Civil Service Exam Schedule 2018, Exam Coverage, Passing Rate, Other Info

Civil Service Exam Schedule 2018 (March 18, 2018 and Aug. 12, 2018). Passing rate is 80.00 for both Professional and SubProfessional Level.

Civil Service Exam date of filing

• For March 18, 2018 exam (Nov. 16, 2017 to Jan. 31, 2018)
• For Aug. 12, 2018 exam (April 10, 2018 to June 22, 2018)

How many items in Civil Service Exam and time limit?

• Professional level (170 items), 3 hours 10 minutes
• SubProfessional (165 items), 2 hours 40 minutes

Civil Service Exam coverage (in English & Filipino)

• Professional (Vocabulary, Correct Grammar & Usage, Organization of Ideas, Analysis/Synthesis, Word Analogy, Data Interpretation, Logic & Abstract Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning)
• SubProfessional (Vocabulary, Correct Grammar & Usage, Organization of Ideas, Analysis/Synthesis, Clerical Ability, Spelling, Numerical Reasoning)

Additional general questions on the following:

• Philippine Constitution
• Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6173 pdf)
• Peace and Human Rights Issues and Concepts
• Environment Management and Protection

Test results release 60 days after exam.

Links and references:

• CSC Releases 2018 Civil Service Examination Calendar
• Facebook note from Civil Service Commission (everything you need to know about the Exam)

How to get a job in Dubai for Filipinos

Prepare at least P70k to get a tourist visa package and get a job in Dubai. Flight and visa can cost up to P40k (3 months is recommended). At least P30k is for your living expenses until you get a job.

Summary of expenses

• P40k (tourist visa package of 3 months)
• P30k to P60k (rent, bedspace, food, sending resumes, attending interviews, etc.)

Total expenses can vary. It depends on your diskarte and katipiran. Also, the expenses above are only estimates.

How to get a tourist visa

Contact a reputable travel agency or just ask a relative or friend on how to get a Dubai tourist visa. Basic requirement is your passport and colored passport photo in white background.

It also helps to have an Affidavit of Support from a family member. This will show the Immigration Officers in the airport that someone will support your stay in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Contact your kakilalas about how they got a job in Dubai

It's still better to ask a kakilala (former classmate, friend, relative) on how they got hired in UAE. This way you will learn the right process. He/she might even help you land a job there easily. He/she might also give you some important tips (e.g. avoid offloading or rejection from Immigration Officers)

Why getting a tourist visa then applying for a job is risky

Actually, the above option is risky because there's no guarantee you'll get a job in your 1-3 months of stay. Let's look at this fictional example.

• Day 1: You arrive in Dubai (full of hope and excitement)
• Week 1: Applying to jobs online and as a walk-in applicant (20+ jobs applied)
• Week 2: Attending interviews while still sending resumes
• Week 3: No luck, interviews and sending resumes again
• Week 4: Another round of interviews
• Week 5: Still no luck
• Week 6: You run out of money. Uutangan na mga relatives and friends. Still sending resumes and praying.
• Week 7: Interviews again.
• Week 8 (after 2 months of stay): Finally, you get hired for a job.
• Week 9: Requirements and work visa processing

It's a good example. But many Pinoys still don't find a job even after 3 months (they are then forced to exit and go home). Also, they're likely to have spent at least P100k during those 3 months of applying to jobs, eating, renting, transportation, etc.

If you still choose this path, prepare thoroughly. Way before you arrive in Dubai, you should have your resumes ready (customize your resume according to the position you're applying). You should also plan where to apply. You should prepare the list of companies and websites where you'll send your resumes. Also search for job fairs in Dubai so you can apply to more companies.

Why not just go through recruitment agencies?

Legit and licensed recruitment agencies will make it a lot easier for you. If your qualifications match available jobs, you'll have a ready job once you arrive in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or Sharjah. After all, they'll also earn money if you successfully get hired. Once you get a job, you're likely to refer your friends to that agency (more customers for the agency).

Beware of illegal recruiters though. That's why it's important to ask your kakilalas about how they got a job. Also make sure the agencies have valid licenses issued by POEA.

Summary

If you choose visiting Dubai then applying for a job, prepare at least P100k to be safe. Also contact your relatives and other kakilalas there so you'll know the process (they might even help you get hired).

If you choose getting hired through an agency, make sure it's licensed by POEA. Also ask your friends and relatives which agencies they recommend.

Disclaimer

These are not guarantees though. Do your homework and do your own investigations. After all, it's a lot of money at stake. You can check the status of recruitment agencies here (POEA website).

