bata ang ipinanganganak bawat taon. Magtatayo rin sila ng bahay na sana ay palay at iba pang halaman ang nakatanim.
Ang lupang hindi palay ang dating nakatanim ay mga bahayan na rin ngayon. Ang marami pang piraso ay hindi naman pinagkakakitaan.

Tulad sa barrio ko sa Lipa. Ang mga maliliit na piraso ng lupa ay halos kape lahat ang nakatanim. Dahil matandang variety na ito, at matanda na rin ang mga puno, maliit lang ang ani sa kape.
Lalo namang tinamad ang mga may tanim na kape dahil masyadong mura ang presyo. Hindi sila makalaban sa imported coffee.

Pero may solusyon din dapat ang gobyerno sa problemang ito. Ang pinakamabuti ay bagalan ang pagdami ng tao.

Samantala, dapat tumulong ang gobyerno sa pagtuturo sa mga maliliit na nagtatanim ng kape na palitan ito ng ibang halaman. Depende sa lugar, puwedeng ipalit ang durian.
O kaya ay mga gulay tulad ng ampalaya, pechay, papaya, munggo at marami pang iba.

Noong panahon ko, malimit kaming puntahan ng ama ko ng tinatawag na extension worker. Sila ang nagtuturo kung paano palalakihin ang ani sa bukid at paano makakaiwas sa sakit na nakakahawa.

Halimbawa, sinabi sa aming ng tatay ko -- bagaman alam na namin ito -- na ipunin ang dumi o manure ng kabayo o baka, kasama na rin ang pag-iipon ng ipot ng manok.
Mabisang pataba ito pag bulok na.

Wala na ngayon niyan. Ang dating mga health worker, extension worker, at city, provincial at municipal agriculturist ay namumulitika na rin. Bakit hindi e, mga mayor at gobernador ang nag-a-appoint sa kanila.

Hindi na tungkulin ang inaatupag. Malaking panahon ang winawaldas para sa pulitika ng mga gobernador at mayor.

Nangyari ito dahil nagkaroon tayo ng batas na nagbibigay ng kalayaan sa mga local government units sa maraming bagay tulad na nga ng paghahalaman at kalusugan. Dati ang amo nila ay secretary of health o secretary of agriculture. Ngayon, gobernador at mayor na.

Isipin nating mabuti. Sinabi na ni Agriculture Secretary Panganiban ng 500,000 ektarya na ang kinain ng housing, golf course at sementeryo.

Dumarami ang bibig na pinakakain. Lumiliit naman ang pinagkukunan ng pagkain.

Di matinding gutom ang aabutin ng mga apo at mga anak nila. Ang kawalan naman ng hanapbuhay ang isang dahilan kung bakit mabilis ang pagdami ng tao.

E, kung hindi nga naman pagod si lalaki dahil wala namang siyang trabaho, at ang asawa ay ganun din, at wala pang kuryente kaya hindi makapagpalipas oras sa TV, alam na ninyo ang gagawain ng mag-asawa.

Gabi-gabi sex. Taun-taon nanganganak si nanay. Paano ngayon pakakaininin, pag-aaralin at ipagagamot ay dumaraming batang iyan?


Knocked down pero di knockout

Sa laban ng boksing nina Manny Pacquiao at Erik Morales, dalawang beses na-knockdown ni Pacquiao si Morales. Dinesisyunan ng referee na ihinto ang laban, na ikinatalo ni Morales dahil technical knockout na siya. Pero iba ang laban sa ating buhay Kristiyano. Kahit ilang beses tayo ma-knockdown ng mga problema, di dapat tayo magpa-knockout.


Marami sa atin ang dumaranas ng mga problema. Marahil ay may malubhang sakit tayo, o problema tungkol sa pera, o nagdodroga ang anak.

Oo nga, knocked down tayo ng ating mga problema, pero dapat ba tayong magpa-knockout? Hindi! Ito ay dahil kakampi natin ang Diyos. Paano ba tayo babangon mula sa pagkakabuwal sa tindi ng ating mga pinagdaraanan?

Tingnan natin ang halimbawa sa buhay ni David. Sa 2 Samuel 11, na-knockdown si David mula nang masilayan niya si Batsheba, pero makikita nating hindi siya nagpa-knockout. Si David ay nagpaiwan sa Israel habang ang kanyang hukbo ay nakipaglaban sa mga Ammonita. Galing siya sa tulog nang pumanhik siya sa bubungan ng palasyo at natambad sa kanyang paningin ang isang magandang babaing naliligo. Ano ang pagkakasala ni David? Ginamit ng diyablo ang maraming panahong wala siyang ginagawa upang tuksuhin siya. At dahil hari siya ng Israel, hindi siya nasiyahang manilip lamang. Ginamit niya ang kapangyarihan niya upang ipakuha si Batsheba at sipingan niya. Hindi lang iyan. Iniutos pa niyang umurong ang hukbo at ipasubo si Urias, ang asawa ni Batsheba, sa mababangis na kaaway hanggang sa mapatay ito.

