From BRAZEN CAREERIST:
How to tell when you should leave your job is actually very simple: If your boss loves you, stay. If your boss does not love you, assess where you went wrong, and decide if you can fix it. If not, it’s quitting time.
The problem is that most people take very little responsibility for making their boss love them. Which, in turn complicates the decision about staying or leaving. Your number one task in a job is to get your boss to love you.
This means that you find out what your boss cares about, how your boss likes to communicate, what scares your boss, and how you can help. Of course, your career goal is not to help your boss. But if you boss loves you then he or she will help you to meet your career goals.
Here are common problems people have at work: Boring assignments, inflexible schedules, no recognition, too much red tape, no upward mobility. But these are all problems that disappear when your boss loves you. When your boss loves you she helps you figure out how to get around this stuff. When your boss loves you she’s like a teammate, trying to help you get what you want for your career.
But this should come as no surprise because the way to get your boss to love you is to worry about your boss’ career. See your boss’ roadblocks and get them out of the way. Understand your boss’ dreams and make it your job to facilitate them. Put aside your idea of your job description and just focus on what will help your boss.
How do you do this? Here are six steps:
1. Attend to detail. The details of your boss. You should be sure to learn something about your boss from every exchange you have. If you do not learn from the exchanges then there is probably little depth to your conversations, and that is the first step to a vacuous relationship.
2. Make each conversation meaningful. You can infuse meaning into your conversations with your boss by probing a little bit each time about what your boss cares about. Why is he or she rushed today? Or, by the way, what is the big deadline that consumed all of last week? Even something as basic as “How was your weekend?” is a fine way to learn something about the boss.
3. Listen to gossip. You can learn about your boss from watching him deal with other employees. Listen carefully to what co-workers say about your boss. Whether it’s true or not is secondary to how your boss is perceived in the ranks. The more you know about your boss the more you can cater to her.
4. Express gratitude. If you let your boss know what you appreciate about her, she’ll open up to you more because you will feel safe. For example, you can thank her for steering you away from a mine field in the marketing department. Or you can tell her you appreciate how well she did during a difficult moment in a meeting. Be specific and she will be flattered and touched. That will create a connection you need to understand your boss better.
5. Get over your shyness. Because if you are too timid to initiate conversation then you will not get to know your boss enough to make your boss love you. To get yourself talking, remind yourself that everyone wants to feel cared about. It’s hard to manage people because it means caring a lot about other people and it’s pretty one-sided. A manager will be thrilled to hear that a direct report cares about him.
6. Identify the culprit. Take a look at your track record. Have most of your bosses loved you but one doesn’t? Then it’s probably not all your fault. But most people who are not loved by their bosses were never loved by their bosses. And most people who are a pain are a pain in similar ways in all of their jobs.
So instead of focusing on why your boss is difficult, focus on what is keeping you from being loveable. It’ll be worth it. But you will find that the rewards of being loved by a boss are almost endless. Most importantly, you will like yourself better and you will love your job.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
THIS IS ENGLAND
A film by British Director Shane Meadows; it brings us to the soulful blast from the past in the year of 1983. Where flannel shirts and doc martens were the fashion trend during that decade and would influence the adolescent time in the 90’s. The story is about another coming of age; it imbibes the feeling of searching and having the identity of how we were as teens. It is about the Joy of belongingness and the bliss of acceptance from a group where we can just discover and be ourselves.The story revolves around Shaun, a young adolescent, temperamental and quick with his fists. A poignant young boy who lives with his mom and been suffering the loneliness with the recent loss of his father. At school he gets bullied because of his bell-bottom trousers(where it was given to him as a gift from his dad) and how he looks indifferent from the outfits of the youth. Along his way home, he stumbles to the gang of Woody played by Joe Gilgun, and eventually finds a bond with them.
The nonchalance of the gang would make you feel amiss of your youth, where being free-spirited and carefree without responsibility has brought you thrill and pleasure. It has brought me memories of my younger days and wonder about the bestfriends I had back then.
Anyhow, the Love and friendship of the gang has brought young Shaun elation to the new environment he lives in. First experiences in choosing the shoes that he wanted has also been exemplified hilariously, that to also fit in to the ways of how the gang dresses up. Amusingly as well the gang gives him his first flannel shirt to match with his doc marten imitation shoes. Now Shaun really is one of the gang.
Just as you’d think that the movie is about teens living their confused lives, a heavy twist and situation will augment to the drama of the movie. This is England also showcases the political situation during that time and demonstrates how the youth lost their way due to the insistent political bigotry in England. The brotherhood would then be tested and new idealisms will set them apart. This becomes the main conflict of the initial happy story; A clear and magnificent representation of the effect of the Falklands War to the youth of England.
The movie is set in the East Midlands in England’s midsection, where the director was born and
spent his early adolescence. Written by Mr. Meadows as well, the movie becomes an autobiographical inspiration and his reverence to the world that he lived in adrift by its political turmoil. However what made this a sentimental movie for me is the grief of its young characters for their dreams, the pleasures of their youth and their passionate camaraderie…SAGADA: A Community of Love
I’ve always been known to my friends as the Baguio boy, obvio
usly I grew up in Baguio so that makes me the guy from the mountains. I’ve been asked if I wore the “bahag” and if I’ve been walking with bare feet when I lived there. And of course if I was one of the “Igorots” who’d charge every tourist with every picture taken with me at the “Imelda Marcos Park.” I would always tell them YES, and that I am a member of the headhunter tribe, and will always ask them “so would you like a try of my Axe?” … and immediately they’ll run for their lives…
Now I’ve been living in Makati and have been a corporate slave for more than a decade now. My Manileno friends have always been interested to plan a trip to Sagada in the Mountain Province. They’d always ask me How it is there and if Marijuana really is just a plain bush in that place, that it is planted just at the backyard of every household. I’d always respond with a Big and Wide Smile and tell them “Malay KO!”
