Gone are the days when the pregnant bride had a rushed, quiet wedding to cover the "shame". Realism and relaxed social mores have set in and many brides are pregnant; indeed, in 2001, one London dress shop estimated that almost 20 percent of its customers were expecting. Both pregnancy and marriage are occasions for celebration, so the pregnant bride has every right to stand tall and feel proud, as well as looking very radiant on her special day.
Understand the feelings of others around you. For some people the cultural or faith beliefs and expectations that they hold may make it hard for them to accept your willingness to be a pregnant bride. Have compassion for them because they're taking things very literally without thinking through the consequences, including that you've chosen to get married and live with your spouse and the child. Take some time to talk to them about their feelings,listen well, and then explain your own feelings to them. While you probably won't see eye-to-eye completely, avoiding hurling your anger and frustration at them will earn you their respect, even if begrudgingly.
Explain to people who preach woe and shame that today's attitudes are far more relaxed and compassionate.
Sharon Naylor, author of The Bride's Diplomacy Guide, suggests that if you're confronted with thinly veiled criticism about getting married "in that condition", respond by saying something along the lines of "We've been so blessed, and we're happy to share our wedding with our entire family.
Don't act ashamed. This unhealthy externally-induced emotion is one of the things that has the potential to ruin everything for you, your spouse-to-be, and for your child when he or she grows old enough to understand how the wedding was and how you felt about it. Be proud of the decisions you make in life. Pregnancy and marriage are two states to be very excited about, so stay proud!
Be aware that there may be a special challenge with those who were coerced into marrying young in the past because of pregnancy. They may resent the fact that you're glowing and proud to show off your bump while they had to slink around and quickly get the marriage over and done with.
Deal with the "white dress" issue. White dresses are a Victorian invention following the fact that Queen Victoria was married in white (her example was always followed at the time); later, the idea of white gained a strange moral overtone that wasn't even the reason when white first became fashionable. Today, white is simply viewed as a popular and traditional wedding color and not as a moral judgment. If you want to wear white, then wear it. Equally, if you'd rather wear any other color, go for that too. Don't be hampered by a social convention that is confused and out-dated!
Talk to your officiant if you're planning on a church wedding. Some churches won't allow a wedding with a pregnant bride but many churches will. Ask around and again, do not be ashamed.
Some churches require pre-marital counseling. Ask about the requirements.
Some chaplains/priests/other faith officiant may expect you to "tone down" the wedding to make it a more private affair. If that doesn't suit you, then keep asking around or consider a compromise such as a private wedding and a large reception.
Expect a few challenges with the dress but don't settle for anything that looks like frump with a bump. Find a good dressmaker and tell her the date of the wedding and how far pregnant you'll be on that date. Your dress will need to be alterable as you cannot predict your growth rate or dynamics; ask your dressmaker to bear this in mind when making up the dress. Look for fuller gowns rather than tight fits, small waists, and anything figure-hugging. The right style of dresses include empire line, princess line or A-line dresses.
Place the accent on your shoulders and bust to draw the eye away from your belly zone.
If buying a ready-made maternity bridal gown, it's a good idea to try and leave it until much closer to the wedding date, to be sure of a comfortable fit.
Avoid corsets, tightly laced bodices, or any other constricting gear. Flow is the go for a woman with a growing bubs and aching joints.
Forget the fancy high heels. Go with comfortable flats that will allow you stand for a good period of time without feeling even more achy and tired than your pregnancy is already managing to do to you.
Have the usual accessories. The veil, jewelery, purse, and bouquet remain unaffected by your belly size, so enjoy all of them as much as wished.
Consider having a mock wedding ring made up. Pregnancy tends to make most women swell and your fingers won't be immune to this! One neat answer is to have both your real wedding ring and a mock one, using the mock one for the wedding ceremony and then wearing your real wedding ring once your fingers are back to their usual size. If you want the real ring to be part of the ceremony, you could wear it around your neck or have it placed upon the ring cushion next to the mock ring and carefully stored after the vows are exchanged.
You could also consider purchasing the ring fitted to your swollen fingers and have it altered later.
Plan the menu. When pregnant you cannot consume certain things, so be sure that there are suitable alternatives available for you on the menu. This doesn't mean you can't let your guests, the groom and wedding party enjoy these things, it just means you need to find alternatives for you as well. Things that you won't be able to share in include:
Alcohol, seafood and any raw fish, soft cheeses, and anything your doctor advises against.
Plan a honeymoon that's realistic and very relaxing. You deserve double the pampering with wedding planning and baby growing contributing to your overall exhaustion. Find a place that isn't hard to get to and that doesn't require a lot of planning but that promises much peace, quiet, and pampering.
If flying, check that both destination and return flights are able to take you; most airlines won't let pregnant women fly after a certain period into the pregnancy unless it's an emergency.
Be sure that your insurance covers any pregnancy complications or even giving birth. Also know where hospitals are in case of an emergency.
Another way around this is to simply postpone the honeymoon until after the baby's born. You'll deserve the rest and the babysitting!
Enjoy your wedding. Fatigue may be the biggest factor for you during the wedding, especially if it's long. You may need to sit more than you expected, so be sure there are chairs placed in strategic places for you to rest when needed. Talk to the chaplain/priest/celebrant about the length of vows too, in case you're worried about their length or about having a tall stool or something to lean off if need be. Try to do everything possible to ease the fatigue, including good shoes, plenty of water, and easy bathroom access. For the most part, concentrate on enjoying to occasion and shining because it's your day and you deserve to have the very best day possible.
TIPS
Wedding dress designers do cater for pregnant women; it's just not something that is advertised a lot because it's not a selling point for wedding outfitters. However, don't be shy, ashamed, or afraid; just tell the fitter or dressmaker you're pregnant and work from there.
Disguising the fact that you're pregnant with a dress is possible early on. Go one dress size up, make the top part of your dress the elaborate feature, and carry a large bouquet.
Consider the length of everything - the ceremony, the reception, the speeches, etc., and think seriously of paring down where you can. And depending on your stamina, it may not be a good idea to have a reception that goes late into the evening. If your heart is set on this, simply accept that you may need to bow out earlier than the wedding party and guests, but let them enjoy the rest of the night
WARNING
Avoid marrying fast just because of pregnancy. This must be done for the right reasons, not because you feel it is the right thing to do by social standards. Are the two of you compatible for life? Will the stress of planning a wedding be better left off until after the baby is born? Make your choice wisely.
Source: Wikihow.com
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Sunday, June 26, 2011
How to Have a Small Private Wedding
If a small private wedding is what you want, everyone close to you has to understand your needs and desires. Without hurting their feelings, there are a few ways to have everyone meet in the middle (depending on what type of family you have).
Have a small Private affair to remember! Wedding time is normally considered a time of grand celebration, expenses and people. It is undeniably a couple’s personal decision either to have a grand celebration or a simple private affair with family and close friends. Your bonding, rituals and feelings are going to be the same with or without countless people. It is certainly a very wise decision to have a small scale wedding and not many would dare to think on this line. Here are few ideas to rally round while you arrange a small private wedding.
Stand politely firm in your decision to have a small wedding and make it clear that you will not change your plans no matter how much pressure others put on you.
Allow family members and friends to suggest a guest list and assure them that those who do not receive an invitation to the wedding will be invited to an informal reception at a later date.
Set an amount you are willing to spend on your wedding and reception. Create a budget that will keep you within your means. Download free wedding planning guides to see what expenses you must incur and what you can omit or reduce. Be realistic; even a low cost wedding demands a reasonable amount of funds.
Choose a wedding location appropriate for smaller gatherings. Large halls do not usually take bookings for smaller numbers of people; that leaves you with the opportunity to try something new or unusual. In addition to local inns, private gardens, and public parks, consider any nearby wedding chapels, wineries with landscaped grounds, or apartment complex clubhouses. There are many unusual spots not traditionally chosen for weddings and receptions.
Design your menu to follow your guests' preferences. Large crowds require a menu designed to please most tastes, but when your guests are a small number of well-known family and friends, you can capitalize on this opportunity to serve a menu of their collective favorites.
Let all your family and friends say a few words and express their feelings at the event. Relax and dispense with formality. Let this be a moment that becomes a lifelong memory of love and acceptance.
Set up a video display of past highlights with family and friends. Show past family events and achievements that bind you together.
Involve each family member in the dance and enjoy and live through each second.
TIPS
Have a friend or family member conduct the wedding ceremony. This can save several hundred dollars which your minister may charge. See information on Becoming Ordained to set up your choice of an officiant.
If budget is not a problem, you can organize a theme marriage. Fewer people can fit in well in an Arabian theme or beach side celebration with dance and jubilations to follow.
You can plan a vacation wedding as well. With just family and few close friends it will not be grand expense. You can even stay there later for enjoying the marital bliss and take leave from friends.
Stress more on smaller details as you do not have to be worried about attending lot of people and arrangements.
Excuse yourself by explaining to people that the whole thing was planned in haste.
For the ones that aren't invited, sit down and talk to them about why you want a small, private wedding. There more than likely will be people with hurt feelings, and people who don't understand your intentions, and a good explanation may help for those who are truly hurting.
Small private weddings might not be the most preferred ones but they surely are wisest choices. Looking back you will have people envying you for this dynamic move and wish they had done the same.
Avoid all the hassle of telling everyone. Keep it a secret from everyone who isn't invited-that way you won't hurt their feelings. Then, when you come back from your honeymoon, break the news to friends and family and throw a big reception bash.
WARNINGS
You will get mixed reactions to your decision.
Be prepared to answer friends and guests who were left out of invitations.
Gear your self for some very emotional moments.
Many people only get married once, so keep that in mind when you are writing your guests' names down. For example, if you don't invite certain people (grandparents, etc.) to your wedding, you may feel guilty down the line somewhere (whether it's your wedding day, or two years down the road)
Source: Wikihow.com
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Have a small Private affair to remember! Wedding time is normally considered a time of grand celebration, expenses and people. It is undeniably a couple’s personal decision either to have a grand celebration or a simple private affair with family and close friends. Your bonding, rituals and feelings are going to be the same with or without countless people. It is certainly a very wise decision to have a small scale wedding and not many would dare to think on this line. Here are few ideas to rally round while you arrange a small private wedding.
Stand politely firm in your decision to have a small wedding and make it clear that you will not change your plans no matter how much pressure others put on you.
Allow family members and friends to suggest a guest list and assure them that those who do not receive an invitation to the wedding will be invited to an informal reception at a later date.
Set an amount you are willing to spend on your wedding and reception. Create a budget that will keep you within your means. Download free wedding planning guides to see what expenses you must incur and what you can omit or reduce. Be realistic; even a low cost wedding demands a reasonable amount of funds.
Choose a wedding location appropriate for smaller gatherings. Large halls do not usually take bookings for smaller numbers of people; that leaves you with the opportunity to try something new or unusual. In addition to local inns, private gardens, and public parks, consider any nearby wedding chapels, wineries with landscaped grounds, or apartment complex clubhouses. There are many unusual spots not traditionally chosen for weddings and receptions.
Design your menu to follow your guests' preferences. Large crowds require a menu designed to please most tastes, but when your guests are a small number of well-known family and friends, you can capitalize on this opportunity to serve a menu of their collective favorites.
Let all your family and friends say a few words and express their feelings at the event. Relax and dispense with formality. Let this be a moment that becomes a lifelong memory of love and acceptance.
Set up a video display of past highlights with family and friends. Show past family events and achievements that bind you together.
Involve each family member in the dance and enjoy and live through each second.
TIPS
Have a friend or family member conduct the wedding ceremony. This can save several hundred dollars which your minister may charge. See information on Becoming Ordained to set up your choice of an officiant.
If budget is not a problem, you can organize a theme marriage. Fewer people can fit in well in an Arabian theme or beach side celebration with dance and jubilations to follow.
You can plan a vacation wedding as well. With just family and few close friends it will not be grand expense. You can even stay there later for enjoying the marital bliss and take leave from friends.
Stress more on smaller details as you do not have to be worried about attending lot of people and arrangements.
Excuse yourself by explaining to people that the whole thing was planned in haste.
For the ones that aren't invited, sit down and talk to them about why you want a small, private wedding. There more than likely will be people with hurt feelings, and people who don't understand your intentions, and a good explanation may help for those who are truly hurting.
Small private weddings might not be the most preferred ones but they surely are wisest choices. Looking back you will have people envying you for this dynamic move and wish they had done the same.
Avoid all the hassle of telling everyone. Keep it a secret from everyone who isn't invited-that way you won't hurt their feelings. Then, when you come back from your honeymoon, break the news to friends and family and throw a big reception bash.
WARNINGS
You will get mixed reactions to your decision.
Be prepared to answer friends and guests who were left out of invitations.
Gear your self for some very emotional moments.
Many people only get married once, so keep that in mind when you are writing your guests' names down. For example, if you don't invite certain people (grandparents, etc.) to your wedding, you may feel guilty down the line somewhere (whether it's your wedding day, or two years down the road)
Source: Wikihow.com
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Sunday, June 19, 2011
How to Make Wedding Invitations
If you want to save money from your wedding budget a good way to cut costs is to make your own wedding invitations. You do not have to sacrifice style to save money. Make your own handmade invitations using your computer and some common scrapbooking and arts and crafts supplies.
STEP 1
Go shopping for your materials. A good place to shop would be an arts and crafts supply store such as Michael’s crafts. You can get other supplies like card stock, ink, or glue at an office supply store. Buy 8 ½ by 11 inch card stock in a 65 lb. Weight or heavier, some decorative paper preferably eight ½ by 11 inch or larger. Buy a very small paper punch and some decorative brads in a color to match the wedding and invitation theme. Buy some thin ribbon to match the invitations.
STEP 2
Use your Word processor program on your computer to create an invitation template (most common is Microsoft Word). Open your word processing program on your computer to a new document. Choose File>page setup. A new window will open. In the box where it says "page orientation" choose landscape. Set all page margins to a half inch. Hit "ok".
STEP 3
Choose Format> Columns. A new window will open. Set the number of columns at two. Enter one inch as the space between the columns.
STEP 4
Create the invitation's text. Type the invitation's text into the first column on the page. Highlight the entire text using your mouse cursor. Select to have the text centered on the alignment button on the program's toolbar. Choose a scrolling decorative font and change the size of the font to suite your needs. Select Edit>Copy while the text is still highlighted. Move your mouse cursor to the next column and select Edit> Paste. Using the "enter" button on your keyboard center the text vertically on the page for both columns.
