state of the “working girl” address

People of the Philippines and of the world, Good day!

This is PAM who is in disarray from extreme boredom. just joking..hehehe

ok ..serious mode na…if you’ll gonna ask me how am I would say “ok lng” coz I am, I am ok, I am alright but that’s not the end of the story.

I’ve been working for the last three months and its been a very eye opening experience. I am now used to the things that used to be so new and exciting three months ago. Whether it is a good thing, i dunno, probably not.

“Always evolving” might be apt to describe me. I always want something new. Routine is not my thing. Challenges excite me for they are the best way to improve. When things get too ordinary and complacency starts to rule the game, boredom looms.

Pero sabi nga PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE. Di lahat ng bagay nangyayari ng madalian so I’d better behave and continue doing what I ought to do excellently. Therefore I am making a promise never to be late for work again.ever.

If only

I know I am the one who preaches “wag masyado mapaghanap, kung ano ang nandyan yun ang ienjoy at ipagpasalamat” but right now I think I’m gonna break my own sermon by having these….

• If only kuya Joel will give the laptop back I will be darn happy.
• If only I can watch Lady Gaga’s concert in Araneta happening very soon.
• If only graveyard work is not risky for our health I might be working in a call center and earn ATLEAST 13k
• If only I have time and money I will go backpacking all over the Philippines,wanna join? first stop Batanes then Panglao Bohol

The Perks and the Cons of being a working girl,lady,woman, whatever….

• Con – have to be more responsible with money matters. It’s awkward to ask for money from thy tatay,kuya or ate. Gone is the monthly drip of bread.
• Perk – you gain some sort of authority and self respect, especially, when superiors say that you do your job well
• Perk- you get to know the value of money, you get to understand what the folks used to say
• Con- have to be innovative in finding ways to keep excitement and enthusiasm for work up.

Oh man..i have mentioned the word “money” for ten thousand times now,hehe,I guess working in a bank is making me mukhang money.haha!

Til next time. Writing is always a pleasure but kuya joel took the laptop away, i may sulk until I wrinkle like a raisin but it’s not gonna help. All i can do is remain standing tall even when there are things that weigh me down.

first job bliss

Its 75 days since I graduated from college. Its 54 days since I left home. I have worked for 30 weekdays. How am I now? How life has changed since I basked into this new life?

A week after my graduation I went home for the holy week. Another week later and I was officially bored. I really can’t stand doing nothing or doing household chores alone most of the time. All I can think of then was to get a job soon.

Nobody in the family pressures me into working yet. Ate Mir told me why I was so much in a hurry. To work is really tiring she warned me. But I have made my mind. I wanted to do something, which is to take a step towards the realization of my dreams and long time ambitions.

In the 24^th of April I arrived here in Manila. My initial plan then was to work in a call center because the pay is really good in that industry but they disapproved especially my mother.

They said I might be putting myself and my health to too much risk. My father added that a person’s chance to prosper does not depend on how much she earns but on how she handles her finances. Because I have known for a fact that “ang matigas ang ulo at di nakikinig sa magulang ay napapahamak” my decisiveness was shaken.

I still tried to get into a call center to satisfy my curiosity before I got my job now.

May 26, Aimie asked me to go with her in her scheduled interview in Convergys. I went with her in Robinson’s Tower in Ortigas. Since I was already there, I also applied. But then both of us failed. We just laughed it off, charge to experience.

The next day I received a text alert from JobStreet. It says speed call center agent hiring. Since Robinson’s Cybergate Tower in Pioneer, Mandaluyong where JobStreet’s office is located is just a 7.00 jeepney ride from the house I went. I thought I have nothing to lose but I have got experience to gain. There they would screen applicants if they are qualified afterwards they will endorse them to their partner companies.

There were so many applicants whose age ranges from early 20s to late 30s. I passed JobStreet Select screening which was composed of series of group interview, typing test and written exam. I was endorsed into two companies.

Because there were so many applicants I had my interview to my first endorsement which was for ePLDT Ventus around 4pm. The funny thing is I didn’t pass. The HR from ventus said I only got 74 percent while the passing rate is 75.

I thought it must be a sign that I really have to say bye to call center app. So I didn’t go to my second endorsement anymore.

Although I might have not passed those applications it helped me get the job I have now. Interviews can be really nerve wrecking so practice really helps.

On the fateful 4^th day of May I got hired in BDO Head Office. Banco de Oro’s Corporate headquarter is a twin tower located along Makati Ave.

On that day ate Ophel and I were together. Moral support.hehe. Para lang kami namamasyal. Sabi ko nakakatawa naman, naghahanap na ako ng trabaho sinasamahan pa ako. I was like a kid on her first time to go to school. But it was great. I really appreciate it.

Early morning we went to the HR Office of BDO in Greenhills. Again there were so many applicants. The rooms were full and people just keep coming.

Since I have already passed the exams and interview of their partner hiring firm last May 29, I only had one interview that Monday morning. After the interview the interviewer told me to come back at 2 pm that same day.

Out of those so many applicants not all are advised to return. Some were told to wait for their call. Though others may still hope the chance is really bleak or it already means that the game is over.

