My Top Agencies for Workers Traveling the Middle East

Oh yes! We want to experience working abroad because of its obviously high paying salary and the greater chance of earning for the future. So this is the right time for me to share my insights about what agencies you might want to go in applying for a job. Since Middle East is one of the most popular place that Filipinos land and this blog is based on my experience, I gave my top agencies for you to ponder and to encounter the ups and downs of life that awaits you. Happy hunting! 

1. Abba Personnel Services Inc.

Location: Gold Loop Towers, Escriva Drive, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila

How to go there: Ride an MRT then alight at Shaw boulevard. Walk along Shangri-La Mall until you reach Metrobank and Red Ribbon. Between Metrobank and Red Ribbon, turn left then then turn right on the first corner that you see. Walk straight ahead until you see Gold Loop Towers building.

Pros: I considered this to be the first in the line among other agencies since it offers no placement fee with a very swift processing. My sister, after being qualified from the exam and interview, was given flight in a month. Swift right?

Cons: Strict policies and high qualifications. The place is small but you will be evaluated immediately once you have passed all the requirements. 

2. IPAMS (Industrial Personnel and Management Services, Inc)

Location: 723 IPAMS Building, Aurora Boulevard, New Manila, Quezon City, Metro Manila

How to get there: Ride an MRT then alight at Cubao station. From Cubao, ride LRT 2 then alight at Gilmore station. Landmark is Robinsons Magnolia. Walk across Dona Hemady street until you see the huge letters embossed in the building IPAMS.

Pros: The agency offers various jobs not only in the Middle East but also in European countries. The place is very elegant and comfortable so you will not feel easily exhausted. According to their site, they also do not charge placement fees which I cannot assure since I was not able to pass their requirements.

Cons: If the requirement doesn' t fit, then you will be asked to come back again. Once everything fits, then you can apply again.

3. LBS Recruitment Solutions Corporation
Location: No. 610 Gochangco Bldg. T.M Kalaw St. cor M.Y Orosa St. Ermita, Manila

How to get there: Ride an fx going to Quiapo then alight at Quiapo. Ride a jeep with a signboard Mabini. 
Pros: You can be evaluated immediately after passing all the requirements. In addition, you will always be updated through e-mail or you can be texted in your mobile number you have provided.

Cons: You need to wait for a long time. I and my friend had our initial interview in this agency telling us that we have already passed. However, after the long wait we were not updated. Make sure that your qualifications fit with what they need because it matters most.

4. SCS Placement Services
Location:96 New York Street Corner E. Rodriguez Cubao, Metro Manila
How to get there: Ride a bus/MRT to Cubao. The fastest way is through MRT since it has little stopover. Alight at Cubao station then ride a tricycle to the agency. 
Pros: Although the agency has not been working for a long period like the other agencies, it has proven its strength in deploying Filipino workers all over the country. Send your qualifications through workabroad and a message will be sent to you for interview. 
Cons:The agency is quite hard to find as it is located in the middle of Cubao.  It lacks manpower so make sure that you passed the qualifications they are searching so as not to waste time and effort. There is placement fee but no processing fee. Processing will take long time since a friend of mine waited for 6 months before leaving the country.

5. Princess Joy Placement and General Services
Location: J. Nakpil Street Cor. Dr. A. Vasquez Streetmalate, Metro Manila
Cons: Once you have passed the interview and you get hired, you can immediately proceed to the next step of processing your medical and visa. However, waiting period may take time. Personally, I waited for 6 months before leaving the country because an issue with the officer but finally everything fell off into the right place. There is a huge amount of placement fee that you need to pay (your basic plus the processing fee) so better save and contact your wealthy member of the family.

Pros: Why did I consider this part of the top? Because once you get hired, it is pretty sure that you can leave the country. I doubted because of the long wait but  rest assured that they will not leave you empty handed.

Food for thought:

1. Before going to the agency, call them first and ask if there is still an opening as you might end up frustrated and tired from all the efforts you have made.
2. Always bring water and pocket foods for you to eat. Remember, always expect the unexpected as there are long hours that you need to wait before being evaluated.
3. Bring something that will make you busy while waiting: a book of interest, a game in your cellphone, or a funny movie will let you enjoy your job hunting.
4. Push hard. It is truly disappointing because of the long queue and the long wait. Do not be intimidated with the people around you. Be positive and push yourself to the limits. Personally, my journey as a job hunter became hard as I went to a lot of agencies (I think around 20), and I journeyed all alone because my friend was qualified in the agency that we applied. I still continued and did not lose hope. After 2 years, here I am back in Riyadh.

Note:  All locations are coming from Fairview since I am living in North Caloocan. The agencies that I have written were all based on my experience. If you think these are not top for you or you have experienced a different thing, you can post comments. 