- Be sure to follow proper wording and spelling when composing your invitation. Do not, for example, use zip codes for the church and reception hall. No one is going to mail something to you there. Spell out the words Street and Avenue and avoid other abbreviations. Find other invitations to use as a guide. Ask friends and family to proofread for spelling and accuracy.
- Dr. Mary Jones and Mr. John Smith request the honour of your presence at the wedding of their daughter Mary Jane to Colonel Dusty Rhodes at two o'clock on the first of November at Christchurch Hall
STEP 5
Print the invitation text onto plain white printer paper.
STEP 6
Go to a local copy shop. Call ahead and make sure they have paper cutting services. Bring both the cardstock and decorative paper to the copy shop. Request to have the invitation text copied onto the decorative paper. Ask that they cut the cardstock in half to make cards sized at 5 ½ by 8 ½ inch. Have the decorative paper cut in half and then trimmed around all edges by a quarter inch.
STEP 7
Assemble the wedding invitations.Take a piece of decorative paper and place it centered over a sheet of cut cardstock. Punch a small hole through the top center of both sheets of paper. Cut the ribbon into lengths of about 10 to 15 inches. Press a small brad through the middle of the ribbon then insert the brad into the hole in the invitation to hold the two sheets of paper together. Flip the invitation over and open the prongs of the brad to secure it in place. Turn the invitation over again and tie the ribbon into a neat bow. Snip off the edges of the ribbon diagonally so they are equal in length.
TIPS
- When buying paper for your wedding invitations choose papers that match or compliment each other. Make sure and choose a decorative paper with a pattern that is not so bold that it overpowers the text you will print onto it. Many scrapbooking papers come in wedding themed patterns and soft floral patterns. Vellum is also a good choice but you may have to print onto it yourself as some copy shops may refuse to send it through their machines.
- Scrapbooking background papers are great for making handmade cards and invitations. You can find them at any arts and crafts supply store in the scrapbooking aisle.
- Using a copy shop can be a quick and easy alternative to printing them yourself at home. It is quick, and cheaper than you would expect. Plus you will save your printer's ink cartridges.
- Decorative papers do not always come in the standard sizes (8 1/2 by 11 inch). Especially if you choose a scrapbooking paper which a lot of the time comes in 12 by 12 inch or smaller. If the paper is too big you can have it cut to size for you before the text is copied onto it. Choose a copy shop with paper cutting services.
Source: www.wikihow.com
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Marriage License Application Guide in Davao City
TWO TO THREE MONTHS
before your wedding you should process your “Marriage License” for it has an expiration date of about 4 months.
Go to the Office of the City Registrar (Office of the City Registrar, Ground Floor, Sangguniang Panglungsod Building, San Pedro St., Davao City Tel.Nos.: +63(082) 227-5794 / 227-8060)
You should bring:
NSO Birth Certificate (1 Original and 2 Photocopies each bride and groom to be)
For ages 25 years old and below:
Parents' consent for 18 – 25 years old
Certificate of Attendance in a pre-marital counseling and family planning seminar from the Division of Maternal and Child Health at the City Hall.
Not applicable for 26 years old and above
CEDULA ( 1 original and 2 photocopies)
Wait for 1-2weeks (Depending on their due date)
Youre CENOMAR will be given to you and its now time to apply for your marriage license. Just ask the personal for its form, fill it up and pay the necessary dues. They may give the marriage license to you on the same day or they might ask you to comeback after few days.
Comeback to City Registrar’s Office and get your marriage license that is valid for 4months.
After the wedding, you must bring back your signed marriage license to the city registrar’s office to have it registered. It also have an expiration of about 2weeks.
By: Bong P
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
before your wedding you should process your “Marriage License” for it has an expiration date of about 4 months.
Go to the Office of the City Registrar (Office of the City Registrar, Ground Floor, Sangguniang Panglungsod Building, San Pedro St., Davao City Tel.Nos.: +63(082) 227-5794 / 227-8060)
You should bring:
NSO Birth Certificate (1 Original and 2 Photocopies each bride and groom to be)
For ages 25 years old and below:
Parents' consent for 18 – 25 years old
Certificate of Attendance in a pre-marital counseling and family planning seminar from the Division of Maternal and Child Health at the City Hall.
Not applicable for 26 years old and above
CEDULA ( 1 original and 2 photocopies)
Wait for 1-2weeks (Depending on their due date)
Youre CENOMAR will be given to you and its now time to apply for your marriage license. Just ask the personal for its form, fill it up and pay the necessary dues. They may give the marriage license to you on the same day or they might ask you to comeback after few days.
Comeback to City Registrar’s Office and get your marriage license that is valid for 4months.
After the wedding, you must bring back your signed marriage license to the city registrar’s office to have it registered. It also have an expiration of about 2weeks.
By: Bong P
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
How Children Change a Marriage
Charles: “Mary and I were thrilled with the arrival of our baby daughter. But I lost a lot of sleep in the first few months after she was born. We had all sorts of plans for how to deal with her, but all of them quickly vanished.”
Mary: “With the birth of our baby, my life was no longer my own. Suddenly, everything revolved around the next bottle, the next diaper change, or the next attempt to quiet the baby. The adjustment was immense. It took months before my relationship with Charles returned to normal.”
MANY would agree that having children is one of the greatest joys in life. The Bible describes children as “a reward” from God.(Psalm 127:3) New parents like Charles and Mary also know that children can change a marriage in unexpected ways. For example, a new mother may focus on her baby and be surprised at how her body and heart respond to each whimper of the newborn. As for the new father, he may marvel at the bond formed between his wife and the baby, but he may also worry about suddenly being left out. In fact, the birth of a first child may be a catalyst for a crisis in a marriage. An individual’s emotional insecurities and a couple’s unresolved issues may surface, exposed and magnified by the strains of parenthood. How can new parents adjust to the hectic first few months when the newborn requires all their attention? What can a couple do to maintain their intimacy? Howcan they handle any disagreements about parenting? Let us examine each of those challenges and consider how Bible principles can help a couple to meet them.
CHALLENGE 1: Life suddenly revolves around the child.
A new baby consumes its mother’s time and thoughts. She may feel a deep sense of emotional fulfillment in caring for her baby. Meanwhile, her husband might feel neglected. Manuel, who lives in Brazil, says: “My wife’s shift of focus from me to our baby was the most difficult change for me to accept. Before, it was just the two of us, and then all of a sudden, it was just my wife and the baby.” How can you cope with the upheaval? ˇ A key to success: Be patient. “Love is long-suffering and kind,” says the Bible. Love “does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) When a new baby arrives, what can both husband and wife do to apply that counsel? A wise husband proves his love for his wife by educating himself about the physical and mental impact childbirth has on a woman. If he does so, he will realize why his wife may be prone to sudden mood changes._ Adam, who lives in France and is the father of an 11-month-old girl, admits: “My wife’s mood changes are sometimes difficult to deal with. But I try to remember that her frustration is not really directed at me personally. Rather, it is a response to the unfamiliar stresses of our new situation.” Does your wife sometimes misunderstand your attempts to help out? If so, do not quickly become offended. (Ecclesiastes 7:9) Instead, patiently look for her best interests, not your own, and you will avoid getting upset.—Proverbs 14:29. On the other hand, a discerning wife will try to encourage her husband in his new role. She will involve him in child care, patiently showing him how to change diapers or prepare feeding bottles—even though he may seem clumsy at first. Ellen, a 26-year-old mother, recognized that she needed to make some adjustments in theway she treated her husband. “I had to become less possessive of the baby,” she says. “And I had to remind myself not to be too picky when my husband tried to apply
my suggestions about caring for the infant.”
_ Many mothers suffer mild bouts of depression in the weeks following childbirth. Some experience a more serious condition known as postpartum depression. For information about how to identify and deal with this challenge, see the articles “I Won My Battle With Postpartum Depression,” in the July 22, 2002, issue of Awake! and “Understanding Postpartum Depression,” in the June 8, 2003, issue of Awake! published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. These articles can be read online at www.watchtower.org.
TRY THIS: Wives, if your husband performs some child-care task in a different way than you do, resist the urge to criticize him or to redo the job. Commend him for what he does adequately, and you will build his confidence and encourage him to give you the support you need. Husbands, cut back on nonessential activities so that you will have as much time as possible to help your wife, especially during the first few months after the baby is born.
CHALLENGE 2: Your relationship as a couple weakens.
Exhausted by fragmented sleep and unexpected crises, many new parents struggle to remain close. Vivianne, a French mother of two infants, admits: “At first, I was so focused on my duty as a mother that I almost forgot my role as a wife.” On the other hand, a husband may fail to recognize that pregnancy has taken a toll on his wife—both physically and emotionally. A new baby can consume time and energy that both of you formerly used to remain emotionally and sexually intimate. How, then, can a couple ensure that their helpless, lovable baby does not become a wedge that drives them apart?
ˇ A key to success: Reaffirm your love for each other. Describing marriage, the Bible states: “A man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Jehovah God intended that children eventually leave their parents. By contrast, God expects the one flesh bond between a husband and his wife to last a lifetime. (Matthew 19:3-9) How can appreciating that fact help a couple with a new baby to maintain proper priorities? Vivianne, quoted earlier, says: “I thought about the words at Genesis 2:24, and that verse helped me realize that I had become ‘one flesh’ with my husband—not with my child. I saw the need to strengthen our marriage.” Theresa, the mother of a two-year-old girl, says: “If I start to feel distant from my husband, I make immediate efforts to give him my full attention, even if only for a little while each day.” If you are a husband, what can you do to strengthen the marriage? Tell your wife that you love her. Back up your words with acts of tenderness. Make a conscious effort to allay any feelings of insecurity that your wife may have. Sarah, a 30-year-old mother, says: “A wife needs to know that she is still valued and loved, even though her body is not what it was before her pregnancy.” Alan, who lives in Germany and is the father of two boys, sees the need for providing emotional support. He says: “I have always tried to be a shoulder for my wife to cry on.”
Understandably, the arrival of a baby disrupts a couple’s sexual relationship. So a husband and wife need to discuss each other’s needs. The Bible states that changes in a couple’s sexual relationship should be made by “mutual consent.” (1 Corinthians 7:1-5) That requires communication. Depending on your upbringing or cultural background, you might be reluctant to talk about sexual matters with your spouse. But such conversations are vital as a couple adjust to the routines of parenthood. Be empathetic, patient, and honest. (1 Corinthians 10:24) You and your spouse will thus avoid misunderstandings and will deepen your love for each other.— 1 Peter 3:7, 8. A couple can also deepen the love they feel for each other by expressing appreciation. A wise husband will realize that much of the work performed by a new mother goes unseen. Vivianne says: “By the end of the day, I often feel as if I have accomplished nothing —even though I have been busy caring for the baby constantly!” Despite being busy, a discerning wife will be careful not to belittle her husband’s contribution to the family.
—Proverbs 17:17.
TRY THIS: Mothers, if possible, take a nap when your baby is sleeping. By thus “recharging your batteries,” you will have more energy for your marriage. Fathers, whenever possible, get up at night to feed or change the baby so that your wife can rest. Regularly reaffirm your love for your mate by leaving notes for her, sending her text messages, or talking to her on the telephone. As a couple, make time to have one on-one conversations. Talk about each other, not only about your child. Keep your friendship with your spouse strong, and you will be better able to handle the challenges of parenthood.
CHALLENGE 3: You disagree about parenting.
A couple could find that their backgrounds cause them to argue. A Japanese mother named Asami and her husband, Katsuro, faced this challenge. Asami says: “I felt that Katsuro was too easy on our daughter, while he felt that I was being too hard on her.” How can you avoid working against each other? ˇ A key to success: Communicate with your mate, and support each other. Wise King Solomon wrote: “By presumptuousness one only causes a struggle, but with those consulting together there is wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10) How much do you know about your mate’s approach to raising children? If you wait until your baby is born before discussing specific child-training issues, you may find that you end up struggling with each other instead of dealing with the challenge successfully. For example, what answers to the following questions have you agreed on: “How can we teach our child good eating and sleeping habits? Should we always pick up the baby if it cries at bedtime? How should we react to potty-training setbacks?” Obviously, the decisions you make will be different from those of other couples. Ethan, the father of two, says: “You need to talk things over in order to be on the same wavelength. Then, together, you will be able to respond to your child’s needs.”
TRY THIS: Think about the parenting techniques that your own parents used when raising you. Decide which of their attitudes and actions you would like to imitate when raising your child. Also decide which, if any, attitudes and actions you want to avoid repeating. Discuss your conclusions with your mate.
A Child Can Change a Marriage for Good Just as a pair of inexperienced skaters need time and patience to find their balance on the ice, you need time to adjust to your new roles as parents. Eventually, though, you will gain confidence. Child rearing will test your commitment to your marriage and forever change your relationship with each other. However, it will also give you the opportunity to develop valuable qualities. If you apply the Bible’s wise advice, your experience will be like that of a father named Kenneth. He says: “Raising children has had a good effect on my wife and me. We are now less self-centered, and we have become more loving and understanding.” Those sorts of changes are certainly welcome in a marriage.
ASK YOURSELF . . .
ˇ During the last week, what have I done to show my spouse that I appreciate what he or she does for the family?
ˇ When did I last make time to have a heartfelt conversation with my spouse that did not revolve around child rearing?
From The Watchtower Magazine published by JW's
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exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Mary: “With the birth of our baby, my life was no longer my own. Suddenly, everything revolved around the next bottle, the next diaper change, or the next attempt to quiet the baby. The adjustment was immense. It took months before my relationship with Charles returned to normal.”
MANY would agree that having children is one of the greatest joys in life. The Bible describes children as “a reward” from God.(Psalm 127:3) New parents like Charles and Mary also know that children can change a marriage in unexpected ways. For example, a new mother may focus on her baby and be surprised at how her body and heart respond to each whimper of the newborn. As for the new father, he may marvel at the bond formed between his wife and the baby, but he may also worry about suddenly being left out. In fact, the birth of a first child may be a catalyst for a crisis in a marriage. An individual’s emotional insecurities and a couple’s unresolved issues may surface, exposed and magnified by the strains of parenthood. How can new parents adjust to the hectic first few months when the newborn requires all their attention? What can a couple do to maintain their intimacy? Howcan they handle any disagreements about parenting? Let us examine each of those challenges and consider how Bible principles can help a couple to meet them.
CHALLENGE 1: Life suddenly revolves around the child.
