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26 April 2008

The US Recession and My Worries

As early as the last quarter last year, while traders speculate, the US is actually slipping into recession. Obvious indication of which is the devaluation of real estates properties, diminishing GDP compared to 2006 performance, surge in the unemployment rates, and the continued rise of petrol prices.

My worry then is that if Bush will not take a decisive act to aver the impending economic catastrophe, and shift his right foot's weight from Anti-Terrorist War into an Anti-Recession War, the recession will take the world flatfooted. But he acted too late. We cannot blame the Clintons if they are campaigning with a banner highlighting the Clinton Economic Legacy; for by comparison Bush seems to be an epic failure in that arena.

My other worry is that, my home country's government while riddled with controversies and scandals, is still boasting of a stable economy and prided itself that it is more prepared to face the US recession than its ASEAN counterparts. Sannnamagan! They could not even assure the steady supply of rice! Or, as I said in my previous post, they were simply hiding or evading the real issues.

While checking my dollar account with UnionBank, here's what I read instead on their website:
The peso continued to weaken against the greenback after the BSP opted to maintain rates yesterday and receding expectation of another Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week. The local unit finally broke the Php42-figure resistance as it established a new YTD low (peso) at Php42.100. It opened at the day's high (peso) at Php41.980 and closed at Php42.040. Volume of dollars traded went up to $937.70mn compared from the previous volume of $324.50mn.
Goodness! Is this what the government calls a vibrant economy? Poor Juan delaCruz. He is clamoring now for another wage hike thinking that this would alleviate his suffering. Ahh! When will we learn?

I should be happy with the devaluation of the peso, right? Why? Because I get more for my hard earned dollars. Frankly, am not!

Petrol prices are seen to increase by 0.50 php this weekend. I am opting to take the jeepney for my client calls.

>>Read the rest of the entry...

22 April 2008

Is there really a Rice Crisis in the Philippines? Or it is but a smoke screen?

In one of my fave movies, The American President, I first heard the axiom: Politics is a matter of perception. It is. And I wonder if the present government is simply creating a perception of a Rice Crisis in order to sway the people’s attention to the real issues that really matter like: the truth behind the ZTE scandal; global warming where our copycat laws (i.e., Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Solid Waste Act, etc.) remained in letter and are in fact inutile for lack of or no concrete enforcement; the growing National Government debt (7.8% GDP growth! Huh! Where the heck they got that number?!? We are wallowing in debt! Hello?); the growing poverty stricken population, etc.

Today’s issue of the Philippine Star Business Section’s Headline reads:
The National Government’s debt went up by 0.5 percent to P3.732 trillion as of January this year from the end-December level of P3.712 trillion following the issuance of debt papers during the month, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) reported yesterday.

Of the amount, P1.505 trillion or 40 percent is owed to foreign creditors while P2.227 trillion or 60 percent is owed to domestic creditors.

At P3.732 trillion, theoretically, each of the 88 million Filipinos is indebted by P41,910.
Shouldn’t the government look into that?

And yet, the ever gallant SOG Justice Secretary has even the gall to suggest a Rice & Corn Emergency Power to the President. Who are they trying to fool? Juan Dela Cruz is suffering and is slowly dying, not because there is a shortage of rice but because the government remains inutile to provide him the means to make a decent living and enjoy a quality life before he hits the ground 6 feet under.

Rice shortage is not the real issue. Listen to what our IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) Scientists have to say for Christ sake, instead of creating a panic among our people. IMO, the real issue is the US recession is sweeping the world, and the Philippines is caught flat footed.

>>Read the rest of the entry...

15 April 2008

A Yuppie Advise: How to play the Interviewer’s game and get hired

Why do the smartest and the most confident candidates do not get the job offer? Let me proffer a simplistic answer, coming from a HR professional’s perspective: Because job interviewing is a very subjective exercise. There. Therefore, do not take it personal if you were not given the preference and the other person (whom you think you are more qualified with) gets the job.

You may probably reason:
  • I have better credentials.
  • I have better work experiences.
  • I have better referrals.
  • I have better education (or grades).
  • I have better looks. (lol)
So, why not me? Again, because the interviewing process is very subjective yet its result is usually the basis for hiring.

Play the interviewer’s game.

