LIFE | Why it seems hard to find purpose nowadays

In today's world, many people struggle to find their purpose. Despite the abundance of opportunities and resources available, it can be challenging to discover a sense of meaning and direction in life. 

In this article, we will explore the reasons why finding purpose is so hard today.

1. Overwhelming choices

One of the biggest reasons why finding purpose is difficult is the overwhelming number of choices we have. We live in an era of unprecedented freedom and abundance, which can be both a blessing and a curse. With so many options and possibilities, it's easy to get lost in a sea of possibilities and struggle to find the one that truly resonates with us. The abundance of choices also means that we are constantly second-guessing ourselves, wondering if we made the right decision and if there is something better out there.

2. Cultural and societal pressure

Another factor that makes finding purpose challenging is the cultural and societal pressure we face. We are often told what success looks like and what we should aspire to, and these expectations can be difficult to reconcile with our own desires and values. For example, we might feel pressured to pursue a particular career or lifestyle, even if it doesn't align with our passions and goals. This pressure can create a sense of disconnection and confusion, making it harder to find our true purpose.

3. Distractions and noise

In today's world, we are bombarded with distractions and noise. From social media and email notifications to endless entertainment options, it can be challenging to tune out the noise and focus on what truly matters. Our attention is constantly divided, and we may struggle to find the time and space to reflect on our purpose and priorities. Additionally, the pressure to be constantly productive can make it challenging to take a step back and simply be, which is essential for finding purpose and meaning.

4. Lack of community and connection

Finally, many people struggle to find their purpose because they lack a sense of community and connection. We are social creatures, and we thrive on meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. However, in today's society, it's easy to feel isolated and disconnected. We may not have the support and encouragement we need to explore our passions and discover our purpose, or we may feel like we don't fit in with the expectations of our peers and society.

Finding purpose is challenging for many people today due to the overwhelming choices, cultural and societal pressure, distractions and noise, and lack of community and connection. However, it's important to remember that the search for purpose is a journey, not a destination. By taking the time to reflect on our values, passions, and goals, and by surrounding ourselves with supportive people, we can gradually uncover our purpose and live a more fulfilling life.

LIST | Holiday Mall Hours in Robinsons Malls 2017

Still looking for Christmas gifts to give to your love ones? Wanting to frequent Divisoria, but finding it difficult to go there 'cause it's too far? Is there a nearby Robinsons mall in your area?  Why not check out Robinsons Malls' wide array of gift items?

Here is a list of the holiday mall hours in Robinsons Malls branches before 2017 ends. All photos  are courtesy of Robinsons Malls.

1. Mall Hours: Robinsons Place Manila

2. Mall Hours: Robinsons Forum

3. Mall Hours: Robinsons Novaliches

4. Mall Hours: Robinsons Metro East

5. Mall Hours: Robinsons Town Mall Malabon

6. Mall Hours: Robinsons Galleria

7. Mall Hours: Robinsons Magnolia

8. Mall Hours: Robinsons Otis

HEALTH | Am I Depressed? Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Filipinos are known for their resilience and perseverance. This is mostly represented by the large number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) deployed worldwide, the majority of which are trying out different jobs just to send money home for their families to live better lives at the expense of lost bonding time and homesickness.

Image Source: healthbuzz

This resilience, however, plays like a double-edged sword not only for OFWs who in some occasions,just accept the fate that being far away and losing their comfort zone are what it takes to give their families a better life, but also for young students subjected to external stress-inducing thoughts like the influence exerted by peers, the need to succeed in life, the aim to be independent, the urge to give back to parents.

Resilience entails self-control at its peak height with a running disadvantage of emotional wear and tear.

The young generation, tayo na maraming pangarap sa buhay, has felt the need to keep things to ourselves in one way and on the other, has resorted to social media posting rather than talking it out with the people close to us. Yup, marami sa atin ang nagpopost ng galit natin sa mundo via Facebook or Twitter. At some point, kahit na yung mga hinanakit natin tinatago na lang natin, pati mga failures at disappointments natin sa sarili natin pati na din sa iba, has taken a toll on us.

