Think of Ways You Can Be Attractive to Employers

Shiny objects catch our attention. When job searching, you want to be that shiny object that catches the attention of employers; exposure is the key. There’s no “shiny” without exposure.  Some people—perhaps you know one or two—are constantly sought after by employers, while most chase employers. Sought after people understand it’s not their knowledge or experience that will… Read More »

TULOY ANG LIGAYA (The celebration goes on!)

In short…we are still in the midst of celebrating Filipino Heritage Month. With this in mind, I cannot think of a better way to revel in our own Filipino culture and history than to view the very engaging and nostalgic vlog of a fellow Filipino on YT – Scenario by Ka You Tubero.  Scenario features ancestral houses and… Read More »

Our Little Garden at 12th floor Balcony

These days, a wave of excitement about cultivating various plants and vegetables has swept across Canada. Whether in the vast open spaces of land, the cozy backyard gardens, or even the limited confines of balconies, the joy of gardening is palpable. Even more empowering is that the tools for this green revolution are readily available–anyone can find seeds,… Read More »

ARE WE MISSING OUT ON THE FUTURE?

PRODDED by an email from a friend on the continuing fallout of the latest PISA ( Programme for International Student Assessment ) results, a no holds bared article in the Philippine Star by columnist Tony Lopez, titled “Mass Stupidity,” again highlighted the terrible state of education in the Philippines.   The latest literacy test ( reading, math and Science)… Read More »

Sharing Too Much Information May Hinder Your Job Search

In Mad Men’s season four episode Waldorf Stories, Roger Sterling tells Don Draper, who’d just interviewed a junior copywriter candidate, who unbeknownst to him was Roger’s wife’s cousin, advice he gave him he knew seldom works in the corporate world: “I told him to be himself. That was pretty mean, I guess.” The key to getting hired is telling… Read More »

FILIPINO HERITAGE MONTH 2024

Today, and all the days of June, we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month. Expect a whole slew of interesting events and activities from the numerous leading Filipino-Canadian communities around Canada, precisely to recognize, celebrate and raise awareness about the Filipino community in Canada and their valuable contributions throughout Canadian history. And rightly so. As stated in the Philippine Embassy… Read More »

Street to Homes: Helping People Living in Encampments

In Toronto, the number of people living in encampments or tents has more than doubled over the past year. As of March this year, over 200 tents were spread across the city, compared to around 85 in the same month last year. These encampments are set up in parks and other accessible public spaces. The number of camp… Read More »

Don’t Approach ‘What You’re Worth’ From a Sense of Entitlement 

More than ever, job seekers, with a sense of entitlement, are hyper-focusing on getting paid what they’re worth. Job seekers seldom consider, let alone quantify, the value of their work, which determines their worth. Hence, a candidate’s or position’s worth is calculable and, therefore, isn’t as subjective as is often assumed.  INTERVIEWER: “What salary are you looking for?”… Read More »

The Making of the Greatest Filipino of All Time

“I want to show to those who deprive people the right to love of country, that when we know how to sacrifice ourselves for our duties and convictions, death does not matter if one dies for those one loves —for his country and for others dear to him.” — Jose Rizal. Of all the historical figures involved in… Read More »

ANGEL FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

In my last column, I had mentioned the admirable and effective work being done by Tahanan Sta. Luisa (TSL), a crisis intervention center for street girls in Manila. I learned about their outstanding work from a longtime friend and a director of TSL, Victoria “Bubut” Rialp, married to TV and stage director and talented artist, Leo Rialp.  Out… Read More »