Ending my Hiatus

I haven’t blog for quite a while for the reason that I was too busy with work. For the entire month of January, our shift starts from 10:30 pm and ends at 7:30 the following day. During this time, it’s 7:30 in the morning on the other side of the globe and it’s within business hours as usual, thus the sudden upsurge in the volume of calls. Normally, I’m only averaging 14 calls a day but since the start of the new shift, I’m getting at least 20 calls a day.

You see, I don’t have a pc at home and the only opportunity for me to update my blog is when I am at office. I don’t entertain the idea of doing it in internet cafes, as my concentration is being ruined by the loud speaker or cacophony of online gamers. At office, the high volume of calls didn’t allow me to even open my admin panel.

There’s not much interesting happened to me during the past days. My body system is still on the process of adopting to the changes in the sleeping time. I’m only getting 5 hours of sleep and that’s really alarming! As I’m writing this piece, God knows, antok na antok pa ako.

Happy New Year!!!

Haay..another year has passed..Happy New Year to everyone!!! (yeahhhh!!!–people shouting behind me) Parang sobrang saya ang celebration last night. Needless to say, amidst life’s hardships, we cannot just let December 31 passed by without serving a variety of foods in our table and doing the traditional ‘pagpapaputok‘, after of course attending the evening mass.

I woke up at 6:15 this morning and I have to be in the office by 7. I can’t afford to be late! First day of the year, mukhang madudungisan ‘ata stats ko! I thank the jeepney who arrived soon after I went out of the street. I thank the driver who maneuvered the jeepney as faster as I wanted it to be. I thank myself for buying the SV card for my LRT ride. I thank LRT Management for being open as early as 5 am. Nakarating ako sa office ng 6:52 am. Wheeew..that was close. It’s only now that I realized that I forgot to bring my tumbler, and my baon.

Hmm.. I still feel good anyway. I don’t want to start the year by being dispirited over not being able to wake up early and languising over the baon that I left because I so used to eating in between calls. I’m in the office right now, we are just five in the team and the others were on leave, and literally we’re only seven in the floor right now. Ang dilim nga ‘eh, pinatay nila ilaw. I asked them why they want the lights off. Wala lang daw.

Welcoming 2006

I have lots of things to be grateful for this year. And I can say that God has been very kind to me. Although I couldn’t say that I was able to get everything that I wanted, at least I was able to achieve some of them and that it brought good things into my life.

First of all, the year ushered in with a blast since I was graduating then by March. I’m working with my thesis then and got some troubles along the process. I was also writing for our college paper that time and the burden of beating the deadlines was such a difficult task. My thesis prof then rejected my system proposal because I did not follow the database requirement. That situation kept me on toes and I almost ignored my other obligations. I was also assigned to organize an exhibit about the history and development of Literature for an upcoming activity that time. And I was able to surpass all of them. I revised my thesis with flying colors. I got two thumbs up for my articles in the publication. And my professor gave me 98 for putting up an excellent exhibit. On the day of my graduation, my father flew all the way from Manila to award my two special medals of recognition.

After graduation, I went back to Manila and started job hunting. Got a job in less a month, in a call center, that is. I was very proud then because I felt very privilege to get the position considering that we were at least 100 applicants then. But I did not prosper in that first job. The American clients were so much after skills and performance. Customer service is not really my forte that’s why I never loved the job. I looked for another job and got hired after two weeks. This time as sales representative in an airline reservation company. I liked the job and I focus on improving my knowledge on the account, I was even promoted as a Team Lead. But I had to resign. Who would stay longer if you’re not being paid appropriately?

 To be continued…

The Office-bug that I am

Am still here at the office, rendering mandatory overtime. I was supposed to go home by 5 pm but I had to extend until 6 because I one of my teammates gave up his slot for me. I’ve been doing this for one week now. So that would mean extra cash come pay day, hehehe. To give you picture of how my workplace looks like, well, the lights are turned off the entire day (I dunno with my colleagues, they want the place to be dark, nasisilaw daw sila!), some lights are opened but we mostly rely on the monitor light. Sounds ridiculous isn’t it? As of 5:35 this afternoon, it’s just me, Jong, Elton and Rommel, one supervisor, two workforce and the guard in the entire 5th floor of our building. And the lights are still off. It’s a good thing it’s the holidays, kakaunti lang ang mga calls. Hay, mag-a-out na rin ako sa wakas in 25 minutes.

