Ready to turn your career confusion into the right direction? Here’s what to expect at this year’s NYLON Manila Career Fair.

Related: 5 Things To Take Advantage Of In College When It Comes To Planning Your Career

The shift from student life to a full-blown career can feel like tackling an impossible assignment. While some might have had their paths mapped out since childhood, others may still be searching for direction well into adulthood. For students and recent graduates, the pressure to pinpoint a clear career goal can be overwhelming. And if you’re feeling like you’re wandering without a map, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Think of the NYLON Manila Career Fair as your first lesson in the realities of life after you toss that graduation cap (a.k.a. adulting and first job jitters). After making its debut virtually via Zoom in 2021—when we all became experts at navigating awkward silences and dodging internet disconnections due to the pandemic—we’re ready to bring the excitement to a whole new level with our first-ever University Takeover. We’re bringing the action to Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of Asia and the Pacific, and University of the Philippines. This event is here to equip you with what you need for your working era—from insider tips and masterclasses to career-boosting advice. Plus, expect interactive booths and activities that will make career planning as engaging as it is informative.

Ready to turn your career confusion into the right direction? Here’s what to expect at this year’s NYLON Manila Career Fair, where the future of your career begins to take shape.

CV 101: Back to Basics

Remember those CV worksheets in school, where your teacher pretended to be a recruiter and asked, “Why should we hire you?” It all seemed simpler when you were reciting textbook answers. But now, facing real interviews, it feels like an entirely different ball game. That’s exactly what this talk is here to set straight. Get the inside scoop from AGCPHC’s HR pros on how to polish your CV, present yourself as the standout candidate, and avoid common first-time applicant pitfalls. It’s time to turn that mock resume into a real career-launcher and ditch those rookie slip-ups.

From Classroom to Boardroom: Career Talks You Can’t Miss

Balancing Career/Content Creation and Self-Care Powered by Bioten

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed as we try to balance demanding careers with the need for self-care. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or pursuing your creative passions in the digital space, walking that tightrope is crucial to thriving both professionally and personally.

Powered by Bioten, this masterclass will explore the balancing act—teaching you how to structure your day, set healthy boundaries, and avoid burnout. With insights from experts who’ve successfully mastered this balance, you’ll learn how to prioritize your well-being without sacrificing your ambitions.

Defining Success versus Salary with Mads Constantino

Ever feel like you’re being pushed to chase a high-paying job, even if you’re not sure what will truly make you happy? It’s a dilemma many students face—society tends to equate success with a big paycheck, but is that really the full story?

Mads Constantino will help you redefine success before you even step into your first job, showing you how to align your future career with your passions and long-term aspirations. If you’ve ever wondered, “Will my dream job be fulfilling or just another way to pay the bills?” this session is for you.

Feel Your Best, Look Your Best: Advice from Your Derma Powered by Cetaphil

As you prepare for the next chapter of your life, you’re probably also thinking about how to put your best face forward. Powered by Cetaphil, this skincare session has got you covered with expert tips on keeping your skin glowing and healthy, even when life gets busy. From tackling breakouts to sticking to a simple routine, it’s all about boosting your confidence. Because let’s be real, when you look good, you feel good—and that’s when you truly shine.

Mentally Preparing Yourself for the Workplace with Eric Cruz

Imagine being a student, and suddenly, you’re faced with even tighter deadlines and new expectations, all far from your comfort zone when you enter your first job. Eric Cruz is here to arm you with practical strategies for mental resilience, teaching you how to manage stress and adjust to new environments without burning out. Whether it’s handling high-pressure meetings or navigating the anxiety of imposter syndrome, this session will equip you with the confidence to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

NYLON Manila MyZine Booth

Students from participating universities have an exciting chance to score their own MyZine at the upcoming event. The first 50 attendees will snag the opportunity to customize their magazines and showcase their unique style. From bold designs to minimalist layouts, these early birds can transform their magazines into personal pieces. It’s the perfect chance to stand out and make a statement with a touch of creativity.

Meet and Mingle with Your Favorite Beauty Brands

Students from ADMU, DLSU, UA&P, and UP are in for an exciting experience at the upcoming NYLON Manila Career Fair. They can swing by booths feauturing Bioten, Cetaphil, and Kiss NY for a chance to snag freebies, dive into interactive activities, and connect with these fan-favorite beauty brands. These lively booths are all about making beauty fun and functional, offering a hands-on way to discover products that could become everyday essentials.

See You Soon?

No NYLON Manila career fair would be complete without the chance to connect with AGC Power Holdings Corp. Students can swing by the AGC PH HR booth to register their details and explore exciting internship opportunities and full-time positions. With powerhouse brands like Billboard Philippines, MEGA Magazine, NYLON Manila, and Vogue Philippines under AGC PH’s umbrella, this is a golden gateway to some of the most thrilling career prospects in the media industry. Who knows, your name might be the next thing you see in the pages of your favorite magazine.

