THE PHILIPPINES is not lacking in work opportunities, but unemployed Filipinos are just fussy about the jobs that come their way, Trade Secretary Peter Favila said yesterday… “Some Filipinos have a tendency to aspire to be the vice president immediately upon hiring or they want to be able to pick the time and place of work. Those who can’t get what they want choose to just wait till their ideal job falls on their lap,” Favila said.

Ouch.

/professional bum

If you’ve ever bought or at least checked out craft magazines–be it about beadwork, quilting, jewelry-making, bag-making and the like–you’ll know how insanely expensive they are. There are some that cost just around 200 pesos, but considering the fact that they usually have less than 10 pages, you’re better off buying the pricey ones. Don’t get me started on craft books.

While browsing through the shelves of National Bookstore on Scout Borromeo, I discovered an untapped alternative. On the same row of shelves as the fashion books, I saw locally-made manuals on patternmaking, tailoring and sewing. Below those, I saw Japanese and Chinese magazines that had a lot of patterns inside.

I remember having much thicker, old-fashioned versions of those lying around the house when I was a kid because my grandmother knew how to sew. But what’s cool about the magazines I saw at NBS is the contents aren’t all dress, skirt and blouse patterns. They also teach you how to make accessories like bags, brooches and hats. And all for 85 pesos!

Of course, the catch is you have to make sure you will understand the instructions. While the illustrations are detailed enough to follow, it can still be quite challenging. For example, I had to give up the issue that had a lot of fancy bags made mostly of beads because I found it too complicated. But if you’ve got enough experience doing crafts, it’s a good and cheap alternative.

Me, I’d give an arm, a leg and both kidneys to experience something like this. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to drive! The first and last time someone attempted to teach me to drive, we almost crashed on a tree and were stopped by the UPPD because practice driving on campus is illegal. It’s a pity driving isn’t a mandatory subject in Philippine schools. Driving schools these days cost a lot of money, and I heard some of these schools make students drive on the major highways like Commonwealth Avenue on the first day.

Sigh.

Oh well, maybe you and a friend/significant other/relative are qualified for the race. Go check.

Just a bit of warning though: this one’s darker than Meteor Garden. For example, the Barbie Xu character is being sexually harassed by a professor.

But on the upside, Vic, who was on the skinny side in MG, seems to have buffed up! He’s looking pretty hot in the series, if I do say so myself.

Most of my favorite indie bands, like Pedicab, played. An awesome time was had by all, I assume.

So what use is this entry to you, you ask, since it’s over? Well, if you like the band Up Dharma Down, you’ll be pleased to know that their debut album has finally been released. They played a number of songs from the album, Fragmented, during the Up Dharma Down-album-launch part of the event.

People have been looking for their album since their video for the song “Maybe” came out (at least my friends have been) and now it’s finally here. They have a brand new video as well, so do check it out on your fave music channel.

website: Terno Recordings

I was watching American Idol on ABC 5 tonight and for two hours, three Kris Aquino commercials were being consecutively shown during every single break. One was for a phone company, one was for a corned beef brand, and the other was a San Miguel spot that has been running for months now. Come to think of it, I’m grateful it’s only three as I now remember one other commercial she’s in.

Pinoy Big Brother alum Sam, who seems to want to give Kris a run for her money as the most overexposed celebrity (he’s everywhere these days!), has his work cut out for him.

Wow.

The number is 898-0283. The idea of ringing a bookstore to get a book delivered is… weird. I guess it will never really replace actually going to the store to pick out a book but it is quite convenient for busy people. I’m thinking gift-buyers who have a title and the author’s name but can’t be bothered to go to the mall.

Over at the Rice Bowl Journals forums, people not living in the Philippines were pretty amazed that KFC and McDonald’s (and practically everyone else) deliver here. Well, apparently, the bookstores are next. (You can online over at the National Bookstore website, but that’s not the same as picking up the phone to order.)

From the HOM website:

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Hands On Manila