They’d act all surprised and give a marvelous remark that goes “ANO?!? TAGA BAGUIO KA AT HINDE KA PA NAKAKAPUNTA NG SAGADA?!?!?!” and i’d shy away and say ”OO eh..” ..sniff... wawah…
And yes, it is true, a lot of us who’ve lived in Baguio never really reached Sagada given that it is just a 6 hour ride from Baguio. And so I’ve committed myself this year to plan a trip to Sagada. Been asking friends who could join me but everybody seemed so busy and that the schedule I was looking at did not fit theirs. But what the heck, if they can’t join me then I’ll go on my own.. arggh loner daw ako sabe nila.. So anyway, there I was, packed my bags, hit Victory Liner and on my way to Baguio. Stopped over at my brother’s place to sleep then hit Sagada first thing in the morning.
My brother Gene asked me what I was doing back home and “bakit daw nangangati na naman ang paa ko.” And so me being my usual self told him about my plans for Sagada animatedly and ayun nainggit at sumama sa akin. Yippee!!! Not going there alone no more...
So we rode Lizardo Bus Lines and straight to Sagada. View was magnificent, air was cool, or should I say cold. Still lots of trees and looking down from the window would give you a nauseous feel. My stomach felt a triple somersault and waiting a puke to come out. And so took hold of myself and just looked at the View of the mountains, clouds and trees. Ahhh.. beauty at its best. Luckily the road has been and being concretized completely, so the road wasn’t that bad anymore as with the stories told before.
On the way to Sagada, you’d see a lot of towns that you’d think you’re not in the Philippines anymore because everyone’s wearing jackets or thick clothes. The bus needed not airconditioning coz the breeze was that cold. I felt the happiness and missed this setting; realized I’ve been living in the busy city of Metro Manila for such a long time now.
We reached Sagada, thanks to my friend Tracey for the endorsement of a good place to stay and finding out that its just stairs away from the bus stop. The ride was a tiring one with bumps, humps and the zigzag road that we went through. And so thought of resting a bit before anything else; but my brother being the excited one was so active and wanted to be on the move immediately. With a tired body and a sore butt, I’ve just said yes and okay okay.. We went to the restaurant of Saint Joseph’s resthouse first before we move and ordered for dinuguan, Sagada style.. YUM!! While eating, asked and bought a map to plan and check out what we can do. We were on a rush because we just planned to stay overnight.
And so there we went.. the hanging coffins, the small restos, the church. I’ve also realized that why I feel so at home at Sagada, its because it reminded me of Baguio 20 years ago. Where there were less residents and cars, less pollution and more trees. It really felt like a good escape from the traffic and the tall buildings of Manila.
Been imagining a relaxed vacation in Sagada and thought of just enjoying the cool weather, but with all the activities we did, I felt so dead tired. And so after hours of walking we decided to go back to the hostel and get ready for dinner. After eating, got a good massage. After which forced myself to sleep coz my brother’s planning for another endless walking to the caves. So morning came, we headed to the caves, equipped with just cameras and just attitude we reached the cave and surprise!! We couldn’t see a thing inside the cave! Hahaha turns out you’d really need a guide to tour you inside and ensure your safety.
So we called it quits and just decided we can always go back the next time. Rushed back to the hostel and fixed and packed our things. Went down to the bus stop to get in on time. but lo and behold, rain started pouring and apparently a storm is about to hit Sagada.
This is the time where mixed emotions enfolded my being…
At the bus stop a lot of tourists and locals were lined up waiting for the bus. The bus was scheduled to depart by 1:00 PM, reason why we woke up early in the morning and wanted to maximize our vacation in Sagada. At the bus stop was a hodgepodge of personalities. You’d see a lot of tourists from Manila, Caucasians from different part of the world, a group of (mountain) bikers who daringly climbed up the peaks of Mountain Province and a set of family…
After 2 hours and hitting 3PM, everyone’s becoming anxious with the late arrival of the bus. Rain was still pouring gently and we were cramped up in a small waiting shed. I myself became very anxious, thinking of my commitment at work and other meetings set for Monday. At this time, lots of versions of news about the bus arriving or not was spreading to the lot of stranded people. One thing I noticed is the optimism of the people that the bus would indeed arrive and is just taking long because of the rain. And so, we patiently wait and just enjoyed the coldness of the rain. Apparently, we all just wanted to go home and get on with our businesses.
My friend Tracey arrived now at Sagada and we were laughing our hearts out coz with all the goodbyes and take cares that we’ve said to each other before this situation. We thought we wouldn’t see each other anymore because of the different schedules we have. And so we just talked, told stories to make us more laugh and after an hour she decided to take a rest coz of the tiring trip as well. Again we bid farewell and patiently waited for the bus again.
After some time, the rain poured out stronger and I felt a little worried already. News about the bus arriving stayed the same, and wow these people are really patient and having a very relaxed time. But me, I was kind of worried about the road and if it will be safe to travel at night. And so I couldn’t wait any longer. I’ve intended to look for a more reliable source for news. Luckily the tourism information is very near the bus stop.
I spoke in the local dialect with the information lady and she validated my concerns about the bus and the road having landslides already.
A bit more worried now.. Thinking how to go about this and what will be the detriments with this delay. But then again safety is always a priority, and so I finally decided to stay another night and just wait for the storm to clear. Spoke with my brother Gene and discussed the situation. He was convinced and agreed to stay another night. But then I saw the number of stranded people. Got worried about them as well, especially one of the families that I had a conversation with while waiting. The bikers were apparently my brother’s officemate as well and got concerns about their safety too if they push through with the trip.
