Performance Review in the Backseat

photo credits: www.eremedia.com

Performance Review in companies has been and always been a source of stress not only for employees but also for the managers who are preparing the comments. Personally, I really am not certain on the validity and authenticity of this activity. However, there are pros and cons of this way in measuring one's capability and achievements. Who will forget the Bell Curve wherein one will have to be compared to the "strongest" and the "weakest??".

Well of course, if you are an open minded person, that won't do the math and it should not definitely define your worth as an employee. 

This is the reason why one of the BPO giants, Accenture is now starting to abolish this type of ranking. Though it promotes competition which paved the way in employees to strive harder, is it really friendly at all?

For some, it's a yearly throwback activity to determine how did you perform and how to remedy that glitches in your performance. It's also a way to give incentives and credit to those who were thought to be the best among the rest. BUT for some narcissistic people, it's somehow an insult to their overflowing ego. We can't blame them especially if you work your self up and at a click of one hand, you will be ranked and given a grade that you think is not suitable for you.

Let's now read an article on why Accenture is trying to abolish it. Do you agree?? or not? My take away catch would be, just do your best and never let any comments pull you down. As the goal of this idea is implying, have the reviews be your guide in determining on how you would become better. Beat yourself and not others. Be Open and Relax. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rweb/politics/performance-reviews-rip/2015/07/21/f42fb5bff9853e9770f267197475e3c4_story.html?tid=kindle-app

#AlDub

photo credit Youtube.com

I am not really a fan of any love teams in tv nor movies but as I watched one trending couple in Eat Bulaga, I somehow got that feeling of "kilig" haha.

Yes, you may call it "jologs" but Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza a.k.a "Yaya Dub" really has a very undeniable chemistry. Probably because of the comic side on how they ended up being teased to each other, but no one really knows..boom! they just clicked together.

To give you a background, Maine is a 20 year old overnight internet sensation with her Dubsmash entries spoofing celebrities with the likes of Kris Aquino. In personal life, she is a native of Sta.Maria Bulacan and a graduate of Culinary Arts from De La Salle College of St. Benilde. She then became an instagram sensation with her funny lip syncs in Dubsmash application.

She was given a role in Eat Bulaga as Lola Nidora's Yaya (Wally Bayola's character). As they all say, "and the rest is history.

On the other hand, Alden earned the title of "Pambansang Bae" and became a regular host in EB. He is a matinee idol of GMA 7 who was paired with Louise delos Reyes and Marian Rivera. However, no one seems to work for him as a love team thus left with a solo career.


But there's no stopping now as people are requesting for these two to be paired up. Well, I find it not corny at all even if it started out as a plain joke.

Watch how it all started..It really is so funny and cheesy..

Holiday for Eid'l Fitr

Eid'l Fitr  marks the end of the Islamic holy month Ramadan. It is celebrated by our Muslim brothers for three days after the end of the month of fasting. In line with this, PNoy has declared under proclamation 1070, that July 17 will be a regular holiday all throughout the country in observance of this celebration.

The proclamation states "the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid'l Fitr."

But, do you know how they celebrate it? Is it like Christmas?..that's also my question. Let's find out how our muslim brothers around the world celebrate this special event.

Yogyagarta Indonesia - Women attend the Eid'l Fitr prayer in Parangkusumo beach (Slamet Riyadi/Ap Photo/Al Jazeera)

Jalalabad Afghanistan -  Children enjoy their improvised carousel. (Ghulamullah Habibi/EPA/Al Jazeera)

Cairo, Egypt - Egyptians celebrated Eid'l Fitr (Al Jazeera)

Manila, Philippines - Family poses at the Rizal Park (Romeo Ranoco/ Reuters)

Dome of Rock, Jerusalem (Ammar Awad/Reuters)

Bilin, West Bank Palestinian Territories (Rex USA/APAimages/Rex/Buzzfeed

Eid Mubarak Everyone! 

Feel Good Music

Photo from Pinterest

After a long and tiring day, the best thing that one can do is relax and unwind. For me? relaxing means listening to music and imagining that I am in solitude and the sea is just nearby (thanks to my introvert side).

Haha of course listening to music is feasible but not the case of the sea being just nearby... how I wish. Well let me share some songs that I have been listening to. These seems to be so "old school" but I don't know, it just feels so good when I listen to these tunes.

...and yes people!! Kokomo is part of it.

Happy Listening Everyone :)


http://open.spotify.com/user/12170824800/playlist/2c3kOXC5Idsg7sVoYw7yGI

The Historic "Battle of MRT"

Time, an element that is very important especially to all of us employees. There are so many deliverables that we have to get done that will measure our productivity.

