Travel to Bhutan. It may not be as common a destination as Thailand, Singapore, Hongkong or Malaysia, but it has a lot to offer to those who are seeking for peace and quiet and away from the bustle of the city. The place is a semi-independent kingdom between Northeast India and Tibet. Located along the slopes and ranges of the Himalayan Mountains. It’s a perfect holiday destination where travelers pay low rates for accommodation that includes meals. If traveling in large groups, the rate is at $200 for high peak season and $165 for low. Like in any other deal, the group should be in 5’s or more otherwise the rates could go up. The rates could however, start from as low as $145. The time of the year should be in consideration though if you’re an Asian. Temperatures could get really low during the winter months. If you travel there in the heat of Asian Summer however, the place could be just perfect.
While there are the affordable hotels Bhutan also boasts of luxury hotels like Taj Tashi situated in Thimpu and Aman Resorts with 5 branches spread in the country. You can contact travel agencies for these extravagant bookings. These kind of hotels have popped up in the recent years when they have come to be known as a tourist destination. If you however, wish to stick to the minimum while still enjoying relaxation in luxury, you can personally check out the Hotel Zhiwa Ling which is a good choice. You can visit their website at www.zhiwaling.com. It is located in Paro, where the country’s only airport is located. Zhiwa Ling is actually a series of buildings paving down the hillside. The facility offers a spa of warm stone bath while watching the night sky, and a couple of Buddhist temples, one of which was built with timber beams as old as 450 years. The lobby, 3 floors of brightly painted woodwork will astound you upon entry.
Come dinner time, the Linka Restaurant has menu featuring Thai and can range to as far as Italian cuisine. Sample their tom kha gai which tastes not ony sumptuous but excellent! If you’re more inclined to eating Italian, their Carbonara can be a treat! The main attaraction of Bhutan however, is the peace and quiet. It is amazingly serene in the area. An experience that can only be Bhutan.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Application or Cover Letter Purpose and Format
When I wrote my article on 2 of the parts of a resume, I realized why not write articles on job search and the basics of the entire application letter and resume writing hoping that with it, I will be able to shed light on Job hunting basics and how to succeed on it.
Most job postings require an applicant to submit an application letter, resume and transcript of records. Let us begin with the application letter. What is it and why do they want it along with the other requirements?
An application letter gives the interviewer an overview of what could be found in your resume. Upon reading it, they may or may not be interested to review your resume. In other words, its purpose is to capture the reader's attention. It is a window through which they see into your personality, attributes, character, communication skills and interest in the company.
Just like a resume, it should be tailored to a specific positon you are applying for and the company you are applying to. To be able to do so, you would need to research on the company and find out about their mission and vision, interests, goals and but not limited to their values.
The application or cover letter should be addressed to a specific individual, his position, the name and sometimes the address of the company. (You may call them for these information or check their website).
In the opening you will need to state the position you are applying for and how you foud out about it. Then cite your education and or experience and why you feel you are qualified to fill such opening. It will also be appropriate to let the reader know why you want to work there.
Don't forget to give emphasis on the relevant accomplishments stated in your resume. Before you close, provide information on how you can be contacted in the event that they are interested to interview you.
close your letter and don't forget to affix your signature.
I have included a sample application or cover letter below. Hope you find this article helpful. Good luck in your job search!
For more information on application or cover letter you may visit http://www.indiana.edu/
13 May 2008
SAMPLE APPLICATION/COVER LETTER
George W. Redd
Chairperson, Humanities Division
Topeka UniversityDiversion Road, Davao CityPhilippines
Dear Sir,
I recently moved in from Manila. I called and inquired from your institution about English teaching vacancies for which I am now applying for.
I graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a major in Asian Studies. I have enclosed a copy of my resumè and transcript of records for your reference. Even before I graduated from that institution, I have already been teaching and have received teaching certification in Teacher’s Development Course Class.
Teaching for me is a passion. It has always been my deepest desire to hone and mold people and help them reach their full potential. I have excellent written and Oral English Communication skills and have worked as an English, Filipino, and Social Studies teacher in Montessori Internationale in Manila.
I have volunteered to become a full time social worker for DSWD. This experience has taught me to work hard and to be efficient and productive with my time. In previous positions I have frequently met deadlines and organized my workload efficiently. I have experience of working independently, but prefer to work closely with colleagues as part of a small group.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my suitability for the position at an interview and can be contacted at 235-6890.
Yours Sincerely,
Julia Marie B. Stiles
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Impressive Resume and Job Search
When you see a job opening ad asking you to submit your resume, have you ever wondered what importance it plays in your job search? The purpose of a resume is for you to land on an interview. The more succinct and concise it is the more appealing it will be to a recruitment officer who goes through a pile of them each day.
