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Getting work in Singapore

2008-08-19T22:41:28Z

Just looking back, I am quite surprised on how things could be. I'm turning 1 year now. 1 year staying in Singapore and I had to go look back on old posts especially after hearing from Barney (an old office mate of mine) that my post on Singapore was really hopeful.

Sadly, I got blindsided on what I should have posted on first and open research other possible points! *bonks myself* Of course it took me quite sometime after a couple of lollies and an illustration to work on.

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The web is a powerful tool indeed and applying online is what is now deemed mandatory in applying for a job. Sadly, this does not always apply if you want to get a job in Singapore when you are in the Philippines. The chances of you being contacted is really slim - not unless you're a diamond on the rough. Why is that? Because job openings are important and urgent and you're not the only one in the market. If you can't come in for an interview within the week, they'll look into other possible candidates. Always remember, they won't wait for you and going to Singapore from the Philippines is not like going to Quezon City to Makati City. It's no cake walk.

Don't fret. There are other ways. Three ways so far.

In my previous post, I have indicated two common ways that I have learned first about, the Tourist Pass technique and the Agency technique. For this purpose, let us revisit and revise points of which these two are nice.

Going in as a Tourist
As part of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Filipinos are allowed to visit countries without the need of a visa like Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. By doing so, you will be traveling under a tourist pass. For how long? 30 days max. Good time for you to find a job in Singapore right? After all, Singapore to Manila or back is a good 4 hour ride. No. Immigrations as much as possible blocks out obvious trips out and into a country for work purposes without proper papers. Though it is also silently accepted by employers that this happens when an applicant is of tourist status.

Good side: (1) You can go when you are ready, (2) You don't have to pay anyone except basic plane ride and living expense, (3) You can come in and just leave when you want to and save on tickets by booking early.

Bad side: (1) Time is running and you might make a mistake taking a job without thinking of its pros and cons properly, (2) You are like a TNT, (3) If your trip looks suspicious to the immigration, you might find yourself flying back to Manila as you were denied on entering.

Getting assisted by an Agency
It is rather nice to have the papers done and when you get in all is prepared.

Good side: (1) Legal stuff is worked on and your papers are ready both in the Philippines and in Singapore, (2) You will have an allowance depending on your arrangements, (3) They will do the "pimping" for you as they have one ear on the ground on the openings and usually from prestigious companies, (4) You will be lectured on what to do and what the situation is like in the other side.

Bad side: (1) It may cause you an arm and a leg as someone require that you pay them or they simply require the employer to pay, (2) Your actual salary comes with deductions as you are still paying them, (3) There are agencies that are con artists and yes, it may happen to you.

Being an eligible candidate
This is what you can say one foot in the water and one foot on land experience which is absolutely so good, I also call this the gray area - salang. Truth be told, Singapore is really open to having foreign workers and they welcome them. The government has implemented this Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) which is actually a visa for you to find work in Singapore. Application is totally free and online, processing takes 2-3 working days, and approval letter takes 3 - 4 weeks to reach the Philippines though if you're already in Singapore it's a good 1 week.

Good side: (1) Totally legal, (2) You only face the flight tickets and living expenses, (3) If you're from one of the educational institutes (please refer to my previous post) they have for the qualified list and/or you've got experience on your field, you're good as going in!, (4) Once you get your approval, you get to apply with the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) a 1 year visit pass, (5) You can choose to activate this or use up your visitor pass alotted to you by default (not sure until when you can activate though.

Bad Side: Seriously, I haven't heard anyone having a problem with it. If you do know which I hope not, just leave a message.

I hope this helps and I wish you luck in looking for possible a new life in Singapore. :)

Graduate from?

2008-08-15T01:31:12Z

Graduating from a good university, college, school is a big help. You get the nice names plastered on review centers, you can walk around being confident, you know you're not another test dummy and what you have practiced is one hell of belief that would help you in life and stuff.

Aside from flawlessly rolling the name out of your tongue, your chances of grabbing that job is almost in the bag.

