Belle de Jour Power Planner - Definitely A Must Have

I'm not a "planner/organizer"-kind-of-gal but when a friend encouraged me to buy the Belle de Jour (BDJ) Power Planner, I got hooked. For 3 consecutive years,  I purchased BDJ through their website -- belledejourpowerplanner.com. Yesterday, I got the 2012 BDJ Planner.

What do I like about this planner? 

• I got lot of stuff going on at work and in my personal life. BDJ has helped me prioritized and accomplished more tasks at work while doing my personal things. I find myself not harassed nor struggling to perform all of these. I used to list my to do's at work every morning and not accomplishing them at the end of the day due to daily transactions and more important work to do. But with BDJ, I was able to prioritize and just create a realistic list daily, weekly, and monthly. At the end of the day, I'm more relaxed. It helps that I see them in my planner/calendar, which makes me see that I have more time to accomplish them.
• It's a notebook and planner at the same time. I use to scribble quotes, stuff to do, buy, and check, track finances and menstrual period, birthdates and important dates/schedules, and all other notes and information -- both work and personal.
• I still keep my 2009 and 2010 planner because of some notes. I transfer some items to my 2011 BDJ Planner. 
• The planner is not boring. It's colorful and girly inside and out. I could actually say that the planner is so me. I guess you could really appreciate it if you have the same personality/character as the BDJ Planner. I gave 1 as a gift to my husband's cousin. She is just as girly and colorful as me and she really liked it. She even asked another 1 as a gift the following year. :)
• It has discount coupons which you can use and this year, they introduced a BDJ discount card. I was able to appreciate it when I bought dresses in one of my favorite shops and I got 25% discount! 

Kudos to the creator of BDJ! You may check their website for more details of this amazing planner. BDJ Planner is definitely a must have for me.

Personal Experience as a College Professor

Some time ago, I was invited to teach HR courses in a prestigious university. The chairperson's vision was to bring the corporate HR values and reality to the university's HR students. HR Practitioners were asked to teach HR theories and, at the same time, to prepare the students to the real HR world. It was an interesting offer. I've been doing this since I started working but for my OJTs only. I have never tried applying this for more than 3 students.

Before I share my learning, observations, and personal insights, let me give you my background as a college student, particularly during my junior and senior years.  I have, if not the best, been one of the best students. I had no struggles working on assignments, reviewing for exams, and doing research. I rarely absent myself in class. Call me nerd, but I was not. I was a member of dance and theater/art organizations and had performed in college and university-wide activities. I also tutored some of my friends in math-related subjects. I can say I had fun in college.

So here goes:

• When I stand in the professor's platform, I can hear students' conversation even the buzzes. I can compare it to a moviehouse before a movie starts and trailers are not yet played. I can clearly see who are texting, and not paying attention in class. It's also obvious when a student is clueless during class. I can even count the times and the duration of each time. I may be busy talking and writing on the board but I am aware of my surroundings. I don't know if this has something to do with the elevated platform or with my presentation skills, but I can only attribute these to the platform.
• Junior students looked so "nene" and "totoy" as compared to my senior class. I can only attribute this to OJT experience as the former have not taken their OJT yet.
• I am a trained recruiter and I have more than 9 years of experience in interviewing and placement. Attitude plays an important role in becoming successful and I can already pinpoint in class who are more likely to succeed in their careers. 
• One needs patience, understanding, and flexibility to teach.
• Generation Y is really something. They voice their thoughts and opinions. Yes, they are more confident but they are more aggressive than the previous generations. They know what they want and they expect to have it NOW. So for those who will hire them, be prepared!
• Faculty rooms are so big. There's a conference room, a powder room, and very clean comfort rooms. And just like a workplace and any society, there are groups, politics, and relationships. Groups of young faculty, old faculty, young & hip faculty, fun faculty, etc. 
• Have you experienced during college when university employees were not nice and "masungit"? Ahhh, I was a professor and all of them were so nice and accommodating to me. These even include employees from the library. Student assistants were more than nice.
• Tuition fees were OMG! For teachers, give the students quality. For the management who will hire teachers, get good ones. However, this is in conflict with the compensation in teaching (see below).
• My salary was just average. I was informed that it depends on the experience, tenure and levels. I actually do not mind the salary as I was after the experience. But hey, if you think of the work, the effort, and the behavior that a professor performs/exhibit/gives to teach students, then they are not compensated enough. Teaching is a calling. Money is not enough to be a motivation to teach. So be nice to your teachers. Kudos to all teachers out there. 
• Teaching made me reflect on where I should enroll my child when he starts schooling. The name nor the tuition fee of a school is not enough. I should be able to check the program, profile of facuty, and profile of graduates.
• It helps to be a strict and a terror teacher. I think, and I was also advised by my former professors, that this is the recommended style for Generation Y students. Though, I did not do the last one. 
• I had a 3-hour class so if the students are hungry and thirsty, so am I! 
• I believe that the person is responsible for his/her own success. Whether there is a teacher or someone superior, it is a person's determination and behavior that makes him/her successful. However, there are some who need guidance and mentoring to be successful. This is where teachers come in. They must be able to create or offer an environment/experience that will enable one's abilities and competencies to develop or to come out. One must be open to learning and criticisms to be successful. I believe lecturing is not enough. (Sounds familiar? It's just like a workplace/corporate organization.)

