A Sentimental Letter

Someone I know asks me to write personal letters once in a while. This one surprised me.

To my good friend,

I have gone through the experience of losing several family members over the years and I know words will never be enough to lighten the pain.

Still, I know your father led a full life and you were a great source of his happiness and fulfillment. Just when we thought we are all grown up because our kids can already stand on their own, we are still only our parents' children. We will still only be as good as the examples they set, as good as the values they taught.

Many people think you are privileged because you're well provided for. However, the real privilege is being mentored by a person as great as your father.

We can never really repay our parents and they don't really expect us to. The highest praise we could give them is passing on all the learnings they taught us to our children and to the people we share our lives with, so their legacy will live on.

We became friends because we had common interests. The real measure of our friendship is how we stand by each other during the low times in our lives.

God bless you and the rest of the family.

Love lots

Articles Published in Newspapers and a Magazine

Articles Written (Part 1)

These are the articles I wrote in the office newsletter when I still worked for the university, 2004-2005. I am still re-encoding the older articles.

March 30, 2005

Search by Google in DLSU Web Site

The newest function of the DLSU-Manila Web site is the search by Google feature (http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/help/search/google.asp) found in the Help page. This page gives you two (2) options to search the dlsu.edu.ph domain exclusively. If you tick the second option, you will see a note which will indicate that the dlsu.edu.ph domain was searched exclusively. At the bottom of the same page, the options “Search within results” and the “Search Tips” are clickable.

Atomz Search Upgrade
One would think 6,000 Web pages is already a respectable number for a university Web site. Would you believe that the DLSU domain has exceeded this limit?
As of October 2004, our Atomz search engine crawls 8,000 pages. The Atomz search function indexes Web sites by crawling through the pages no matter how information is organized. It can search through ASP, PHP, or other dynamic pages. It can create reports useful in learning visitors’ Web navigation behaviour. Atomz account holders can even control search results based on relevance settings.
These information help the DOCU Team customize search results. The best example is the redirection to the My.LaSalle Log-in Page when one searches for MLS.

CSB Classes
The DOCU Team takes continuous improvement seriously and took courses at the College of Saint Benilde (CSB) School of Design and Arts – Multimedia Arts program, individually. The thought was born during the Planning Workshop sessions held at the onset of the current school year. Most of us expressed sentiments that we were interested in taking sit-in classes. As a result, out trainings now include:

Reynaldo R. Mendoza, Jr. : Photography Fundamentals
Lemuel B. Cabia : 3D Computer-aided Solid Modelling
Francis Mark D. Santos : 3D Computer-aided Solid Modelling
Albert D. Gavino : Photography Fundamentals
Precious L. Taliwaga : Design Elements and Principles

The Team is currently looking for more programs that will further sharpen our skills and enhance our techniques in Web development.

November 10, 2004

My.LaSalle Search Improved
For ages, students and faculty has been searching for the My.LaSalle link in the home page. This has been the top search keyword for a very long time. And we tried everything,, text links, logos and banners, but still, students keep using the search box to find My.LaSalle.
So we had this idea... “Can we modify the search facility so searchers using keywords such as ‘MLS,’ ‘mylasalle,’ or ‘MyLasalle’ be AUTOMATICALLY FORWARDED to the MLS Web site instead of ATOMZ doing the serach?”
Today, this is exactly what happens when one enters “mylasalle” in the Search box of the Manila Web site. Javascript parses the searched word and “redirects” the user to the My.LaSalle login page. To parse means to analyze an input or data into more easily processed components.
Instead of calling the Atomz facility to “search through” all of the pages within the www.dlsu.edu.ph to produce search results, which contains the searched word or phrase, a dialog box with the text “You will be redirected to the ‘My.LaSalle web site’” is displayed.
Today, the search result for keywords leading to mylasalle is ZERO! This happens because the keywords never get to ATOMZ (javascript parses it) and thus has zero search entries. This idea is so successful we would like to duplicate the concept in the intranet.

DLSU Wise
The Documentation Office has recently launched the newly redesigned Wireless Information Services (Wise) Web site http://wise.dlsu.edu.ph.
In addition to the short messaging system (SMS) service, this edition has information about the latest addition to DLSU’s wireless services, the DLSU Newsletter Mobile Edition viewable in a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and the wireless fidelity (WiFi) technology utilization within campus.
Viewing the Aswtats search statistics report, you would be surprised to find out that these newest technologies are the top searches since last month.

Philippine Web Awards
Around this time last year, the Web Team was feverishly campaigning for SMS and e-mail votes as the DLSU-Manila Web site was included as finalist in the prestigious Philippine Web Awards (PWA).
As this is an annual event, why the lull this year? The main reason the DLSU-Manila Web site was not submitted in this year’s PWA is because it has not yet been redesigned and PWA have started to ask for a (hefty) joining fee of $45.
However, despite the fact that the web site is not included in the roster of participants, the event organizer Media G8way Corp. (MGC), still sought our opinion through interviewing Reynaldo R. Mendoza, ITC-Docu’s Acting Department Head.
Here is the full text as it appeared in the Philippine Web Awards Web site:
“(I believe the PWA) provides service to the digital Pinoy by honouring (both the men and the women who) strive to present their best works and inspire more Filipinos to be world class,” noted Reynaldo R. Mendoza, Jr., senior Web designer/acting department head, documentation office of De La Salle University-Manila. DLSU won last year’s People’s Choice award for Schools.
Saying that the PWA changes reflect the event’s improvement through time, he specified three basic types of Web sites: information, entertainment, and e-commerce. Expanding these categories is already a challenge, he pointed out.
Mendoza believe the PWA is making changes in the category listing to “accommodate what (the organizers) may have left out.”

July 25, 2004

Search Engine Optimization
Meta tags are words of phrases that help search engines classify and rank a Web page. They instruct Web browsers to perform specific tasks and identify keywords and site definitions, among others. The DLSU-Manila Web site has almost 3,000 pages. Though information is organized well, some people find it easier to use its Search function extensively. For this reason, the DOCU Office reviewed the major folders and selected the appropriate keywords. The DOCU Office also took into account statistics reported by Atomz and Awstats.
To date, “mylasalle” which used to be the most frequently searched word, is the first item that will be included in the report when it is searched. This is just one keyword among many. The process of updating the meta tags is being done weekly.

CHED-ZRC Web Site
As DLSU-M aims to be the top research university in the Asia-Pacific region, ITC is proud to be part of the move to work towards this vision. Recently, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chose DLSU-M as one of its Zonal Research Centers (ZRC) (http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/research/centers/ched_zrc.default.asp). As a result, the CHED-ZRC Web site can now be found in the DLSU-M Web site. The Web site contains the National Higher Education Research Agenda, priority research areas, overview of the different grants it offers, downloadable portable document format (PDF) forms and the CHED research framework.

President’s Report
The on-line edition of the DLS System’s President Report for the School Year 2002-2003 is now accessible. In addition to he regular features, it now includes information about the newest campus in the System, the DLS-Araneta University. It remained true to the printed edition. Insert photos in the magazine were presented as still photos. The pages used the colors white and grayish brown, the same colors used by the printed edition.

Transfer of CCS and ITC to DLSU-Manila Web Site
With the transfer of the College of Computer Studies (CCS) to the DLSU-Manila from the Professional Schools, Inc. (PSI), so has its Web site. The organization of the files was retained so as not to spoil the navigation behaviour of the site surfers. Next up for transfer is the ITC Web site, as we also transferred to the main campus.

March 12, 2004

MLS Portal Update
The My.LaSalle (MLS) portal continues to take better shape. The most recent additions to the portal are the comprehensive accessories which now includes the DLSU Library Web On-line Public Access Catalog (OPAC), www.google.com.ph, www.yehey.com.ph, www.dictionary.com, www.inq7.net, www.cnn.com links, links to government electronic services, Quality Articles posted under lifelong learning, calculator and periodic table of the elements, at default.

Helpdesk Web Site
The launch of the reorganized and redesigned Help Desk web site is something to look forward to. Together with other recently-launched web sites, the Help Desk uses CSS layouts. CSS web design uses no tables for design and thus, makes load time faster and has the ability to change designs on the fly just by changing the CSS of the web site. These technologies make the design and enhancement of the web site easier. As a result, there are three (3) designs and color schemes to choose form. The major links are now Services, Tips and Tools, Downloads, Facilities, FAQs, DLSU Sites and About.

PSI Web Site
In line with the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) re-assessment of the College of Computer Studies (CCS), the redesigned ITC-PSI web site has been launched last November. The web developers utilized WYSIWYG templates that allow easier content development and maintenance.

