Remembering Papa

For you, dear Papa!
JOSE S. REINOSO, SR.
October 4, 1927 - October 25, 1998

Home, Diana Ross, The Wiz

Dance With My Father

Luther Vandros' cool voice turns in an awesome ode to fathers.


Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me and then
Spin me around till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure I was loved

Chorus:
If I could get another chance
Another walk, another dance with him,
I'd play a song that would never ever end
How I'd love love love, to dance with my father again

Verse 2:
When I and my mother would disagree
To get my way I would run from her to him
He'd make me laugh just to comfort me(yeah, yeah)
Then finally make me do just what my momma said
Later that night, when I was asleep
He left a dollar under my sheet
Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

Chorus:
If I could steal
One final glance
One final step
One final dance with him
I'd play a song that would never ever end
Cause I'd love love love to dance with my father again

Verse 3:
Sometimes I'd listen outside her door
I'd hear how my mother cried for him
(x2) I'd pray for her even more than me

I know I'm praying for much too much
But could you send back the only man she loved
I know you don't do it usually
But dear Lord she' s dying to dance with my father again

Every night I fall asleep
And this is all I ever dream

I Want You to Cry Too

I found this 80s song from erstwhile matinee idol/singer Keno. Just a trip down memory lane.

I Want You to Cry Too

I had never asked you why
You never even cried
When you said you don't love me anymore

And you seem to be unfair
It never seems so right
That up to now I've never seen you cry

[Chorus]
I want you to cry too
I want you to see it from my side
That you took away my very hope
The happiness and light
I want you to cry too
Put yourself in my place
Instead of telling me
That this is the best way

I stopped wishing long ago
I deal with just the fact
Cause you never even looked from my eyes

And I stopped dreaming with my heart
You took away that past
Without even a tearful goodbye

(Repeat Chorus)

I want you to cry too
And find the reason why
I don't want to love anymore
And find the answer why
I never opened my doors again
I want you to cry too
I want you to cry too
Can't you understand
I want you to cry too

Tayong Dalawa

One teledrama my Mom and I will surely miss. Thank you to the entire cast, staff and crew for making our nights a tad warmer, despite some tears shed at those heart-tugging scenes. Also, thank you Rey Valera for the gift of music: Tayong Dalawa.
This video features Gary Valenciano, only the best!

Not a joke...

Global Warming seems like a big phrase to most of us. It's like foretelling the doomsday for this planet. But it's not. It's a warning that if we continue to use this planet the way we are doing, our children may not really stand a chance, at all!

But know that you can may a difference. Even in your small way. But please, ACT NOW!

Am posting a moving video on global warming. It has a powerful message.

An Israeli Ad made 3 months ago about Global Warming .
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Screenwriters : Michael Guri , Carmon Peled , Guy Nattiv,David Avital.
Team - Atara Biller , Elad hermel , Michal Ovadia.
Production House : Ishay Hadas
Post Production : Jcs

Comforting...

Heart-tugging

Mama

Mama, thank you for who I am
Thank you for all the things I’m not
Forgive me for the words unsaid
And for the times I forgot

Mama remember all my life
Your showed me love you sacrificed
Think all those young and early days
How I’ve changed along the way…
Along the way.

And I know you believed
And I know you had dreams
And I’m sorry it took all this time to see
That I am what I am because of your truth
And I miss you… I miss you…

Mama forgive the times you cried
Forgive me for not making right
For all the storms that I may have caused
When I’ve been wrong
Dry your eyes… dry your eyes…

And I know you believed
And I know you had dreams
And I’m sorry it took all this time to see
That I am what I am because of your truth
And I miss you… I miss you…

Mama I’ll always make you smile
I hope you’re happy with my life
Made peace with every choice I made
How I’ve changed along the way
Along the way…

And I know you believed
In all of my dreams
And I owe it all to you…MAMA…

"Do not stand at my grave and weep"

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

by Mary Elizabeth Frye

An anthem...

Listen and watch...