Continue Reading: These Celebs Put Their Careers On Hold To Get That Degree

From themed film screenings to watching Filipino movies for P50, these events will have you at the theaters all month.

Related: The New Movies And Shows Coming This September 2024

The Philippine film industry has always been strong in terms of stories and cultural reflection and relevance—however, it’s also always been criminally underrated, undersupported, and underestimated. This September, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) is celebrating Philippine Film Industry Month with a smattering of film screenings and events that showcase the richness and diversity of the local film industry.

As Philippine Film Industry Month coincides with the Metro Manila Film Festival’s celebration of 50 years of contribution and impact on Philippine cinema, the events and screenings are plentiful and diverse.

There’s still a long way to go in fully and enthusiastically supporting Filipino films and filmmakers nationwide—on both the part of institutions and audiences—but taking advantage of offers and initiatives like these below would be a win all around.

SINE SINGKWENTA: PELIKULA NG BAYAN

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A post shared by Film Development Council of the Philippines (@fdcpofficial)

Every year, the FDCP screens Filipino films in cinemas for only P50 in an effort to encourage people to go to theaters and patronize Philippine cinema. This year, they’re bringing Sine Singkwenta back from September 18 to 24, with the theme Pelikula ng Bayan featuring omibus seafaring Binisaya drama Huwebes Huwebes (2019), coming-of-age experimental comedy-drama Cleaners (2019), action-adventure drama Iskalawags (2013), sports documentary Little Azkals (2014), and drama film about the struggles of the Lumad (Manobo) regarding land and exploitation Tu Pug Imatuy (2017).

SINESIGLA SA SINGKWENTA

Celebrating 50 years as well this year, the Metro Manila Film Festival will screen 50 of the most popular and relevant Filipino films in theaters nationwide for starting September 25 to October 15. From Himala (1982) to Die Beautiful (2016), Insiang (1976) to Shake, Rattle, and Roll II (2002), Ang Panday (1980) to Firefly (2023), the movies to be shown at Sine Sigla sa Singkwenta are previous entries and winners across the history of the Festival. Tickets also only cost P50.

FILMS FOR PEACE

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A post shared by Film Development Council of the Philippines (@fdcpofficial)

FDCP is screening local films about peace, justice, and human rights in their Films for Peace initiative, aiming to foster awareness and discourse about the themes found in each. From September 14-27, ruminate on themes like growing up under oppression, resistance, and folklore in Liway (2018), struggles during the Second World War in Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), and farmers’ rights and land ownership in documentary Lupang Hinirang sa Hacienda Vicenta (2024). Catch these films at select screenings at Cinematheque Centres nationwide.

Continue Reading: What The Success Of MMFF 2023 Is Teaching Us About Cinema Culture in the Philippines

The Olympics may be over, but everybody’s still talking about gold medalist Carlos Yulo—this time, as a meme!

Related: Carlos Yulo Gave His All For Two Gold Medals For The Philippines At The 2024 Paris Olympics

What’s a major moment in culture without a bit of comedy? Carlos Yulo has become a household name not only since he won two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but since he emerged onto the scene as a prolific athlete. In that time, the athlete has also become a meme multiple times—and he’s always been a good sport about it. He’s even made his own! He brings the comedy as well as he brings pride to the entire nation.

From jokes and TikToks from the Olympian to being made into a meme by social media, here’s a roundup of some comedy gold moments about the Golden Boy himself.

GOLD-LEVEL COMEDY

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A post shared by Carlos Edriel Yulo (@c_edrielzxs)

Riding on the Olympic fails trend, Carlos poked fun at his own pommel horse fall, proving he’s not just an excellent athlete, but also a good sport.

@miss_philippines2024 HAHAHHAHAHA kabado malala #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #meme #carlosyulo ♬ original sound – THE MISS PHILIPPINES

The Olympian’s Paris 2024 journey was not without its ups and downs, and when Carlos finally won that gold medal, people wasted no time in meme-ifying his reaction.

@daniel.pmd Btw Congrats Carlos Yulo #carlosyulo #olympics #goldmedal #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #meme #carlosyulomeme ♬ original sound – XILLA.AUDIOS

From celebrations of small wins to unfortunate situations, there’s a whole category of Carlos Yulo gold medal win memes circulating online—and they’re all making us IJBOL.

@sakayanngjeff Manifesting multiple Gold Medal for Carlos Yulo 🙏🏻 #olympics #carlosyulo ♬ original sound – Jeff TV

The magical baunan! A practical way to carry his chalk around to help with his grip, Carlos’ Tupperware made the rounds on social media as a very Pinoy thing to have.