Planning Sessions
The DOCU Office recently concluded the planning workshop for the school year 2004-2005. After three (3) sessions, new threats and opportunities posed by conditions outside of ITC and DLSU have been identified in the TOWS analysis. A more detailed and comprehensive proactive action plan has been finalized. Upon the implementation of the action plan, delivery of information over the Internet is foreseen to be more accurate, up-to-date and accessible.

Faculty Web Site
Full professors who are employed by the University full-time can now avail of Web development services. At the very least, full professors have a doctoral degree to their credit except in fields where doctoral programs are not available locally. The guidelines have already been set by the DOCU Office as approved by ITC Director Samuel Mallare. The Web page for the guidelines is currently being developed. To make the academic community aware of this service, an article will be published in the DLSU Newsletter.

CeMTRE Web Site
Supporting DLSU’s mission to be the leading research university in the Southeast Asian region, La Salle tied up with the Philippine government’s Department of Energy (DOE) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The web site for Center for Micro-Hydro Technology for Rural Electrification, CeMTRE, was established to upgrade the existing hydraulic laboratory test facilities for micr-hydro technologies at the College of Engineering.

Published Articles
To inform the users of the newest services offered by the Information Technology Center (ITC), the DOCU Office submitted articles which have been published in the printed edition of the DLSU Newsletter. These articles informed the public of the importance of the web in information dissemination, the accessibility of the software PDF995 and Statistica. On-line information about these topics can be found in the different web sites where they belong.

God's Miracle: Healing Me from Dopa-responsive Dystonia

I was born epileptic but I was declared cured when I was around 13 years old.

As you know, towards the end of 2005, I had dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) which affected the way I walked. This condition is midway between dystonia and Parkinson's disease. Just to refresh your memory, it is a condition where the basal ganglia (the part of the brain which regulates body movements) was losing control of my forward walk (dystonia), and the level of dopamine (the substance which lubricates the brain and regulates body movements as well) in my brain was depleting/being blocked (Parkinson's disease) at the same time. In my case, my left foot turned everytime i walked.

I consulted with 3 neurologists the last one of which was the only one who diagnosed my condition correctly. They found through MRI that I have pineal region cyst. The pineal region is between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. They told me it could have been there in the last 15 years. They also told me that it will not be removed since it seemed to have no effect at all on me and that brain surgery is the last option always.

The third doctor is a US-based Filipino neurologist who I found through google search. I e-mailed him and he replied. I consulted with him when he came to Manila. I rarely followed any of the 3 doctors' instructions in taking my medicine. This is because one doctor instructed me to slowly increase my medicine intake until the time I was satisfied with the way I walked. So when they told me to take 1 and 1/2 tablets a day, I just took 1 tablet a day.

I also attended 2 masses officiated by Fr. Fernando Suarez (www.fatherfernando.com), a miraculous Canada-based Filipino priest who goes around the world to officiate healing masses.

In between the time I was well and got sick, I joined the La Salle-based Singles for Christ.

There was a time when my condition got worse. The turning of my foot became more pronounced even though I took my medicine regularly as instructed by my doctor. I asked him once my condition was getting worse, was it leaning more toward Parkinson's or dystonia? He told me that my sickness was definitely dystonia and should it get worse, I may manifest signs of Parkinsonism. I remember, there were times I observed the way people walked on the streets each time I was commuting just to remind myself how to walk normally.

This condition forced me to push myself harder to do more things all at once. I continued with my master's classes because I didn't want to suffer from one of the possible side effects of DRD which is alzheimer's disease. This year, I also secured a gym membership to tone my muscles.

In February this year, my Lola gave me a box of medicines good for 30 days. I took it with my medicine and noticed that my walk was consistently good and effortless. When I finished the box, I thought of buying the medicines but decided to wait for the time my walk would again get worse then buy the medicines. It continued to be consistently good and effortless I actually thought of reducing my medicine but just continued taking the medicine at the dosage recommended by my doctor.

I had my checkup with my US-based doctor when he came to Manila last month. He again told me to walk back and forth from the door many times. When I was fed up with what I was doing because I felt it lasted forever, I told him "Doc, wag ka na maghanap ng wala." Which he answered with "Let me be the judge of that." Then he told me to sit down and happily told me that this was the only time he saw me walked well for long. He also told me to reduce my medicine intake.

Then I joined the Akyat Brother Andrew. I thought, I would stop at any point during the competition once I have a hard time running. I finished 523 steps, 21 storeys effortlessly in 9 mins and 43 secs.

Then I attended the Metro Manila Singles for Christ (SFC) Conference in Bataan. I packed my things in a hurry because I went home late the night before and thought I forgot to take my medicine. I have decided to brave the weekend without taking the medicine because I know our schedule was unbelievably jampacked.

The first night, my foot acted up. It hasn't occured for quite some time but that night, hindi na naman mapakali yung paa ko. It was typical when I skipped taking my medicine. The following morning, I expected my foot to turn in all directions while I walked kasi syempre I hardly slept the night before. Miraculously, I was able to walk quietly the whole day which lasted late into the night. Take note, it was a very busy day of hearing talks in between running all around.

Then, the following day, I found my medicine. I stared at it for a while then decided to skip it and see until when I would function well without it. It was a busy 3-day conference and I was able to survive it without my medicine and supplements. I couldn't stop crying the moment I realized what happened.

I have decided to stop taking the medicine altogether. I claim that the good Lord has healed me completely.

I shared it in the SFC chapter assembly and a brother told me that I seem to have forgotten that on the 2nd night of the conference, a sister stood up on the stage and declared that a sister was healed of brain tumor that night. He told me that I was the sister that was healed of brain tumor, that my pineal region cyst is gone.

It has been more than 3 weeks since I last took my medicine. Until now, my walk is still consistently good and effortless. The good Lord is truly a loving father God who gives what is best to us His children.

May you be inspired by this story.

God bless us all.

Reposting My Technical Writer Resume

One of my classmates once told me that she would like to post her articles written in one of our masters classes because she exerted her best in all her writings. I asked her what kept her from doing it. Then she asked me if it was ok to do it. I asked her, what's holding her back. After that conversation, she posted her articles one at a time daily.

That being said, I posted my resume a few weeks ago because I felt proud of it after off-shore companies replied to my applications. The following day, I took it out because I felt so egotistical then.

One time, my friend commented that she was impressed with my resume. I told her what I did. She told me it was ok because we'll never know who will view it and eventually uproot me from the Philippines. So, here is the re-appearance of my resume

My Cover Letter

I would like to apply to the Web Technical Writer job vacancy posted in your Web site. I am qualified for the job becuase I have the relevant work experience and I strive for continuous self-improvement.

In my present job, I prepare marketing collaterals such as print ads, flyers, posters and tarpaulins which includes writing text messages and designing graphics. I layout newsletters. I also interview key officials in the preparation of creative briefs for documentation purposes.

Prior to this, I documented, researched, prepared layout and edited articles for various Web sites and publications at a top university in Metro Manila. In the duration of my stay, I never missed a scheduled promotion. I was also a consistent Perfect Attendance Awardee. In my last school year of service, I was a member of the office Excellence Award Committee. In the school years 2004-2006, I was elected secretary of the DLSU IT Personnel Assembly.

I was also a copy editor/graphics artist for a major textbook publishing house before joining the university. The job included processing Math, Science and Computer textbooks and teachers’ manuals for pre-school, grade school and high school levels.

In all the companies I worked for, I adhered to, and at times, formulated documentation standards and policies. In my work experience, I developed flexibility, having initiative, being a team-player, detail-oriented and self-motivated.

More power and hope to get in touch with you soon.

My Resume

Career Summary

Enrollment in graduate studies courses sharpened my technical skills in research and documentation. It trained me to look past media messages for a perceptive outlook on the real events happening within Philippine society. The analysis principles and application techniques can be adapted in other countries as well. Graduate studies combined with Web and textbook publishing professional experience allow me to interact with programmers, graphic designers and users for a good grasp of documentation requirements.

OBJECTIVE
To further hone technical skills in research and writing for in-depth documentation

WORK EXPERIENCE

February 2007-Present
Staff Writer, Public Affairs Office
Government Service Insurance System

• Prepares marketing collaterals such as print ads, flyers, posters, tarpaulins which includes writing text messages and graphics design
• Prepares press releases and newsletters including text messages and layouts
• Prepares Web pages

February-May, 2007
Attends press conferences
Attends to the overall organization of events especially preparation and operation of powerpoint shows using projector.

February-May, 2007
Various GSIS Program
Coordinated with Project Manager, prepared the marketing collaterals and the Web pages

May, 2007
GSIS Creative Brief
Interviewed key officials to gather relevant information as preparation for broadcast and print ads.