And so I spoke to the family and told them about the information I got from the tourism office. That the bus will not arrive any longer and there are apparent landslides in the road. They understood my concern and thought otherwise should they push through. We spoke to the group of Barakos and suggested options as well. But they were still very optimistic and that the storm is not near Sagada yet. One guy mentioned that it is still safe to travel coz should there be a landslide a boulder truck will be on the way to clear the road(talk about optimism ey?!) Wanted to argue about it coz does he really think that the driver of that boulder truck would risk his life with the storm and slippery road? So we left them at their stance and my brother and I decided to go back to Saint Joseph resthouse to get a cheaper room and just have a good rest…
I never anticipated that this situation would be the highlight of my Sagada trip…
It was a good time to rest, but I was still bothered with the documents that I need to send to my boss and colleagues back in the office. So decided to make the most of my time, went to the restaurant, ordered for coffee and scuttled my fingers across my laptop. Surprisingly, the people I saw who were stranded with me entered the restaurant. Apparently, a bus indeed arrived but refused to take the trip back to baguio coz of the heavy rain and safety to the least. And so obviously the people then decided to stay another night.
I was greeted with lovely smiles when the people entered; it was like an unspoken appreciation for the care that I’ve expressed to them earlier. The father then approached me and explained about the bus that arrived and gave me tips on how to get the early bus the next morning. Other guys we’re looking at me and also smiling back, one guy shouted tama na trabaho, pahinga na muna!! I said I just need to finish this for me to send it tonight. It felt like we’ve known each other for years already..
Finished my presentation material and the reports I prepared. One thing more to worry about is how to send it; there are internet shops outside the resthouse so it made me a little calmed down. It was 9:00 PM already and saved my files to my USB drive, so went back to the room, leaving my laptop and rushing back out to look for that internet shop. My brother Gene and Tracey were in front of the fireplace already warming themselves up together with the manongs who’re renovating the Saint Joseph Main Hostel. Said hi to everybody and rushed out.
Anxiety faded as foreseen with the counter measure I planned, it will surprise me to find out another thing about Sagada. Apparently this place closes business very early! When 8:30 PM hits all shops closes … Arrgggghhh! There goes my intention of still being responsible to the eyes of my Boss! One sari-sari store was open though, and expectedly it was also a place where Lakays and Tanggeros do their drinking sessions.. just bought cinnamon bread and a pack of cigarettes then went out to smoke a stick.
While smoking, this wonderful guy approached me. He thought all the while that I was a Manilenio tourist. He spoke in English and talking about pride and funny stories about Sagada, JAMAICAN style! Hahaha. Thought to myself that this could be a fun night. So I let him be, me responding in English with my American accent. After some time of doobie conversation, thought this is a fun night indeed.. Then he invited me to take one shot of their Gin, coz he said that it was the culture of Sagada hence tourists should follow the same. That moment I didn’t have any plans to drink yet becoz I was so occupied with finding an internet. So to cut the story short, I spoke in Ilokano and told him I’m from Baguio. To his surprise he also went and talk the dialect, and finding out that he is originally from there as well. Suddenly I missed the Jamaican Accent… He pointed me to possible shops still open but unfortunately all of them followed the 8:30 curfew. Oh his name is Orion by the way.. Groovy..
I was so wet and tired looking for internet shops, even with the pouring rain I wasn’t spared of that endless walking. Decided to go back the Hostel, dried myself up and joined my brother at the fire place. Took my bonnet and sweatshirt and placed it near the fireplace to dry it up. Meanwhile Tracey joined us while waiting for the water to boil for her bath. No hotshowers in the resthouse during that time and I wouldn’t risk myself taking a bath either with the cold water.. you wouldn’t want your heart jumping out of your mouth would you?
There with us at the fireplace is also Mariz, we met here a day ago at the resthouse and she have traveled Sagada to rest from the busy and tiring work at the same time nourish her soul with what Sagada can offer as a refuge. Like Tracey, my brother and I have said goodbyes to her but we end up sharing the fire with her. The four of us were enjoying the fire with the Manongs who did a good job at the renovation; can’t wait to go back actually and spend time at one of the rooms in the new Hostel. Mariz apparently took one of the seminars, where my brother and I, and Tracey took too. Most of our conversations revolved around that, and some sort of little life “processing” was the topic. After some laughs and stories, two other pretty girls entered the room and asking help for hot water as well for their baths. Apparently the all around guy forgot about it already. So we invited them to join us instead and suggested to forget about taking a bath. Their names are Anne and Rishel.
This was one hell of a nightcap for me. It was such a wonderful experience and extraordinary at that. There we were my brother and I with complete strangers but it felt like it was a very open and safe place. We talked about life in general and what our hearts long for. The pains and agonies that we went through, at the same time the choices and the things that we’re doing to make us better persons. Again it dawned on me, that the desires of each person are to just have Love and give Love. We weren’t stifled about the time as the topics are so interesting and we were learning a lot from each other. Though the storm blowing outside was something to be worried about, we didn’t feel any concern with the situation. There was even brownout for a time but we were so at peace and safe with the fire that is keeping us warm and awake. This was also the first time where I spent a time with my brother Gene for long hours just enjoying the conversation. I found him at a different view, how funny, witty and loving he is in this situation. It made me so proud to have a brother like him. I’d take another trip with him given a choice; he can be my travel buddy…
We ended about 3 in the morning, we had 3 hours left to sleep to catch the first bus ride to Baguio of 6am. We woke up by 530am and rushed to our clothes and things to go to the bus stop. Luckily and we were so blessed, we got good comfortable seats, most of the people stranded also rode the bus. On the way, we reached a landslide and waited for almost 2 hours for the truck to clear the road. Anxiety didn’t cross my mind as I decided to sleep instead while waiting. The view was again marvelous, though it was difficult to detach myself that we’re leaving Sagada already. But then again there will always be a next time, I reassured myself…
My experience at Sagada was memorable, although it was such a short time; I’ve experienced a different community. Where people seem to be content and open; they welcome you and treat you kindly. I never felt any fear about being unsafe around the place. This could be the reason why a lot of foreigners decide to settle and reside here. There was diversity in personalities, difference in nationalities and color, but one thing I noticed about them, I can feel their Love. Their Love for each other, nature and culture. May this place be reserved and uncontaminated with impurities..