A new baby consumes its mother’s time and thoughts. She may feel a deep sense of emotional fulfillment in caring for her baby. Meanwhile, her husband might feel neglected. Manuel, who lives in Brazil, says: “My wife’s shift of focus from me to our baby was the most difficult change for me to accept. Before, it was just the two of us, and then all of a sudden, it was just my wife and the baby.” How can you cope with the upheaval? ˇ A key to success: Be patient. “Love is long-suffering and kind,” says the Bible. Love “does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) When a new baby arrives, what can both husband and wife do to apply that counsel? A wise husband proves his love for his wife by educating himself about the physical and mental impact childbirth has on a woman. If he does so, he will realize why his wife may be prone to sudden mood changes._ Adam, who lives in France and is the father of an 11-month-old girl, admits: “My wife’s mood changes are sometimes difficult to deal with. But I try to remember that her frustration is not really directed at me personally. Rather, it is a response to the unfamiliar stresses of our new situation.” Does your wife sometimes misunderstand your attempts to help out? If so, do not quickly become offended. (Ecclesiastes 7:9) Instead, patiently look for her best interests, not your own, and you will avoid getting upset.—Proverbs 14:29. On the other hand, a discerning wife will try to encourage her husband in his new role. She will involve him in child care, patiently showing him how to change diapers or prepare feeding bottles—even though he may seem clumsy at first. Ellen, a 26-year-old mother, recognized that she needed to make some adjustments in theway she treated her husband. “I had to become less possessive of the baby,” she says. “And I had to remind myself not to be too picky when my husband tried to apply
my suggestions about caring for the infant.”
_ Many mothers suffer mild bouts of depression in the weeks following childbirth. Some experience a more serious condition known as postpartum depression. For information about how to identify and deal with this challenge, see the articles “I Won My Battle With Postpartum Depression,” in the July 22, 2002, issue of Awake! and “Understanding Postpartum Depression,” in the June 8, 2003, issue of Awake! published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. These articles can be read online at www.watchtower.org.
TRY THIS: Wives, if your husband performs some child-care task in a different way than you do, resist the urge to criticize him or to redo the job. Commend him for what he does adequately, and you will build his confidence and encourage him to give you the support you need. Husbands, cut back on nonessential activities so that you will have as much time as possible to help your wife, especially during the first few months after the baby is born.
CHALLENGE 2: Your relationship as a couple weakens.
Exhausted by fragmented sleep and unexpected crises, many new parents struggle to remain close. Vivianne, a French mother of two infants, admits: “At first, I was so focused on my duty as a mother that I almost forgot my role as a wife.” On the other hand, a husband may fail to recognize that pregnancy has taken a toll on his wife—both physically and emotionally. A new baby can consume time and energy that both of you formerly used to remain emotionally and sexually intimate. How, then, can a couple ensure that their helpless, lovable baby does not become a wedge that drives them apart?
ˇ A key to success: Reaffirm your love for each other. Describing marriage, the Bible states: “A man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Jehovah God intended that children eventually leave their parents. By contrast, God expects the one flesh bond between a husband and his wife to last a lifetime. (Matthew 19:3-9) How can appreciating that fact help a couple with a new baby to maintain proper priorities? Vivianne, quoted earlier, says: “I thought about the words at Genesis 2:24, and that verse helped me realize that I had become ‘one flesh’ with my husband—not with my child. I saw the need to strengthen our marriage.” Theresa, the mother of a two-year-old girl, says: “If I start to feel distant from my husband, I make immediate efforts to give him my full attention, even if only for a little while each day.” If you are a husband, what can you do to strengthen the marriage? Tell your wife that you love her. Back up your words with acts of tenderness. Make a conscious effort to allay any feelings of insecurity that your wife may have. Sarah, a 30-year-old mother, says: “A wife needs to know that she is still valued and loved, even though her body is not what it was before her pregnancy.” Alan, who lives in Germany and is the father of two boys, sees the need for providing emotional support. He says: “I have always tried to be a shoulder for my wife to cry on.”
Understandably, the arrival of a baby disrupts a couple’s sexual relationship. So a husband and wife need to discuss each other’s needs. The Bible states that changes in a couple’s sexual relationship should be made by “mutual consent.” (1 Corinthians 7:1-5) That requires communication. Depending on your upbringing or cultural background, you might be reluctant to talk about sexual matters with your spouse. But such conversations are vital as a couple adjust to the routines of parenthood. Be empathetic, patient, and honest. (1 Corinthians 10:24) You and your spouse will thus avoid misunderstandings and will deepen your love for each other.— 1 Peter 3:7, 8. A couple can also deepen the love they feel for each other by expressing appreciation. A wise husband will realize that much of the work performed by a new mother goes unseen. Vivianne says: “By the end of the day, I often feel as if I have accomplished nothing —even though I have been busy caring for the baby constantly!” Despite being busy, a discerning wife will be careful not to belittle her husband’s contribution to the family.
—Proverbs 17:17.
TRY THIS: Mothers, if possible, take a nap when your baby is sleeping. By thus “recharging your batteries,” you will have more energy for your marriage. Fathers, whenever possible, get up at night to feed or change the baby so that your wife can rest. Regularly reaffirm your love for your mate by leaving notes for her, sending her text messages, or talking to her on the telephone. As a couple, make time to have one on-one conversations. Talk about each other, not only about your child. Keep your friendship with your spouse strong, and you will be better able to handle the challenges of parenthood.
CHALLENGE 3: You disagree about parenting.
A couple could find that their backgrounds cause them to argue. A Japanese mother named Asami and her husband, Katsuro, faced this challenge. Asami says: “I felt that Katsuro was too easy on our daughter, while he felt that I was being too hard on her.” How can you avoid working against each other? ˇ A key to success: Communicate with your mate, and support each other. Wise King Solomon wrote: “By presumptuousness one only causes a struggle, but with those consulting together there is wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10) How much do you know about your mate’s approach to raising children? If you wait until your baby is born before discussing specific child-training issues, you may find that you end up struggling with each other instead of dealing with the challenge successfully. For example, what answers to the following questions have you agreed on: “How can we teach our child good eating and sleeping habits? Should we always pick up the baby if it cries at bedtime? How should we react to potty-training setbacks?” Obviously, the decisions you make will be different from those of other couples. Ethan, the father of two, says: “You need to talk things over in order to be on the same wavelength. Then, together, you will be able to respond to your child’s needs.”
TRY THIS: Think about the parenting techniques that your own parents used when raising you. Decide which of their attitudes and actions you would like to imitate when raising your child. Also decide which, if any, attitudes and actions you want to avoid repeating. Discuss your conclusions with your mate.
A Child Can Change a Marriage for Good Just as a pair of inexperienced skaters need time and patience to find their balance on the ice, you need time to adjust to your new roles as parents. Eventually, though, you will gain confidence. Child rearing will test your commitment to your marriage and forever change your relationship with each other. However, it will also give you the opportunity to develop valuable qualities. If you apply the Bible’s wise advice, your experience will be like that of a father named Kenneth. He says: “Raising children has had a good effect on my wife and me. We are now less self-centered, and we have become more loving and understanding.” Those sorts of changes are certainly welcome in a marriage.
ASK YOURSELF . . .
ˇ During the last week, what have I done to show my spouse that I appreciate what he or she does for the family?
ˇ When did I last make time to have a heartfelt conversation with my spouse that did not revolve around child rearing?
From The Watchtower Magazine published by JW's
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Raising a Child With Down Syndrome: The Challenge and the Reward
“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but your baby has Down syndrome.”
The doctor’s painful words change forever the lives of the parents.
“I felt as if I were having a nightmare, and I wanted to wake up,”
one father named Victor recalls.
BUT there is also an upside. Emily and Barbara, two mothers who reared children with Down syndrome, describe their experiences as an “emotional roller coaster of soaring successes and plummeting disappointments, daily frustrations and challenges, and exciting accomplishments and achievements.”—Count Us In—Growing Up With Down Syndrome. What is Down syndrome (DS)? Simply put, DS is a lifelong genetic condition that affects about 1 baby in every 730 in the United States. Children with DS have varying degrees of learning and language disability as well as impaired motor skills, ranging from mild to severe. They also mature at a slower pace emotionally, socially, and intellectually. To what extent does this condition affect a child’s learning ability? Jason, who has DS, explains in the book Count Us In—Growing Up With Down Syndrome, of which he is a Co author: “I don’t think it’s a handicap. It’s a disability for what you’re learning because you’re learning slowly. It’s not that bad.” Yet, each child with DS is different and has his own talents. In fact, some of them are capable of learning enough to become active members of society and to enjoy a fulfilling life. Nothing can be done to prevent this genetic disorder—either before or during pregnancy. DS is nobody’s fault. But it does come as a huge blow to the parents. What can they do to help their child and help themselves? Coming to Terms With Reality Coming to terms with DS is not easy. “The shock was incredible,” a mother named Lisa
_ We will use the abbreviation DS throughout the article. The name comes from John Langdon Down, an English physician who published the first accurate description of the syndrome in 1866. In 1959 the French geneticist Je´ roˆ me Lejeune discovered that DS babies are born with an extra chromosome in their cells, for a total of 47 rather than 46. Later, researchers found out that the extra chromosome was a copy of chromosome 21.
recalls. “After listening to the pediatrician’s explanations, my husband and I wept. Whether that was for [our daughter] Jasmine or for ourselves, I don’t know. Perhaps a little of both! Nevertheless, I longed to hold her in my arms and tell her that I would always love her, no matter what the future held.” “Many thoughts went through my mind,” Vıctor says, “dread, rejection. We thought that nothing would be the same, that others would not like to associate with us. To be honest, these were selfish ideas as a result of fear of the unknown.” Those feelings of grief and uncertainty usually last for some time, or they may resurface suddenly. “I often wept because of [our daughter] Susana’s condition,” says Elena. “But when she was about four, she told me, ‘Mummy don’t cry. It doesn’t matter.’ Obviously, she did not understand why I wept, but at that moment I resolved to stop feeling sorry for myself and dwelling on negative thoughts. Since then I have tried to concentrate my efforts on helping her to progress to the greatest extent possible.” Making Things Work for the Child What is the key to successful training? “Start by loving them! Everything else comes after that,” recommend experts from a DS association. “Individuals with Down syndrome are people first,” states Professor Sue Buckley. “[Their] development . . . is influenced by the quality of care, education, and social experience offered to them, just like all other people.”
Do People With Down Syndrome Enjoy Life?
What They Say. . .
“I like my job in the workshop of my training center because it makes me feel useful.”—Manuel, 39 years old
“What I like the most is eating my mother’s paella and preaching the Bible with my father.”—Samuel, 35 years old
“I like to go to school because I want to learn and my teachers love me very much.”—Sara, 14 years old
During the last three decades, learning techniques used to help children with DS have improved a great deal. Therapists advise parents to include these children in all family activities and to help them through play and early intervention programs to develop their skills.
Such programs—which should start soon after birth—include physiotherapy, speech therapy, and extra personal attention, along with emotional support for the child and the family. “Susana has always been one of us,” says Gonzalo, her father. “We have included her in all our family activities. We’ve treated and corrected her the same as we did her sister and brother, taking into account her limitations.
” Progress may be slow. Babies with DS may not say their first words until two or three years of age. Their frustration at not being able to communicate may make them cry or become bad tempered. Nevertheless, parents can teach them some “pre-language skills.” For instance, they might use a simple signing method, accompanied by gestures and visual aids. In this way, the child can convey important needs such as “drink,” “more,” “finished,” “food,” and “bed.” “As a family, we would teach Jasmine two or three signs a week. All the focus was on fun and repetition,” says Lisa.
Each year more children with DS attend a mainstream school and join in social activities with siblings and friends. True, learning is more difficult for them, but going to school with children of their own age seems to have helped some fend for themselves, interact with others, and progress intellectually.
“I really enjoy reading, listening to music, and being with friends.”—Susana, 33 years old
“Don’t worry, behave well, and play with everybody, and you’ll learn step-by step.”—Yolanda, 30 years old
“I want to grow up. I want a life.”—Jasmine, 7 years old
Since they develop more slowly, the gap between DS children and their peers becomes wider with age. Nevertheless, some experts still advise that they go to a regular school for secondary education, providing that the teachers and parents are in agreement and that additional learning support is available. “The greatest advantage of Yolanda’s going to a regular secondary school was her complete integration,” says her father, Francisco. “From the very beginning, she could play with other children, and they learned to treat her normally and included her in all their activities.”
Satisfaction Outweighs the Sacrifices Rearing a child with DS is not a bed of roses. It requires much time, effort, and dedication, as well as patience and realistic expectations. “There are many tasks involved in caring for Ana,” says Soledad, her mother. “You have to learn to become a patient mother, nurse, and physiotherapist, besides doing the regular chores at home.”
However, many families insist that having a DS child has brought them closer together. Siblings become less selfish and more empathetic, and they come to understand the disabled better. “Our patience has been richly rewarded, and in time we have seen the results,” say Antonio and Marı´a. “Marta—our oldest daughter—has always helped us care for Sara [with DS], and she shows a sincere interest in her. This instilled in Marta the desire to help other disabled children.”
Rosa, whose older sister has DS, explains: “Susana has contributed a great deal to my happiness and has given me so much love. She has helped me become more sympathetic toward other people who have disabilities.” Susana’s mother, Elena, adds: “She responds to kindness. When she receives love, she gives back double.”
Emily and Barbara—the two mothers quoted at the beginning of this article—discovered that “people with Down syndrome continue to grow and learn throughout their lifetime, and to benefit from new opportunities and experiences.” Yolanda—who herself has DS—gives this simple advice to parents of a child with Down syndrome: “Love him very much. Care for him as my parents have cared for me, and don’t forget to be patient.”
Strategies to Improve Communication
Here are some suggestions for interacting with people with Down syndrome:
˘ Place yourself face-to-face to ensure direct eye contact.
˘ Use simple language and short sentences.
˘ Support speech with facial expressions, gestures, and signs.
˘ Give them time to understand and answer.
˘ Listen carefully, and ask them to repeat instructions.
From The Watchtower Magazine published by JW's
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
The doctor’s painful words change forever the lives of the parents.
“I felt as if I were having a nightmare, and I wanted to wake up,”
one father named Victor recalls.