Do I want to teach again? Yes. Competition is tough outside school and if I can help students to gain advantage, I will.

Help pass on skills to survive culture and corporate world.

Pearlmont Inn, Cagayan de Oro City

Date of visit: October 2011

I attended a 3-day conference at Cagayan de Oro. Before I finalized my packing, I checked the hotel's website first. Our travel agent booked us here so I have no idea how much they paid for my stay. The hotel was near the Limketkai Mall, where our conference will be held.

Upon arrival at their lobby, I got disappointed. On my right was the waiting area and 3-5 steps forward is the reception. Another 3 step is their dining area. I let this pass as I was not in Manila.

We were given a room at the 4th floor. There was a smell in the hallway. It smelled like a cafeteria.

Our room was spacious. There were twin beds, AC, personal ref, a Samsung LCD TV (cable is Sky), cabinet, an office desk and a powder area. Their comfort room has a bath tub and a shower. There were 2 windows in the room but the view was not nice (houses with rusty roof tops). Lighting is not good in the comfort room.

The TV remote control was not working on the first day. After our first 2 hours, we experienced a brownout for 10minutes, i.e. no electrical power at all. There were no complimentary water given and bar. When you shower, water drips at the floor through the shower curtain. No blower in the room and no blower to rent. Blowers are only provided in their suite rooms. The worst part was there was no hot shower. This is the most frustrating part as I only shower in warm water. Aside from this, water smelled off.

Breakfast varied per day. There was always 2 choices, i.e. beef tapa or ham & eggs. I opted to eat lunches and dinners in my room. Food, though, tasted good. It's good for 2-3 persons at a reasonable price. I just asked for a pitcher of water and bucket of ice.

Airport transfer was also provided. The van is new and spacious.

Wifi is only available in the dining area but it was not fast enough. I just had 2 bars on my iPad. Printing service is made available from 8am to 6pm at P5.00 per page. 

The 48th PMAP Conference (Oct 12-14, 2011)

I was alone for 2 days at the conference. My colleague went home after the first day due to an emergency. But I did not let this affect my participation/attendance to the sessions in the conference.

The 2nd day sessions were worth attending to. On the 3rd day, I was the early bird, which was highlighted at the start of the program. I should've confessed that the reason why I was early because I was blogging. Haha.. I needed the ambiance. In fact, I was able to finish 3 blogs.

Aside from increasing my network, my purpose in attending PMAP Conference has been to learn best practices and get new insights/trends.

• In Jobstreet's poll survery, 58% percent of their respondents said that they applied after seeing a relevant job advertisement online even if they are not actively looking for a job.
• In the said poll survey:
• Online job portal is the top preference of job seekers.
• Job alerts by email is the top driver for job applications.
• The top concern of applicants is the lack of feedback on their job applications.
• A major concern right now is leadership maturity. In a normal corporate scenario, one ascends to higher position as he/she stays in the company. Maturity = Experiences. However, we have a different scenario now. One can manage a team upon college graduation. According to the FGD that PMAP conducted, the competencies for management maturity are: character, self-mastery, collaboration, execution, results, orientation, business acumen, strategic thinking & visioning, and systems thinking. These are at par with the findings of research studies. During the PMAP session, it was agreed by the panel and audience that the indicators of potential or willingness to grow in maturity are reflection of past experiences and openness to feedback. ( I did love this session!)
• The major focus of corporations, leaders, and workers is preparing the Philippines for the effects of globalization. Simple ways of doing this are using LED lights, removing the plugs from the outlets even when not in use, not using the yellow bulbs, and using the rain as alternative water. 
• One of the most important role of HR is cultivating leaders.
• I've heard and seen studies on the mismatch of skills of graduates with the requirements of organizations. I have to see the research that DOLE conducted. NSO provided statistics on the mismatch.
• Technology is important in business. But one has to think whether you allow technology to drive your business or use technology in doing your business.

My Own Version of Resume Writing

I'm not an expert in my field but I've been doing recruitment for almost 10 years. Here's my version of resume writing tips.