Alam ng diyablo ang ating kahinaan at kalakasan at kung saan tayo mahina, doon tayo titirahin. Tulad ng maraming lalaki, ang kahinaan ni David ay magandang babae. Hindi rin natin dapat gamitin ang ating posisyon o kapangyarihan upang makuha ang ating gusto, kahit pa ito ay kasalanan.

Anu-ano ang ginawa ni David para makabangon siya at hindi manatiling knocked down?


1. LUMAPIT SA DIYOS. Ang unang ginawa ni David ay ang lumapit sa Panginoon. Marami sa atin, kapag may problema, lumalayo tayo sa Panginoon. Akala natin galit Siya sa atin. Ito ay mali! Ang Diyos, mahal tayo. Ang ayaw Niya ay ang kasalanan natin. Lalo nating kailangan ang Diyos kapag tayo ay may problema. Ang panalangin ni David ay: "Ako'y kaawaan, O mahal kong Diyos, sang-ayon sa Iyong kagandahang-loob" (Awit 51:1). Sabi sa Hebreo 4:16, "Kaya't huwag na tayong mag-atubiling lumapit sa trono ng mahabaging Diyos at doo'y kakamtan natin ang habag at kalinga sa panahong kailangan natin ito."


2. AMININ ANG KASALANAN. Nagpakumbaba si David at sinabi, "Linisin mo sana ang aking karumihan at ipatawad mo yaring kasalanan" (Awit 51:2). Ito ang susi upang muli siyang makabangon nang ma-knockdown ng kasalanan. Sabi sa Santiago 4:6, "Ang Diyos ay laban sa mga palalo, ngunit tumutulong sa mga mapagpakumbaba."


3. TANGGAPIN ANG BUNGA NG KASALANAN. Ang Panginoon ay laging handang magpatawad ng ating mga kasalanan, pero hindi tayo maliligtas sa ibubunga ng kasalanan natin. Ano ang bunga ng kasalanan ni David? Sa 2 Samuel 12:13-14 ang sabi ay, "Sinabi ni David kay Natan, 'Tunay akong nagkasala kay Yahweh'. Sumagot si Natan, 'Kung gayo'y pinatatawad ka na Niya at hindi ka mamamatay. Gayunman, yamang nilapastangan mo si Yahweh, ang magiging anak mo ang mamamatay." Ang bunga ay iba sa kaparusahan; ito ay paraan ng Diyos upang tayo ay disiplinahin. Sabi sa Hebreo 12:5-6, "Anak, huwag kang magwalang-bahala kapag tinutuwid ka ng Panginoon...pinarurusahan ng Diyos ang mga iniibig Niya, at pinapalo ang itinuturing Niyang anak."


4. MATUTO SA MGA PAGKAKAMALI. Huwag tayong magalit sa Diyos kung nararanasan natin ang bunga ng ating kasalanan. Ang dapat ikabahala ay kung sa kabila ng kasalanan natin ay hindi tayo dinidisiplina ng ating Diyos Ama, baka iba ang ama natin. Naisulat ni David ang kabutihang dulot ng pagtanggap natin sa disiplina ng Diyos sa Awit 119:67,71, "Ang sariling dati-rati'y namumuhay nang baluktot, nang ako ay parusahan, salita Mo ang sinunod; Sa akin ay nakabuti ang parusang iyong dulot, pagkat naunawang mahalaga ang 'yong utos."


5. TANGGAPIN ANG KAPATAWARAN NG DIYOS. Kahit ano pang kasalanan ang ihingi mo ng tawad sa Panginoon ay mapapatawad Niya. Si Jesus na ang nagbayad ng kaparusahan ng ating kasalanan sa pag-alay ng Kanyang buhay sa krus ng kalbaryo. Ang anyaya Niya ay: "Lumapit kayo sa akin, kayong lahat na napapagal at nabibigatan sa inyong pasanin, at kayo'y pagpapahingahin ko" (Mateo 11:28). Tulad ni David, kapag knocked down, huwag magpa-knockout. Bumangon at magsimula muli kay Jesus.


Panalangin: Panginoon, Inaamin ko po ang aking mga pagkakasala.

Patawarin Niyo po ako. Nais ko pong matuto sa aking mga pagkakamali sa tulong ng Inyong disiplina. Tinatanggap ko po ang Inyong kapatawaran.

Amen.


Ituktok buhay sa ngayon
By Bella Angeles Abangan

The greatest gift ...is the realization

that life doesn’t consist either of wallowing

in the past or of peering anxiously of the future

and it is appalling to think of the great number

of often painful steps by which one arrives at a

truth so old. so obvious and so frequently expressed.

It is good for one to appreciate that LIFE is NOW.

Whatever it offers, little or much, LIFE is NOW,

this DAY, THIS HOUR!”


Ang nasa talata sa itaas ay sinulat ni Charles Flandua. Ang mensahe sa itaas ay ito:
Hindi natin dapat na ubusin ang ating panahon sa pagtatago ng sama ng loob at galit dahil sa isang masakit na karanasan.