So what's my point of posting this quite obvious thing?
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Adamson University, Manila
Adventist University Of The Philippines
Air Link International Aviation School
Air Transport Office
Angeles University
Angeles University Foundation
Aquinas University Of Legazpi
Asian Institute Of Management, Manila
Assumption College
Ateneo De Davao University, Davao City
Ateneo De Manila University, Manila
Ateneo De Naga University
Ateneo De Zamboanga University
Baguio College
Baguio Colleges Foundation
Baliuag University
Bico University
Cagayan State University
Cebu Aeronautical Technical School
Cebu Institute Of Medicine
Central Luzon State University
Central Mindanao University
Central Philippine University, Iloilo City
Centre For Research And Communication, Manila
Centro Escolar University
College Of The Holy Spirit
De La Salle University, Araneta
De La Salle University, Canlubang
De La Salle University, College Of St Benilde
De La Salle University, Dasmarinas
De La Salle University, Health Sciences Campus
De La Salle University, Manila
De La Salle University, Professional Schools Inc.
Divine Word College
Don Bosco Technical College, Metro Manila
Far Eastern University
Flight School International
Holy Angel University
John B Lacson College Foundation
Jose Rizal University
Leyte Normal University
Liceo De Cagayan University
Lyceum Of The Philippines
Manuel S Enverga University Foundation
Mapua Institute Of Technology, Manila
Mariano Marcos State University
Mats College Of Technology
Mindanao Polytechnic State College
Mindanao State University
Mindanao State University - Lligan Institute Of Technology
Miriam College Of Foundation
Notre Dame Of Marbel University
Notre Dame University
Pablo Borbon Memorial Institute Of Technology, Batangas City
Palawan State University
Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Manila
Pats College Of Aeronautics
Philippine Air Force College Of Aeronautics
Philippine Christian University
Philippine Normal University
Philippine Women's University
Philippines State College Ot Aeronautics
Polytechnic University Of The Philippines
Quezon Colleges Of Southern Philippines
Rizal Technological College, Metro Manila
Saint Louis College
Saint Louis University, Baguio City
Saint Paul College
San Beda College
San Pedro College
San Sebastian College, Recoletos
Silliman University, Damaguete City
St Joseph's College
St Mary's University
St Paul University
St Scholastica's College
Technological University Of The Philippines, Manila
Universidad De Sta Isabel
University Of Asia And The Pacific
University Of Baguio
University Of Cordilleras
University Of Immaculate Conception
University Of La Salette
University Of Mindanao, Davao City
University Of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, Bacolod City
University Of Nueva Caceres
University Of Pangasinan
University Of San Agustin
University Of San Carlos, Cebu City
University Of San Jose-Recoletos
University Of Santo Tomas, Manila
University Of St La Salle
University Of The Cordilleras
University Of The East, Manila
University Of The Philippines
University Of The Philippines, Diliman
University Of The Philippines, Iloilo
University Of The Philippines, Los Banos
University Of The Philippines, Manila
West Visayas State University
Western Mindanao State University
Xavier University, Cagayan De Oro City
Zamboanga State College Of Marine Science And Technology

If you are, watch out soon on this site what 4 years (and even more) of slaving away can do now for you for Singapore.

When Geek meets Fever

2008-08-13T15:56:07Z

Self-treatment is always easy. Telling someone, erm sorry, advising is easier. But when treating someone else personally, it gets to be a different thing.

Nurse Fer by ~queen-diamond on deviant ART

With John having a fever, after checking on the meds, the temperature, buying a glorified cold press, and the spongie bath, I finally did some searching.

So for those who are technical and more into quick answers and understands diagrams, here you go!

Save Agno!

2008-08-02T13:57:18Z

The biggest business is food for me. Everyone needs food, wants food, adore food. It is especially wanted more if the food is forbidden, dirty, delicious, and cheap.

Food Tripping 1: Isaw Girl by ~syobe on deviant ART

maDot (yes, one of the imaginary friends my other friends would conjure of) messaged me this rather interesting post regarding one of the recommended dining spots around the University.

On July 31, some officials from the Manila City Hall tried to sweep away the street food vendors in Agno in response to the complaints of middle class diners in the neighboring building.

What was the complain? Business competition.

Give me a break. Agno has been there before them! If there is such a competition they should find a way. Competition is always there. Sheesh.
]]> Gokongwei Hall and Miguel hall - the building of the geeks the one of the ultimate sociable courses and group of people. Here, people would spend in between class breaks a quick bite, meet ups (especially with people from the neighboring college), and smoking sessions. This is also the parking space for street food vendors especially maDot and my favorite and a lot of Comsci peeps out there, Mang Tolits.

I have to admit, Agno is simply one of those vital landmarks in being a La Sallian because it's a place where you can eat the brute way, get it cheap and get served with the sinfully delicious ones - liempo, balat ng baboy, tenga ng baboy and simply forget being prim and proper. Oh... Have I mentioned that it is a highlighted place in the Student Handbook as being cheap and safe? And yes, I dedicate prolly.... hmmmm... 6 of my gall stones to that place!