BUT there is also an upside. Emily and Barbara, two mothers who reared children with Down syndrome, describe their experiences as an “emotional roller coaster of soaring successes and plummeting disappointments, daily frustrations and challenges, and exciting accomplishments and achievements.”—Count Us In—Growing Up With Down Syndrome. What is Down syndrome (DS)? Simply put, DS is a lifelong genetic condition that affects about 1 baby in every 730 in the United States. Children with DS have varying degrees of learning and language disability as well as impaired motor skills, ranging from mild to severe. They also mature at a slower pace emotionally, socially, and intellectually. To what extent does this condition affect a child’s learning ability? Jason, who has DS, explains in the book Count Us In—Growing Up With Down Syndrome, of which he is a Co author: “I don’t think it’s a handicap. It’s a disability for what you’re learning because you’re learning slowly. It’s not that bad.” Yet, each child with DS is different and has his own talents. In fact, some of them are capable of learning enough to become active members of society and to enjoy a fulfilling life. Nothing can be done to prevent this genetic disorder—either before or during pregnancy. DS is nobody’s fault. But it does come as a huge blow to the parents. What can they do to help their child and help themselves? Coming to Terms With Reality Coming to terms with DS is not easy. “The shock was incredible,” a mother named Lisa
_ We will use the abbreviation DS throughout the article. The name comes from John Langdon Down, an English physician who published the first accurate description of the syndrome in 1866. In 1959 the French geneticist Je´ roˆ me Lejeune discovered that DS babies are born with an extra chromosome in their cells, for a total of 47 rather than 46. Later, researchers found out that the extra chromosome was a copy of chromosome 21.
recalls. “After listening to the pediatrician’s explanations, my husband and I wept. Whether that was for [our daughter] Jasmine or for ourselves, I don’t know. Perhaps a little of both! Nevertheless, I longed to hold her in my arms and tell her that I would always love her, no matter what the future held.” “Many thoughts went through my mind,” Vıctor says, “dread, rejection. We thought that nothing would be the same, that others would not like to associate with us. To be honest, these were selfish ideas as a result of fear of the unknown.” Those feelings of grief and uncertainty usually last for some time, or they may resurface suddenly. “I often wept because of [our daughter] Susana’s condition,” says Elena. “But when she was about four, she told me, ‘Mummy don’t cry. It doesn’t matter.’ Obviously, she did not understand why I wept, but at that moment I resolved to stop feeling sorry for myself and dwelling on negative thoughts. Since then I have tried to concentrate my efforts on helping her to progress to the greatest extent possible.” Making Things Work for the Child What is the key to successful training? “Start by loving them! Everything else comes after that,” recommend experts from a DS association. “Individuals with Down syndrome are people first,” states Professor Sue Buckley. “[Their] development . . . is influenced by the quality of care, education, and social experience offered to them, just like all other people.”
Do People With Down Syndrome Enjoy Life?
What They Say. . .
“I like my job in the workshop of my training center because it makes me feel useful.”—Manuel, 39 years old
“What I like the most is eating my mother’s paella and preaching the Bible with my father.”—Samuel, 35 years old
“I like to go to school because I want to learn and my teachers love me very much.”—Sara, 14 years old
During the last three decades, learning techniques used to help children with DS have improved a great deal. Therapists advise parents to include these children in all family activities and to help them through play and early intervention programs to develop their skills.
Such programs—which should start soon after birth—include physiotherapy, speech therapy, and extra personal attention, along with emotional support for the child and the family. “Susana has always been one of us,” says Gonzalo, her father. “We have included her in all our family activities. We’ve treated and corrected her the same as we did her sister and brother, taking into account her limitations.
” Progress may be slow. Babies with DS may not say their first words until two or three years of age. Their frustration at not being able to communicate may make them cry or become bad tempered. Nevertheless, parents can teach them some “pre-language skills.” For instance, they might use a simple signing method, accompanied by gestures and visual aids. In this way, the child can convey important needs such as “drink,” “more,” “finished,” “food,” and “bed.” “As a family, we would teach Jasmine two or three signs a week. All the focus was on fun and repetition,” says Lisa.
Each year more children with DS attend a mainstream school and join in social activities with siblings and friends. True, learning is more difficult for them, but going to school with children of their own age seems to have helped some fend for themselves, interact with others, and progress intellectually.
“I really enjoy reading, listening to music, and being with friends.”—Susana, 33 years old
“Don’t worry, behave well, and play with everybody, and you’ll learn step-by step.”—Yolanda, 30 years old
“I want to grow up. I want a life.”—Jasmine, 7 years old
Since they develop more slowly, the gap between DS children and their peers becomes wider with age. Nevertheless, some experts still advise that they go to a regular school for secondary education, providing that the teachers and parents are in agreement and that additional learning support is available. “The greatest advantage of Yolanda’s going to a regular secondary school was her complete integration,” says her father, Francisco. “From the very beginning, she could play with other children, and they learned to treat her normally and included her in all their activities.”
Satisfaction Outweighs the Sacrifices Rearing a child with DS is not a bed of roses. It requires much time, effort, and dedication, as well as patience and realistic expectations. “There are many tasks involved in caring for Ana,” says Soledad, her mother. “You have to learn to become a patient mother, nurse, and physiotherapist, besides doing the regular chores at home.”
However, many families insist that having a DS child has brought them closer together. Siblings become less selfish and more empathetic, and they come to understand the disabled better. “Our patience has been richly rewarded, and in time we have seen the results,” say Antonio and Marı´a. “Marta—our oldest daughter—has always helped us care for Sara [with DS], and she shows a sincere interest in her. This instilled in Marta the desire to help other disabled children.”
Rosa, whose older sister has DS, explains: “Susana has contributed a great deal to my happiness and has given me so much love. She has helped me become more sympathetic toward other people who have disabilities.” Susana’s mother, Elena, adds: “She responds to kindness. When she receives love, she gives back double.”
Emily and Barbara—the two mothers quoted at the beginning of this article—discovered that “people with Down syndrome continue to grow and learn throughout their lifetime, and to benefit from new opportunities and experiences.” Yolanda—who herself has DS—gives this simple advice to parents of a child with Down syndrome: “Love him very much. Care for him as my parents have cared for me, and don’t forget to be patient.”
Strategies to Improve Communication
Here are some suggestions for interacting with people with Down syndrome:
˘ Place yourself face-to-face to ensure direct eye contact.
˘ Use simple language and short sentences.
˘ Support speech with facial expressions, gestures, and signs.
˘ Give them time to understand and answer.
˘ Listen carefully, and ask them to repeat instructions.
From The Watchtower Magazine published by JW's
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
The Davao Museum a.k.a Museo Dabawenyo
It is about time that a 74-year old city that is also one of the country’s premier cities has its own honest-to-goodness museum. The Davao Museum, or officially Museo Dabawenyo, is just three years old (since 2008) and has yet to truly make its presence felt in the public’s consciousness.
Located along the Pinchon Street (popularly known as the Magallanes Avenue) just by the rotunda, the Museo Dabawenyo is housed in an old two-story building that has undergone various incarnations, such as the former hall of justice and a warehouse for non-functioning government equipment.
Up until Nanay Soling Duterte, a grand matriarch of the city and grandmother of current Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, pushed for an official repository of the city’s rich history.
Welcome In
Upon entry into the museum, one is welcomed by life-sized artwork and a wall that explains theories on the origin of the word Davao. The hall on the first floor showcases the ten tribes indigenous to the Davao Region. Five of these tribes are Islamic, the other five are classified as non-Islamic or pagans. Then there is a feature of a local hero during the Spanish occupation, Datu Bago who led the uprising against the Spanish colonizer Oyanguren. Datu Bago’s heroism has inspired the creation of the Datu Bago Foundation that annually recognizes the sons and daughters of Davao City who have made remarkable contributions in various field and industries. These awardees are then bestowed the Datu Bago honor during the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw.
In another part of this hall, a wax figure of Pres. Manuel Quezon is seen signing a piece of paper which signifies the creation of Davao as a city in October 1936. In March of 1937, the first inauguration of the City was held.
In this same hall, one will see various photographs of how Davao City looked ages ago. Then, the San Pedro Cathedral was just a wooden structure and the City Hall was surrounded by coconut trees.
A photo mural of the first ever mansion built in Davao is also highlighted. Formerly known as the Dacudao Residence, the old mansion is now known as the Locsin Dance School along the Quirino Highway, and the family has maintained it well. One of its daughters, Agnes Locsin, a nationally renowned choreographer, is a Datu Bago Awardee as well.
Photographs and artifacts from war time are also exhibited in this hall. There is even a rusty bomb from the American airplanes on display.
There’s More Upstairs
The second floor of Museo Dabawenyo showcases artworks of the local artists. Paintings, sculptures, fashion designs, poems, music and anything that express the beautiful soul and creativity of the Davaoeno are exhibited to advantage.
There is a Filipiniana gown made of water lilies that was recognized on the fashion runways of Paris; music that celebrates womanhood, and sketches that remind you of dreams.
Mementoes from a time long gone are artfully placed around the hall.
A room on the second floor has also been assigned as a hall of peace. It is a library and meeting room that showcases peace efforts as manifested in photos of international relations and books tackling understanding of conflicts.
As one ends the tour of this Davao Museum, one gets a sense of enrichment that comes from the knowledge of what has brought us to the present time.
Museo Dabawenyo is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Admission is free.
Written by Vida Valderde
Source: DavaoTraveler.com
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Located along the Pinchon Street (popularly known as the Magallanes Avenue) just by the rotunda, the Museo Dabawenyo is housed in an old two-story building that has undergone various incarnations, such as the former hall of justice and a warehouse for non-functioning government equipment.
Up until Nanay Soling Duterte, a grand matriarch of the city and grandmother of current Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, pushed for an official repository of the city’s rich history.
Welcome In
Upon entry into the museum, one is welcomed by life-sized artwork and a wall that explains theories on the origin of the word Davao. The hall on the first floor showcases the ten tribes indigenous to the Davao Region. Five of these tribes are Islamic, the other five are classified as non-Islamic or pagans. Then there is a feature of a local hero during the Spanish occupation, Datu Bago who led the uprising against the Spanish colonizer Oyanguren. Datu Bago’s heroism has inspired the creation of the Datu Bago Foundation that annually recognizes the sons and daughters of Davao City who have made remarkable contributions in various field and industries. These awardees are then bestowed the Datu Bago honor during the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw.
In another part of this hall, a wax figure of Pres. Manuel Quezon is seen signing a piece of paper which signifies the creation of Davao as a city in October 1936. In March of 1937, the first inauguration of the City was held.
In this same hall, one will see various photographs of how Davao City looked ages ago. Then, the San Pedro Cathedral was just a wooden structure and the City Hall was surrounded by coconut trees.
A photo mural of the first ever mansion built in Davao is also highlighted. Formerly known as the Dacudao Residence, the old mansion is now known as the Locsin Dance School along the Quirino Highway, and the family has maintained it well. One of its daughters, Agnes Locsin, a nationally renowned choreographer, is a Datu Bago Awardee as well.
Photographs and artifacts from war time are also exhibited in this hall. There is even a rusty bomb from the American airplanes on display.
There’s More Upstairs
The second floor of Museo Dabawenyo showcases artworks of the local artists. Paintings, sculptures, fashion designs, poems, music and anything that express the beautiful soul and creativity of the Davaoeno are exhibited to advantage.
There is a Filipiniana gown made of water lilies that was recognized on the fashion runways of Paris; music that celebrates womanhood, and sketches that remind you of dreams.
Mementoes from a time long gone are artfully placed around the hall.
A room on the second floor has also been assigned as a hall of peace. It is a library and meeting room that showcases peace efforts as manifested in photos of international relations and books tackling understanding of conflicts.
As one ends the tour of this Davao Museum, one gets a sense of enrichment that comes from the knowledge of what has brought us to the present time.
Museo Dabawenyo is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Admission is free.
Written by Vida Valderde
Source: DavaoTraveler.com
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Davao’s Unique Selling Proposition
What makes Davao City different from other cities in the Philippines and in the Asia-Pacific Region that would make it ideal for tourism and investment?
Davao City’s abundant and diverse nature and culture set in a clean, safe, and cosmopolitan community of happy and proud peoples.
Ten (10) things that sets Davao City apart from the rest:
1. Typhoon-Free Zone
Because Davao City is absolutely typhoon-free and enjoys good weather all year round, there is an abundance of flora and fauna as well as food, water, and livelihood. It is also ideal for outdoor activities because of the stable weather condition. It is a good season for adventure and sports anytime of the year so one is not limited to just the summer months.
2. Best Water in the World
Davao City’s tap water has been tested internationally for quality against all the major bottled waters sold in the market and was adjudged the best in terms of cleanliness, safety, mineral content, and taste. No need for boiling, distilling, purifying, adding of minerals. It is absolutely perfect. And no less than the World Health Organization has certified that it is the best in the world.
3. Multi-cultural and Cosmopolitan Peoples
Davao City is home to at least 10 major indigenous tribes, both Islamized and non-Islamized, as well as migrant settlers (mostly Christianized) from all over the Philippines and a growing global community of ex-patriates with different languages, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and political persuasions. As opposed to the rest of the Filipinos who have been colonized by the West, the people of Davao are indigenized -- which means that they may come from different places with different ways but when they become residents of Davao, they adopt the multicultural and cosmopolitan way of life, embracing the diversity of the city.
4. Strong & Independent Local Government
The local government of Davao City is much admired by other governments, not just nationally but also internationally. It is recognized to be ahead than the national government in many ways -- in the crafting of landmark pieces of legislation; in pioneering innovations in local governance; in its strong political will in the implementation of policies and programs; in its high level of self-sufficiency; and in its pluralist and liberal political climate that result in significant grassroots and civil society participation. It is a favorite destination for study tours because it is considered as a model for other cities in the country and in the world.
5. Safest Destination
Davao City has one of the lowest crime rates in the world averaging at 0.8 in every 10,000 persons per month. The Davao City Police Office has consistently been chosen as the Best Police Office in the entire country. The Davao City Peace and Order Council has been elevated to the Philippine Hall of Fame for consistently being the best in the country.
6. Most Prepared City to Respond to an Emergency
Davao City is proud to be the only Asian city that has an integrated emergency response system similar to that of the United States and Canada – the Central 911. It responds to all kinds of emergency – medical, fire, police assistance, natural or man-made disaster. The only difference between Davao’s 911 and that of the US and Canada is – in Davao the service is absolutely free, totally subsidized by the local government. The Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council is also recognized as the best prepared disaster coordinating council in the country.
7. Excellent Public Utilities & Infrastructure
Davao City enjoys an abundant and stable supply of water and power 24 hours a day all year round. The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is the number one water utility company in the Asia-Pacific Region among the 50 water utilities in the region. It is also the Most Outstanding Water District (very large category) for four years given by the Local Water Utilities Administration. On the other hand, Davao Light & Power (DLPC) is third largest privately-owned electric utility in the Philippines. It is the country’s most efficiently run power utilities, its systems loss rate of 8.13% is well below the government mandated cap of 9.50%. Davao City has a pioneering state-of-the-art traffic system similar to the system in Los Angeles, California. It is the first city in the Philippines to have an adaptive traffic signalization system. Plans are underway also to make the entire Davao City a Wi-Fi Zone.
