OJT! Oh No!

Ever since the week began, the entire block has been preparing their resumes, transcripts and recommendation letters for summer internship (OJT). I never realized how much work it was. I've been getting pamphlets, calling cards and have been handing out resumes like crazy to companies and . I'm not even sure if they'll even take time to read it. And to think I've been going to only one job fair. What more if there are a lot of them? During these moments, it pays to have a lot of friends and contacts because it's every man for himself. If you're too slow to respond, you'll surely be left behind. The department really doesn't give that much announcements and guidelines. Sometimes, you'll just be overwhelmed by how much details you've been missing and you ask yourself, "How long have I been sleeping?" I guess this style really prepares us for the real world. Nobody's gonna watch your back for you. I know that there should be another job fair in UP soon. I'll have to keep my eyes and ears open for any updates.

Why now?!?!

I hate my internet connection! It keeps on disconnecting every 10 seconds. I'm lucky if I ever get to get to post this entry. It's been like this for the past three days and I couldn't get any work done. I know calling the help line is no use because they're just going to put me through a useless routine and trivial trouble shooting like they always do. And speaking of shooting, whoever is responsible for this incompetent internet service MUST PAY! Whoever is sleeping on the job must be shot! >:(

ebay blues

I've been trying to figure out how to trade online lately. I was surprised by the number of Filipinos who actually go online to shop. There are probably hundreds if not thousands of transactions completed everyday. But it turns out that even when selling or buying items locally, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome. For one thing, I need a means of acquiring payments. But it shouldn't be just any payment method. It must appeal to the preference of the buyers. The most common form so far is through Globe G-cash, which was recently banned by ebay international (But it's still acceptable in ebay.ph). Others prefer paying through Smart Money while some would rather pay through bank deposit. So for the past weeks, I've been going to banks and mobile centers trying to apply for these e-transaction services. I was just overwhelmed by the number of fees, annual rates and the strict terms and conditions.So much for trading in the Philippines. Selling on the international market is much worse. I need the verification of ebay USA by registering a Paypal account. And what exactly is Paypal? It's the preferred method of payment of international buyers. The closest Paypal service we have here in the Philippines is through debit and credit cards, which includes additional fees. Currently, Union bank is the only firm known to give full support to this service. Unfortunately the ADB (Average daily balance) to be able to open an account and apply for a debit card is pretty high (P10,000). And that initial deposit won't even earn any interest. The minimum balance is P25,000! That's even more than what I expect to generate in a month!

I guess there really is no escaping these fees and outrageous requirements. Probably it's better to look at it as investments than costs. As economists would say, "There is no such thing as a free lunch". Luckily I'm not an economics major so I don't have to hold on to this as my creed. Haha