Image Courtesy: Adrian Hillman (Getty Images)

Because the notion of resilience is embedded in our society, na "sila nga nakaya, ikaw pa kaya," or na "wag ka ngang ganyan, hindi ka dapat malungkot kasi may iba pa diyan na mas naghihirap sa atin", it is harder to detect the real number of people who have depression. Minsan, kailangan natin sabihin sa ibang tao mga hinanaing at problema natin. Kailangan talaga natin ng mga makikinig sa atin, kasi masarap sa pakiramdam na may (mga) taong nandyan para satin kahit lang sa minutong nakikinig sila satin.

Opening up is key to getting the help that we need in order for us to feel better. But the question is, ano nga ba ang depression? Paano malalaman if depressed ako?

If you feel sad or miserable most of the time, posibleng may depression ka. To know if you need to go see a psychiatrist, you may be feeling at least five (5) of the following sa loob ng hindi bababa sa two (2) weeks.

 Una, nakakaramdam ka ba ng alin man sa dalawa?

• depressed mood (hindi mapawing kalungkutan)
• lack of pleasure or interest (yung mga gusto mong gawin dati, hindi mo na magawa o wala ka nang interes na gawin

Kung oo, napansin mo bang nagkaroon/nakaranas ka ng mga ito (at least 4) sa mga nakaraang linggo?

• weight gain/loss (pagdagdag o pagbawas ng timbang nang hindi sinasadya e.g. hindi dahil nag-diet, o dahil masiba lang talagang kumain simula't sapul pa)
• insomnia/hypersomnia (natatagalang makatulog o hindi makatalog sa mga oras na dapat ikaw ay tulog na, o di kaya'y sumosobra ka sa tulog na napapansin na ito ng mga kasama mo sa bahay)
• slowness/agitation (aligaga o hindi mapakali, o pwede ding sobrang bagal kumilos, to a point na wala ka nang natatapos na gawain)
• fatigue/loss  of energy (matamlay, walang enerhiya para gawin ang mga bagay-bagay na araw-araw mong ginagawa, o di kaya'y mas gusto mo na lang na nakahiga ka buong araw at ayaw mo nang bumangon)
• feelings of worthlessness or guilt (para sa iyo'y wala kang kwenta o di kaya'y sinisi mo sarili mo lagi kung kaya't ganoon na ang kinalagyan mo sa buhay)
• reduced ability to concentrate/focus or indecisiveness (hindi makapagdesisyon nang maayos, atras-abante sa pagdedesisyon, o di kaya'y hindi na makaaral, kaya bumabagsak na hanggang sa puntong ayaw nang pumasok sa school)
• recurrent thoughts of suicide/death (bigla na lang sumasagi sa isip mo na tapusin na o kitilin na ang buhay mo)

Image Source: Pinterest

If you feel at least five (5) of the ones mentioned above for at least two (2) weeks, please seek help. Consult a psychiatrist. It will also help if you share it with your family or close friends. 

Remember that you matter. 

Your existence matters. You were born for a purpose in this world. You may not seem to understand what your purpose is right at this moment, but trust me, your life is worth celebrating. You are needed by people. 

You just somehow fail to realize it 'cause in the body-talk sense of it, hindi balanse ang mga kemikal sa utak mo and the doctor can help make you feel better and give you more clarity as to why you're here on Earth. 

Make the move. Seek help. :)

P.S. If you feel you're not yet ready, you may want to try talking to some stranger online via 7cups. It helped me go past the darkness I was stuck in, several months ago. 

JOB | Table of Withholding Tax and Income Tax Rates in the Philippines

This March and April come what most Filipinos parents have been longing for -- graduation day. Alongside this is the anxiety attached with having to leave the premises of the school or university and having to look for work. Congratulations, fresh graduates!