Lyrics This is my life:

Funny how a lonely day,
can make a person say:
What good is my life
Funny how a breaking heart,
can make me start to say:
What good is my life
Funny how I often seem,
to think I'll find another dream
(or to think I'll never find a dream)
In my life Till I look around and see,
this great big world is part of me And my life

This is my life
Today, tomorrow, love will come and find me
But that's the way that I was born to be
This is me
This is me

This is my life
And I don't give a damn for lost emotions
I've such a lot of love I've got to give
Let me live
Let me live

Sometime when I feel afraid,
I think of what a mess I've made of my life
Crying over my mistakes,
forgetting all the breaks I've had In my life
I was put on earth to be,
a part of this great world is me
And my life
Guess I'll just have to score,
and count the things I'm grateful for In my life

This Is my life
Today, tomorrow, love will come and find me
But that's the way that I was born to be
This is me
This is me

This is my life
And I don't give a damn for lost emotions
I've such a lot of love I've got to give
Let me live
Let me live

This is my life
This is my life
This is my lfe.

MYMP

It was in 2003 when I joined Ipanema Bar & Restaurant in Eastwood City. The bar was a favorite among acoustic music lovers. There were nights when we would have some celebrity guests who shot the breeze on the bar's veranda facing Eastwood's Central Park, while relishing a cold bottle of San Miguel Light beer. We featured a number of acoustic performers that included Jimmy Bondoc, Paulo Santos, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Nino Alejandro and more. Among the bands that really made it to the mainstream is MYMP [Make Your Mama Proud] which was one of our regular performers at Ipanema. They recorded "Always Reminds Me of You", a song I have grown to like listening to especially on a drizzling afternoon. You can check out more about this talented duo at http://www.mympband.com. Enjoy!

Interactive Language Tutor

Marky Cielo: In Memoriam

Marky Cielo was also my student. He was a very diligent and serious student. He looked forward to going back to college and hoped to make his family proud of him by getting a degree.

But we all know God had other plans for Marky. And although I miss him a good friend, I would like to share to Marky's mommy Mildred my deepest sympathies and prayers for Marky's eternal repose.

I take comfort in knowing God does not make mistakes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARKY CIELO!

Sorry... No Aljur Scandal Here

He sat there with a wide smile. The kind you can't miss from afar. But hey, there was nothing about this young guy you could miss even if he were standing a mile away! Ok. ok. Maybe a good six feet away.

Aljur Abrenica was seldom late for his classes. Despite his busy sked in his mother studio Kapuso GMA7, Aljur diligently attended his classes and was quite an attentive student.

I met Aljur in person for the first time during a Visualization class at John Robert Powers. He, along with other GMA artists, took Personal Growth and English courses courtesy of the Kapuso network who believed in developing their talents' potentials to the fullest.

The Abrenica boy struck me as humble, sincere and "totoong tao". He always greeted others with a firm handshake and had very good eye contact. He was poised and composed well beyond his years. He spoke his mind but was never too opinionated. I have been following his progress as an actor via his afternoon soap and I see glimpses of hope for this tyro who may yet emerge as one of the more important actors of his generation. His moreno good looks and earthy aura are sure ingredients worthy of a project that will finally showcase his true talents.

Tagged as a hunk man-boy, I can see this Starstruck winner taking on dramatic action roles in the near future. Nevertheless, I still hope he makes good his promise to pursue a college education and earn a degree.

Go for it, Aljur!

Born to be a Star

I met Lorna Tolentino first while she was filming "Mga Uod at Rosas" and then many years later on the "Ina, Kinasusuklaman Kita" movie she starred in with the late Ms. Rita Gomez.

Lorna struck me as someone who was really born to be star. Even while a high school student, Lorna T. would always awe her teachers and classmates during declamation and oratorical contests. A natural, indeed.

Like most talented actresses, Lorna has the ability to lose herself in a role and effectively get into a character and leave the star persona back in the dressing room.

I am happy to know that she is back on TV in a guest role in ABS CBN's "May Bukas Pa". Also in the works is a soap with Gabby Concepcion, also in the Kapamilya network.

I have known Lorna as the pictorial queen way back in the 80s. What with Fanny Serrano looking after her backstage and off cam. But it is undeniable that Lorna Tolentino is one of Philippines more important and talented actresses ever to grace the TV and celluloid screens.

May Lorna continue to remain busy in the many many years to come!

[Photo taken from Dominique James Collection, http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominiquejames]

The Gentle [Leading] Man

It was in November 1981 when Ma'am Bibsy and I went to Roper's Studio along P. Tuazon to cover a pictorial for "Mga Uod at Rosas" with Lorna Tolentino and Nora Aunor sharing stellar billing along with Johnny Delgado.

