Nursing Job SCAM!

Here's an advisory for nurses who wish to work overseas and try to find their luck through the internet. There's this alleged nursing job scam that uses the internet to victimize individuals by sending job orders and asking money that only result to non existing jobs.

The scheme usually starts with a person pretending to be an employer sends consecutive fraudulent e-mails to lure prospective victims. Messages are complete with details that would tempt any jobseeker as these contain a job offer, an employment contract and a contract of agreement that specifies an attractive compensation and benefits. To make it appear legitimate, the swindler would first request the victim to send required documents. When the needed documents are sent, the scammer would then order the victim to transfer money through mobile or remittance centers. And then boom, you wouldn't hear any information from them after they got what they really wanted.

And unfortunately, yes, I was a victim.

For more than a year, I've been wanting to have a job that could provide my family's financial dilemma and I've been scattering my resume all over the net thinking that it could help me land a job.

I have an account in one of the public job search websites (ok, let's name it, Jobstreet). I have applied to most of the jobs that relates to nursing, may it be local or international. I have the habit of frequently checking my mails hoping that one day, an employer would pay interest and give me a job offer. Last year, sometime in May 2011, I received a text message from a registered sender (it showed the name of a hospital in London and had no mobile number) that said I have a pending e-mail and need to check it immediately. I was shocked and at the same time excited so I hurriedly checked my mails. There was this message with the subject, "YOU ARE SELECTED". The message said that I was selected to be offered a nursing job in London. It was asking me to pay P3,000 first in order to make a slot reservation for a 2 day British Embassy Coaching and then all other steps will follow after they have received that amount of money. 

I was really doubtful because I couldn't remember that I applied for the said job but my family especially my tita whose a successful nurse in London were very excited. She sent me money straightaway and told me to grab the chance. The next morning, I went to the nearest remittance center on its first hour. I paid the designated money they were asking. And after paying, I texted them, they replied thanking me and saying that my friends who are also interested could also apply. WTF, I thought I was one of the few selected? With that response, I already concluded that this might be a scam. Later in the afternoon, I tracked my payment through the remittance center's website. And that when I saw that my payment was already claimed and from then on, the person never replied again. STUPID. 

Here's the message I got from the f*cking evil scammers:

REMINDER: Please READ & UNDERSTAND this email message, it is 

advisable for you to PRINT it. 

After evaluation of your resume since we placed an advertisement 

in Jobstreet, we are pleased to tell you that you 

are SELECTED for the position of a Staff Nurse ( Philippine licensed ) and/or Caregiver/ Nursing Aide ( Non Philippine license ) for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Hospital  in London City.

Why work with us?

Working at the Christie is a unique challenge. We are one of the largest cancer treatment centres in Europe and an international leader in cancer research and development. The hospital is based in Manchester and, because it is a specialist centre, patients travel here from all over the North West and beyond. We cover a population of 3.2 million, employ over 2,000 staff and have over 300 volunteers.

Internationally renowned

We are proud of our hospital and what we have achieved. The name of the Christie has a very special meaning for people across the North West whose lives have been touched by cancer. Our reputation for world class treatment and care is echoed regionally, nationally and internationally.

We are also very proud of our staff and recognise that it is thanks to their skills and dedication that we are regarded as an international leader in cancer care, research and development.

You should attend the FIRST & LAST British Embassy Coaching for this year 2011 on June 04 & 05, 2011 (Saturday & Sunday) from 9:00AM-5:00PM. WE, EMPLOYERS ARE NOW HERE IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Call us for inquiries strictly from 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday 

(12:00-1:00PM Lunch Break/3:00-3:30PM Coffee Break):

Landline nos.: (02) 218-29-76

Cellular No.:  0915-902-55-68 (Company Mobile Phone)

We will start accepting inquiries starting May 30, 2011 (Monday) – June 03, 2011 (Friday) strictly from 9:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. only 

(12:00-1:00PM Lunch Break/3:00-3:30PM Coffee Break).

NO PLACEMENT FEE! NO PROCESSING FEE! NO SALARY DEDUCTION 

OPPORTUNITY! Airfare, Nurse Midwife Council Registration pack for Staff Nurses & Midwives, work permit & working visa will be shouldered by the employer, the only expenses that you are going to shoulder is the medical exam fee & British Embassy Coaching fee because this is on a DIRECT/NAME HIRE BASIS. 