Ate and I waited for 2pm at the nearby fast food. We ate our snack and lunch really sloooww. Minutes before the time we went back to the HR. Ate waited for me in the lobby. I was handed out an envelope while the Ma’am given the instructions on what I have to do next. Parang walang tuldok yung sentences nya, ang bilis magsalita. After the accolades she asked “Do you have any question?” I paused for like half a minute to digest her long sentences.

She said that I will have my next interview in the BDO Head Office in Makati on that same day. I thought “Amazing Race na to, layo ng makati sa greenhills.”

We rode a bus. Ang init..tapos bumaba kami sa Ayala. Nagtanong kami kung saan ang BDO. Malapit na pala dun. Sabi just walk straight on the corner turn right. It’s beside UCPB.

In the corner we saw the man made waterfall of Peninsula Hotel. Then we turned into Makati Ave. Then we saw Mandarin Hotel. It’s another landmark to look for when getting to BDO. Maganda yung lugar. Habang naglalakad sabi ko kay Ate “maganda dito, gusto ko na dito.Sana matanggap na ako dito” We easily got into our destination. Again Ate just waited for me in the lobby. I went up into the building alone. Ang lamig kaya di na ako masyado mukhang harrased nung interview na.

I really gave my all in the interview because I already wanted to work there. That time I felt grateful that I liked English subjects ever since.

After the interview the manager told me to go to the other tower. She told me to hand there my envelope but I must not open it. So off I go. I gave the envelope, sat and waited for my name to be called. Again there were so many applicants. Lahat, like Aimie’s term, were “dressed to kill”.

I settled on my seat patiently. The guy beside me was super gwapo!gush!haha.chorva!

The three other persons behind us were chattering. I noticed that the guy seemed like interested on a chatter too but wala akong pakialam. I was too anxious to get the result kaya dedma lang ako.hehe.

Then for what seemed like an eternity my name was called. Again the Ma’am talked fast. “Come back here on May 6 wear proper corporate attire black skirt blouse with collar blazer and black closed shoes with 2 inches heels don’t be late. Any question?”

With eyes wide open I said “I got the job Ma’am?” haha. I must be silly.

Yah, you did! Congratulations! She replied.

I can barely contain my happiness. Ate was really happy for me too. Our prayers were answered. We’re very thankful to Him.

The next day we accomplished the requirements to be passed.

May 6. First day at work. Ate Vi, Kuya Ronie’s wife lent me a The Black Shop suit. I know even them were excited for me.

God has been so good for me and I am really grateful.

I didn’t have high hopes before that I will be working in the central business district of the country. It seemed like a surreal experience. I never thought that I can get a chance to work there.

When I was a kid once in a while we would visit our aunt who worked for a dentist in Salcedo Village. I can remember that during our Christmas time visit there was a huge Christmas tree with huge gifts underneath in the spacious living room and there was a nice garden to be seen outside the window.

Then when I was already 18, Kuya Roger brought me and AC, our nephew with him in their office before in the 53^rd floor of PBCom Tower in Ayala.In those brief and infrequent visits I came to think that Makati may not be for me. I mustn’t have high hopes.

Then I got this chance.

(this was written last week)

tin

Congrats Tin!

I’m so proud of you sis!

Hope to see you soon….

Tin is my classmate and super close friend from Science High.Batch 18.

And she’s also from Casiguran…

She graduated as Cum Laude in UP Diliman this April.

new life

me, kuya roger, ate ophel, kuya rene and kuya joel.

dinner at seaside.pasay.

ayeee!!

bukas na…magtatrabaho na ako…ayee!!

sa BDO Head Office sa Makati Ave.

I thank the Lord for this great opportunity…

…….

bye

hello

………….

Please guide me through my Lord

Movies

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Brad Pitt

Cate Blanchet

May 1, 2009

When I reached home this afternoon I decided to watch a movie to pass off the time while resting. I had a busy day today and lying around while busying my eyes and mind was a great way to relax.

The movie is about Benjamin Button played by Brad Pitt. The story was awesome. The screenplay and music were superb. The movie made me think and to realize some things in life too.

The movie goes something like this…

Benjamin was born old. When he was supposed to be a baby he can already pass for a great grandpa. He had a life lived backwards. As time passed by he gained youth.

In his lifetime he loved only one woman (Daisy) though he swept away many women along his way.

But Benjamin and Daisy didn’t become officially together though their love for each other was there. Daisy led the life she wanted and Benjamin let her though it meant being away with her.

Though Daisy hurt Benjamin a number of times, in the darkest hours of her life he was there for her.

In turn when Daisy was already old and Benjamin has become very young and couldn’t recognize her anymore she took care of him the same way that a woman would take care of her husband.

Benjamin, baby Benjamin died in the arms of old Daisy.

I think the movie shows that whichever ways our lives may go, whether it’s going to be the conventional or the extraordinary way, one thing is for sure and that it’s going to end. Then what really matters is the way we lived our lives.

Benjamin could have abhorred his father who turned away from him and thought that he was a monster when he was born looking like an old man but he didn’t. Instead in the twilight of his father’s life he sat with him in the bench watching the sunset until he caught his last breath.

Daisy might have chosen her career and a life away from him but still she was still the only woman to whom he whisper goodbye to each night.

Benjamin lived backwards but he loved the woman she has known as her mother unwaveringly.

Serendipity

John Cusack

Kate Beckinsale

Yes I do know this movie is kinda old already but it was only last night that I had brought me to watch it entirely and to really get into it.