Hindi na natin maibabalik ang nakaraan sang-ayon sa ating kagustuhan. Ganyan ang buhay, hindi maaaring mangyari ang ating kagustuhan. May mga pangyayari na hindi na natin matanggap. Ngunit kailangang harapin at tanggapin.


Narito ang dalawang nurse na nakaduty sa gabing iyon. Sina Lolit at Tessa ay nakatapos nang lahat ng kanilang nga dapat gawin sa kanilang mga pasyente.


Si Lolit ay malungkot pa rin tulad ng dati. Alam ni Tessa na hindi malimot nito ang ginawa ng kanyang best friend at boyfriend. Inagaw sa kanya ni Margie ang boyfriend niyang si Ambet.


“Araw gabi ay ganyan ka, Lolit ay limutin mo na ang mga ginawa ng dalawang taksil na iyon. Anong malay mo kung may inihahanda ang Diyos para sa iyon na higit na uliran kaysa sa kanya!”


“Oo, Tessa, hindi ko malimot na best friend ko pa at nobyo ko ang nagtaksil na iyon. Anong malay mo kung may inihahanda ang Diyos para sa iyo na higit na uliran kaysa sa kanya!”


“Ibig mong malaman kung bakit? Nagpaliwanag sa akin si Margie bago umalis. Nagkuwentuhan daw sila minsan noon ni Ambet. Ipinagtapat ni Ambet na mabibigo ka sa pangarap mong mgakaroon ng mga anak. Hindi siya maaaring magkaanak sapagkat nagkasakit siya ng German measle noon. At si Margie ay isang freak...?”


“Hindi siya nagkaroon minsan man ng menstruation mula nang isilang siya. Alam niya iyon pagkat isang nurse din siya. Parang pinatambal sila ng Diyos na kailanman ay hindi sila magkaanak. Ikaw ay kuwento nang kwento kay Ambet tungkol sa mga gagawin mo kapag nagkaanak na kayo. Sabi ng boyfriend mo ay mahirap na mabigo ka ng isang lalaking baog...”


“Ganoon ba iyon? Bakit tinaon nila na bumagsak ako sa nursing board at si Margie ay nakapasa noong pagtaksilan nila ako? Nagtake-two pa ako bago ako nakapasa...”
“Nagkataon lamang iyon. Hindi nila sinasadya na gawin nilang doble ang trahedya...”
“Kaya?”


Pagkaraan ng isang linggo ay naging pang-umaga na ang magkaibigan sina Lolit at Tessa.
Naroon sila sa nurse station ng may maghanap kay Lolit na isang maginoong binata.
May iniabot na malaking sobre ang binata kay Lolit.


“Para sa Daddy iyang handaan. Gumaling na si Daddy at ikaw ang aming special guest...”

Kasiyahan sa Buhay

Hindi maikakaila na ang karamihan sa atin dito sa Pilipinas ay mga dukha. Maliit lang na bilang ang masasabi nating namumuhay nang masagana o mayaman. Sa pagitan ng dalawang ito ay ang mga taong katamtaman ang estado -- hindi mayaman pero hindi rin mahirap. Ang kita nila ay tamang-tama lang sa pang-araw-araw nilang pangangailangan.

Maaring kumbinsido tayong mahirap ang kalagayan ng mga dukha at masarap ang pamumuhay ng mga mayaman. At madalas, ang isa sa mga pangarap at ambisyon natin ay ang yumaman dahil masaya at masarap ang antas ng pamumuhay na ito. Pero hindi rin kaila na maraming mayayaman ang hindi masaya. May mga tumatalon sa gusali o nagbabaril sa sarili dahil sa sobrang kalungkutan. Marami rin sa mga mayayamang pamilya ang watak-watak dahil sa paghihiwalay ng mga magulang.

Hindi masama ang yumaman at hindi rin masama ang magpakasaya sa buhay. Hangad ng Diyos na sumaya tayo at mamuhay nang masagana. Ngunit paano natin ito mararanasan sa gitna ng kahirapan at kagipitan? Nakasaad sa Mangangaral 2:24: "Ang mabuti pa sa tao’y kumain at uminom, at pagsasaan ang kanyang pinagpaguran. Alam kong ang lahat ng ito ay kaloob ng Diyos."

Marami ang nag-aakalang magiging masaya na sila kapag nakatikim na sila ng kasaganaan sa buhay. Sa mga estudyante, maaring sasabihin nila na magiging masaya lamang sila kapag tapos na sila sa pag-aaral. Para naman sa iba, ang maaprubahan ang visa papuntang U.S. ay katumbas ng pagtama sa jackpot.

Ang sinasabi sa aklat ng Mangangaral, "pagsasaan mo ang iyong pinagpaguran." Ang kaligayahan sa buhay ay nasa ginagawa natin sa araw-araw na gawain. Ang kaligayahan sa buhay ay hindi ‘yung resulta na nasa dulo ng trabaho natin. Ang kaligayahan ay wala sa dulo ng landas kundi nasa tabing-daan na araw-araw natin binabaybay sa kasalukyang pamumuhay.