Go to Sagada! Experience a new you!
usly I grew up in Baguio so that makes me the guy from the mountains. I’ve been asked if I wore the “bahag” and if I’ve been walking with bare feet when I lived there. And of course if I was one of the “Igorots” who’d charge every tourist with every picture taken with me at the “Imelda Marcos Park.” I would always tell them YES, and that I am a member of the headhunter tribe, and will always ask them “so would you like a try of my Axe?” … and immediately they’ll run for their lives…Now I’ve been living in Makati and have been a corporate slave for more than a decade now. My Manileno friends have always been interested to plan a trip to Sagada in the Mountain Province. They’d always ask me How it is there and if Marijuana really is just a plain bush in that place, that it is planted just at the backyard of every household. I’d always respond with a Big and Wide Smile and tell them “Malay KO!”
They’d act all surprised and give a marvelous remark that goes “ANO?!? TAGA BAGUIO KA AT HINDE KA PA NAKAKAPUNTA NG SAGADA?!?!?!” and i’d shy away and say ”OO eh..” ..sniff... wawah…
And yes, it is true, a lot of us who’ve lived in Baguio never really reached Sagada given that it is just a 6 hour ride from Baguio. And so I’ve committed myself this year to plan a trip to Sagada. Been asking friends who could join me but everybody seemed so busy and that the schedule I was looking at did not fit theirs. But what the heck, if they can’t join me then I’ll go on my own.. arggh loner daw ako sabe nila.. So anyway, there I was, packed my bags, hit Victory Liner and on my way to Baguio. Stopped over at my brother’s place to sleep then hit Sagada first thing in the morning.
My brother Gene asked me what I was doing back home and “bakit daw nangangati na naman ang paa ko.” And so me being my usual self told him about my plans for Sagada animatedly and ayun nainggit at sumama sa akin. Yippee!!! Not going there alone no more...
So we rode Lizardo Bus Lines and straight to Sagada. View was magnificent, air was cool, or should I say cold. Still lots of trees and looking down from the window would give you a nauseous feel. My stomach felt a triple somersault and waiting a puke to come out. And so took hold of myself and just looked at the View of the mountains, clouds and trees. Ahhh.. beauty at its best. Luckily the road has been and being concretized completely, so the road wasn’t that bad anymore as with the stories told before.
On the way to Sagada, you’d see a lot of towns that you’d think you’re not in the Philippines anymore because everyone’s wearing jackets or thick clothes. The bus needed not airconditioning coz the breeze was that cold. I felt the happiness and missed this setting; realized I’ve been living in the busy city of Metro Manila for such a long time now.
We reached Sagada, thanks to my friend Tracey for the endorsement of a good place to stay and finding out that its just stairs away from the bus stop. The ride was a tiring one with bumps, humps and the zigzag road that we went through. And so thought of resting a bit before anything else; but my brother being the excited one was so active and wanted to be on the move immediately. With a tired body and a sore butt, I’ve just said yes and okay okay.. We went to the restaurant of Saint Joseph’s resthouse first before we move and ordered for dinuguan, Sagada style.. YUM!! While eating, asked and bought a map to plan and check out what we can do. We were on a rush because we just planned to stay overnight.
And so there we went.. the hanging coffins, the small restos, the church. I’ve also realized that why I feel so at home at Sagada, its because it reminded me of Baguio 20 years ago. Where there were less residents and cars, less pollution and more trees. It really felt like a good escape from the traffic and the tall buildings of Manila.
Been imagining a relaxed vacation in Sagada and thought of just enjoying the cool weather, but with all the activities we did, I felt so dead tired. And so after hours of walking we decided to go back to the hostel and get ready for dinner. After eating, got a good massage. After which forced myself to sleep coz my brother’s planning for another endless walking to the caves. So morning came, we headed to the caves, equipped with just cameras and just attitude we reached the cave and surprise!! We couldn’t see a thing inside the cave! Hahaha turns out you’d really need a guide to tour you inside and ensure your safety.
So we called it quits and just decided we can always go back the next time. Rushed back to the hostel and fixed and packed our things. Went down to the bus stop to get in on time. but lo and behold, rain started pouring and apparently a storm is about to hit Sagada.
This is the time where mixed emotions enfolded my being…
At the bus stop a lot of tourists and locals were lined up waiting for the bus. The bus was scheduled to depart by 1:00 PM, reason why we woke up early in the morning and wanted to maximize our vacation in Sagada. At the bus stop was a hodgepodge of personalities. You’d see a lot of tourists from Manila, Caucasians from different part of the world, a group of (mountain) bikers who daringly climbed up the peaks of Mountain Province and a set of family…
After 2 hours and hitting 3PM, everyone’s becoming anxious with the late arrival of the bus. Rain was still pouring gently and we were cramped up in a small waiting shed. I myself became very anxious, thinking of my commitment at work and other meetings set for Monday. At this time, lots of versions of news about the bus arriving or not was spreading to the lot of stranded people. One thing I noticed is the optimism of the people that the bus would indeed arrive and is just taking long because of the rain. And so, we patiently wait and just enjoyed the coldness of the rain. Apparently, we all just wanted to go home and get on with our businesses.