Serendipity is a word synonymous to fate, chance, destiny and coincidence.

Jonathan (Cusack) and Sara met by chance in New York one winter season. They instantly felt something for each other but instead to instantly jump into something more serious they let destiny to decide if they were meant to let their feelings grow.

Sara wrote her name and telephone number in the first page of the book she was holding. She told him that she’ll read it at night and sell it the next day. Then she asked Jonathan to write his name and number in a bill. Afterwards she used it to buy something.

Jonathan found her actions amusing but he let her. She reasoned that if they are meant to meet again destiny will decide for them.

Several years passed and the two of them have lived on with their lives but the memory of each one lingered. Both of them felt that the person they met for that brief moment in time was the one they really love.

Sarah already had a fiancé then. He has proposed to her and she has accepted it. But she still felt neglected because it seemed like that fame and career were more important for him. Deep inside her she felt lonely and she knows that the man she met in New York was the answer.

Jonathan was also about to get married to an amazing woman. She really adored him but she felt that there’s someone else in his heart.

Then it happened. After many years destiny set into action just in the nick of time. Sarah decided to go back to New York to find the man whose bleak memory of his face was the only thing that she can remember.

Jonathan together with his loyal best friend has also begun to stage a search for her. He scoured every bookstore where that book might be.

The night before his wedding Jonathan’s girlfriend gave him a gift. Guess what it was? It was the book he was looking for.

In New York Sarah went all around in search of him. She went back to the rink and in the restaurant where the two of them spent some time then. But her search was futile. She didn’t find him. She decided to come home. When she was aboard the plane she rented earphones. Among the bills that the stewardess was holding she saw the bill where Jonathan’s name and number was written.

She immediately went out the plane to find him. That day was Jonathan’s wedding day. She hurried to the hotel where the wedding will be held. Her heart broke when she saw the venue being fixed. She thought the ceremonies were already over and that Jonathan has already married another.

But because destiny was working to put them together the wedding didn’t really happen. Jonathan’s girlfriend called it off.

During that moment Sarah felt very cold. She remembered that she has left her coat in the bench near the rink. She decided to go back to that place to get it back.

The snow was falling and the temperature was cold. She walked back into the rink. There she saw Jonathan holding her coat. In that instance they relived the memories of their first meeting.

Destiny gave them a second chance and they didn’t let it go again.

The movie shows that love moves in mysterious ways. No matter what happens and however long it takes if two people are meant to be together they will be.

In your own story will you leave everything into chance or will you make things happen? Are you going to wait for the right moment or will you grab every opportunity that knocks in your door? What if there is no second chance? Will you just let your happiness slip away?

But sometimes even if we don’t decide things happen. It seems like that there is a formidable force working on in our lives. For that reason no matter how hard we resist we’ve got nothing else to do but to let things be because the more we hold on into something the more it hurts.

A Very Special Love

John Lloyd Cruz

Sarah Geronimo

Again this is an off season film already. Sometimes this is just the way I am. Some things are off my taste when everyone else is raving about it. As a matter of fact amidst the hype and popularity of Twilight movie and book I still don’t watch it until now.

The story of Miggy and Laida makes one be in love with love. It will make you believe that being in love is great.

Unlike other movies that seem to have limited substance this one is good. It has a nice storyline and you can learn a thing or two from watching it.

The movie says that riches aren’t everything. Miggy had an incredible pedigree. He has an indelible surname but all his life he lived in sadness covered with vile cold heartedness.

Beyond the icy stare and the hot temper he carries a bruised heart. He constantly had to prove himself. He has to prove himself worthy of the surname he’s got.

Then Laida came into the picture. She showed him the other side of existence. Through her he got to smile and to see the beauty of life.

The Battle of East and West

Manny Pacquiao

Ricky Hatton

May 3, 2009

Right now I am sitting in a couch propped in my lap is my laptop writing this post while watching the much awaited boxing event The Battle of East and West over Solar Sports.

The main event is not shown yet. Earlier a documentary about the preparations that Pacquiao and Hatton made was presented.

There’s something about documentaries that hit me. The stories in a documentary are presented with a heart. They were not just blatant presentation of the basic information of an event. The documentary presenter really immersed himself into the story.

The documentary showed that there’s more beyond what we see in a fight. That few rounds of boxing were backed with months of hard work and labour of the boxer and trainers alike in training camps.

I was deeply moved with the story of Freddie Roach, Paquiao’s trainer. All these years he has been ushering Pacquiao’s brilliant boxing career but what we don’t know is that he also has his own battle to fight. It is with Parkinson’s disease. He said that he will not just lie down and wait for the disease to grip him. He will fight.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris

Through my friends Joy and Edison I got to read a book again after quite sometime. The book was entitled I Kissed Dating Goodbye. Though the book may not sound so appealing to those who have come to embrace worldly standards the book is still a good stuff to read. The book may also have very conservative ideas regarding relationships but when we look at them closely they are very truthful and most of all following the advices can keep young ones from unnecessary heartbreaks.

I think the book is best read early in life, just in time that a boy and a girl realize the differences between them.

The book is easy to understand. I did not find myself forcing to flip on the pages and read on unlike with other books.