Halimbawa: ang pagiging estudyante. Mahirap ang maging estudyante dahil marami ang mga kailangan sa paaralan. Masasabi ng isang estudyante na magiging masaya lamang siya kung makapagtapos. Ngunit kung tatanungin mo ang mga nakapagtapos, sasabihin nila na magiging masaya lamang sila kung makapagtatrabaho sila, at ang mga nagtatrabaho naman ay magiging masaya lamang kung tataas ang sahod, at ang matataas ang sahod ay magiging masaya lamang kung mapo-promote. Walang katapusan.

Balik tayo sa pagiging estudyante. Kumbinsido tayong lahat na masarap din ang maging estudyante. May mga alaala tayong hindi natin makalimutan noong nag-aaral pa tayo. Mayroon ding mga kasiyahan sa buhay na nakakatuwa, at ito ay eksklusibo para sa mga estudyante lamang. Ito ang mga pagkakataon na tinutukoy ng aklat ng Mangangaral. Kahit mahirap ang maging estudyante, kailangan pagsasaan mo ang masasarap at masasayang bahagi ng pagiging estudyante. Ang kasiyahan ay wala sa matataas na grado sa eskuwelahan. Ito ay nasa nakapagpapasiglang makabagong mga kaalaman na natututunan, at mga kaibigan na makakapiling mo lang sa mga taon na nag-aaral ka.

Pagmasdang mabuti ang kasalukuyan mong pang-araw-araw na gawain. Dapat maging masaya tayo sa trabaho, dahil may mas kapus-palad pa sa atin na ang tanging minimithi sa buhay ay ang makamtan ang mga bagay na mayroon na tayo ngayon.

Sana’y maipagdiwang natin ang kasiyahang hatid ng Panginoong Diyos.

TIPS FOR JOB HUNTERS

The Striking Interview
by Maissa Virtusio


Getting scared of job interviews? Don't be. A job interview is simply a screening process wherein the company learns more about you and vice-versa. During this 20 or 30 minutes, the employer makes significant decisions about your capabilities and personality (Neile, 1991).

Winning First Impressions

Caren Neile (1991) continues to say that when you can't do anything about your experiences and skills, what's more important are these eight factors that can make first impressions last:

alertness, articulateness, compatibility, enthusiasm, maturity, motivation, personality, preparation

Dressing for Success

Remember that male interviewers take in your whole look without focusing on details. Females, on the other hand, are more likely to notice the little telltale signs that would indicate your being a pro or not, like a loose hemline.

Fashion expert Pamela Redmond Satran (in Dressing Smart: The Thinking Woman's Guide to Style) mentions eight no-no's for interview clothes, namely:

Anything not spotlessly clean
Anything brand new that you don't yet know how you walk in, sit in, or "perspire" in
Anything sexy—sends the WRONG message
Pants for a woman
Anything too casual
Bow-ties- whether you're a male or female
Colors that make a statement. Black, for example, gives an impression of gloom, while pinks seem frivolous.
Noticeable shoes.

Commonly, try to dress as you would on the job.

Other Ways to Make an Impression

Enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm. Isn't' it logical to think that an enthusiastic, energetic applicant would make a good employee?
"Body language speaks volumes."

Walk in and shake hands warmly
Take the nearest seat to the interviewer
Avoid habits that manifest nervousness like scratching, biting or picking at your nails or fidgeting with hair or cloth
Be polite but don't be timid either. "Unless it's your true personality, there's no reason to speak softly or sit with your hands folded in your lap and your legs crossed at the ankles".
In sitting down, sit upright and back in the chair; don't slouch
"A warm smile is a powerful weapon in communicating and winning
attention" (Samuel Roll)
In speaking, establish eye contact with the interviewer; don't look down or mumble OR the interviewer might think that you are hiding something , you don't' know what you are talking about, you are insecure and nervous, or you don't know what you are talking about…Do not stare either.

Caren Neile's Top 35 Interview Questions

1.) .What do you know about our company?
2.) .Why did you decide to interview with our company?
3.) .Tell me about yourself.
4.) .What personal qualities do you possess which might distinguish you
from other applicants?
5.) .Why did you/ did you not attend college?
6.) .If you did, how did you choose that school or field of study?
7.) .What were some of the most important parts of your education?
8.) .What courses in school/college did you like best? Least? Why?
9.) .What type of work interests you?
10.) .What are your favorite working conditions?
11.) .What jobs have you held?
12.) .What factors are most important to your success?
13.) .What is most important to you: job security, satisfaction, work hours, salary, working conditions?
14.) .What have been some of your most important work responsibilities?
15.) .What have you liked best and least about your jobs?
16.) .Do you have a preference as to the part of the country/'province" you work in?
17.) .Where do you see yourself in five/10 years?
18.) .How do you schedule your time?
19.) .What are your hobbies?
20.) .What are your strengths and weakness?
21.) .What was your most difficult decision in the last six months, and why?
22.) .How do you deal with pressure?
23.) .Do you prefer working alone, one on one, or with a group?
24.) .What extracurricular activities did you participate in?
25.) .How have these activities prepared you for work and life?
26.) .What can you bring to this company?
27.) .How are your people skills?
28.) .Are you married (and other personal questions)?
29.) .Have your skills improved over the last few years?
30.) .What do you think are your employer's obligations to you?
31.) .Are you applying for any other jobs?
32.) .What type of salary did you have in mind?
33.) .Why did you leave your last job?
34.) .Have you ever been fired or laid off?
35.) .Silence

And a Few Answers

Above all, be upbeat, concise and to the point. Being prepared for the interview is good, but don't sound as if you have memorized your answers. If asked to crow about yourself, try to temper your bragging with a little old-fashioned humility.