Image Source: Zeenews India

A lot of you will have to wait for at least two (2) months to get the job you'd want. Some will stick with a job that is not what they imagined to be, but is so-so na for an entry work. A few will have to count several weeks more before they meet the occupation they want to take. One or two will pursue higher education, while the remainder will stay jobless for 6 months.

Regardless of what type of industry you land in, which kind of boss you encounter, or how much you'll begin earning, you must bear in mind that you gotta know how much tax to pay to the Philippine government which your employer will deduct from your salary as part of your income tax, now that you've become a part of the productive workforce of the country.

Here is the table withholding tax and exemptions as per Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) policy.

Table of Withholding Tax (Philippines) from Leigh Michiyato

Check out the Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) website for more information on income tax or view the Powerpoint presentation on income tax rates for individuals and corporations in the Philippines.

Income Tax Rates in the Philippines from Leigh Michiyato

LIST | Five summer destinations to visit near Metro Manila

Having headache thinking where to spend your summer vacation this year? Also, you’re probably worried about your budget, right? Well, Relax. Stop worrying!  

Have you forgotten? Philippines boasts some of the most exciting prospects for summer; from its gorgeous beaches and luscious dishes to those sets of friendly people anyone would wish they'd meet. Well, if you are planning to spend near Metro Manila, there are summer destinations nearby that can offer you a well deserved vacation. This might be a shock for you, but you can still have fun under the sun without overspending. 

Here are five summer destinations near Metro Manila that you can consider visiting for your much awaited summer holidays?

1. Tagaytay

Image Source: PanoramicTrip

Summer in the Philippines can be excruciatingly hot. Because of the summer heat, people choose to visit Tagaytay. If you just want to unwind and chill, consider visiting Tagaytay. The place offers the finest views, with cool atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to visit Sky Ranch or simply roam every morning in one of the city’s parks and gardens. You’ll surely love the vibe the place radiates. 

How to get there? From Manila, take a bus bound for Tagaytay or Nasugbu or you can also take a shuttle/van to Lemery at Starmall Alabang or Shaw. 

Daily suggested budget? 850Php-1500Php.

2. Puerto Galera

Image Source: The Philippines

It is an undeniable fact that summer is the best time to hit the beach, right? From Metro Manila, approximately four hours traveling will get you to a place so serene and alluring, Puerto Galera, where city-dwellers visit for beach activities such as swimming and beach bumming. 

Declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973, it is one of the destinations with the richest marine biodiversity in the world. Visitors can experience their dream of enjoying life in white sand beach there without spending too much unlike when you go to Boracay where most partygoers and socializers set off during summer holidays. 

LOOK | Wanna Date Your Crush? Here's What You Should Do.

I, sort of, happened to have come across this Facebook post by a certain UST student named RJ Carbonell. And what he gave away through this hilarious post is one special technique every guy or girl should apply in order for him/her to win a date from his/her crush.

Image Source: Guernsey Salsa

Alas, this blog has found something much more relevant in the space of dating and relationships! Haha! Let's not lengthen this post further. Here is Mr. Carbonell's secret or ultra useful tip in inviting someone to a date with subtlety. :))

Screenshot: Facebook user RJ Carbonell

TIPS | 10 Things to Look for Before Dating a Guy

This article is somewhat several points off my list of interests, because mehhh, dating is not for me haha. But then again, I think it's a matter of time to ask someone (if not ask out, just ask haha) what a girl or, as others may say, an independent woman should look for in a potential date.

What do girls seek before saying yes to someone to go out on a date? What is it that we, men, should somehow take in as pointers when attempting to woo someone or invite for dinner? This list gives you 10 of the things to look for before dating a guy! Enjoy!

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Every girl is unique. This applies to every other thing we girls tend to delve into: from designing to fashion styles, from cooking recipes to social circles and parties, and of course, it’s hard not to feel those little butterflies in your stomach. Every other daughter of Eve is unique when it comes to who to date, and eventually love.

Which is why what you expect from a man and from a happy relationship is way different than what your friends and family members expect.

