So my phone crashed, its stuck on the apple logo.  I googled it and tried to troubleshoot it myself but nothing worked.  So I am left with having the factory settings restored and lose everything in it.  I was upset because I was going to lose all of my files!  The recent pictures that I took at the beach and when I was out of town - just petty stuff really.  But seriously... I am going to lose my updated schedule/to do lists for the remaining days of the year which I was not able to back up recently!  I remembered a couple months ago someone told me to write down my schedules when I thought that I accidentally deleted one category on my calendar, but what I actually clicked was just the hide button.tsk  Yep!  I'm a bit of a klutz.  Okay, maybe a big one.  I'm just hoping the phone isn't dead yet though the thought of it dying is already there.

So I thought... What about going back to using old school paper planners?

The planner that I used for 3 consecutive years was the Belle de Jour Power Planner. Aside from the usual planner pages, they also have other useful pages such as the goals page (which is basically at the front portion of the planner where you write down your major goals for the year), a page to plan your vacation (what to bring, how much money you need, who you are travelling with,), bills/cash flow tracker, a sort of bucket list or checklist page, menstrual tracker (which I find very helpful as I used to have bad menstrual cramps back in college) and tons of discount coupons!  I actually got it for the discount coupons because I don't like spending too much (my friends know how kuripot I can get 😉).  It was fun having a planner for many years, jotting down notes using my colorful pens. ✒️ Yep, I had tons of them!  I had this "system" where I categorize my schedule/to do lists by using those different colored pens (ex:red-urgent matters, blue-personal matters, green-school, violet-work, and black - for doodling or what not).  At the start of each month, I was able to basically see a snapshot of all the things I needed to do/get per category.  The pages after that would be the details per week.  And I would place different sizes of sticky notes either to emphasize the urgency of something or just to show the quote that I recently like.  I also doodle a lot, so there are a lot of random notes all over the place.  There are also days when I would write down what happened during the day.  Simply put its not just a planner for me but a journal as well.  What I don't like about using planners: a bit heavy and bulky to carry everyday.  Or maybe I just needed to work out. 😜

Dear Diary: embarrassed in 2013 and tired in 2014.
Its nice reading what you wrote down years ago when you barely even remember what really happened.
Its like the "memories" in facebook nowadays.

I decided 2 years ago that I no longer need those paper planners because I didn't find it necessary anymore compared to just typing all of your schedules down on your smart phone or tab which will remind you of the things you needed to do/get.  What I really like about it is that you can repeat these reminders/alarms on your calendar in a jiffy!  You can also group your activities per category using different colors as well.  For Apple Calendars, I like that I can put labels on different colored categories.  I tend to forget what certain categories are for so the labels are a plus for me.  On Samsung's SPlanner, I like that there is a function where you can enable the country's holidays to appear.  So you don't have to put it one by one.  Both things didn't appear on both devices though, or maybe I just don't know how to.  I can sync my gmail account (or even Facebook) to my phone as well (both Apple and Samsung).  So any birthdays or what have yous on your gmail account will also appear on your device as well.  Aside from that, they don't take up much time inputting new activities and you could share your calendar with family/friends!  I used to have this school app on my tab so I can be reminded on the exam schedules especially when I get too busy at work.  Its funny now that I remember it, I actually uninstalled it after one semester.  Do you really need different apps when basically it provides the same purpose - to help you plan, organize and be reminded.  What I find very useful was this savings/expense app that I had which allowed me to track my expenses from my daily transport to monthly bills.  So at the end of the month, I would know where I would need to cut down costs (if any).  What I love about planning/organizing on a smart phone/device is its convenience - I take it anywhere with me and it doesn't give you additional weight.  What I don't like about it is the fact that your phone or device could get corrupted - but you can always back it up... which I didn't. zzzzzzz

So here are some links to help you organize your Apple Calendar/Samsung SPlanner just in case you are having trouble with it.  I just couldn't find anything that is more updated for Samsung.
https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/138740?hl=en
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202337
http://www.macworld.com/article/2928281/10-gotta-know-calendar-tips-for-ios.html
https://www.gadgetdaily.xyz/how-to-use-the-s-planner-app/
https://www.gadgetdaily.xyz/s-planner-tips-tricks-and-troubleshooting/

I tried looking for my 2012 one, but I couldn't find it. 