To better understand the process, we provide you with our 

application procedure:

        Application Procedure:

Sending of resume thru email for Pre-qualification (done)

Once selected, you will receive an e-mail message & a text message from us telling you that you are selected for the position & we will ask you to prepare the necessary requirements listed below (done)

We will send an e-mail message requiring you to attend a 2-day British Embassy Coaching which is a requirement by the employer before working in any European Country (done)

After receiving our e-mail message, you can call us for inquiries 

or pay anytime the British Embassy Coaching fee at our 

accredited payment center for SLOT RESERVATION (first step)

Attend the 2-day British Embassy Coaching (June 04 & 05, 2011 9am-5pm), get the required certificate, orientation with the employer (June 04, 2011 9:00-10:00 AM) & signing of employment contract with interview with the employer (June 05, 2011 4:00-5:00 PM)

After finishing the 2 day British Embassy Coaching, 

receiving the required certificate, orientation with the employer & 

signing of employment contract, you can now submit the necessary 

requirements.

While the documents are still on process you have to get an 

endorsement letter for medical examination (your choice of clinic/hospital as long as it is accredited by DOH, POEA & MARINA)

After we received your documents (max. of 2 weeks after 

mailing the documents), we will start processing your work permit 

(max. of 4 weeks processing)

After the approval of your work permit, we will start processing 

your working visa (max. of 4 weeks processing)

After the approval of your working visa, schedule for Pre- 

departure orientation seminar (PDOS), interview in the embassy for 

visa stamping & securing of pre-paid ticket advice

Deployment Date (maximum of 3 months if requirements are submitted on June 04 & 05, 2011)

British Embassy Coaching fee is 3,000.00 (Philippine 

Peso), 100% refundable (no deductions) if not satisfied with the 

employment package. Refunds are process at our office after the 

orientation on June 04, 2011 Saturday at 10:00 A.M. Employment 

package will be discussed during the orientation. NO OTHER HIDDEN 

CHARGES.

British Embassy Coaching will be conducted at our office 

at:

The Christie Foundation Trust

2241 Pedro Gil St.

Sta. Ana, Manila

Landline no.: (02) 218-29-76  

Cellular No.:  0915-902-55-68 (Company Mobile Phone)

TAKE NOTE: British Embassy Coaching that you are going to attend are purely training & exercises, NO EXAMS REQUIRED, nobody fails the training.

We will only accept those selected applicants who paid on or before June 03, 2011 (Friday) until 12:00 P.M.  lunchtime upon slot availability. PLEASE TEXT US FIRST BEFORE MAKING ANY PAYMENT TO CHECK SLOT AVAILABILITY. We will automatically replace those who did not comply. IT’S A FIRST PAY, FIRST RESERVE BASIS!

You can pay thru LBC Branches Nationwide. You can ask somebody to pay for you if you are not available in the country or busy with your work. Please ask for the REMITTANCE FORM & just follow the format below:

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE: Payment should be thru BRANCH PICK-UP NOT FOR DELIVERY

LBC

Shipper Information

Name: YOUR NAME

Address: YOUR ADDRESS

Phone No. YOUR LANDLINE OR CELLULAR NO.

Signature: YOUR SIGNATURE

Remittance Details 

Pls. check thru BRANCH PICK UP (Instant Peso Padala)

Amount: Three thousand Pesos (3,000.00)

Consignee Information

Name: Mr. IAN C. MOSTON

Address: The Christie Foundation Trust

2241 Pedro Gil St.

Sta. Ana, Manila

Phone No.: (02) 218-29-76

After payment, please text us the following information at 0915-902-55-68 (Company Mobile Phone) for slot reservation:

Tracking No.:

Your Full Name:

Branch of LBC you made the payment:

After texting us the payment details, we will verify the validity 

of payment online and we will text you back VERY IMPORTANT 

INFORMATION & reserve your work slot. Maps & Directions will be sent thru email to PAID & RESERVED Applicants together with the draft of the employment contract.

We offer FREE FOOD & ACCOMMODATION to those selected applicants coming from the province. We reimburse transportation expenses just present to us the OFFICIAL RECEIPTS/TRAVEL TICKETS of your travel expenses on Saturday June 04, 2011 10:00AM. Please call us for free shuttle service from the airport or terminal.