The anecdote in the beginning of the book really entices the interest of the readers. The story was about a wedding. When the man and bride was in front of the altar all of a sudden three other women appeared beside the groom. Who are they? The bride asked. They are the women whom I had relationships with before. The man answered.  Apparently it was just a dream of the bride.

Well the story is just trying to tell the readers the adverse effects of short term relationships. In each relationship a man and a woman gives a part of his life to that person that he/she has chosen. Then if serial dating will be pursued what will be left for the man/woman that he/she is going to end up with?

Will the ghosts of the exes shadow the relationship and put a barrier between the two persons who happened to be together? Can the man and the woman forget the memories of the person who they thought was the one in one point of their lives? Can they rule out the ex from being a point of comparison from the one they have in the present?

Some people jump in and out of relationships for different reasons. Some think it’s cool to have numerous names to associate with their own while others do it for fun and the majority believes that it was because they have fallen in love. But when we come to think about it whether you dealt with the relationships seriously or you played around when it ends you will still be hurt in one way or another.

The other ideas presented in the book were the following:

• The joy of intimacy is the reward of commitment. A man and a woman should not treat each other’s bodies as their own unless they have been united with marriage.

• As a relationship goes physical, the emotional and spiritual aspects of the relationship deteriorate.

• Don’t start what you don’t plan to finish. Do not pursue a relationship unless you are ready for commitment.

So do you agree with the book or do you find Joshua Harris’s ideas absurd?

where do I begin?

So before I left SL I promised my classmates that Im gonna do a lot of post about us. when I was at home in Casig., I didn’t have much to do that ideas kept popping in my mind but I was too lazy to write it out in a paper so I guess they were gone with the wind before I can capture them.

I should have written those posts that I thought of before since i have the tool i need now. One of these days they’ll be out here. I promise myself. I really like writing. Just telling what do i feel and what do I think about is already a great escape to me. I gotta have that G Tattoo soon I guess..hehehe

TRIBAL Affair (PULP Summer Slam 09)

GRADUATION

thanks for everything…

I wouldn’t like to say goodbye. I prefer “See you later”

So guys, see ya when I see ya. I wish the best for all of us.

this is it

It  is scorchingly hot in here in Manila. Its pretty uncomfortable. To take a bath twice a day is not enough to keep the skin hydrated. Its a good thing I am coming back to Baler this weekend. They say it kinda rain there often.

By the way, its final, OJT is over.Yahoo! Yesterday we took our evaluation forms from the office. It was such a pleasant experience. We had picture takings also. I was delighted with the result of my apprenticeship. I faired well based on the ratings given. I am really thankful and happy. I really worked hard to get it. Everything that we’ve experienced are all worth it. If I will be given the chance to go back in time I will still choose the path that I have taken.

Before we finally head home Ms. M talked to us in her office. The conversation we had is very enlightening. It is a kind of talk anyone would love to have. She’s like our mentor. She gave us some advices in getting a job later on after graduation. Some of the main things she told that registered very well to me are her advices regarding confidence, saving and surviving here in Manila.

She reminded us to be really confident with ourselves and to help others help themselves. She also said that when the time comes that we are already earning our own money we should prioritize saving. And of course we should take care of ourselves. It is not selfish to love oneself she said. When it comes to our career she reminded us that we should always have goals and targets. We should continue to improve ourselves and broaden our expertise. After each year we should look back and reminisce on what we have done in case we are still the same career wise.

I really admire Ms.M. She embodies the making of a modern woman. She’s her own person – confident and self assured but nonetheless very down to earth and cares about other people. Not only that she really looks good. Its sad though she didn’t let her picture be taken. She also mentioned that her lines are always open for us.

With all these I am deeply thankful to HIM.

I know this is not the end instead this is just the beginning. But I will rather take it one day at a time. I’d rather feel each moment than to rush things only to feel wasted when the destination aimed for is reached.

I love my life because He gave it to me. I will treasure it and I will keep on going. Our life ends when we stop believing.

Whatever the circumstances we get into is temporary so I choose to enjoy but I also always ready myself to let go. I will always share myself to anyone who would like to be a part of my life but I will always try to work hard on keeping myself whole no matter what.

FEBulous

March 2, 2009

12:16 am

Yes it’s a quarter past midnight but I am still awake and wanting to write. I would just like to take advantage of the free wifi signal. Not a lot of things comes for free so I am fond of them. I love ‘em actually.

Something wonderful made my February. Amidst the roller coaster of things I had this month more good things happened before Feb. finally ended.

My OJT ended in the 25th  which was  made special by the visit of the company’s ceo. He said hi and given us gummy bears. I found the gesture so cute. He sat in the chair beside me and commented that I type fast. I just smiled. I didn’t try to converse with him I was afraid I run out of English.haha. Since he’s German his eyes were luminous and beautifully blue. Well, I didn’t have a crush with him. Sir R. was still my bet. Go Pinoy!haha..

In the afternoon of the 26th I went to Cabanatuan by myself. I thought of asking my brothers to drive me there or even just in the terminal but Kuya Rene’s car which we were supposed to use that time was out for repainting. So I had to travel by myself.

I hailed a taxi. Manong driver was elderly and nice it’s just that he didn’t know where the bus terminals in Cubao were. He stopped somewhere only to take on the U turn slot because he didn’t get it right. Hmm..the meter was running. I had to pay extra for his mistake. (haha..kuripot na talaga ako C:)

 I reached Cabanatuan about 7 pm. My seatmate in the bus was nice too. She assisted me to get into my destination. She even asked for my phone number and wished me luck.