Image Source: The Art of Charm

Deep-set eyes? Nice smile? Odd sense of humor? There are quite a lot of things that make you feel drawn to the opposite sex, and can be your basis for eventually saying “Yes!” to a first date. But I have always believed that choosing who to date is about more than attraction. And it always helps to date somebody you’re already friends with, or acquaintances, for that matter. Besides, you don’t date someone just for the fun of it, expecting it to be short-term, right?

So, here’s a list of qualities I always have to tick off when checking if a guy is worth dating. 

1. He has faith and value system. Coming from a devoted and religious family, dating a guy who is faithful to his God and has values is always on top of my list. Values also play a vital role in my dating potential selection: how he treats me and other people around, and how he deals with problems in life. This may be hard to look for before dating. You just have to trust your instincts with this and your appeal to allow him to share thoughts with you.

2. He loves his family. For me, this is one of the very important things to look for. Of course, you don’t see it right away when you’re still not dating, but you can easily notice hints, especially if you’re friends with the guy. Him calling his mom if she got home safe or even him chatting about his funny little sister are ominous clues!

VIEW | My blog posts are not indexed/crawled by Google bots. What should I do?

I noticed that my blog posts here in Manila LifeBox do not show up in search results. And this is probably because Google bots have failed to find (crawl) my articles and index these in their search results. Or is it?

Image Courtesy: Blogger.com

Maybe it is because I rarely post articles here, but usually it only takes one day for my post to be found in the search results. Some bloggers, in addition to my experience, have actually recently found out about such problems. I looked for possible solutions so that I could address this blog crawling and indexing issue.

SCIENCE | Letting babies cry themselves to sleep is fine.

Waking up in the middle of the night due to your baby's cry? Let him/her cry to sleep, a study from Flinders University in South Australia suggests. The research concluded that it's okay to let your babies gradually cry themselves to sleep as it does not cause any emotional harm or stress in the long term.

Image Courtesy: www.preciouslittlesleep.com

The habits of 43 pairs of parents troubled sleeping due to their infants' waits were analyzed. These parents have babies aged six to o 16 months old. The babies were left to cry for increasing period of time within three months. And it found out that leaving them be allowed babies to fall asleep 13 minutes faster on average than those who were attended to.

So, ano nangyari? What was done in the study?

Basically, the parents and their babies were divided into three different groups: the crying-it-out group (or graduated extinction), the bedtime fading group (where parents stay until their baby falls asleep), and the control group (no sleep training).

And the results? The graduated extinction group got better benefits vs the bedtime fading group in terms of the time taken to fall asleep by 3 minutes on average, the frequency babies were waking up in the night, and the total sleep time.

The babies' cortisol (hormone associated with stress) levels were taken. And it was found out that there was no significant difference in terms of baby stress levels. Also, the parents did not report increased stress or differences in the level of parent-child bonding.

Do note though that graduated extinction does not mean leaving a baby alone crying for hours on end, but rather slowly raising the amount of time a crying baby is left alone--that is, from 2 minutes to 35 minutes within the week. 

Read up on the study published in the Pediatrics journal here.

TIPS | Stay focused even when you're not motivated

In life, there are cases where you get too preoccupied mentally that you sometimes end up doing your work inefficiently or end up getting lazy and unproductive. Sometimes, you find it struggling to stick with them simply because you just couldn't get it over with.

Photo Source: SellingtoCustomers.Typepad.com

Initially, you have your goals set. But then, bit by bit, you work on it. And as you go on, you realize that you're bored of performing the same thing over and over again. And then you stop. And then you come up with another goal that you'd like to accomplish, but eventually, you lose focus and then you stop again. And the cycle goes on and on. The thing is you always tell yourself that, once you're already doing something, you can take a pause, do it later, and unintentionally procrastinate. Your mental endurance might just be not that strong as compared to those who can do the job within the time frame they've set themselves into.

The lack of focus and concentration is oftentimes the reason all your plans don't turn into actions. Don't worry. It happened to me before all the time --- from blogging and working, to studying and finishing my papers.

But how do I stay focused?