Here in Metro Manila, your time is not solely yours. No matter how you plan your day, it will surely be ruined by our all time villain...The MRT

In my case, when I leave home (from Malolos or Marilao Bulacan) from 6:00 to 6:30, it is still not enough. Even if I reach the station at 7 in the morning, there's still a big chance that I will be late especially if there are no sufficient number of trains that is running. 

Well, what can we do? this is how the system works. There are lots of rants out there and as of writing there's a man doing an "amok" here at the platform.. haha

As I have been always asking, is it so difficult to acquire additional trains when they have already purchased some new ticketing machines? (as if it can solve the problem)

I think the only bright side in here is that I learned by heart the meaning of "patience". Trust me when I say that all those people are somehow fighting for their dear lives and time everytime they are riding the train.

It takes a VERY high tolerance to ridiculous people, endurance to be stuck in one position, and worst is to be bumped on so hard by the people who are almost sharing the same breath with you (ugh).

You will never ever know how it feels until you do it every single day of your lovely life. But hey! I am not saying this to emphasize that I really am pissed off (though sometimes I am).  It's just sharing the hardships that we are encountering. Something that you would be thankful for if you are not one of us. The soldiers of the historic "Battle of the MRT" haha. :)

Early Thursday Rush

Good Morning Everyone!! 

Earth Meets Pluto

Photo Credit: www.space.com

New Horizons, NASA's spacecraft has gotten to the climax of its almost 10 years mission to Pluto on July 14, 2015. It's the first spacecraft that has been designed for Pluto and now it has finally brought mankind to the distant icy world.

Pluto is just one of thousands of celestial bodies in a distant region of our solar system called the Kuiper belt which is filled with relics of the early space.

By studying it, scientists hope to explore more about how Earth and the rest of the solar system was formed more than 4 billion years ago. 

But did you know that months after New Horizons blasted off to space (January 2006), Pluto has been downgraded from a Planet to a Dwarf planet. This is after International Astronomical Union changed the definition of the word "planet". However, since the flyby to Pluto has taken place, the debate may be re-opened as we have now a glimpse on what Pluto may somehow look like.

Nonetheless, it is still a milestone worth celebrating. 

Per John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, "Science takes a great leap observing the Pluto system up close and flying into a new frontier that will help us better understand the origins of the solar system," 

The spacecraft is thought to continue its mission into the Kuiper belt. For your reference, it is powered by a nuclear generator that runs on plutonium. It is expected to run until the 2030s, when New Horizons will be 100 times further away than Earth is from the sun.


Watch part of the journey here:

Louis Tomlinson: 1D's First Soon To be Dad

Photo credit: Hollywoodlife.com

Brace yourself One Direction Fans as it has been revealed that Louis of 1D will now become a dad with Los Angeles based stylist Briana Jungwirth.

Though surprised, the singer expressed his delight on this news and as I quote , “Louis is happy and very excited about becoming a dad and he thinks Briana will be an amazing mother."

It has been thought that Louis met Briana after his break-up with his long time love Eleanor Calder.

This one will surely become a hot topic and I just do hope that the 1D fans will be able to get over it eventually. :)

Grace Poe or Mar Roxas? That is the Question

"Mar should prove his winnability, by a dramatic increase in ratings",

This has been the comment that was given by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte (vice chair of Liberal Party)  on the issue regarding the supposed standard bearer of the LP. According to reports, there is a great probability that Pres. Aquino might choose Grace Poe over Mar Roxas due to the concern in the latter's standing on the survey.

Currently, Roxas is placing on the 3rd to 4th spot and sharing with now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. One contender that is also emerging is Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who also is becoming a popular name in the surveys but has previously denied that he will run.

At such, Aquino will be left with a choice to endorse who they call the "unstoppable" lady that also topped the senatorial race last 2013. This is if the survey will continue to be unfavorable on the side of Roxas.

It is said that the President will announce his choice on July 27, during his last address on the joint congressional session.

                           Photo Credit                
                   Newsinfo.inquirer.net

Jesus, I will hold your Cross

No matter what we're going through, we have to remember that we are holding His cross and we have to stand by it.

That's the impression that I got when I watched one Hillsong video early this morning. An animation that reflects Jesus leaving a cross in the hands of a child.

The song is entitled "Still" which I presume means "I will still hold your cross, I will still stick by your teachings and I will STILL stay true to my promise until you come back to lift that from me".

