Six Spooky Costume Ideas for Corporate Halloween Parties

Planning to attend a Halloween party this last few days of October? Even with many possible scary characters to portray, perhaps you’re having a hard time finding the best costume for you.

In your 20s or older, sure you have hesitation to wear Halloween costumes believing that these only belong to kids. Frankly, this idea isn’t awkward even if either you’re a young adult or you already have your own kids.

If it’s the price that holds you back in going to a Halloween party, don’t worry. There are cheap yet very effective costumes that you could wear to scare your officemates or kids joining the trick-or-treat.

Good Suggestions

Below are some good costume ideas for budget-conscious people—for males and females:

For Men

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Bloody Headless Horseman

You just need to prepare a cape, your old black long sleeves, black pants, pair of black shoes, and a lot of creativity. When wearing the costume, turn your head into a bloodied neck. Just be sure you still get room to see and breathe through a thin black cloth.

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Medieval Friar 

A brown friar robe with capelet (or any similar long brown dress), a friar wig (bald-topped), and a brown nylon rope (to serve as belt) can make you look old. You don’t need to apply makeup effects but just a serious facial expression. Seeing somebody dressed in a medieval costume really brings goosebumps.

Photo credit: costumecraze.com

Zombie 

There are many zombie characters that you can portray. You just need to choose the one that best fits with the available resources. You can wear anything you want but it’s best if you sport a bloodied white long sleeves and wear makeup and face powder. You just need to perfect the hand gesture while walking. Act as if you have risen from the tombstone.

For Ladies

Unborn Child

This is unique yet very scary. You can wear anything as long as you want your shirt get cut to make a hole on it, or at least get dirty. Find a way so that the doll’s limbs won’t be removed easily or else all your efforts will go to waste. 

Photo credit: evilmadscientist.com

Bat Woman 

Wear black garments with hoodie. Cut damaged black umbrella and make its parts your bat wings.

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Ladybug 

If you have any red dress, you can put black polka dots on it so you can become a ladybug. Make an improvised pair of dotted wings and a headdress with antenna. Wear black boots and gloves.

Yes, Halloween parties do not always go with pricey costumes.

Which of these spooky costumes do you want to try? What else would you like to include to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Movie Throwback: Top 8 Horror Movies You Shouldn’t Watch Alone

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Are you up for some scary movie challenge this Halloween? Watch these top 10 horror movies alone, they may be old but they would surely give you a hell of a fright!

1. The Exorcist (1973)

The movie is about a 12-year old girl possessed by a demon. The girl’s contortionist acts like the famous 360 head turn and the spider walk scene are the most memorable scenes of this movie.

2. Poltergeist (1982)

The movie revolves around a family whose home is invaded by ghosts that abduct their youngest daughter. The fact that most of the scenes happened in a normal environment of a home like yours adds up to the scare factor of the movie.

3. The Haunting (1963)

The movie is about a small group of people invited by a paranormal investigator to stay at a haunted mansion filled with a lurid history of violent death and insanity.

4. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

The movie is about a serial killer named Freddy Krueger. He terrorizes by entering their dreams and killing them with his gloves with sharp knives. For sure, you would not want to sleep for a few days because of him.

5. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

This gruesome movie revolves around five teenagers who are bound to visit their grandfather’s grave. But on their way, they’ve met a family of chainsaw wielding cannibals and that’s where their nightmare began.

6. The Shining (1980)

The movie is about the Torrance family who moves to an isolated mountain to take an off-season caretaking job for a hotel. But during their stay, the father becomes influenced by the supernatural presence in the hotel and attempts to murder his family.

7. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

The movie is about a young couple who moved into an apartment with an ominous status and elderly neighbors. When the wife becomes oddly pregnant, paranoia over the safety of her unborn child begins to control her life.

8. Friday the 13^th (1980)

The movie revolves around a group of teenagers who attempts to reopen an abandoned campground. Despite the warnings, they headed to the camp and killed one by one.

Have you watched any of these movies? Please share your heart pounding experiences in the comments section below.

Six Cool and Budget Friendly Halloween Décor Ideas

For many young Filipino Christians and Catholics, the last quarter of the year brings so much excitement. Who would not be thrilled with school breaks, parties, and gift-giving events during this time of the year?