My friend Tracey arrived now at Sagada and we were laughing our hearts out coz with all the goodbyes and take cares that we’ve said to each other before this situation. We thought we wouldn’t see each other anymore because of the different schedules we have. And so we just talked, told stories to make us more laugh and after an hour she decided to take a rest coz of the tiring trip as well. Again we bid farewell and patiently waited for the bus again.
After some time, the rain poured out stronger and I felt a little worried already. News about the bus arriving stayed the same, and wow these people are really patient and having a very relaxed time. But me, I was kind of worried about the road and if it will be safe to travel at night. And so I couldn’t wait any longer. I’ve intended to look for a more reliable source for news. Luckily the tourism information is very near the bus stop.
I spoke in the local dialect with the information lady and she validated my concerns about the bus and the road having landslides already.
A bit more worried now.. Thinking how to go about this and what will be the detriments with this delay. But then again safety is always a priority, and so I finally decided to stay another night and just wait for the storm to clear. Spoke with my brother Gene and discussed the situation. He was convinced and agreed to stay another night. But then I saw the number of stranded people. Got worried about them as well, especially one of the families that I had a conversation with while waiting. The bikers were apparently my brother’s officemate as well and got concerns about their safety too if they push through with the trip.
And so I spoke to the family and told them about the information I got from the tourism office. That the bus will not arrive any longer and there are apparent landslides in the road. They understood my concern and thought otherwise should they push through. We spoke to the group of Barakos and suggested options as well. But they were still very optimistic and that the storm is not near Sagada yet. One guy mentioned that it is still safe to travel coz should there be a landslide a boulder truck will be on the way to clear the road(talk about optimism ey?!) Wanted to argue about it coz does he really think that the driver of that boulder truck would risk his life with the storm and slippery road? So we left them at their stance and my brother and I decided to go back to Saint Joseph resthouse to get a cheaper room and just have a good rest…
I never anticipated that this situation would be the highlight of my Sagada trip…
It was a good time to rest, but I was still bothered with the documents that I need to send to my boss and colleagues back in the office. So decided to make the most of my time, went to the restaurant, ordered for coffee and scuttled my fingers across my laptop. Surprisingly, the people I saw who were stranded with me entered the restaurant. Apparently, a bus indeed arrived but refused to take the trip back to baguio coz of the heavy rain and safety to the least. And so obviously the people then decided to stay another night.
I was greeted with lovely smiles when the people entered; it was like an unspoken appreciation for the care that I’ve expressed to them earlier. The father then approached me and explained about the bus that arrived and gave me tips on how to get the early bus the next morning. Other guys we’re looking at me and also smiling back, one guy shouted tama na trabaho, pahinga na muna!! I said I just need to finish this for me to send it tonight. It felt like we’ve known each other for years already..
Finished my presentation material and the reports I prepared. One thing more to worry about is how to send it; there are internet shops outside the resthouse so it made me a little calmed down. It was 9:00 PM already and saved my files to my USB drive, so went back to the room, leaving my laptop and rushing back out to look for that internet shop. My brother Gene and Tracey were in front of the fireplace already warming themselves up together with the manongs who’re renovating the Saint Joseph Main Hostel. Said hi to everybody and rushed out.
Anxiety faded as foreseen with the counter measure I planned, it will surprise me to find out another thing about Sagada. Apparently this place closes business very early! When 8:30 PM hits all shops closes … Arrgggghhh! There goes my intention of still being responsible to the eyes of my Boss! One sari-sari store was open though, and expectedly it was also a place where Lakays and Tanggeros do their drinking sessions.. just bought cinnamon bread and a pack of cigarettes then went out to smoke a stick.
While smoking, this wonderful guy approached me. He thought all the while that I was a Manilenio tourist. He spoke in English and talking about pride and funny stories about Sagada, JAMAICAN style! Hahaha. Thought to myself that this could be a fun night. So I let him be, me responding in English with my American accent. After some time of doobie conversation, thought this is a fun night indeed.. Then he invited me to take one shot of their Gin, coz he said that it was the culture of Sagada hence tourists should follow the same. That moment I didn’t have any plans to drink yet becoz I was so occupied with finding an internet. So to cut the story short, I spoke in Ilokano and told him I’m from Baguio. To his surprise he also went and talk the dialect, and finding out that he is originally from there as well. Suddenly I missed the Jamaican Accent… He pointed me to possible shops still open but unfortunately all of them followed the 8:30 curfew. Oh his name is Orion by the way.. Groovy..
I was so wet and tired looking for internet shops, even with the pouring rain I wasn’t spared of that endless walking. Decided to go back the Hostel, dried myself up and joined my brother at the fire place. Took my bonnet and sweatshirt and placed it near the fireplace to dry it up. Meanwhile Tracey joined us while waiting for the water to boil for her bath. No hotshowers in the resthouse during that time and I wouldn’t risk myself taking a bath either with the cold water.. you wouldn’t want your heart jumping out of your mouth would you?