 The next day, the 27th at 1.30pm I with Mrs. Talavera went into the contest venue. For the fourth time in a row I am competing again for the essay writing category of the DC-SUC III CIRPS. DC-SUC III CIRPS is the annual regional literary and arts competition of the 13 state colleges and universities in Region 3.

 As what I’ve said earlier it was my fourth time to join. When I first joined the contest during my first year even I myself can’t believe that I aced the first place. However in the next two years I’ve lost.

 But since I am already about to graduate I still said yes when ma’am asked me if I can join this year. In my mind I said why not, this is the last chance I’ve got and I have nothing to lose anyway.

 About 2 in the afternoon the tension charged room moved especially with Dr. V’s “a pleasant good afternoon” greeting. The board of judges were introduced which was composed of two considerably young men and a middle aged woman.

After the sop’s we were asked to proceed into the writing area then later on the chairman of the board announced the topic that we had to write about.

Then my nerves waged through. After more than three months of not writing using a pen and paper I almost didn’t know how to write. Maybe if there was a computer that can be used I’d gladly use it. But nothing else can be used other than the pen and paper and the gelatinous substance contained in our skull.

5 minutes passed and I still have no idea. When I looked around, the others have already consumed half page of a yellow paper.

I didn’t know how to start. Then later on I just write whatever came in my mind. We had a time limit. I even got confused with grammar(as always). I am prone to dangling modifiers and has/have errors. There was no more green line to warn me if I commit grammatical mistakes (Fragment.Consider revising). Definitely, my computer dependence is high

I finished 15 minutes ahead of time since I can’t think of anything else to add and if I revise it I might run out of time. After writing into the two pages of the front faces of the yellow papers and scratching three pages I submitted my paper.

I went out the venue and told ma’am how it went. I completely have no hope that the essay I’ve written will hit a mark. Well, after winning once but losing twice I can’t afford to have any expectations.

Afterwards I hanged out with Howie. I was really tired, to the highest level. I’ve been having late nights for quite sometime and I was just fresh out from OJT.

Later on we went to the nearby town mall. I and tita Howie window shopped and tripped on the salesmen.(Howie is ASCOT’s most popular gay.)

After dinner we went back to NEUST. I glanced to the score board simply. I did the peeking discreetly so that I can also simply accept defeat if I lost again.

But when I looked in the box provided for the score in essay writing something was written. My world lighted up. I won something! 3 for 3 points was written. To my utter surprise I won the 4th place!

Yeah, my first place was really just for once but I am still glad. At least I had something. It was a nice way to part with my college years. Also, it served as a validation for myself that I can write. 

 Unlike before when I won the first place this time I can somehow remember the things I’ve written.

I tried to rewrite it but for sure I might have unintentionally altered or deleted some words. But the essence is pretty much the same.

Here it is:

Topic: The recent five year proposal of CHED for some degree programs: Beneficial or detrimental?

The recent five year proposal of the Commission of Higher Education is one of the recent issues to stir the interest of Filipinos who are characterized for having strong values towards education.

Perhaps CHED just want to address the issue regarding the poor quality of education in the Philippines but lengthening the years of studying is the solution?

The Filipinos who are living in a third world country rely on education to uplift their standard of living. Parents and students alike do their best to get a diploma. Getting a diploma increase the chance of having a good job and a beneficial salary.

Unfortunately as years went by that diploma alone no longer guarantee a person to get a good job. In this highly modernized world the competition is fierce especially in the international level. Are the Filipino graduates prepared to take on the challenge? 

The proposal of CHED clearly answers the question. It is a resounding no. Each year the unemployment and underemployment rate increase which are also potent indications of existing problems.

Lengthening the years of studying also means an increase in expenses and time. Will the sacrifices be worth it? 

If we try to look at the real causes of the poor quality of education in our country can we say that the solution being proposed is the answer?

The five year proposal is untimely. In the middle of the financial crisis that the Filipinos are experiencing right now the increase in expenses and longer time for studying are the least of what they need.

The poor quality of education is not the student’s fault therefore they should not be the ones to suffer.

Lengthening the years but not changing the circumstances on how the education is conducted is not a solution but is a waste of time.

What should be the done is to address the more important issues detrimental to the quality of education.

First and foremost corruption must be eliminated. The appropriated funds for education related endeavors must be properly laid out.

Another factor that contributes to the degrading of the quality of education is the rise of popularity of privately operated institutions. As what we can observe they multiply rapidly but the quality of education they are giving is not guaranteed.

Relative to this, the Commission of Higher Education must meticulously regulate these institutions. Those that are proven to be only after the revenue must be prohibited from continuing their operation.

 If after all those steps have been seriously taken and the problem is still the same then maybe the five year proposal can have its implementation.

 

To OJT I bid adieu

Its 4: 53 pm, February 24, 2009, I have emailed my last assignment for today and for the entire OJT to our supervisor but since we’ll get home at 6:30 pm I will make use of these last precious times to write a post, to feel the well cushioned chair, to look at the manila skyline outside the window and to imprint in my mind this entity where we spent the last 140 hours of our OJT.

