I'm all for keeping a nest egg you can tap in times of financial drought. But in tough times, saving can be rather painful. Fortunately, it's not entirely impossible. You can, with a little effort, a lot of willingness and a smattering of creativity, increase your income, build your savings and sleep tight at night knowing you'll be waking up the next day with money in your pocket and in the bank. Here are some tips you might consider using:
Hoard your income.
There are some people who earn money nearly effortlessly but for most of us, income = sweat and tears. That's why it's incomprehensible why some Pinoys spend their hard-earned dough like there's no tomorrow.
If you want to increase your income (or at least your take home pay), be protective about your money. Sure, go ahead and spend for stuff you need -- food, gas, utilities, rent -- but be wary about purchases that you can actually do without. Be selective though. A new pair of shoes, for example, may be an impractical purchase if you have several dozens already in your closet. But if you only have two or three pairs and all of them are outdated, a new purchase may not be too bad.
Don't spend more than you can afford. Look at it this way: if you spend on unnecessary items, you're only making other people rich. If you want to increase your income and build your savings, be super careful about how and why money leaves your pocket.
Set aside a set amount of your income.
Ever heard of the phrase 'pay yourself first'? This is what it means. From your income, decide on a set amount of money you can save and then live off of the amount left. Let's say your take home pay is P10,000 a month (I'm merely using that amount because it's easier to compute :-)) and you decide to set aside 20% of that. You will only be left with P8,000 to spend on a monthly basis.
Now P2,000 may or may not cramp your style but 2,000 bucks translates to P12,000 after six months and P24,000 after another six months. Plus, you could be earning an interest by then. Get a chunk out of your salary, bonus, commission, even income you earn from your part-time job.
Try this trick for at least 3 or 6 months and you'll see how effective it is.
Found money? Put it into your piggy bank.
From here on, make a resolution to keep all loose change you find in a piggy bank or alkansya. Most people scoff at saving coins these days but you'll be surprised at how easily they can pile up over time.
You could also actively collect coins from all your expenses. Let's say you have a P3,000 budget on groceries and spent only P2,650. Drop the P350 in your home-based savings account and don't put it back into your wallet where you can easily whip it out and spend it.
Make it a Swiss account.
The 'Swiss' account is not exactly one, unless you have millions to stash away where the government can't touch it. The Swiss account is a term used to refer to a secret account some husbands or wives keep that their significant other doesn't know about.
If your spouse is a spend-happy person, you might want to open one. If you're single and has a tendency to spend too much, you will need to open one. If you have a partner who can manage your finances, you still might want to open one. This Swiss account should be a savings account that is difficult to touch, such as one that is accessible only through passbook-transactions (no ATMs). That, or you could keep a good chunk of cash in a time deposit.
By setting aside money that's not easy to get your hands on, you'll be least likely to withdraw it and spend it. Look for banks with a low initial deposit and then regularly, faithfully deposit a set amount to it. If there's a bank that accepts just P2,000 for opening an account and you could save P500 a month for a year, that's P8,000 already. Not bad just for setting aside a small amount.
Get a part-time job or use your hidden skills and talents.
These days, earning an income from just one source is no longer practical. Try your hand on a home-based business or even an online job. If you have a hobby that you can make money from, why not spend weekends creating things you can sell? Some of the most popular home-based businesses I have encountered includes baking, catering, wedding invites and souvenirs, graphic arts, copywriting, candymaking, Web design, scrapbooking, photography, jewelry, even selling cars and real estate.
Start small. Most of the time you probably won't need a big startup capital. Be careful, though. Not every job opening posted online comes from a trusted source.
Try to earn passive income.
Passive income comes from one-time deals or jobs. Some of the most popular sources of passive income include commissions, royalties, rent and interests. Commissions can be earned through network selling while royalties are earnings from work you've previously done, such as books, music, computer programs, etc. Mutual funds and insurances can be good sources of passive income but only after the account has reached maturity and you can begin reaping the fruits from your premium payments.
Read more on this article...
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tips for Pinoys Who Have Lost Their Jobs (Or About to)
Are you one of the increasing number of Pinoys losing their jobs? Being shown the door is very rarely a happy event, especially in tough times such as these when jobs are hard to come by and whatever job openings are available are just way below or above your current skills. If you have already lost your job or are just thinking you might be the unlucky recipient of a termination notice, here are some tips on what to do:
Network. Now.
Sometimes, the best next step is just right under your nose. Start looking for a possible next employer. Tap the sources you know, particularly officemates (those you can trust not to yap about your latest jobhunting efforts), industry contacts, friendly suppliers and customers.
Do this even if you truly like your job and want to stay. If things don't go your way, at least you have a real job waiting for you.
Get all necessary documents from your employer.
If you lose your job, make sure your employer gives you all your employee documents. Ask for a Certificate of Employment and other support documents including your letter of termination, clearance, quit claim form, etc.
Make sure you also have a copy of all documents that pertain to your finances -- salary (including last pay), certificate of payment of loans (whether you've paid them in full or still have a balance) and copies of other information regarding SSS contributions/loan payments and BIR deductions.
Start living a stingy life.
When you lose your job, you need to protect all the money you have. Do not make the mistake of not having enough at the time your employer shows you the door. If you fear you might lose your job at any time, cut your expenses immediately. Skip the Starbucks coffee, the fancy lunch and the after-office drinks. A thousand bucks saved is a thousand bucks you can grab when you truly need it.
Update your professional and transferable skills.
The point here is to make yourself relevant to whoever your next employer might be. If or when you lose your job, you'll be much more employable compared to other jobhunters at your level. If you haven't lost your job right now, check to see what resources or tasks you can sign up for that will improve your skills, both professional (finance, human resources, management, manufacturing) and transferable ones (customer service, communication skills, negotiating, leadership, etc.).
Enroll in government-sponsored trainings.
Government agencies such as TESDA have programs for people who may be out-of-school, in between jobs or just want to expand their skills. If you lose your job, the last thing you might want to do is to pay for expensive re-training courses and TESDA might just be the perfect tool for that.
The agency offers these trainings for free. Sure, you will have to pay for other expenses such as transportation fees and lunch and probably some materials but the cost is nearly negligle compared to what you could have spent if you enrolled in classes offered by private training schools.
If you want to know what TESDA offers at an area near you, here's a link: TESDA
Get a temp job.
Sure it's just temporary or part-time but so what? It's still a job. And when times are this hard, you're lucky to actually have one. Usually, the pay is way down your salary scale. If you've been earning P700 a day, don't be shocked if a temp job offers you a measly P270.
But look at it this way: P270 a day is still P270 more that you'll have in your wallet. At the end of the week, this translates P1,350; at the end of four weeks, that's P5,400.
Since it's a part-time job, you'll probably only work for a few hours -- two, maybe four or five. You can still use the rest of the day to look for work or get more training.
Get an online job.
There are plenty of online jobs you can apply for in case you need a transition job or a job that will help earn you something while you transition to the next phase of your career. Most online jobs require some sort of training or skill (Web development, Web design, Java and PHP, medical transcription) but there are others you can do almost immediately (content writing, SEO, paid-to jobs such as blogging, posting in forums and surveys, online selling and auctions).