DANCING KING

born to be an olympic gold medalist, forced to be sonny angel ❤️ congratulations again our small king carlos yulo pic.twitter.com/BEO7jjWhOw

— mark geronimo (@markgeronimo_) August 4, 2024

Carlos’ dancing has long been a hot topic even before Paris 2024. From weddings to TikToks with his girlfriend Chloe San Jose, his dance moves are just as cheer-worthy as his gymnastic performances. From body rolls to Maybe This Time choreography, he’s down to dance anything, and each video makes our day every time.

@chloeanjeleigh #havanadancebreak ♬ havana dance break – kulowi ʚ(╹.╹)ɞ

Taking his dancing skills to TikTok, Carlos is now a frequent dancer on the platform, often seen with Chloe, who remains the TikTok expert between them. “First official dance cover ng sonny angel ko na yarnnn!!!” Chloe writes under the Havana dance TikTok they posted, using the hilarious nickname people have used to refer to the gymnast.

@carlos.yulo5 😂😂 #fyp #ph #viral ♬ original sound – Carlos Yulo

@carlos.yulo5 #fyp ♬ original sound – Carlos Yulo

From body rolls to Maybe This Time choreography, he’s down to dance anything, and each video makes our day every time. That’s our Pambansang Sonny Angel!

TANGKAD KASI, EH!

NANAKIT ATA BATOK NI CARLOS YULO SA 'YO DONNY, AYAW KO NAAA 😭😭😭

GoldenSunday WithDONNY#DonnyPangilinan @donnypangilinan pic.twitter.com/5Xs3TQ9cJD

— ْ (@donbelleMP) September 8, 2024

Standing proud at 4’11”, Carlos Yulo made everyone laugh as he interacted with Donny Pangilinan on the ASAP stage, pretending his neck hurt every time he had to look up at the six-foot tall actor.

PINOY PRIDE

@chloeanjeleigh all for HIM 🥇☝🏻@Carlos Yulo #parisolympics2024 ♬ pinoy pride – Miko

“Uy, Philippines!” Fresh off of his double-gold wins, Carlos and Chloe immediately hopped on a TikTok sound and celebrated the achievement, all smiles and bringing a fun new layer to “Pinoy pride.”

SEEING DOUBLE

@itsshowtimena #CarlosYulo #Kalokalike meets the real Carlos Yulo! 🏅 #ItsShowtime #ABSCBN #ParisOlympics2024 ♬ balik ka na – kei

It’s Showtime’s segment KalokaLalike wasted no time in finding lookalikes for some of the hottest people in pop culture right now. They featured Carlos Yulo’s KalokaLike Andre Santos, who performed his own gymnastic tricks—of course, with a little bit of dancing. The lookalike and Carlos himself met up, and honestly, we totally see the resemblance. Twin, where have you been?

Continue Reading: All The Times Carlos Yulo And Chloe San Jose Won The Relationship Goals Olympics How The Paris 2024 Athletes Are Making The Olympics Way More Fun

Confused or have questions about what it’s like to start your career and enter the “real world”? Let Arshie Larga explain.

Related: 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got My First Job

What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a simple question asked at nearly every stage of your life. From when you’re in diapers to receiving a college diploma, it feels like life builds up to the moment you inevitably get a job. But once it’s time to make the decision, it isn’t the easiest to answer. Having a job, especially for fresh grads, is a big change, and often comes with many questions, expectations, and even anxieties. What begins as naive optimism makes way for the challenges of the real world and a realization that this isn’t a college org with friends but a professional setting that expects much, maybe even too much, from you.  

And it’s ok for you to feel that way. Everyone goes through it, even people who have the best of both worlds, such as Arshie Larga.

Bomber Jacket, button-down shirt and trousers by @varobherrera, Necktie by @jire._.h, Shoes by @konzept_shoeph

With thriving careers as both a social media content creator and licensed pharmacist, Arshie knows that what you want for your career isn’t something you decide on the fly. But you shouldn’t run away from entering your working era. It’s a crazy world out there, and you can navigate it. 

IN MY WORKING ERA  

If you watch any of Arshie’s videos, you’d know he’s a natural on camera. But Arshie is the first to admit that he never saw a career as a content creator as in the cards for him. “Hindi ko nakita yung sarili ko being a content creator and a pharmacist all at the same time,” he reveals. Initially, Arshie wanted to be a US pharmacist and pursue a postgraduate degree. But, like with a lot of career options for Gen Z, the pandemic changed everything. Soon, Arshie found his way to TikTok, and the rest, as they say, is history. “Yung mga content that pinoproduce ko during that time and up until now naman siguro is very relevant to our current situation.” 

Arshie, who at one point considered being a hospital pharmacist, saw his career options shift overnight. But sensing an opportunity to use his platform to educate Filipinos on health and medicine, Arshie found both options suitable for what he wanted to do. Understandably, given his occupation, Arshie is bound by what he can say and do as a content creator. “As pharmacists, we cannot endorse prescription medicines, only over-the-counter medicines. Also may mga ethical and moral concerns din.” 