• Place your educational background in the first page especially if you are a fresh graduate. However, I do not mind this if you are already experienced (i.e. more than 10 years work experience) and if your education is not relevant to the career you are into (i.e. You are an IT graduate but you are in finance & accounting).
• Indicate in your education if it's a bachelor's degree or not (i.e. BS Electrical Engineer or Diploma in Computer Programming). It would be better if you also indicate the covered period (i.e. 1998-2002).
• If you have a license (PRC license, certification in Cisco, Microsoft, project manegement, etc.), place this beside your name or in the first page of your resume.
• Place your contact details in the first page. I would recommend below your name.
• If you have more than 5 years work experience in the same function/field, provide a summary of your qualifications on the first page. This way, the one screening your resume will just check this portion before going through your resume.
• Indicate the covered period of each employment  (i.e. July 2002 - January 2006).
• Be grammatically correct. 
• If you are a fresh graduate or have below 3-4 years work experience, try to have a 1 page resume only.
• If you are a skilled professional (i.e. writer, artist), always carry a sample of your work. You might never know when this is needed. At least, you already have it.
• Avoid scented resume, resume printed in colored paper, and resume not printed in a letter-sized paper (i.e. booklet style, CD).
• If you are to provide a picture, have yours taken in a studio. I have experienced seeing cut out pictures from a group picture (with another's arm placed on the applicant's shoulder) and from a swimming pool!
• If you are to provide a picture, choose one that resembles you. No childhood, single, slim pictures. You might end up frustrating the interviewer when s/he sees you.
• Highlight your achievements and summarize your deliverables. Job description may also do but I prefer competencies. 
• No need to place personal information such as your birthdate, religion, spouse/parent-related information, birthplace, etc. This way you prevent recruiters from subjectivity issues. We do not have an equal opportunity law but I'm an advocate of one. In addition, it also adds to your resume space.
• Be mindful of your spaces. If you can limit your resume from1-2 pages, please do. 
• Font size should not be that small. Some find it hard to read if it's too small or too big. 
• Sometimes, presentation matters so avoid photocopied resumes. Some want their resumes enclosed in a folder.
• Always have an application letter prepared. 
• Always have a comprehensive resume.
• You can always customize your resume depending on the position you are applying for.
• Do update your resume as needed.

Happy resume writing!



-as of 10.2011

Batangas Beach Resorts

One part of my work has been preparing for corporate company outing. Ik find it difficult to search for blogs for this kind of event. This blog is a collection of Batangas beach resorts that I've been into. Hopefully, this will help those who, like me, have been tasked to handle company outings. Some are just ocular visits while some were actual venues for the outing. I encouraged you to visit their website also.

Eagle Point Resort, Mabini, Batangas

Date of Visits: February 2007, May 2007 and February 2011

Facilities/Amenities: 2 adult swimming pools, children's pool, pool slide, saltwater pool with mini sharks, diving spot, Sepoc Island, recreation center, eagle sanctuary, butterfly garden
Can accommodate: more than 100 pax 
Beach: at Resort - with pebbles; good for diving and snorkeling; Sepoc Island - white sand; good for snorkeling

The first time I visited Eagle Point, I was in awe. "Wow!" Great view at the dining area. More "wows" for me as I toured the resort. This resort is also a hotel and in AAA category so expect hotel-like rooms and service. Of all the resorts I've seen, this is my favorite venue for an outing. They have 2 rooms which have a mezzanine and can occupy 7 persons. All rooms have balconies facing the beach. 

I do love their saltwater pool as there were at least 10 mini-seaweed-eater sharks swimming in them (Note: For those women out there who have their monthly period, it's ok to swim as they only eat seaweeds.) Because of their Sepoc Island, I started being into snorkeling. The newest additions to their facilities are the dining area and an adult swimming pool located at the far end of the resort. One can opt to have this area exclusive to you. You can also extend the use of the pool but with no lifeguard. But then, who need lifeguard when it's only 4-5 ft deep. 

The only thing that may turn others off is the way going to this resort. Travel time will take you 4-5 hours including traffic. When you have reached that point where it seems that there are no more resorts along the way, you are very near Eagle Point. :) Then upon arrival at the resort, there's a shuttle that will take you to the lobby, about 5-minute ride. I can describe it as "maraming paliko, matarik, and makitid". But it's safe as they have not yet experienced any accident on the road.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 5
• Food - 5
• Rooms/Accommodation - 5
• Service - 5

Club Balai Isabel, Talisay

Date of Visit:  February 2011
Can accommodate: more than 100 pax
Beach: none

This resort gained more popularity since Oyo & Kristin's wedding. Aside from their single/double occupancy rooms, they have villas with kitchen which can accommodate big groups per room. Garden is well-landscaped. Their pool is enormous. :) Dining area is small but they offer outdoor dining overlooking the Taal Volcano.

This is in Talisay so definitely no beach but have access to Taal Lake. Thus they offer ride/trip to Taal Volcano.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 5
• Food - NA
• Rooms/Accommodation - 5
• Service - NA, though they were accommodating when I was inquiring on the rates and had an ocular visit.