As a company policy, all payments should be made at any LBC BRANCHES NATIONWIDE. Please bring the proof of payment with you on the training dates so that we will accommodate you. No payments are accepted during training days & we will not entertain walk-in applicants who are not yet paid during weekdays. Names of paid applicants are forwarded to the Information desk/guard on duty for them to easily identify who are allowed to enter office premises & attend the training.  

Schedule of Activities on June 04 & 05, 2011 (Saturday & Sunday):

June 04, 2011 (Saturday)

Attire: Smart Casual

9:00-10:00 a.m.: ORIENTATION (you can bring your parents, nearest 

relative or your husband/wife)

10:00-12:00 p.m.: British Embassy Coaching

12:00-1:00 p.m.: FREE Lunch 

1:00-3:30 p.m.: British Embassy Coaching

3:30-4:00 p.m.: FREE Snack

4:00-5:00 p.m.: British Embassy Coaching

June 05, 2011 (Sunday)

Attire: Semi-Formal

9:00-12:00 p.m.: British Embassy Coaching

12:00-1:00 p.m.: FREE Lunch

1:00-3:30 p.m. British Embassy Coaching

3:30- 4:00 p.m.: FREE Snack

4:00-5:00 p.m.: Interview with the employer & Signing of Employment Contract (you can bring your parents, nearest relative or your husband/wife)

Attire: Semi-Formal

9:00-12:00 p.m.: British Embassy Coaching

12:00-1:00 p.m.: FREE Lunch

1:00-3:30 p.m. British Embassy Coaching

3:30- 4:00 p.m.: FREE Snack

4:00-5:00 p.m.: Interview with the employer & Signing of Employment Contract (you can bring your parents, nearest relative or your husband/wife)

FREE Training Materials will be provided such as Original DVD copy 

of the training, plastic/brown envelope, pencil, eraser, ball pen

Here are the list of requirements to be submitted during training 

days if available on hand, TO FOLLOW IF NOT AVAILABLE 1 set all photocopied:

1.    Updated Resume with or without picture

2.    4pcs. Passport size picture (white background) 

3.    Valid passport (if available, only needed during Embassy 

interview)

4.    Employment Certificates (if applicable)

5.    Diploma or training certificate

6.    Transcript of records

7.    Birth Certificate (NSO)

8.    NBI Clearance (Abroad) (if available, only needed during 

Embassy interview)

NOTE: NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED BECAUSE THERE IS A FREE ON THE JOB TRAINING WITH SALARY, WITH FREE ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD ALLOWANCE WITHIN THE CONTRACT PERIOD IN LONDON. 

We, Employers will be leaving by June 06, 2011 (Monday) to immediately process your work permit.

Sincerely yours,

Mr. IAN C. MOSTON

Director of Finance and business development

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust Hospital

Wilmslow Road

Manchester

M20 4BX

United Kingdom

www.christie.nhs.uk

So if anyone of you my dear nurse readers (if there are), be reminded to always check the validity of a job order especially if you only got the job online. Also, verify first the agency with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency website if it offers a job abroad.

Take care and be warned!

Bistek : Filipino Style Beef Steak

Oh my! I can't believe I just cooked my first beef recipe, BISTEK!

Bistek is actually the Filipino version of beef steak. What's good with this recipe is that it is very easy to cook and the taste varies from person to person. So even if you mess up, you can always adjust by altering the main ingredients. Also, I think, as long as the meat is tender enough, the dish will always be good. Bistek is a definitely hit and sure love to everyone but it is somewhat pricey to be served in a typical family's table all the time. 

I've tasted different version of this good beef dish and I could say that my mom's version would always be the best. Hers is not the usual bistek recipe because she doesn't use ground pepper and garlic and also doesn't practice marinating. But for me, hers still tastes best and is way better than the ones in carinderias. Many of the people that have tasted her recipe asked for her secret and generous as I am, I'm sharing my mother's precious recipe.