Losing your job
Many Pinoys view their job as an important part of themselves, so much so that their identity is tied to it. You know how it is... 'Tanungin mo si Engineer...' or 'Ayan na si Manager...' This is why it can be a real blow to lose a job because for many of us, it's what defines us as people or professionals.
But a job is often temporary. It's just something you do to earn a living, not who you are. Do not think you will lose yourself as a person if you are stripped of a title or get demoted to a lower rank as a result of getting fired. Of course, the loss of an income source can be very difficult but with a little work and creativity, it can be remedied.
Instead, view it as a chance to examine your goals closely. Is this what you really want to do? Is this what you want to be doing for the rest of your productive years? Ten, twenty years from now, what would be your biggest regrets about this job?
Very often, a job loss is not a loss, it's an opportunity to find something that will be so much better and more rewarding. Now that you don't have a job to distract you, ask yourself if it's truly a loss. For all you know, this could just be the chance for you to finally do what you truly love and get paid for it.
Read more on this article...
Network. Now.
Sometimes, the best next step is just right under your nose. Start looking for a possible next employer. Tap the sources you know, particularly officemates (those you can trust not to yap about your latest jobhunting efforts), industry contacts, friendly suppliers and customers.
Do this even if you truly like your job and want to stay. If things don't go your way, at least you have a real job waiting for you.
Get all necessary documents from your employer.
If you lose your job, make sure your employer gives you all your employee documents. Ask for a Certificate of Employment and other support documents including your letter of termination, clearance, quit claim form, etc.
Make sure you also have a copy of all documents that pertain to your finances -- salary (including last pay), certificate of payment of loans (whether you've paid them in full or still have a balance) and copies of other information regarding SSS contributions/loan payments and BIR deductions.
Start living a stingy life.
When you lose your job, you need to protect all the money you have. Do not make the mistake of not having enough at the time your employer shows you the door. If you fear you might lose your job at any time, cut your expenses immediately. Skip the Starbucks coffee, the fancy lunch and the after-office drinks. A thousand bucks saved is a thousand bucks you can grab when you truly need it.
Update your professional and transferable skills.
The point here is to make yourself relevant to whoever your next employer might be. If or when you lose your job, you'll be much more employable compared to other jobhunters at your level. If you haven't lost your job right now, check to see what resources or tasks you can sign up for that will improve your skills, both professional (finance, human resources, management, manufacturing) and transferable ones (customer service, communication skills, negotiating, leadership, etc.).
Enroll in government-sponsored trainings.
Government agencies such as TESDA have programs for people who may be out-of-school, in between jobs or just want to expand their skills. If you lose your job, the last thing you might want to do is to pay for expensive re-training courses and TESDA might just be the perfect tool for that.
The agency offers these trainings for free. Sure, you will have to pay for other expenses such as transportation fees and lunch and probably some materials but the cost is nearly negligle compared to what you could have spent if you enrolled in classes offered by private training schools.
If you want to know what TESDA offers at an area near you, here's a link: TESDA
Get a temp job.
Sure it's just temporary or part-time but so what? It's still a job. And when times are this hard, you're lucky to actually have one. Usually, the pay is way down your salary scale. If you've been earning P700 a day, don't be shocked if a temp job offers you a measly P270.
But look at it this way: P270 a day is still P270 more that you'll have in your wallet. At the end of the week, this translates P1,350; at the end of four weeks, that's P5,400.
Since it's a part-time job, you'll probably only work for a few hours -- two, maybe four or five. You can still use the rest of the day to look for work or get more training.
Get an online job.
There are plenty of online jobs you can apply for in case you need a transition job or a job that will help earn you something while you transition to the next phase of your career. Most online jobs require some sort of training or skill (Web development, Web design, Java and PHP, medical transcription) but there are others you can do almost immediately (content writing, SEO, paid-to jobs such as blogging, posting in forums and surveys, online selling and auctions).
Losing your job
Many Pinoys view their job as an important part of themselves, so much so that their identity is tied to it. You know how it is... 'Tanungin mo si Engineer...' or 'Ayan na si Manager...' This is why it can be a real blow to lose a job because for many of us, it's what defines us as people or professionals.
But a job is often temporary. It's just something you do to earn a living, not who you are. Do not think you will lose yourself as a person if you are stripped of a title or get demoted to a lower rank as a result of getting fired. Of course, the loss of an income source can be very difficult but with a little work and creativity, it can be remedied.
Instead, view it as a chance to examine your goals closely. Is this what you really want to do? Is this what you want to be doing for the rest of your productive years? Ten, twenty years from now, what would be your biggest regrets about this job?
Very often, a job loss is not a loss, it's an opportunity to find something that will be so much better and more rewarding. Now that you don't have a job to distract you, ask yourself if it's truly a loss. For all you know, this could just be the chance for you to finally do what you truly love and get paid for it.
Read more on this article...
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Should Marvin Fernandez Forgive Boyet Fajardo?
Of all the things that people can give away for free, forgiveness is the most difficult of all. It's just not something that anyone could easily bestow because it goes against human nature. After all, to forgive is to exonerate, to pardon, to absolve. Once you forgive someone, you release their responsibility to you. Now, Boyet Fajardo is asking Marvin Fernandez to forgive him. Should Marvin do it?
If you don't know what the fuss is all about yet, Boyet Fajardo is a Filipino fashion designer. He designs and sells clothes for a living. His designs are sold at Robinsons, Landmark and SM. The labels are 'Initials', 'Substance' and of course, 'Boyet Fajardo'.
He has some considerable but relative fame, having been recognized as a talented designer for a good 20 years. I say 'relative' because outside of the bigger (waaaaayyyyy bigger) circle that truly big shot fashion designers move in, Fajardo is quite simply, a nobody. Or at least, a minor designer. Don't believe me? Try comparing him to people like Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren and our very own Pitoy Moreno and Inno Sotto. Both men, by the way, have been immortalized by at least two hit Pinoy rock songs. Someone has yet to find Fajardo inspiring.
Marvin Fernandez, on the other hand, works as a cashier at Duty Free Philippines in Paranaque. He was a virtual unknown until the notorious incident. On Friday the 13th of March this year, though, his relative anonymity has changed.
Marvin was manning the cash register when Boyet Fajardo dropped by from the airport. The fashion designer used his credit card to pay for his purchases but since his card was unsigned (an unwise decision, by the way), Marvin asked him for an identification. Boyet allegedly produced an ID card which was again, unsigned.
Marvin, going by his training and the SOP he and his fellow employees are mandated to strictly follow, asked for another ID. This set off a bomb in Fajardo, who proceeded to berate and insult not just Marvin (whom he referred to as a fag) but also one of the lady officers (whom he called fat).
He even threatened to call some politician who, strangely enough, could strip the Duty Free employees of their jobs. Hmmm... interesting. I always thought Filipino politicians were a strange breed, able to dance, sing, sell laundry soaps, skin whitening products and vitamin supplements then shake the dirty, muddy hands of farmers and garbage collectors with a straight face. But for them to actually step in and get someone fired on an offended fashion designer's say so... (insert pregnant pause here)
What followed next was an unbelievable display of sheer arrogance and stupidity on the side of Mr. Fajardo. When the lady officer asked what they could do to rectify the situation, he demanded that Marvin go down on his knees and allow himself to be slapped in the face. What the...!?