More importantly, he approaches his work online as a duty that goes beyond the clout or securing the bag, “I am not only representing myself when I’m doing my content but also the pharmacists sa Pilipinas and all around the world so basically anything that I do is a representation kung ano dapat mag-act ang isang pharmacist.”  

So, how does Arshie manage to balance both jobs? Like with any career you get into, Arshie is a firm believer in setting boundaries. “For your mental health as well, importante na you set boundaries kung kailan ka magtatrabaho. Dapat importante na meron time ka for yourself.” Once it’s time to work, Arshie works. But once he’s off the clock, it’s Arshie’s me-time so that he can clearly indicate when to focus on himself and not forget when to rest. “Importante kasi yan sa akin nagseset tayo ng boudaries and alam natin kung kailan tayo magwowork at kailan hindi.”

YOU BETTER WORK 

For some, having a job means being part of the wider corporate machine and spending hours at your desk as you wait for your paycheck at the end of the month. But working is about more than just signing a contract and being thrown into a grinder. 

As early as the job hunt, there are factors to watch for in potential companies. For Arshie, that means getting a job that pays you appropriately for the efforts of the position, and a healthy working environment. “Importante na ang mga companies na pinapasukan natin would also prioritize personal space and mental health ng mga employees nila.” Arshie adds, “Pick companies na have same principles na meron ka. Walang masama to demand as long as it’s reasonable naman.”

Trench coat, trousers, and necktie by @jire._.h, Button down shirt and vest by @vandrocasiwanatelier, Shoes by @clarksshoes

Working for a boss or manager who isn’t considerate, doesn’t show empathy to their employees, and doesn’t respect your time in and outside of work hours is only going to make your life harder in the long run. Being in your first job can feel like navigating a never-ending maze. But it is possible to find the exit, and it starts with letting your priorities be the guiding light on what you want to do (and also help you not get lowballed on your salary just because you’re a fresh grad). 

Above all, you won’t thrive in your career if you don’t take care of your well-being, something work-life balance plays a big part in. In one study, the Philippines is ranked one of the worst countries when it comes to work-life balance. It’s no wonder Gen Z considers work-life balance as one of the top priorities they look for in a job. And no, this doesn’t mean we’re lazy, it means we know how to prioritize ourselves.  

Just hear it from Arshie, who practices what he preaches. “Kapag hindi naman sobrang ASAP nung mga inquiries or work, hindi ko agad-agad sinasagot,” says the content creator on how he practices work-life balance. This mindset extends to how all his notifications are turned off after a certain time and only compromises his free time for important tasks.  

From prioritizing work-life balance, mental health, personal growth, proper pay, non-toxic working environments, and more, Gen Z is bringing their ideals and beliefs to the workplace as they enter the workforce. No longer are we just a part of the employment statistics, but real people who deserve to be treated as such. 

As Arshie puts it, “For me, Gen Zs nowadays, they know what they want, they know what they can offer to the table, and they prioritize their interests.” Gen Z isn’t doing it like before, and that’s a good thing. This can be especially seen in how a career isn’t limited to just office work as we aren’t afraid to try something new for ourselves that we enjoy. “Kung passionate sila sa isang bagay kahit hindi siya conventional work, they would still pursue it kasi yun yung mahal nila,” says Arshie. “I think it’s very important you love what you do, kasi how would you be comfortable working if hindi mo mahal yung trabaho mo?”

FIRST JOB BLUES

While the typical career options still exist, the changing times mean what a job can look like has also shifted. And undoubtedly social media had a part to play in opening career options. Arshie is a walking example of this with how he’s married his day job of being a pharmacist with being a social media content creator. Gen Z has more ways to see what it’s like in different fields that give them an overview of what they can expect. “Maganda yun na parang yung mga Gen Z nagkakaroon sila ng reality check na eto pala yung kinakailangan paghandaan when it comes to the workplace.” 

Aside from that, social media can also be a gateway for inspiration for young people entering the workforce for the first time on opportunities they didn’t know were possible. “Na-iinspire din sila with social media na ganito pala yung future ko, ito pala isa sa mga possibilities na pwede kong makuha.” 

But it’s also important to note that not everything you see online should be taken at face value. For starters, Arshie wants you to know that what you studied in college may not always apply to your job, and that’s ok. “Minsan, may mga bagay talaga na when we go into it, yung mga pinag-aralan natin hindi na applicable to that, and huwag kang manghihinayang.”  

Second, it’s your first job (emphasis on the first) so you aren’t forced to stick with it forever. If you feel that there are other opportunities out there, take it. “At the end of the day, kung hindi ka masaya dun sa profession na pinili mo, you can still push kung ano ang nagpapasaya at passion mo.” 