So yeah, happy cooking and gorging!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 kilo of beef (round, sirloin or tenderloin), sliced 1/4-inch thick
• juice of 1/2 kilo of kalamansi (native lemon)
• 1/2 cup of soy sauce
• 3 large sized white onions, cut into rings
• 2 tbsp. of cooking oil
• 3 tsp. vetsin (Monosodium Glutamate)
• water

PROCEDURE:

• In a skillet, boil the beef until tender. Approximately 30 mins-1 hr.
• Add the soy sauce then the kalamansi juice and vetsin. Taste it, if it's too sour, add soy sauce; if it's too salty, add more juice. You can also add water. Balance out the flavors to suit your taste.
• Cook in medium heat. Increase heat for a minute or two to brown steaks.
• Remove the beef with the sauce from the skillet and place in a different container.
• In the same skillet, heat one tablespoon of oil. Pan-fry the beef working in batches, remove after browning on both sides. When all the beef has been browned, remove from skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet again with the remaining cooking oil, stir fry the onion rings until translucent and a tiny bit brown on the edges but still with a bit of a crunch.
• Add the beef, pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a slow boil and simmer for a few minutes or until cooked through.
• Slide the beef slices onto a serving plate, arrange the onion rings (not cooked, depends) on top.
• Best served with hot plain rice.

TOTAL TIME: 1 - 1 1/2 hr

SERVINGS: 10-12 persons

NOTES:

• When buying the beef, have your butcher slice the meat no thicker than 1/4 of an inch.
• If you're the one to slice it, stick it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes first so that it is easier to slice thinly. 
• Use a meat tenderizer for the meat before boiling. It cooks pretty fast if you have tenderized steak.
• If you don't have kalamansi (native lemon), you can try using lemons.
• You can also add fried potatoes cut like thick chips and use that to top the dish or mix with it.

A Warning to MRT Commuters!

Hey my dear readers!

I want to share these precautionary posts to all of you especially to those who make commuting in public transportation a daily routine. I found these in my Facebook's feed and thought that these could help a lot of people. These could be a caution to everyone.

1. by : Jigs Tenorio

Part 1 ...BEWARE!! MODUS SA MRT. . . .Nakita ko kung pano nakawan ng grUPO NG ng mga lalaki ang magboyfriend sa loob mismo ng MRT..Time: 2:45pm/ jan04,2012....nakaupo ako knna. sa mrt ng mapnsing kong may sumakay bndang BOni na maraming lalaki. pero naghiwahwaly sila ng pwesto. ntutulog ung katabi kong lesbian at tulog din ung katbi nyang bbae. maya2x u...ng isa sa mga magnanakw sumiksik sa tabi ng tomboy... ang likot nung LALAKING PANAY ACNE ang mukha.. nyakap ko agad ung BAG ko at tnago cp ko.. napakiramdaman ko agad na magnanakaw sila. bandang santolan may isa pang llaki na gling sa kanang side ko ang dumating. anka FUBU NA POLO pa ung G*GO!. sumenyas sya dun sa nka upo at ang target palanila ay yung MAG BOYFRIEND na nakapustura ng maganda at may iPhone.. tumayo si acne.. si FUBU pumwesto sa likod ng target.. pgdating ng cubao. dumami sila. may 3 LALAKI NA GUMIITGIT SA LIKOD NG TARGET HABANG SI FUBU DINUDUKOT NA UNG IPHONE SA BULSA.. AUN. NAKUHA!!! di alam ng target na nkuha na iphone nya. pero nkita ko na habng plabas sya ng train knkapa n nya ung bulsa nya. pagsara ng pinto balik na lahat sila sa pwesto ulit..nkita ata ng isa sa knila na nkita ko ung gnwa nila. tnabihan ako, sabi sakin" MADAMI YAN" sagot ko nmn. "ALAM KO!! DIBA KASAMA KA NGA NILA" sa inis nya hinagis nya ung dala nyang bag sa lalaking nkaupo din sa tapat ko.. tumayo sya sabay sabi" TARA NA" nung nasa pinto na sya.. lumingon ulit sakin. sabi" MARAMI KAMI!!" sinigaw ko sa knya!! " P.i MO!! WALA AKONG PAKI KAHIT MARAMI PA KAU!! MGA MAGNANAKAW MAMAMATAY DIN KAYU!! MABARIL SANA KAU!!" sabay takbuhan pababa sa GMA KAMUNING. Pagbaba ko sa NORTH nireport ko sa pulis ung nnyari. may naabutan akong BAkla na nagrereport din.. hbng snsabi ko sa pulis un nanyari, maiyak ung bakla nanakawan di pala xa nung mga un..WALLET AT CP...sa mga makakabasa please mag iinagat po tau. kahit sa MRT di safe.. ung mga gumigitgit yan ung mga magnanakaw.di mo mppagkakamaln dhil mga naka polo pa. malilinis.. lagpas 10 sila.. premind nalng din sa iba.