Marvin did go down on his knees, which probably calmed down Mr. Fajardo a tiny notch because he did not attempt to slap the young man.
This incident, by the way, occurred on March 13, 2009, Friday the 13th. The video footage was played on national TV on March 23. It was reported on the same date that Mr. Fajardo would be giving his statement the next day.
Sure enough... there it was. A short interview of the designer, pudgy and pasty-faced, telling his side of the story.
I watched Fajardo's televised interview on Tuesday, March 24, aired on ABS-CBN and GMA. According to him, he was tired from the long plane ride and therefore cranky. Anyone who's been on a long plane trip, he says, would've felt like he did -- cranky. I guess... but not everyone would be as stupid as he was to flash an unsigned credit card and throw a hissy fit just because someone asks for ID -- a signed ID.
Then he proceeded to say that he is asking for 'paumanhin' for what happened. And therein lies my bugbear. When you ask for 'paumanhin', it's equivalent to saying 'I'm sorry'. Fair enough... but here's what's really bugging me:
Isn't paumanhin a milder form of patawad? It's the kind of thing you ask for when you've done something that's easily forgivable. Paumanhin is what you ask for when:
- you're late for a meeting
- you can't make it to a wedding
- you spilled wine on someone's shirt
- you have to leave a nice party early
Patawad, on the other hand, is something you ask for when:
- you hurt someone deeply
- you caused someone to experience harm
- you humiliate someone
- you kill someone
Patawad is what you ask for when you need someone's forgiveness.
What Boyet Fajardo should have asked for was not Marvin Fernandez' paumanhin but his patawad. Fajardo's apology was just too little, too late (aired and apparently, only verbalized 11 days after the fact. After the hissy fit he threw was captured on film and shown on TV and a backlash is now theatening to bite him on his a**.
And here's another thing that's bothering me. Fajardo is publicly airing an apology to someone whose name he doesn't even know. On the ABS-CBN interview, Fajardo says, 'Marvin Hernandez'. On the GMA interview, he says, 'Marvin Gonzales'. Again, what the...?! Is this deliberate? C'mon! You've already shamed the poor young man already, you could at least have the basic decency to remember his name and say it right. Or is this your stinking pride talking out of your lipgloss-slathered mouth?
Second, when you apologize, at least be remorseful about it. Fajardo's statement on TV doesn't show a person who is sorry because he did something wrong. It shows a person who's sorry because he got caught doing it. It's good PR to do the obligatory mea culpa on Tv because it helps provide some form of cover for your dirty deed.
So should Marvin Fernandez forgive the man who humiliated him? Would you forgive someone who treated you like crap without even knowing who you are as a person? Would you forgive someone who humiliated you in public just because you were doing your job? Would you forgive someone who was so full of his own crap that he couldn't see beyond his own limitations? Would you forgive someone who turned you into little more than a slave just because you didn't recognize his relative importance? Would you forgive someone who didn't even bother to get your name right?
Well, Marvin... it really is all up to you. Just remember this: Boyet Fajardo did not apologize to Marvin Fernandez -- he apologized to Marvin Hernandez and Marvin Gonzales. Should anyone at all insist that you find it in your heart to forgive Boyet Fajardo, remember that he did not apologize to you. He apologized to another guy. Read more on this article...
If you don't know what the fuss is all about yet, Boyet Fajardo is a Filipino fashion designer. He designs and sells clothes for a living. His designs are sold at Robinsons, Landmark and SM. The labels are 'Initials', 'Substance' and of course, 'Boyet Fajardo'.
He has some considerable but relative fame, having been recognized as a talented designer for a good 20 years. I say 'relative' because outside of the bigger (waaaaayyyyy bigger) circle that truly big shot fashion designers move in, Fajardo is quite simply, a nobody. Or at least, a minor designer. Don't believe me? Try comparing him to people like Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren and our very own Pitoy Moreno and Inno Sotto. Both men, by the way, have been immortalized by at least two hit Pinoy rock songs. Someone has yet to find Fajardo inspiring.
Marvin Fernandez, on the other hand, works as a cashier at Duty Free Philippines in Paranaque. He was a virtual unknown until the notorious incident. On Friday the 13th of March this year, though, his relative anonymity has changed.
Marvin was manning the cash register when Boyet Fajardo dropped by from the airport. The fashion designer used his credit card to pay for his purchases but since his card was unsigned (an unwise decision, by the way), Marvin asked him for an identification. Boyet allegedly produced an ID card which was again, unsigned.
Marvin, going by his training and the SOP he and his fellow employees are mandated to strictly follow, asked for another ID. This set off a bomb in Fajardo, who proceeded to berate and insult not just Marvin (whom he referred to as a fag) but also one of the lady officers (whom he called fat).
He even threatened to call some politician who, strangely enough, could strip the Duty Free employees of their jobs. Hmmm... interesting. I always thought Filipino politicians were a strange breed, able to dance, sing, sell laundry soaps, skin whitening products and vitamin supplements then shake the dirty, muddy hands of farmers and garbage collectors with a straight face. But for them to actually step in and get someone fired on an offended fashion designer's say so... (insert pregnant pause here)
What followed next was an unbelievable display of sheer arrogance and stupidity on the side of Mr. Fajardo. When the lady officer asked what they could do to rectify the situation, he demanded that Marvin go down on his knees and allow himself to be slapped in the face. What the...!?
Marvin did go down on his knees, which probably calmed down Mr. Fajardo a tiny notch because he did not attempt to slap the young man.
This incident, by the way, occurred on March 13, 2009, Friday the 13th. The video footage was played on national TV on March 23. It was reported on the same date that Mr. Fajardo would be giving his statement the next day.
Sure enough... there it was. A short interview of the designer, pudgy and pasty-faced, telling his side of the story.
I watched Fajardo's televised interview on Tuesday, March 24, aired on ABS-CBN and GMA. According to him, he was tired from the long plane ride and therefore cranky. Anyone who's been on a long plane trip, he says, would've felt like he did -- cranky. I guess... but not everyone would be as stupid as he was to flash an unsigned credit card and throw a hissy fit just because someone asks for ID -- a signed ID.
Then he proceeded to say that he is asking for 'paumanhin' for what happened. And therein lies my bugbear. When you ask for 'paumanhin', it's equivalent to saying 'I'm sorry'. Fair enough... but here's what's really bugging me:
Isn't paumanhin a milder form of patawad? It's the kind of thing you ask for when you've done something that's easily forgivable. Paumanhin is what you ask for when:
- you're late for a meeting
- you can't make it to a wedding
- you spilled wine on someone's shirt
- you have to leave a nice party early
Patawad, on the other hand, is something you ask for when:
- you hurt someone deeply
- you caused someone to experience harm
- you humiliate someone
- you kill someone
Patawad is what you ask for when you need someone's forgiveness.
What Boyet Fajardo should have asked for was not Marvin Fernandez' paumanhin but his patawad. Fajardo's apology was just too little, too late (aired and apparently, only verbalized 11 days after the fact. After the hissy fit he threw was captured on film and shown on TV and a backlash is now theatening to bite him on his a**.