So which one do you think is better -  paper planners or smart devices?  Or is it both?  With all of these things in mind... I prefer this time around to use both side by side.  I think I just found the "perfect" planner and then maybe I can frequently back up my devices so I wouldn't have to worry if it bugs down 😉

Check out my previous blog post about 2017 Planners that are under Php 600.00 (USD 12.25). 😉

**I am no expert on planning/organizing.  Well...  I am no expert on anything! hahahah  These are just some of the things that worked/works for me and I hope that you find it helpful :) 

We only have a few weeks left before 2016 ends!  And along with that comes the excitement of what the new year will bring.

Are you using old school paper planners?  Have you already picked out your planner for the new year?  What are your considerations when buying a planner?  Do you like colorful ones or the classic, more simpler ones?  Are you getting the same one from this year?  Does weight matter?  Do you like it personalized?

I was with my girlfriends a few days ago and the timing was just right as they were also planning to go back old school and use paper planners.  We hung out at a coffee shop and asked about their free planner.  And so the frugal side of me immediately popped out and I started computing for the total amount of money to be shelled out for a good number of coffee stickers in order to get the free planner.  After seeing the amount thats over Php 2500.00 (USD 51.16), I was like "heck no, its too expensive!"  Back in college and the first 2 years of being employed, I used to think that my planner that annually costed me Php 598.00 (USD 12.24) was too much and it was even providing me with tons of freebies and discounts to restaurants and so much more.  So I told the girls about it and showed them that there are a lot more choices that are cheaper than that coffee planner.  Sometimes when we see or hear that a certain something is free, we get overwhelmed and take hold of that free thing without even realizing that we actually paid for it.

What makes the "perfect" planner?

I know... Nothing is perfect.  It would be if we can create planners based on our needs, then choosing wouldn't be a problem at all.  I have been scouting for the "perfect" planner, the one that would seem to fit just right.  Unlike before, I am now wanting a more functional one.  Not just tons of pages that I wouldn't be using at all.

Out of everything that I've seen so far, these are the planners that caught my attention from the 3 companies: Filed, C&S Designs and Viviamo.  All of these planners are sold at less than Php 600.00 (USD 12.25) which is a plus.  I've also found undated planners that were released for 2016 that are still available and are being sold at a much affordable price now (Camper and Doodle) so go grab them while you can.

If you opt for something that you can carry everyday without giving too much extra space from your bag and is lighter than the rest, then I recommend the Camper Planner / Keepsake Planner / Scribble Planner / Petit Planner.  If you prefer functionality over everything, then I'd go for the Back to Basics Planner / Limitless Planner / Focus Planner.  If you are on the artsy side or you like those with more color and style then the Doodle Planner / Keepsake Planner / Scribble Planner / Design Your Life 2017 Planner / EIP Planner is for you.

So if you are interested in any of these planners, I have linked their websites so you could see a more detailed view of each one.  Tried getting all of the details which I think are important, but some are just not included on the websites.

FILED PLANNERS

Camper Planner on sales @ Php 295.00

~ 6" x 6"

~ Smyth sewn

 Hardbound

~ Undated

~ Finance tracker

Doodle Planner on sale @ Php 395.00

~ 8" x 6"

~ Smyth sewn

~ Hardbound

~ Undated

~ Finance tracker

Keepsake Planner @ Php 545.00

~ 7.5" x 5.25" x .75" 

~ Smyth sewn

~ Hardbound

~ Undated

Scribble Planner 2017 @ Php 595.00

 ~ 8.5" x 6" x .75"