Also check the reputation and validity of the travel agency you're dealing with. Well, it's just best to ask friends and relatives about their recommendations (what they themselves used and their kakilala).

It's now up to you how to approach your job search. Be careful and good luck!

Photo by Christoph on Unsplash

Air Cable and Internet Packages Tarlac City

Last update: March 10, 2019. Air cable and internet packages start at P1,299 a month (up to 5mbps w/ 18 HD channels). Unlimited internet (No data cap). Higher plans are from P1,499 to P4,199 a month (more HD channels and/or faster internet speed, up to 100mbps).

Installation fee of at least P1,000 with WiFi modem for internet and cable box. Will be installed within 2-3 days after application. 24 months lock-in period. If you decide to end the service (e.g. you will transfer to Globe or PLDT) before 24 months is over, you won't get the deposit (1-month bill worth I think). It's best to contact the nearest Air Cable and Internet office to clarify.

Air Cable Channel List

Some of the HD Channels

• Fox Family Movies HD
• Fox Movies Premium HD
• National Geographic HD
• Nat Geo Wild HD (jungle, animals, aquatic, etc.)
• Nat Geo People HD
• CNN HD

Some of the standard channels

• ABS-CBN
• PTV 4
• TV 5
• GMA 7
• Pinoy Box Office
• Cinema One
• INC TV
• Myx
• Star Movies
• Star World
• Discovery Channel
• Cartoon Network

My review

So far it's 99.9% reliable here in San Vicente, Tarlac City (Internet + Cable TV). Download speeds often reach 680kbps (up to 5mbps + 18 HD channels, P1,299 a month). We've been using it for more than a year already (was installed Oct 2017).

A lot has changed since then because there are now areas with Fiber Plans (no data cap):

• Fiber X 1500 (25mbps)
• Fiber X 2500 (75mbps)
• Fiber X 3500 (150mbps)

• Installation Fee of Php 2500
• 30% minimum speed at 80% service reliability
• Lock-in period of 24 months
• Upgrade for all existing Plan 2500 and Plan 3500 subscribers will be completed on December 31, 2018.

These plans (both Fiber and the basic ones) may or may not be available in your area. If you're in a populated location and near main roads, there's a good chance Air Internet services are available. It's best to go to the nearest office and ask if they have available service lines in your subdivision or barangay.

Contact Converge Air Cable in Tarlac City

It's best to go to their HI-Tech Tarlac City Office near Conacor PNP Bldg Tarlac City (walking distance from Tarlac Cathedral and Magic Star Mall). In Capas it's in Brgy. Sto Domingo 1st, near Quintos Furniture Capas Tarlac.

This way they can better explain the packages to you and you can ask questions. You can also try to contact them through their Facebook Pages (Air Cable, Air Internet).

Filipino wedding superstitions

Sukob, seeing each other before wedding, and knives as wedding gifts are just some of the Filipino wedding superstitions. These are considered malas especially by the elderly.

Other traditional wedding superstitions are:

• Wedding date should be on 8th of a month (8 is infinity, also ends in upward stroke (upward movement in fortune) when you write it
• Bride must not wear pearls during wedding day to avoid suffering (pearls were made from tears)
• No one should wear black (black is about sadness and mourning)
• Make sure candles are kept lit at all times (e.g. if candle in the groom's side dies out, he will die first)
• Throwing/showering bigas on the couple is good luck 

About sukob, it's bad luck for siblings to marry within a year. For example, if bro1's wedding date is Nov. 19, 2017, bro2 should only marry on Nov. 20, 2018 or later (more than 1 year gap). It's considered to be malas if not followed. Well, weddings are expensive and siblings and their families should prepare properly. Consecutive weddings will drain the siblings' budgets.

Seeing each other before wedding is also said to be malas. Actually this was practiced during the time of arranged marriages of old times. The soon-to-be married couple were not allowed to meet until their wedding day because one might back out.

Knives as wedding gifts are also malas or unlucky because knives somehow symbolize cutting relationships and bad luck.

Follow superstitions?

There's no harm in following the above wedding traditions and superstitions (especially if your family values tradition). Follow the superstitions above to prevent negative atmosphere and comments from your kamag-anak. Then, you can better focus on your wedding and married life.

Photo by Robert Oh on Unsplash

Caleruega entrance fee and other info

Caleruega entrance fee is P30 per head. Open from Mon-Sun (8am-5pm) as pasyalan. Also popular as wedding venue, prenup shoot site, and retreat center.