And here's another thing that's bothering me. Fajardo is publicly airing an apology to someone whose name he doesn't even know. On the ABS-CBN interview, Fajardo says, 'Marvin Hernandez'. On the GMA interview, he says, 'Marvin Gonzales'. Again, what the...?! Is this deliberate? C'mon! You've already shamed the poor young man already, you could at least have the basic decency to remember his name and say it right. Or is this your stinking pride talking out of your lipgloss-slathered mouth?
Second, when you apologize, at least be remorseful about it. Fajardo's statement on TV doesn't show a person who is sorry because he did something wrong. It shows a person who's sorry because he got caught doing it. It's good PR to do the obligatory mea culpa on Tv because it helps provide some form of cover for your dirty deed.
So should Marvin Fernandez forgive the man who humiliated him? Would you forgive someone who treated you like crap without even knowing who you are as a person? Would you forgive someone who humiliated you in public just because you were doing your job? Would you forgive someone who was so full of his own crap that he couldn't see beyond his own limitations? Would you forgive someone who turned you into little more than a slave just because you didn't recognize his relative importance? Would you forgive someone who didn't even bother to get your name right?
Well, Marvin... it really is all up to you. Just remember this: Boyet Fajardo did not apologize to Marvin Fernandez -- he apologized to Marvin Hernandez and Marvin Gonzales. Should anyone at all insist that you find it in your heart to forgive Boyet Fajardo, remember that he did not apologize to you. He apologized to another guy. Read more on this article...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Must-Have Stuff to Keep in Your Desk Drawer
Other than your trusty pen, computer and cell phone, there are certain things that every Pinoy workhorse should never do without. Stock up on these things and make sure you keep them in those secret corners of your desk drawers. You never know when they'll come in handy:
Isopropyl alcohol or anti-bacterial gel
There are icky creatures that lurk in the workplace waiting to pounce on you and I don't mean those rude officemates of yours. No matter how often you wipe them, desks, cabinets and computer keyboards can get dirty. Keep a small bottle of alcohol or antibacterial gel around for times when you absolutely must kill, kill, kill the bad stuff that stick to your hands.
A good alternative: antiseptic wipes. They're handy, easy to use and dispose, although you'll be producing more waste. Best stick with the liquid type. They simply evaporate or get absorbed.
An extra roll of tissue
Some workplaces provide rolls of tissue for employees' use but bring a roll just in case. Tissues are excellent for wiping away dust, cookie crumbs, spilled coffee or blotting makeup. Great for writing notes as well, in case you run out of Post-Its.
A small mirror
If you only have 5 seconds to check yourself in a mirror, why bother fumbling for one in your bag? Keep a small, compact mirror in your middle desk drawer.
A pair of slippers or flip-flops
High heels killing you? If you'll be stuck at your desk all day, relieve yourself of those badly-fitting shoes and give your feet a break by slipping on a pair of flip-flops under the table.
Some unsolicited advice: don't walk around the office in your slippers. The workplace is not your house, so don't act like it is.
A coat
Some offices have airconditioning that seems to be powered by a gleeful ice demon. Temperatures in these places can get so low that people actually look pale, even bluish. If your office is killing you slowly this way, try to delay the process by bringing a nice coat. When temperatures start to go south, you can always throw your coat over your shoulder to ward away the cold.
Pain relief ointment
Bengay, like the more locally known Salonpas ointment, is great as a pain reliever. It's not a pain killer but on days when your hands, arms, knees, ankles, joints and muscles feel especially tired and knobby, there's a lot of relief that a pea-sized amount of this ointment can bring. It's like instant massage, except you don't spend more time rubbing away.
I recommend Bengay or Salonpas ointment, by the way, because these are two brands that I know of that don't have a distinct smell. Old standbys like Omega Painkiller, efficascent oils or even the newer herbal rubs tend to permeate the air. They make it known that there's someone at the office who feels like a grandpa or grandma way before their time.
Safety pins
Safety pins are incredibly flexible and useful. If there's anything at all that needs to be attached, joined, pinned, pricked, released or just simply pinned, there's a safety pin of every size to do the job.
Medications
Two or three tablets of your basic pain/fever/gastrointestal upset medication can come in handy. You'll thank yourself you have your own stash when things get too toxic at the office or if you ate too much at lunch time. You'll never know when you'll need them.
Your own personal bottle of correction fluid
You could borrow from a co-worker but why bother letting someone else know you made a mistake?
A sachet of single-serve coffee
Should the pantry run out (and it does!), you never have to go through a bad caffeine withdrawal.
A pack of cookies or crackers
Great to grab if you're hungry and can't get away from your desk.
A foldable umbrella
Rain or shine, you're protected.
Read more on this article...
Isopropyl alcohol or anti-bacterial gel
There are icky creatures that lurk in the workplace waiting to pounce on you and I don't mean those rude officemates of yours. No matter how often you wipe them, desks, cabinets and computer keyboards can get dirty. Keep a small bottle of alcohol or antibacterial gel around for times when you absolutely must kill, kill, kill the bad stuff that stick to your hands.
A good alternative: antiseptic wipes. They're handy, easy to use and dispose, although you'll be producing more waste. Best stick with the liquid type. They simply evaporate or get absorbed.
An extra roll of tissue
Some workplaces provide rolls of tissue for employees' use but bring a roll just in case. Tissues are excellent for wiping away dust, cookie crumbs, spilled coffee or blotting makeup. Great for writing notes as well, in case you run out of Post-Its.
A small mirror
If you only have 5 seconds to check yourself in a mirror, why bother fumbling for one in your bag? Keep a small, compact mirror in your middle desk drawer.
A pair of slippers or flip-flops
High heels killing you? If you'll be stuck at your desk all day, relieve yourself of those badly-fitting shoes and give your feet a break by slipping on a pair of flip-flops under the table.
Some unsolicited advice: don't walk around the office in your slippers. The workplace is not your house, so don't act like it is.
A coat
Some offices have airconditioning that seems to be powered by a gleeful ice demon. Temperatures in these places can get so low that people actually look pale, even bluish. If your office is killing you slowly this way, try to delay the process by bringing a nice coat. When temperatures start to go south, you can always throw your coat over your shoulder to ward away the cold.
Pain relief ointment
Bengay, like the more locally known Salonpas ointment, is great as a pain reliever. It's not a pain killer but on days when your hands, arms, knees, ankles, joints and muscles feel especially tired and knobby, there's a lot of relief that a pea-sized amount of this ointment can bring. It's like instant massage, except you don't spend more time rubbing away.
I recommend Bengay or Salonpas ointment, by the way, because these are two brands that I know of that don't have a distinct smell. Old standbys like Omega Painkiller, efficascent oils or even the newer herbal rubs tend to permeate the air. They make it known that there's someone at the office who feels like a grandpa or grandma way before their time.
Safety pins
Safety pins are incredibly flexible and useful. If there's anything at all that needs to be attached, joined, pinned, pricked, released or just simply pinned, there's a safety pin of every size to do the job.
Medications
Two or three tablets of your basic pain/fever/gastrointestal upset medication can come in handy. You'll thank yourself you have your own stash when things get too toxic at the office or if you ate too much at lunch time. You'll never know when you'll need them.
