Cutty

Yes, I know it has been a while.  Summer has come and gone.  A lot has happened this summer and I can't wait to share them all with you. Now that all kids are in school, I am supposed to have more time in my hands.  But that is just the complete opposite.  Dealing with the kids assignments and other requirements leave me stressed.  Hahaha.  It's as if I'm the one who went back to school.  We just have to determine our routine and it will be smooth-sailing from there.  I hope. Bettina is a nursery student now.  She was expecting to see Javi's former teacher to greet her.  So when the new teacher greeted her, she was shy to go inside the room.  I had to stay with her for 30 minutes.  She is slowly getting the feel of the class and the pre-school experience.  Outside the classroom, I am amazed by her independence and maturity.  She knows what she wants and communicates that really well. She is sometimes mis...

I've been posting job ads since December.  I've tried national and local publications to get the word out.  I'd say this is one of the more difficult aspects of starting and owning a business. The control-freak in me is helpless.  I have no control over people's reactions.  I can't will people to apply and show up at interviews.  However, I'd like to show you what steps I took to advertise my job opportunities. 1.  Manila Bulletin -  I chose this publication because it is known for their classified ads.  If you are hoping to be included Sunday ads, make sure you have submitted it before the Saturday 12NN deadline. I got a copy of the boxed lay-out from the Franchiser.  Based on the box size, MB gave me the price.  I sent out two Sunday ads for the Massage Therapist position. 2.  PESO - Every city or municipality has a Public Employment Service Office.  One must request to be accredited.  Once accredited, I had acce...

My eldest, Johann, is graduating from pre-school this weekend.  We've invited all grandparents to witness this milestone.  He will be leading the singing of the National Anthem.  He is also quite secretive about what will happen during the program.  This is so not like him.  It must be a sign that he really is growing up. He is quite excited to move on to the Big School.  He can't wait to be one of the big boys.  

There are several documents a business owner should get at the Barangay Hall. 1.  Community Tax Certificate 2.  Business Clearance 3.  Business Clearance for Construction Community Tax Certificate or Cedula.  Any individual who enters into contract agreements must have a CTC.  The fee varies, depending on one's earnings from the previous year. Business Clearance.  After securing your Business Name at the DTI, head to the your Barangay Hall for the Clearance.  All I had to do was fill up the generic form, pay the cashier then wait for the certificate.  This document is needed for Business Permit applications at the City Hall.  It is important that you wait for the DTI Business Name approval so you won't have to go back to the Barangay Hall for name changes.  This cost me P500. Business Clearance for Construction.  I didn't know this document existed.  Apparently, for businesses requiring renovations or cons...

I am starting a series of posts chronicling my exploits as an Entrepreneur. I am hoping that my experience in dealing with different agencies help out novices out there. The first step is to get your business name registered. At dti.gov.ph, you get the basic steps. It is highly recommended that you come to the DTI office since the BNRS page isn't very reliable. Before going to the DTI office, arm yourself with a government-issued ID and several business name options.  I prepared three. Though most government agencies open at 8am, people fall in line at the DTI office earlier than that.  I found out that they usually reach their quota by 8AM.  I arrived at 6:45AM and I was already 29th in the queue.  The Highway 54 branch's cut off is 140 customers.  Be sure to fall in line really early.  Since January is the month for business permit renewal, expect to see long queues everyday. Upon arriving, get forms from the guard on duty.  Be sure to fill ...

Our anniversary dinner is one of the occasions I really look forward to.  It's like a continuation of the holidays.  It was pure indulgence.  Guiltless, too. Last year's celebration was at Lemuria.  The ambience and the food were perfect for celebrating.  This year, we decided to go back to our usual special place.  This is why. An assortment of cheeses and charcuterie plus my favorite dried figs to start of the meal.  It is quite disappointing that the truffle honey was no longer part of the buffet.  Other than that, I'd say the Cheese Atelier was quite exciting.  There are just too many to choose from.   Then there's the unlimited foie gras. You get as much your conscience can take. Vic and I shared this plate.   Most importantly, their famous chocolate chip cookies and a variety of desserts.  I'd be truly disappointed if the cookies were missing.  It really was the perfect ending to the meal. ...

On the eve of January 14, I couldn't sleep.  It wasn't because I was having second thoughts.  I was too excited to fall asleep. Our wedding was going to take place at 3:30PM.  This was the culmination of a year-long preparation.  I remember people coming in at 10AM to prepare everything.  I don't remember eating lunch. I told myself I wouldn't cry as I walked down the aisle.  But, I was crying till it was time for the sermon.  Both Vic and I were crying.  I remember laughing at ourselves because we couldn't stop crying. After having our pictures taken at the pool-side, I remember having this urge to pee.   Three people held up my gown as I relieved myself.  It was so embarrassing.  I couldn't even close the door because of the volume of the skirt.  But there was no other way.  Thankfully, these were people I grew up with. I am forever thankful to the following who made our wedding day memorable and worry-free: T...