Benefits of an essay outline

Common problems faced by writers are disorganized ideas in writing. Writers tend to jump off from one idea to another and lose focus on the main topic presented. When writing essays the most important thing that writers should do is to organize their ideas in a logical manner.

An essay outline is the right tool in keeping writers on track. When writers used an essay outline, it helps them in organizing their thoughts and it also serves as a checklist of important points to ponder. This article features easy steps in writing an essay outline.

My first encounter with SimSimi

Source: http://www.simsimi.com

This morning when I log on at facebook, some of my friends were talking about this new chatting robot. I was curious, and I decided to try it. This is an automatic response chatmate called SimSimi, our new virtual friend that you may love or hate. I want to test the intelligence of this platform. So, I ask her a question...

Story of my life: Problem solving

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

Problems are like questions that need some answers. They are propositions that necessitate something to be demonstrated, and an innate gesture in reacting to failures and rejections (Navarro, 2004). All of us are inclined with different problems with our family, officemates and friends. Each of us has unique ways in handling such problems and we tend to learn lessons from every failure and successes that we achieve. Every experience that we have brings out the best solution to every problem. I want to share a situation in my life where I handled a problem in a logical manner and it enabled me to adapt a skill that only few people were born with it.

Multitasking in the workplace

Source: http://blog.caplin.com

The most challenging experience that I had in my previous job is on how to handle multitasking. Multitasking is handling things or tasks at the same time. When I was in the Davao Chamber, I used to handle 2-3 positions in the office. In Nov 2008, our Membership Development Officer resigned and she has chosen me to handle her responsibilities temporarily (with consent from our Executive Director), until there will be a replacement for her. At that time, when this position was given to me, I was already the Business Development Assistant for Training and Consultancy; it was hard on my part since my current position is also very tedious, requiring full attention.

Where's my boss?!

The important decision that I have made in the absence of my boss, was when there was a client asking for a discount to our training fee, and the client will only join our training if the discount they requested will be given to them.

My supervisor was the only one authorized to approve discounts, and being in-charge with the marketing, I was really eager to have that client join the training. So,  I analyze her deal and compared it with the usual discounts we have given to our previous clients. I also considered the expenses we will incur, which will compensate the training fee she will pay.

I called the client and told her that, the fee that they will pay is inclusive of materials, food, certificates and the speaker's fee. I explained to her that we are conducting the said training as one of the income generating activities. And it will also be beneficial for them, if they will pay the fee. I have given her the usual discounts for being an active member and an early bird discount, and she agreed on it.

When my boss reported again, I told her about the decision that I have made. She was good about it and I didn't hear any negative comments. In this situation, we should take the risk and make an immediate initiative on how to solve recurring problems (abruptly) in the office. There are some decisions to make when your boss is not around, but make sure you weigh things first, before finalizing your unofficial actions.

Teamwork to achieve success

The last time I handled a big project, was when I was in the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry. As SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) Center Specialist, I was the coordinator on our major events i.e. products exhibits, trade fairs, marketing of training and  consultancy services.

Davao Criminals: Your Life Ends Here!

"DAVAO CRIMINALS: YOUR LIFE ENDS HERE!" - Mayor Sara Duterte, Davao City

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte checked the killed holdaper (TV Patrol South Mindanao)

With the recent crime incidents that had happen in Davao City, people are alarmed with their safety when walking in downtown area and walking late at night. But criminals now knows no time, the incident that had happen last February 18, 2012 at RGA Village, Paciano Bangoy, Marjorie G. Kwan, a registered nurse was robbed and shot four times by motorcycle-riding-thieves at 12:00nn, during broad daylight. It seems that these culprits do not consider time anymore as long as they need to robbed and held money from their victims. A motorcycle is an easy escape for them. Are we safe in Davao City? Even in broad daylight all of the citizens in Davao City are at risk in these petty crimes. Maybe the police should double their effort and be proactive in solving these consecutive crimes. 

Happy, Happy Vega Vega!

Our Yamaha Vega Motorcycle

We just move in our new house in Residencia del Rio Subdivision-Catalunan Pequeño,  which is way up town in the south. It's like living in the farm or in the woods. There are a lot of trees and you can breathe the fresh air in the wind and there is a mango plantation behind us. Its 1 hour away from downtown and its usually traffic during 8:00am and during 6:00pm onwards. Our means of transportation is our "Yamaha Vega Force" motorcycle. Its more efficient and low-cost compared to riding a jeepney, which I would have to ride 3 times.