I can still feel Johnny's firm grip when he shook my hand. He was warm and friendly, yet reserved and soft-spoken. In his baritone voice he proceeded to answer my questions about how he prepares for a role and how he manages not to be typecast. We were midway the interview when he remarked, "It's nice to be asked these kind of questions."

Johnny spoke about how he works on the nuances of a character. How he observes and keeps interest in people. He believes that an actor is, first and foremost, an artist who must love his craft.

The interview came to a pleasant pause when Laurice Guillen, Johnny's partner and wife came into the room. I took it as my cue and wrapped up my task.

I would meet Direk Laurice many years later when I joined the Actor's Worskshop Foundation. And that would be another story.

Post Script.

I am happy to know that Johnny is recovering well from his illness. I caught him on television, his spirits high, as he explained how his "miraculous healing" has brought him much hope! That's the man, Johnny!

Tetchie Today

What I know now about Tetchie: aside from appearing in TV dramas, La Tetcha has completed a course in Psychology from Ateneo de Manila. Way to go!

The Bunny with Brains

Tetchie Agbayani is one of the few Filipinas who made it to the Playboy centerfold. But years before her "infamy" with the german edition of the gentleman's night-table- companion I met Techie at the Sampaguita Studios for an interview.

She was starring with Christopher de Leon in the Eddie Romero film "Kamakalawa".

The Tetchie I met was beautiful, alluring, bronze-skinned, articulate and intelligent. She was bubbly but spoke with caution as if weighing each word, each thought before blurting anything out. I complemented her on her recent cover pictorial and maybe sensing my disbelief she was prompt to say, "Madaya ba?"

She proceeded to explain that she was pretty good at posing and projecting despite her petite frame. She seemed a tad defensive that I wanted to tell her that the photos did not do much justice to her, to the beautiful person that I was seeing for the first time.

La Tetcha gave me much hope. Whatever preconceived notions I had about how snobbish artistas can be had completely dissipated. I was determined now, more than ever, to show the best side of show business. Thank you La Tetcha!

A Journey...

A semester shy from my graduation, I started looking for a part time summer job. The fates will bring me to an office in Malate, beside the St. Paul College. The advertisement called for a writer/publicist and feeling that it was something up my alley I presented myself for an interview.

Glenda Togonon interviewed and hired me on the spot. I would learn years later that Glenda is married to editorial artist Boy Togonon. It was after two days that I would meet the first person who would open doors for me to become part of the world of show business: Bibsy Carballo.

Bibsy is one of the more respected publicists in local showbiz. I think she took a liking for my writing style that she took me under wings as I trod the showbiz paths with much amusement and eagerness. Bibsy was very professional, yet motherly. We would drive around from one location to another in her yellow galant. She drove while giving me thoughtful lectures on showbiz do's and dont's. Offering a few angles here and there. As a neophyte, I was quick to scribble in my new little notepad.

I would go home at night and share my day's stories with my mom who was more than happy to be my sounding board.

Bibsy hoped to hone my skills in writing in Filipino but with a "legitimate" flavor, more substance, less gossip. I was excited and glad as she had seemed to see through me and read my thoughts.

As a psychology major in the state university, I was more inclined to write profiles and features.

Bibsy assigned me to do publicity articles for movies she was promoting. The year was 1981, a golden time for Philippine cinema. I couldn't have entered at a more auspicious time. My journey has begun.

In My LIfe

There are places i'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends i still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life i've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When i think of love as something new
Though i know i'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know i'll often stop and think about them
In my life i love you more

Though i know i'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know i'll often stop and think about them
In my life i love you more
In my life i love you more