MMFF 2005

It has been a family tradition to join the hordes of people every December 25 watch the entries for the Metro Manila Film Festival. For the past years, our family has so much anticipated MMFF, especially because its a rare scenario to have a lot of Pinoy films to choose from in the moviehouse. They say that the Philippine cinema industry is gradually losing its glory and charisma to the Pinoy consumers. That’s why if you notice, Philippine movie production has dropped eversince because they are losing over Hollywood/foreign movies. And looks to me that organizing MMFF is their way of enticing Filipinos to patronize the Pinoy-produced movies and revive the sick Philippine movie industry.

This year’s entries I am not quite excited though. The past MMFF has shown movies starring box-office actors such as Cesar Montano, Sharon Cuneta, and Vilma Santos. The names in the billing alone promise a good movie worth the money you paid for. But the movies this year doesn’t quite attact me. Well, I have seen the trailer of Exodus starring Bong Revilla and its definitely a rip off, scenes and effects are taken mostly from foreign box office films. What I’m looking forward to see are Kutob and Shake, Rattle & Roll where Ai-Ai is starring in one episode. Considering it’s a horror film, I really anticipate seeing Ai-Ai and laughing my lungs out. She’s really funny.

It’s expected that the fantasy-themed movies will top the box-office contest. Well we just have to cross our fingers and see whether it will impact the Pinoy palate.

Resto-hopping online

Everybody loves to eat and what better way to satisfy our gastronomic tendencies is to plan a dining experience among loved ones and friends. What is your idea of a perfect dining experience? Do you prefer fast food, casual or fine dining? What particular type of cuisine do you prefer most? If you are having a hard time answering these questions, you might want to consider visiting clickthecity.com and your halfway through satisfying your hunger.

I made extra-research though. The list of restaurants and bars in CTC will somehow give you the idea of their location and the type of cuisine they serve. But until you visited their branches, of course, you won’t have any idea of how good their food and service is.

Thanks to the power of the Internet, some restaurants were able to banner and even showcase their menus and products in the world wide web. First stop is Chili’s. They have three branches here in the country. Chili’s boasts of all-American dishes, ranging from starters such as the boneless buffalo wings served with cheese dippings to grilled entrees such as the double-basted grilled baby back ribs to their Big Mouth Burgers such as their bacon burger. Their sizzling fajitas, grilled steaks and the colossal hand-battered awesome blossom onion are some of their signature items.

For authentic Italian food, Sbarro is the place to be. From an early tradition of quality Italian dishes, Sbarro has rapidly grown and is today considered the largest shopping mall-based restaurant chain in the world. Their long line of neapolitan pizzas that include Cheese, Pepperoni, Mushroom and Meat delight and their homemade semolina pastas, lasagna, Rigatoni–topped with either Sbarro’s special vodka sauce or white wine are bestsellers. For lunch or dinner, you can try their chicken menus, all served with spaghetti and fresh garlic roll. The Parmigiana is sweet with mozzarella cheese, the Vesuvio which is egg battered and sauteed topped with mushroom sauce and the Chicken tenders with mixed vegetables is tossed with fresh cut zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, carrots sauteed to perfection. Chi Mangia Bene, Mangia Italiano–Those who eat well, eat Italian.

And who would’ve not tried Gerry’s Grill for their authentic Filipino dishes? Their sisig is definitely their number one product. For chicken lovers, they offer Inihaw na Manok done the Gerry’s way, fried chicken, chicken kebab, chicken pork adobo and inasal are just some of their selections. The all-time favorite Sisig now comes with sizzling Tuna sisig. Gambas, sizzling blue marlin, hungarian sausage, and pusit completes their list of sizzling greats. Other greats includes bicol express (one of their more affordable dish), crispy pata, kare-kareng baka, lechon kawali and pinaputok na pla-pla (?). For functions, Gerry’s offers grill packages ranging from P300 to P500 per person.