Here again is Neil Caren and her pointers for some of the trickier questions:

#3 The situation does not call you to reminisce about your childhood memories. What is being looked at is your organization of thought, poise, perspective and skills. Hence, this is a question to plan beforehand.

#15 An employer can find out what type of worker you are by your answer. Be specific about the type of work and the atmosphere. Better have an idea about how your past job- likes and -dislikes fare with what you'll find at the job you're applying for.

#17 Goals are important, but you want them to reflect the realities of the company. This questioned is asked to find out if you've thought about your future.

#19 Hobbies do count. Interviewers want to be sure you're well-rounded. And don't ever lie because you'll never know when your golf or tennis skills will be tested during the company tournament. Do tell about your talents you'll need in the job.

# 20 Be careful about laying down strengths and weaknesses. Be specific about your strengths (as opposed to saying "I like people", why not say " I seem to have a knack for people skills. Last year I was assigned to be the company's resource coordinator because they say so many people
recommended me as a good person to talk to".

For weaknesses, don't joke, don't be flip but do answer. The tip is to turn a plus for the job you want into a so-called weakness. Like if you're looking for a public relations position, you can say " I don't like being alone. I like to be surrounded by people".

#28 Try to anticipate the question behind the question. An interviewer asking about your husband's job may want to know if he's going to be transferred soon. Those who ask if you have young children may be concerned about you working long hours or your being able to
concentrate. You can then answer the actual question and then the underlying one.

#31 A fair question, since you are not expected to apply for just one job at a time. Show you are a good, careful job-hunter.

#33 Be kind. Never badmouth a former employer even if you were fired. Most of all, be honest because these things can readily be checked.

#35 This is to see if you have poise and confidence. Don't babble. Don' t feel the need to fill in the silence. Just sit quietly and smile.

Finally, if you have not prepared for a question, be honest. You can say: "That's a good question. Could you give me a minute to think about that?" And then do think. I f nothing comes up, simply be as brief as possible. "You don't get extra points for answering all questions, but you do get points for trying!"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Reference:

Neile, Caren (1991). How to Get A new Job and earn What You're Really Worth.
Florida: Globe Communications Corp.


Cover Letters: Adding the Professional Touch
by Maissa Virtusio

A cover letter. What is it ? Sometimes, we call it an application letter. In your job search, a cover letter introduces your resume (Neile,1991). Is it needed? Well, in "Resumes for Hard Times" Bob Weinstein remarks that "you can get away without one" but enclosing a cover letter is adding the right professional touch. In today's competitive world, professionalism can indeed make a difference.

In this regard, I highly recommend Caren Neile's Tips for Winsome Cover Letters which are as follows:

Custom-fit your cover letter to the specific job or company with your background in mind.

Open with a convincing lead. Make the employer's day by writing opening lines that stand out - but don't overdo it.

Manifest your skill in research. If you are replying to an ad, why not use some of the words or phrases the company has mentioned?—like "industrious", "hardworking". Make sure you have researched about the company, its needs, the needed job responsibilities, and how your skills
and experience will make a good match to it.

Hit the mark by targeting the letter to the right person. Don't risk ignoring or insulting a female employer by writing "Dear Sir" or "Gentlemen". "Dear Sir or Madam" will do if you can't get any name. Remember, you should get the information right : the address, the spelling of the person's name, the company name, the job title you're applying for and that of the person you're writing to.

Be brief and concise. Let your resume speak more for you.

Proofread and ask somebody to check for typographical errors.

Your cover letter as well as your resume should have the same type paper and envelope. No flower-designed stationeries, please. Standard, matching paper presents a professional look.

By all means, type (don't hand-write) the letter and use correct business-letter form.

Type an original cover letter or application letter for each resume you send. It may take a good part of your time but it's worth it.

Don't be too personal, intimate, or sweet. Polite and professional is the secret.

Use blue or black ink in signing your name and leave out the loops and squiggles.

As you end your letter, leave one space after your typed name and type "Enc." at the left margin to notify that you have attached an enclosure, i.e., your resume together with the letter.