How the University should help? Being a Catholic University, De La Salle University should provide a place for the vendors to be in the grounds as what is expected from such institutions to help our brothers and sisters and provide the best education. Since alleys and roads are of government property, probably a small cut on the big compound isn't too much right?

How you can help? Kindly sign this online petition. Save Agno po tayo!

Me ? Rare ?

2008-07-31T15:50:29Z

Your Personality is Very Rare (INTP)

Your personality type is goofy, imaginative, relaxed, and brilliant.

Only about 4% of all people have your personality, including 2% of all women and 6% of all men
You are Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, and Perceiving.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Got this from my batchmate in college, Bots.

Welcome to Singapore: Lau Pa Sat Cleaners and Police

2008-07-29T17:41:51Z

These are one of those times that you see the big difference in staying in Singapore.

Being a web designer, web developer and/or project manager or just being a simple janitor, a laptop and a good connection is the best combo you can give me other than a baby back rib with a sweet taste of mushroom gravy sauce. Sprinkle in my super powers of insomnia and workaholic, it's practically an extra appendage of my so called life.

My recent visit to Manila was almost what my father would answer when asked about it. It was another trip deemed to be toxic. It was actually - my grandmother passing away and suddenly leaving in a middle of a stressful week at work. So there I was again at some corner somewhere with a laptop. *sigh* Talk about my previous trip even with John to Dumaguete, I still had my fingers tied to the keyboards.

Working at Hotel Palwa, Dumaguete City

]]> Robinson's Place. I'm sorry to say this, but it was really frustrating as the security personnel just flatly lazily pointed out that it's gone before doing any action and the management of the mall / cinema house washed their civil obligation to their customers. It's heartbreaking really as the laptop also had photos of the funeral and a very bad irony since the week before my laptop was stolen the emblem of our car's trunk was stolen at the same mall!

Months passed, and seriously, it was long forgotten. Sadly, I am exasperated as there were times where I recall what was the last update on my stolen laptop --- security personnel claimed that I didn't bring anything in the cinema. What's he trying to say? I lied?! *sigh*

A couple of nights ago here in Singapore, John went out with the guys from PinoyCSers. Boozing is not my thing I guess and probably I miss hanging out with my friend and her toddler, Betty. So it was a night with different locations for two flat mates and going home before the other is kinda dull and boring, you can imagine we were playing by ear who goes home first - which I did.

On the way home, John remembered that he didn't have his bag with him which contained his laptop. He discovered it when he alighted from the cab and was a few steps away from our building. He rushed to Lau Pa Sat where they held their monthly gathering, asked around, and called the police at around 1AM in the morning. I was about to take a cab when he called and said he's found it.

Lucky for John one of the cleaners of the huge food court saw it and kept it inside the stock room. He had to talk to 3 cleaners I think but all were very helpful. In not more than 30 minutes time, the police showed up and he informed the police the great news. With a take care and a lot of no problem, John went home with his laptop and his precious files in it. I have to admit... I envy him on it.

So finally, we have finally heard the legend of Singapore where people are helpful, prompt, honest.

As for my experience in Manila... well... it's a heart breaker. It really is.

Giving Fonts that personality

2008-07-27T09:39:22Z

Here's a nice internet video clip that every designer (and I am very sure) can totally relate care of College Humor. See how Times New Roman is too formal, New Courier being ermm..., Futurama being robotic, and Comic Sans Serif save the day with his bold panties.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

2008-07-21T18:57:43Z

Last month, my mom was in town. She stayed with me, here, at my place and pretty much hang around with me and John. One of our favorite and whenever we can catch it is Are you smarter that a fifth grader?

Madam @ the living room with John: Who's the god of wine in Greek Mythology?
Me in my room (what else but working on my computer): Hmm.... Bacchus.
Host in the TV: The answer is Dionysus.
Me doing a quick search.

Here's the answer. Actually, Dionysus is Bacchus. He's actually not a god. He's a demi-god.

Yup. I still got it for Greek Mythology. You gotta love Edith Hamilton.

The Dark Knight the Movie

2008-07-18T17:14:39Z

So ... finally... I have watched The Dark Knight in one of the nicest movie houses in town called the Gold Class. For such a highly recommended (yes, as early as 2007 I've been hearing it from the Psychic Dude again and again), anticipated movie, why not spend a buck or two to fully relish the movie right? Yup, John just got the best seats in the house and I must say, it's damn worth it!