Before the much-awaited Christmas Day, youngsters and young-at-heart alike are up for Halloween activities. Truly, this occasion brings out the kid in most of Filipino people.

Perhaps you’re one of those who take time to decorate your room, garden, or any portion of your home and even workstation. Admit it or not, you’re also budget conscious who just buys the cheapest items.

What if the products currently on sale aren’t the ones you want as your decorations?

Great D-I-Y Ideas

The good thing is it is still possible that you can display scary items even if you’re on a tight budget. You just need to apply your creativity.

Here are a few good yet cheap and effective Halloween decorating ideas that you can easily do on your own.

Photo credit: listotic.com

Jar Lights

Get some glass jars. Paint them or place tissue paper or any colored paper (orange, green, red, or white) and put a lit candle inside them. Don’t forget to draw spooky faces on them.

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Ghost Lanterns

Get the most out of empty gallon milk jugs. You just need to put battery-operated Christmas lights inside them to make them glow. Using a permanent marker, you can draw scary faces before hanging them in dark areas. You may also place them along the walkway.

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Miniature Graveyard

Get some cardboards and cut them in oval or rectangular shape. Paint them with gray and put “RIP” so that they will look like tombstones. You may put haystack and dry leaves to add scary feel.

Photo credit: happyclipping.com

Bats and Ghosts

Bats: Get egg cartons, cut them to make three shelves. Color them black and put eyes (made of white and black cartolina). Hang them.

Ghosts: Collect dry leaves—those with five wide “fingers.” Paint them white and draw a scary face on them. Hang them.

Photo credit: listotic.com

Dancing Ghosts

Get some styro balls and cover them with white cloth. Draw spooky face on them before hanging them with a cord. Place them in windy area to create an illusion that they are moving or dancing.

Photo credit: listotic.com

Scary Door

Get black and white cartolina and cut them in different shapes so as to create hair, eyes, mouth, tooth, and scar. You may paste them on a door and form a scary face out of these cutouts.

Get inspiration from these decors so that you can recreate your own version of scary stuff.

Happy Halloween!

10 of the World’s Most Creative and Coolest Office Spaces

Are you tired of the usual office setup? Check out and be inspired with this list of the most creative and coolest offices all around the world.

1. Zynga

This social game services provider Based in San Francisco, California, believes that petting dogs and relaxing arcade lounges should be part of every staff member’s day.

Photo Credit: perabusinesspark.co.uk

2. Mind Candy

This online gaming company and social network for children based in London, England, will let you feel that you’re on the set of “Alice in Wonderland”.

Photo Credit: perabusinesspark.co.uk

3. Nicolas Tye Architects

This architecture firm based in Bedfordshire, England, was named the Long Barn Studio because their office space is in the middle of a field, literally.

Photo Credit: perabusinesspark.co.uk

4. Corus Entertainment

This media and entertainment conglomerate based in Toronto, Canada knows how to entertain their employees, through a three-story slide.

Photo Credit: perabusinesspark.co.uk

5. Coupa

This cloud-based spend management software company based in San Mateo, California, was built in a bank vault with massive reinforced door, a keg, and a shuffleboard table.

Photo Credit: perabusinesspark.co.uk

6. Selgas Cano Architecture

This half under and half above the ground studio lies in the middle of the woods in Madrid, Spain, and allows their employees to enjoy a panoramic view around the clock.

Photo Credit: Iwan Baan

7. Fox Head

This motocross apparel company based in Irvine, California, is an 82,000 square foot warehouse-shaped like a futuristic bike helmet. There are also dirt bike tracks, mock storefronts, and open office plans to give the workers plenty of options to escape the cubicle life.

Photo Credit: www.dezeen.com

8. Heldergroen

This design studio based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, strongly promotes work-life balance through disappearing tables. After 6 pm, the steel cables lift the wooden tables into the ceiling so the employees can go home or take part in activities like yoga, dance classes, or events.

Photo Credit: CornbreadWorks

9.  Comvert

This alternative clothing company based in Milan, Italy, has converted an old abandoned cinema into a plush office space. Its top feature is the skate bowl above the warehouse that adhere to their extreme sports brand image.