Never Too Late

It's never too late to save the Earth. Please visit http://planetoverhaul.com to find out more about how you can do your share.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Lines Drawn So Carefully in the Past Have Largely Been Erased.
"This is the line!" Billy pressed hard with the yardstick as he drew a line, visible only to him and John, down the middle of their bedroom that would separate his side of the room from his older brother's.
"You cannot put your things on my side or come on my side of the line unless I say it's okay. This is my private property, so stay on your own side!" Billy said emphatically as he pointed the tip of the yardstick to John’s side of the room.
"That's just fine with me! And see to it that you stay on your side and don't you mess around with my things on my side when I'm not home, Twerp, or I'll punch you out!" came a forceful reply from John.
Even though the line through the middle of the room was imaginary, its power to establish boundaries that would be enforced, respected, even fought over by the parties involved was very real. The existence or power of such a line might be scoffed at as nonsensical child's-play, yet just such lines have always had a very important role in the lives of adults the world over.
Lines (Real, Imagined or Metaphoric) Draw Boundaries.
Consider the lines of longitude and latitude that crisscross any globe or map of the earth and are designated by incremental numbers called degrees. If you were to search the surface of the earth from an aircraft to observe these lines it would be in vain, yet these unseen lines are used to guide airplanes and ships to their destinations, to establish property lines, political boundaries, to locate sections of oceans or of land, to establish date lines, time lines, climate zones, to plot ocean and wind currents, and so on. Reference to lines can be used metaphorically, such as "the bottom line," "What's My Line?" as the TV show was called, "questioning along those lines." "That wolf hands everyone that same old line." Some lines are more concrete, literally, such as the Wall of China and the Berlin Wall. In any case, what happens on one side of a line or boundary is very different from what happens on the other side. Lines, real, metaphoric, or imagined, draw parameters that dictate what we do and how we do it. There is great security in lines, in the drawing of lines, for we learn what to expect and how to respond to whatever the line encompasses. If they are absent, no one knows quite what to do.
These lines represent the rules and laws pertaining to the rightness or wrongness of what we do or don't do. They are codes of behavior that include the preservation of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, sanctity of the family, honesty in its many forms, sexual morality, rules of etiquette and ethics, protection of the environment, traffic laws, laws in the workplace, political, military, and business. It is universally recognized that these codes are necessary for civilizations to survive successfully. Civilizations rise or fall depending on how individual citizens respect and practice these codes of conduct.

What is being assertive?

Standing up for your rights and not being taken advantage of is one definition of being assertive.
It also means communicating what you really want in a clear fashion, respecting your own rights and feelings and the rights and feelings of others.
Assertion is an honest and appropriate expression of one's feelings, opinions, and needs.
How is Being Assertive different from Being Aggressive?
Being aggressive means standing up for yourself in ways that violate the rights of others.
Aggressive behavior is typically punishing, hostile, blaming, and demanding. It can involve threats, name-calling, and even actual physical contact. It can also involve sarcasm, catty comments, gossip and "slips of the tongue."

What causes people to avoid being assertive?
Most people are not assertive for fear of displeasing others and of not being liked. However, although you may avoid some immediate unpleasantness by not being assertive, you could also jeopardize the relationship in the long run if you refuse to assert yourself and then feel taken advantage of over and over again

How Assertive Are You?
Ask yourself the following questions.
• Do you ask for help if you need it?
• Do you express anger and annoyance appropriately?
• Do you ask questions when you're confused?
• Do you volunteer your opinions when you think or feel differently from others?
• Do you speak up in class fairly frequently?
• Are you able to say "no" when you don't want to do something?
• Do you speak with a generally confident manner, communicating caring and strength?
• Do you look at people when you're talking to them?

How Do You Communicate?

Good communication skills require a high level of self-awareness. Understanding your personal style of communicating will go a long way toward helping you to create good and lasting impressions on others. By becoming more aware of how others perceive you, you can adapt more readily to their styles of communicating. This does not mean you have to be a chameleon, changing with every personality you meet. Instead, you can make another person more comfortable with you by selecting and emphasizing certain behaviors that fit within your personality and resonate with another.
There are three basic communication styles:
• Aggressive
• Passive
• Assertive


