Preparing for my Impact Interview...

... and for other future job interviews as well.

Monday is THE day for me. My Impact Interview. Maybe my "make or break" interview for that matter before the Final Interview on January 22-26. I don't know how it would go. I do know what an impact interview means, questions ask are about how you could handle yourself in a certain situation. It will show how responsible and professional you are and why the employer/s would want to hire someone like you in their company. I really did some research. So, sounds like a make or break for me. What's not clear to me is what would happen after the Impact Interview. I didn't even know we were going to have one. During my 2nd Interview, the interviewee said they'll inform me when the Final Interview would be when I get shortlisted and I did. There was no mention of an Impact Interview and now I'm thinking what if I didn't pass it, does it mean I won't get to have a Final Interview? How come one of my friends wasn't scheduled for it but he got a message informing him about the Final Interview? The message I got tells me to confirm my attendance for the Impact o be able to be lined up for the Final.

But no matter how anxious I am right now about Monday, I am still dragging my ass to prepare for it. I might still need it for the other interviews I might have in the future anyway. I'm doing some research about how not to screw it up. 

I have some questions that I know I should prepare for like:

1. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

2. Why should we hire you? (and other similar questions)

3. Tell me something about yourself.

4. What would you do in *this* situation?

These sound easy but really, when it's about you getting the job or not, it gets hard. That's why I'm starting to browse around the web looking for tips and advices to at least not blank out during an interview. I have read some good stuffs and I'm really thankful to my friend, Anonymili, for e-mailing me a lot of helpful articles she wrote.

I'm going to share them in another entry so watch out for it. :)

Job Hunting update.

For the past 6 days I've been talking about job hunting, finding a job, and all the other terms that correspond to the same meaning: GETTING A JOB.

Today, I received an SMS from the agency my friends and I applied to June of last year for Dubai. We all passed the initial and the second interview that same month and we were scheduled for the final interview for September that year. It was then postponed to October and then November and then we never heard from them again. No SMS, no phone calls, no e-mails, no nothing. And now that I'm decided to try my luck here in my own country, I received a text message informing me about the Impact Interview this coming Monday.

Had it been like last year, I would feel so ecstatic about this but now I honestly feel torn. I don't know what to do and what to feel. My heart's beating so fast and I am so anxious. Really really anxious. Impact interview what to answer. I have to prepare hard for this if I want to make the cut for the final interview.

Argh!

Another Job Opportunity and some other things.

Hi guys!

I'm just gonna make a quick update about several things:

1. I got an e-mail from JobStreet about a certain company asking me to apply as a Sales Executive. They saw my CV that I uploaded in JobStreet and so I guess I  pre-qualify. I still have to confirm or reject. I think I'm gonna have to confirm. There's nothing wrong in trying right? This might be it for me.

2. A friend of mine suggested I applied as a Copy Editor in the company where she's working. I might also consider it.

3. My nape and eyes are still not in a very good condition. I still feel the throbbing and it makes me feel so uncomfortable.

4. I'm off to a very, very late dinner later. 10 PM at Uncle Moe's in Ortigas with my high school friends. Sort of like a little get together before our dear friend, Kat, leaves again for the US after spending the holidays here.

I will be posting pictures tomorrow!

See you!

Nape Ache and Eye Strain.

As much as I would want to share with you guys how my job hunting went and how I spent my day today I would have to postpone it some other time. My nape is seriously aching and so are my eyes. I have been advised to rest my eyes especially from staying in front of my laptop the entire day. I would get back to you once I feel better which is hopefully tomorrow or some day within this week.

I have to rest if I want to be fit for a job this month or next.

See you all soon.

I'd probably make a quick post tomorrow anyway. :)

Hugs!

Job Hunting.

In keeping true to my To-Do List for 2009, I have started seeking jobs online. I figured since I'm almost always online anyway that I would do myself a favor and use the internet as a means of finding myself a job.