2. by : Darcy de Ramos

Last week (January 11, 2012), nadukutan ako ng phone sa MRT Boni Station. My phone was inside my bag and that time ginagamit ko phone ko as music player. Suddenly I noticed na nawala yung sound. I immediately checked on it and saw that my bag was already opened. I took notice of the hand na may hawak pa ng phone ko. I screamed and asked for help trying na habulin yung kamay until nawala na ito sa aking view dahil sa mga taong papalabas at papasok ng tren. Some guys na nasa gitna ng coach ng MRT near sa door ay may itinuturong guy na lumabas daw at kita nila na yun ang kumuha. Dahil sa tiwala, lumabas ako ng MRT para try na habulin yung sinasabi nilang guy. I asked for help from the security ng MRT pero to my dismay hindi ako tinulungan ng guard on duty. Tumayo lang siya sa harap ko and pinanood habang nagsisisigaw ako na may magnanakaw and paki-try na iinspect yung mga lumalabas na tao. I tried to get back sa loob ng coach ng MRT kung saan ako lumabas kaso pilit na tumuturo sa labas yung mga tao sa loob na malapit sa pinto na habulin ko daw kasi nakita nila na lumabas yung magnanakaw. So clueless of what might happen, nagpasama na lang ako sa security guard para mag-report sa mga police na naka-assign sa Boni station. I don’t know why pa ako sumama sa taas kung alam ko naman na wala na sila magagawa. Sa loob-loob ko, kanina pa nakaaalis ng station yung mandurukot. So good bye phone :'( 

Kanina (January 17, 2012), 2:15 PM, same station may nadukutan na guy. Actually, tinuturo niya yung isang lalaki kanina sa loob ng coach na nakasuot ng sunglasses at inaakusahaan na dinukutan siya. Just like me, nagsisisigaw yung guy na nadukutan. Since na-“caught in the act” niya na dinukutan siya nung lalaki, malaki ang chance na maibalik sa kanya yung phone. Pero- HINDI nangyari yun. 

Una, tulad ng nangyari sakin, tumayo lang yung guard sa MRT at hindi nagkaroon ng further investigation. He should have asked the train operator na patigilin sandali yung biyahe, pero wala- tumunganga lang siya dun habang nagpapaliwanag yung victim kung ano nangyari. Pangalawa,nandito na naman itong mga pasahero na tumuturo na nakita daw nilang lumabas yung nandukot at hindi daw yung nakasunglasses. Sa katunayan ilan pa dito ang tila pinagtatawanan yung nanakawang guy at sinasabing "...eh ang dami naka-shades dito, wala dito nagnakaw. ayun lumabas..." WTF?? As in ganun sila ka-vigilant to take notice kung sino nandukot at san ito nagpunta? Kung nakita nila, they could have declared nung nasa loob ng coach pa lang na may nandudukot na sa loob. 

In the end hindi rin nakuha yung mobile phone nung guy. Nagsara yung train at patuloy sa biyahe. Sa loob, halatang nagtitinginan, nagsesenyasan, at nagbubulungan yung certain group of guys (isa na dun yung tinuturong suspect na kumuha ng phone). Pagdating ng Buendia Station ay sabay sabay silang bumaba and I heard yung isa na ngingiti-ngiti pang nagsabi ng “…baba na tayo. Wala naman sila magagawa…” 

Naging malinaw sa akin na ganito ang modus operandi nila: isa sa grupo ang mandudukot/magnanakaw ng phone/gadget. Kung hindi napansin ng biktima- e di mission accomplished! Pero oras na mahuli o makaramdam ang biktima ay ituturo ng mga kasabwat/accomplice na lumabas yung magnanakaw para ma-divert ang attention ng biktima ganun din ng iba pang pasahero. Dahil sa taranta ng biktima aakalain nito na lumabas nga ang mandurukot. At hindi mapapansin na nasa loob talaga ang nagnakaw ng gadget niya. PERO hindi lang ito ang style/techniques nila. Madami pa. 

CONSTANT VIGILANCE: So the next time you ride the MRT, make sure na alerto kayo. If may bag kayong dala, better if nasa harap niyo para visible sa inyo. Ang mga valuables (e.g. mobile phone, wallet, player) ay ilagay kung san hindi ito madaling makukuha (e.g. sa pagitan ng mga gamit sa loob ng bag or side pocket/s ng pants). Hangga’t hindi nahuhuli ang gang or grupo ng mandurukot, patuloy nilang maisasagawa ang kanilang modus operandi sa MRT. 