Your own personal bottle of correction fluid
You could borrow from a co-worker but why bother letting someone else know you made a mistake?
A sachet of single-serve coffee
Should the pantry run out (and it does!), you never have to go through a bad caffeine withdrawal.
A pack of cookies or crackers
Great to grab if you're hungry and can't get away from your desk.
A foldable umbrella
Rain or shine, you're protected.
Read more on this article...
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How to Save Money During Tough Times
Tough times should bring out the best in you. That's right. When tough times come, you should come out a stronger, better person, not a miserable, sad sorry-a@*. If money's a concern these days, you're not alone. Here are ways on how to cope and still save money during tough times:
Cut the fun.
Tightening your belt (especially if you take this literally) is painful. If you were so used to ze good life when times were happy and rich, then wake up and smell your empty alkansya. To save money during the tough times associated with the recession, start whittling away at your unnecessary expense. That includes money spent on gimmicks, movies, extra makeup, new clothes, accessories, glossy magazine subscriptions and gadgets.
Make do with what you have. Your friends will probably still love you even if you refuse to go to your bi-weekly drinks at the Fort or your favorite karaoke joint. If you're one of those people who absolutely must have the newest Nokia cell phone, denying yourself might give you a glimpse of how purgartory must look like. But tough times are not meant to be easy on you and they will test your will and resolve. If you give in, well... it's your loss.
Save your lunch money.
If you can cook, make your own baon. If you prefer to buy stuff from the canteen, know that the food you're eating has at least a 15% to 20% markup. If you paid 45 bucks for that chicken adobo, you'd probably have saved from P6.75 to P9.00 per day. That's about P45 a week and nearly 200 bucks a month. That may not seem like a lot but save just that amount in one year and you'll be able to afford a plane ticket to Boracay by next summer.
Take advantage of mall or market sale.
Read the newspaper or keep your ears glued to the grapevine. Someone at work is bound to announce an ongoing sale in some mall. Check out the papers for items you can use. SM, for example, regularly places ads in newspapers to promote sales and special discounts. There are also several other store chains that slash down prices periodically to attract more customers.
Get a Makro membership or shop with someone who does. What better way to stock on your basic groceries than with a ready discount card?
Be flexible about brand.
Yes, some cheaper brands can't quite come close to the feel, look and taste of the more expensive items but why spend more if you can spend less? Go ahead and try cheaper but known brands. You'll save a good chunk of cash in the process.
Don't buy new clothes, at least not for now.
During tough times, it would be very unwise indeed to spend too much on clothes. Great if employees are issued free uniforms but bummer if your corporate wear is sourced from your very own pockets.
If you want to save money during a recession, try to cut your spending on clothes, shoes and accessories shopping. Make do with what you currently have or learn to mix and match. If you must absolutely make a purchase, make sure these are clothes that have a longer usable life. Avoid fads and spend on classic, easy-to-match clothes that you can wear again and again.
As for shoes, alternate three or four pairs (minimum: two pairs) over a workweek. This helps update your wardrobe and prolong the life of the shoes as well.
Avoid all unnecessary expenses.
When tempted by a new purchase, always ask yourself: do I need this? What use do I have of this? Will I still need this a day, a week, a month, a year from now? What can I get out of this purchase? If I don't buy this, will I seriously suffer from it?
Try to curb emotional spending.
If emotions get the better of you, it's going to be a struggle. But try to think of a higher goal, a better sense of self and a more advantageous ending to your current sacrifice. Emotions come and go and so does money. The only difference is that you can always re-experience emotions. Money doesn't always find its way back. Read more on this article...
Cut the fun.
Tightening your belt (especially if you take this literally) is painful. If you were so used to ze good life when times were happy and rich, then wake up and smell your empty alkansya. To save money during the tough times associated with the recession, start whittling away at your unnecessary expense. That includes money spent on gimmicks, movies, extra makeup, new clothes, accessories, glossy magazine subscriptions and gadgets.
Make do with what you have. Your friends will probably still love you even if you refuse to go to your bi-weekly drinks at the Fort or your favorite karaoke joint. If you're one of those people who absolutely must have the newest Nokia cell phone, denying yourself might give you a glimpse of how purgartory must look like. But tough times are not meant to be easy on you and they will test your will and resolve. If you give in, well... it's your loss.
Save your lunch money.
If you can cook, make your own baon. If you prefer to buy stuff from the canteen, know that the food you're eating has at least a 15% to 20% markup. If you paid 45 bucks for that chicken adobo, you'd probably have saved from P6.75 to P9.00 per day. That's about P45 a week and nearly 200 bucks a month. That may not seem like a lot but save just that amount in one year and you'll be able to afford a plane ticket to Boracay by next summer.
Take advantage of mall or market sale.
Read the newspaper or keep your ears glued to the grapevine. Someone at work is bound to announce an ongoing sale in some mall. Check out the papers for items you can use. SM, for example, regularly places ads in newspapers to promote sales and special discounts. There are also several other store chains that slash down prices periodically to attract more customers.
Get a Makro membership or shop with someone who does. What better way to stock on your basic groceries than with a ready discount card?
Be flexible about brand.
Yes, some cheaper brands can't quite come close to the feel, look and taste of the more expensive items but why spend more if you can spend less? Go ahead and try cheaper but known brands. You'll save a good chunk of cash in the process.
Don't buy new clothes, at least not for now.
During tough times, it would be very unwise indeed to spend too much on clothes. Great if employees are issued free uniforms but bummer if your corporate wear is sourced from your very own pockets.
If you want to save money during a recession, try to cut your spending on clothes, shoes and accessories shopping. Make do with what you currently have or learn to mix and match. If you must absolutely make a purchase, make sure these are clothes that have a longer usable life. Avoid fads and spend on classic, easy-to-match clothes that you can wear again and again.
As for shoes, alternate three or four pairs (minimum: two pairs) over a workweek. This helps update your wardrobe and prolong the life of the shoes as well.
Avoid all unnecessary expenses.
When tempted by a new purchase, always ask yourself: do I need this? What use do I have of this? Will I still need this a day, a week, a month, a year from now? What can I get out of this purchase? If I don't buy this, will I seriously suffer from it?
Try to curb emotional spending.
If emotions get the better of you, it's going to be a struggle. But try to think of a higher goal, a better sense of self and a more advantageous ending to your current sacrifice. Emotions come and go and so does money. The only difference is that you can always re-experience emotions. Money doesn't always find its way back. Read more on this article...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tips for Answering the Basic Job Application Form
You already have a resume. Why do you need to fill out a job application form? The hiring company isn't actually making things difficult for you – they're only trying to standardize things so it will be easier for them to store and find the most basic information about their applicants and future employees. Here are tips on how to answer the basic application form efficiently:
Follow instructions.
This is the most important thing you should consider when answering a job application form. If it says 'Print Name', use block letters. If it says, 'Use black ink', then don't insist on your favorite color.
Avoid too many mistakes or cross-outs.
Your job application form should be neat. Read the questions or fields indicated carefully before writing your answers. By giving the form a once-over, you'll avoid (or at least minimize) any mistakes or wrong entries.
Abbreviate only if necessary.