Elements of the Aggressive Style
1. Mottos and Beliefs
o "Everyone should be like me."
o "I am never wrong."
o "I've got rights, but you don't."
2. Communication Style
o Close minded
o Poor listener
o Has difficulty seeing the other person's point of view
o Interrupts
o Monopolizing
3. Characteristics
o Achieves goals, often at others' expense
o Domineering, bullying
o Patronizing
o Condescending, sarcastic
4. Behavior
o Puts others down
o Doesn't ever think they are wrong
o Bossy
o Moves into people's space, overpowers
o Jumps on others, pushes people around
o Know-it-all attitude
o Doesn't show appreciation
5. Nonverbal Cues
o Points, shakes finger
o Frowns
o Squints eyes critically
o Glares
o Stares
o Rigid posture
o Critical, loud, yelling tone of voice
o Fast, clipped speech
6. Verbal Cues
o "You must (should, ought better)."
o "Don't ask why. Just do it."
o Verbal abuse
7. Confrontation and Problem Solving
o Must win arguments, threatens, attacks
o Operates from win/lose position
8. Feelings Felt
o Anger
o Hostility
o Frustration
o Impatience
9. Effects
o Provokes counteraggression, alienation from others, ill health
o Wastes time and energy oversupervising others
o Pays high price in human relationships
o Fosters resistance, defiance, sabotaging, striking back, forming alliances, lying, covering up
o Forces compliance with resentment
Elements of the Passive Style
1. Mottoes and Beliefs
o "Don't express your true feelings."
o "Don't make waves."
o "Don't disagree."
o "Others have more rights than I do."
2. Communication Style
o Indirect
o Always agrees
o Doesn't speak up
o Hesitant
3. Characteristics
o Apologetic, self-conscious
o Trusts others, but not self
o Doesn't express own wants and feelings
o Allows others to make decisions for self
o Doesn't get what he or she wants
4. Behaviors
o Sighs a lot
o Tries to sit on both sides of the fence to avoid conflict
o Clams up when feeling treated unfairly
o Asks permission unnecessarily
o Complains instead of taking action
o Lets others make choices
o Has difficulty implementing plans
o Self-effacing
5. Nonverbal Cues
o Fidgets
o Nods head often; comes across as pleading
o Lack of facial animation
o Smiles and nods in agreement
o Downcast eyes
o Slumped posture
o Low volume, meek
o Up talk
o Fast, when anxious; slow, hesitant, when doubtful
6. Verbal Cues
o "You should do it."
o "You have more experience than I do."
o "I can't......"
o "This is probably wrong, but..."
o "I'll try..."
o Monotone, low energy
7. Confrontation and Problem Solving
o Avoids, ignores, leaves, postpones
o Withdraws, is sullen and silent
o Agrees externally, while disagreeing internally
o Expends energy to avoid conflicts that are anxiety provoking
o Spends too much time asking for advice, supervision
o Agrees too often
8. Feelings Felt
o Powerlessness
o Wonders why doesn't receive credit for good work
o Chalks lack of recognition to others' inabilities
9. Effects
o Gives up being him or herself
o Builds dependency relationships
o Doesn't know where he or she stands
o Slowly loses self esteem
o Promotes others' causes
o Is not well-liked
Elements of the Assertive Style
1. Mottoes and Beliefs
o Believes self and others are valuable
o Knowing that assertiveness doesn't mean you always win, but that you handled the situation as effectively as possible
o "I have rights and so do others."
2. Communication Style
o Effective, active listener
o States limits, expectations
o States observations, no labels or judgments
o Expresses self directly, honestly, and as soon as possible about feelings and wants
o Checks on others feelings
3. Characteristics
o Non-judgmental
o Observes behavior rather than labeling it
o Trusts self and others
o Confident
o Self-aware
o Open, flexible, versatile
o Playful, sense of humor
o Decisive
o Proactive, initiating
4. Behavior
o Operates from choice
o Knows what it is needed and develops a plan to get it
o Action-oriented
o Firm
o Realistic in her expectations
o Fair, just
o Consistent
o Takes appropriate action toward getting what she wants without denying rights of others
5. Nonverbal Cues
o Open, natural gestures
o Attentive, interested facial expression
o Direct eye contact
o Confident or relaxed posture
o Vocal volume appropriate, expressive
o Varied rate of speech
6. Verbal Cues
o "I choose to..."
o "What are my options?"
o "What alternatives do we have?"
7. Confrontation and Problem Solving
o Negotiates, bargains, trades off, compromises
o Confronts problems at the time they happen
o Doesn't let negative feelings build up
8. Feelings Felt
o Enthusiasm
o Well being
o Even tempered
9. Effects
o Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
o Increased self-esteem of others
o Feels motivated and understood
o Others know where they stand
Clearly, the assertive style is the one to strive for. Keep in mind that very few people are all one or another style. In fact, the aggressive style is essential at certain times such as:
• when a decision has to be made quickly;
• during emergencies;
• when you know you're right and that fact is crucial;
• stimulating creativity by designing competitions destined for use in training or to increase productivity.
Passiveness also has its critical applications:
• when an issue is minor;
• when the problems caused by the conflict are greater than the conflict itself;
• when emotions are running high and it makes sense to take a break in order to calm down and regain perspective;
• when your power is much lower than the other party's;
• when the other's position is impossible to change for all practical purposes (i.e., government policies, etc.).
Remaining aware of your own communication style and fine-tuning it as time goes by gives you the best chance of success in business and life.