I can’t believe that it’s over. I can’t believe that we’re already done although I will still come back here next week. It will only be to get my papers and to receive the allowance.

The journey we had for our OJT is truly amazing. All the hard work, sweat and tears were all worth it. I’ve felt like I’ve won a feat.

When a TV show ends the hosts give thanks to their sponsors. When a movie displays the fin credits are displayed. I would like to do my version. After all the ojt we had can be considered a tale in its own right.

 I’d like to thank:

My parents of course for fueling my pocket, for supporting me and trusting me that I know what I am doing in my life and for constantly asking if I am alright here.

The household (Kuya Ronie, Ate Vi, the twins and baby Ynah, Kuya Roger and Manang) for adopting me while I am here in manila. They’ve been more than considerate for my welfare.I can’t complain anything.They made sure that I am alright. They even made me not worry of dishes to clean or clothes to wash.

Although I was saddened in the beginning while I was still searching because I thought they weren’t fully helping me find a company I have no hard feelings about it now. I understand that they were just trusting on me. Nonetheless I’ve proven to myself that I can do it on my own.

Sir Gerald and Ma’am Sonia for assisting us and supervising us in our ojt in QC.

Philippine IT Offshore Network. For the experience, for everything. I learned a lot from here.

ASCOT. my classmates. Sir Marmol, Sir Joseph, Sir Gudoy, Mam Mae. Annie, Yorick, Alvin, Justin.

Aimee. my ojt buddy, my friend and companion, my make up model.

Friendster. it served as my pressure outlet and source of social life.

To all the nameless faces I’ve seen in the streets, the fellow passengers I’ve had in the jeepneys and mrt, the professionals i’ve been with in the elevators, to the bosses, the janitors, to Koya, to Kahlil, to Steven, to Albert…thanks…

Above all these, I thank HIM. I owe everything to YOU,my LORD

 

 

the perfect car

written on: Sunday, February 22, 2009 5pm

I didn’t do any of the things that I thought of doing before the weekend. I just felt too tired to want to get out of our house. All I did was sleep, eat, and read, text, some internet surfing when there was a wifi signal, take a bath and sleep again.

Saturday morning I woke up with an aching back and nape. I thought I might be having either a high blood or low blood pressure. Before the day ended, ever dependable Manang massaged my back. Her diagnosis was that the back pain was brought about by “lamig”. I agreed. I said maybe it’s because of the extreme temperatures. It’s very cold inside the office the whole day but when I go home at night it’s so hot.

I planned to visit my brothers but they were gone. The three of them drove to Tarlac to bond in the name of sabong. When I learned that all of them left I just sighed aloud “daya, di man lang nila ako sinama”. Anyway, it’s for the boys…

The weekend has been great for me. It helped me to clear my head and to get on with my decision to take things in a stride. I have my friends to thank for. While I was reading a magazine I saw an ad of Fundador, it says “Pain is nothing when bound by true friendship”. I can’t help but to agree. It’s really a blessing to have friends that will always be there especially when the going is tough.

While I was looking for something to shift my attention to I found a magazine. It’s Top Gear mag of kuya Ronie. I expected the magazine to contain nothing but technicalities about cars but it wasn’t. There were many articles that are very easy to read. It’s a good variation to read on from the male perspective. I usually read articles written by females since I can relate to them more easily. The stories were awesome, made me want more to have a car for myself someday.

I liked the article entitled “The perfect car”. The article talks about the authors search for the perfect vehicle or first of all if one do exist. He said there are cars that are fast and nice to look at but have low fuel efficiency and are high maintenance. There are cars that help save on gas, environment friendly but the driver may want to quickly get away from it the moment he has parked it because he doesn’t want people to know that it’s his car because the car doesn’t look good.

So I wonder what sells, is it the looks or the qualities?

Choosing which car to buy can be a tough decision to make, especially when the money that will be used is a hard earned cash. Money is harder to spend when it was earned the hard way. That is one of the things that I have learned in my OJT.

Anyway, back on the car, before, when it comes to car I only look up to the European high end brands like Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, and Jaguar, also of course on Chevrolet. But when I read on the mag about the dependability of Honda my view was changed. Honda has sold more than 10, 000 units in the past years but until now, not a single warranty was claimed. It only means that Honda is a good choice. It is guaranteed to last at a fraction of the price.

I also gathered that a Ferrari costs more or less 37M pesos. Ok. I’m very much contented with the Ferrari Enzo wallpaper in my computer back in San Luis. I will never ever spend that much for a car. Even if I have no high hopes in having that much money in the first place.I think its unreasonable and a display of injustice to sport that uber expensive car in the poverty stricken streets of the Philippines.

One of my hobbies here in Manila is to look in the inner lanes of the road especially along Edsa and in Shaw. I look at the cars and count how many cars I can guess its brand correctly from a distance. If it has a silver peace sign in front it is a Mercedes, if a golden plus symbol it is a Chevy, if it has a circle with a blue and white combo it is a BMW.

Those three brands are the luxury cars I often see here. I saw a Jaguar just once and gosh, ang ganda. When I looked around the jeepney where I was I saw the other passengers looking at the car too.