December 2002-January 2007
Sr. Web Content Developer Documentation Office
Information Technology Center – De La Salle University, Manila

Functions
• Wrote and edited articles for the various De La Salle University Web sites
• Performed Webmaster functions in the DLSU Pinas Web site
(http://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph)
• Created faculty Web sites
• Reviewed Web sites prior to launching
• Consolidated data, drew statistics from data culled from Web surveys, determined and implemented meta tags for easier Web searchability
• Wrote articles for publication in the University newsletter and office corkboard
• Created and designed secure online “fillable” portable document format (pdf) forms
• Prepared, maintained, finalized and filed office documents
• Maintained current and historical documentation of ITC policies and procedures
• Responded to user queries
• Prepared job advertisements
• Modified graphics as needed
• Maintained good public relations with users and other members of the academic community
• Submitted to the Center’s management periodic reports on process improvement, professional development, and assigned tasks
• Ensured that performance targets are met
• Ensured that all problems and solutions are escalated appropriately

Dec 2002-Jan 2007
DLSU Webmaster e-group member
Participated in the planning and implementation of the redesigned DLSU-Manila Web site. Implemented enhancements in the Web site such as creating Web pages and improving layout designs as needed. Constantly reviewed, implemented and improved meta tags for easier Web searchability.

Maintained office documentation. Determined proper categorization of Web pages and office documents.

Dec 2002-Jan 2007
DLSU Pinas Web site webmaster
Reviewed submitted Web sites for inclusion in the Web site. Formulated overviews about selected Web sites. Created Web pages, sections and graphics as needed.

Jan 2004-Jan 2007
Newsletter Writer and Corkboard Editor
Wrote articles for the university newsletter (now known as 2401). Wrote and edited the ITCorkboard, the office newsletter which published three times a year. This included technical, feature and news writing.

Reason for leaving: To practice technical writing in a government corporation


February 1999-November 2002
Editorial Assistant/Graphic Artist
Vibal Publishing House, Inc.

In the duration of my stay at the company, I was a Mac user.

Graphic Artist
• Prepared camera-ready copies for publication using a variety of techniques including Adobe PDF pre-press
• Modified illustrations as necessary

Jan 2001-Nov 2002
Math and Computer Books Graphic Artist
Layout and graphic artist responsible for the overall look and feel of all book pages.

Editorial Assistant
• Processed math and computer pre-school, elementary and secondary textbooks and teacher’s manuals primarily, and Student Digest, and Science and Technology (S&T) Digest
• Prepared signature plan

Feb 1999-Dec 2001
Math Book Editorial Assistant
Processed pre-school, elementary and secondary math books which included encoding, proofreading and editing. Responsible for the overall content of the book.

Reason for leaving: Practiced IT writing in a university setup

Aug.-Oct. 1998
Reporter Trainee stationed at the Research Department
BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation

• Formulated economic indicators regarding the agriculture and construction sectors
• Composed feature articles and corporate updates

Aug-Oct 1998
Reporter Trainee
Researched and wrote economic indicators, feature articles and corporate updates which includes interviewing key persons in corporations and industries.

Reason for leaving: Practiced editing educational books

May-Aug 1998
Secretary to the Home Development Mutual Fund Makati Branch Manager
Development Bank of the Philippines Service Corporation

• Coordinated with office units
• Categorized office documents for proper filing
• Prepared office correspondences

Reason for leaving: Practiced business writing

EDUCATION

May 2006-present
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY
Earned 15 units in Master of Arts in Communication major in Applied Media Studies.

1994 – 1998
CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY
Graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication major in Journalism,
May 1998.

COMPUTER AND TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Microsoft Office (Intermediate)
Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional (Intermediate)
Adobe Pagemaker 7.0 (Expert)
Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004 (Intermediate)
Adobe Illustrator CS2 (Intermediate)
Adobe Photoshop CS2 (Intermediate)
Adobe Indesign CS2 (Beginner)

TRAININGS ATTENDED

• User Interface Design and Web Usability
DLSU ITC-Systems Management Office and Industrial Engineering Department
November 10, 13, 15, 2006

• Making Corporate Presentation Materials:
Tools, Tips and Techniques for Multimedia Presentation and Web Publishing
Fiera de Manila
April 22, 2006

• Advanced Indesign CS2 Training
Philippine Center for Creative Imaging
February 10-12, 2005

• The Customer is Always... The Customer
DLSU-ITC
September 1, 2005

• Advanced Illustrator CS Training
DLSU-ITC
May 26-27, 2005

• Advanced Excel Training
DLSU-ITC
April 27, 2005

• Learning Photoshop CS Beyond the Basics
Fiera de Manila, Inc
April 13, 2005

• Advanced Retouching Techniques with Photoshop CS
Fiera de Manila, Inc.
April 13, 2005

• Microsoft Office Powertips: Extending the Limits of Knowledge
Microsoft Philippines
October 25, 2004

• Advertising Design
DLS-College of St. Benilde sit-in student
2nd term SY 2004-2005

• CSS Tips and Tricks in Macromedia Dreamweaver MX
Philippine Trade Training Center
June 18, 2004

• Macromedia Flash MX 2004 for Corporate Presentation
Philippine Trade Training Center
June 18, 2004

• Modern Project Management
Professional Systems Synergy, Inc.
February 18-19, 2004

• 5S (Good Housekeeping Practices) Orientation Seminar
DLSU-ITC
October 28, 2003

• Fast Track to Dreamweaver MX
Philippine Center for Creative Imaging
September 15-17, 2003

• Effective Application of Media and Technology in the Classroom
DLSU Center for Educational Multimedia
June 23, 2003

• Streaming Video Echo Seminar
DLSU-ITC
January, 2003

• Workshop on Reporting Poverty Statistics and Related Issues
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP)
October 10, 1998

CAREER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL EXAM ELIGIBLE

85.68% (rating)


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

At present, I am a member of the Philippine Computer Society.

In the duration of my stay at the DLSU IT Center, I never missed a scheduled promotion. I was also a consistent Perfect Attendance Awardee. In my last school year of service, I was a member of the Excellence Award Committee. In the school years 2004-2006, I was elected secretary of the DLSU IT Professionals Assembly.

In my work experience, I developed flexibility, having initiative, being a team-player, detail-oriented and self-motivated.

Staying the Course Right Over a Cliff

This article saw print on the New York Times in October 27, 2006
(Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/27/opinion/27lakoff.html?ex=1319601600&en=56eadf4a9b57eeab&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss)

THE Bush administration has finally been caught in its own language trap.

“That is not a stay-the-course policy,” Tony Snow, the White House press secretary, declared on Monday.

The first rule of using negatives is that negating a frame activates the frame. If you tell someone not to think of an elephant, he’ll think of an elephant. When Richard Nixon said, “I am not a crook” during Watergate, the nation thought of him as a crook.

“Listen, we’ve never been stay the course, George,” President Bush told George Stephanopoulos of ABC News a day earlier. Saying that just reminds us of all the times he said “stay the course.”

What the president is discovering is that it’s not so easy to rewrite linguistic history. The laws of language are hard to defy.

“The characterization of, you know, ‘it’s stay the course’ is about a quarter right,” the president said at an Oct. 11 news conference. “ ‘Stay the course’ means keep doing what you’re doing. My attitude is, don’t do what you’re doing if it’s not working — change. ‘Stay the course’ also means don’t leave before the job is done.”

A week or so later, he tried another shift: “We have been — we will complete the mission, we will do our job and help achieve the goal, but we’re constantly adjusting the tactics. Constantly.”

To fully understand why the president’s change in linguistic strategy won’t work, it’s helpful to consider why “stay the course” possesses such power. The answer lies in metaphorical thought.

Metaphors are more than language; they can govern thought and behavior. A recent University of Toronto study, for example, demonstrated the power of metaphors that connect morality and purity: People who washed their hands after contemplating an unethical act were less troubled by their thoughts than those who didn’t, the researchers found.

“Stay the course” is a particularly powerful metaphor because it can activate so many of our emotions. Because physical actions require movement, we commonly understand action as motion. Because achieving goals so often requires going to a particular place — to the refrigerator to get a cold beer, say — we think of goals as reaching destinations.

Another widespread — and powerful — metaphor is that moral action involves staying on a prescribed path, and straying from the path is immoral. In modern conservative discourse, “character” is seen through the metaphor of moral strength, being unbending in the face of immoral forces. “Backbone,” we call it.

In the context of a metaphorical war against evil, “stay the course” evoked all these emotion-laden metaphors. The phrase enabled the president to act the way he’d been acting — and to demonstrate that it was his strong character that enabled him to stay on the moral path.

To not stay the course evokes the same metaphors, but says you are not steadfast, not morally strong. In addition, it means not getting to your destination — that is, not achieving your original purpose. In other words, you are lacking in character and strength; you are unable to “complete the mission” and “achieve the goal.”