There with us at the fireplace is also Mariz, we met here a day ago at the resthouse and she have traveled Sagada to rest from the busy and tiring work at the same time nourish her soul with what Sagada can offer as a refuge. Like Tracey, my brother and I have said goodbyes to her but we end up sharing the fire with her. The four of us were enjoying the fire with the Manongs who did a good job at the renovation; can’t wait to go back actually and spend time at one of the rooms in the new Hostel. Mariz apparently took one of the seminars, where my brother and I, and Tracey took too. Most of our conversations revolved around that, and some sort of little life “processing” was the topic. After some laughs and stories, two other pretty girls entered the room and asking help for hot water as well for their baths. Apparently the all around guy forgot about it already. So we invited them to join us instead and suggested to forget about taking a bath. Their names are Anne and Rishel.
This was one hell of a nightcap for me. It was such a wonderful experience and extraordinary at that. There we were my brother and I with complete strangers but it felt like it was a very open and safe place. We talked about life in general and what our hearts long for. The pains and agonies that we went through, at the same time the choices and the things that we’re doing to make us better persons. Again it dawned on me, that the desires of each person are to just have Love and give Love. We weren’t stifled about the time as the topics are so interesting and we were learning a lot from each other. Though the storm blowing outside was something to be worried about, we didn’t feel any concern with the situation. There was even brownout for a time but we were so at peace and safe with the fire that is keeping us warm and awake. This was also the first time where I spent a time with my brother Gene for long hours just enjoying the conversation. I found him at a different view, how funny, witty and loving he is in this situation. It made me so proud to have a brother like him. I’d take another trip with him given a choice; he can be my travel buddy…
We ended about 3 in the morning, we had 3 hours left to sleep to catch the first bus ride to Baguio of 6am. We woke up by 530am and rushed to our clothes and things to go to the bus stop. Luckily and we were so blessed, we got good comfortable seats, most of the people stranded also rode the bus. On the way, we reached a landslide and waited for almost 2 hours for the truck to clear the road. Anxiety didn’t cross my mind as I decided to sleep instead while waiting. The view was again marvelous, though it was difficult to detach myself that we’re leaving Sagada already. But then again there will always be a next time, I reassured myself…
My experience at Sagada was memorable, although it was such a short time; I’ve experienced a different community. Where people seem to be content and open; they welcome you and treat you kindly. I never felt any fear about being unsafe around the place. This could be the reason why a lot of foreigners decide to settle and reside here. There was diversity in personalities, difference in nationalities and color, but one thing I noticed about them, I can feel their Love. Their Love for each other, nature and culture. May this place be reserved and uncontaminated with impurities..
Go to Sagada! Experience a new you!
ROADBLOCK? TAKE A DETOUR!
Persistence and determination propelled successful people to the heights of their goals’ abundance. They didn’t see difficulties as stumbling blocks rather they saw it as stepping stones to success. They saw it as opportunities to better things. For them if a door closes they find other doors to that will open for them.
Obstacles can be very heartbreaking, they can be very overwhelming that it is easier to give up and surrender to defeat. And sometimes the universe will really test us and give us roadblocks to test our commitment to our vision. However successful people pursue and persist and just take them as lessons that can be used to overcome apparent obstructions.
Not even our well-meaning parents, relatives, friends and colleagues can tell us no and get a real job. These should not be reasons to turn our backs to our dreams. Our dreams are our real job and it is our fulfillment to achieve them. No amount of rejections and NOs should stop us to achieve our hopes and dreams.
From Fundamentals of Success:
Whenever you confront an obstacle or run into a roadblock, you need to stop and brainstorm three ways to get around, over, or through the block. For every obstacle, come up with three different strategies for handling the potential obstacle. There are any number of ways that will work, but you will find them only if you spend time looking for them. Always be solution-oriented in your thinking. Persevere until you find a way that works.
For every failure, there’s an alternative course of action.
You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.
-Mary Kay Ash
Founder, Mary Kay Cosmetics
Persistence and determination alone are omnipoten.
The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
-Calvin Coolidge
Thirtieth president of the United States
Obstacles can be very heartbreaking, they can be very overwhelming that it is easier to give up and surrender to defeat. And sometimes the universe will really test us and give us roadblocks to test our commitment to our vision. However successful people pursue and persist and just take them as lessons that can be used to overcome apparent obstructions.
Not even our well-meaning parents, relatives, friends and colleagues can tell us no and get a real job. These should not be reasons to turn our backs to our dreams. Our dreams are our real job and it is our fulfillment to achieve them. No amount of rejections and NOs should stop us to achieve our hopes and dreams.
From Fundamentals of Success:
Whenever you confront an obstacle or run into a roadblock, you need to stop and brainstorm three ways to get around, over, or through the block. For every obstacle, come up with three different strategies for handling the potential obstacle. There are any number of ways that will work, but you will find them only if you spend time looking for them. Always be solution-oriented in your thinking. Persevere until you find a way that works.
For every failure, there’s an alternative course of action.
You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour.
-Mary Kay Ash
Founder, Mary Kay Cosmetics
Persistence and determination alone are omnipoten.
The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
-Calvin Coolidge
Thirtieth president of the United States
KAIZEN:
A Japanese term for constant and never-ending improvement, an age old philosophy used by warriors and modern businesses. It has become a personal mantra of millions of successful people. The world is experiencing a lot of change. Technology and the way of life is a proof of this, a perfect example of this, where Filipinos have used as a necessity and a status symbol is the Cellphone!
Similar trait of our Achievers in this modern world is their ability to adapt to change, may they be in business, sports or the arts. They are committed to continual improvement. Main reason why they remain on top and continue to be the best at what they do. Of course, they’ve learned from mistakes but remained to be focused on their vision. They have checkpoints to assess and evaluate their standing; a way or a process to always get better.
So what would it take to become successful or stay successful? We need to learn to ask ourselves, “How can I make this better? How can I do it more efficiently? How can I earn more from it? How can we do this with greater Love? If we keep an open mind and heart with the answers to those it will be sure to achieve Kaizen.