The Dark Knight is pretty much a continuation of its pioneer movie, Batman Begins. After Batman made its appearance in Gotham, he has helped lower the crime rates. Making criminals from the small to the large scale meet at day and hide by night, a new villain steps out and offers the most outrageous goal and cunning of all plans, Joker. As Joker challenges Batman's credibility to put Gotham in order and Bruce starting to feel the weight of Batman's shadow on him, Batman considers that there should be another face for justice. A face that appears on day, a face that follow the rules of the system, a face that is known to the public and doesn't hide behind a mask - District Attorney, Harvey Dent.
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Videography A good 8 out of 10. Quality of the film was good. Sadly though, we all know. Super heroes, most especially the rich boys, get their gadgets. I feel that they haven't much highlighted on the toys used by the big boys. Have to admit though, the Tumbler being transformed to a bike in steroids rocks. Batman's armor was like um... Uh-huh. Ok. It's light. What else is there? His hightech communications + sonar project was nice but very few on the detail there, if ever, the emphasis on the tool was not there.
Cinematography The pace was almost uniform in speed. Though, slow mo-s and pumping bass on throbbing sound was lacking. The movie has utilized quite well on its characters especially on Gordon. From what used to be the head of police being as a bumbling idiot who's always left hanging, Gordon has transformed into what comics has depicted of him - an officer, a leader, a family man. I am not quite sure, but I felt that the Mayor had the lacking aggression on Batman who was referred to the movie a lot of times as a vigilante. The Mayor character was a bit passive. Can someone please confirm? Part of the beginning of the movie, Scare Crow appears. Appear meaning, makes some bad negotiation and runs for it. So much for the scare gas and the verbal encounter. He would be a viable opponent. Add a Joker here, Two face there, and then Scare Crow. Triple deal. Much like Catwoman's encounter of Two Face, Joker and the Batman - actually in this issue Penguin just pops in as well.
Music Score There was no well known songs that are with lyrics. All orchestrated and all fit the feel of the movie really well. Yes, gotta love those cellos.
Script The lines are not as quirky as Iron Man's though it has much discussions on human nature, blaming Alfred. I like Morgan Freeman's character, Lucius Fox. He was sharp and smart and funny. A definite difference of the Bucket List and the Wanted part. Oh and one more thing, I swear how you would shed a tear for Alfred's declamation - such loyalty, such quirk. Delicious!

I'm a DC girl. One of which some are quite surprised as I haven't exhibited any interest of whatsoever. But I was and it is because of Catwoman which I have enjoyed because of Jim Balent's artwork. Then again Campbell's Gen13 is good.

Anyway, the Dark Knight was quite good and substantially it has quite highlighted how the character of Batman really is rather than the villain. In the comics of Batman, in general, you have the rising of Batman, the hating of Batman, the reflection of Batman and then the resurrection - then again it doesn't apply only to Batman. Though I would hate the part to see Batman, or rather the end of Bruce Wayne as he is paralyzed by Venom, so soon, I must say, they seem to have stick quite good on the character that every hero faces especially for Batman - that they do have a personal life.

The profoundness of the movie teaches the value of honor, respect, loyalty, focus, and human nature - the good and the bad.

One thing that really stuck out for me in this movie for the next couple of hours:

Even the best is a puppet inside.

Illustration Friday: Sour

2008-07-10T17:43:28Z

This week's Illustration Friday theme: soooour

Sour Puss

With my current Apprentice fever, I can't stop laughing my head off at the sour pusses in the game.

You know how sour pusses are. All the word vomit, all so negative, all that feeling of people should pay attention to them because they're right for seeing things wrong.

Really interesting. :)

Total time of production: 3 nights minus the Ninja Gaiden 2, house chores and office work. :P

Game time!

2008-07-08T14:55:46Z

Living in a place where no house help is available every waking moment, funds are strictly monitored, performance is restricted to work because I got here because of work, people are great and devastating - trust me got burned a loooot of times, it would sometime make me feel backed up on a wall and so frustrated knowing that I could have done it better and I could have done something about it.

Thank God for games! Smashing, arterial spray, gashing, d'ohs are now my new stress relievers.

Reviews? Maybe soon!

Haha so sorry for the long silence.

Employee of the Week

2008-06-14T10:58:55Z

This is a rather interesting week. Well of course there's that office argument, assigning of tasks, taking tabs of status, and well conversations over lunch which well I have somehow eluded given the power of home heated roti prata , aka Indian Pancake lol.

But for the first time, I won something based on performance and not of tangible market eg photograph, artwork. I was commended for one of the Employee of the Week and I turned out as one of the Employees of the Week.