How to screw up i.ph template?

I’m really happy to have changed from blogger to i.ph. As I have said, i.ph provides more features such as YM, Friendster, Chikka, tagboard, etc.. It gives you the choice to choose what color, background or format you would want your page to look like.

However, I just have one thing to say against customizing this blog. It doesn’t have a template page or a script page–very unlikely of a webblog. Most webblogs I know has a template page that gives you the freedom to edit pages using HTML/javascripts. With i.ph, you only have the design editor and this editor has a pre-formatted captions that you cannot interchange nor customize. Well, yes you can change the settings but that’s it. I have google adsense codes and other stuff that I wanted to add but i.ph won’t allow you to do that. Hmmm, I guess I just have to settle with this for the meantime while I still don’t afford to sign up for webhosting who offers more options and freedom to personalize webpage.

Christmas amidst the problems

Later at 12 midnight today, the entire nation will be one in commemorating the two thousand-year tradition of the birth of the Messiah. I need no further explain that.  

Much has been said on the true essence of celebrating Christmas. The Church has so reiterated that no amount of gifts, merry-making and food on the tables should bypass the real meaning of the holidays, which is to share our blessings, to forgive our enemies, and to spawn love and peace among our loved ones and friends. And most of all to renew our faith to God Almighty.

Everyone should have no reason not to be happy this Christmas, I guess. But how about the penniless? The people in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro whose houses are under water? The victims of the recent fires in Pasay and Parañaque? Of course, in the perspective of a normal being such as me, my answer is big NO. Their situation right now promises no happy Christmas awaiting them. But I believe it all boils down to the basic approval of the things that are coming our way. The word is acceptance. So if these people despite their plight can still celebrate Christmas and be happy, why can’t I and the rest of the world who are fortunate enough? What about the ordeal involving Garcillano? And the opposition? I believe they are practicing Catholics and to stand true to the Church doctrince, they are taught to forgive. God, it would be a miracle to see them shaking hands on-camera and uttering words of reconciliation and forgiveness.

There are still of a lot of things to ponder when we talk about Christmas. I agree that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year because its when things are put into place, and its when the people are more optimistic about life. As for me, I do not have any ill-feelings towards the people who put me for a work schedule on Christmas day until New Year’s Day. Eventhough that is the case, I still have a happy family, good friends and wonderful job. And I am so very thankful for that.

Are you ready to rumble?

Attention to all wrestling afficionados (fyi, I’m not one of them!): One major ever is coming our way as professional wrestling hits Manila next year. The World Wrestling Entertainment will be having a series of tour next year, one of which includes a stop in February 24 at the Araneta Coliseum at 9 am. According to their official website, the following is the line-up of championship matches: 

3 Way WWE Championship Match with Mick Foley as the Special Referee
John Cena vs. Kurt Angle vs. Triple H

Tag Team Special
Shawn Michaels & Ric Flair vs. Edge (Lita) & “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters

Tag Championship Match
Big Show & Kane vs. Tyson Tomko & Snitsky

Shelton Benjamin vs.Carlito / Chavo Guerrero vs.Trevor Murdoch

Woman’s Championship Match
Trish vs. Torrie Wilson / Viscera vs. Lance Cade

For ticket info and reservation, log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph. Hurry, tickets are being sold fast.

Waaah..where the hell are my files?

I didn’t listen. We were notified of this measure exactly a week ago. The IT department is currently running updates on the servers/proxies in the entire organization. The measure entails reghosting pc’s assigned to each one of us. Its a good thing we have an internal email server/client tool where we can save important files. But stupidity prevailed in me. And now the files related to my work are nowhere to find. Even the public folder that I created for my emails is totally gone. Poor me, I really have to start from scratch.