Photo Credit: perabusinesspark.co.uk

10. Inventionland

This design facility based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, houses 16 themed sets including a tree house, mockup pirate ship, and a giant robot. Its aim is to provide a creative work environment for its employees.

Photo Credit: perabusinesspark.co.uk

Do you know more creative and cool offices? Share your thoughts and pictures on the comment section below.

The Top 5 In-Demand Jobs in the Philippines by 2020

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Among countries in Southeast Asia, our country is one of the lowest in employment rates due to job mismatch. So to guide our future professionals on what career to take in college, here are the jobs that are still in-demand by 2020. 

1. Aircraft Pilot/Navigator/Flight Engineer

Air travel is expected to increase in the next decades so the airline companies are taking advantage of this surge. Part of the plan is to acquire more planes so the need for staffs also grows. It will take at least 4 years to earn a degree so it is best to take an aviation course now.

2. Computer Systems Analyst

It can’t be denied that businesses rely more on computers for a more efficient and systematic delivery of products and services. Because of this, the need for IT pros like the makers and designers of computer systems also increases. To become a systems analyst, you need to be good in logic and math and earn a degree in computer science.

3. Computer Programmer
Unlike computer systems analysts that work on both hardware and software, programmers only focus on the latter. They create games, programs, and apps that are in-demand for this generation. To be a certified code expert, you need to earn a degree in I.T.

4. Civil Engineer

When it comes to the basic needs of human like shelter, there is no shortage in job vacancies. Builders like civil engineers are hired in large-scale construction, business, or infrastructure development. To be a licensed builder, you need to take a 5-year course and pass the board exam.

5. Accountant

As long as the money is used in our daily activities, the need for accountants will always be there. To be certified, you need a degree in accountancy and pass the board exam. But even if you don’t have a license, you can still work as a bookkeeper.

Aside from these professions, posts for Business Process Outsourcing companies and skilled workers will still be in-demand by the year 2020.

Do you have more insights about this issue? Please feel free to share your thoughts on the comments section below. 

Eight Effective Ways to Fight Procrastination at Work

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It’s not every day that people are always in the mood to do great things. There are just times that people feel like they don’t want to work or just get tired of doing things over and over again. These feelings often lead to procrastination.

Both neophytes and experienced workers have a tendency to procrastinate at times. This is because of many factors that trigger distraction and lack of focus.

If procrastination affects your productivity very badly, then do something to correct your habit. Do not allow less important things hamper your achievement of career growth.

What You Should Do

What specific things should you do to improve your focus toward your work? Heed the following tips:

1. Set your daily goals – Make sure that you have already prepared a to-do list right before you start your day in the workplace. If possible, you may put a checklist of your tasks for the day on your table. This way, you’ll be forced to accomplish all of your daily assignments. You may also use a planner so you won’t miss a single activity or any of your target. 

2. Come and leave on time – Always anticipate the problems that may affect your attendance. As much as possible, come early so you can still have enough time for some other things. This helps you focus more on your core tasks.

3. Practice proper prioritization – Know the deadlines of your projects so you can deliver the output on time. Also, have a good estimation of project completion. With good prioritization as your technique, you’ll be able to manage your time wisely and simplify your working pattern.

4. Know and fear the consequences of procrastination – Knowing the outcome of doing less significant things is but a helpful way to help you concentrate on your duties. Always remind yourself to fulfill your duties well so that you can reap positive results.

5. Identify your distractions and stay away from them – Know which things and activities waste your time so much. If they’re digital (social media or other web sites), then exert an effort to have them inaccessible on your end.

6. Get ready with your stuff – Even before you sit on your workstation, be sure that you have with you (placed near you) your glass of water or coffee, notebook, pen, tissue paper, and other things that you may need while working. This helps save time and minimizes distraction from other things.

7. Start with the “worst” task – Of your many activities, you may begin with the most difficult one. This will challenge yourself to work fast so that you can work on some other things.

8. Choose the right environment – Work setting plays a vital role in your productivity. Consider who you’ll be working with, as well as the presence (or more likely absence) of other objects, such as TV and radio. 

How about you? What do you do to combat the useless act of procrastination at work? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

How Can Young Professionals Maximize Their Free Time?