“Stay the course” was for years a trap for those who disagreed with the president’s policies in Iraq. To disagree was weak and immoral. It meant abandoning the fight against evil. But now the president himself is caught in that trap. To keep staying the course, given obvious reality, is to get deeper into disaster in Iraq, while not staying the course is to abandon one’s moral authority as a conservative. Either way, the president loses.

And if the president loses, does that mean the Democrats will win? Perhaps. But if they do, it will be because of Republican missteps and not because they’ve acted with strategic brilliance. Their “new direction” slogan offers no values and no positive vision. It is taken from a standard poll question, “Do you like the direction the nation is headed in?”

This is a shame. The Democrats are giving up a golden opportunity to accurately frame their values and deepest principles (even on national security), to forge a public identity that fits those values — and perhaps to win more close races by being positive and having a vision worth voting for.

Right now, though, no language articulating a Democratic vision seems in the offing. If the Democrats don’t find a more assertive strategy, their gains will be short-lived. They, too, will learn the pitfalls of staying the course.

George Lakoff, a professor of linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley, and a senior fellow at the Rockridge Institute, is the author of “Thinking Points: Communicating Our American Values and Vision.”

Comprehensive Study of the Media Usage and Purchasing Habits of Working Women

This article saw print on the Washingt Post
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-adv/mediacenter/html/release_working_women3_2004.html)

The title is descriptive, hence, there is no need for an overview.

Working Women Are Increasingly Relying on the Internet to Find Balance in Their Lives, According to New Study
washingtonpost.com, Newsweek.com and Nielsen//NetRatings Complete Comprehensive Study of the Media Usage and Purchasing Habits of Working Women

Arlington, VA - March 30, 2004 - Even as many decrease their use of television and other media, working women are relying heavily on the Internet to manage their busy lives. This finding comes from a new study announced today by washingtonpost.com, Newsweek.com and Nielsen//NetRatings. The research looks at the media usage and purchasing habits of women who use the Web at work.

The new study, which interviewed 825 women and 226 men, used a randomly recruited panel of active Web users from across the Internet. It found that far more working women say they are pressed for time than working men. Importantly for marketers, these women are heavy consumers of media and many of them are increasing their Internet usage and decreasing their usage of other media.

Among the key findings are:

• Sixty percent of working women who use the Web feel they do not have enough time for their personal lives. (Fewer than half of online working men say this).

• About half have recently increased their use of the Internet- far ahead of any other media. One-quarter have decreased their time with other major media.

• The Internet and radio are least likely to be removed from their routine when looking to save time.

•For these women, the Web has become a key component of all purchase decisions - nearly 90 percent say they're able to do more product research online than offline.

For full results, direct quotes from survey respondents and methodology, visit: www.washingtonpost.com/workingwomen.

Caroline Little, CEO and publisher of Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, said, "It is clear that working women feel pressed for time and are turning to the Internet to find balance in their lives. It's not a big surprise that working women say they're extremely busy, but it's fascinating to see how much they've come to rely on the Internet. While many working women are decreasing their TV and magazine consumption, even more are actually increasing their Internet usage."

"This study shows that the Internet plays a unique role in the lives of working women," said Marc Ryan, Senior Director of Analysis for Nielsen//NetRatings. "Unlike other media, the Web is actually viewed as a time-saving device. The busier working women get, the more they rely on the Internet for reading the news, researching products, making travel plans and more. Because the Internet has become so important in the lives of working women, it is clearly now an essential means for reaching them."

Below are summaries of some of the key findings.

Busy Lives, But Lots of Media

Women who access the Web at work are extremely busy, with 60 percent saying they don't have enough time for their personal needs compared to 48 percent of men. Working women with children feel even more pressed, with 69 percent saying they don't have enough time.

Despite feeling pressed for time, nearly 80 percent of online working women spend over an hour watching television on an average weekday, and more than 60 percent spend over an hour on the Internet. Even more (77 percent) of those who approve business purchase decisions spend over an hour online on an average weekday.

The Web Won't Go

When looking to make time during the day for their personal needs, most working women would not stop using the Web. Seventy percent say they are unlikely to remove the Internet or Radio or from their daily routine, while over half say they would remove television, newspapers or magazines.

Their dedication to the Web may be linked to the value it brings to their lives. Working women say nearly every major category of transaction and research is made simpler online. For example, 87 percent agree that product research is made easier online, while 66 percent say they are better able to keep current on news events using the Web.

Reach Them Online

Over 60 percent of online working women recommended using the Internet in an advertising campaign aimed at reaching them - 20 percent higher than television or direct mail.

Online working women use the Web extensively to research purchases they conduct offline. For example, over 80 percent of those who purchased travel products or services offline in the past month researched their purchases online beforehand.

Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive is the online publishing subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO). Its mission is to develop the company's editorial products and businesses on the Internet and across all electronic content delivery platforms. WPNI's flagship products include washingtonpost.com and Newsweek.com. The company is headquartered in Arlington, VA.

Nielsen//NetRatings is the global standard for Internet audience measurement and analysis and is the industry's premier source for online advertising intelligence with its NetView, AdRelevance, @Plan, WebRF, LemonAd, MegaPanel and SiteCensus services. Covering 70 percent of the world's Internet usage, the Nielsen//NetRatings services offer syndicated Internet and digital media research reports and custom-tailored data to help companies gain valuable insight into their business. For more information, please visit www.nielsen-netratings.com.

Still Searching

Should my good friends read the title, I'm sure the first thing that would enter their minds is that, again, I am searching for the prince who will sweep me off my feet some time very soon. I'm also sure that they would be relieved, more than disappointed to know that I'm not talking about my lack of love life.

The next logical thing that would enter their minds is my search for a job abroad. If I'm not mistaken, I have posted my resume in at leat 5 job Web sites. That's not including direct applications to companies.

Come to think of it, my life here in Manila is so comfortable. I should be more than grateful for the financial security I enjoy. I am content with my life, truth be told.

So why am I applying? My mom made this remark one time that she would like me to work abroad so she can travel to visit me.

I have long ago commented that I am so complacent in my life. Before, I told myself that I am this way because I have a strng faith in God that in due time, everything will rightfully be placed where they belong.

As time went by, it entered my mind that I never realy strive for anything. Putting this to the extreme, I don't aspire/work hard for anything. I am aimless.

Gloing back to my mom's remark. It serves as my goal now. The job descriptions show the skills and knowledge I should have to be competitive globally. The rejection e-mails, as well as the invites for submission of resumes show how I compare with others in my field of expertise.

As of now, I am still waiting to find out where life is taking me. Thankfully, I am given enough resources to enjoy the experiences.

Sponsor a Child's School Supplies in Kalinga (BBBS 2007)

I hope this post can inform more people who have the capacity to help bring children to school. This is my Sis Medi's account.

Dear Colleagues & Friends,

We, the BBBS (Big Brother Big Sister) group, are currently organizing an outreach activity through sponsorship. The Big Brother Big Sister Outreach Program relies on donations and volunteers to bring much-needed school supplies to children in remote rural areas in the Philippines.

Through the BBBS, you have a chance to become a big brother or a big sister to a child thousands of kilometers away. For only Php300.00, you will be able to sponsor one studentÃÔ school set which contains the following items: 1 knapsack, 7 notebooks, 4 ball-point pens, 4 pencils, writing pads, crayons, sharpener and ruler.

BBBS is on its third year, owing its success to all donors and volunteers. With their generosity, BBBS has brought hope to 295 children of 6 schools in Itogon, Benguet in 2005 and 535 children of 6 schools in Lacub, Abra in 2006. This year we will be distributing school supplies at Tanudan Kalinga on May 26-27, with an initial target of 500 children.

I joined the group in 2006, volunteered in the distribution of school supplies and sponsored 1 child. I considered this as one of the noteworthy things I did last year & one of my greatest experience. This year IÃÎ proud to say that IÃÎ part of the Volunteers Committee :) IÃÎ saying this not to boast but to share with you the feeling of being of service to others, I canÃÕ explain it, I just feel it :)

If you could only have just time to join us, be a volunteer! see, feel & experience what IÃÎ saying. If you wish to join us in our goal but your schedule is really tight you may send in your pledges for one or more children now and weÃÍl just send you pictures and video clips on May 28 after the distribution, for you to see how far your helping hands can reach :)

Whether you want to be a volunteer or a sponsor or both, you may directly contact me through SMS (0921 7773267), or simply reply to this message, or call me at my office, 524 4611 loc 224.

You may also forward this message to your friends, relatives or colleagues.

For more info, you may visit our website at http://bbbs.freehostia.com.


Thank you very much and God Bless!