Watch the awesome video below for tips on how to stay focused on your work. It works! :)

Video Courtesy: Youtube channel Brendon.com

There is a need for clarity as to what result you would like to achieve when you want to focus on your goals. Concentration is when you stick with the task until it is 100 percent complete.

For example, a would-be singer would focus on hitting the right notes in order to make sure she sings well any song that fits her voice. But a singer would have to work on it for hours and hours so as to get it right. She needs to concentrate on her main focus, that is ensuring she sings the way she expects her to.

Another scenario would be that of a photographer who adjusts his lens for him to be able to capture sharp images. And then, he sticks with it making sure all day long until he's satisfied with his result.

The video you see below highlights two of the most important habits of successful people. Make sure you watch it, after reading this post. It will help you, pramis!

Video Courtesy: Youtube channel Brian Tracy

Be sure that what you're working on is the most significant thing you could be doing, at the moment, to get what you want. 

So what makes a successful person?

Successful people always keep in mind that they must work in a straight, clear line to go from where they are to where they want to be. If you want to reach your dreams, you must be sure that everything you do is taking you in that direction. Once you're sure of the path to take, regardless if it's the common way or not, you then develop good habits that would accompany you in your path and take you there. 

When I was starting Spotlight Philippines, Manila LifeBox's sister website, my dream was just to practice my poor writing skills, so that my English comprehension and vocabulary will improve in time. Being able to type super fast, getting some traffic, and finally having to share my own thoughts and opinions, were just pluses. For me, these blogs are like my kids. They give me happiness whenever that feeling of having unaccomplished something occasionally sinks in. Having written at least 1000 posts for my first blog, despite the college work, social and org life, and tutorial sessions that I had to balance, keeps me in check and makes me confident that I could write for other clients too.

What will discipline and good work habits do to me?

The decision to apply good habits in your life would dramatically enhance the quality and quantity of what you finish every day. Eventually, you will become one of the most successful people in the field.

When you are able to concentrate, you can do a lot of things. Like seriously, you can accomplish a lot! When you are able to finish an important task,your self-esteem, energy, and enthusiasm is affected positively. It makes you feel like you want to continue doing it. Failure to complete your day-to-day tasks, on the other hand, uses up your energy, enthusiasm, and self-esteem. 

When you're able to do something significantly impacting for you, no matter how hard it is, you are able to experience a surge in energy and well-being. You feel satisfied with life. However, if you work on a not-so-important task, you get less contented and more disappointed of yourself.  You'd feel that there's no payoff doing something that really doesn't matter to you.

For me, writing was a way to unleash my inner thoughts. It helped me relieve the stress, and in doing so, made me  a lot more stronger and fulfilled in life despite the hurdles.

Disciplining yourself to concentrate on a job until it is finished boosts your confidence, mastery of the specific task, and competence. It turns you into a hardworking person and gives you self-control And when you have self control, you'd feel that you have the power to shape your own destiny.

Prolonged discipline and continuous concentration on things you'd like to focus on, which all contribute to grit, are key to attaining success. But it's not just all hard work; you also have to strike a balance between work and play. Or much better, mix them! Have fun while at work! Trust me. I've been there! :)

LIST | 5 frugal or tipid tips to celebrate New Year in the Philippines

For most of us, 2015 has been one full, crazy, roller coaster ride! It was pretty tough yet fulfilling, especially for those who are essentially financially savvy and for those having difficulty making ends meet. Typhoons may have battered us. Droughts and flash floods may have put us to the test. Yet, here we are standing strong and fighting.

So, salute to you who's reading this post now! It's really amazing how we managed to survive all our battles and beat all our demons. 

This 365-day story of our lives is about to end, and a new chapter will unfold for us to continue writing our journey. Most of us would want to close the former chapter with a loud bang, from grand fireworks display and festive salubong buffets to noisy torotots, non-stop karaoke birits, and out-of-the-country escapades.