Too idealistic? To some, yes. But change has to start somewhere, and being sad forever isn’t part of the job description. Your first job may not always be your ideal job, but instead of being defeated, use it as an opportunity to grow and learn what you want. “Just give it a try,” Arshie advises. “Kapag hindi mo gusto, you can always have that option to choose another path.” 

There are so many possibilities out there when it comes to the career for you, something Gen Z has taken advantage of by not limiting their options to just a 9-to-5 office job (though there’s nothing wrong if that’s what you want). For those considering a career in social media, Arshie suggests fresh grads try it out and explore, but just be mindful of what you get yourself into. But if you also don’t know what to do yet or are still trying to figure things out, that’s ok, too. It’s valid to feel lost or unsure of what to do.

What matters, at least for Arshie, is that you have a clear idea of your goals and principles. “It’s always important to set your goals and principles para makahanap ka kung ano ang gusto mo. I-try mo yung the goal, career that you want, pero kung hindi ka masaya doon, there’s always an option to pursue something else that will make you happier at wala masama dun.”

This is just the start of what is a long journey for you. Your first job isn’t going to be your only job. While it would be nice if we could get our dream job right out of the gate, the reality is that that isn’t always possible. Though that shouldn’t mean you should resign yourself to an unhappy career. Arshie knows this firsthand with how what he’s enjoying now wasn’t what he thought he wanted. 

“May mga plano ka nakaset pero dadating yung panahon na yung mga plano pala yon hindi para sa ‘yo. May mga times na marereject ka, but then again you’re not being rejected, you’re just being redirected. May mga bagay na akala mo yun yung para sayo, pero yun pala may bigger things na para sayo,” reflects Arshie. 

So, don’t be scared to go out there, open those doors, and, more importantly, don’t be in a rush to enjoy this new era of your life. What is meant for you is meant for you. And while Arshie is the king of turning complex concepts into easy-to-understand ideas, the only person who can protect your peace and tell you you’re happy is yourself. Let Arshie explain, “Mag-set ka ng boundaries kung kailangan ka magiging kontento sa mga bagay kasi wala masama to keep on pursuing things. Pero dapat alam mo rin sa sarili mo when to be contented.”  

Photography by JOSH TOLENTINO

Assisted by ANTONIO VAZQUEZ

Videography by DAVID STA. INES

Creative and Fashion Direction by ANDRE CHANG

Art Direction by GELO QUIJENCIO

Styling by ANDRE CHANG

Assisted by KURT ABONAL and MARIA PAZ GAMUS

Production Design by ARJ MADZ of JAGGER STUDIOS

Makeup by LIONEL FABROS

Hair by PATTY CRISTOBAL 

Shoot Coordination by JASMIN DASIGAN

Editor-in-Chief MAGGIE BATACAN

Managing Editor RAFAEL BAUTISTA

Brand Associate BIANCA LAO

Order your copy of the First Job MyZine Print Pack featuring Arshie Larga now here.

Continue Reading: What To Do When It Feels Like Everything Is Already Going Wrong At Your First Job

8 Resume and CV Tips and Tricks That Will Help You Land That Job

A serving of new music for you courtesy of The Weeknd, Rob Deniel, BOYNEXTDOOR, and more.

Related: POLL: Which Upcoming Concerts Are You Looking Forward To End 2024 With The Most?

It’s new music Friday, you know what that means. Check out some of the most fun, moving, and exciting new releases from the past week below. 

DANCING IN THE FLAMES – THE WEEKND

The Weeknd returns with his signature 80s synth-pop sound that feels almost optimistic. 

ARROWMANCE – ROB DENIEL

Rob keeps our attention for five minutes and then some with the beats, production, and lovey-dovey vibes. 

NOBODY KNOWS – SHAWN MENDES

Shawn put in those vocals like the brokenhearted boy that he is. 

TALK TALK – CHARLI XCX AND TROYE SIVAN

Just in time for their Sweat Tour, Charli and Troye give us a brat-approved remix of Talk talk featuring Dua Lipa speaking Spanish and French. 

IT’S OK I’M OK – TATE MCRAE

Tate’s latest pop-infused offering has an irresistible chorus and killer choreography that’s solidifying as one of the next pop girls to watch out for. 

FIRST HEARTBREAK – LAUV

Not us crying even though we’ve never experienced a heartbreak before. 

SOFT SPOT – KESHI

Embracing everything from luminous alternative pop and dance floor-ready energy to pensive country and indie eclecticism, keshi’s newest album cuts deep, pondering life, death, love, and everything in between. 

I’M HIS, HE’S MINE – KATY PERRY AND DOECHII

Okay Katy and Doechii. Their it-girl cards cleared in this collab. 

NICE GUY – BOYNEXTDOOR

With a groovy rhythm and irresistible catchiness, the single captures the overflowing confidence of a 19.99-year-old who believes that with determination, one can charm anyone like the free-spirited Gen Z you are.