It's perfectly all right to abbreviate common stuff like 'Co.' for Company or 'Inc.' for Incorporated. But for other information, abbreviations might not always work. Don't assume that the people who will be reading your application form will understand your lingo. Write the words or terms in their proper spellings. And please do not use text or online chat-style language.
Fill out all the blank spaces.
Go over the application form carefully and fill out all the spaces. If the question is not applicable for you, write NA. For example, if you're being asked about your spouse's name and you're single, print out 'NA' to indicate that it's not applicable to you.
Make your handwriting legible.
Try to make your writing easy to read. Remember that the information you are providing is important. Your employer has to know who you are and what you can offer. If your cursive writing is really bad, consider writing in block letters. This is quite acceptable.
Avoid too much information.
When it comes to answering the basic job application form, there is such thing as too much information. Try to go into the details but don't give away too much. Give only the most basic information asked of you. You can always elaborate later during the interview.
Take your time.
If you hurry too much, you might miss some required fields or questions or write the wrong answers. Once you're done, proofread what you've written, make the necessary corrections and fill out the blanks that ought to be filled out. And yes, please check your spelling.
Be honest.
Never give false information on your job application form. You will get into trouble later if you do. Remember that you will be signing that job application form to indicate that the information you provided are 'true and correct to the best of (your) knowledge'. Deliberately putting false information on that form and signing it is considered perjury.
When in doubt...
Ask. Your friendly HR staff will be more than happy to help you.
Read more on this article...
Follow instructions.
This is the most important thing you should consider when answering a job application form. If it says 'Print Name', use block letters. If it says, 'Use black ink', then don't insist on your favorite color.
Avoid too many mistakes or cross-outs.
Your job application form should be neat. Read the questions or fields indicated carefully before writing your answers. By giving the form a once-over, you'll avoid (or at least minimize) any mistakes or wrong entries.
Abbreviate only if necessary.
It's perfectly all right to abbreviate common stuff like 'Co.' for Company or 'Inc.' for Incorporated. But for other information, abbreviations might not always work. Don't assume that the people who will be reading your application form will understand your lingo. Write the words or terms in their proper spellings. And please do not use text or online chat-style language.
Fill out all the blank spaces.
Go over the application form carefully and fill out all the spaces. If the question is not applicable for you, write NA. For example, if you're being asked about your spouse's name and you're single, print out 'NA' to indicate that it's not applicable to you.
Make your handwriting legible.
Try to make your writing easy to read. Remember that the information you are providing is important. Your employer has to know who you are and what you can offer. If your cursive writing is really bad, consider writing in block letters. This is quite acceptable.
Avoid too much information.
When it comes to answering the basic job application form, there is such thing as too much information. Try to go into the details but don't give away too much. Give only the most basic information asked of you. You can always elaborate later during the interview.
Take your time.
If you hurry too much, you might miss some required fields or questions or write the wrong answers. Once you're done, proofread what you've written, make the necessary corrections and fill out the blanks that ought to be filled out. And yes, please check your spelling.
Be honest.
Never give false information on your job application form. You will get into trouble later if you do. Remember that you will be signing that job application form to indicate that the information you provided are 'true and correct to the best of (your) knowledge'. Deliberately putting false information on that form and signing it is considered perjury.
When in doubt...
Ask. Your friendly HR staff will be more than happy to help you.
Read more on this article...
The Devil is in the Details: Little Stuff You Should Not Miss When Applying for a Job
It still amazes me that many job applicants make the most basic mistakes when sending out their resumes to prospective employers. Are you confused about the little stuff? Here is a short guide on what to use and how to use them when applying for a job offline and online:
Tips for sending applications offline:
Paper
Use a good, clean, bright-white paper. Good quality is often best. The ideal size is short bond or 8 ½" x 11". Nappco and Vernal brands are good choices but you'll also find equally excellent quality with Best Buy and other cheaper brands. Substance 20 or 60 gsm thickness will do. Try not to skimp on quality. Low-grade paper will make you look cheap, so try to invest in good quality paper.
So why can't you print your resume on a long-sized bond paper? Simple: employers keep most of the resumes they receive in a file and since they prefer their files to be neat and organized, they do want these resumes to come in the same sizes. Short bond papers are easier to handle, pass around and store. So don't try to play smart and try to attract attention to yourself by being different. Most employers frown at non-conformity. If you're different from the rest of the pack, they'll know soon enough through your list of qualifications, so let these speak for you instead.
Envelope
Use the standard long, white envelope that has no markings, personal logos or cutesy stuff. Keep it basic. Or use a bigger one that lets you send your resume unfolded. If you'll be sending your resume by mail, make sure it has the correct name of the recipient and company address. Snail mail is just that -- slow. Don't delay it further by writing the wrong street number.
If you can, though, avoid snail mail. Use it only if there's nothing else. Snail mail is a good alternative if:
- the employer requires you to send a hard copy of your resume instead of an e-mail attachment.
- you don't have access to a computer that has an Internet connection.
- you live far from the office/plant/factory and can't travel there to submit your application in person.
Photo
Almost all employers and hiring managers these days will appreciate applicants who include their picture with their resume. However, don’t feel pressured if you don’t want to, although it certainly is a requirement for many companies. Just check the ad if it's indicated. If it is, get your picture taken and attach it to your resume. If you're sending your resume as an electronic file, have your photo scanned, copy it and paste it on your resume.
If, however, you chose not to include your photo with your resume, bring at least 2 copies during your interview. Your employer is sure to ask for it. A good size would be passport size, a 1 ½" x 1 ½" or a 2" x 2". Unless indicated, a white background would be a safe choice.
How to look in your photo:
If you're a guy... wear a shirt that has a collar, comb your hair and wipe off that sweat/oil from your face and neck.
If you're a girl... wear a basic blouse (no frills, ribbons, ruffles and other distracting stuff). Don't wear too much makeup or hair spray/gel/wax/whathaveyou.
Don’t staple your photo to your resume or hold it in place with a paper clip. Use a little paste or glue on the back of the photo and stick it on the paper. To make sure you do it neatly, simply use a small amount of adhesive and rub it in the middle of the photo. That way, the excess glue or paste won't 'bleed' out of the edges.
Tape, clip or staple wire?
If you have an application letter and one or two pages of resume, you shouldn’t use any of these. Simply align the edges of the papers together and then fold neatly in two places. Or if you prefer, use a clear plastic folder to keep the papers clean and smooth.
Tips for sending your resume online:
The most important thing to remember when sending an application online is: follow instructions. If the employer asks you to send your resume as an attachment, then attach it to your message. If they ask you to paste it on the body of your message, then do so. If the employer has a specific format in mind (.doc, .rtf, etc.), make sure you convert the file before sending it.
Should you provide a cover letter?
Absolutely. Sending your resume without a few introductory statements is too amateurish. On your message body, include a simple salutation using the contact person's name. Your message should indicate what your intentions are, where you obtained information regarding the job opening and what position you're applying for. Include a few of your qualifications to stir the recipient's interest. Include your contact information -- landline, cell phone number/s and e-mail address, along with your availability.
Write as you would write if you were sending a cover letter on hard copy. Letting a prospective employer know who you are and what you can offer shows respect and professionalism. It also helps keep their interest long enough to actually go through your resume.