When we were in QC my main mode of transportation was the MRT. I would always look outside when the train is along Ortigas and Santolan because the showrooms of Porsche, PGA, Audi, Mazda, Subaru and Ford are lined up there. In my mind I say, one day, I will be in one of those shops choosing my car. Well, I was just doing some wishful thinking. Nothing’s wrong with having dreams, right? I am not sure whether it will ever come true. But for the mean time I am contented having it as a past time.

WB kuya Joel!

Yesterday while I was having my usual moments of silence, while I was thinking and keeping myself busy doing nothing I received a surprise call. I was ecstatic. Kuya Joel is back! I talked loudly over the phone while I interrogated him about the details of his arrival. He is really full of surprises.

Just recently I have been getting worried since I haven’t heard from him for quite sometime. The last thing I knew about him was that he already wanted to come home. After that he wasn’t texting or replying to my messages on YM even if he was online via sms.

I was hyper while talking to him. I asked him questions incessantly then suddenly he halted me. He told me “Easy lang”. I was really glad to hear his signature lines again after more than a year.

I must have really missed him. He is the youngest son in the family. He is not just a brother but also a friend and tropa to me.

He came back here in Manila the other day after working for a year in General Motors in Doha Qatar. He is now in his own family that he hasn’t formally introduced to us in Bulacan.

He promised to come by here in Manila this week. I really would like to see him and get to know her wife and son.

Maybe I got excited, later on, some of my fondest memories of him flashed in my mind again just like a movie.

Before when we were both in elementary, when classes end our parents bring us along with them in our house in San Ildefonso. San Ildefonso is more commonly called as Dalugan.It is an island in the Casiguran Sound. One time, being small kids then, I and Kuya Joel had a fight. We had a disagreement that led to a fist fight. I cant remember anymore if i really did get hurt but i cried aloud and said “di ako makahinga, tubig…” until now i can still picture in my mind how he looked like that moment. He stopped, his face flushed white. He hurriedly took a glass of water and gave it to me. Ten seconds later I was well and very much ok again. He said “umaarte ka lang yata, patubig tubig ka pa dyan!” haha..naisahan ko siya.

Then when I was in Grade two and he was in grade four if i remember it right I had a boy classmate who kept on bullying me. His name was “Pindot”. I reported the boy to him. Then one time, during recess, he with his classmate Joric “assaulted” the boy. From then on Pindot never ever messed up with me again.

As we got older, when I moved to Baler for my high school, we began to meet seldom. Out mother always complains that he is “masyadong mabarkada, di nag-aaral ng mabuti”

From before until today there are many things that haven’t changed about Kuya Joel. He is down to earth and maybe he’s got charm thus he has countless friends whose age ranges from 0-70. He is naturally good natured. Every time he comes home in our own village in Casiguran his schedule is always full. From picnics to inuman to sabong. The notorious elderly sabungeros in Bianuan adore him. He is lucky in sabong. My parents attribute it to the fact that he was born enveloped in a sac.

When he wasn’t there his friends keep on asking our parents when he’ll be back.

I treasure the moments that we’ve shared. The times that he would invite me in “Sargo” to play billiards with him when he has no one else to play with. When he went away he left his beloved cue stick to me.

Kuya Joel didn’t go to college. He had a vocational course and fortunately he immediately began to earn money. But he did want to study but he wanted to do it in a big university here in Manila. But because of the reputation that he’s made for himself in terms of studying and the strict financial circumstances that we’re in our parents didn’t let him. The choice they’re giving him was ascot but since maarte siya he chose the vocational course.

When he started his apprenticeship in GM Shaw through our another brother and had big names under the list of his clients maybe he got contented and didn’t pursue further studies anymore. When I was in first year in college, it was an English class, he texted me. He said”Pam, katabi ko si John Lloyd. Road test ko Suburban nya”. I thought siguro kinikilig din siya kay John Lloyd just like me kaya tinex nya ako.

Another funny thing about him is when he becomes very talkative, when he will tell a lot of stories, I or our elder sister had to beware because before the conversation ends uutangan nya kami.haha..

Until last year he went to Doha. He said he will not come back there anymore, instead, he’ll try his luck in Australia.

Time really flies. It seems like its only yesterday that we were like little ita boy and ita girl swimming day in day out while throwing seaweeds to each other or walking through the coral reefs of Dalugan, and now, he already has a family of his own.

Welcome back kuya Joel, pasalubong ko..dami ka utang sakin.haha..♥♥♥

oh well…

kunwari may nagbabasa talaga ng blog ko..well..meron naman, 2 sila.. kaya magsusulat parin ako..
magulo ako nitong mga nakaraang araw pero hindi halata kasi pinipilit kong itago pero nahahalata parin dahil sa mga sinusulat ko dito.. kung bakit, kung anong dahilan ayaw kong sabihin, ayaw ko ng pag usapan. basta gagawin ko na lang ang lahat para tuloy pa rin ang buhay. kunwari walang problema, kunwari walang dahilan para magalit ako. kung ipapakita ko ba ang nararamdaman ko may magbabago? kung sasabihim ko kung ano ang gusto kong mangyayari masusunod ba? hindi naman di ba..kaya wala na akong pakialam. tuloy lang…
hindi ko rin alam kung hanggang kailan ganito ang sitwasyon, pero habang ganito pa sige lang…hindi naman hihinto ang mundo para sa akin.
ok sige i will stop talking in puzzles now baka masyado ka nang naiintriga..
friday na naman, ito na ang last friday namin dito sa company. sa 25 kami matatapos. by march makakauwi na ako sa Baler.. can’t wait… masaya dun.. oh well.. lagi namang ganito, pag andun ako gusto ko pumunta dito, pag andito ako gusto ko pumunta dun, ang gulo ko talaga. sa ngayon, di ko magawang basahin yung post ko nung dec. 27, 2008. parang di na sya applicable…

pag balik ko sa baler madami akong gustong gawin, ewan lang kung magagawa ko nga..