Why Riyadh in the First Place? (Great for first timers)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is often stereotyped as a country that most parent would not allow their children especially for a girl because of their scary thought of rape and people whose law is an "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, etc." Well, here's the picture and a fact. As I have been here 3 years ago, I realized that this is not a bad country at all. Personally, I came back because of work but I said to myself that I will only return if and only if I can work in a government hospital. Think of it, major percentage of Filipinos return to Saudi Arabia not mainly for money but maybe because it is also a safe place if you follow the rules. Also, they bring their families here because of its rich resources and because of tax exemption.

Thought to Self:

1. Always think of yourself. Benefits should matter such as vacation entitlement and freedom. If your employer cannot provide you a good transportation for your own safety, then that's not a pretty great deal.
2. Have great friends to share your happiness with. Great job and great money do not last without great friends so have someone to lean on and share your interests with.

Things to do:

People would often think that this is a place where you cannot stroll around because you are like a prisoner in a desert. I want to break that thought. Here are the things to do in this country:

1. Shop, Shop, and shop. If you are a shopaholic, then you picked the best place. Riyadh is a place of interest for people who want to see wonderful branded products from shoes, perfumes and household items.
2. Go to other countries. Because this is part of the Middle East, it is near every country such as Dubai (2 hours away) or United Kingdom (5 hours away). Isn't that great?
3. Visit Red Sand Dunes. Not only you can experience sand dunes in Dubai or in Ilocos but also in Riyadh. Experience removing your abaya (famous black dress worn by women to cover themselves) and ride an ATV vehicle while taking pictures or walk barefoot in the cold pristine sands in Riyadh.
4. Visit parks, zoo, and beach (Dammam is the nearest and only popular beach here).
5. In the future, a new railway system will be built. Visit the site for a clearer picture:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMh1ll5i41s

Hey, always look for the greater picture. If people keep on asking you why did you choose the country, then ask them back, "Why not?" Moreover, you're not deserted at all if you have great people around.

My Detailed Top Christmas Recipes

As I've said. here are my recipes you've all been waiting for:

Recipe #1: Baked Chicken in Pandan leaves

Ing:

Chicken, cut into parts
Soy Sauce, 1/4 cup
Vinegar, 1/4 cup
Sugar, 2 tbsp.
Salt, 1 tsp.
Onion, medium size
Garlic, 1 clove
Ginger, grated about 2 tbsp.
Peppercorns
Annatto seeds with 1/4 cup oil
Pandan leaves

Procedure:

1. Mix everything together except for the annatto seeds and the pandan leaves. Marinate overnight.
2. Mix annatto seeds in oil and heat without boiling. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Brush the oil into the chicken.
3. Wrap the chicken with the pandan leaves and secure with a toothpick.
4. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour in an oven or a turbo broiler.

Food for Thought:

• Injecting the marinade to the chicken will make it more delicious and tasty.

Recipe # 3; Carrot-Pineapple Cake

Ing:

3/4 c. white sugar

2/3 c. oil

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 c. all purpose flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. grated carrot

1/2 c crushed pineapple, drained

P.rocedure:

1. Combine all the dry ingredients. Strain 3 times. 

2. Combine all the wet ingredients then mix alternately with the dry ingredients until mixed well.

3. Bake for 45 minutes.

Cream cheese mixture:

1/2 c. cream cheese

1/4 c. confectioner's sugar

1/4 c. butter

1 tsp. vanilla

coloring of your desire

My Top Christmas Recipes

The breeze that barely touches your skin, the intricate decorations and the endless shopping sale and discounts in malls make me conclude that Christmas is getting near. Ok, gifts will be wrapped but have you ever thought of recipes that will be different and unique for this coming occasion?

I thought of giving you an idea of recipes I have cooked before that I think will make you drool and satisfy your great longing for food and will match this special event.

Recipe No. 1: Baked chicken wrapped in pandan leaves. The pandan leaves gives it a rich taste.

Recipe No. 2:  Eggplant lasagna
Recipe No 3.: Carrot-pineapple cake. Add cream cheese on top with carrot designs for a more decent and glamorous look.

Suggestions:

1. Try to do away with the usual dish as the event may not be considered special. If your kids love spaghetti, try adding twist on your dish. e.g. baked spaghetti with meatballs, spaghetti with corn, etc.
2. The eye eats first before the mouth (of course the nose too) so make each dish attractive and colorful. Appealing plating can change your impression of foods that you think are not delicious.
3. Have somebody taste your masterpiece. It may be good for you but it may not be good for somebody else. Oh, and by the way, their verdict matters most.

I will be adding the links once I have the time.

Dekada: A Review of our Roots

A truly inspired Filipino dish that lies in the heart of Quezon City is Dekada. Well, what do you mean by Dekada? Dekada is a Filipino word, meaning decade which connects its food lovers, Filipino or not to the history of the Philippines from its pictures of our late presidents to its food titles that only a Filipino can truly understand. 