So, here's A Sample Cover Letter (Courtesy of How to Get a New Job and Earn what You're Really Worth)


Your Address
City, State, Zip
Telephone Number
Date

Name Of Employer or Personnel (HR) Manager
Title of Employer or Personnel (HR) Manager
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Name of Employer or HR Manager:

Paragraph One: Introduce the purpose for mailing your resume (like you want to apply for the position the company has advertised). State the source used—such as a classified ad, recruiter, friend, and of course, a web site like trabaho.com. If you want to drop someone's name, check
first if it's okay and research about the person's credibility and reputation in the company.

Paragraph Two: Describe yourself briefly with regards to your current job, education, willingness to relocate, etc.

Paragraph Three: Expound a little bit more about your contribution to your field, as far as experience, enthusiasm, education, or expertise.

Paragraph Four: Politely request a date for an interview. If there's a need for you to travel, recommend a time span during which you'll be able to do so. Reiterate your interest in the company.

Sincerely OR Very truly yours,
Your Signature
Your Typed Name

Well, what are you waiting for? Sulat na!

The Go-Getter Resume
by Maissa Virtusio


RESUME … also known as curriculum vitae or vita, or c.v. - Latin for "the course of one’s life" (as it applies to your performance as a worker).

So, why the fuss about writing a resume in job-hunting? Well, as Caren Neile puts it in her work "How to Get a New Job and Earn What You’re Really Worth", it is for the reason that a resume takes on your shoes when you should have been the one being asked inside the premises of a
company instead. And in sending the resume as your representative, you only want the best, right?

Remember that a good resume CASTS a good background about you.

Here are some helpful tips:

Be C- CONCISE

Be brief and concise. Unless you are the President of the Philippines, one or two pages will be fine. Economize on words. For example, " I worked as a full-time administrator and then later as part-time consultant" may be cut into : "F/T Administrator (1990-92); P/T Consultant (1993-1995) Use punctuation instead of "and" and "then" Keep sentences short and direct

Be A- APT

State only relevant or appropriate information. You don’t have to describe what a particular machine (you have operated) does, for example, if in the industry you are applying at, everyone knows what that machine is all about.

S- SYNTHESIZE

Synthesize or harmonize the parts of your resume by organizing them.
The parts of your resume may consist of the following information:
1.IDENTIFICATION DATA : Name, Address, Telephone Number.
2.CAREER OBJECTIVE: State the position or job level, function and industry you are interested in. But if you are sending only one resume for a wide variety of jobs, you may not include this part.
3.WORK EXPERIENCE: Job titles, names of employers and locations, inclusive dates, job functions, accomplishments.
4.EDUCATION: School, location, degree, major, date of graduation, honors and grade point average (if commendable), special project or course that speaks of a certain ability or knowledge. 5.EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES: Organizations, clubs, associations, activities and positions that say about pertinent skills or responsibilities.
6.SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES: Special skills like knowledge of sophisticated machines, or computers, foreign languages, etc. But only if you really have special skills to speak of.
7.PERSONAL INTERESTS: Community activities, hobbies, travel
8.REFERENCES: If you have space, you may include this, but it is not necessary. "References available on request" placed at the bottom of resumes, are expressions of courtesy.

Write the T- TEXT with these tips in mind:

Never use the pronoun "I" . Just say: "Prepared reports", "Supervised five staff", etc.
Never use high-falutting, exaggerated statements like "the greatest in the world"
Use the language of the field or trade lingo. You may look up trade journals for the right terms.
Use action verbs which imply that you are a "doer" , such as:

Achieved, administered, analyzed, assembled, budgeted, checked, conducted, coordinated, designed, directed, expedited, generated, handled, increased, installed, interpreted, interviewed, invented, led, modeled, operated, organized, performed, prepared, tested, trained, utilized

Use strong self-descriptive words that indicate what a good worker you’ll be, such as:

Adaptable, aggressive, alert, creative, dependable, diplomatic, enthusiastic, forceful, mature, organized, personable, positive, reliable, self-reliant, systematic

Of course, check your grammar. This can unmake your resume.

Write in S- Style

Resumes may be written in one or in combination of these three styles : chronological, functional, targeted (depending on what you want to emphasize).

Chronological

The easiest and the most popular, use this if you have a good working history that is directly related to the job you are applying for. Start with your most recent experience and work backwards.

Functional

Use this if you have had a variety of jobs not directly related to the job you are applying for. Stress the important functions, duties and responsibilities you had. Write a heading by type of functions performed and list under it any accomplishments related to it. Present the headings in order of their importance according to the job you are applying for, not based on the date you performed past jobs.

Targeted

You may use this if you are a fresh graduate or a first-time employee because here, you emphasize what you can do even if you haven’t proven yourself yet in a work setting. State four or five sentences that indicate what you are capable of and what you’ve done to demonstrate it. Write also a job objective to stress the skills you have to offer.

Combination of Styles

This is most useful if you are a professional with proven track records. You can begin with a career summary, followed by a description of skills, a chronological history, and the education at the bottom.

Final Reminders

Double check for typographical errors Use a good typewriter or a computer printer
Print the resume on short sized bond paper in black ink. Don’t overdo it in colored stationeries , or expensive typeset, etc. If your education is not something you are too proud of, "bury it at
the bottom" Honesty (in the information you wrote ) is still the best policy.

