small things, big things

Yep, i will be back to writing and blogging. I’ve realized that there’s nothing wrong in talking about things. Looking back on my old posts I’ve always been serious so I often run out of things to say. Now I will take things on a stride again, chill lang. I shouldn’t let life pass me by. I will celebrate everything no matter how little or how monumental they are.

Earlier I revisited Bianca Gonzalez’s blog. Bianca is one of the few local celebs I admire. She is pretty, that’s given but what makes her different is her wit and intelligence. She’s not only all about the superficial stuff. I noticed how she consistently updated her blog. With that I am motivated to write more often.

I am not a celebrity, of course, and my writing skill is not that great at all but who cares? Everyone is entitled to their own story so I’ll enjoy mine.

I will try to recall  the things I missed out on writing. Hope my memory will serve me well. Hmm..where do I begin.. o yeah, my last post was my birthday post. Let me pick up where I’ve left of.

Birthday.

On my birthday Tatay and Mama came here in Manila. I really appreciate them going all the way here just to make sure I am not all by myself on my birthday. I share the house with Kuya Roger but he also has his own schedule and priorities.

It was great to wake up on my birthday with the two most important people in my life by my side. They gave me a big hug and greeted me. With that at 24 I felt that I am still their baby.

We celebrated my birthday by having a buffet lunch at Yakimix, The Podium. Kuya Roger went with us too although it meant he’ll only have 2 or 3 hours of sleep before going to work.

Work.

My daily routine revolves around house, office, errands and occasional night/day out. On Sept 30, Silverback, my first project in Accenture officially signed off. It was a bittersweet moment. It meant leaving what we’ve become used to but it also meant having the chance to pursue new challenges within the company. They said Project Silverback was one of the most complex and challenging accounts in the company. I am so happy to survive it in green.

Statistics is very important in the call center industry. As much as it is stressful it is also a source of fulfillment. To see my metrics pass after all the difficulties is a natural high. Every perfect survey I receive from the clients we serve made me happy.

Another thing I loved about Silverback was the management. I honestly think that my bosses were awesome. There was no “caste”. They were so nice and accommodating. I never felt intimidated. Every effort we exerted was never left unappreciated.

Towards the end of the project I had another memorable experience. I assisted a new customer to register his internet service. Communication was a challenge. He could hardly speak English. Tatagalugin ko na sana kaya lang di rin naman sya Filipino. I didn’t bother to ask what his race was. To sound racist is not something I’d like to happen. The process should only take 30 minutes but it took us three hours! I could have given up, I wouldn’t be apprehended but I chose to help him because I knew if I didn’t no one will without getting charged $150. After three long hours we’re done. He could finally access the internet. Though it was hard for him to say it he was very thankful with my help.

That was one of the things I loved about the job. Showing arrogant customers that they’ve done something stupid is another. ;P

One time I got a call, maybe he was on his 30s. On the tone of his voice I knew he was beyond frustrated. He began by flatly saying “I’ve already done everything but nothing works.” After asking how his equipment was set up and finding out that the other computers were working I asked him to unplug and replug the usb network adapter on the pc that didn’t connect. I wasn’t sure if  it’ll help but to show an upset caller that I didn’t know what to do is a suicide. I got to say something or else kakainin nya ako ng buhay, if you know what I mean. then, tada! it worked! His mood changed by 360’! He exclaimed “Now I feel stupid, I’m sorry!”

New challenge.

Oct.3, after the weekend off, it was our first day in the new project. It was the management and HR who decide in which project we will be assigned. For confidentiality purposes we didn’t know what was the nature of the project beforehand. I had no expectations but I was hopeful.

However, honestly I wasn’t very pleased when I’ve found out what the project was about. I was dumbfounded. I thought this is no brainer, walang challenge (yabang lang.hehe!)

When I am in a less than ideal situation I know I have two options. First be upset and be miserable for a long time or to breathe and see it in a positive light. I chose the latter. I am still working on it, though. There are still times that I feel bored about it.  To leave the company for the next six months may not be very wise so I should work on converting boredom into motivation.

Unlike Project Silverback the new project is UK-based. Here are some of the things I’ve learned about the dear brits so far.

• Ring back – call back. “can you ring me back this afternoon?”
• Phoning – calling.
• If Americans express frustration with “ridiculous” they say “rubbish”
• They were sweet! I was surprised. they call the person they’re speaking with “love”.
• Some of their expressions are “brilliant!” and “lovely!”
• They say “Cheers!” before saying goodbye. (inuman?! )

“Thanks mate, Cheers!”

Of course their accent is different. It took me two weeks to comprehend and get used to it.

To succeed in something you like is great. How much more in something you don’t? I will still do my best.

Enchanted Kingdom

I met Issa and Iane in Accenture. They were feisty, competitive and fun to be with. I am glad we’re able to keep the friendship after we’ve been assigned to new projects.

Amidst the stormy season we pushed through on our plan to go to Enchanted Kingdom. Issa is naturally chatty. Dahil tahimik naman ako same with Iane sagot na nya ang kwento. Before long we’ve reached Sta Rosa, Laguna.

So there, we were kids again.

EK is indeed not only for kids but also for kids at heart like us. I loved the rollercoaster ride. It served enough for the need for a thrill fix.

For something subtle but equally fun ride this is my favorite. Here’s…ewan, nalimutan ko pangalan ..

I was not a big fun of the Rio Grande ride, though. If you’ll riding it got to make sure you’ve got clothes for change.

Later in the afternoon it started to drizzle. It was getting late but there was no sign that the rain will subside. If you can’t do anything about something, i-enjoy na lang. So we slipped off our shoes at nagtampisaw kami sa ulan. It was fun…

Friends like wines, the older the better

Sleep overs were one of our favorite things to do then to bond. Now in our adulthood who says we can’t or shouldn’t?

Beer and pizza tasted better when shared with good ol’ friends. Don’t get me wrong I am not alcoholic but I do enjoy beer when I am with family and good friends. What makes beer taste good is not the malt or the alcohol in it but the warmth of the people you are sharing it with.

Saturday night I picked up Diane and Tin from Rob Pioneer. We bought snacks in the supermarket. Diane said “oi di na tayo pancit canton”. Tin added “yes, may buying power na tayo.” Thank God.

I am so happy, girls, to grow old with you. High school is already seven years ago but I am glad we stick together.

Life is not perfect. We cant have everything we want but it shouldn’t keep us from seeing our blessing and appreciating everyone and everything in it. Thank YOU.

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