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Young professionals have enough time for everything, something that others envy. Since they have yet to form their own family, they can grab opportunities that will broaden their horizons and allow them to grow.

In your 20s and working on weekdays, sometimes you get bored on weekends or even after your shift. You become tired of watching movies, reading books, biking, blogging, accessing Facebook and Twitter accounts, and working freelance jobs.

How do you fight boredom, then? Are there things you can do that will not cause you mental and physical stress?

Suggested Ways

Are you looking for ways to maximize your free time? Below is a list of diversions you can embark on and make yourself busy.

• Trainings – Join trainings in writing, culinary, and more.
• Short Course – You can enroll in a short course to improve your skills or learn new ones. You may explore web design or game development.
• Photography – If you want to gain or boost your skills in photography or videography, enroll online.
• Arts and Crafts Workshop – Want to learn paper crafts, embroidery, sewing, weaving, painting, or gardening? Find workshops to learn the basics and specifics.
• Financial Seminar – If your job involves complex computations, join related seminars to gain tips, learn techniques, and know current trends or concepts.

Stuff to Ponder

Consider a few factors before joining any of the mentioned activities.

• Proximity of the location – Make sure the activity occurs near your home or workplace if not online. This will save you fuel and money.
• Family – Even if you are single or living with relatives, bond or communicate with them always. This will help you keep a good relationship with them.
• Personal health – Do not sacrifice your health for better prospects. Consult a doctor often for a medical examination.
• Time management – Carry your organizer and notes to keep your appointments and put things in priority.

Use time well. Take part in worthwhile activities to sharpen your competitive edge.

Top 7 Places to Pig Out in San Pedro, Laguna

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Are you looking for affordable places to dine around San Pedro, Laguna? Here are the top seven restos where you can find delicious dishes below 200 pesos.

1. Katsudon Japanese Food Hauz

Satisfy your cravings with authentic Japanese dishes such as ramen, katsudon, tonkatsu, ebi curry, and okonomiyaki. Price ranges from 100 to 140 pesos. The store is located at Pacita Avenue or “Main Road” right beside Sinangag Express.

2. Ting Qua Qua Restaurant

Enjoy the mouth-watering goodness of Filipino-Chinese dishes like garlic crispy pata, chop suey, litid guisado, and different kinds of pancit. The store is located beside Puregold San Pedro.

3. Maestro Fedeli Café

Quench your thirst for coffee with ice blended, iced coffee, and hot drinks as well as light meals like cookies, pasta, and sandwiches. The store is located at 7^th Street, Pacita Avenue.

4. Pixie’s Sinugba

Fill up your tummy with sinugba or grilled dishes such as inihaw na boneless bangus, inihaw na rellenong bangus, inihaw na liempo, and inihaw na tuna belly. You can find it at 8^th Street, Pacita Avenue.

5. Tuding’s Original Porkchop

Savor the taste of every pinoy’s favorite PorkSiLog or crispy porkchop, fried rice, and egg at a very affordable price. You can find it at Mabini Street in Barangay San Antonio.

6. Sinangag Express

Indulge your taste buds with garlic fried rice 24/7. Choose from the wide variety of “SiLog” dishes at Augusto Commercial Plaza Building, Pacita Avenue.

7. Pancit Maciang

If you want something unique, take on the challenge of pancit bihon with fried egg and banana catsup. You can find it at A. Mabini Street corner Garcia Street in Barangay Nueva.

Have you tried any of these restos? Do you know other places to dine around San Pedro? You can share your thoughts and experiences on the comments section below.

Historic Corregidor Island: An Enchanting Go-to Destination

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Japanese occupation of the Philippines left a scar that both history and time could not erase. It may be the last time a foreign power invaded the Pearl of the Orient Seas but that made Filipino warriors’ courageousness and patriotism grow much stronger.

Despite its tininess, the island of Corregidor played a vital role during the invasion and attack of Japanese forces. In fact, its situation at the mouth of the Manila Bay helped it protect the city as it became an armory of weapons. It even became a site of a battle and its defeat marked the fall of not just the Philippines but the entire Asia.

Unlike other local places devastated by the second world war, Corregidor had easily picked up the pieces. It had moved forward while preserving the memories of the past. Today, this tadpole-shaped island is considered as a top tourist spot in the country.