Tips for sending applications offline:
Paper
Use a good, clean, bright-white paper. Good quality is often best. The ideal size is short bond or 8 ½" x 11". Nappco and Vernal brands are good choices but you'll also find equally excellent quality with Best Buy and other cheaper brands. Substance 20 or 60 gsm thickness will do. Try not to skimp on quality. Low-grade paper will make you look cheap, so try to invest in good quality paper.
So why can't you print your resume on a long-sized bond paper? Simple: employers keep most of the resumes they receive in a file and since they prefer their files to be neat and organized, they do want these resumes to come in the same sizes. Short bond papers are easier to handle, pass around and store. So don't try to play smart and try to attract attention to yourself by being different. Most employers frown at non-conformity. If you're different from the rest of the pack, they'll know soon enough through your list of qualifications, so let these speak for you instead.
Envelope
Use the standard long, white envelope that has no markings, personal logos or cutesy stuff. Keep it basic. Or use a bigger one that lets you send your resume unfolded. If you'll be sending your resume by mail, make sure it has the correct name of the recipient and company address. Snail mail is just that -- slow. Don't delay it further by writing the wrong street number.
If you can, though, avoid snail mail. Use it only if there's nothing else. Snail mail is a good alternative if:
- the employer requires you to send a hard copy of your resume instead of an e-mail attachment.
- you don't have access to a computer that has an Internet connection.
- you live far from the office/plant/factory and can't travel there to submit your application in person.
Photo
Almost all employers and hiring managers these days will appreciate applicants who include their picture with their resume. However, don’t feel pressured if you don’t want to, although it certainly is a requirement for many companies. Just check the ad if it's indicated. If it is, get your picture taken and attach it to your resume. If you're sending your resume as an electronic file, have your photo scanned, copy it and paste it on your resume.
If, however, you chose not to include your photo with your resume, bring at least 2 copies during your interview. Your employer is sure to ask for it. A good size would be passport size, a 1 ½" x 1 ½" or a 2" x 2". Unless indicated, a white background would be a safe choice.
How to look in your photo:
If you're a guy... wear a shirt that has a collar, comb your hair and wipe off that sweat/oil from your face and neck.
If you're a girl... wear a basic blouse (no frills, ribbons, ruffles and other distracting stuff). Don't wear too much makeup or hair spray/gel/wax/whathaveyou.
Don’t staple your photo to your resume or hold it in place with a paper clip. Use a little paste or glue on the back of the photo and stick it on the paper. To make sure you do it neatly, simply use a small amount of adhesive and rub it in the middle of the photo. That way, the excess glue or paste won't 'bleed' out of the edges.
Tape, clip or staple wire?
If you have an application letter and one or two pages of resume, you shouldn’t use any of these. Simply align the edges of the papers together and then fold neatly in two places. Or if you prefer, use a clear plastic folder to keep the papers clean and smooth.
Tips for sending your resume online:
The most important thing to remember when sending an application online is: follow instructions. If the employer asks you to send your resume as an attachment, then attach it to your message. If they ask you to paste it on the body of your message, then do so. If the employer has a specific format in mind (.doc, .rtf, etc.), make sure you convert the file before sending it.
Should you provide a cover letter?
Absolutely. Sending your resume without a few introductory statements is too amateurish. On your message body, include a simple salutation using the contact person's name. Your message should indicate what your intentions are, where you obtained information regarding the job opening and what position you're applying for. Include a few of your qualifications to stir the recipient's interest. Include your contact information -- landline, cell phone number/s and e-mail address, along with your availability.
Write as you would write if you were sending a cover letter on hard copy. Letting a prospective employer know who you are and what you can offer shows respect and professionalism. It also helps keep their interest long enough to actually go through your resume.
Watch your grammar.
We all make mistakes when it comes to spelling ang grammar. That's why it's important that you perform a spelling and grammar check on your resume. But don't just trust the software to do it. Proofread your resume twice or thrice and then ask someone to check it for better assurance.
How to 'sign' an electronic message
If you have a scanned image of your signature, you may use this, although you could end your letter with just your complete name. Example,
Yours truly,
Juan Z. Masipag
or
Respectfully yours,
Juanita W. Masinop
Never, ever type the word 'Applicant' after your name. The employer already knows your purpose.
Last tip: be businesslike in all your dealings. Avoid using frivolous statements on your resume or cover letter or try to be cute. The employer is looking for someone they can hire, not somebody who'll play the clown. If you want that job, show them you are the right choice.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
How to Get a CAV Without Leaving Your City
If you live in the province, you probably know that there are certain things you can't access merely because they are only available in the capital. Stuff like bargain basement deals in Raon, the yearly Nazareno parade, Luneta, seeing Willy Revillame live in the studio and... you know what I mean.
Now that you want to join the millions of migrating Filipino workers, you probably need to have your school documents authenticated by CHED (Commission on Higher Education) and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs). Although there are CHED offices to service all 12 regions (not sure about the number of DFA offices, though), authentication is performed exclusively by the DFA in Manila.
If you live far from the capital, having your docs authenticated can involve some considerable expense. If you're a resident of Davao, for example, you'll have to spend for plane fare and accommodation just to have your docs threaded with the DFA red ribbon in Manila.
If this is the situation that's stopping you, let me share my experience. I live in the province and recently, I had my sister's docs authenticated. My sis graduated from a school in Manila, which meant that her docs had to go through CHED-NCR and of course, the DFA.
My sis is out of the country and she had left her documents behind since they were not required by her employer. That meant only one thing: it was all left to me to have her docs authenticated. I really thought it was going to be tough. I was wrong.
The only problem was that I could not travel to Manila for the job and I was unwilling as well. My sis said she'd foot the bill for the travel expenses and whatnot but I wasn't too ecstatic about spending several weeks there just to wait out her papers, not to mention stand in long queues at CHED and the DFA.
She has friends in Manila but they had to work. Asking them to go through the process of authentication as a favor seemed too much, at least in my opinion. Besides, having a non-relative as a representative makes the process more complicated. I was pretty sure that person will be asked to produce an SPA (Special Power of Attorney).
So with the kind of information I gathered (online, of course – thanks by the way to all of you who posted in those forums I scoured for tips), I decided to do the right thing – ASK. The first thing I did was call up the registrar's office at my sis' school. I explained my predicament and the guy on the other end of the line listened patiently. He then suggested the steps I should take. (If you have the same problem I had, you might learn something from this.) He said that I should:
1. Have the documents photocopied (the docs in question were the transcript and diploma)
2. Attach a letter of request from my sis indicating her intentions and authorizing me as her representative
3. Send the documents to the school registrar for CAV through a courier
4. Deposit the payment for the school's authentication fees and fax the deposit slip (the payment included the standard fees plus the cost of postal mail)
5. Wait for the document to be processed by the school and have them certified, authenticated and verified by CHED.
6. Wait for the school to send me back the original copies of the documents (the photocopies go to CHED and later, to the DFA for red ribbon), along with the DFA claim stub
7. Use an authorized courier (in this case, DHL) to claim the docs with the red ribbon from the DFA
The letter of request came in lieu of the standard CAV request form that the school required. The form could be downloaded from the school's website. If your school requires you to submit one, they probably have it online. If not, ask if you could write a letter instead.