We have an innate desire to endlessly learn, grow, and develop.
We want to become more than what we already are.
Once we yield to this inclination for continuous and never-ending improvement,
We lead a life of endless accomplishments and satisfaction.
-Chuck Gallozzi
People call me Perfectionist, but I’m not. I’m a “Rightist.”
I do something until it’s right, and then I move on to the next thing.
-James Cameron
Similar trait of our Achievers in this modern world is their ability to adapt to change, may they be in business, sports or the arts. They are committed to continual improvement. Main reason why they remain on top and continue to be the best at what they do. Of course, they’ve learned from mistakes but remained to be focused on their vision. They have checkpoints to assess and evaluate their standing; a way or a process to always get better.
So what would it take to become successful or stay successful? We need to learn to ask ourselves, “How can I make this better? How can I do it more efficiently? How can I earn more from it? How can we do this with greater Love? If we keep an open mind and heart with the answers to those it will be sure to achieve Kaizen.
We have an innate desire to endlessly learn, grow, and develop.
We want to become more than what we already are.
Once we yield to this inclination for continuous and never-ending improvement,
We lead a life of endless accomplishments and satisfaction.
-Chuck Gallozzi
People call me Perfectionist, but I’m not. I’m a “Rightist.”
I do something until it’s right, and then I move on to the next thing.
-James Cameron
UNLESS YOU SEE IT IN YOUR MIND, IT WON’T BECOME REALITY
From “8 Secrets of the Truly Rich.” By: Bo Sanchez
Deep within you, you’ve programmed your life to operate on a particular level of income and total net worth. Because this is your psychological wallet or money-comfort zone, you cant see yourself earning twice as much or becoming a millionaire. You simply can’t. Something within you says, “Are you Nuts? Me? Earn twice as much? Become a Millionaire? Hah! I might as well imagine I’m Donald Duck.”
So you stay in you money comfort zone for the rest of your life.
It affects your love life too.
More likely, you’ll subconsciously get attracted to marry someone who also has the same size as you psychological wallet. So both of you can comfortably live in that zone happily ever after.
Well, I’ve got news for you.
Do you know who set that dial of your inner financial thermostat?
You did.
So anytime you like, you too can enlarge your psychological wallet at any size you want. You can raise your money comfort zone.
How? Start with your imagination.
Imagine yourself earning double of what you’re earning now by next year – through wise investing and some side business.
That’s right. Double.
Get comfortable with that.
See yourself not spending it all, but actually saving it, learning how to invest it and seeing your money grow.
See yourself with a business on the side, aside from your fulltime job.
See yourself as an investor.
See yourself giving generously – writing large checks – addressed to Bo Sanchez for his projects for the poor and his media ministry. (as you can see, this book as ulterior motives.)
You’ve got to see it in your mind.
Each week, Bro. Mike Velarde preaches to 300,000 people in the El Shaddai prayer meeting. That figure boggles my mind. During their anniversary, a million people congregated at the Luneta Grandstand. It was the late Jaime Cardinal Sin who asked him, “Bro. Mike, what do you have that I don’t have? Why do these people come when you call them to come?”
One day, I had a three-hour chat with Bro. Mike Velarde to ask him why.
“The Grace of God.” He said over and over again.
I believe him. Last Christmas, he invited me to preach to his massive audience – and I saw it before my eyes. Three hundred thousand people receiving grace!
And Bro. Mike does it by giving them hope. That’s why they keep coming back.
Bro. Mike asks them to raise their wallets for financial blessings – and 300,000 wallets go up.
He asks those who want to migrate to other countries to raise their passports – and thousands of green booklets are up in the air.
He makes them imagine their answered prayer. That they are healed. That they are debt-free. That they are working abroad.
In a very simple way, he makes them set goals and aim for them by the power of their imagination, by the power of their faith.
Unless you see it in you mind, it won’t become reality.
Deep within you, you’ve programmed your life to operate on a particular level of income and total net worth. Because this is your psychological wallet or money-comfort zone, you cant see yourself earning twice as much or becoming a millionaire. You simply can’t. Something within you says, “Are you Nuts? Me? Earn twice as much? Become a Millionaire? Hah! I might as well imagine I’m Donald Duck.”
So you stay in you money comfort zone for the rest of your life.
It affects your love life too.
More likely, you’ll subconsciously get attracted to marry someone who also has the same size as you psychological wallet. So both of you can comfortably live in that zone happily ever after.
Well, I’ve got news for you.
Do you know who set that dial of your inner financial thermostat?
You did.
So anytime you like, you too can enlarge your psychological wallet at any size you want. You can raise your money comfort zone.
How? Start with your imagination.
Imagine yourself earning double of what you’re earning now by next year – through wise investing and some side business.
That’s right. Double.
Get comfortable with that.
See yourself not spending it all, but actually saving it, learning how to invest it and seeing your money grow.
See yourself with a business on the side, aside from your fulltime job.
See yourself as an investor.
See yourself giving generously – writing large checks – addressed to Bo Sanchez for his projects for the poor and his media ministry. (as you can see, this book as ulterior motives.)
You’ve got to see it in your mind.
Each week, Bro. Mike Velarde preaches to 300,000 people in the El Shaddai prayer meeting. That figure boggles my mind. During their anniversary, a million people congregated at the Luneta Grandstand. It was the late Jaime Cardinal Sin who asked him, “Bro. Mike, what do you have that I don’t have? Why do these people come when you call them to come?”
One day, I had a three-hour chat with Bro. Mike Velarde to ask him why.
“The Grace of God.” He said over and over again.