PHILIPPINE HR UPDATE (June 2, 1997)

Questions Applicants Ask During Interviews
by Maissa Virtusio

Now it’s the applicant’s turn to ask questions during interviews. Caren Neil proceeds to say that "It’s a very good policy to ask a few questions at a job interview, not only for the obvious reason that there are things you need to know in order to make your decision, but also because it sends the message that you’re a thorough, thoughtful individual".

What then are these questions that you may want to ask? The following are Caren Neil’s additions to your own list.

1.What are your company’s plans for future growth?
2.Tell me about the community in which I would be employed.
3.What qualities are most important to success on the job?
4.What are the opportunities for advancement? What’s the typical career track?
5.What might I expect to be doing in the next six months or so?
6.Describe the work environment.
7.Does your company encourage and support continuing education for its employees?

Some questions though are better off not asked:

What does your company do? -- Shows you haven’t come prepared.
Is this a union shop? --It’s something you should know, but it’s threatening to an employer.
How much job security do you offer? -- This makes you appear like you care more about what the company can do for you than what you can do for it. Will I have to work much overtime? -- A good question, but don’t sound like you don’t want to put in the extra effort—that’s a
decision to be made by you privately. You would have a better shot if it will be rephrased into something like: "What kind of job pressure can I expect?"
What happened to the person who had this job before me? -- So as not to put the person on the spot, try re-phrasing this. Maybe you can ask why this job is available. The reason might be that it’s a new position , which is beneficial for you to know.
What kind of office politics do you have? This is better asked as:
What qualities make for a successful employee?

Final Interview Tips

When preparing for the interview, you must equip yourself with one of the most important facts and that is, what you’re worth. In order to find out how much to ask, you can observe through the many interviews you’ve undergone and see what you’re offered; ask job placement professionals; scan the classifieds; call other personnel departments; read salary surveys at job agencies; and talk to people in your field. Robert Snelling has a good book on the subject, "Jobs!
What They Are…Where They Are…What They Pay!". Well, it’s good to stand out but it’s not tasteful to be too wacky like taking a picture of the astonished interviewer, or challenging the
interviewer to a game of poker. The best policy is still good old-fashioned etiquette. Be there a few minutes early so that you can have ample time to fill out the application. Be friendly. Moderation is the name of the game; don’t be too talkative but don’t be tight-lipped either. Be certain that you have the name of the interviewer straight, and use it once or twice.
Even if you have sent in a resume before, bring a few more. Samples of your work and copies of what you’ve written are likewise advantageous.

Fill out the application as carefully and completely as you can. "Make as many allies as you can". Show courtesy and respect to the secretary or receptionist who ushers you in. Sincerely and in a low key manner try to look for common ground with the interviewer. The "me-too" effect, psychologists say, is very beneficial in establishing a bond. Thank the interviewer when you are finished and always, follow up with a letter. A few interviews will be followed by a written skills or aptitude test. It may be advisable to do a little review ahead of time on your math, grammar or special job-related skills depending on the job. It’s always good to be armed with a sharpened pencil, eraser and pen even if probably you’ll be provided with one. It’s nice to break the ice, but withdraw from too much humor, lest you come off as too flippant. Be prepared for computer interviews. Many businesses are screening job applicants by computer! Just be honest with your answers. When you are with a human interviewer, don’t forget that they are only human. At times, you wont’ be able to just wow them either because they had an earlier fight with their spouse or they have a terrible headache.

Remember, too that the interviewer’s job is not that easy because finding the right candidate may likely make her or him nervous. Try then to put both of you at ease.

YOU DON'T BRING ME FLOWERS

Written by Neil Diamond, Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman

You don't bring me flowers
You don't sing me love songs
You hardly talk to me anymore
When you come through the door
At the end of the day

I remember when
You couldn't wait to love me
Used to hate to leave me
Now after lovin' me late at night
When it's good for you
And you're feeling alright
Well you just roll over
And you turn out the light
And you don't bring me flowers anymore

It used to be so natural
To talk about forever
But 'used to be's' don't count anymore
They just lay on the floor
'Til we sweep them away

And baby, I remember
All the things you taught me
I learned how to laugh
And I learned how to cry
Well I learned how to love
Even learned how to lie
You'd think I could learn
How to tell you goodbye
'Cause you don't bring me flowers anymore

1978 Stonebrige Music (ASCAP) & Threesome Music (ASCAP)

Nice song to sing....

PUFF the Magic Dragon

Music by Peter, Paul and Mary

PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal PUFF,
and brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.

OH PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,

Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on PUFF's gigantic tail,
Noble kings and princes would bow whenever they came,
Pirate ships would lower their flag when PUFF roared out his name

OH, PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,

A dragon lives forever but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant rings make way for other toys.
One grey night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And PUFF that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar.

PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,

His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain,
PUFF no longer went to play along the cherry lane.
Without his life-long friend, PUFF could not be brave,
So PUFF that mighty dragon sadly slipped into his cave.