~ Smyth sewn

~ Hardbound

~ Dated

~ Finance tracker

C&S DESIGNS PLANNERS 

Back to Basics 2017 Planner @ Php 595.00
~ 7.75" x 8.5"

~ Ring/coil bound

~ Hard cover*
~ Dated
~ Project tracker
~ Finance tracker
~ Travel planner

Design Your Life 2017 Planner @ Php 595.00
~ 6.5" x 7.75"
~ Ring/coil bound
~ Hard cover*
~ Dated
~ Project tracker
~ Finance tracker
~ Travel planner

Limitless Planner @ Php 550.00
~ 7.75" x 8.5"
~ Ring/coil bound
 ~ Hard cover*
~ Undated

~ Project tracker

~ Finance tracker

~ Travel planner

*Not hardbound covers.  One youtuber sort of described it as a cardboad-like type of cover.



VIVIAMO PLANNERS

EIP Planner @ Php 598.00
~ Smyth sewn
~ Hardbound
~ Dated

Focus Planner @ Php 450.00
~ Smyth sewn
~ Hardbound
~ Dated

Navi Planner @ Php 598.00
~ Smyth sewn
~ Hardbound
~ Dated
~ Travel Planner
~ Comes with over Php 25,000.00 worth of discount coupons

Petit Planner @ Php 320.00
~ Petit version of Viviamo's BDJ Power Planner*
~ Dated

*with finance tracker, travel planner, etc.

So have you found your planner?  I sure have found mine ;)

I hope this post helped :) 

***all images are from the planners' company websites***

But I've got high hopes, it takes me back to when we started
High hopes, when you let it go, go out and start again
High hopes, when it all comes to an end
But the world keeps spinning around

-High Hopes, Kodaline

Earlier today someone said that some company-employee relationships are somewhat comparable to facebook friends.  They decide to hire you and add you up as a "friend".  You work and please them, they give you likes, follows and sometimes even leave a comment for a job well done.  And when they are done with you, as soon as they have everything that they can get from you, they replace you and "unfriend" you.  So impersonal and detached.  

Imagine this.  An international company providing services in more than a hundred countries.  Existing for more than a century.  Ranking at the top, being benchmarked by others.  Provides excellent benefits to their employees.  Sold their own office building one day.  Sold a business entity the other.  Now the whole company is being owned by the competitor and they are now taking over its operations.  So what's next?  People losing their jobs.  At first, they are being promised that changes will take effect a year after.  But you just find out one day that you are one of the employees that the company has to let go.  You.  The top performer.  The first to arrive in the office.  The one who spent extra hours/days in the office just to get everything right.  The one who treated the company as if it was their own.  The one who stayed loyal for decades despite of the many challenges.  The one who sacrificed time with family and friends just to close the business deal.  The one who had a miscarriage a month ago.  And they just hand you the pink slip (discharge notice) as if merely clicking the unfriend button.  

The office became your second home.  Co-workers became family/friends.  You share ideas, hopes, and dreams with each other; share smiles, laughter and tears; share fears and insecurities;  you go on adventures and invite each other out to just chill and relax; you help lift each other; you became a source of strength and inspiration to one another; together you became stronger.  5 days a week you spend time with them making the 8-hour work (sometimes even more) just bearable.  You don't always get to have that.  Comfort and familiarity.  And all of the sudden it has to stop.  You have no choice.  You have to leave.

Lessons learned.  You have to keep something for yourself.  Realize that you have a life outside of your work.  Because what do they provide when a family member dies?  Flowers?  Cards?  You can never bring back the time when you should have been there for that basketball game your son had instead of taking the clients out for a drink.  Yes, you are working hard.  But I guess we just need to have a sense of work-life balance.  Do not give the company your all not unless it is your own because at the end of the day, it is your health that is important; it is your family/friends who care; it is your personal life that really matters.  At the end of the day, what matters to them is their profit and how much they are able to cut costs.  Maybe start young so you still have more energy and you don't have that much responsibility yet - learn to look for other ways to make money while on that 8 to 5 grind so that you don't have to rely so much on that one source of income.  Just make sure that it does not create conflict of interest.