Why should you visit Corregidor? What makes it an ideal place for a relaxing getaway?

Going to Corregidor is more than just a wonderful sightseeing experience. It’s more of retracing the footsteps of our little-known heroes. It’s about looking back at a forgotten page of history—a page that narrates the bravery, sacrifice, and heroism of the island’s defenders.

The island is just a little over one hour of travel from the seaside boulevard in Pasay City. A ferry usually carries travelers. Aboard the ferry, travelers’ journey begins with the views of the Manila Bay and the city’s skyline.

Many exciting things await in the island, which was previously named Fort Mills and even got the monikers The Rock, and the Gibraltar of the East. Specifically, tourists are up for the following perks:

• Expert local guide – As soon as the ferry reaches the island, a local guide will tour the visitors while telling stories about the place. These stories highlight the role of the island during the Japanese invasion.

• Tranvia (also tramvia) ride – This kind of transportation is just ideal for a tour. Since tranvias have open sides, tourists can just look around and take photos while the vehicle is in motion.

• Historical places and pieces – The island is home to different historic relics, ruins, and structures. There can be found the barrack ruins, large cannons, the Japanese Memorial Garden, Battery Way, hospital laterals, and pieces of statues.

• Malinta tunnel – This is yet the best place that is greatly associated with the island. Not only this tunnel helped protect warriors against air attack but it also served as the seat of Philippine Commonwealth Government under the leadership of Pres. Manuel L. Quezon.

• Lighthouse (on Topside) – It is one of the oldest landmarks built that still exist in the island of Corregidor.

Many other things can prove why Corregidor is such a good tourist destination for Filipinos.

7 Reasons Grown-Ups Should Try Coloring Books and Apps

Coloring is the new craze for grown-ups. Whether it’s printed books or through mobile apps, adults can’t stop being addicted to them. Here are some of the reasons:

1. It helps express what’s in the heart and mind when words aren’t enough to describe trauma, bereavement, or depression.

2. It improves fine motor skills and vision that can help delay or prevent age-related health issues like dementia.

3. It helps reduce stress and anxiety.

4. It lets the brain focus better.

5. It can be a tool for socializing and bonding with your friends and family.

6. It can help rediscover the real you.

7. It can be used as free decoration.

For starters, here are the top books and apps you can buy from bookstores and download from Google Play and iTunes:

Coloring Books

1. “Secret Garden: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book” by Johanna Basford

2. “The Mindfulness Coloring Book: Anti-Stress Art Therapy for Busy People” by Emma Farrarons

3. “Flower Designs Coloring Book (Volume 1)” by Jenean Morrison

4. “Color Me Calm” by Art Therapist Lacy Mucklow and Illustrator Angela Porter

5. “Coloring Mandalas 1” by Art Therapist Susanne Fincher

Mobile Apps

1. Colorfy by Fun Games For Free








2. ColorDiary by App Labs Games

3. momi coloring book by momi

4. Coloring Book - Mandala HD by Smart&Fun Apps

5. Mandalas Coloring by Lilelmi

Bonus Info: What Your Coloring Style Says about You 

Here’s how your choice of colors define your personality according to Color Psychologist Leonine Burdett:

• Bright Primary Colors - You’re great fun and love to be surrounded by people. You have a childlike quality and tend to be a people pleaser who suffers with bouts of self-doubt.

• Cool Blues, Purples, and Pinks - People drawn to this more subdued palette are reserved and considered. They think carefully before acting and plan ahead. They can be perceived as aloof, even if this isn’t the case.

• Vibrant Reds and Oranges - You’re outgoing, passionate, and extremely exuberant. Your friends see you as eccentric yet loyal. You have great self-belief – though others often see you as being bossy and a bit of a know-it-all.

• Black and White - Everything is clear-cut with you: it’s either right or wrong. You have great inner strength and that takes you a long way in life. You tend to run roughshod over others to reach your goals. About 10 percent of people fit into this group and they tend to be leaders.

• Blazes of One Color - The shades you choose reflect as much about what you feel is missing in your life as reflecting your personality. For example, if you color great swatches of orange, then passion may be something you crave.

Photo Credits: Amazon.com and Google Play