Medi A. Nazar
BBBS- Volunteers Committee



Donations and Volunteers

Donations may be deposited to this account:

Account Name: BBBS
Account Number: 126514-BBBX (126514-2229)
Bank: Equitable-PCI Bank, Sienna-Del Monte Branch
For donations originating outside the Philippines, please include the Bank Swift Code/Route Code: PCIBPHMM

For questions or to confirm your donations, please contact:

Cherry Pie Valencia 09209603407
Kim San Juan 09178923459
Jhoana Pimentel 09217590434

For volunteers, please contact:

Angel Constantino < angelamc23 @ gmail.com > 09175375276
Medi Nazar < meds511 @ yahoo.com > 09217773267
Sharon Ponio < sdrponio @ yahoo.com > 09178010033
Distribution date: May 26-27, 2007
Venue: Tanudan, Kalinga, Cordillera Autonomous Regio

My Search for Greener Pastures Abroad

I remember the application process I went through to land in my present job. It was a good thing I was obedient to my cousin’s gentle persuasions. I’m definitely more secure financially nowadays.

One time, a multinational company called me up and told me that they would like to interview me for a Web developer position. Was I surprised by that call. The lady informed me that they saw my outdated resume in a job Web site. When I put the phone down, I decided to update my online resume and post it in four Web sites. (Just now, I posted my standard cover letter and online resume in my other blog http://prechoose.blogs.friendster.com/precious_anne/2007/05/my_resume.html I also put a link to it from this blog's sidebar menu. Is this pretty close to obsession? or just plain vanity?) I made an excel file where I keep track of all the applications I made. Then I started sending it out to companies looking for Technical Writers. I removed all the names of the companies in this story.

One time, I received a job description from an Indian IT company based in the US. It has five offices throughout the US. I won’t deny the fact that I felt proud of myself again that one time. I even considered seriously applying for it. I asked my aunt to evaluate the company for me. She didn’t like it so I never applied to it.

Another time, I applied for a technical writer position but received an invitation for an interview for a sales position. Never in my wildest dreams did I even consider going into sales. It was a Chicago-based bank. Here is the content:

After reviewing your resume, we'd like to invite you to apply for our sales management training program at OUR Company.... To learn more or schedule an appointment with a recruiter, please reply to this email.

I told my mother about these two jokingly. She answered me seriously that I should consider the jobs... seriously. Come to think of it, I’m really more than ok here in the Philippines. I am a simple lady with simple dreams. My greatest joy is travelling once in a while. As long as I can do that, I’m more than ok.

Still, the look on my mother’s face when she told me that gave me the motivation I haven’t felt in a long while. It has actually given me a goal to aspire for. Now, I’m on a search for a job to get out of the Philippines. On the road to getting there, here are the rejection letters which amused me more than making me feel rejected.

1.
Thank you for sending your CV to our company. We regret that we do not have any vacancies suited to your background and therefore we will not be progressing with your application at this time. We wish you the very best in your future career.

2.
Many thanks for your application however our client cannot sponsor EU work visas so I cannot proceed any further.I wish you every success with your future job hunting.

There are also companies which soothe my ego once in a while, just like the job offer from the US company.

1.
This company has identified the following job which may be of interest to you. From the information you have registered with on our Web site and your recent application activity on our Web site you appear to closely match the requirements of the following job.

It even followed up on me when I didn’t submit my resume.

2.
The company has identified the following job which may be of interest to you. From the information you have registered with onin our Web site and your recent application activity on our Web site you appear to closely match the requirementsof the following job.The following job was posted on to our Web site by a companyPlease take a look at the job below and if you are interested, westrongly urge you to click on the appropriate link to fill in anapplication form.

Here is another resume evaluation offer I received.

The company is a Global IT Consulting company supporting clients such as SUN, Xerox, John Deere AmeriQuest and many fortune 50 companies around the world. The company is a turn key System Integrator Company, which means the opportunities are "on-going" not just for one project. The company is currently seeking a Project Manager/Developer in the Manhattan area. This is a Contract opportunity for 3 to 6 months plus extensions. The salary range will vary in accordance to previous experience and this will be determined after your interview with the Management Team.

Please send a word resume along with salary requirements and we will contact you for an interview.

I showed my friend the letter below and it seems I misinterpreted this one. I told her that I was, once again, rejected. She said I was seriously considered for the position, meaning I actually qualified for the job, but there are people better qualified than I am.

Thank you for your recent interest in registering with our company for the position of Technical Writer.

Unfortunately I must advise you that, on this occasion, we are unable to take your application further due to the high standard of applications received.

I’m still here in the Philippines so my numerous applications haven’t paid off just yet. Come to think of it, I honestly don’t know if I want to leave the comforts of living in the Philippines.

Weekends with Friends

Sis Irene

Since I resigned from the university, Irene and I spent weekends shopping, and have dinner once in a while. We didn’t need a reason or an occasion to do it. One time, she invited me to go to Cavite, visit her brother and join the town fiesta. When I told my mom about it, she asked me where exactly in Cavite I was going. I forgot to ask the town, actually.

Nevertheless, I was only willing to comply. We went to Alfonso, Cavite. When we got there, we had lunch, talked to her parents and siblings, ate little, took a nap, ate some more, visited the nearest house, ate, talked more with her family, ate, then went back to Manila. She even gave me kalderetang kambing, ube and around 10 avocado. I recounted the day with my Mom when I got home. She asked me if it entered my mind, at any point, that I was abusing my host’s hospitality. I told her, honestly, that it never entered my mind at all.

Sharon

Before we went on vacation abroad, Sharon and I could hardly find the time to see each other due to our demanding offices. We set dates and times but cancelled at the last minutes because we had to stay in the office to rush or finish some things. We finally had the time to do it once. I went to the place near her office in Araneta Ave. Corner Quezon Ave. It was my long overdue dinner treat for her since I transferred offices.

That night, we ate a hearty Chowking dinner. After that, we had coffee in the nearby Starbucks. Three and a half hours surely went by so fast without us realizing it.

We were able to do it again! I had to give her pictures of our trip and a few other stuff. We started off with lunch at Burgoo. One pasta, a slice of cake, refills of iced tea and coffee was enough for more than an hour of conversation. It was sort of a homecoming to the SM City in West Avenue. To say that we explored all floors and buildings is no exaggeration at all. We went from shop to shop scrutinizing all the makeup and accessories we could find. We also went through all the books at Fully Booked. My wrist watch with 14 straps, long earrings, face powder and brush were proofs of our relaxing day.

Cata, Sheila, Doods and Kitt

I dropped by the campus to get copies of our pictures of our trip abroad. Cata had the good heart to invite us to dinner. Cata is one person who is on an eternal diet but the good hostess that she was put it on hold and ordered New York’s Finest from Yellow Cab, opened two of her non-alcoholic wines in stock and brought out her videoke collection. I even got to borrow 5 DVDs. It was a night filled with singing, endless teasing, cornick, and laughter that ended at 1:00 a.m. Thank God this is one privilege which was not taken away from me upon my resignation from the office.

As the Cliche Goes

Yeah, I know I promised myself the global warming article two entries ago but haven't found the right article yet. Still, I found a comprehensive site which I included in my favorite links so that is okay with me now... :D

In my last post I mentioned that I was concerned my capacity to help my loved ones in financial ways will soon be taken away from me if I always have unplanned expenses due to family concerns. Hmmm.... I noticed that lately, all my worries are more real than before :)

Going back, the cliche which I am reminded of is that you receive more when you give... or something like that. I got my weekly salary and a small amount of allowance in two days' time! I know. Logical people will say that these are money that I have due coming (actually, one amount is delayed by 5 days). I should be mad more than really glad. Well, what can I say. These two amounts came at a very opportune time.

I am in between having given away money that I know will never come back and money that I should always expect coming. This entry is really going around in circles. My sentiment is just that I could give a small amount to the people who need my help at the moment and still be assured that I will be well-provided for by my job which, thankfully, pays well.

I better shut down this beloved overworked laptop of mine which is barely a month hence my over fondness for it and sleep so my random thoughts will stop tonight and I will be able to think clearly and logically tomorrow.

The Official Start of Summer '07

I know I said my next blog will be about global warming. That was because I thought my life would be as uneventful as most of the times. Oh well, this entry proves me wrong.

"No more classes... no more books... no more teachers' dirty looks... summer time... summer time..."

This is the only Elmer Fudd quote I distinctly remember from Looney Tunes' Bugs Bunny cartoons. This is my exact sentiment now that I have already submitted the required papers and I actually have time to spend with friends simply to relax.

Surprisingly, I finished my work load for the day around 4:00 pm Thursday. I at once called my best friend and told her we should have dinner. We haven't seen each other and talked long on the phone for over a month!

She waited for me patiently in a fastfood near her office. We had dinner and coffee for over three hours. Believe me, there were no dead spots while we were eating. We would have gone on forever if not for the restriction that she had more than an hour's travel time to go home and we were also exhausted by office deadlines. It was so much fun simply hanging out.