A friend of mine suggested that I try looking at JobStreet and that's what I did. I started my 2009 browsing through the pages of the said job search engine and I have successfully applied for 5 jobs that one day. The other night, I have applied yet again to another 2 companies. That makes it 7 applied jobs for me in a span of 2 days. I'm not stopping there though, I'll apply so long as I see a position that interests me and I receive a phone call from one of the many companies that I've applied for which is hopefully not too long because holiday break is already done and everybody is off to work again tomorrow.

Most of what I've applied for are in line with my college degree and the training I have had during the course of my two practicums in which I have gained more than 1,000 hours of training.

I have applied as a Front Desk Officer/Receptionist, HR Admin Assistant, Guest Service Agent, Ground/Flight Cabin Crew, Sourcing Associate, Data Entry Clerk. I'm not seeking a high position since I'm just a fresh graduate. Entry level positions are okay as long as it interest me (no matter how far off it is from my college degree) and I get myself a job. If you know any job openings please let me know. I prefer somewhere in the vicinity of Mandaluyong, Pasig (Ortigas) and Makati.

Whew! Please please pray with me about this. :)

Back to Pepper Lunch.

For the I don't know how many times these past couple of weeks, I was back again at Pepper Lunch at Shangri-La for a late lunch. I had a friend with me who's a first timer there. I just got her to eat with me and try the food. I think she liked it cos she finished her food minutes before I finished mine up.

As usual, I had Beef Pepper Rice. I promise I would try the other items on the menu when I go back one of these days.

This photo is my "after" plate. The only part I didn't eat was the "fatty" part of the beef.

This photo is my dessert. Caramel Soft Ice Cream.

As usual, I left PL satisfied and smelling like food. :)

Here are my other blog entries about Pepper Lunch if you want to read more about it:

Pigging Out Again

My Diet's Ruined

Movies to look forward to this year.

My third installment of the many lists I have for this year is about the movies that I am looking forward to seeing this year. I've been reading other websites, watched many trailers and saw several reviews and opinions about a lot of movies yet to be shown and I can't wait for 'em.

Here is the list of the movies that I can't wait to watch this year:

1. Transporter 3. - I posted a trailer of it here in blog and if you haven't seen it yet just click HERE.

2. Angels and Demons. - Hello again Professor Langdon. I sure hope it's a much better adaptation than Da Vinci Code. I've read the book years ago and I enjoyed it. Dan Brown is a very good writer. 

3. Confessions of a Shopaholic. - I've seen the trailer weeks ago and found it funny. I haven't read the book but I've read good reviews about it and I'l give the movie a chance before I buy the books.

4. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. - The story's unusual and no matter how I avoid watching drama movies, Brad Pitt would make this one a little bit tolerable for me.

5. Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. - Moved from its usual November screening last ear to sometime this July, I'm sure this would still make it big like the rest of the previous Harry Potter series.

6. He's Just Not Into You. - The book was a fun read and I'm curious how they'll adapt it into a movie.

7. Race To Witch Mountain. - Another Disney film. Maybe it would be a big hit like The Game Plan, maybe not, but the trailer was amusing enough that even my Mom is looking forward to this.

8. Fast and the Furious 3. - The trailer for this has been shown months ago and I can't wait for it!

9. 17 Again. - I may not be the biggest fan of High School Musical and Zac Efron but he's looks damn hot in this movie, or at least in the trailer. Kinda reminded me of Freaky Friday with all the dad being 17 again minus the mom-daughter switch.

10. X-Men Origins: Wolverine. - I've been a fan of the X-Men since I was in elementary school so it goes without saying that I've watched the cartoons, all of the movies and now I can't wait for the Origins.

11. Transformers 2. - Bumbleebee! Jazz! and LadiesMan. Hahaha!

12. Ice Age 3. - I noticed a lot of movies are sequels and stuff and I hope I wouldn't be disappointed with this, not that it's disappointed me before. Ice Age always gives me a good laugh every time I watch it.

13. Sherlock Holmes. - I like Guy Ritchie's movies except for Swept Away as I could remember. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are a plus factor in this one for me. :)

14. Bride Wars. - Anne Hathaway! 

15. After Dark Horrorfest Movies. -Movies from the Horrorfest are really good.

Hmm. Did I miss out on any good movies? Let me know if I have! :)

Another year, another list.