A reward worth SGD50 of dining at
Tony Roma's, Seoul Garden and/or Breeks.

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Yes, I am talking about the geeks. Hold on, not geeks as in geeks we know of who has a lot of zits and buck teeth and a poor sense of combining colors. It is people who are knowledgeable and do things quietly and still get it done.

But after reading into management books and having some drinks with project managers, marketing, sales and the like, I guess I understand it much more clearer now.

What used to be my view on awarding ceremonies has now turned of recognition and a break to the the monotony of work and to give people the drive. I guess management really considered how people value prizes.

I just find it funny handing the envelope to one of the Employee of the Week who just came in to work past 5PM in shorts, slippers and a shirt that has "The Geek Shall Inherit the World". And to think, I filed a work from home report for that day. LOL

But yeah, in order for you to do that, you should first sleepless nights working on the websites, being the technicians, and clashing against people for 9 months. -_- Thanks to those who have gave such good and nice recommendations.

The other 2 winners were also Filipinos. Nice no? Well I hope to win the Employee of the Month with my mug shot at the front :)) Then the Year. THEN THE WORLD MUWHAHHAHAHAHA.

Help him save his wife

2008-06-10T12:44:16Z

During the early years of me pursuing a formal training to my design skills, I met this wonderful guy. Teacher Dennis, AKA Tatay Dennis, was one of the professors there who is not only cute and has become an icon of the institution but of a great mentor, friend, and tatay like to me.

Recently, February 2008, his wife and daughter got into an accident. They got hit by a truck and ended up in the hospital and underwent a lot of operations and procedures done, most especially his wife.

Help Sir Dennis. Visit his site now and donate.

The Calling

2008-05-31T03:14:36Z

I think I am ready to finally step out and post this one. Most of the time, reckless as I am, I would usually post out of a sheer spike of emotion in my life. This time, I guess things are rather different and everyday it always does. it should be.

I've thought and rethought on a post and much I would shy away from posting it because of either am being too busy or it is another schadenfreude on my misfortunes.

Everyone fears the same when it comes to a dear relative who turns out to be sick. The fear that one day in a usual day when they step into a room someone would tell them they have passed away. The fear of hearing, reading, and knowing that they are dead.

A partial of the family tree

That fear has haunted me since my February visit to Dumaguete with John, as I finally saw how my grandmother was. Donya Mameng, as we kiddingly call her, was so thin and quieter than usual. She was tired - tired in a very profound way.

When I went back to Singapore, my mother has been attending to her and I was put out of circulation and because, I would understand, that they would like me to concentrate on my work. But there was a time, I woke up in the wee hours of the night and know something was going on. Which was upon checking with my mother only to find out Lola Mameng is in the hospital. There were times as well when everything was quite still, I would silently cry.
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When Lola Mameng died, on May 11, the call came from my Dad.

It was the Calling. Everyone had to go back home.

I filed my leave, booked a flight to Manila, booked a flight to Dumaguete. Without any doubt, I was still working. :( No time to grieve, time to prepare to have a straight face during the wake and the indifference on the bickering of the relatives and catch up on work which was greatly hindered when my body gave way from working hard. Plus added the stress that we might not be able to get a flight to Dumaguete and back because of the typhoon.

Wakes usually bring the bickering of the relatives. Well for me. I am finished getting involved in one during the wake of Amah's and Lola Dawn's. After entertaining unfamiliar faces long forgotten in time, Elen and I began to do our work as what was silently expected of us - the photographers.

Taking pictures of relatives crying was hard. Hard in a sense, people don't want to be taken pictures of while they are mourning and as well the part that you will remember that a great woman, friend, sister, mother, auntie, grandmother and great grandmother has passed away.

Lola Mameng will be greatly missed as she has loved us, cared for us, listened and guided us. But I am greatly happy for her for she has finally got her rest in the hands of the Lord Almighty after 90 wonderful years.

I would like to thank people who have sent their condolences in kind words, cards, and in financial help. Some were quite unexpected but I would like to thank those who knows how it is important my grandmother was to me, my family and extended family.

Wine light coming into market soon?

2008-05-30T09:43:53Z

What is one of the possible best things a husband can give to his wife on her birthday?

What else but a very own Victorian vineyard which Posh Spice just recently got for her 33rd birthday.

The couple now intends to start producing one of the top rated wine named after her.

Wonder how it looked. Extra thin bottle? Or a new line of wine light? *snicker* Just kidding.

Have a happy weekend!