8. Healthy Lifestyle
Davao City adheres to a wholesome and healthy lifestyle for its residents and encourages its visitors to pursue the same. It pioneered the regulation of smoking in public places in the Philippines, which was replicated by other cities and gave birth to the national anti-smoking law. It has tough policies against dangerous drugs, violence against women and children (including prostitution and human trafficking), and environmental pollution. It led the ban on aerial spraying of plantations as well as the use of pyrotechnics. It is also in the forefront in the conservation of endangered species such as the country’s national bird, the Philippine Eagle, as well as the protection of the city’s watershed, coastal areas, rivers and gulf. It also boasts of one of the most progressive and comprehensive reproductive health program in the world.
9. More Value for Money
Davao City has the freshest and highest quality produce in the country. Its exports of banana, pineapple, orchids, and tuna, among others, are considered the best in the world. Its pomelo, durian, and mangosteen are sought-after by the rest of the country. Yet these excellent, world-class products remain affordable and accessible to the locals on a daily basis. In Davao, the high quality of life does not come at a high cost.
10. Inclusive, Not Exclusive
Davao City is open to all, regardless of one’s stature in life. There are no exclusive clubs for the social and economic elite nor are there forbidden ghettos confined to the poor and marginalized. Children and pets are welcome everywhere. Diversity in religious, political, sexual and gender orientation respected and celebrated. There are no strict dress codes to follow. Celebrities and famous people are treated like everyone else. No special treatments for those in powerful positions. Everybody is entitled to the same rights and privileges. There is zero tolerance for all kinds of abuse and discrimination. Elitism and haughtiness are treated with disdain while humility and openness are valued virtues.
By: DavaoTourism.com
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exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Wakeboarding in Davao
When you suddenly find yourself aching to stretch some muscles and have some serious water-fun under the sun, the city of Davao will never disappoint.
From long pristine shores to varied water sports to epic water slides, the city also boasts of indoor facilities that exhibit pools of Olympic proportions. And when you thought that was all, then you probably missed the latest water-sport sensation to hit the city and make a lot of waves.
The Deca Wakeboard Park
The first and only wakeboarding facility in Mindanao, the Deca Wakeboard Park, is located in Brgy. Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City. That would be some 20 minutes away from Davao’s downtown; 20 minutes worth of slow-drip anticipation waiting to give away to a lot of mouth-watering fun.
The Deca Wakeboard Park opened its doors on August 2009 to a hefty number of wakeboarding enthusiasts. Both new and experienced wakeboarders were treated to a wild ride as they were introduced to the facility with an outstanding set of facilities and well trained personnel.
Since then, the park has seen an enormous following, with local and international wakeboarders flocking in and around the facility day in and day out.
Being one of the top running wakeboarding facilities in Asia to date, the Deca Wakeboard Park aims to make it even bigger especially on the international arena. The developers are reportedly keen on constantly developing the park’s overall facilities to suit international competitive standards. That, plus a number of amenities around the park to accommodate enthusiasts and visitors in style; expect a multitude of restaurants, sport shops and massage centers to bloom in the area to cater to every conceivable need.
Where In Davao
The Deca wakeboarding facility is actually located in a residential area, the Deca Home Resort Residences. This gives the place a sort of calmness, just like going to the beach on an easy-going weekend. However don’t be deceived by its uptown residential atmosphere, the non-stop action should leave you in awe.
Deca Wakeboard Park Is Waiting
So what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and experience the newest and hippest tourist destination in the city.
The Deca Wakeboarding Facility is open seven days a week, from 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the afternoon.
Rate starts at PhP 400 up to PhP 1,000 per person and it comes with the free usage of wakeboard, vest and helmet.
Discounts are available for Davao City residents and the residents of the Deca Home Resort.
Deca On Amateur Cam
This amateur video shows you some folks having fun at the Deca Wakeboard Park one unplanned summer day.
Contact Details
If that sounds like you wanna get some water fun this summer, get in touch with them at
Deca Wakeboard Park
Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City, Philippines
Email : info@xtremewakeinc.com
Phone : (082) 3046005 / (082) 286407
Written by Randolph Reserva
Reference: http://www.davaotraveler.com/blog/category/about-davao/
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
From long pristine shores to varied water sports to epic water slides, the city also boasts of indoor facilities that exhibit pools of Olympic proportions. And when you thought that was all, then you probably missed the latest water-sport sensation to hit the city and make a lot of waves.
The Deca Wakeboard Park
The first and only wakeboarding facility in Mindanao, the Deca Wakeboard Park, is located in Brgy. Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City. That would be some 20 minutes away from Davao’s downtown; 20 minutes worth of slow-drip anticipation waiting to give away to a lot of mouth-watering fun.
The Deca Wakeboard Park opened its doors on August 2009 to a hefty number of wakeboarding enthusiasts. Both new and experienced wakeboarders were treated to a wild ride as they were introduced to the facility with an outstanding set of facilities and well trained personnel.
Since then, the park has seen an enormous following, with local and international wakeboarders flocking in and around the facility day in and day out.
Being one of the top running wakeboarding facilities in Asia to date, the Deca Wakeboard Park aims to make it even bigger especially on the international arena. The developers are reportedly keen on constantly developing the park’s overall facilities to suit international competitive standards. That, plus a number of amenities around the park to accommodate enthusiasts and visitors in style; expect a multitude of restaurants, sport shops and massage centers to bloom in the area to cater to every conceivable need.
Where In Davao
The Deca wakeboarding facility is actually located in a residential area, the Deca Home Resort Residences. This gives the place a sort of calmness, just like going to the beach on an easy-going weekend. However don’t be deceived by its uptown residential atmosphere, the non-stop action should leave you in awe.
Deca Wakeboard Park Is Waiting
So what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and experience the newest and hippest tourist destination in the city.
The Deca Wakeboarding Facility is open seven days a week, from 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the afternoon.
Rate starts at PhP 400 up to PhP 1,000 per person and it comes with the free usage of wakeboard, vest and helmet.
Discounts are available for Davao City residents and the residents of the Deca Home Resort.
Deca On Amateur Cam
This amateur video shows you some folks having fun at the Deca Wakeboard Park one unplanned summer day.
Contact Details
If that sounds like you wanna get some water fun this summer, get in touch with them at
Deca Wakeboard Park
Tacunan, Mintal, Davao City, Philippines
Email : info@xtremewakeinc.com
Phone : (082) 3046005 / (082) 286407
Written by Randolph Reserva
Reference: http://www.davaotraveler.com/blog/category/about-davao/
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Travel To Philippines Tips
A trip to a foreign country can indeed be fun and exciting. However, a fun trip can sometimes turn sour without proper planning or prior knowledge of the country. Therefore, it is always advisable for travelers to learn more about a foreign country that they are about to visit so as to expect the unexpected and take proper precautions before making the trip there. Here are some useful travel tips that can help make your trip to the Philippines enjoyable and memorable.
Climate
Philippines is blessed with a tropical climate that has relatively generous amount of rainfall and gentle winds. Basically, there are three noticeable seasons namely the wet and rainy season (June-October), the cool but dry season (November-February) and the hot and dry season (March-May).
When To Go?
The best time to make a trip to the Philippines is from the middle of December to the middle of May because that is off-season for typhoons. Any travelers to the country in December (Christmas) or April (Easter) are advised against traveling more than necessary as the entire country is on the move, making it difficult to get a seat on any type of transport. January, May and December are the best months to visit the Philippines if colorful celebrations and fiestas are on your list of 'purpose for making the trip'. If your itinerary includes visits to the rice terraces in North Luzon, the best time to do this would be in March and April as the weather is pleasantly warm. Apart from that, these warm summer months are also ideal for island hopping. Do be advised that for those who can't take the heat, the month of May can be quite an experience of warm discomfort.
What To Bring?
The golden rule of traveling is to bring as little of your belongings as possible. Fortunately, most of the things that you might require are easily available upon arrival in the Philippines. Apart from the basic traveling necessities and your own special personal needs, it is not necessary to bring anything else other than (perhaps) a travel plug adapter, a pocket calculator, a torchlight, an umbrella and photographic supplies. Medications can be found at drug stores in major cities. In the event that you are confronted with problems when finding the things that you need, the ever-helpful staff at any Tourist Information Center will advise you as to where you can acquire them.
What To Wear?
Like its wonderfully varied culture, the country also has enough climatic changes that would require a wide variety of clothing. It is advisable to bring light and loose clothing that are suitable for tropical temperatures when visiting the cities of Philippines. If you are planning to make a trip to the mountains or scale the odd volcano, do bring along warmer clothing such as jumpers (sweaters) and a light jacket, even on the hottest months. And also, do bring along your thongs or flip-flops as you might find it useful in hotel bathrooms, showers or when you visit the beach. Don't forget to pack some of your formal clothing, as you might need it when you attend formal gatherings, festivals or religious services.
Airport Tax
Travelers are requested to pay an airport tax of P500 when departing from Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. If departing from Cebu City, the airport tax is P400, while in Davao, it is P220. Travelers are advised to check with their travel agents on this issue before departure as the fees are subject to change.
Tipping
Unlike most Asian countries, the culture of tipping in the Philippines' service industry is becoming more prevalent with much influence from western countries. Although, nearly all major hotels and restaurants have a policy of automatically adding a 10 percent service charge to your bills, a small token to show you gratitude is still expected in the form of a tip, leaving the amount for the tip to the customer's own discretion. Apart from hotels and restaurants, other smaller service establishments as well as taxi drivers expect a small gratuity in return for the service rendered.
Business Hours
In Manila, most shops are open six days a week, from 9 or 10am to 7 or 10pm. As for shopping centers, supermarkets and departmental stores, the operating hours are from 10am to 7pm daily. Shops located outside of Manila don't usually follow a fixed schedule or business hours due to shop owners' attitude of 'whatever happens' (Bahala na).
Government, private offices and public authorities operate from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm with workers breaking for lunch from 12pm to 1pm. Some private offices are also open on Saturdays from 8am to 12 noon. Business hours for banks are Monday-Friday from 9am to 3 or 3.30pm. Embassies or consulates are open to the public at 9am and close at 1pm. The opening hours of post offices in the Philippines differ from one place to another. Usually, post offices are open from 8am to 12 noon and from 1pm to 5pm on weekdays. And for those that operate on Saturdays, the business hours are from 8am to 1pm.
Electricity
The standard voltage of electricity used by most business centers and residents in the Philippines is 220 volts AC, 60 cycles. However, quite a few major hotels in some areas also have the US-style 110 volts capability.
Time
The island republic is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). When it is 12 noon in the Philippines, it is 3am in London, 8pm the previous evening in San Francisco and 11pm in New York. With the country lying near the equator, sunrise and sunset are almost equally spread at about 6am and 6pm give or take half an hour. Philippine's time has a strange nature, which includes lack of punctuality. So, don't be surprised if you are either waited for or left waiting.
Reference: http://www.marimari.com.my/content/philippines/travel_tips/main.html
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Climate
Philippines is blessed with a tropical climate that has relatively generous amount of rainfall and gentle winds. Basically, there are three noticeable seasons namely the wet and rainy season (June-October), the cool but dry season (November-February) and the hot and dry season (March-May).
When To Go?
The best time to make a trip to the Philippines is from the middle of December to the middle of May because that is off-season for typhoons. Any travelers to the country in December (Christmas) or April (Easter) are advised against traveling more than necessary as the entire country is on the move, making it difficult to get a seat on any type of transport. January, May and December are the best months to visit the Philippines if colorful celebrations and fiestas are on your list of 'purpose for making the trip'. If your itinerary includes visits to the rice terraces in North Luzon, the best time to do this would be in March and April as the weather is pleasantly warm. Apart from that, these warm summer months are also ideal for island hopping. Do be advised that for those who can't take the heat, the month of May can be quite an experience of warm discomfort.
What To Bring?
The golden rule of traveling is to bring as little of your belongings as possible. Fortunately, most of the things that you might require are easily available upon arrival in the Philippines. Apart from the basic traveling necessities and your own special personal needs, it is not necessary to bring anything else other than (perhaps) a travel plug adapter, a pocket calculator, a torchlight, an umbrella and photographic supplies. Medications can be found at drug stores in major cities. In the event that you are confronted with problems when finding the things that you need, the ever-helpful staff at any Tourist Information Center will advise you as to where you can acquire them.
What To Wear?
Like its wonderfully varied culture, the country also has enough climatic changes that would require a wide variety of clothing. It is advisable to bring light and loose clothing that are suitable for tropical temperatures when visiting the cities of Philippines. If you are planning to make a trip to the mountains or scale the odd volcano, do bring along warmer clothing such as jumpers (sweaters) and a light jacket, even on the hottest months. And also, do bring along your thongs or flip-flops as you might find it useful in hotel bathrooms, showers or when you visit the beach. Don't forget to pack some of your formal clothing, as you might need it when you attend formal gatherings, festivals or religious services.
Airport Tax
Travelers are requested to pay an airport tax of P500 when departing from Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport. If departing from Cebu City, the airport tax is P400, while in Davao, it is P220. Travelers are advised to check with their travel agents on this issue before departure as the fees are subject to change.
Tipping
Unlike most Asian countries, the culture of tipping in the Philippines' service industry is becoming more prevalent with much influence from western countries. Although, nearly all major hotels and restaurants have a policy of automatically adding a 10 percent service charge to your bills, a small token to show you gratitude is still expected in the form of a tip, leaving the amount for the tip to the customer's own discretion. Apart from hotels and restaurants, other smaller service establishments as well as taxi drivers expect a small gratuity in return for the service rendered.
Business Hours
In Manila, most shops are open six days a week, from 9 or 10am to 7 or 10pm. As for shopping centers, supermarkets and departmental stores, the operating hours are from 10am to 7pm daily. Shops located outside of Manila don't usually follow a fixed schedule or business hours due to shop owners' attitude of 'whatever happens' (Bahala na).
Government, private offices and public authorities operate from Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm with workers breaking for lunch from 12pm to 1pm. Some private offices are also open on Saturdays from 8am to 12 noon. Business hours for banks are Monday-Friday from 9am to 3 or 3.30pm. Embassies or consulates are open to the public at 9am and close at 1pm. The opening hours of post offices in the Philippines differ from one place to another. Usually, post offices are open from 8am to 12 noon and from 1pm to 5pm on weekdays. And for those that operate on Saturdays, the business hours are from 8am to 1pm.
Electricity
The standard voltage of electricity used by most business centers and residents in the Philippines is 220 volts AC, 60 cycles. However, quite a few major hotels in some areas also have the US-style 110 volts capability.