At para naman sa MRT Authority, please be responsive on these kind of incidences. Alam po namin na responsibility ng pasahero ang sarili nilang mga dalang gamit. However, hindi naman po yata tama na sa loob mismo ng MRT ay may nagaganap na nakawan . Sana ay magkaroon ng further investigations para mapanagot ang mga may sala at upang matigil na ang ganitong iregularidad at krimen sa MRT.

It really is hard nowadays to determine where else is still safe. No matter how you keep track and take care of your belongings, bad people with really bad intentions still know their way to get you in trouble. I think conscience is not in their vocabulary anymore. What's more irritating is knowing that some public officials are on their sides. Instead of catching these thieves, they are the ones protecting and covering them up. Oh God, bless them.

I pray that the people behind these modus operandi would be caught and get punished. Or at least, would feel conscience and lessen their evil doings. At least. 

I think not only in MRT that these could happen but also to other public vehicles which have tendency to be crowded. (other trains and buses) 

Have a safe trip everyone and don't forget to pray every time you step out of your abode going somewhere.

City of Vintage

A beach escapade wouldn't be perfect if you wouldn't flaunt your body clad in a dainty swimsuit.

Many of us, girls, are dubious on how we would look in sexy little bikinis. And it is harder for some who tote unwanted love handles and cellulite.

For those who want to conceal those belly fats and stretch marks, worry no more girls! The remedy is out, the retro trend is back, High Waisted Bikinis!

And to help you have these fashionable bikinis, let's welcome CITY OF VINTAGE !

CoV is just new in swimsuit industry but is currently making its name to fame. With CoV collection, you could still display your body without being too much conscious of your tummy secrets.

CoV array of swimsuits is mostly consists of high waisted. This style was originally considered vintage and was worn in past generations but with the comeback of the trend, this isn't just for grannies anymore. With the creative minds of the people behind CoV's success, they revived the retro bikinis with uniqueness in touch of modern elegant design.

CoV fashionable beautiful swimwear are available in selection of sizes, designs and very affordable prices.

Here's a peak of their collection.

Toasted Collection

Paradiso Collection

Sun Tan Collection

CoV girls spotted.

They also offer some low rise bikinis.

Tanned Collection

Ditch those shorts and sandos, stop scrambling on your cover ups every after dip, instead, showcase that body in oozing confidence and be fab with CITY OF VINTAGE 's quaint swimsuit!

Feel free to check their online shop, City of Vintage, Philippines .
     *a Facebook account is required

Puerto Princesa, Palawan!

Hi friends!

Summer time is in the air and what does it simply mean? It's the best time for beach getaway and out of town sight seeing!

Have you already thought of the best yet pocket-friendly tour this season? Have you already decided of the unforgettable place to visit that could make your social networks' friends envious once you uploaded your travel photos? (I assume that you would post photos, wouldn't you?) And most importantly, have you seen one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature?

If you couldn't answer any of the above questions, then you just got a good news! Haha! I could help you answer all of these for you.

I proudly suggest PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN!

I don't travel much because of lack of moolah. But this tour is one of the best tours I've had because it gave me a chance to see one of the most amazing creations of Mother Earth in a very inexpensive way. When my friends told me about this, I didn't even hesitate to come. Our stay was only 3days and 2 nights but yet it still sufficed all our adventure cravings. And if I would be given a chance to have another tour there, I would go again!

Because our stay there was a bit short, the tour was also limited. Knowing that Puerto Princesa, Palawan has a lot to offer, a longer vacation is advised. Our itinerary was consists of tours at Ihawig River Firefly Watching Mangrove, Honda Bay (island hopping and snorkling), Wild Life Rescue and Conservatory Park, Crocodile Farm, Ihawig Prison and Penal Farm, Baker's Hill at Billionaire's Village, Puerto/ Asuncion Bay and City market. And of course, nevertheless, a breathtaking tour in Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the Philippines' pride. Our stomachs also screamed to happiness because lots of restaurants there cater an eat all you can serving in a sumptuous buffet in an affordable price. It was like a feast every meal. I could say that no time was wasted and my discerning eyes was really mesmerized. Hence, every split second was enjoyable and worth it!