Tuesday last week, a classmate and I planned a gimmick. We chatted online one time and wished just to hang out with each other on a Friday night. This is because from January-March this year, we had 8:00 am Saturday classes. So for three whole months, we were deprived of Friday night gimmicks just so we could be in class on time. I don't want to dwell on that unpleasant past so moving on to what happened yesterday, Friday.

I am beginning to think of why I thought I could plan after office Friday activities. For three consecutive Fridays, office work load was easy until 4:00 pm when we had "mini office crises." That meant leaving office at 7:00 pm when I planned of spending relaxing Friday nights.

Yesterday, around 10:00 am, my officemate asked what I was doing. I told him I was writing an article for the Annual Report. He asked me to prepare press kits as they are hosting a press conference. I willingly obliged because I thought I could work quietly after they left. Then, my boss passed me by and asked me to go with them. The event dragged on forever. I told my officemates I had some scheduled functions to attend and they let me go before the event ended.

I went home to get my gift to attend my niece's Fourth Birthday Party. The traffic was impossible so I wasn't able to attend it anyway.

Then my classmate picked me up so we could go to our gimmick. So there we were, six classmates. It was so much fun. We went to the dampa in Macapagal Avenue and went through the whole experience, from shopping in the wet market, to dining in my classmate's cozy little restaurant. The dinner lasted till 10:30. It was full of classroom stories, plenty of food and laughter.

After that, we had coffee in Sofitel Philippine Plaza's lobby where we took our shoes off and sat/lied on the couch without care for how we looked. We talked about serious boy-girl matters, specifically, how we single ladies could attract the right types of guys. We separated at 1:00 am full of plans for more gimmicks, hope for the future and happy memories. It was a perfect night.

This morning, I woke up and read a text message from my sister-in-law. She had a family concern and I thought of ways on how to help her. It was a good thing that we were able to ease her mind. In times like this, I feel blest that I am able to extend a helping hand to the people I love most. In spite of that happy thought, I am also concerned that my capacity to help her in financial ways only will soon be taken away from me too if I always have unplanned expenses like these.

Today, simply put, I spent the whole day sleeping. Believe me, that is no exaggeration. I felt that I was deprived of sleep because of January to March 8:00 am classes. I planned to wash my clothes because I am going on vacation next week with friends. That plan remains a plan at the time i am writing this entry.

Tonight, I will go to my aunt's house to send my tito back to the US. He was so nice, he gave me more than enough pasalubong when he came. Whatever happens tomorrow, Sunday, I know I am ready to take on all the office stresses and work load they will give me. After all, I have a gimmick to look forward to again.

AsiaWeek June 27, 1997 Cover Story

The last article I posted was about Philippine Brain Drain. This time, it's the singlehood trend in Asia way back in 1997. (I think this article is still true now).

I have decided to post an article about global warming in my next entry. For now...

It seems that me and my single unattached women friends are not trendsetters at all. It makes me think of why and how long the Asia Week, no less, observed this social (?) truth.

(Source: http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/97/0627/cs1.html)

WHY WOMEN STAY SINGLE

The best and brightest are snubbing men, marriage and baby-making for work, fun and adventure. Should Asia be worried?
By Susan Berfield

HENRIETTA CLAUDIA "BONJIN" BOLINAO, a 40-something who runs her own public-relations firm, was planning to get married -- just as soon as she could find the time. First she had to help produce a book, The Philippines: A Journey through the Archipelago. Then her firm won two prestigious accounts, carmakers Volvo and UMC Nissan, and that kept her busy. She also decided to redecorate her apartment, improve her golf game, travel around the world and spend more time meditating. Her fiancé, a writer in Manila three years her junior, didn't seem too perturbed by the delays. As any sensible woman would, she considered that a warning sign. He was "a good guy, with a thinking mind," Bolinao says. Even her mother liked him. But maybe, she thought, he was scared to settle down. Or maybe, her friends thought, he was worried that she wouldn't.

Bolinao reviewed the situation: "He let me pursue my career and saw me through hard times when I set up my company. But at the same time he expected me to assume the role of the traditional Filipina woman. I was supposed to make sure everything was spic and span at home, be the perfect cook and ironing lady -- he even taught me how to iron properly. That whole thing can get really tiring." Bolinao and her fiancé eventually called off the wedding. "I really think we are soul mates. But we are better off as friends," she says now, two years later. "I will always love him. But I don't know about getting married."

For Bolinao, and women like her throughout Asia, marriage is not the first priority in life. Nor is it the last resort, the only way to secure a home and place in society. Marriage, for some, has become almost an alternative lifestyle: it is a choice, not a necessity. The majority will one day wed, but they will do so on their terms. Single women don't all put marriage -- and childbearing -- at the end of their list of things-to-do. Some are dating, some waiting to meet their destiny in a taxi queue. Others try their luck with the personals. But few of these single women -- or at least fewer than men might imagine -- are laying awake at night worrying about finding a suitable match. "A man for me is a bonus, like winning the lottery," Bolinao says. "With or without a man, I am fulfilled."

These single women have a few things in common: a high degree of educational and professional success, financial security, ambition and pride. For them being single at age 30, or 35, or older, is not a stigma; it's a status symbol. Some might even call it chic. They work hard. They travel. They are independent. These women won't settle for men who don't inspire them or nurture their aspirations. A good husband, they say, can keep pace with his wife without stepping on her toes. These are women who are used to having their own space. They want a man with maturity, not just money; someone who will be a companion, not a guardian.

These women are quick to add that those kind of men are scarce. Or already spoken for. Some suggest that it's not even worth looking, given that too few marriages succeed. "If I were starting all over again, I'd stay single," says Ellen Tan (not her real name), a 37-year-old divorcée in Singapore. "Marriage is not everything. It creates more problems. Some of my single friends say they're lonely. But the burdens of a marriage are worse than being alone."

Some call that type of thinking sacrilege. And despite the changing mind-set, the notion that a woman must be a wife and a mother is powerful. Societies and families exert considerable pressure on women to settle down. Most eventually do. But until then it is usually easier for mothers than fathers to understand why their daughter is still single. On the whole, women still bear most of the responsibility for maintaining a home and raising a family. In some countries women are expected to care for their in-laws, boost their husbands' careers and ensure that their kids get onto the fast track. Even if the couple can afford help in the house, the woman still has to take the lead. Men will pitch in: they will take the kids to the park or go to the supermarket. But that might be it.

For women, and men, who marry later the decision to have kids is just that: a choice. Most couples will have children, though smaller families are the natural consequence of rising prosperity the world over. But to some the idea of women forsaking the right, and responsibility, to bear children is profoundly unsettling. Listen to Yi Mun Yol, 49, one of Korea's most famous novelists and the author of a controversial book that challenges feminism. "I have to be concerned about women evading marriage altogether because that has the same effect as evading childbirth," he says. "I see that as a threat to the continuation of the world as it is."

The trend has some governments worried too. In places like Japan and Taiwan, the pattern is most pronounced; in Singapore and Malaysia the changes are most pronounced upon. Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare forecasts that one out of seven girls born after 1980 will remain single for the rest of their lives. If current Japanese childbearing trends continue, the population could shrink to half its size by the end of the next century. The government is trying to prevent this by spending some $536 million on such programs as expanded day care. A few towns offer tax breaks and housing benefits to young families. In a classic sign of the times in Taiwan, family-planning officials have updated the island's 1960s slogan: "Two children is just right" has been replaced by "Go for two."

The Singapore government provides matchmaking services -- one for college graduates, another for non-grads. It also offers child-care subsidies for working mothers and housing incentives and higher tax rebates for having more kids. In Malaysia, Works Minister Samy Vellu cautioned last October that a nation-threatening "bachelor-girl syndrome was creeping into society." (Most "bachelor girls," though, considered Vellu's comments to be a bigger cause for alarm.)

At the heart of the matter is money or, to put it more delicately, national prosperity. "Working women have contributed to these economies," says Fanny Cheung, head of Hong Kong's Equal Opportunities Commission. They should be thanked for helping build up their societies, she says, not blamed for destroying the family. Indeed, many women stay single precisely because they are so successful. And in some cases, married women may be at a disadvantage in the workplace because bosses think their loyalties are divided. "My female executives are very committed to their jobs," says Khatijah Ahmad, managing director of the KAF Group of finance companies and doyenne of Malaysia's businesswomen. "They are very serious and are probably not giving much priority to finding a mate." Not much at all. Professional women throughout the region are clinching deals, winning promotions, starting their own companies. Who has time to date?

Or, as Malaysian Sheryll Stothard puts it: Who wants to make time to date? Stothard, 30, is the managing director of Hikayat, a Kuala Lumpur publishing and public-relations company she helped found 18 months ago. She hasn't seriously thought about marriage since breaking off a longterm relationship some seven years ago. "Right now I'm more concerned about finding a good joint-venture partner than I am about finding a good man," she says. A few weeks ago Stothard was out to dinner with an associate; midway through the meal he mentioned that this was his first date in a while. To which she replied: "Oh, is this a date?"