Time
The island republic is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). When it is 12 noon in the Philippines, it is 3am in London, 8pm the previous evening in San Francisco and 11pm in New York. With the country lying near the equator, sunrise and sunset are almost equally spread at about 6am and 6pm give or take half an hour. Philippine's time has a strange nature, which includes lack of punctuality. So, don't be surprised if you are either waited for or left waiting.
Reference: http://www.marimari.com.my/content/philippines/travel_tips/main.html
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Rizal Street Has Good Food, Good Coffee and Good Music
Filipinos love eating, whenever, wherever, and well… whatever, as long as it is edible and tasty of course. Because of the love for good food, we’ve not only grown fond of eating, we also mastered the art of cooking… more or less. Adaptive as we will always be, we didn’t only master our own way of cooking, we also picked up techniques from all over the world. The product: A one of a kind cuisine culture so extensive that we can actually provide you the different tastes of the world in just one street. The proof: we’ll give you a free food trip in one of Davao’s nightlife destinations, Rizal Street.
Buckle up because this one’s going to be a really good ride.
That Street Named Rizal
Found in Metro Davao, this half-a-mile stretch is frequented by tourists and locals who are in search of some chow and booze. Tourists should have no trouble locating this well traveled road as it is very accessible ‘round the clock. As for variety, there’s just so much to find in here that you wouldn’t need to go far to suite the specific things your palate desires.
Fast Food? Get It Really Fast!
Jollibee
If you’re looking to go for a quick of pit stop from your touring all around the city, Rizal Street offers a wide variety of quick-cooks to relieve your hunger and fuel you up for your enjoyable race around town. Who wouldn’t recognize the famous fast food chain Jollibee? A yummy burger should do the job of satisfying you well and quick. Try their fried chicken fondly called the “Chickenjoy” too. That’s something that goes down as one of the Filipino’s favorite.
Merco and Mandarin Tea Garden
If you want a full meal of sorts and you want it quick, then go to Merco. This place is very well known for its cakes and pastries, but they don't only focus on the sweet stuff. Right beside their pastry shop is a restaurant where you can get some American style dishes. They also serve at lutong-bahay (home cooked) style Filipino dishes. However, if you're looking for Chinese food, then you can go to the Mandarin Tea Garden right across the street. Rice toppings, dimsum, congee, there's just a lot of delicious dishes to choose from. With these two good restaurants, satisfaction will surely be guaranteed!
Big Appetite? No problem!
The Rizal Strata offers you a lot of options for a good place where you can eat a lot with your friends and family. You never have to go far just to find the very famous Filipino style roasted pig a.k.a. "the lechon". Whaw Litson Biik Grill and Restaurant specializes in roasting homegrown piglets at an affordable price. Eating big with a big group? This is the place to be!
As for buffets, we have two restaurants in the place to give you maximum satisfaction when it comes to the food and the price. Vist the Iron Horse buffet and you shall see why this street is well visited. For around 130 PHP, you can choose from a wide variety of Davao dishes in whatever way you want them. Grilled, fried, or baked, it doesn't matter. What matters most is that you enjoy the food! Also check out the Apung Kula Seafood Grill located further down the street. This place is highly regarded when it comes to catering for big events such as weddings and birthday parties. On a daily basis, it doesn't fail to impress as well. For 118 PHP, you can eat all you can find a long buffet table of delicious delicacies including your favorite seafoods!
And when you’re visiting the city, you should never miss out on Davao’s very own TAPS. This fast-food chain started out and grew big in none other than Davao City itself. What started out as a small family business is now bigger than ever. Filipino dishes anyone? This place offers all the Filipino favorites such as the famous Tapa, Adobo and Ox feet among many others all served with garlic rice and a scrambled egg. Truly delicious, truly Filipino, proudly Davaoeño
Fine Dining Delight
Fine dining desires? You guessed it right, we have them here too! Check out Chico’s Music Bistro found in Casa de Habana. Casa de Habana is a compound where everything may seem too good to be true. Chico’s Music Bistro offers not only good food and wonderful drinks; they also offer good music, specifically Jazz and Samba, from Davao's best musicians. If you're looking to relax and spend the night comfortably after a whole day of tours and sightseeing, you should visit this place. Casa de Habana also houses the De Boute Koe European Restaurant. Indulge in fine European cuisine. Here's a taste of Europe right on Philippine soil. Also, do check out the El Toro Spanish Cuisine. This restaurant offers Spanish cuisine at its best. You can choose from their menu which includes Tapa, Salads, Soups, and Paellas. Casa de Habana also has an inn for with rooms available at low rates.
Also, don’t forget to visit Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville just beside the Iron Horse. This place specializes on French cuisine, something you would have pre-empted from the name of the cafe alone. Anyway, this cafe has been around since the early 90's, and has established itself as the only authentic French restaurant in Davao City. The elegance is reflected by its sumptuous servings of awesome steaks and stews; not to mention mouth watering appetizers! We're bringing Europe to Davao, and there’s no other place where you can find it better than here!
The Nightlife
We already expressed how a lot of people frequent this avenue for its nightlife. Now, the only thing left is for you to experience it. But for now, let’s go through the establishments which make this street tick during the night. This area is known for a place named The Rizal Promenade, an arcade flanked by a number of bars that will make you dance the night away. Good booze, lots of people and music that should make you sway to the beat all of these make this place awesome. Your presence should make this place awesome even more!
And if ever you get tired of dancing and decide to go singing instead, right across the street in front of Rizal Promenade is a commercial establishment named Cats and Dogs. For 100 PHP per hour, you can get a room hooked up with a Karaoke system so good it will only make you sing even more. Also, there are food stations outside Cats and Dogs where you can order some food and take with you to your karaoke room. You can choose from grilled meat, even the famous Asian dish we all know as the Kabab. Yes, they have that one too, in Majid’s Kabab, a small restaurant outside Cats and Dogs. They don't only offer their signature kababs, they also offer a few Eastern dishes. Wasn’t I right when I said we have everything in this place?
A Good Coffee for a Good Night
A truly satisfying night wouldn’t be complete without a cup of coffee. Visit Las Casitas de Angela, a hotel beside the Rizal Promenade. This exquisite hotel doesn’t only offer wonderful rooms at value prices; they also house the Coffee Mood Coffee Shop. Spend an easy time with a warm cup of coffee and a Mexican-inspired ambience. After a lot of partying and a lot of very satisfying meals, this should pretty much sum up everything well. And a bit of a reminder, go slow on the caffeine. You deserve a very good sleep after a tour around Rizal Street!
That deep sleep should re-energize you for another tour around Davao’s main streets one of these days. And we’ll make sure you’ll be up for that. Until next time! Have a good time in Davao City everyone!
This article is written by Randolph Reserva. In Davao, you don’t have to go far to have Good Food, Good Coffee and Good Music. They are all in one street, according to Randolph.
Reference: www.davaotraveler.com
For all your Event needs, go to youreventlist.com
exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
Buckle up because this one’s going to be a really good ride.
That Street Named Rizal
Found in Metro Davao, this half-a-mile stretch is frequented by tourists and locals who are in search of some chow and booze. Tourists should have no trouble locating this well traveled road as it is very accessible ‘round the clock. As for variety, there’s just so much to find in here that you wouldn’t need to go far to suite the specific things your palate desires.
Fast Food? Get It Really Fast!
Jollibee
If you’re looking to go for a quick of pit stop from your touring all around the city, Rizal Street offers a wide variety of quick-cooks to relieve your hunger and fuel you up for your enjoyable race around town. Who wouldn’t recognize the famous fast food chain Jollibee? A yummy burger should do the job of satisfying you well and quick. Try their fried chicken fondly called the “Chickenjoy” too. That’s something that goes down as one of the Filipino’s favorite.
Merco and Mandarin Tea Garden
If you want a full meal of sorts and you want it quick, then go to Merco. This place is very well known for its cakes and pastries, but they don't only focus on the sweet stuff. Right beside their pastry shop is a restaurant where you can get some American style dishes. They also serve at lutong-bahay (home cooked) style Filipino dishes. However, if you're looking for Chinese food, then you can go to the Mandarin Tea Garden right across the street. Rice toppings, dimsum, congee, there's just a lot of delicious dishes to choose from. With these two good restaurants, satisfaction will surely be guaranteed!
Big Appetite? No problem!
The Rizal Strata offers you a lot of options for a good place where you can eat a lot with your friends and family. You never have to go far just to find the very famous Filipino style roasted pig a.k.a. "the lechon". Whaw Litson Biik Grill and Restaurant specializes in roasting homegrown piglets at an affordable price. Eating big with a big group? This is the place to be!
As for buffets, we have two restaurants in the place to give you maximum satisfaction when it comes to the food and the price. Vist the Iron Horse buffet and you shall see why this street is well visited. For around 130 PHP, you can choose from a wide variety of Davao dishes in whatever way you want them. Grilled, fried, or baked, it doesn't matter. What matters most is that you enjoy the food! Also check out the Apung Kula Seafood Grill located further down the street. This place is highly regarded when it comes to catering for big events such as weddings and birthday parties. On a daily basis, it doesn't fail to impress as well. For 118 PHP, you can eat all you can find a long buffet table of delicious delicacies including your favorite seafoods!
And when you’re visiting the city, you should never miss out on Davao’s very own TAPS. This fast-food chain started out and grew big in none other than Davao City itself. What started out as a small family business is now bigger than ever. Filipino dishes anyone? This place offers all the Filipino favorites such as the famous Tapa, Adobo and Ox feet among many others all served with garlic rice and a scrambled egg. Truly delicious, truly Filipino, proudly Davaoeño
Fine Dining Delight
Fine dining desires? You guessed it right, we have them here too! Check out Chico’s Music Bistro found in Casa de Habana. Casa de Habana is a compound where everything may seem too good to be true. Chico’s Music Bistro offers not only good food and wonderful drinks; they also offer good music, specifically Jazz and Samba, from Davao's best musicians. If you're looking to relax and spend the night comfortably after a whole day of tours and sightseeing, you should visit this place. Casa de Habana also houses the De Boute Koe European Restaurant. Indulge in fine European cuisine. Here's a taste of Europe right on Philippine soil. Also, do check out the El Toro Spanish Cuisine. This restaurant offers Spanish cuisine at its best. You can choose from their menu which includes Tapa, Salads, Soups, and Paellas. Casa de Habana also has an inn for with rooms available at low rates.
Also, don’t forget to visit Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville just beside the Iron Horse. This place specializes on French cuisine, something you would have pre-empted from the name of the cafe alone. Anyway, this cafe has been around since the early 90's, and has established itself as the only authentic French restaurant in Davao City. The elegance is reflected by its sumptuous servings of awesome steaks and stews; not to mention mouth watering appetizers! We're bringing Europe to Davao, and there’s no other place where you can find it better than here!
The Nightlife
We already expressed how a lot of people frequent this avenue for its nightlife. Now, the only thing left is for you to experience it. But for now, let’s go through the establishments which make this street tick during the night. This area is known for a place named The Rizal Promenade, an arcade flanked by a number of bars that will make you dance the night away. Good booze, lots of people and music that should make you sway to the beat all of these make this place awesome. Your presence should make this place awesome even more!
And if ever you get tired of dancing and decide to go singing instead, right across the street in front of Rizal Promenade is a commercial establishment named Cats and Dogs. For 100 PHP per hour, you can get a room hooked up with a Karaoke system so good it will only make you sing even more. Also, there are food stations outside Cats and Dogs where you can order some food and take with you to your karaoke room. You can choose from grilled meat, even the famous Asian dish we all know as the Kabab. Yes, they have that one too, in Majid’s Kabab, a small restaurant outside Cats and Dogs. They don't only offer their signature kababs, they also offer a few Eastern dishes. Wasn’t I right when I said we have everything in this place?
A Good Coffee for a Good Night
A truly satisfying night wouldn’t be complete without a cup of coffee. Visit Las Casitas de Angela, a hotel beside the Rizal Promenade. This exquisite hotel doesn’t only offer wonderful rooms at value prices; they also house the Coffee Mood Coffee Shop. Spend an easy time with a warm cup of coffee and a Mexican-inspired ambience. After a lot of partying and a lot of very satisfying meals, this should pretty much sum up everything well. And a bit of a reminder, go slow on the caffeine. You deserve a very good sleep after a tour around Rizal Street!
That deep sleep should re-energize you for another tour around Davao’s main streets one of these days. And we’ll make sure you’ll be up for that. Until next time! Have a good time in Davao City everyone!
This article is written by Randolph Reserva. In Davao, you don’t have to go far to have Good Food, Good Coffee and Good Music. They are all in one street, according to Randolph.
Reference: www.davaotraveler.com
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exclusive for Davao City, Philippines and nearby regions
How to Find a Job and Keep It
SUDDENLY UNEMPLOYED!
“When I lost my job, I felt as if someone had thrown a bucket of cold water over me. My self-esteem suffered terribly.”—Tony, Germany.
“I felt as though a heavy stone had been placed upon my head. As a single parent, I worried about how I would feed my two children and pay my bills.”—Mary, India.
“I was very discouraged when I lost my job, and I was anxious about whether I would be able to find another one.”—Jaime, Mexico.
WORLDWIDE, millions are enduring the same plight as Tony, Mary, and Jaime. About the turn of this century, it was estimated that 10 percent of the workforce in Europe and Central Asia—some 23 million people—were looking for work. In some less-developed lands, more than a quarter of the labor force is without paid employment. In the United States, “nearly 2.6 million jobs have disappeared over all during the last 28 months,” declared The New York Times in July 2003.
In many lands the search for employment presents serious obstacles. For example, each year a tidal wave of high-school and college graduates floods the job market. In addition, having a degree or specialized training is no guarantee that one will find work in a chosen profession. Thus, it is now quite common for people to change jobs several times during their working life. Some even have to change careers entirely.
If you find yourself unemployed, what can you do to improve your chances of finding work? And once you find a job, what can you do to keep it?
WHO obtains the best job? Is it always the most qualified applicant? “No,” says Brian, an employment consultant. “The job often goes to the most effective job seeker.” What can you do to become a more effective job seeker? Let us consider five suggestions.
Be Organized
If you have lost a good job or have been unemployed for some time, it is easy to become downhearted. “When I first lost my job, I was optimistic about finding another one,” says Katharina, a dressmaker in Germany. “But as the months dragged on and I was unable to find work, I became depressed. Eventually, I even found it hard to talk about the subject with my friends.”