Image Courtesy: Grange-Hotel.co.uk

If you're the type who aims to practice frugality up till this year's end and continue it in the next year, then that's a commendable job especially because you are more responsible and mature when it comes to your finances. While the temptation to spend is there, I'd like to share some tips on how to still end 2015 awesomely.

Here are five (5) frugal ways to celebrate the new year in the Philippines.

1. Attend a reunion or gathering.

Whatever that is -- a family gathering, a high school reunion, or a childhood friends meetup -- you can save a lot if you go to these events, especially when your intent is to see them and catch up. Getting served delectable dishes and cold boozes, while interacting with them, during the last hours of 2015 is a great way to stay true to your principle.

2. Host a potluck party.

Now, if you can't go out due to some circumstance, yet you want to save up on expenses, you may want to invite your family and friends to your place and tell them to bring food as well for everyone. This will surely be a good time to bring your loved ones together at a minimum expense.

3. Dine out in your favorite, cheap spot.

What if you don't have a place to crash on or your place isn't just where you want to be while about to meet the new year? Well, there are local dining areas or restaurants that you can go to. Look for those bars or food spots where there are New Year promos so that you'd get the most bang for the buck!

4. Be one with the crowd.

While there's always danger that comes with going in public places the eve before the New Year, you can not discount the fact that staying in a park is a cheap way to get by with the night, assuming that the weather is good. You may be opt  to be one with the crowd who gather in parks and other recreation areas where entrance is free and light shows are on offer. Who knows, you might just bump into one of your old friends and you'd get the treat of your life, right?

5. Take a trip uphill (or wherever cheap).

The last choice is dependent only if there are hills or mountains in your place. Just trek up and camp out. Bring water and some food, watch the fireworks display (if there are any), and wait there until sunrise. You'll definitely enjoy staying outside your comfort zone for a few hours.

BONUS: Just celebrate it simply and quietly at home.

Probably, the most frugal way to celebrate the coming of 2016 is to sleep it off. Right before you fall asleep, maybe getting into movie marathons and eating some popcorn and pizza together with your loved ones in bed is your style? Nothing beats a great rest in your comfy bed, with some dinner food and beverages on your bed as you watch your favorite movies and series, while everyone's lighting up their fireworks and firecrackers.

Regardless of how you want to celebrate the hours to the New Year, make sure it's what will make you happy and contented. 2016 will surely be one hell of a blast! Let's get it on!

TIPS | What happens when you withdraw Paypal cash to BPI with the wrong account number (used card number instead)? Here is what you should do.

So, I made a withdrawal transaction from Paypal to my local bank account, Bank of the Philippine Islands through the following processes listed below and Paypal said that the transaction is now completed.

1. Log-in to your Paypal account > Profile > Add/Edit Bank Account.
2. Enter the Bank Name (in my case, Bank of the Philippine Islands).
3. Input the Bank Code (for BPI, it's 010040018).
4. Then, go to My Account > Withdraw > Withdraw Funds to Your Account
5. You will then enter the amount you wish to withdraw (if you have amounts in different currencies, you'd be asked to choose only one of them per transaction).
6. Then, pick which bank account you'd like the money to go to and then you're done. A reference number will be provided, and you will be given an option to return to your Paypal main area.

Now, All you need to do is wait for 2-4 business days for the transaction to be "Completed". 

And then, the waiting began. But, there's one problem. At the time I opened my account, I mistook the card number for the account number. The reason I entered the card number for my Paypal account is because its interface stated (1-16 digits) which is the number of digits of my card number. My account number is only 10 digits! And I was naive at that time and forgot to correct it.

What made me panic more was that the Paypal transaction has already been completed. I thought about the things that I  should do because in that moment, I was thinking the money won't be returned.

Now, the problem's solved! The solution to this is do not panic. I realized it was going to be returned, and indeed, it was! It took a few more days to be returned, with no deduction from Paypal since I inputted the legit BPI bank details, just not the right one (account number). The money will arrive though with a deduction of 150 Php from BPI, regardless if you made a mistake or not.

So, that's it. Don't panic. It will be returned minus a fee of 150 Php. :)