A Code for Life

Don Miguel Ruiz's book, The Four Agreements was published in 1997. For many, The Four Agreements is a life-changing book, whose ideas come from the ancient Toltec wisdom of the native people of Southern Mexico. The Toltec were 'people of knowledge' - scientists and artists who created a society to explore and conserve the traditional spiritual knowledge and practices of their ancestors. The Toltec viewed science and spirit as part of the same entity, believing that all energy - material or ethereal - is derived from and governed by the universe. Here is how Don Miguel Ruiz summarizes 'The Four Agreements':

Agreement 1
Be impeccable with your word - Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Agreement 2
Don’t take anything personally - Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

Agreement 3
Don’t make assumptions - Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Agreement 4
Always do your best - Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Habits for Success

Dr Stephen Covey's
7 Habits of Highly Effective People®
Dr Stephen Covey, a renowned writer, speaker, academic and humanist, is a hugely influential management guru, whose book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, became a blueprint for personal development when it was published in 1990. The Seven Habits are said by some to be easy to understand but not as easy to apply. Don't let the challenge daunt you: The 'Seven Habits' are a remarkable set of inspirational and aspirational standards for anyone who seeks to live a full, purposeful and good life, and are applicable today more than ever, as the business world becomes more attuned to humanist concepts. Covey's values are full of integrity and humanity, and contrast strongly with the process-based ideologies that characterized management thinking in earlier times.
Seven habits of highly effective people®
Habit 1 - be proactive®
This is the ability to control one's environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Self determination, choice, and the power to decide response to stimulus, conditions and circumstances
Habit 2 - begin with the end in mind®
Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful.
Habit 3 - put first things first®
Covey calls this the habit of personal management. This is about organizing and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says that habit 2 is the first or mental creation; habit 3 is the second or physical creation.
Habit 4 - think win-win®
Covey calls this the habit of interpersonal leadership, necessary because achievements are largely dependent on co-operative efforts with others. He says that win-win is based on the assumption that there is plenty for everyone, and that success follows a co-operative approach more naturally than the confrontation of win-or-lose.
Habit 5 - seek first to understand and then to be understood®
One of the great maxims of the modern age. This is Covey's habit of communication, and it's extremely powerful. Covey helps to explain this in his simple analogy 'diagnose before you prescribe'. Simple and effective, and essential for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life.
habit 6 - synergize®
Covey says this is the habit of creative co-operation - the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which implicitly lays down the challenge to see the good and potential in the other person's contribution.
Habit 7 - sharpen the saw®
This is the habit of self renewal, says Covey, and it necessarily surrounds all the other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional, which all need feeding and developing.
This 7 Habits summary is just a brief overview - the full work is fascinating, comprehensive, and thoroughly uplifting. Read the book, or listen to the full tape series if you can get hold of it.
Various phrases on this page are registered trade marks belonging to Stephen Covey.

Difficult Job Interview Questions

These are some of the tough interview questions that you may be asked on a job interview. Review the questions and consider an appropriate response, based on your background and skills. There aren't necessarily any right or wrong answers, but carefully consider the job you are applying for, your abilities, and the company culture before you respond.

Tough Interview Questions

Questions About Co-Workers and Supervisors
• Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a co-worker who wasn't doing his/her fair share of the work. What did you do and what was the outcome?
• Give me an example of a time when you took the time to share a co-worker's or supervisor's achievements with others?
• Tell me about a time that you didn't work well with a supervisor.
• What was the outcome and how would you have changed the outcome?
• Have you worked with someone you didn't like? If so, how did you handle it?
• Tell me about a time that you helped someone.
• Tell me about a time that you misjudged a person.
• How do you get along with older (younger) co-workers?

Questions About Your Abilities
• Tell me about a time that you worked conveying technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Tell me about a time that you worked with data, interpreting data, and presenting data.
• Why do you think you will be successful at this job?
• Tell me about a time that you participated in a team, what was your role?
Questions About Yourself
• What would you do differently if you could start your working life over?
• How do you balance life and work?
• What is your preferred way to communication - instant message, phone, or email?
• Do you check voicemail and email when on vacation?
• What is your favorite book? How about your favorite movie?
• What historical figure do you admire and why?
• What did you do during this six month gap in employment?
• What led you to this point in your life?