Its really a challenge to us, because we are used to living in the downtown area, where my workplace is just 15 minutes away. During that time, I always get late, even if my home is near. Now that my home is 20 kms away from my office, I  was the one who is very early to report. Since I'm alone in the office when I arrived around 7am. I dedicate my free time before 8am to facebook, twitter and blogging (heheh!).

The Cycle of Crime in Davao City

A lot of petty crimes that had happened in Davao recently, triggered the call of vigilantes (which is the so-called "DDS-Davao Death Squad) to kill the criminals. Consecutive crimes in the city committed by these thieves riding motorcycles , only proved that they are not afraid anymore with the police. These guys has been in and out of jail, and they keep on doing these crimes, because it is their livelihood. 

Source: http://www.treatmentnotjail.org

They cannot find formal jobs  because no one will trust and accept them. No one will ever give them a chance to change their lives.. They are left with no choice, but to keep doing what they used to do.... 

Poverty and lack of education made these guys, mostly teenagers, to become criminals. They do that in order to survive, and even if it is wrong, they still do it. Illiteracy among these guys made their conscience numb, forcing them to be immoral. 

One major factor why they also do these things is the lack of care and guidance from their parents. Parents should discipline their kids and love them unconditionally. These guys don't care anymore about their future, its because they are not inspired to move forward... to have a brighter future, a new life.... 

This problem has been their for ages, the police and the government should solve the root cause of the crime. What triggered these people to do that? What is the solution? The government should be proactive and initiate activities for young ones, so that at an early age they will know what's moral and immoral. The problem of crime cannot be solved overnight, if we keep on waiting for crimes to happen and not prevent them from doing that, we are always be trap in the "CYCLE OF CRIME".

Birthday Girl

I'm always broke during birthdays, and today I celebrate my 26th year of being alive on earth. I am used to simple celebrations, I'm not that fancy. I really wanted to celebrate it with my family.  I am busy working today and have some reports to attend to. The most important thing about my birthday is to stay young, have a good health and a happy family (together in God's grace).

A frustrated OTP aspirant

Do you have a dream job? Me, I always wanted to climb a ladder and succeed in my career. But before graduation, being so idealistic, I don't want to work in a corporate setting, because I am just making the capitalist rich. I have so many ideas to contribute for the betterment of our country and to spur the development of our economy. My first job was in an NGO, and my second is still an NGO. Helping and assisting people for assistance and helping them succeed.

But having a family and financial constraints of my own, I became more inclined now with the compensation that I get, rather than the experience and contribution that  I can share to the nation. "Its about the MONEY, MONEY, MONEY !" I know that monetary things are a necessity but not that important to succeed in life, but with the increasing needs that I have , the more practical I get.  

Let's face it, we need money to survive and provide food and shelter to our families. I am really frustrated and have regrets on why I got married early, having kids, and a noble job with less compensation. Now, my dream job is to become a Bank Officer of a certain bank. I applied many times, but I failed to get in. I hope I will get the job, but if it is not for me, then fine, GOD will always provide and there are reasons for everything. 

I am happy and contented with the life I have today. I am thankful for the blessings and for the gift of family. Those things cannot be bought with cash, PRICELESS! 

2011: The year that was

My year 2011 ended with an unfortunate event, our house was caught on fire and was turned into ashes, but overall my year was spectacular. There were a lot blessings that came in this year. I want to share the good things that had happened in year 2011:

1. I started the year giving birth to my second daughter, Fraulein, she was left at the hospital for seven days because of infection but she has successfully recovered unharmed and healthy.
2. My husband's nasopalatine cyst operation was also a success.
3. I got a 5% raised in my salary.
4. I paid all my credit card debts.
5. My working colleagues and friends gave me financial support during the fire incident.
6. My family were all safe during the fire incident.
7. We are together as a family during Christmas and New Year's Eve.
8. I had my mid-year bonus and 13th month pay.
9. I had a new laptop.
10. My husband gave me a Rusty Lopez shoes.

These are the ten things I should be thankful about last 2011. I may not be rich, but I have a lot of friends, who are my precious gems, a treasure that can last forever.