Photo source

Caleruega Church is located in Nasugbu, Batangas and near the following popular pasyalan:

• Twin Lakes in Tagaytay (European look, awesome natural view, great man-made establishments)
• Puzzle Mansion Bed & Breakfast (8km from Caleruega)
• Skyranch Tagaytay (11.3km from Caleruega)
• Residence Inn Zoo (also in Tagaytay)

Caleruega gives you the perfect natural feel with the different plants, flowers, and trees. There's also a hanging bridge (you might get dizzy after crossing it).

Photo source

While in Caleruega please be considerate and civilized. Remember it's a place for retreat and within church grounds.

Caleruega Church Mass Schedule is Sun 11am. If you need more info about their schedule, wedding venue, prenup shoot, and retreat, visit their Facebook page.

Our experience

We went there Nov. 12, 2017 (Sun) after we visited Twin Lakes (there was a parking fee here of P20 I'm not sure). Both sites are great places for pictorial and normal selfies. Almost every area is an opportunity for awesome pictures. That time around 12pm to 3pm is more than enough to visit almost all important areas of Caleruega. Prepare to walk a lot (there are a lot of stairs and elevated areas) and observe nature. "Close to nature. Closer to God."

Near the entrance of Caleruega there are sellers of guyabano and other fruits. Also, just near the entrance and exit there's a store where you can buy "souvenirs."

Overall, it's an awesome and different experience. It's worth visiting especially for those who want to take a break from work and busy life.

How to get baptismal certificate Philippines

Go to the church where you're baptized and provide your name, birthdate, parents' names, and the date when you're baptized. This way the church staff can easily find you in their records.

Can you get the baptismal certificate in other Catholic Churches?

No. Only the church where you're baptized has your records. For example, I got mine from Saint Michael the Archangel Parish (San Miguel, Tarlac City) and my girlfriend got hers from San Sebastian Cathedral (F. Tanedo Tarlac City). Payment can be in the form of donation or a required amount with receipt (ours is P100 each). You can claim the certificate either same day or after a week (it depends).

What if you don't know your baptismal date?

The job gets easier if you know when you're baptized. The church staff can instantly find you in their records. If you don't know, ask your parents the approximate date (month and year) of your baptismal so the church staff will know where to start.

Baptismal certificate for church wedding

Make sure the certificate has indicated "For Marriage Purposes" or something like that. This is a must as a Catholic church wedding requirement.

The Greenery Bulacan Rates, Venue, Activities

How much entrance in Greenery Bulacan? It's P7,500 for a half-day prenup shoot (no idea about room rates and other amenities). We went there Nov. 14, 2017 (Tue) and I think there were at least 10 others who also do either a prenup shoot or a debut pictorial.

There are lots of possible prenup shoot sites in the Greenery Baliuag Bulacan (e.g. near the Barn House, Gazebo). In fact, almost every site is a potential pictorial area for everyone. For me it offers a different feel (prang nasa ibang bansa, especially yung Barn House). Also, there are many other areas which gives a local feel.

Photo source

Aside from prenup shoot, The Greenery is also good for wedding venues and team building. Wedding venues include:

• Lighthouse
• Pavilion
• Open Garden
• Pavilion Grand Ballroom
• Barn House
• Clubhouse 1
• Clubhouse 2
• Floating Gazebo

For team building in The Greenery, inclusions are swimming pool, space for outdoor activities, games materials and facilitator, etc.

Back to prenup shoot. We're from Tarlac City and we chose Greenery for prenup shoot. From Tarlac City to Greenery it's almost a 2-hour ride. Pictorial was from 12pm up to 5pm. It's enough for 3 photo sessions (casual, semi-formal, formal) with the hairstyling and makeup sessions included. You can either rent a room (additional cost) or just choose a gazebo outdoors and change clothes in the CR.

Their contact info can be found in this page (email, address, mobile numbers).

Why Network Marketing is Bad?

First, you'll lose your friends. Second, most people just don't earn enough money with network marketing or multi-level marketing (MLM).

Most Pinoys in MLM just pretend to be earning thousands of pesos (and encashing checks every now and then) and having a new car. Only the top 1% (or maybe it's just the top 0.01%) are the lucky ones who can post in FB about their travels, car, and dream home. For the most of us, it's just impossible.

Many of the people who join network marketing have 1 or 2 (or all) of the following reasons:

• Instant riches
• Passive income
• Thousands of pesos with zero effort
• Overnight wealth
• Just use your Facebook and start earning
• Finally buy a car
• Have your dream home
• Easy money
• You already have potential customers (aka your friends, relatives, classmates, and officemates)
• With passive income you can travel the world
• Brag about your checks and cash
• The "glory" of earning money without work
• Just the money itself

Let's go back to losing your friends when you're in MLM. Perhaps you've noticed already how some of your friends make annoying and spammy FB posts about their products, about how you can earn passive income? Lol. They're desperate. Also, they're trying to appeal to your greed. Imagine having thousands of pesos (or even millions?) earned without any effort, with just your Facebook and some health or beauty products?