I believe him. Last Christmas, he invited me to preach to his massive audience – and I saw it before my eyes. Three hundred thousand people receiving grace!
And Bro. Mike does it by giving them hope. That’s why they keep coming back.
Bro. Mike asks them to raise their wallets for financial blessings – and 300,000 wallets go up.
He asks those who want to migrate to other countries to raise their passports – and thousands of green booklets are up in the air.
He makes them imagine their answered prayer. That they are healed. That they are debt-free. That they are working abroad.
In a very simple way, he makes them set goals and aim for them by the power of their imagination, by the power of their faith.
Unless you see it in you mind, it won’t become reality.
FEEDBACK:
One of the dreadful things to hear is feedbacks; because of the fear of failure and not being good enough, most of the time we dodge feedbacks. I know of a man who fear so much what people say to him and would avoid and escape when the time comes to evaluate his results. Obviously this man have not matured enough and hindered his growth as a person.
Feedback can either be good or bad to us; it is our means to evaluate our growth and effect to other people. Should we use it to our advantage we can capture our patterns and work to improve from there. It is also a great way to understand another individual and know their needs and their come from. It can be a tool to change our strategy and just a way to better handle the truth.
But is all feedback accurate and true for you? We also must be careful and consider the source. Not all feedback is useful for us. We should look into the situation and the psychological state of the person giving us the feedback. A person with psychological distortion who gives us feedback may not be speaking the truth. An angry-envious-drunk friend or colleague that tells us you’re a no-good f&@$ or tells us stop dreaming coz you’re hopeless is probably not a useful feedback. Now that’s something not accurate and not useful for us. However looking at the person’s psychological capacity is something that we should consider, obviously not a good source for feedback.
As a sales person, I’ve been successful in closing projects and accounts because I listen to my customers. Their feedback tells me what they need and what I can do for them. I listen to their complaints about my product and look at it as an opportunity for improvement. It may be tiring at times but bottomline we are both happy with the benefits that we get when things are getting better.
So what do we do when somebody tells us that we failed? Look at it as another opportunity to succeed and be better. But first acknowledge yourself for the effort that you’ve done. That it was the best you could do during that time. At that moment it was the most excellent work you’ve given considering your knowledge, awareness and skills. Be aware that you are still alive and that you have survived that setback. Look at the patterns of the people giving you the feedback. Find similarities from it, journal the learning or the lessons you’ve come across with and maybe title it as “what I’ve learned are….” And just be responsible with the results of that failure. Make sure that the necessary regrets or apologies are communicated to the people involved. Honest communication would ease out the situation especially when the failure is openly communicated.
However do not forget to go back to your successes. To keep your sanity and catch yourself from depression, make sure that you remind yourself of the successes in your life. This will remind you that it is okay to fail or have mistakes because you have proved to yourself that you are capable of success. And that you’ve done more things right than the wrong ones. Spend more time with people, who are positive and share the same vision as you. May it be your friends, family or colleagues that could compensate the Love and Affirmations that you need at this point in your life.
Lastly, go back to your vision, keep in mind the lessons learned, recommit to your goals and plans or better yet incorporate a new plan of action. End of the day, move forward to fulfill your dream. We will make a lot of mistakes but what is important is we learn from them and so the next time we may not do it again… and let us not be so hard on ourselves..
Feedback can either be good or bad to us; it is our means to evaluate our growth and effect to other people. Should we use it to our advantage we can capture our patterns and work to improve from there. It is also a great way to understand another individual and know their needs and their come from. It can be a tool to change our strategy and just a way to better handle the truth.
But is all feedback accurate and true for you? We also must be careful and consider the source. Not all feedback is useful for us. We should look into the situation and the psychological state of the person giving us the feedback. A person with psychological distortion who gives us feedback may not be speaking the truth. An angry-envious-drunk friend or colleague that tells us you’re a no-good f&@$ or tells us stop dreaming coz you’re hopeless is probably not a useful feedback. Now that’s something not accurate and not useful for us. However looking at the person’s psychological capacity is something that we should consider, obviously not a good source for feedback.
As a sales person, I’ve been successful in closing projects and accounts because I listen to my customers. Their feedback tells me what they need and what I can do for them. I listen to their complaints about my product and look at it as an opportunity for improvement. It may be tiring at times but bottomline we are both happy with the benefits that we get when things are getting better.
So what do we do when somebody tells us that we failed? Look at it as another opportunity to succeed and be better. But first acknowledge yourself for the effort that you’ve done. That it was the best you could do during that time. At that moment it was the most excellent work you’ve given considering your knowledge, awareness and skills. Be aware that you are still alive and that you have survived that setback. Look at the patterns of the people giving you the feedback. Find similarities from it, journal the learning or the lessons you’ve come across with and maybe title it as “what I’ve learned are….” And just be responsible with the results of that failure. Make sure that the necessary regrets or apologies are communicated to the people involved. Honest communication would ease out the situation especially when the failure is openly communicated.
However do not forget to go back to your successes. To keep your sanity and catch yourself from depression, make sure that you remind yourself of the successes in your life. This will remind you that it is okay to fail or have mistakes because you have proved to yourself that you are capable of success. And that you’ve done more things right than the wrong ones. Spend more time with people, who are positive and share the same vision as you. May it be your friends, family or colleagues that could compensate the Love and Affirmations that you need at this point in your life.
Lastly, go back to your vision, keep in mind the lessons learned, recommit to your goals and plans or better yet incorporate a new plan of action. End of the day, move forward to fulfill your dream. We will make a lot of mistakes but what is important is we learn from them and so the next time we may not do it again… and let us not be so hard on ourselves..
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