'Tis the season to be making lists. Aside from New Year's Resolutions or the 2009 To-Do List that I have made yesterday, I am back here making another list yet again but this time it's the Things To Look Forward To In 2009. I'm not sure what the difference is but they are 2 different lists.

My To-Do List is the serious mature list that I have, Things To Look Forward To is a little more light and carefree.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS YEAR:

1. A JOB. - Still.

2. Earning more through my blog ergo, exerting effort to earn through my blog's ads, ergo getting more traffic, ergo posting more interesting entries, ergo participating more on sites like Adgitize and Entrecard.

3. Christmas 2009 and New Year 2010. - Hoping that they'd be a lot better than the recent ones.

4. New life, new memories to make.

5. Summer.

6. Be able to afford a new iPod.

7. New knowledge, new learnings.

8. More smiles and laughters and happy moments with loved ones.

9. Meeting new people, new friends, new colleagues.

10. Shopping spree.

This is only the second of my 2-3 lists to come. I should say, the remaining lists are wishful thinking except for one that's playing on my mind right now. :)

I HOPE EVERY ONE HAD A BLAST CELEBRATING NEW YEAR!

Hello, Year 2009!

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

It's New Year's Eve already and in just less than 10 hours we will be welcoming another year again. It's this time of the year where I get to really think about a lot of things: what happened in the last 365 days of my life, what I did, what I did not do but could have done, what I still have, what I gained and what I lost. Year 2008 hasn't been the best year for me. I wasted months doing nothing. Thinking that I should take a couple of months off before getting a job and I wouldn't be able to do a lot of things then like maybe blogging every day and watching movies and TV series. I wasted months earning nothing when I could have been blogging religiously and earn through it like what I'm doing now. I wasted months saving up enough money for Christmas shopping hoping that my brothers and sisters would give me enough to buy even just a pair of pants, shoes and a top. Just one outfit. I ended up getting nothing, buying nothing and receiving nothing. I'm just stuck thinking and planning but never doing. I wasted a lot of time doing nothing when I could have done something, anything.

Now that 2009 is almost here I'm going to make sure that I won't repeat the mistakes I made this 2008. I am not one who makes yearly new year's resolution. I didn't believe in them. I do now. And I am going to make one for myself. This list would be more of like a guide to me and a reminder of the year that has been and not repeating it and then regretting afterwards.

Mara's To-Do List for 2009:

1. Get a JOB before the end of February 2009. - I want to be specific about this. I am now conditioned and motivated to work and I want to start my year with a JOB. Help my Mom with the expenses and all and eventually save up for more things.

2. Save More, Spend Less. - It would be unrealistic for me to say not to spend anymore cos I still have to. I have phone bills, internet bills and food expenses. Those three would remain. By spending less I mean, no buying of unnecessary things, no splurging, no whims. Buy things that are needed and not just wanted and go out only if I have to.

3. Eat healthy and Exercise. - I admit I suck at this but I want to improve. I tried doing this later this year but I only lasted about a month. I need this because my family has a history of Diabetes and I eat a lot of sweets: pastries and chocolates and ice creams which aren't really good for my health since I rarely move. I just go up and down the stairs, lie down, eat, sit down, eat. No chores, no exercise. Bad. I will work on this. I have to. I have read another blog entry from Meet Her Here about being a new you for the year 2009. They had articles regarding physical health and mind. I found a link on the World's Healthiest Food. 

4. Improve my blog. - Even though I am now decided to have a real job with a real monthly income, I don't think I will end my being a blogger. Not now that I'm starting to enjoy it, not not now that I know how to monetize it, not now that I'm meeting new people from different countries. I may not be posting everyday but I would still update every time I can. I still want to change my layout. Maximize my Adgitize, Entrecard and other paying sites. A little extra money on the side doing what I enjoy isn't a bad idea.