So, anyone whose interested in visiting Palawan and looking for a travel agency to manage the tour, I highly recommend the travel and tour agency we had. It offers the best and most reasonable packages. Package is inclusive of buffet lunch/dinner, breakfast set, entrance fees, boat tranfers, aircon van shuttle (for roundtrip airport transfer and the whole tour), cozy accommodation (may it be in a hotel or a pension house), airfare (optional) and a service of a licensed tour guide.

And another great news, I could help you book your tour with them so you would surely have a great Palawan experience! Hassle free!

Should you have further queries and in need of more information, feel free to message me at oyedelacruz@gmail.com.

And to tempt you more, here are some of the hundred photos we had in our tour last year that was of course managed by the said agency.

Before entering Underground River. A hat is required to protect your head from bats' pee inside the cave. 

Outside the cave where you can see the water flow from the sea to the river.

Entrance of the cave.

You need to ride a boat to get to the island where PPUR is located.

It was really dark inside the cave and it was hard to take a photo because there was only one provided huge flashlight (small is not enough) per boat.

Luring view of Palawan islands from the plane.

Also. you could visit Puerto Princesa Underground River official website,
http://www.puerto-undergroundriver.com/ .

Have a great summer, people! :)

Read Articles, Rate and Get Paid!

Hi guys! I just found out another way to earn online. A friend of mine suggested me this site and said that it is actually genuine. I already signed up and hoped that I really would earn through this. I'll keep you all posted and give you updates! Ciao! :)

Take the first offer or wait for my dream job?

Good day, everyone! As you all know (if you've read my first entry), I'm a jobless nurse (as of now). And as a routine, I always check my accounts in different online job search website. In one of those sites, I saw this article and thought that this could help fresh graduates in deciding what their first steps would be in this chaotic word of unemployed professionals.

So here it is, read and learn!

Take the first offer or wait for my dream job?

by Cora Llamas

This is a question that many new grads really spend a lot of time thinking about.  They leave the university full of dreams and aspirations, with a firm idea on what they’d like to do in the real world. The problem is – sometimes, the job that they’d really like, their dream job, is not yet available or accessible to them.

It’s a situation all of us can relate to.  Some of us dream of writing the great Filipino novel only to find out that hiring companies are looking for writers who can turn in good copy for their products.  Or we dream of making a difference in government, but are informed by HR that the available post is based in a location that will take six hours of commute time everyday.  Or we keep applying to the big multi-national corporations, only to be told that the last job vacancy has just been filled.

In the meantime, we spend weeks, maybe even months, of just hanging around at home or with ourbarkada who is also job-hunting.  There may be parental pressure to help contribute to the family upkeep.  Most painful of all, some of our friends do end up getting hired in the job that they want – and it does hurt, badly.

But it’s not all bad news.  We do get a call from recruiters, sometimes even a job offer….as researcher, administrative assistant, call center agent, marketing assistant, department secretary…These are not the jobs we are hoping for, and if it were not for the rising bills and our boredom, we’d be tempted to turn them down.

Our parents’ question is the one thing that stops us:  “But how many jobs will you turn down before you find your dream job?”

Finding a dream job is a journey – and it takes a lot of small steps to finally reach our destination.  A dream job just doesn’t drop on your lap – you have to search for it, see if you have the skills for it, acquire those skills, and plan a strategy that will get the right bosses to notice you.

And that won’t happen if you do not get any job at all.

Here are a few things to think about before you say no:

• Are you being practical? Can you afford to not have a job in the next few months? 
• Think of the opportunities that can be offered by this job offer.  What skills will you learn?  What industry will you become familiar with?  Who are the professionals who you can acquaint yourself with and probably help you in your career development?
• Give yourself a time table (e.g. one to two years) to learn what you can from this first job before telling yourself you need to move on.  This is not a fixed plan, but something that you can use to encourage yourself if you do find out eventually that you are not fit for this job.

Make every second of experience in that not-so-thrilling job count.  Study how you can use the skills and network that you’ve accumulated to bring you closer to your dream job or preferred industry.