a. tumambay sa beach
b. magdisco sa freddie’s saka uminom ng red horse sa bistro
c. makijamming sa mga friends,kasama ko sana sila in doing numbers 1-2. baka sakaling mabago nun ang sitwasyon ko ngayon
d. picnic sa clemente kasama mga pamangkin ko. (namimiss ko na sila, lalo na si cedric. kahit ganun pa lang xa kabata napapasaya nya ako. namimiss ko na yung out of the blue bigla nya akong yayakapin habang nakatalikod ako o kaya magapapakarga)
e. kumain sa bay’s inn, kahit mabagal ang service dun pag minsan feel na feel ko pa rin dun.
f. meet joana, mae, faye at harold. para na rin mga kapatid tingin ko sa kanila.

ah wait..march pa nga pala ako babalik sa baler..
these weekend gusto gawin ang mga nasa ibaba. sana di ako tamarin…

a. ipaayos ung Rolex ay..Timex watch ko..sayang din yun. si manang kasi pati relo nilabhan
b. ipaayos yung isa kong cellphone, di tumutunog kahit di nakasilent..pucha lahat na lang sira
c. bisitahin sila kuya.. at makisakay sa bagong sasakyan.wooh..feelingera
d. bumili ng damit – shopping:the ultimate destresser. hay money..
e. smile as if everything’s alright..goodluck to me

whatever

let thy men be men






this is just temporary..i’ll be back soon..
the harder I fall the further I bounce back….
I will not let anything get the best of me…

comfort room

Everyone wants it, a “comfort” room. A place where one can find refuge, a place where all the worries drift, where all the positive thoughts are kept intact.

As much as I don’t want to change, change is hauling me, chasing me. In a little time I might get into the dead end and embrace that change altogether.

This morning a blog post awe struck me, taken me aback and hit me right through. It made me think and to reevaluate myself.

I’ve always been the good girl. Never fights with anyone. Never argues. Never insists. I could pass for a saint. But darn those days seem to end soon. However I want to keep myself that way I need to toughen up. It will be for the better. I am beginning to get tired of saying yes. I want to put myself first this time. I don’t want to be a push over anymore.

Top Ten things I do when bored, when blue

1. Eat fatty, carbohydrate rich, grease fortified food.

2. Read random personal blogs.

3. Look at old pictures of happy moments.

4. Have brutally honest conversations with my intellectually stimulating close friends.

5. Comb my hair, as if straightening the strands will straighten the problem.

6. Look at my toenails and notice how they have been poorly taken cared of lately.

7. wish that I have lots of money to splurge for shopping

8. Wish that I have a yellow Porsche, a red Jaguar or a black Chevy Suburban.

9. wish that I am in New Zealand, Switzerland or Tokyo

10. Wish that I don’t have the reasons to do/think of numbers 1-9

10. Wish that someone will understand me and stay by my side even if I am not the best me.

a call

In this years’ Valentines Day I saw a love that can be far noble and divine than any other kind of love. Valentines day is not only a time to celebrate that romantic love but more importantly it is a time to take a look and to notice the love that is more real but is often taken for granted.

In the night of February 14 we went to a hospital in Las Pinas to visit Gino. Gino is the nephew of my brother’s wife. It was heartbreaking to see him in his hospital bed. I didn’t manage to say a word the entire time that I was there. I was silent the whole time but inside of me I feel like crying not only for feeling sorry but more out of anger.

Gino has been in the hospital for months already. Gino met an accident. He was run over by a truck. He had a cranium operation. A week after his first operation the doctor told his family to take him home. Then he had complications. His skull has to be opened again. He is comatose. The bill surges to almost 2 million pesos.

He looks very different from what I can remember of him in the few times that I have seen him. He was tall and robust and is about the same age as mine.

His family amidst the enormity of the problem in front of them is still holding on and are doing their best to stay strong. They are doing everything to cling to Gino’s life.

What about LOVE?

As what we all know even if some wouldn’t want to notice tomorrow will be Valentine’s Day. I don’t care about it anyway but I have nothing against those who will tear down their wallet or scrape off their cards for the sake of V-Day.

Relationship topics are something I don’t usually talk about much more share to a lot of people. This is the first time that I will reveal what I have to say about it here in my blog.

Liberation is something I would like to have being 21. In which I should be able to assert myself, to express my thoughts and ideas and to be open to other people. I want to achieve that goal responsibly.

I am not someone who talks a lot personally. It’s hard for me to open up. I am better read than heard. Maybe to share my thoughts regarding this kind of topic is a good step to take to achieve that goal.

Love or should I say romantic relationship is complicated. Needless to say that’s why there is a very well used status tag in Friendster, It’s Complicated.

Love is something that is felt but relationship is a decision that is made.

ouch…

ouch…