I sat beside a job seeker one day and she was asking me the full name of the person she was about to put as one of her character references. I was then tempted to ask if the person (in this case the manager of the employment resource center) knew her. She replied no, and that the reason she was putting his name was because it was the pattern of an existing resume she was using. This was bothersome. How will she answer the interviewer if she does get an interview using somebody else's resume including the character reference! (and just modifying it with her personal information and experience). This prompted me to write on the subject.
A few parts I would like to delve into are that of Work Experience and the portion called Character Reference. For the work experience, the employer would like to know the things you have been through and done to be prepared for and to suit the position you're applying for. It is imperative to go into the details of the tasks you've been made responsible for as well as the skills and attributes you have developed while performing that task. So go into detail and let them into the actual work that you have done and how well you did it. This is your chance to prove that this experience has honed you to be the person fit to fill their opening.
The Character Reference part of the resume refers to the person the recruitment officer can contact to ask about you, particularly your character or the type of person you are. Therefore, do not put names there to impress the employer because of the position these people hold in a certain company nor copy somebody else's. Rather, jot the names of the people, other than your relative, who can put in a good word for you. It could be a college professor who wsa impressed with your diligence when you were taking his classes, a former boss who was impressed with your performance and level of productivity; or a colleague who knows you are a person of integrity and sound character.
Good luck in your job search. Hope you land on the best one you are qualified for and suit the company's as well as your needs.
I sat beside a job seeker one day and she was asking me the full name of the person she was about to put as one of her character references. I was then tempted to ask if the person (in this case the manager of the employment resource center) knew her. She replied no, and that the reason she was putting his name was because it was the pattern of an existing resume she was using. This was bothersome. How will she answer the interviewer if she does get an interview using somebody else's resume including the character reference! (and just modifying it with her personal information and experience). This prompted me to write on the subject.
A few parts I would like to delve into are that of Work Experience and the portion called Character Reference. For the work experience, the employer would like to know the things you have been through and done to be prepared for and to suit the position you're applying for. It is imperative to go into the details of the tasks you've been made responsible for as well as the skills and attributes you have developed while performing that task. So go into detail and let them into the actual work that you have done and how well you did it. This is your chance to prove that this experience has honed you to be the person fit to fill their opening.
The Character Reference part of the resume refers to the person the recruitment officer can contact to ask about you, particularly your character or the type of person you are. Therefore, do not put names there to impress the employer because of the position these people hold in a certain company nor copy somebody else's. Rather, jot the names of the people, other than your relative, who can put in a good word for you. It could be a college professor who wsa impressed with your diligence when you were taking his classes, a former boss who was impressed with your performance and level of productivity; or a colleague who knows you are a person of integrity and sound character.
Good luck in your job search. Hope you land on the best one you are qualified for and suit the company's as well as your needs.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Moving On
It is summer in the Philippines! For most students it means a 2 month break before they start a brand new school year. It is a time for sports clinics, beach, summer jobs for some and on the job training.
For me however, it is the start of a new life. It means rediscovering my talents and skills and myself in a new place called Davao. Davao is a blend of the urban (with its malls and the bpo's) and the rural with its beaches, golf courses, wide open spaces, plantations and nature parks. It also boasts of island white sand beaches 15 minutes off the main island. These islands form part of Samal City which used to be a part of Davao City. There's one main island where you find several beach resorts like Paradise Island and Punta del Sol. For nature enthusiasts, check out Eden Nature Park with its hydroponic Vegetable garden (gardening without dirt using only the nutrients of water to nourish the plants), a breath taking view of Davao Gulf, the cool climate of Tagaytay, the Pine trees and log cabins of Baguio and treck to nature with their friendly hiking trail and campsite. It's a haven for those who want to get away from the bustle of the city.
More than that I guess, Davao is THE place for me because it lured my mind away from the unwanted memories I have of my past. It is just magical! No more sulking, no more depression. Goodbye sadness and hello bliss!
draft
For me however, it is the start of a new life. It means rediscovering my talents and skills and myself in a new place called Davao. Davao is a blend of the urban (with its malls and the bpo's) and the rural with its beaches, golf courses, wide open spaces, plantations and nature parks. It also boasts of island white sand beaches 15 minutes off the main island. These islands form part of Samal City which used to be a part of Davao City. There's one main island where you find several beach resorts like Paradise Island and Punta del Sol. For nature enthusiasts, check out Eden Nature Park with its hydroponic Vegetable garden (gardening without dirt using only the nutrients of water to nourish the plants), a breath taking view of Davao Gulf, the cool climate of Tagaytay, the Pine trees and log cabins of Baguio and treck to nature with their friendly hiking trail and campsite. It's a haven for those who want to get away from the bustle of the city.
More than that I guess, Davao is THE place for me because it lured my mind away from the unwanted memories I have of my past. It is just magical! No more sulking, no more depression. Goodbye sadness and hello bliss!
draft
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