5. Be able to afford buying a new car OR a new house. - When I land on a job by February or by June (the latest), I'm going to save up for an initial payment. I wouldn't be buying solely, my Mom and I talked about this months ago and we're going to divide the expenses in two. This is going to be the highlight of my 2009.

6. Singapore or Hongkong on December 2009. - A treat for myself and if I saved enough I might let my brother come too and if my Mom is still here she could go too. But if not, I'm just going with my high school friends, all 2 or 3 of us. A gift to ourselves WHEN everything went as planned of course. Since I am not going to have a birthday party (which I do YEARL) until my 30th birthday, an out-of-the-country trip would be a nice treat, a belated birthday present, a time to relax even for just a few days and my friend would be graduating from college this coming March, so it would also be a belated graduation gift for her.

In summary, my To-Do list is actually a complex way of saying: 

"I want to turn my life around already! No more moping and bumming around! Be productive and use your College Degree! My parents didn't send me to a good school and paid expensive tuition fees just so I could waste what I've learned doing nothing at home."

I'm being positive about this and hopefully good vibes, good vibes, good vibes for the year 2009!

My 2008 Summary.

*Where did you begin 2008?
- At home.

*What was your status by Valentine's day of 2008?

- Single.

*Did you have to go to the hospital?
- Yes.

*Did you have any encounters with the police?
- Uh, no.

*Did you know anybody who got married?
- Yes.

*Did you know anybody who passed away?
- Yes.

*What sporting events did you attend?
- UAAP.

*What concerts/shows did you go to?
- Earth, Wind and Fire, Lifehouse, Rihanna and Chris Brown.

*Where do you live now?
- Still here.

*Describe your birthday.
- It was an Adult Kiddie Party at McDonald's with close friends and some family members.

 
*What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did?
- Oh, I'm not sure.

*Any new additions to your family?
- Bebe dog.

*What was your best month?
- April?

 

*Who was your best drinking buddy?
- My boys.

*Made new friends?
- I think.

*Any regrets?
- Yes.

*What do you want to change in 2009?
- My life.

*Overall, how would you rate this year?
- 5 out of 10.

*Have any life changes in 2008?
- Compared to last year's? None.

*Got a new job?
- I had one last March but none as of today.

*How old did you turn this year?
- 21.

*Did anything embarrassing?
- Yes.

*Get married or divorced?
- Neither.

*Started a new hobby?
- Yes. Blogging. :)

*Are you happy to see 2008 go?
- Yes.

*Drank Starbucks in 2008?
- Yes. A lot.

*Been naughty or nice?
- Nice.

*What are you wishing for in 2009?
- A job.

*Lost someone?
- No.

*Cut class?
- No.

*Was involved in something you'll never forget?

- No.

*Cooked a gross meal?
- No.

*Lost something important to you?
- No.

*Came close to losing your life?

- No.

*Went to a party?
- Yes. 

*Did you dislike anyone?

- Yes.

*Did you grow apart from anyone?
- Yes.

*Do you have any regrets when it comes to your friendships?

- No.

2008: YOUR BIRTHDAY

*Did you have a cake?
- Yes.

*Did you get any presents?
- Yes.

 

2008: ALL ABOUT YOU

*Did you change at all this year?
- Yes. Physically, emotionally, mentally.

*Did you change your style?

- No.

*Were you in school?
- Yes.

*Did you drive?
- No.

*Did anyone close to you give birth?
- Yes.

*Did you go on any vacations?
- Yes.

*Would you change anything about yourself now?
- Lose weight. Just that. 

2008: WRAP UP

*Was 2008 a good year?
- Not really,

*Do you think 2009 will top 2008?
- Oh I really really hope so!