So anyways, I did as the guy suggested. I had a set of my sis' docs photocopied and then asked her to send a signed letter of request which also authorized me to request the authentication on her behalf. Once the documents were completed, I went to a DHL office, filled out the customer form and paid for the fees.
Then I waited… and waited… and waited. Finally, the docs came through the mail sent by the registrar's office. In the envelope, as promised, were my sis' diploma, TOR and the DFA claim stub.
I then visited the same DHL office again, bringing the claim stub with me. I filled out a form, surrendered the stub and the DHL guy did the rest. The process is supposed to take two
weeks – three weeks at most.
I'm still waiting for the DFA authenticated docs (this time with a red ribbon tied around them) but I can be content in knowing that it's in good hands. I am not, by the way, writing this to
endorse DHL, although if you are in the same ship as I was, you will probably work with them, too. They're the only courier authorized to process the authentication of documents on an individual's behalf, so there.
What I liked most about the above transactions is that I didn't have to travel, my sis didn't have to spend a lot and we saved money just by letting our fingers and the courier do the work for us. Cost? Here's a breakdown of what I spent:
CAV - P 200.00
Registered Mail - P 200.00
Bank deposit fee - P 100.00
DHL fees (CAV) - P 224.00
DHL fees (red ribbon) - P 357.60
Fax - P 25.00
Photocopies - P 15.00 (I kept a few extra copies)
Gas - P 200.00
Total = P1,321.60
That's just the cost of a one-way ticket to Manila on sale! And I didn't have to stand in line, not even for a minute.
By the way, I was informed that not every DHL office offers this service. You'll have to look for the WWWExpress sign/logo and then inquire. Also, I was lucky because as a representative, I was not required to submit an SPA or Special Power of Attorney. My sis' school only asked for an authorization letter so I could process the docs for her. If your school asks for an SPA, you'll have no choice but to produce one. Your neighborhood lawyer can help.
So in conclusion, my experience in having my sis' docs authenticated with me acting as her representative wasn't too hard. The toughest (if you can call it that) part was the waiting. But as long as you understand the process, talk to the right persons and have the resources where you need them, you shouldn't have a lot of problems.
Here are some useful links:
CHED
CAV Request Form
DFA Authentication
DFA Authentication Procedures
I sincerely hope this post will help someone out there who is in the same situation I was in. Remember: when in doubt, ask. Good luck! Read more on this article...
Now that you want to join the millions of migrating Filipino workers, you probably need to have your school documents authenticated by CHED (Commission on Higher Education) and the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs). Although there are CHED offices to service all 12 regions (not sure about the number of DFA offices, though), authentication is performed exclusively by the DFA in Manila.
If you live far from the capital, having your docs authenticated can involve some considerable expense. If you're a resident of Davao, for example, you'll have to spend for plane fare and accommodation just to have your docs threaded with the DFA red ribbon in Manila.
If this is the situation that's stopping you, let me share my experience. I live in the province and recently, I had my sister's docs authenticated. My sis graduated from a school in Manila, which meant that her docs had to go through CHED-NCR and of course, the DFA.
My sis is out of the country and she had left her documents behind since they were not required by her employer. That meant only one thing: it was all left to me to have her docs authenticated. I really thought it was going to be tough. I was wrong.
The only problem was that I could not travel to Manila for the job and I was unwilling as well. My sis said she'd foot the bill for the travel expenses and whatnot but I wasn't too ecstatic about spending several weeks there just to wait out her papers, not to mention stand in long queues at CHED and the DFA.
She has friends in Manila but they had to work. Asking them to go through the process of authentication as a favor seemed too much, at least in my opinion. Besides, having a non-relative as a representative makes the process more complicated. I was pretty sure that person will be asked to produce an SPA (Special Power of Attorney).
So with the kind of information I gathered (online, of course – thanks by the way to all of you who posted in those forums I scoured for tips), I decided to do the right thing – ASK. The first thing I did was call up the registrar's office at my sis' school. I explained my predicament and the guy on the other end of the line listened patiently. He then suggested the steps I should take. (If you have the same problem I had, you might learn something from this.) He said that I should:
1. Have the documents photocopied (the docs in question were the transcript and diploma)
2. Attach a letter of request from my sis indicating her intentions and authorizing me as her representative
3. Send the documents to the school registrar for CAV through a courier
4. Deposit the payment for the school's authentication fees and fax the deposit slip (the payment included the standard fees plus the cost of postal mail)
5. Wait for the document to be processed by the school and have them certified, authenticated and verified by CHED.
6. Wait for the school to send me back the original copies of the documents (the photocopies go to CHED and later, to the DFA for red ribbon), along with the DFA claim stub
7. Use an authorized courier (in this case, DHL) to claim the docs with the red ribbon from the DFA
The letter of request came in lieu of the standard CAV request form that the school required. The form could be downloaded from the school's website. If your school requires you to submit one, they probably have it online. If not, ask if you could write a letter instead.
So anyways, I did as the guy suggested. I had a set of my sis' docs photocopied and then asked her to send a signed letter of request which also authorized me to request the authentication on her behalf. Once the documents were completed, I went to a DHL office, filled out the customer form and paid for the fees.
Then I waited… and waited… and waited. Finally, the docs came through the mail sent by the registrar's office. In the envelope, as promised, were my sis' diploma, TOR and the DFA claim stub.
I then visited the same DHL office again, bringing the claim stub with me. I filled out a form, surrendered the stub and the DHL guy did the rest. The process is supposed to take two
weeks – three weeks at most.
I'm still waiting for the DFA authenticated docs (this time with a red ribbon tied around them) but I can be content in knowing that it's in good hands. I am not, by the way, writing this to
endorse DHL, although if you are in the same ship as I was, you will probably work with them, too. They're the only courier authorized to process the authentication of documents on an individual's behalf, so there.
What I liked most about the above transactions is that I didn't have to travel, my sis didn't have to spend a lot and we saved money just by letting our fingers and the courier do the work for us. Cost? Here's a breakdown of what I spent:
CAV - P 200.00
Registered Mail - P 200.00
Bank deposit fee - P 100.00
DHL fees (CAV) - P 224.00
DHL fees (red ribbon) - P 357.60
Fax - P 25.00
Photocopies - P 15.00 (I kept a few extra copies)
Gas - P 200.00
Total = P1,321.60
That's just the cost of a one-way ticket to Manila on sale! And I didn't have to stand in line, not even for a minute.
By the way, I was informed that not every DHL office offers this service. You'll have to look for the WWWExpress sign/logo and then inquire. Also, I was lucky because as a representative, I was not required to submit an SPA or Special Power of Attorney. My sis' school only asked for an authorization letter so I could process the docs for her. If your school asks for an SPA, you'll have no choice but to produce one. Your neighborhood lawyer can help.
So in conclusion, my experience in having my sis' docs authenticated with me acting as her representative wasn't too hard. The toughest (if you can call it that) part was the waiting. But as long as you understand the process, talk to the right persons and have the resources where you need them, you shouldn't have a lot of problems.
Here are some useful links:
CHED
CAV Request Form
DFA Authentication
DFA Authentication Procedures
I sincerely hope this post will help someone out there who is in the same situation I was in. Remember: when in doubt, ask. Good luck! Read more on this article...
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