"I am not lacking without a boyfriend," Stothard says. "If I were -- being the selfish person I am -- I would look. And -- since I'm ambitious and usually successful -- I would get him." Single men are the only ones still gauche enough to ask why she hasn't married. The last time three of her male colleagues posed that question, Stothard asked them why they weren't. "They went on about working too hard, not wanting the responsibility of a family, too many expectations," she says. "And I said, 'Yeah, those are the same reasons I haven't married.'"

Many successful women today see little reason to settle for marriage. D. Katrina, a 31-year-old financial analyst in Kuala Lumpur, is in no rush to make any compromises. "I think there is a lot of sense in what Virginia Woolf wrote: 'A woman must have money and a room of her own. The former stands for the power to contemplate, while a lock on the door means the power to think for oneself,'" Katrina says. "I've got that and I'm going to enjoy it for a little while longer."

Time is a luxury women were not able to afford a decade ago. "It used to be that women older than 25 would rush to marry," says Ikeda Keiko, a director at OMMG, one of Tokyo's biggest matchmaking companies. "They would lower their demands about the bridegroom year by year. Today it doesn't happen that way. Women no longer give up their wishes after 25, or even 35." They are more likely to give up on the bridegrooms.

Irey Lau, a 30-year-old media director at Grey Advertising in Hong Kong, hasn't given up on marriage. Just dating. "I don't waste time on people I am not sure about," she says. Lau is about to join a new company in a more senior position and move to Beijing. During the next two years in China, she says, she won't waste any time on men at all. The only people she will be wooing will be her clients. Her father doesn't get it. Lau recounts a recent exchange between them: "My dad said: 'You started going with boys when you were 14. Now you're 30, and you're not interested. What happened?' So I replied: 'I've seen enough for now.'"

She expects a boyfriend to be able to match her drive, if not her salary. Lau's most enduring relationship was with a man a year older but not as established as she was. "He would compare our positions. He felt uncomfortable since I was earning more than he was," she says. "I don't want to stop for anybody. I told him that my career was more important than our relationship. So we broke up."

It is a familiar story. "Asian men are not yet used to the idea of Asian women who are successful, who may outshine them," says Khatijah of the KAF Group. Some women, of course, will choose to stand back -- Irey Lau would probably call that standing down. She recounts one such instance: a colleague at another advertising agency turned down a promotion because she thought having a more senior title would complicate her search for a husband. Others tell of women whose mothers admonish them not to show off their intelligence; drop the Ph.D from your business card, one anxious parent pleaded.

But dumbing down doesn't suit most single women. "I have money, a good job; I can be demanding about the company I keep," says Susan Liang, a 49-year-old solicitor in Hong Kong. Liang divorced 10 years ago, built her own practice and raised three children. Today her former husband is remarried, she is a leading lawyer with a thriving firm and her kids are studying overseas. "I don't want to remarry unless I meet someone exceptional," she says. "I'm like the Europeans who visit China: I've gone to the Great Wall; I've got my t-shirt." In today's parlance: Been there, done that.

It's true. Other women often are not the best advertisement for marriage. "My sister-in-law has to take care of the kids, help my brother with his career, and do many things for my parents. She has a lot of pressure," says Laura Chao, 30, a radio deejay and MTV Asia music programmer in Taipei. "By comparison I am quite free. I can go wherever I want, do whatever I want." In Taiwan a person like Chao is called a dan shun gwei zhu, or Single Noble. To Chao that's a pretty accurate depiction. "My priorities are work, spending time with friends and family, and travel." Since graduating from college, she has toured through Southeast Asia, Western Europe and the United States. Her next trip is to the clubbing hot spots of Ibiza in Spain and the western Indian state of Goa.

In pursuit of leisure. That is how many single women might describe where their money goes. "I just cannot give up my juicy life where I buy just what I like," says a 31-year-old hospital clerk who lives with her parents in Tokyo. She is not alone. There are more than 1 million unmarried women in their late 20s and 30s in the capital area, and developers these days are designing condos with their needs in mind (for instance, bigger bathrooms and more central locations). Insurance companies structure policies suited to single women (they, not their beneficiaries, receive pensions). Some funeral homes even offer single women places in specially reserved graves (since they don't inherit a traditional spot with their husband's family).

It is all too much for some men. "Young women have indulged in too much freedom from responsibilities, which often are the base of real joy in life," says Takahashi Masato, a 53-year-old science teacher at a Tokyo grammar school. "They only seek pragmatic pleasures."
But it is not just a material world. Women who can provide for themselves want men who can provide emotional support. It is the most precious commodity today. Betty Wei, 30, is a marketing manager for financial news at Dow Jones in Hong Kong. She is the youngest executive in a company known for its hierarchy. But her corporate existence is accidental. Wei grew up in Shanghai, attended university in Britain, married a man introduced to her by family friends, gave up a chance to work at the BBC and moved to Hong Kong because her husband got a job there. It seemed natural then.

In Hong Kong, she couldn't find the inspiration for her real love -- creative writing -- and was frustrated that her husband fell asleep at ballet performances. He needed someone to put a hot meal on the table, talk about his work and go to barbecues with on the weekend, she says. He preferred that she stay at home. She wanted to work. "We didn't know how to care for each other emotionally," Wei says. "We were floundering, and eventually we drowned." They divorced after three years. "It turned out that I will pursue my happiness more seriously than I thought I would," says Wei. "I would like to support my partner's career but I wouldn't un-do myself for him. In a good marriage, both people have to compromise."

Thirty years ago these women would have been considered eccentrics, or worse. Today, double standards still prevail in many societies: bachelor men are envied, bachelor women are pitied. Call these women spinsters or old maids, though, and you'll hear about it. "I have a social life that's pretty fantastic, thank you," says Katrina.

Despite their accomplishments many women still have to defend their decision to stay single, without seeming too defensive. A date with someone, anyone, invites the question, "Could he be the one?" Family gatherings are trouble, weddings are bad and family weddings are even worse. "I dread going to family weddings because of the inevitable, 'So when is it your turn?'" Katrina says. "I have to smile and mumble something polite. The question doesn't upset me, but the tone does. It is as if nothing else I've achieved in my life is worth anything if I'm not married."
Indeed, single women are no strangers to those who calculate their merit by number -- and that doesn't mean their salary. Any would be able to tell you about the time her friend, aunt or colleague hinted that her sell-by date is fast approaching. Or that her saham dah turun (Malay for, her shares have gone down). Koreans say that single women should lower their eyes (in other words, their standards). In Hong Kong, they say that a 30-year-old woman is like a used tea bag.

Of course part of the pressure to bear children is real, or at least biological. The clock is ticking, though not as fast as some insist, or as loudly as some would-be grandparents would like. They find subtle and less-subtle ways to remind their daughters that they, at least, are ready for a little one. For Chinese New Year, Wei's father gave her a statue of Guanyin, a Buddha sitting on a lotus leaf holding a baby.

Some couples delay having children so they can save up; others so they can savor their marriage. Other career women say they just aren't meant to be mothers. Many men seem puzzled. Consider Korean author Yi's thoughts on the subject: "I think bees create the most perfect society. Every bee except the queen bee works. I highly value the fact that the bee that gives birth is the queen. I don't understand why women abandon the path of a queen and strive to become a work bee."

But they do. One couple in Hong Kong have a three-year-old son, a full-time nanny, full-time jobs and a stack of books on child-rearing. She is teaching her son to read and supervising piano practice on the weekends. "I'm aggressive in learning how to give him the best," mom says. Her mother-in-law would like a second grandchild, but the 37-year-old has ruled that out. "I barely have enough time for one," she says. "How can I have two?"

Wang Shih-sue, 29, secretary-general of the Taiwan Association for Human Rights, and her husband David Liao, 31, decided they don't want even one. "Our work means everything to us," says Wang. "Neither of us wants to quit working to raise a child. My freedom and quality of life are very important. I don't want to lose what I have for the sake of a child." Liao, director of the Taiwan Labor Front, adds: "The most important reason is that we don't want a third person interfering in our relationship."

Their parents haven't been able to accept this notion. They wonder who will care for the couple later in life. "They also think we have a social responsibility to contribute a child to our society," says Wang. So do many governments, which, for now, are mostly run by old fathers. But some women believe that society should count on them for more than childbearing. And they are delivering.

-- With reporting from Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Taipei and Tokyo

Philippine Brain Drain

I had a talk with a friend months ago why we stay put in the Philippines when all else are telling us to migrate where greener pastures lay.

So why do we stay?