ANG NAG-IISA – KAI DEL RIO

This bluesy pop-rock anthem is a brash, sobering look at a woman coming to terms with her own pain and disappointments in life, carefully put together for the world to deservedly hear.

Continue Reading: The Round-Up: Prepare To Pop, Lock, Jam, And Break To These New Music Releases

Don’t let social media pressure you into thinking that an online relationship automatically makes for a thriving relationship.

Related: Kyline Alcantara Is Giving A Masterclass On How We Should Be Talking About Celeb Couples

Erwan Heussaff has been cooking, and it’s not just the dishes he makes. Recently, the award-winning chef took to social media to deny rumors that he allegedly cheated on Anne Curtis (and with her sister, no less). On Instagram, he posted pictures of him and Anne with the caption “🏳️Marked safe”. He also took to the comments section to remind everyone to not believe everything you see on Facebook. But he also mentioned something that speaks to what a lot of couples deal with in this day and age. “Anne and I have never really posted much about each other online, it’s just how we are. We don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone,” he wrote.  

In the era of social media, nearly everything can and is recorded and shared online for public consumption. And that has changed dating and relationships a lot these days. After all, are you really a couple if you don’t have an Instagram Highlight dedicated to your partner with a “❤️” caption and post him on your stories? The answer, actually, is still yes because, like with a lot of things online, your relationship status isn’t determined by how it’s perceived on social media.

KEEPING IT LOW-LOW-LOWKEY

With the rise of social media comes a whole host of ways to display love and affection to that special someone. And if you’re the type who finds joy in sharing your bae online, then good for you. We love a proud partner. But that also shouldn’t be the de facto way for a relationship to grow and thrive.

Social media has built this mindset of “if it wasn’t posted online, then it never happened” and that extends to relationships. “Oh, he’s not on the feed or stories? Then they probably aren’t dating,” is probably what some nosy followers might think. However, social media and public perception aren’t what makes for a great relationship. It’s an authentic bond, connection, and chemistry, something an IG carousel can’t fix or give. 

via GIPHY

There’s nothing wrong if you want to hard launch your partner, but a couple’s worth goes beyond how many pics they posted of each other on their feeds. Not every couple thrives off public reception. Some would rather keep it lowkey to maintain that privacy for a quiet relationship while only sharing their personal moments to a close group of contacts. Others just aren’t the type to constantly post online, and that’s fine. Your private life is private for a reason, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation and announcement on personal developments as not everything should be made public. Soft launching is always an option or even no launch at all. 

HAPPY, THRIVING, AND PRIVATE

You can’t stop people from talking and gossiping about your love life, but you can guard your peace and focus on what matters. The noise online can make it feel as if a relationship doesn’t exist if it isn’t shared with your followers. But it is possible to live your best life with your special someone without oversharing what you do together.

There’s no need to extend that chronically online behavior to your time with your partner. Social media is not the arbiter of a successful relationship. And it only gets worse when posts and stories form an image that everything is fine when the real story is anything but. No one wants that. Those likes aren’t going to save your relationship.   

via GIPHY

At the end of the day, sharing these special moments of your life should not be something you feel pressured to do, but because you genuinely want to. And besides, real friends won’t take offense if you don’t make your relationship status your personality trait online. What matters here is that you communicate with your partner on what works best for both of you and feel most comfortable with. Our lives are already so exposed on social media, so why not keep those few precious moments to yourself? So enjoy life, find love, and prioritize what makes you happy. That IG story can wait. 

Continue Reading: He’s Loyal, But… 8 Signs You Should Consider Breaking Up With Your Boyfriend Even Though He’s Not Cheating

Using a dog’s breed as a sign of its social status is not it. 

Related: A Pet Isn’t Just A Gift You Can Hand Off To Someone, It’s A Big Responsibility

Being a dog owner is a big responsibility that requires time, patience, and understanding. And often, there’s a dog breed fit for everyone. At most, your dog’s breed should tell what kind of fur parent you are or the type of dog you’d want as your companion. But some people didn’t get the memo and instead have resorted to deeming a dog’s worth based on their breed alone. Dog discrimination in 2024? We could never.

NO ASPIN DISCRIMINATION 

ICYMI, the popular Tagaytay restaurant Balay Dako is under hot water after a Facebook post from one of their customers named Lara Antonio went viral. In the lengthy post, she accused the establishment of turning away her Aspin named Yoda from the premises despite the restaurant being a “pet-friendly” place and the owner following the rules. When she asked the management why her Aspin was not allowed inside, they reportedly made up the reasons on the spot. 

“So what’s clear to me is that THEY DECIDE. They’ll decide based on what your dog looks like. And then they’ll let you know just like that. Kasi kung 15kg talaga bakit pwede LABRADOR. Bakit may golden retriever dun sa photo na pinapakita niya of “dogs that are allowed,”” she wrote. 