Here, we celebrated my brother's birthday. Upon entrance, you will be welcomed by the prominent presidents hanging on the walls, presidents such as Manuel Quezon and Ferdinand Marcos. Their menu also gives a hint of our Philippine history as the foods whose titles are depicted from our books such as El Filibusterismo, Noli Me Tangere, etc. Don't worry titles have descriptions so that you will not be lost of your option. Price ranges from 250 to 300 up and it serves 2-3 persons. Back to the celebration, all in all we are 10 and we ordered 4 different kinds of rice worrying that we will make leftover, but because of their scrumptious rice no rice was left on the plate.

What's my Favorite?

• Kare- Kare. It offers a vibrant color standing on a modern pot that has a candle under to keep it warm. Their sauce has a very rich taste with ground nuts that gives a very distinct flavor and aroma. Also, with oxtail you cannot go wrong because it gives an authentic kare-kare dish.

  

  Oxtail Kare-Kare and Binagoongan Rice

• Binagoongan rice. It is not salty and you can truly say that " Kanin pa lang ulam na." If your saving enough then pick rice only. :)
• Rice with dilis. Although dilis is served on top of it, it doesn't have a fishy odor. Tausi/black beans also comes with rice adding a twist on it.

  

  Rice topped with Dilis

Our hefty orders

What I Like About It:

1. It's simple. It does not go through complicated dish which means everyone can relate to it.
2. It has a twist. Although it's simple, it gives a different spirit to every dish they offer.
3. Atmosphere, check. The ambiance is  fascinating and opens the eyes of food goers who want to see a little view of Filipino history.

My Suggestions:

I feel that the serving of rice is too small for a price. Flavored rice are priced at around 368 and I think it is a bit small for a group. If they can add more then I think it would be great.

My Verdict: 9/10

Have a taste of it at Fairview Terraces, Quezon City. 

I Dare You. Start Investing Now

At a young age of 22, I already once planned of starting an investment for myself particularly for my future but I always end in excuses such as: " I don't have money ( even after getting a payroll),"or" I have a lot of  expenses this month because of this and that." Believe me, these were the same phrases of every reluctant person once asked of adding insurance for their expenses. Not until I reached the age of 27 when I fully understood the importance of joining a life insurance through Sun Life.

Why is it imperative?

1. Protection. Believe it or not, tragic we may call it, I am not afraid of crossing the street or riding a furiously swift vehicle particularly a bus because I am sure that whatever happens, my loved ones will not suffer the difficulty of paying my death. True it is that the cost of dying  here in the Philippines is expensive. Personally, I have been hit by a tricycle at a very early age of 4 and luckily nothing happened to me. But what if something happened? Therefore, adding a life insurance will give security without putting your families to a huge debt.
2. Retirement fund. When I reached my retirement age, I am totally sure that I will have something for myself and buy the things that I want or use it for business purposes.
3. Independence. In worst-case scenarios, parents sometimes depend on their children on what their future holds. FYI, I do not hinder you in helping your parents but being a parent does not mean that each need will be guaranteed by your children. What if soon they have their own families as well?

Why now?

1. As you pay for the insurance, your money grows. Therefore, the younger you are, the larger your money becomes.
2. If you dread hold on to the next ten years waiting for the great big genie to make your dreams come true, it might be too late. As you age, you suffer from sickness and this will cease you getting an insurance.

Here are the links that will help you give an idea of starting a brighter future:

1. Top Insurance Companies in the Philippines as of July 2014: http://www.insurance.gov.ph/_@dmin/upload/statistics/RLICP11July2014.pdf
2. Contact a financial adviser. https://www.facebook.com/Chelly.Arreugse?fref=ts

So before buying anything always ask yourself, " Is it a NEED or a WANT?" Because if you are pressured with the trend, with a friend, or some very you-want-to-die- for actor/actress because of his/her amazing outfit then probably it just falls to WANT . So better save than suffer.

Cheapest Way to Reach Calaguas

This would be my first time to start up a blog, not because it is a trend but because I want to share my excitement and also because I am overwhelmed with how wonderful the island is.

You probably too are excited and wants to know immediately the answers from the questions " How much is the fare?" and "How can I get there?" Well, I will make it short for you.


How to get there:

1. From Manila, ride a bus going to Daet. Terminals to Daet are in Cubao area where bus lines such as DLTB, Cagsawa, and Pantranco offers travel to Daet. I sugggest riding on Cagsawa because it has limited stopover making traveling short for you. The travel takes roughly 8 hours alighting you to Daet terminal. 
2. From there, ride a tricycle going to jeepney terminal to Vinzons port. This will take 10 minutes which is a very short ride.
3. Ride a jeepney to Vinzons port. Travel will take approximately 20 minutes.
4. Ride a boat to the island. Boat ride will take 2-3 hours depending on how rough the waves are. I suggest taking motion sickness tablets if waves aren't really your friend.
5. Lastly, journey a 140-km walk which takes 20 minutes. This step is optional if you opted for a passenger boat, meaning, fare is cheaper (100php per person instead of the 4,000 php or 10,000 per boat if it is larger).