Stupid security policies

I guess I am not the only one pissed off by the sudden implementation of new policies in the company. We were no longer allowed to carry and bring our bags inside the building. Prior to implementing this, we were stripped off of using our pedestals, where we store personal belongings. And so we’re forced to utilized our lockers again located at the 2nd floor. We are not even allowed to bring lunch bags inside. I mean, hello, can a pc monitor fit in inside my lunch bag?

Everytime I dropped off the train and submit myself for inspection, I can’t help but say, ‘hey, what the heck are you looking for inside my bag?’. Their uncomfortable procedure of scrutinizing the inside of our bags and pockets is way too enough, it feels like Sykes is a target of terroristic attacks. I didn’t know of any breaking news that an employee was caught bringing deadly weapons that could lead the security department to implement such actions.

My take on economy and politics

Our country is currently on the crux of worsening economical and political issues and its somehow hard to believe that we will all get this surpassed by the way things in the political scence are turning up. Media has become a stage play for our politicians to brag their so-called principles over some issues of national interest. One may have to wonder if the people who we looked at as catalysts of change and are supposed to look after our welfare are only off to advance their own interests–which, sad to say, is very palpable among our celebrated politicians. Take for example the Gloriagate scandal. The scandal itself is very complexed that a lot of versions has been derived of this but still pointing out to President Arroyo rigging the 2004 elections. And once our viewpoint is asked, its easy for us to throw words at people involved in the issue and accused them of such outrightly.

Given the situation that we are in right now, its almost difficult to imagine what future awaits all of us. Somehow the uncertainty has faded away when I came across a presentation entitled ‘Faith in the Philippine’. The speech was delivered by no less than the CEO of one of the biggest conglomerate in Asia, Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala of the Ayala Corporation. In his speech, he never the failed to mention the pressing issues that cripples the nation but he successfully shed light to the countless opportunities that the Philippines should learn to tap. For someone of his stature, its quite impressive to hear his optimism. To read his speech, click here.

The Divisoria Experience

Most people that I’ve spoken to regarding the Christmas shopping phenomenon agreed with one thing: shop at Divisoria. Well, the idea of getting to Divisoria is really interesting. Considering that I haven’t been there eversince, the thought of shopping and getting stuff at a low price alone excites me the most. The date was December 15, a Thursday, just in time for the pay day. I really looked forward to this day that why I readied myself for this experience. I asked some people about how their encounter turned out. I ask for some tips and advices about how to get there–fast, the place most convenient to start with, dining stations and of course how to make ‘tawad‘ to the struggling third-world trader. I invited my teammate Telski to come with me to Divisoria. Knowing that she’s unfamiliar with the place as well, I bet the experience will really be an adventure for the two of us. And so it was. We took the train going to Recto and because we do not know to commute, we walk our way from the station to Tutuban for like 20 minutes. Upon arrival, the site of the entire place is to behold! Why? The country’s ultimate shopping destination is bustling with all kinds of people and commotions. We were the uninitiated that time, we don’t have any idea where to start. We have a list of various stuff to buy and it became pretty hard for us to look for the items. We went inside the Tutuban Citimall first. So crowded, we just walked straight the aisle until we saw Adidas Depot, who is on sale right now of up to 70%. We are actually looking particularly for a Nike slippers and an Anime stuffed toy for our kris kringle. Being the first timers that we were, we have a lot to learn! Money isn’t just a factor to consider when you go on shopping to Divisoria. You have to have a keen eye at looking for the stuffs and a good sense of assessing whether or not the items are of quality at least. Every stalls has their own pricing schemes so its not advisable to buy the item right away the first time you saw it. One should browse or window-shop first to check quality and prices. And when you proceeded with making ‘tawad’, charisma or looks is a primary criteria since tinderas are trained not to buy your words. You should exude an aura very pleasing to the gay tinderas, make some ‘pambobola’ and surely, you’ll get your stuff. Also, establish an eye contact. This helps, really. Mastering this tactic could end up a wonderful Divisoria shopping experience. But be on the look-out as well for illegal activities because you don’t want to end up a victim yourself of course. I noticed a number of boys and girls in their teens who looks to me as though they are dispatched to play the trickery game of syndicates.