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Following the rant, the backlash was swift to the point where Balay Dako issued a response, well, sort of.  “As a company that loves animals, we understand the importance of accommodating pets. However, we must also consider factors such as spacing and the safety of all our guests. We are currently reviewing our policy to ensure it is clear, fair, and balances the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners,” they posted on social media which was met with a decidedly mixed reaction.

It also should be noted that this isn’t the first time Balay Dako has been criticized for its pet policies. In 2023, the restaurant faced criticism from pet owners after they released what many considered subjective criteria on what pets are and aren’t allowed on site. What makes this whole situation of breed discrimination so ironic is that a Filipino restaurant turned away a native breed dog whose identity is tied to Filipino culture. 

LOVING OUR OWN 

It’s no secret that establishments, both then and now, practice clientele discrimination based on look and social status. That is wrong in itself, but to extend that elitist mindset also to pets deserves a bombastic side-eye. If restaurants and other establishments want to have a pet policy, that’s fine, but to turn away dogs just because of their breed or having to hide their identity behind the visage of being a mixed breed is not the vibe. It shows that discrimination is still alive and well this 2024 (which sadly is not surprising), and speaks to how deeming one’s worth and civility extends to the company you keep, or, in this case, dogs. 

What’s particularly disheartening is how it also reflects harmful stereotypes and biases against certain breeds, especially ones native to the Philippines. “Love your own” extends to our animals. Who else will do that than ourselves? A dog’s breed should not be the only factor for their worth. All breeds deserve to be loved and accepted because if you think about it, is having a dog meant to be a sign of social status? The whole discourse on which dog breeds are inferior or superior based on arbitrary standards just doesn’t cut it.  

yung aspin para makapasok sa balay dako huhuhuhuhu chz https://t.co/VUkPPRSLow

— seduced and abandoned (@trishtanHaHaHa) September 12, 2024

And for those of you thinking that all this discourse is just for a dog, note that the incident also bleeds into the mindset of how many Filipinos still see being local as a bad thing. To look down on native breeds is tonfeed that stigma of inferiority that is often associated with many things Filipino. 

Aspins, as is with any dog breed, are worthy of being loved and cared for and no breed is and should be seen as class superior over the other. So, give your fur baby a pat like the good boy/girl that they are and, hopefully, establishments will come up with truly inclusive and non-discriminatory policies with regards to pets on their premises. 

Continue Reading: 10 Ways to Tell You’re a ~Responsible~ Pet Owner

You’ll be surprised how many resources you have at your disposal in college when it comes to helping map your future career.

Related: 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got My First Job

Aside from making memories and enjoying the vibes, college is also the time to enter your serious mode as you prepare for your career. You are, after all, taking a course that you hope will parley to job options when you graduate. Even as early as when you’re a student, there are a lot of things you can do and access in college to help you on your journey to your working era. 

And if you are unsure yet of what you want to do, college has resources to hopefully help make that path clearer. Don’t sleep on what your school has on offer in terms of career guidance because it lowkey does help. Below, check out a few useful tips on how you can make the most of the college-to-career pipeline.

PARTICIPATE IN COLLEGE CAREER FAIRS

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More often than not, colleges/universities will hold at least one career fair during the school year, which makes for a great opportunity for getting your foot in the door of multiple companies and employers. Even if the jobs on offer are not of interest to you, just attending, collecting calling cards and company information, and sharing your information with HR representatives can be useful once you start the job hunt. Also, if companies or job-hosting platforms host talks or events in your school, go. You’ll never know what you’ll learn.   

USE ON-CAMPUS SERVICES

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Something that they don’t tell you in college is how much of a hassle it can be to get all those needed forms just to apply for a job. You either don’t know what you need or where to go. From NBI Clearance, PAG-IBIG, and more, it’s like a scavenger hunt out there. So, why not make the hunt easier by getting some required documents while on campus? Specifically, your school may offer on-campus services where you can to apply for certain requirements like SSS or TIN, and if that is the case, take the opportunity. Trust us, it will make your job-hunting era a little easier.  

TAKE CLASSES THAT CAN GIVE YOU SKILLS RELATED TO THE CAREER YOU WANT

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Sure, you can go through university in your live, laugh, love era and take classes that won’t give you a hard time. But college should also be a chapter to hone skills that could be useful for what career/s you’re eyeing. Your course and its related classes should be enough training, but to further sharpen your skill sets, take electives beyond your degree that you feel will prove helpful in the long run, whether that be in marketing, business, or everything in between.  

MAKE THE MOST OF ORGS/OPPORTUNITIES

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Maybe the BS Org life isn’t that bad after all. While it’s a running joke that students spend more time in orgs than in their studies, there is a benefit from immersing yourself in org work, especially if it’s related to potential career paths. Not only do you get experience, have something to put on your resume, and have a bit more clarity if something is right for you, but it also builds your hard and soft skills for your job. And if you aren’t the org type, check if your university offers other opportunities to get work experience or training.