How can you counteract feelings of hopelessness? “It is crucial that you establish your own ‘workday’ schedule so that you start your day knowing what is to be done,” suggests the book Get a Job in 30 Days or Less. The authors recommend that you “set daily goals and record what you have done.” In addition, they say that “each day must start with your getting dressed for work.” Why? “Being dressed properly will give you added confidence even when talking on the telephone.”
Yes, you must make it your job to find a job, no matter how long it takes. Katharina, mentioned earlier, adopted this businesslike approach. She says: “I obtained the addresses and phone numbers of prospective employers from the employment office. I responded to newspaper ads. I studied the phone book and made lists of companies that might have jobs that were not yet advertised, and then I contacted them. I also compiled a résumé and sent it to these companies.” After such systematic searching, Katharina found a suitable job.
Access the Hidden Job Market
The fisherman with the largest net is the one most likely to catch fish. So, too, your knowing how to increase the size of your “net” will improve your chances of landing a job. If you are looking for work only by responding to newspaper or Internet advertisements, the majority of available jobs may be slipping past your net. A good number of jobs are never advertised. How can you gain access to this hidden job market?
In addition to responding to advertisements, like Katharina you must set aside time each week to call on businesses that you think may have jobs you can do. Do not wait for them to advertise positions. If a manager says that he has no work, ask him if he knows where else you might look and specifically to whom you should speak. If he offers a suggestion, make an appointment with that company, stating the name of the person who referred you.
Tony, mentioned in the preceding article, found a job this way. “I took the initiative to contact companies even though they were not advertising,” he explains. “One company said that there were no vacancies at present but that I should try again in three months. I did, and I obtained a job.”
EMPLOYMENT
Prepare well for interviews
Produce an effective résumé
Be adaptable
Access the hidden job market
Be organized
Primrose, a single mother in South Africa, did something similar. “While I was attending a first-aid course,” she says, “I noticed a new building being constructed across the road and discovered that it was going to be a nursing home for the elderly. I repeatedly tried to make an appointment with the superintendent of the facility. He finally told me that there were currently no jobs available. However, I kept returning to see if I could work there, even as a volunteer. Eventually, I was employed on a temporary basis. I applied myself to whatever tasks I was given. As a result, I gained additional qualifications and obtained a permanent job at the facility.”
You can also ask your friends, family, and other associates to help you access the hidden job market. This is how Jacobus, a safety officer in South Africa, found a job. He says: “When the company I worked for went out of business, I let friends and family know that I was looking for work. One day a friend of mine overheard a conversation while in line at a supermarket. One woman was asking another if she knew of anyone looking for work. My friend interrupted and told the woman about me. An appointment was arranged, and I got the job.”
Be Adaptable
To increase your chances of finding work, you must be adaptable. Jaime, mentioned in the preceding article, observes: “It is unlikely that you will find a job that has everything you hope for. You need to learn to be content with employment that is less than ideal.”
Being adaptable may mean overcoming prejudice against certain types of work. Consider Ericka, who lives in Mexico. Trained as an executive secretary, she was initially unable to find the kind of work she preferred. “I learned to accept any suitable work,” she says. “For a while I worked as a sales assistant. I also sold tacos on the street and cleaned houses. Eventually, I was able to find a job in my field of expertise.”
When Mary, mentioned in the preceding article, lost her job as a clerk, she too saw the need to be adaptable. She explains: “I wasn’t adamant about finding the same type of work I had been doing. I followed up each job opportunity that came along, even if it involved what some might consider menial work. As a result, I was able to find work to support my two children.”
Produce an Effective Resume
(In some places a similar document is called a CV, or curriculum vitae)
For those applying for executive positions, compiling and distributing a professional résumé is a must. But no matter what job you seek, a well-prepared résumé can be a great asset. “A résumé tells potential employers not only who you are but also what you have accomplished and why they need you,” says Nigel, an employment consultant in Australia.
How do you compile a résumé? Provide your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. State your objective. List the education you have received, highlighting any training and skills that relate to the job you are seeking. Provide details of previous work experience. Include not only what you did but also examples of the goals you reached and the benefits you brought to your previous employers. Also highlight aspects of your previous employment that qualify you for the job you are currently seeking. Include personal information that describes your qualities, interests, and hobbies. Because companies’ needs differ, you may have to adjust your résumé for each application.
Should you produce a résumé if you are applying for your first job? Yes! There may be many things you have done that qualify as work experience. For example, do you have hobbies, such as woodworking or perhaps fixing up old cars? These can be listed. Have you engaged in any volunteer work? List the type of volunteer work you have done and the goals you have achieved.—See the box [below].
Sample Resume for Those
Without Work Experience
Your Name:
Your Address:
Your Telephone Number and E-Mail Address:
Objective: Seeking entry-level position in manufacturing.
Education: Graduated from Hometown High School, 2004.
Courses: Language skills, mathematics, computers, woodworking class.
Skills and Abilities: Work well with my hands. Regularly service the family car. Made wooden chairs and a table in my home workshop. Enjoy using my math skills while making furniture. Installed roofing material on a volunteer building project. Can use most types of computers and enjoy learning new programs.
Personal Information: Reliable—missed only two days of school in senior year. Honest—returned a lost wallet that contained money. Friendly—regularly engage in volunteer work in the community and enjoy assisting the elderly. Athletics—love playing basketball. Hobbies—enjoy repairing automobiles and woodworking.
References: Available on request *
* Reference contacts could include a schoolteacher who knows you well or a family friend who runs a business. By making these names available on request, you can get an early indication that a prospective employer may be interested in hiring you. Be sure to obtain the permission of those you list as references.
When you cannot obtain an interview with a prospective employer, leave a small card—preferably four inches by six inches [10 cm by 15 cm]—containing your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, as well as a brief summary of your skills and accomplishments. On the back of the card, if appropriate, you could even put a photo of yourself or of you with your family. Distribute this card to all those who might help you find work, asking them to hand it to anyone they know who is offering the type of work you are seeking. When a potential employer sees this card, he may grant you an interview—perhaps leading to a job!
Preparing a résumé will help you feel more in control as you search for work. Nigel, mentioned earlier, says: “Writing a résumé helps you organize your thoughts and goals. It also builds your confidence by helping you prepare for potential questions you may be asked during a job interview.”—See the below.
Questions You May Be Asked During an Interview
Why have you applied for this job?
Why do you want to work for this particular company?
What do you know about the job/company/industry?
Have you ever done this type of work before?
What kind of machines can you operate?
What experience have you had in this area of work?
What skills can you bring to this job?
Tell me about yourself.
What five words would you say best describe you?
Can you work under pressure?
Why did you leave your last job?
Why have you been unemployed for so long?
What was your last employer’s opinion of you?
How often were you absent from work on your last job?
What are your plans for the future?
When are you available to start work?
What are your greatest assets?
Prepare Well for Your Interviews
What is involved in preparing for an interview? You may want to research the company you hope to work for. The more you know about the company, the better the impression you will make during the interview. Your research will also help you determine whether the company really has the kind of work you want or is one you want to work for.
Next, think about what you will wear to the interview. If the job you seek involves manual labor, wear appropriate neat, clean clothing. Neat dress and grooming tell the prospective employer that you take pride in yourself and are thus more likely to take pride in your work. If you are hoping to work in an office, choose modest clothing that is considered suitable business attire where you live. Nigel says: “Choose your clothes long before you are due to attend your interview so that you don’t feel rushed and unnecessarily increase your levels of stress prior to the interview.”
Nigel also recommends arriving for your interview about 15 minutes early. Of course, arriving too early is not wise. But arriving late could be disastrous. Experts say that the first three seconds of your interview are crucial. During that brief time, the interviewer makes assessments about your appearance and your bearing that deeply influence his or her opinion of you. If you are late, you will make an overwhelmingly negative impression. Remember, there are no second chances to rectify first impressions.
Remember, too, that the interviewer is not your enemy. After all, he likely had to apply for his job, so he knows how you feel. In fact, he may be nervous, since he may have received little or no training on how to conduct an interview. In addition, if the interviewer is the employer, he may have much to lose if he chooses the wrong person for the job.
To start off well, smile and give the interviewer a firm handshake if that is the customary greeting. During the interview, concentrate on what the employer needs from you and what you have to offer. Regarding things to avoid, Nigel says: “Don’t fidget or slouch—good posture conveys confidence. Don’t be too informal or overly talkative, and definitely do not use profanity. Also, avoid being negative about your former employers and workmates—if you are negative about them, the interviewer will likely feel you will be negative about this job too.”
Regarding things to do and say during the interview, experts recommend the following: Maintain eye contact with the interviewer, use natural gestures when you speak, and articulate clearly. Be concise and honest when answering questions, and ask relevant questions about the company and the prospective job. At the end of the interview, if you still want the job, ask for it. Doing so will show your enthusiasm.
By following the suggestions outlined above, you may soon have a job. If that is the case, what can you do to increase your chances of keeping it?
What About Online Employment Agencies?
One of the largest online employment Web sites in the United States has 17 million résumés listed for potential employers to peruse and some 800,000 jobs listed for the unemployed to consider. Surveys indicate that up to 96 percent of people in some countries search for jobs using the Internet. However, research compiled among professionals from 40 countries shows that only 5 percent of the job seekers among them actually find work through this medium.
Posting your résumé online increases the number of potential employers who know you are looking for a job, but caution is in order. It also increases your chances of becoming a victim of fraud. To protect yourself from this fate, industry experts provide the following advice:
1. Read the privacy policy of an online employment agencybefore you post your resume with them. Some job sites sell your personal details to mass-market companies or other interested parties.
2. Post your résumé with only a handful of reputable online job sites. It is vital to protect your personal information to prevent its being misused. Your résumé should never contain the information a thief would need to steal your identity and cause you endless financial trouble. Legitimate employers do not need to know your bank account number, credit card number, or exact date of birth.
3. Beware of vague job offers. Pam Dixon, a researcher with the World Privacy Forum, says that the more general the offer, the less valid it usually is. “Vague wording like ‘We have thousands of jobs’ or ‘We work with major companies’ is a red flag,” she states, adding: “Requests to send in a new copy of your résumé can spell trouble, too.”
Remember, even the most reputable online job sites cannot control what happens to your resum once it has been downloaded by a potential employer or other interested party.
“Have you beheld a man skillful in his work? Before kings is where he will station himself.”—Proverbs 22:29.
AS THE above Bible verse indicates, skillful workers are often highly valued. What are some skills and qualities that employers appreciate in their workers? George, the director of human resources for a company that employs 700 people, told Awake!: “What we value in an employee is his ability to communicate well and work harmoniously with others.” The Bible contains practical advice that can help you to improve in these skills, thus increasing your prospects of keeping your job. Consider some examples.
Communicate Effectively
The Bible writer James shows that the work of an effective communicator begins before he opens his mouth. James wrote that one should be “swift about hearing, slow about speaking.” (James 1:19) Why is this good advice? Solomon wrote: “When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it, that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation.” (Proverbs 18:13) Indeed, listening closely to your employer and to your fellow workers can prevent misunderstandings and keep you from making foolish mistakes.
When you speak, the wayyou do so is also important. If you speak clearly and with sufficient volume, it is more likely that you will be understood, and this will heighten a listener’s respect for what you say. Brian, an employment consultant mentioned in the preceding article, comments: “You would be surprised how many people lose their jobs, not because of lack of technical skill, but because they lack the ability to communicate effectively.”
Work Well With Others
In view of the amount of time you spend with workmates, you will no doubt get to know them quite well. As a result, you might be tempted to gossip about them, highlighting their mistakes and shortcomings. The Bible’s advice, however, is to “make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) By doing this, you will avoid gaining a reputation as “a busybody in other people’s matters.” (1 Peter 4:15) Moreover, you will avoid wasting time and causing needless friction with your workmates.
When you are asked to perform a task, keep in mind Jesus’ wise counsel: “If someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:41) Jesus was talking about governmental authority, but the principle certainly applies in the workplace. If you gain a reputation as a hard worker—one who will go the extra mile—you will be more likely to keep your job. Of course, there is a limit to what an employer can rightly ask of you. Jesus said that one should pay “Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Matthew 22:21) In principle, Jesus here indicated that those in positions of authority should not be allowed to interfere with more important matters, such as worship of God.
Be Honest
One survey of more than 1,400 firms revealed that the majority of employers “ranked honesty and integrity as qualities that impress them most in job candidates.” Obviously, being honest involves not stealing money or materials from your employer. It also means not stealing time. A study conducted by one employment agency found that time theft amounted to an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes per employee each week. Among other things, these time thieves were habitually late, left work early, and socialized with other employees while at work.
The Bible advises: “Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work.” (Ephesians 4:28) In addition, God’s Word encourages Christians to work hard, even when those in authority are not directly observing them. The apostle Paul wrote: “Be obedient in everything to those who are your masters in a fleshly sense, not with acts of eye-service, as men pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, with fear of Jehovah.” (Colossians 3:22) If you have a reputation for working well—even when not supervised—you are an employee to be trusted.
Be Realistic
The Bible accurately predicted that our times would be critical and hard to deal with. (2 Timothy 3:1) The resulting political and social instability and upheaval would inevitably result in economic uncertainty. (Matthew 24:3-8) Hence, even if you apply the above suggestions, you may still lose your job.
However, applying Bible principles can help lessen the anxiety associated with unemployment. Jesus said: “If, now, God thus clothes the vegetation of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ . . . For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.”—Matthew 6:30-32.
Like millions of others around the world, Ericka, mentioned earlier, has experienced the truth of the above-quoted words. She sums up her feelings this way: “I enjoy my current job very much. But I know from experience that things change. Even so, by applying Bible principles and by coming to trust Jehovah, I have learned how to lessen my anxiety when unemployed and how to increase my contentment with the work I obtain.”
From The Watchtower Magazine published by JW's
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http://www.youreventlist.com/blog/blog.html
“When I lost my job, I felt as if someone had thrown a bucket of cold water over me. My self-esteem suffered terribly.”—Tony, Germany.
“I felt as though a heavy stone had been placed upon my head. As a single parent, I worried about how I would feed my two children and pay my bills.”—Mary, India.
“I was very discouraged when I lost my job, and I was anxious about whether I would be able to find another one.”—Jaime, Mexico.
WORLDWIDE, millions are enduring the same plight as Tony, Mary, and Jaime. About the turn of this century, it was estimated that 10 percent of the workforce in Europe and Central Asia—some 23 million people—were looking for work. In some less-developed lands, more than a quarter of the labor force is without paid employment. In the United States, “nearly 2.6 million jobs have disappeared over all during the last 28 months,” declared The New York Times in July 2003.