Those people who make spammy FB posts will lose their friends one by one. They're using Facebook and their "friends" and classmates to get customers. "User-friendly" as they say. Many of them are friendly because they can use you for their self-interests.

Why network marketing is bad?

It's bad because people think of it as magic. Zero effort and the money comes in. They think of it as a solution to all their problems.

But the truth is there's no magic. Even with legit MLM you need to work hard. All types of businesses require some work so you can succeed. There are legit MLM out there and the successful people are busy posting about their awesome lives. Those who failed are just silent. We don't often hear stories about people who failed. We only read about successful people who have exaggerated lives.

Some people automatically think of MLM as scam. Well, there are hundreds of stories about network marketing ending up as scams. People lost their money (worse, their relatives and friends also lost money).

How to know if it's a scam? If it's too good to be true, it's probably a scam. Also, it's good to read the checklist from Securities and Exchange Commission. It will give you some ideas if something's a scam.

Summary and conclusion

In short, don't believe in magic when it comes to earning money. To earn money, get a job or start a business/sideline. The key is to sell a product or service in exchange for money.

If you still want to go for MLM, make sure it's legit and credible. Take note that besides your money, your reputation (and number of friends) is also at stake.

9 Business Ideas & Sidelines You Can Start This Week

Here are small business ideas or sidelines you can start today or this week with low capital. Key here is start small and get your first customer as soon as possible.

1. Sell through Facebook
2. Freelance in Upwork
3. Sell ulam or merienda to officemates
4. Become an insurance agent
5. Tutor students
6. Start a food stall in your house front
7. Organize small events
8. Be a consultant using your current skills
9. Sell handicrafts

You can try them one by one and see which one clicks. You can also do more than 2 ideas today or this week and start earning money.

1. Sell through Facebook

Many fellow Pinoys already do this. They buy cheap products and sell it at a bit higher price for profit. They sell dresses, shoes, watches, perfumes, and other stuff. Customer pays and receives the product by personal meetup.

2. Freelance in Upwork

Upwork is a popular freelancing site for Filipinos and other people all around the globe. Work can be part-time or full-time depending on the client and company. Foreign or local clients hire you for per-hour and per-project basis. Writing, graphic design, social media, and web development are some of the popular gigs here.

3. Sell ulam or merienda to officemates

You have to wake up early to prepare the food. Many of your officemates might just prefer ready-to-eat food instead of preparing it themselves or dining out (which can be expensive). It can be a regular income source because people eat every day.

4. Become an insurance agent

This is a good part-time job. Apply to one of the most popular national insurance companies. I think earnings are based from commissions. Don't rely solely on this though. Initial income might be zero or minimal because it could be slow or unpredictable to get customers.

5. Tutor students

Help students improve their grades and exam scores. You can also help them for college admission tests or scholarship exams. If you're an engineering graduate, you can tutor in math. If you're a science major (Physics, Biology, Chemistry), you can tutor on those subjects. If you're a school teacher, you can tutor in your specialty.

6. Start a food stall in your house front

You can sell kwek-kwek, barbecue, isaw, burger, fries, palamig, banana cue, and other snacks and beverages. Start with 1 or 2 merienda and see if it "clicks." You can also sell breakfast such as lugaw, arroz caldo, and champorado.

7. Organize small events

You can help organize your pamangkin's birthday (or other special events of your family, friend, or relative). This can be stressful and time-consuming because you have to coordinate and contact suppliers for food, chairs, entertainment, attire, event venue, sound system, etc.

8. Be a consultant using your current skills

If you're an accountant, you can help your uncle's business with the accounting and bookkeeping. If you're a mechanical or chemical engineer, you can be a consultant for water refilling station businesses. If you're a software engineer, you can develop software and apps for other businesses. In short, use your current expertise to earn more.

9. Sell handicrafts

You can make a basket or do a cross stitch and try to sell it. If you got really good feedback and someone bought immediately, it could be the sign. Other handicrafts include pottery, woodcarving, handmade slippers, knitted accessories, handmade necklaces, beads, scrapbooking, sewing, and others.

***

You can start today so you can test the idea's potential. Once your business grows (you have a lot of customers), register the business to make it formal and long term.

Start with very low capital (don't invest all your savings). Also, it's still good to have a regular job so you can always have an income source no matter what happens to your sideline or business.