ASK FOR HELP OR ADVICE

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If you’re going through college and are still trying to figure out what exactly you want for yourself, it’s ok. There’s nothing wrong if you don’t have all the answers. It’s not expected that you have everything figured out right away. You’re still in school, after all, and there’s no problem with asking for help or advice from the people around you. Talk to upperclassmen or other students about their experiences or visit your school’s career office to see how they can help. You have these resources and services at your disposal, so use them. And at the very least, you’re building connections you can use down the line.  

Continue Reading: 14 Young Filipino Stars Who Worked Completely Different Jobs Before Fame

Ensure you’ll have a good start to your job hunt by making your resume or CV as good as it can be!

Related: 6 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got My First Job

The job hunt isn’t easy. With the job market being increasingly competitive, we need all the help we can get. Though you don’t necessarily need a stacked resume to land a job, especially if you’re just starting out, it is the first thing that puts you on Human Resources’ and consequent higher-ups’ radar. Resumes and CVs let them know what you can do and what you can bring to the company (and if you’re right for the position).

Besides the obvious—don’t lie, because it will for sure come to bite you in the butt later on—and the practical, here are a few resume and CV writing tips and tricks that will help you land that job.

RESUME VS. CV—WHAT’S THE DIFF?

First things first—what’s the difference between a resume and a CV and how do you know which one you should use?

A resume is a one to two-page document detailing your work experiences, relevant skills, and educational background. A CV, or “curriculum vitae,” is a longer, more comprehensive document that lists the same things a resume has, but puts emphasis on academic history and achievements. A resume is more commonly used across industries, and CVs are more used in the academe.

Some companies will accept either. It also depends on the job description, industry, location, nature of the job, and a few other things. If you feel your CV would paint a better picture of who you are and what you can bring to the job, feel free to send that. But if you think your resume speaks for itself, go for it. In any case, make sure to exercise critical judgment in everything when it comes to dealing with a potential new job.

RESUME AND CV TIPS AND TRICKS

KNOW WHAT’S NEEDED

Adjust your resume or CV according to the needs of the job listing and requirements. Make sure your documents include only the necessary details: a short description of yourself, educational attainment, work or organizational experience, and skills and interests. Keep your descriptions about what you’ve done under a company or organization clear and concise.

EDIT WITH BRUTALITY

Be cutthroat when you edit your resume—you probably won’t need all that you put initially. Focus on highlighting the skills, work, and accomplishments that prove you would be a good fit for the position. Cut irrelevant information or experiences that are not aligned with the job you’re applying for.

For instance, HR and bosses of a media company would be interested in knowing that one of your hobbies is photography because it means you know how to handle a camera, but you need not mention that you love having dinner with your friends.

VALUE THE TRIED-AND-TRUE

It helps to stick to what works. There are loads of resume and CV templates online, and your university may even have a standardized format that they provide to help you with job applications. These templates are often simple and help guide you on what to include in the document. You don’t need to start from scratch!

STRIP IT DOWN

Don’t write paragraphs upon paragraphs about yourself and your experience. Design your resume to be something that can be easily skimmed. Keep it short and sweet, with clear headers, bullet points, and dynamic, active verbs that immediately let them know what you’ve done and how you’ve accomplished things.

HIT KEYWORDS

When talking about your experience, no matter how little or how much you have, employ some relevant keywords, whether they’re directly aligned with the job description or something that shows off your skills and efficiency. The Muse has a formula you can play around with that ensures your qualifications will be listed in a way that’s concise and detailed:

• Compelling verb + job duty + key skills used = tangible result
  
  Examples:
  
  Conceptualized and executed a promotional campaign for a University Student Government fundraiser, which raised 100% of its target quota
  
  Introduced a new social media content plan and calendar after analyzing brand and audience insights, leading to a 20% increase in followers
  

LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE

Simply put, make sure your resume or CV looks neat, readable, and professional. Take a step back and ask yourself if the document looks too crowded or too wordy, if the font is appropriate, if there’s too much negative space, if it looks messy, if you need to embolden or italicize sections or phrases to make words distinct from one other, if the margins are too narrow—things that may be small details but could make someone want to skim through it immediately.

PLEASE PROOFREAD

Whether you’re sending an email or handing over your resume, do not forget to proofread a whole bunch of times. You wouldn’t want to send something that has minor errors like incorrect grammar or typos—a polished resume or CV shows how careful and deliberate you are, which are good traits to have.

GET IT CHECKED

You’re going to need a different, fresh pair of eyes to look over your resume or CV, because you might miss something. Run your sentences through a grammar checker and have other people read through it! Make sure it’s at its best before you send it over to a company and hope it helps you stand out enough to move forward in the application process and land that interview (and eventually, that job).

Continue Reading: How I, A Fresh Graduate, Got A Job During The Pandemic (Hint: It Wasn’t Easy)