Oh! PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee,
PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee

Good song........

Paano naman kaming mga productive middle-class Pinoys!

SALUDO AKO SA SUMULAT NITO,TAMA LAHAT NG SINABI!!!!

Ako ay isang middle class pinoy, isang officer sa isang malaking korporasyon at may asawa...dalawa anak. Di na importante pangalan ko kasi parepareho naman tayong mga middle-class....trabaho 9-5, inom konti tapos uwi sa pamilya, laruin si baby, itutor si ate/kuya tapos tulog na, pag wala na pera intay nalang ng sweldo.

Sa nangyayari ngayon sa ating bansa, lahat nalang ng sector ay maingay at naririnig, tayo lang mga middle-class, tax paying at productive Pinoys ang di naririnig. Subalit, buwis natin ang nagpapaikot sa bansang ito. Pag may mga gulo na nangyayari, tayo ang tinatamaan. Kaya eto ang liham ko sa lahat ng maiingay na sector na sana makagising sa inyong bulag na pag-iisip.

Sa Mga Politiko:

- diyos ko naman, sa dami na nang nakurakot ninyo di na ba kayo makuntento kelangan nyo pa ba manggulo.

Sa Administrasyon:

- hayan ayus na ha pinatawad na namin ang pandaraya nyo sa eleksyon, pruweba dito e di kami umaatend sa mga panawagan ng people power, kaya sana naman gantihan nyo kami ng magandang serbisyo at magaling na pamumuno at malaking bawas sa kurakot naman please para kahit papano maramdaman naman namin na may napupuntahan ang binabayad naming buwis.
- saka Madam GMA, step down ka na pag parliamentary na tayo sa 2007, tignan mo, i-announce mo mag-step down ka kapag parliamentary na tayo, resounding YES yan sa plebiscite at tigil pa ang mga coup at people power laban sayo.
Try mo lang.........

Sa Oposisyon:

- di nyo pa ba nakikita na dalawang klase lang ng tao ang nakikinig sa inyo....isa ay bayaran na mahihirap kungdi man ay tangang mga excited na reporter na parang naka-shabu lagi....mga praning e at naghahallucinate.

- Bago man lang kayo maglunsad ng kilos laban sa administrasyon, pumili muna kayo ng magiting at nararapat na ipapalit sa liderato ngayon. Hirap sa inyo paresign kayo ng paresign wala naman kayo ipapalit na maayos. Advise lang galing sa isang middle-class na syang tunay na puwersa sa likod ng lahat ng matagumpay na People Power, magpakita muna kayo ng galing bago nyo batuhin ang administrasyon. Wala na kaming narinig sa inyo kundi reklamo, e wala naman kayong ginagawa kundi magreklamo....para kayong batang lagi na lang naaagawan ng laruan.....GROW UP naman...sa isip sa salita at sa gawa.

- please lang gasgas na rin ang pagrarally nyo na katabi nyo ay mga bayaran na mahihirap, magtayo nalang kayo ng negosyo at iempleyo ang mga rallyista para maging productive silang mamamayan. Sige nga, pag nagrarally kayo yakapin nyo nga at halikan yang mga kasama nyong nagrarally!! Nung People Power namin nagyayakapan kami lahat nuon.

- Wala naman mangyayari sa mga rally nyo nakakatraffic lang, kami pang middle-class ang napeperwisyo. Di nyo kayang paghintayin ng 3 araw ang mga rallyista nyo kasi kelangan nyo pakainin at swelduhan ang mga yan. Kung gusto nyo tagumpay na People Power kami ang isama nyo....pero pagod na kami e, sori ha.

Sa Military:

Alam nyo lahat tayo may problema, pati US Army may problema, 2,000 plus na patay sa kanila sa Iraq na parang walang rason naman, pero nakita nyo ba sila nagreklamo? Wala diba kasi professional sila na sundalo.....yan dapat ang sundalo di nagtatanong sumusunod lang. Kasi may mga bagay na di kayang maintindihan ng indibidwal lamang, at ang mga nakatataas lang ang
nakakaintindi ng kabuuan, kaya ito ang panuntunan ng lahat ng military ng lahat ng bansa. Pero parang military natin yata ang pinaka-mareklamo. Sabi nga sa Spiderman "with great power comes great responsibility".....kaya maging spiderman kayo lahat at protektahan ang mamamayan. Sa totoo lang natatakot kami kapag nagrereklamo kayo, kasi may baril kayo at tangke, kami wala.

Wala ako comment sa mga mahihirap, di naman kasi sila maingay na kusa e, may bayad ang ingay nila. Saka wala rin naman sila email.

Kaya paano na tayong mga middle-class?? Eto hanggang email nalang tayo kaya ikalat nyo na ito at magdasal tayo na umabot ito sa mga dapat makabasa nito at makiliti naman ang kanilang mga konsyensya.

Signed,

Isang Middle-Class pinoy na walang puknat na binabawasan ang sweldo ng
Buwis!

"You Raise Me Up"

JOSH GROBAN LYRICS

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

Try to sing good song...