In many lands the search for employment presents serious obstacles. For example, each year a tidal wave of high-school and college graduates floods the job market. In addition, having a degree or specialized training is no guarantee that one will find work in a chosen profession. Thus, it is now quite common for people to change jobs several times during their working life. Some even have to change careers entirely.
If you find yourself unemployed, what can you do to improve your chances of finding work? And once you find a job, what can you do to keep it?
WHO obtains the best job? Is it always the most qualified applicant? “No,” says Brian, an employment consultant. “The job often goes to the most effective job seeker.” What can you do to become a more effective job seeker? Let us consider five suggestions.
Be Organized
If you have lost a good job or have been unemployed for some time, it is easy to become downhearted. “When I first lost my job, I was optimistic about finding another one,” says Katharina, a dressmaker in Germany. “But as the months dragged on and I was unable to find work, I became depressed. Eventually, I even found it hard to talk about the subject with my friends.”
How can you counteract feelings of hopelessness? “It is crucial that you establish your own ‘workday’ schedule so that you start your day knowing what is to be done,” suggests the book Get a Job in 30 Days or Less. The authors recommend that you “set daily goals and record what you have done.” In addition, they say that “each day must start with your getting dressed for work.” Why? “Being dressed properly will give you added confidence even when talking on the telephone.”
Yes, you must make it your job to find a job, no matter how long it takes. Katharina, mentioned earlier, adopted this businesslike approach. She says: “I obtained the addresses and phone numbers of prospective employers from the employment office. I responded to newspaper ads. I studied the phone book and made lists of companies that might have jobs that were not yet advertised, and then I contacted them. I also compiled a résumé and sent it to these companies.” After such systematic searching, Katharina found a suitable job.
Access the Hidden Job Market
The fisherman with the largest net is the one most likely to catch fish. So, too, your knowing how to increase the size of your “net” will improve your chances of landing a job. If you are looking for work only by responding to newspaper or Internet advertisements, the majority of available jobs may be slipping past your net. A good number of jobs are never advertised. How can you gain access to this hidden job market?
In addition to responding to advertisements, like Katharina you must set aside time each week to call on businesses that you think may have jobs you can do. Do not wait for them to advertise positions. If a manager says that he has no work, ask him if he knows where else you might look and specifically to whom you should speak. If he offers a suggestion, make an appointment with that company, stating the name of the person who referred you.
Tony, mentioned in the preceding article, found a job this way. “I took the initiative to contact companies even though they were not advertising,” he explains. “One company said that there were no vacancies at present but that I should try again in three months. I did, and I obtained a job.”
EMPLOYMENT
Prepare well for interviews
Produce an effective résumé
Be adaptable
Access the hidden job market
Be organized
Primrose, a single mother in South Africa, did something similar. “While I was attending a first-aid course,” she says, “I noticed a new building being constructed across the road and discovered that it was going to be a nursing home for the elderly. I repeatedly tried to make an appointment with the superintendent of the facility. He finally told me that there were currently no jobs available. However, I kept returning to see if I could work there, even as a volunteer. Eventually, I was employed on a temporary basis. I applied myself to whatever tasks I was given. As a result, I gained additional qualifications and obtained a permanent job at the facility.”
You can also ask your friends, family, and other associates to help you access the hidden job market. This is how Jacobus, a safety officer in South Africa, found a job. He says: “When the company I worked for went out of business, I let friends and family know that I was looking for work. One day a friend of mine overheard a conversation while in line at a supermarket. One woman was asking another if she knew of anyone looking for work. My friend interrupted and told the woman about me. An appointment was arranged, and I got the job.”
Be Adaptable
To increase your chances of finding work, you must be adaptable. Jaime, mentioned in the preceding article, observes: “It is unlikely that you will find a job that has everything you hope for. You need to learn to be content with employment that is less than ideal.”
Being adaptable may mean overcoming prejudice against certain types of work. Consider Ericka, who lives in Mexico. Trained as an executive secretary, she was initially unable to find the kind of work she preferred. “I learned to accept any suitable work,” she says. “For a while I worked as a sales assistant. I also sold tacos on the street and cleaned houses. Eventually, I was able to find a job in my field of expertise.”
When Mary, mentioned in the preceding article, lost her job as a clerk, she too saw the need to be adaptable. She explains: “I wasn’t adamant about finding the same type of work I had been doing. I followed up each job opportunity that came along, even if it involved what some might consider menial work. As a result, I was able to find work to support my two children.”
Produce an Effective Resume
(In some places a similar document is called a CV, or curriculum vitae)
For those applying for executive positions, compiling and distributing a professional résumé is a must. But no matter what job you seek, a well-prepared résumé can be a great asset. “A résumé tells potential employers not only who you are but also what you have accomplished and why they need you,” says Nigel, an employment consultant in Australia.
How do you compile a résumé? Provide your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. State your objective. List the education you have received, highlighting any training and skills that relate to the job you are seeking. Provide details of previous work experience. Include not only what you did but also examples of the goals you reached and the benefits you brought to your previous employers. Also highlight aspects of your previous employment that qualify you for the job you are currently seeking. Include personal information that describes your qualities, interests, and hobbies. Because companies’ needs differ, you may have to adjust your résumé for each application.
Should you produce a résumé if you are applying for your first job? Yes! There may be many things you have done that qualify as work experience. For example, do you have hobbies, such as woodworking or perhaps fixing up old cars? These can be listed. Have you engaged in any volunteer work? List the type of volunteer work you have done and the goals you have achieved.—See the box [below].
Sample Resume for Those
Without Work Experience
Your Name:
Your Address:
Your Telephone Number and E-Mail Address:
Objective: Seeking entry-level position in manufacturing.
Education: Graduated from Hometown High School, 2004.
Courses: Language skills, mathematics, computers, woodworking class.
Skills and Abilities: Work well with my hands. Regularly service the family car. Made wooden chairs and a table in my home workshop. Enjoy using my math skills while making furniture. Installed roofing material on a volunteer building project. Can use most types of computers and enjoy learning new programs.
Personal Information: Reliable—missed only two days of school in senior year. Honest—returned a lost wallet that contained money. Friendly—regularly engage in volunteer work in the community and enjoy assisting the elderly. Athletics—love playing basketball. Hobbies—enjoy repairing automobiles and woodworking.
References: Available on request *
* Reference contacts could include a schoolteacher who knows you well or a family friend who runs a business. By making these names available on request, you can get an early indication that a prospective employer may be interested in hiring you. Be sure to obtain the permission of those you list as references.
When you cannot obtain an interview with a prospective employer, leave a small card—preferably four inches by six inches [10 cm by 15 cm]—containing your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, as well as a brief summary of your skills and accomplishments. On the back of the card, if appropriate, you could even put a photo of yourself or of you with your family. Distribute this card to all those who might help you find work, asking them to hand it to anyone they know who is offering the type of work you are seeking. When a potential employer sees this card, he may grant you an interview—perhaps leading to a job!
Preparing a résumé will help you feel more in control as you search for work. Nigel, mentioned earlier, says: “Writing a résumé helps you organize your thoughts and goals. It also builds your confidence by helping you prepare for potential questions you may be asked during a job interview.”—See the below.
Questions You May Be Asked During an Interview
Why have you applied for this job?
Why do you want to work for this particular company?
What do you know about the job/company/industry?
Have you ever done this type of work before?
What kind of machines can you operate?
What experience have you had in this area of work?
What skills can you bring to this job?
Tell me about yourself.
What five words would you say best describe you?
Can you work under pressure?
Why did you leave your last job?
Why have you been unemployed for so long?
What was your last employer’s opinion of you?
How often were you absent from work on your last job?
What are your plans for the future?
When are you available to start work?
What are your greatest assets?
Prepare Well for Your Interviews
What is involved in preparing for an interview? You may want to research the company you hope to work for. The more you know about the company, the better the impression you will make during the interview. Your research will also help you determine whether the company really has the kind of work you want or is one you want to work for.
Next, think about what you will wear to the interview. If the job you seek involves manual labor, wear appropriate neat, clean clothing. Neat dress and grooming tell the prospective employer that you take pride in yourself and are thus more likely to take pride in your work. If you are hoping to work in an office, choose modest clothing that is considered suitable business attire where you live. Nigel says: “Choose your clothes long before you are due to attend your interview so that you don’t feel rushed and unnecessarily increase your levels of stress prior to the interview.”
Nigel also recommends arriving for your interview about 15 minutes early. Of course, arriving too early is not wise. But arriving late could be disastrous. Experts say that the first three seconds of your interview are crucial. During that brief time, the interviewer makes assessments about your appearance and your bearing that deeply influence his or her opinion of you. If you are late, you will make an overwhelmingly negative impression. Remember, there are no second chances to rectify first impressions.
Remember, too, that the interviewer is not your enemy. After all, he likely had to apply for his job, so he knows how you feel. In fact, he may be nervous, since he may have received little or no training on how to conduct an interview. In addition, if the interviewer is the employer, he may have much to lose if he chooses the wrong person for the job.
To start off well, smile and give the interviewer a firm handshake if that is the customary greeting. During the interview, concentrate on what the employer needs from you and what you have to offer. Regarding things to avoid, Nigel says: “Don’t fidget or slouch—good posture conveys confidence. Don’t be too informal or overly talkative, and definitely do not use profanity. Also, avoid being negative about your former employers and workmates—if you are negative about them, the interviewer will likely feel you will be negative about this job too.”
Regarding things to do and say during the interview, experts recommend the following: Maintain eye contact with the interviewer, use natural gestures when you speak, and articulate clearly. Be concise and honest when answering questions, and ask relevant questions about the company and the prospective job. At the end of the interview, if you still want the job, ask for it. Doing so will show your enthusiasm.
By following the suggestions outlined above, you may soon have a job. If that is the case, what can you do to increase your chances of keeping it?
What About Online Employment Agencies?
One of the largest online employment Web sites in the United States has 17 million résumés listed for potential employers to peruse and some 800,000 jobs listed for the unemployed to consider. Surveys indicate that up to 96 percent of people in some countries search for jobs using the Internet. However, research compiled among professionals from 40 countries shows that only 5 percent of the job seekers among them actually find work through this medium.
Posting your résumé online increases the number of potential employers who know you are looking for a job, but caution is in order. It also increases your chances of becoming a victim of fraud. To protect yourself from this fate, industry experts provide the following advice:
1. Read the privacy policy of an online employment agencybefore you post your resume with them. Some job sites sell your personal details to mass-market companies or other interested parties.
2. Post your résumé with only a handful of reputable online job sites. It is vital to protect your personal information to prevent its being misused. Your résumé should never contain the information a thief would need to steal your identity and cause you endless financial trouble. Legitimate employers do not need to know your bank account number, credit card number, or exact date of birth.
3. Beware of vague job offers. Pam Dixon, a researcher with the World Privacy Forum, says that the more general the offer, the less valid it usually is. “Vague wording like ‘We have thousands of jobs’ or ‘We work with major companies’ is a red flag,” she states, adding: “Requests to send in a new copy of your résumé can spell trouble, too.”
Remember, even the most reputable online job sites cannot control what happens to your resum once it has been downloaded by a potential employer or other interested party.
“Have you beheld a man skillful in his work? Before kings is where he will station himself.”—Proverbs 22:29.
AS THE above Bible verse indicates, skillful workers are often highly valued. What are some skills and qualities that employers appreciate in their workers? George, the director of human resources for a company that employs 700 people, told Awake!: “What we value in an employee is his ability to communicate well and work harmoniously with others.” The Bible contains practical advice that can help you to improve in these skills, thus increasing your prospects of keeping your job. Consider some examples.
Communicate Effectively
The Bible writer James shows that the work of an effective communicator begins before he opens his mouth. James wrote that one should be “swift about hearing, slow about speaking.” (James 1:19) Why is this good advice? Solomon wrote: “When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it, that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation.” (Proverbs 18:13) Indeed, listening closely to your employer and to your fellow workers can prevent misunderstandings and keep you from making foolish mistakes.
When you speak, the wayyou do so is also important. If you speak clearly and with sufficient volume, it is more likely that you will be understood, and this will heighten a listener’s respect for what you say. Brian, an employment consultant mentioned in the preceding article, comments: “You would be surprised how many people lose their jobs, not because of lack of technical skill, but because they lack the ability to communicate effectively.”
Work Well With Others
In view of the amount of time you spend with workmates, you will no doubt get to know them quite well. As a result, you might be tempted to gossip about them, highlighting their mistakes and shortcomings. The Bible’s advice, however, is to “make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11) By doing this, you will avoid gaining a reputation as “a busybody in other people’s matters.” (1 Peter 4:15) Moreover, you will avoid wasting time and causing needless friction with your workmates.
When you are asked to perform a task, keep in mind Jesus’ wise counsel: “If someone under authority impresses you into service for a mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:41) Jesus was talking about governmental authority, but the principle certainly applies in the workplace. If you gain a reputation as a hard worker—one who will go the extra mile—you will be more likely to keep your job. Of course, there is a limit to what an employer can rightly ask of you. Jesus said that one should pay “Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Matthew 22:21) In principle, Jesus here indicated that those in positions of authority should not be allowed to interfere with more important matters, such as worship of God.
Be Honest
One survey of more than 1,400 firms revealed that the majority of employers “ranked honesty and integrity as qualities that impress them most in job candidates.” Obviously, being honest involves not stealing money or materials from your employer. It also means not stealing time. A study conducted by one employment agency found that time theft amounted to an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes per employee each week. Among other things, these time thieves were habitually late, left work early, and socialized with other employees while at work.
The Bible advises: “Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work.” (Ephesians 4:28) In addition, God’s Word encourages Christians to work hard, even when those in authority are not directly observing them. The apostle Paul wrote: “Be obedient in everything to those who are your masters in a fleshly sense, not with acts of eye-service, as men pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, with fear of Jehovah.” (Colossians 3:22) If you have a reputation for working well—even when not supervised—you are an employee to be trusted.
Be Realistic
The Bible accurately predicted that our times would be critical and hard to deal with. (2 Timothy 3:1) The resulting political and social instability and upheaval would inevitably result in economic uncertainty. (Matthew 24:3-8) Hence, even if you apply the above suggestions, you may still lose your job.
However, applying Bible principles can help lessen the anxiety associated with unemployment. Jesus said: “If, now, God thus clothes the vegetation of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ . . . For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.”—Matthew 6:30-32.
Like millions of others around the world, Ericka, mentioned earlier, has experienced the truth of the above-quoted words. She sums up her feelings this way: “I enjoy my current job very much. But I know from experience that things change. Even so, by applying Bible principles and by coming to trust Jehovah, I have learned how to lessen my anxiety when unemployed and how to increase my contentment with the work I obtain.”
From The Watchtower Magazine published by JW's
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