Source : Career Advice - JobsDB.com

Pinay Nars

I am a registered nurse for almost 3 years now. Unfortunately, I am one of the hundred thousands depressed unemployed Filipino nurses who are suffering from the crisis of the nursing profession. And like most of the tambay nurses usually do in their everyday lives, surfing the internet serves as a routine. One day, while browsing my multiply site which I rarely visit, I bumped into my article I made when I was in 2nd year college. The title is “Am I Regretting” (pertaining to my course). Let me share you this piece of writing that consists of off-putting thoughts. Then let me impart how I managed to alter my pessimistic view of nursing life to optimistic side. Here it goes: 

“Why the hell did I take this course? Why should I bear with it? I opt to have a workload of drawings, computations, critical thinking, even exercise my weak muscles and any other man’s job rather see myself dying doing a nurse’s job. The first one is a torture while enjoying while the latter is a pure torture. Consciously, I am not that good in math and arts, but I do believe that everything can be mastered in time especially if you’re dedicated and most importantly if your mind suits into that field. My mind? Does it suits with nursing? Honestly, it’s telling me everyday that it can’t be au fait with this course.

Well, I envy those students who are enjoying every split second of their study. . . 

I can say that my boyfriend’s mother, being a head nurse in Saudi, is a bona fide epitome of an excellent nurse. I wanted to be like her. (sometimes… at least…) but how can I be successful like her if I don’t like the path leading to it. It’s like a road full of obstacles. No, I am not exacerbating. This is what I am feeling right now. 

I can’t see myself burdening with the works of a nurse such as showing genuine care to others, having a bundle-of-toilet-paper-like patience, promoting health to ill patients and most of all aiding wounds! Lately, I searched for images of wounds, rashes, animal bites and the likes in the internet for my presentation in health care. I stopped. I couldn’t take those anymore. They look so morbid. I couldn’t take a glimpse to the pictures. Yes, only pictures and only glimpse. See, is this what I really wanted for the next stages of my life? 

I think, I don’t belong in here… even if I wanted to, even if I tried to, even if I dreamt to… 

I conclude… 

Me and nursing don’t fit.”

After reading this full of negative outlook article, I smiled. A smile that shows relief. Because apparently, I surpassed all my complaints and overcame all my fears of being a real nurse. I graduated on time and passed the PNLE by one take. And yes, I am proud of having my name longer by 2 capital letters, RN. But I know that the battle to move forward with this profession doesn't stop with merely my new title.

Back to my immature sentiments, I admit that my first 2 years as a nursing student was really grueling. I indulged myself griping and seeking for grounds to quit and shift course. I looked for thousand reasons to compare my life to other students in other course and prove that I took the wrong move. This attitude stopped until I started my duty in a hospital and handled my own patients. I found myself looking forward to every single day I will spend in the hospital. Everyday is a rewarding day. In the long process, I established a new me, no longer terrified of seeing and even aiding various cases of injuries. I learned how to provide genuine care to my patients and sometimes to their significant others and that is one of the most fulfilling feelings I had. I discovered my passion in helping others and talking to different kind of people in different aspects of life. Being a nurse is hard but at the end it’s all worth it. I came to my realizations that through enjoying your work will in due course make you love it. Complaining won’t make you lead to a much better life but instead will just make you waste your precious time. Start loving what you have and everything else will follow.

Like others, my career as a nurse didn’t went on a smooth sailing way. I experienced how to be a typical registered nurse struggling to have a job as a nurse in a hospital. And so I gave 7 months of voluntary service that eventually helped me to become an underpaid contractual staff nurse for a year. I also tried to advance my nursing practice by attending seminars and training that of course cost me and my parents’ high amount of money. I underwent with the bleak condition of my field. But still, I believe that my hopes would never end on a dismal note.

Being a dedicated nurse is a choice. It is not something to be imposed on. It is a feeling that you’ll have if you pour your heart out on it. I opted to be a nurse and I promise to be one with all my heart and mind. I will continue to withstand every block that this profession will throw me. It may be a stormy day for me now but soon I know that I’ll be having a bright shiny day. Hold on.

Believe it or not, I don’t regret that I am a nurse. I am jobless but still carry the pride of being a professional medical allied of the country. Because I believe that God put me on where I am now and made me who I am now for His purpose. And I will continue to wait and see that purpose. I will never relinquish in hoping that someday, one day, I will be a nurse not only by heart but also by action. I know that I will work as a hospital nurse again. And I know that it is soon. God made me a nurse and I will be a nurse until eternity is through.

I now love being a nurse to bits albeit I am enduring this futile phase of my profession.

“I think, I belong in here… because I wanted to, because I tried to, because dreamt to…

I conclude…

Me and nursing fit.”