Well and good if you are in a company who prioritizes their employees needs, much more if you are able to establish friendships with colleagues and bosses - cherish those moments and invest in those friendships so it continues.  But up until when will they provide you with these benefits?  What if they need to layoff employees?  What if they need to lay you off?  Some companies give ample time and give you hints at an early stage.  But what if they don't?  Learn from others and don't wait for it to happen to you.  You'll never know when its time to let go and say goodbye.

At a time like this it is never easy.  But as the saying goes... When a door closes, windows of opportunities open.  And I am quoting what I wrote on my previous post, "We may have a lot of unanswered questions and maybe some of them are best left just like that (atm).  But we have to move forward no matter how difficult/ confusing/ frustrating life gets.  This is how we understand and discover the meaningful answers to the whys.  It may not be clear now, but someday things will make sense."

If I seem distant.. Baby, I am
Words are like scissors in your hands
There's no script to follow
So I just close my eyes
That way it won't hurt so much when we say goodbye

My heart feels like a circus
Its too much to take in
Its hard to lose a love
But you were my best friend

-Say Goodbye, Katharine McPhee

My heart shattered last night.  I just could not contain it.

There I was.  At home.  Cleaning up my "friends" list as I came across her name.  She changed her last name.  I wasn't quite sure of his first name, but I was certain that it wasn't his last.  💔

Though I may not have known him personally, I had hoped that they get to be a part of the lucky couples who could last a lifetime.  I thought that they could handle the long distance as they have been together for so long.  I know that the longevity of a relationship is just a small factor, but never have I thought that they would end up being with another person.  I was secretly rooting for them!  Like I wanted to cheer them on with a "show them that it can work!".  But I guess thats that.  There goes another long term and long distance relationship out the door.  How do you make it work? 😞

We may have a lot of unanswered questions and maybe some of them are best left just like that (atm).  But we have to move forward no matter how difficult/ confusing/ frustrating life gets.  This is how we understand and discover the meaningful answers to the whys.  It may not be clear now, but someday things will make sense.

I know this is none of my business.  I may not know who left who.  And I may not know how to pronounce your last name.  But my heart goes out to you. 💔😭

From walking home and talking loads

To seeing shows in evening clothes with you

From nervous touch and getting drunk

To staying up and waking up with you

-Let it go, James Bay

Despite of everything, love is still worth pursuing.

By far, I've had the best adventures/travels the previous year but the other ones really don't compare to the thrills I've had with these 3.  I know its pretty late.. but if you are still looking for a place to visit this summer, then I highly recommend that you visit one of these places as I've had the best times here. 🚗✈️👣

1.) Siem Reap, Cambodia

I knew that I would like Siem Reap, but I never expected to fall in love with the place!  Though it was so hot and it rained hard after our temple run (it was cloudy when we got to Angkor Wat)... its rich history, the people and their culture, the vibe, the inexpensive stuff you could buy there and the food made our stay worth while.  Wishing I could go back soon and I hope things will get even better. 

For your OOTDs, pick your light and airy clothes.  Also choose a comfy pair of sandals or shoes as you'll be walking most of the time.  I mean we opted to actually. hahaha  We go on walks from our accommodation at Seven Candles Guesthouse, Wat Bo Road to Pub Street/night market where we usually have our meals.  Aside from saving money from tuk tuk rides, it also provides us more time to hang out and take in the relaxing vibe of Siem Reap.  

Thanks to airlines who are now providing much cheaper fares than before, you can now enjoy your travels to international destinations!  Quick tip if you don't know this yet... Check and compare flight fares at sky scanner ph. Estimated travel time from Manila to Siem Reap is about 3hours.

2.) Dahilayan Adventure/Forest Park, Bukidnon

Fun outdoor group activities!  I'm telling you, this is the place to be.  