Questions About Your Career Goals
• Start with your graduation from college and explanation the rationale behind each of your career moves.
• Also explain the thinking process that went into making each if those decisions.
• How many hours a day/week do you need to work to get the job done?
• If you stayed with your current company, what would be your next move?
• How do you measure success?
• Describe your dream job.

Job Interview Questions About Yourself and Sample Answers

When the questions are "personal", about you, it can be a very slippery slope. The answers below are guidelines so you can write out your answers long before you go to the interview. Then, when the question is asked, you can take the few seconds (expected by the interviewer) to think about the question and how you will frame your answer (which you already know).

What would you do differently if you could start your working life over?
The interviewer is looking for a detour that continues to be a professional block in your career.

Looking back over my career, I would have returned to school much earlier to complete my Masters degree. Even though I got my degree later than I had originally anticipated, I never lost sight of the goal.

How do you balance life and work?
The interviewer wonders if you've made arrangements for the days when your child is too sick to go to school and/or daycare or if you're "out of there" as soon as it's quitting time.

Best Answer: Being organized helps me balance my professional life and personal life. Consequently, I can be fully engaged while I'm at work. For those unexpected times, I have a good back-up system of child care for my children.

What is your preferred way to communicate?
This is a good opportunity to show you understand the importance of adjusting your preferences when necessary.

At home, I enjoy talking on the phone and emails. At work, I follow the established pattern. Each of my bosses, in the past, has had a preferred method I've followed their lead.

Do you check voicemail and email when on vacation?

The interviewer is wondering whether they will always be able to find you.
Best Answer: While on vacation, I can be reached for emergencies; however, I also know the people with whom I work are very capable of making good decisions while I'm away. I understand the importance of recharging my battery.

What is your favorite book? How about your favorite movie? The interviewer wants to know whether you read to stay current and if you will you fit into the company culture.

Best Answer (include your personal favorites): I read many different kinds of books. My current "favorite" book is The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman. My favorite movie? Miracle on Ice.

What historical figure do you admire and why?
The interviewer wants to know whether you are well read and what characteristics you admire.
Best Answer (include historical figures you personally admire): Personally, I most admire Abigail Adams, John Adam's wife; professionally I admired the leadership style of Ronald Reagan.

What did you do during this six month gap in employment?
Everyone, at some point, will probably have a gap in employment. Do not "waste it".
Best Answer: For the first month, I worked on my "to do list" at home and accomplished a great deal. Then I began building a plan to reenter the workplace. While it took a little longer than I'd anticipated, I've learned a great deal about myself, am rested and looking forward to new challenges in the workplace.

What led you to this point in your life?
The interviewer wants to know if you are unhappy, frustrated, or lost?
My "road of life" has been interesting, sometimes challenging and always rewarding. The steps along the way that have led to this point in my life are, in some ways, very different than I had imagined; however, I like who I am today in part because of my past. An example is when the second company on my resume suddenly closed their doors during a down-turn in the economy. For a very brief time, the road ahead was unknown; however, I discovered I had previously untapped strengths such as perseverance.

Remembering Mai

Today, March 17th is Mai's birthday. He would have been 53 years old. He is sorely missed! Happy Birthday, Mai!

Back to the Old Grind

I recently took a career dive! I'm back in the office scene, bundy clock and all that stuff! hahahaha

After four years of consultancy work, i decided to take on a full time office job doing communication and marketing stuff for an English language center in Ortigas.

It is a welcome change as the pace is less stressful. Not to mention the new wonderful people I've met. It's nice to be back in the grind...

Bawang!

Happy New Year!

Much of the blessings i received in 2008 were coursed through very dear people. I cannot mention your names here, but i know you know who you are: Thank you from the bottom of my heart!


And to usher 2009, i put out this entry with a big bang...literally, may bawang!

Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne
Traditional Words by Robert Burns


Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine.
We've wandered mony a weary foot,
Sin' auld lang syne.

We twa hae sported i' the burn,
From morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin' auld lang syne.

And ther's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll tak' a right good willie-waught,,
For auld lang syne.