Beach Resorts in San Juan

Acuatico Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan 

Date of visit:  February 2009

Can accommodate: 50 pax

What you see in the website is for real -- pool, architecture of their villas. However, they can only occupy 50 pax at that time. Thus, not ideal, for big groups.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 5
• Food - NA
• Rooms/Accommodation - I wasn't able to take a peek as they were fully-booked.
• Service - NA.

Blue Coral Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan 

Date of visit: February 10, 2009

Can accommodate: no info

This is one of the resorts in Laiya that has a swimming pool. I just passed by this resort. Their pool is so small.

La Luz Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan 

Date of visit: February 2009

Can accommodate: more than 100 pax

This is located at the far end of Laiya beach. It has beach cabanas along the shore where one can have massage. Rooms are spacious enough. No swimming pool. And they can occupy more than 100 pax.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 3
• Food - NA. But they offered us welcome drinks upon arrival.
• Rooms/Accommodation - 4
• Service - NA.

Sabangan Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan 

Date of visit: February 2009

Can accommodate:  less than 100 pax




 




This resort also has no pool. Accommodations are villas thus some can accommodate big groups per room.

Virgin Beach Resort, Laiya, San Juan 

Date of visit: February 2009

Can accommodate: less than 100 pax

I have only visited this resort once but when I saw the movie "Here Comes the Bride", I immediately recognized the resort. Accommodation in this resort are in villas and can occupy an average of 4 pax per room. As with the other resorts in Laiya, this one has no swimming pool also.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 3
• Food - NA
• Rooms/Accommodation - 5
• Service - NA

Palm Beach Resort, Hugom, San Juan

Date of visit: February 2011

Can accommodate: less than 120 pax

Still within the Laiya beach, one has to go up before you reach this resort. The road is not good at all. There was some construction going on. I read a review before about this but I thought it's finished as it's been more than 1 year already. Once you've reached the entrance, you have to go down the stairs. The resort is the website does not match the actual site.


The rooms and the pool are on opposite ends. There was also a chapel beside the pool. Pool is closed when there's a mass.The rooms are nice. The pool is big but has no trees nor umbrellas so imagine the sunburn you'll get when you swim. The dining area is also small.

Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 3
• Food - NA
• Rooms/Accommodation - 4
• Service - I had a scheduled ocular inspection but when I got there, it took a long while for us to tour the resort.

Canyon Cove Resort, Nasugbu, Batangas

Date of visit: February 2009 and April 2010

Can accommodate: more than 100 pax
Beach: white with brown sand; no fishes.

The pictures in the website are real. They have an enormous pool with coconut trees. The other pool is exclusive to its members. According to their sales, they can accommodate more than a hundred. If I'm not mistaken, even more than 500. They have enough space. So just imagine if there are more than 500 pax in the resort.. It's so crowded.


Sorry but the service is worse. Rooms are ok but not all rooms.


Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 4
• Food -1
• Rooms/Accommodation - 3
• Service - 1

Dive Solana, Anilao

Date of visit: February 2008

Can accommodate: 50 pax
Beach: same with Eagle Point; with pebbles

I can only describe this place as great for relaxing and unwinding. Even the sea is calming. But to go there, we had to climb more than a hundred steps! Whew! But it's worth the climb.


Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 5
• Food - NA
• Rooms/Accommodation - 5
• Service - NA. But they were all nice and accommodating even if we just walked in the venue to check.

Outrigger Resort, Anilao

Date of visit:  February 2008

Can accommodate: more than 80 pax
Beach: same with Eagle Point

This place is excellent for diving as they have the equipment. I was just deceived by their website. (Why do they always present everything so nice in the website? Then, when you actually go to the place, it doesn't look the same.)


Ratings: 1- lowest, 5 - highest.

• Amenities and Facilities - 2
• Food - 3. Though we were just checking, they still offered us some lunch.
• Rooms/Accommodation - 2
• Service - 5

Verde Island Resort

Date of Visit: March 2006 and May 2006

Can accommodate: more than 100
Beach: browny, with lots corals; great for snorkeling. I've read in the newspaper that they found the smallest sea horse in Verde Island

To reach this resort, you have to take a 45-minute boat ride from Batangas pier. Personally, I don't mind this but some people don't like it. Their pool is not that small, not that big but it's overlooking the beach. You'll get nice shots during sunset when you are in the pool. 


I didn't try the beach for snorkeling as I wasn't into snorkeling yet at that time. But if you want to swim in the beach, I highly recommend that you wear something for your feet.


Ratings: 1 - lowest, 5 - highest

• Amenities and Facilities - 5
• Food- 5
• Rooms/Accommodation - 5
• Service - 5

You may also check my other blogs for other locations.