So Much Fun…The Sykes Year-End Party

After finishing the long queue of calls at 6pm yesterday, finally the entire team went to the PICC Forum to attend the year-end party of Sykes tagged as Fantasize FuntaSykes 2005. Well, as the name implies, it connotes something that transcends reality–fantasy and indivduality. The theme was actually presented in four elements-earth, air, fire and water. We arrived there at around 8pm on our office clothes while others are garbed in their most fashionable dress. Some people did really prepare for this night as showcased by their costumes and accessories. But most people showed up just with their ordinary daily getup. If my statistical skill is not mistaken, close to 4,000 Sykesers jampacked the PICC Forums 1, 2 & 3 last night.

This is the first time I went to a party with this huge crowd. The reason that forced my feet to come is, what else, but food! Westin is catering the buffet dinner I said and the name itself connotes good food and a full tummy afterwards. After getting our food stubs, I and my colleague Jorrel went straight to the food tables and didn’t think twice in filling up our plates with various dishes–menus of which are based to the four element-theme of the party. On one instance I had 3 chicken slices, 2 beef slices, 4 small boiled potatoes, a cup of rice and macaroni salad. There are waiters roaming around to either bus tables or get small orders from us. Well aside from the food, we’re also looking forward to the raffle draws. There were a lot of prizes at stakes (ipod shuffles, appliances, powerbooks gc, lots of lots of gcs!!) wherein major prizes includes two trips to boracay, two trips to Hong Kong and a brand new Honda Jazz car. No shit. Sykes has given away these prizes to five very lucky Sykesers last night. And all that we could do is just sigh, ‘ang suwerte naman nila’. The party was hosted by Giselle Sanchez and the Infamous guy–I dunno his name. The event was ushered in by brief performances from the four competing groups for the dance showdown. The Pinoy rap icon Francis M. heats up the crowd by rendering a couple of rap songs depicting ‘peace, love and equality’. But what turn the crowd wild and shouting at the top of their voices was the performance of Rivermaya. With top-charting hits and various national and international recognitions on their cap, one could not help but be with the crowd shouting their lungs out of admiration to the group. This was the first time I had watched them live so based on their performance and the rapport that they had with the crowd, I’m convinced that Rivermaya is one of the bands that made a dent in the Philippine music scene. Right after Rivermaya, the four competing teams each representing the four divisions showcased their dancing prowess and artistic moves. The team from Manila One was obviously the crowd favorite and they romped off the title with a cash prize of P50,000. Manila Two, where I belong, settled for fourth place and got P35,000. The party ends up with the drawing of raffle prizes and the announcement of Sykes Gods and Goddesses–those who showed up garbed in their colorful costumes in relevance to the theme. The winning pair pocketed P10,000 each. We went out at around 3:30 am and I got home at 4 am.

Welcome to my cyber crib!

How is it going?

Finally, I decided to create a new and fresh web portal that I can proudly call my very own–well, something to that effect. Of course I cannot claim this as my very ‘own’ website since I have i.ph providing me with the basics and everything. And I thank the prime movers behind i.ph for their generosity and for allowing budding bloggers such as me open ourselves up to the world. Minus the adverts, minus all the marketing gimmicks that other hosts provides, I welcome you all to my web portal.

Given the resources, I commit myself to using this opportunity to the fullest–that is, making the pages more colorful with pictures and creative stuff and living up to the standards of web blogging.

I personally would like to thank the man who introduced me to the world of blogging. He is none other than Ederic Peñaflor Eder, the person I consider as one of the pillars in the Philippine web blogging scene. His thoughts and insights pushed me to explore deep into my very self. And I am learning to know myself more since then.

To wrap it up, welcome to my site and don’t hesitate to let me know of what you think of my posts. Feedbacks and suggestion are most welcome, be it amusing, heartbreaking or informative.