• Most of our families are here.
• Most of our good friends are here.
• We have simple wants so maybe we are satisfied with the things we can afford with the salaries we receive.

Simply put, we are home. Do we need to say more?

Here is an article printed at the Newsweek, "Philippines: Workers for the World". It posts a thought-provoking question, "The country's prime export is people. But is migration a real development strategy?" (Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6100244/site/newsweek/)

By George Wehrfritz and Marites Vitug
Newsweek International
Oct. 4 issue

Galicano Solares lives beneath a highway overpass in a dank Manila slum. His on-again, off-again construction job pays $4 a day, considerably more than he earned in the gold mines of Bicol before he moved to the city in the late 1980s. Yet he can't afford to educate his three children—now under the care of relatives in the countryside—let alone build the middle-class future of their dreams. But the 37-year-old with a stubbly chin and sweat stains on his T shirt has one advantage over others in the squatter settlement: his wife is a domestic helper in Saudi Arabia. "If there's an emergency, we call her," he says, "like when one of our children had a fever recently and we needed money for medicine."

That story of economic struggle, multiplied thousands of times over, is the story of the Philippines. Despite the wave of industrial development that has swept much of East Asia in recent decades, the country of 80 million remains extremely poor, mismanaged and still predominantly agrarian. But the Philippines does play a visible role in the global economy, thanks largely to a single export commodity—its people. According to the government, 1 million Filipinos will go abroad as contract workers this year, the biggest exodus ever. "The Philippines has already surpassed Mexico as the largest source of migrant labor in the world," says Manolo I. Abella, a migration specialist at the International Labour Office in Geneva. In all, about 8 million Filipinos—an astounding one tenth of the country's citizens—currently work overseas to support families back home. They remit more than $7 billion annually, according to the government, but that's only official transfers. A recent Asian Development Bank report put the real figure in the $14 billion to $21 billion range—a sum that dwarfs both foreign direct investment and aid flowing into the country, and amounts to 32 percent of GNP.

In the past, the Philippines was shamed by its inability to create enough good jobs to keep its people at home. But hard economic reality—a 14 percent unemployment rate and one of the highest poverty indexes in the world (nearly half the population subsists on less than $2 a day)—has shifted the sentiment. Today, in a move that countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh are likely to emulate, the government takes the position that, like it or not, the overseas workers constitute the nation's biggest comparative advantage in an increasingly borderless world. And so Manila makes it easy for its citizens to emigrate, and works hard, through its embassies, to see that their rights as foreign workers are protected. When extremists took a Filipino truck—driver hostage in Iraq recently, for example, Manila agreed to withdraw its contingent of soldiers there to win his release.

Unlike much of East Asia, where plummeting fertility rates are the norm, the Philippines could see its population balloon to 130 million by 2050. Experts say the country would explode if the flow of migrants were halted. "I've always viewed [overseas employment] as a safety valve," Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas told NEWSWEEK. "If you prevent them from going to Hong Kong or Saudi Arabia, you might have a revolution on your hands." That risk, combined with official helplessness to fix the local economy, has forced Manila to reconsider migration in a fundamental way. Its new—and more controversial—position: "Our traits as a people lend ourselves well to being part of the [global] service industry," says Tomas. "Perhaps that is what globalization means to us."

Labor migration is as old as the nation-state. Millions of Irish fled a devastating potato famine between 1846 and 1848, Chinese fanned out across Southeast Asia for similar reasons in the 19th century and India suffered a postcolonial brain drain that has only recently begun to reverse itself. Yet both the volume of today's labor outflow from the Philippines, and the extent to which Manila facilitates it, are unique. In a system that has evolved since strongman Ferdinand Marcos dispatched crews to work Saudi Arabian oilfields in the 1970s, the government licenses workers heading overseas, collects fees for each departure, regulates a mushrooming labor-brokerage industry and tasks its diplomats to protect a burgeoning expatriate work force based on 56 bilateral treaties with host nations around the world.
Unlike Mexico, where the vast majority of departing migrants head for a single country (the United States) illegally, Filipinos find themselves welcomed around the world as contract employees, both semiskilled and professional. They're laying pipelines in Siberia, mining diamonds in Angola and sailing ships in all the world's oceans. They clean thousands of homes a day from Hong Kong to Dubai to London; Bahrain's prime minister employs some 50 Filipinos in his own household, and is said to have developed such a fondness for the woman who manages them all that he sends her home to the Philippines on vacation each year accompanied by a bodyguard.

But some experts worry that the trend will, in the long run, hurt the Philippines more than help. While labor migration does serve as an economic stopgap, it's not a good development model. That's especially true when a country starts losing its best and its brightest workers. Although the stereotypical Filipino migrant is a nanny in Hong Kong, the largest group of new recruits falls under the category "professional and technical worker," which includes engineers, pilots, physicians and nurses. In 2002 they accounted for 35 percent of all departures—and many social workers fear their flight will bring down the country's medical system, erode its technology base and, in the end, ruin any chance the Philippines has of becoming a modern, industrialized country. "One of the defining characteristics of the Philippine middle class," says a senior Western economist in Manila, "is that they all want to get out."

The reason is simple: low pay. Lilian Bayot, a 29-year-old nurse with the Red Cross in Manila, earns $3,000 a year, which she says is "not enough to support my family." So she is now awaiting a visa to work in the United States. She plans to settle in Florida, where she's got a pending job offer that will pay her $40,000 a year. And she'll become eligible for a green card within months. According to a global salary study done in 2002, the average Filipino nurse earned just $139 a month at home compared with $650 in Singapore, $982 in Saudi Arabia and $1,666 in the United Kingdom. Nurses now leave the Philippines at three times the rate at which they matriculate and enter the work force.

Top college grads face the same salary problem. Last March a 28-year-old medical-school graduate named Elmer Reyes Jacinto stirred a national outcry when he topped the annual medical board exams (besting 947 other successful test takers) only to announce his intention to move to New York to become a nurse. He has since changed his mind—opting instead for a nursing job in Florida. "It's hypocritical when I say it's not economic," says Jacinto. "But it's more than that. I see a brighter future for myself there than here." Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, vice chancellor for research at the University of the Philippines in Manila, sees that as a troubling portent. "Sadly, this is no longer brain drain, but more appropriately, brain hemorrhage," he says. "Very soon the Philippines will be bled dry."

Labor migration also has a social cost. Experts say that overseas employment is exacerbating social problems in the Philippines, including juvenile delinquency and marital breakups. According to one study, a typical domestic worker in Saudi Arabia will remit the bulk of her $200 monthly salary to her husband, who uses the money to buy consumer products for the children and to support extended family members looking for handouts. The husband often can't or won't find work. Worse, says Florence May Cortina, who heads a help center for migrant workers in Quezon City near Metro Manila, the overseas worker is often shocked to learn "there is no savings" when she returns. Another study declares the kids of migrants "emotional orphans" more likely to commit crime, take drugs or have children out of wedlock.

A decade ago, when Fidel Ramos ran the Philippines and the country looked set to become Asia's newest manufacturing center, officials spoke optimistically of bringing overseas workers home. Their logic: professionals and semiskilled Filipinos with savings in their pockets could spur development by starting small companies. "We were riding a wave of growth," says Cielito Habito, Economic Planning secretary under Ramos. "There was a sense that they had something to come home to." But the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis sent the country into a prolonged tailspin, and it hasn't yet recovered. Habito views outmigration as a necessary evil, saying: "Some people have begun to argue that this is part of our natural role in the world. Frankly, I'm ambivalent about that."

Fernando Aldaba, an economist at Ateneo de Manila University, argues that the government is using remittance payments to mask its economic-policy failures. He asserts that to create new and better jobs, Manila must streamline the economy, attract foreign investment, encourage entrepreneurship and find ways to make household members more productive—none of which is happening with any great haste today. "People leave because of lack of opportunities," he concludes. "The government shouldn't be let off the hook."

Migration proponents insist the situation isn't quite so dire. Labor outflow, they argue, equips Filipinos with skills, know-how and capital. They eventually return home and carry the national economy forward—much like the expatriate Irish did in their homeland in the 1990s. Pessimists point to Lebanon, where remittances from overseas have propped up a dysfunctional state. As Filipinos add to their achievements overseas, it's only a matter of time before the government will face the same question once posed to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi: How is it that Indians succeed everywhere but in their home country?

That's irrelevant to Galicano Solares. When his wife returns from her second two-year stint in Saudi Arabia next February, he hopes to be able to surprise her with news that he, too, will make such a journey. "I've already prepared my passport," he says. "I want to work as a ship's repairman in Jamaica." Then they will typify the new middle-class family: Mom in the Middle East, Dad in the Caribbean, three kids at home studying to become engineers and nurses so they, too, might someday venture abroad. That's better than living under a freeway, to be sure. But is it the best Manila can offer? For now, the answer is yes.