I'm from Davao so the travel going there is pretty tiring.  Google will tell you that it only takes about 4 hours and a half but in reality it takes more than that.  I think that if you start travelling by 3am you can make it 4-5 hrs.  Based on my experience last summer, we left at around 6 in the morning and arrived there at around 1 in the afternoon (I do not have the exact time as I was too groggy that time I just slept all the way there).  First off, you have to consider the traffic especially around Malaybalay and Valencia.  Secondly, there are a lot of road cuts and construction.  Thirdly, you have to mind that these roads are being passed by trailer trucks carrying loads all the way from Cagayan de Oro going to Davao (or vice versa).  So imagine if these trucks line up and their speed is around 10-15kph or lower.  You know what I remember when I'm thinking about that?  The smell of rubber.

My favorite activities there will definitely be the luge and ATV! Woop woop! 

http://dahilayanadventurepark.com/attractions/

3.) Surigao del Sur (Enchanted River and Brittania group of islands)

The pictures scattered online?  I thought that they were just edited to make it look even better.  But nah.  The water really is so pristine and clear.  Its beautiful and its real just as I had imagined it.

Aside from the fact that I made a collage and added the name of the places, the pictures I have in this post are raw - though a couple of the Siem Reap ones were just to make it a bit clear as it was pretty cloudy at that time.

Travel time from Davao City to Enchanted River is only about 3-4 hours given that you leave around 4 in the morning to avoid traffic and if there are no other unnecessary stopovers.  This is guaranteed.  I thought it would take more than 5 hours to get there, but it didn't.  And it takes only 1 hour and a half to go to Britannia from there.

When I get to visit place like these, I become more thankful for all the wonders in the world especially those that are left untouched.  I also felt this when my girlfriends and I traveled to Zambales and Pangasinan in 2014.  The mountains, the sea, the sun's rays, the waves kissing the shore and the wind in your hair.  It was breathtaking and I was left in awe.  It was beyond perfection.  All of this was made by the greatest architect of all.  So thank you to the big guy up there for all of this perfection!

Well.. while writing all of these, I just might do a detailed one for these destinations as these are just a snapshot on each one to avoid making a super long post.  I hope I'll get into that soon though.

'Til next time and have a blessed Holy Week, everyone! 🙏

March is (usually) the end of the school year here in the Philippines which is the start of the summer!  Though there are already some universities adapting the new school year which starts at August / September.  Its a pretty hectic and exciting time for graduating students all over the country.  Busy with all of the final requirements, exams and becoming anxious to get out in the real world.  At this time a few years ago, we were already practicing for our graduation ceremony.  Oh, the memories.

Looking for a job can be daunting and stressful.  So I thought about sharing with you these very simple tips to help you on your job hunt.

1.) Create a professional email address.  

This is especially if you're currently using dangerismy_middlename@ooemailkoto.com, sexyvixen_13@ooemailkoto.com, smugglerako@ooemailkoto.com etc.  Imagine having the last one and you're applying in the import/export industry.  You know where I'm going at this.  You're good to go with just your full name.

2.) Prepare your resume and application letter.

Since most of you might not have any previous work experiences, you can include the business plans and strategic plans that you made as a final requirement aside from the on-the-job training that you had (which I didn't).  I commend working students who exert extra hard effort, you will go far - so don't forget to include the jobs that you have had as well.   Include extra curricular activities or the organizations and positions you've held in them during college.  Someone told me back in college that during her interview she found out that the HR associate and head of their department were in the same organization that she was in.  So I think that kind of helped as they found a common ground with the applicant.  Though these activities and orgs may not be as important to others, but it will help the employers know more about you.  

Take notes from your professor as well as there are some who will lend a hand in preparing your resumes.  Also, you should establish good relationships with some professors as you can use them as your reference.  Some companies do not check these references, but you wouldn't know who would and who wouldn't.  So its best that you put people who know that you are a responsible person.

3.) Be proactive.

Send out applications right now even if you're still waiting for the graduation day!  Whats good nowadays is that you can opt to submit your applications online and signup to websites such as JobStreet, jobsDB, indeed, etc.  