While most organization has a set of questionnaires that they typically asked a candidate, they are in fact assessing the suitability of the candidate on the following hierarchy and weight*:

  • Representation (+/- 50%). Some call this personal branding or packaging. This is how you project and sell yourself. Remember the axiom: First impression lasts.
  • Responsiveness (+/- 30%). How you satisfied their questions.
  • Relevant Experience (+/- 10%).
  • Relevant Education or Degree (+/- 10%). This includes special training courses you have taken.
So, before you come for a job interview take an inventory of the above, formulate your game plan, play it, and get hired!

*Note: I may be subjective here. ^^

>>Read the rest of the entry...

College’s Hard Work and Free Essays

College life is never fun, at least for me. It was pure hard work. Unlike most college students, I never had the luxury of coming to college with a full financial backing on my tail. I have to maintain at least a B+ average in order to retain my scholarship and work part time on the side to fend for myself. The scholarship covers only the university fees and books. It was tough.

Okey, why the heck am I telling this?

I mentioned about hard work. Underscore that please. College is. Because if you want to get the best out of it, you have to be serious about your course works. During my freshmen days, I never had the chance to use the internet to source for materials for any term paper that I have to write. I have to spend many hours at the library reading and digesting materials.

Unlike today, a university student has virtually an access to thousands of free essays over the net. Therefore, writing college papers is easier. While plagiarism is still an unpardonable sin in the world of the academe, but with a vast resource of free essays on the net, you do not have any reason why you can’t write a good one instead of just “copying and pasting.” Those papers can be good launching pads for your own unique topic/s.

>>Read the rest of the entry...

07 April 2008

4 Practical Ways to Manage your Boss (Part 2 of 3)

If you work for someone, then work for him.
Speak well of him and stand by the institution he represents.
Remember, an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of cleverness.
If you must growl, condemn, and eternally find fault, resign your position and when you are on the outside, complain to your heart’s content.
But as long as you are a part of the institution do not condemn it. (Elbert Hubbard)
During my military cadet years in college, we were made to memorize those lines , and asked to recite before we conduct any ‘military meeting or assembly.’ I knew those lines by heart but never truly comprehend what they meant. Military organizations demand loyalty at all cost and at all times. However, when I started my career in the corporate world, those famous lines by Hubbard evoked a deeper meaning. While any company expects their employees to be loyal, hence, you are made to sign non-disclosure policy; it is not demanded in the military sense. The result, many employees are not loyal to their organization and / or immediate superiors.

2. Do things his / her way

I can hear you protesting there. I’m serious. Do things his / her way and you will never be wrong. It does not negate your creativity if you follow orders like a military junior officer obeying (sometimes blindly) his commander. You can still be creative while following instructions. Lawful orders that are not contrary to morals should be obeyed at all times. A boss earned his rights to give orders and can demand fulfillment thereof. You may always suggest your way. However, if you want to manage your boss well, do it his / her way. In the end, it his call. And it his responsibility. Good bosses will always take responsibility for the results or output of their people.

Your reaction, please.

* Read 4 Practical Ways to Manage your Boss -Part 1

>>Read the rest of the entry...

05 April 2008

Angel Ministries: Another Worthy Cause

You do not have to join rallies and demonstration marches to participate in a worthy cause. Just by making a generous donation to “donate my boat to charity” campaign by Angel Ministries; you can make a difference to a thousand of teenagers’ lives today. They use boat donations’ proceeds to create children's animations and anti-drug documentaries. These materials are being distributed free. I know there are some of you out there who can donate boats or old cars to help a sensible cause like this. Make a difference by giving for a cause! Bless your heart!

>>Read the rest of the entry...

01 April 2008

Ken Lee Tulibu is Without You ^ ^

Okey let me digress a bit. I've been ranting in my previous post, allow me to change the mood here. It's April Fools' Day and here's something to smile about from Valentina's rendition of my fave Mariah Carey's song "Without You" (Thanks Joyce for Sharing):



Trivia:

April Fools' Day, sometimes called All Fools' Day, is one of the most light hearted days of the year. Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar.

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My Blog Network: My Sense and Sensibility l The HRMan l Practical Tips for Young Urban Professionals l HRM Business Practices and Notes

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