This is a great video to watch which will make your day more positive. I don't own the video though but I believe it is nice to share it to all of you. 

Are you ready to take the cross with you?

A Star on the Rise: Sassa Dagdag

Early this morning I came across some posts at Facebook cheering and congratulating a girl from The Voice Kids Philippines Season 2. Out of curiousity, I clicked on the video and started to get mesmerized by her voice, a 12 year old lass from Pampanga who at the end of her performance mentioned her father as one of her influence.

What interests me the most is that we share the same surname (maiden middlename in my case), Yes! she came from the Dagdag Clan.

The girl has showcased a very
beautiful rendition of  the song "Chandelier" by Sia. It was observed as well by no other than the show's judges led by Lea Salonga, Sarah Geronimo and of course Bamboo whose team has been chosen by Sassa to be part of.

With this good impression that we have of her right now? I know many will surely have their eyes on her including me.

Way to go Sassa! Best of Luck...

So Toasted..So Pastillas..So Toasted Pastillas

Well hello there rainy days! You've come to see us again. Should I be happy about it? or should I worry because of all the floodings that's happening during this season.

But wait, before I go out way too far from the main topic, let's all admit it...these cold rainy days is surely a magnet for eating. How we all love to sip that hot coffee, tea or chocolate while inside our house and on our comfy couch.

Uhm of course, if your place is flooded then it is part of another story because being comfy is just a wild dream during this season eh!

Ok back again..haha

With all these hot beverages, what's more suitable than a sweet pastillas as a partner which can enhance the flavor of your drink..but wait! there's more! a Toasted Pastillas it is.

A genuine item that has sprout from the backyard of some brilliant minds of pastry people from Malolos Bulacan. Indeed, this is one good "must try" for all of you who have a so-called "sweet tooth" out there.

Credit: MAJ Toasted Pastillas

Malolos Bulacan

Baby's Monthly Birthday: Yes or No?

A few weeks ago, I heard someone asked "why would you have to celebrate your baby's birthday every month?". I would love to say it's none of their business but I am so good enough that I didn't have a time to justify the things that I really should not justify at all. 

But come to think of it, are you one of those people who are wondering why there are so many pictures of babies having their cakes shown in photos on your newsfeed?

If you too are curious, it's not just about bragging that the parents can afford to buy some "red ribbon" cakes but actually a thanksgiving that their daughter/son is alive and is still continuing to explore their milestones in life.

Everyday, lots of babies are dying...I may not have the actual figure but sure thing is not everyone is getting through the first year of their lives. If you are already a parent, you will surely know how it feels when your child turns a month older. It's like a game that you completed and you jumped a level higher.

That's the reason why a monthly celebration is worth it. Of course you don't have to buy a cake and flaunt it On FB. A simple prayer and thanksgiving will do.

But if you can, then there should be no problem at all. Besides it is your baby after all, and if it makes you happy then go for it! 

On Being a Mom

July 30, 2014, almost a year ago when I delivered my first child. I was nervous because I didn't even know how it feels. What I was just certain of back then is that I have to do it and I have to be strong.

Then he came...7:37am, he finally came out...


It was memorable and precious. A feeling that you can never ever define, it was just unique and pure. When I saw him, it's love at first sight, but at the same time I was feeling a bit anxious.. "how am I suppose to take care of this little one?". I was afraid and when you say afraid?? I was really way too scared.


Scared that I might hurt him, that I might not be able to breastfeed him...that I might just not be good enough for him. I am practically doomed! and honestly? I was afraid to become a Mom.

I started to feel baby blues, yeah! not everyone knew (except my husband,  all those who are close to me and my Mom) that I suffered post partum depression that lasted for about 4 months. It was a very challenging battle and a roller coaster emotional ride. A fight that only I can overcome and happy to say that I did!

It's my instinct that brought me back to where I should stand. I boost my morale by pushing my will to breastfeed my child. Everytime I am doing it, it just feels so right and just brings me closer to him. All the fears have started to subside and the so called depression suddenly went away. Now my heart has just accepted the fact that my life has already changed but ooppss, allow me to say that it didn't just change, I would love to say that it has been upgraded.

I learned to appreciate and respect my Mom more. Why? because I already started to feel the things that probably made her worry, laugh, cry and happy too.


I should say, this is the best job ever. Now that he is almost 1 year old and he can finally smile at me, utter some words  like "a-me" (wanted to think that it's mommy though) and kiss my cheeks....

I still have a veeerrryyy long way to go. I am happy to spend this journey of motherhood with my family and of course my son.