Aside from the online and onsite applications, you should join job fairs too!  There are schools and malls here in Davao City that hold 2-3 days of jobs fairs during these times of the year.  So make sure you make use of those opportunities and be in your business attire.

4.) Prepare and practice interviews with friends.

Most interview questions are just the same - tell me about yourself, where do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now, etc.  These questions seem easy but sometimes you just get stuck and can't even describe yourself.tsk  So prepare and practice beforehand. 

I remembered being so nervous at this interview (it was at the company/industry that I really wanted to be in) I was so cold but my hands were sweating and I felt like my tummy was about to give in!  So for the first time in a lot of interviews I've had,  I sold myself.  And eventually after a few weeks, I landed the job!  Its not easy selling yourself especially if you don't have any experiences yet.  So know your strengths and weaknesses, use them to your advantage and be creative with your answers.

There are a lot of sample answers scattered all over the internet for various interview questions.  Try watching this video so you'll have an idea.  

5.) Research about the company your applying.

If you really like a particular company/industry, take the time to learn about what these guys do.  Most companies already have their own website so take advantage of that as some would ask - how did you know about us, why do you want this job or why should we hire you?  Learning about the company prior to the interview lets the employers know that you are interested in them and that you took the time in knowing what is it that they do.

And oh, have you watched the movie Post Grad?  You might want to watch it.

I think thats about it!  Hope that my tips helped even just a tiny bit. 

Just be patient and keep the faith.

Congratulations to all the graduates of 2016 and best of luck to all of you!

Grad pictures grabbed from friends and classmates Kah, Nina and Jil :)

Skinny Living!!! And I'm not talking about diet or exercise 😁

While working one afternoon I had JacksGap's Shed Sessions - Jeremy Loops playing on the background, got the autoplay function on Youtube, when I heard Skinny Living play for the very first time.  They played The Journey and when they got to the chorus part I just had to take a look at what I was listening to.  The band just felt perfection in my ears.  I couldn't help but listen to their other songs and covers as well!  I never really got into into Maroon 5's Sugar, I usually skip it when the autoplay randomly chooses it 😜 but I really like Skinny Living's cover!  

Skinny Living is a 4 man British band - Ryan Johnston on vocals, Rhys Anderton on percussion, Will Booth and Danny Hepworth on guitar and vocals.  People need to hear more from this band because they make good covers and their originals are great (lyrics and melody)!  Listen to their Youtube uploads and visit their website for more info on these guys - http://www.skinnylivinguk.com/  You won't be disappointed.

I am so excited for the future of this band, pretty sure its going to be awesome and bright.  Can't wait for the day to hear them live up front.

I absolutely love The Journey!  That's why I'm including the complete lyrics and video of this song.  The message is so good and I think that we all get in to that point in our lives that we can all relate to this.  Other current favorites are Let Me In and Loving That You're With Me - I'm not 100% sure on the lines below, its just as far as my ears can go.  Aside from Sugar, I also like their cover of Iron Sky by Paolo Nutini as well.  

"The Journey" 

You're born with the world in your hands

And a gift that's individual 

So be careful with your plans

When you're getting closer to seeing your dreams through

Be wise of those new around you

If it was easy there was no need to try

We could get a dream in one day but would that be a life? 

Its all about the journey

Its hard knowing what to do sometimes

Not always so simple 

Trying to read between the lines

What is their intention?

Why are they trying to be so kind?

What is it they offer you?

"Let Me In" 

He left scars 

I'm here to heal for you

And I know where you are

Because I've been there before

Open up your heart and let me in

Break free from these shackles and let me begin

"Loving That You're With Me" 

Late night phone calls, butterflies are tenfolds ❤️

Waking up with the sun, I'll see your face again

I'm soaring on heartfelt emotions higher than the eye can see ❤️

I'm flying you've caused a commotion I'm loving that you're with me 

http://www.skinnylivinguk.com/photos.html

http://www.skinnylivinguk.com/photos.html