I confess that in 2008 I...
( ) kissed in the snow
( ) celebrated Halloween
( ) had your heart broken
( ) mooned someone
(*) went over the minutes on your cell phone.
( ) came out of the closet
( ) gotten pregnant
( ) had an abortion
(*) done something you've regretted
OTHER
( ) painted a picture
( ) wrote a poem
( ) ran a mile
( ) shopped at Hollister or Abercrombie and Fitch
(*) posted a blog on multiply.
( ) visited a foreign country
( ) cut in a line of waiting people
(*) told someone you were busy when you weren't
( ) partied to celebrate the new year 
( ) cooked a disastrous meal
( ) lied about how old you were
( ) prank called someone
In 2008 I...
[*] broke a promise
[ ] fell out of love
[*] lied
[*] cried over a broken heart
[*] disappointed someone close
[*] hid a secret
[*] pretended to be happy
[ ] slept under the stars
[ ] kept your new years resolution
[ ] forgot your new years resolution
[ ] met someone who changed your life
[ ] met one of your idols
[*] changed your outlook on life 
[*] sat home all day doing nothing
[*] pretended to be sick
[ ] left the country
[ ] almost died
[*] given up on something/someone important to you
[ ] lost something expensive
[*] learned something new about yourself
[*] tried something you normally wouldn't try and liked it 
[*] made a change in your life
[*] found out who your true friends were
[*] met great people
[*] stayed up til sunrise
[ ] cried over the silliest thing
[*] had friends who were drifting away from you
[*] had a high cell phone bill

Songs for the day.

As of late last night up until this very moment that I'm typing, Britney Spears' songs are stuck in my head. Her second single from her new album, Circus is playing in my background and of course I want to share them with you here:

I have been a fan of Britney Spears since her Baby One More Time Days. I think I was in 5th Grade or so then. I bought all her albums and I listened to her songs a lot.

I even followed her relationship with Justin Timberlake during those days. As a fan, I honestly think that Britney is not one of the great singers out there. She can't hit high notes like Celine Dion

or even Christina Aguilera but her charm and her passion for what she's doing is what makes her the Pop Princess.

So blah blah blah, I'm not really here to give history or background of Britney or myself as a fan. I'm here to share her new album: Circus and the songs that are currently my favorites with some part of the lyrics that are really catchy:

1. Circus

"There’s only two types of guys out there, 

Ones that can hang with me, and ones that are scared 
So baby I hope that you came prepared 
I run a tight shift so, beware 
I’m like the ringleader 
I call the shots 
I’m like a firecracker 
I make it hot 

then I put on a show"

2. If U Seek Amy

"Love me hate me 

Say what you want about me 
But all of the boys and all of the girls are beggin' to If You Seek Amy 
Love me hate me 
But can't you see what I see 

All of the boys and all of the girls are beggin' to If You Seek Amy"

3. Kill The Lights

"Kill the Lights!

(Take 'em out, turn 'em off, break 'em down)
Kill the Lights!
(Don't be scared, make a move, see me now?)
Kill the Lights!
(I've seen you, watching me, watching you)
Kill the Lights!
You can't handle the truth
What happened to you?

I KILL
(The Lights) Pure
(The Lights) Satis
(The Lights) Faction
I KILL
(The Lights) Lights
(The Lights) Camera
(The Lights) Action"

4. Mmm Papi

"Stuck in 

the middle of it all 
To many people around me 
Can you hear me call? 
I look this way 
And you're not there 
If you dont mind 
My soul out there 

Mmm Papa, Mmm Papa, Mmm Papa"

5. Blur

"Can you calmly hand me all my things?

I think I need an aspirin
Better yet, I need to get up outta here
I gotta get my head right
Where the hell am I?
Who are you?
What'd we do
Last night?
Yeah yeah yeah"

The first four are upbeat songs. Groovy. Makes you wanna move your muscles and dance to it whatever way you like. 

My current LSS is If U Seek Amy. If you listen to it real carefully you'll hear her sing F-U-CK ME (If U Seek Amy). This song just sticks to your mind.

Kill The Lights although I didn't enjoy the first part of the song, I found the chorus and the rest of the song really good. It's something that you could dance ti in a dark room.

The beat is kind of "dark" if you know what I mean but it's great and catchy. Same goes with Mmm Papi but this one has a "lighter" beat than Kill The Lights.

Blur is a little mellow compared to the first 4 on my list, still good though. Blur has some sort of story in its lyrics.

If you have time you can try to listen to these songs and let me know what you think.

video from francomadrid84 (YouTube)