random stories

internet access
renting at netopia, Robinsons Big R. internet access at home has virus. sucks.

weather
flood all over since yesterday brought about by a typhoon. good thing though, rain stopped before noontime yesterday which made the water subside and streets going out of the subdivision were made available.

mobile technology
can't seem to send SMS today. i don't know if lines are congested but it is not amusing. i thought of calling hotline 200 to check what the problem is but as i expected, i got a little to no help at all.
anyway, i was able to call karen this morning. she's worried (or better yet, concerned) about her mom's medical operation. of course, i assured her everything will be ok, as we all are expecting. cheer up, gurL! :)

job
i have declined the third job offer for me in 6 weeks. after saying no to Sykes Asia and Convergys, the third offer i didn't give much interest is the English Tutorial Online post. I should be starting my training this week and formal work should be starting next week but my inner self dictates otherwise. I really feel making use of my civil service eligibility. hence, while still waiting for the congress job i applied for some three weeks ago, i decided to inquire another job opening at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC). my good friend Anne assisted me as her mom works there as a commissioner. padrino system is very much alive in the government, although i really don't dig it, all of the government people i know say that you really need it to get a post in the government. that's why, my chance to get hired in the position i applied for in Congress is very slim. well...?

friends
Anne, a good friend & barkada of mine from SUN Cellular, and i met last Tuesday primarily to assist me in NLRC. Next thing we knew, we were chatting memories and updates about our other friends.

Last Monday, Espie & I went to Patio Ibarra to look into the possible reception area for her wedding with my good buddy Charlie. I took photos of the two halls that are available but unfortunately can't find time to upload it since my home internet caught virus. i still have to get the anti-virus CD from jary or i could instead re-format my PC. i hate windows XP. Oh yeah, boss charlez, next week, i hope to upload them and send them to you. ;)

It's judy's wedding tomorrow. maybe i'll have more stories of this on my next blog update. for the meantime, i'm out.

like waves in the ocean...

my life right now seems to identify itself with it. *sigh*

the weekend that was

Friday
As early as 8AM, i was determined to pass my resume to an office in Ortigas where they are needing an English Tutor. The job ad was emailed to me by jary from our yahoogroups.
At around 2PM, off i went to Ortigas Center as the company conducts its interviews and exams between 2 to 5 in the afternoon so i thought, i could use those in-between time in submitting my resume, and at the same time hoping to be interviewed right away. Upon arrival at the 17th floor of the bldg, i was greeted by a not-so-friendly lady's face asking me what my business is in their unit. I told her i got an email regarding their job ad. She told me to have a seat and after 3 minutes, a guy handed me a two-page 'exam' which is to be answered in 30 minutes. The exam consisted 3 parts. First part was about subject-verb agreement, second was proper usage of conjunctions and third, an essay about one's self. It took me less than fifteen minutes to finish everything and some of the time I spared reading the Health magazine which was right there on top of the same table where i took the exam.
Afterwich, i was greeted by Mr. _______ (a Korean, owner of the company) and the same HR person who handed me the exam papers. They asked me questions, which i believe was the interview part of the hiring process. They asked me to do oral reading and after everything, the HR guy told me that they will have the final evaluation on my "qualifications."

I walked to SM Megamall afterwards to meet jary & ivy. we just had a nice chat over dinner and the night ended after jary treated us kofi somewhere along an EDSA-Shaw Cafe, where the air condition system which is supposed to give out cool air seems to have turned into a heater. Anyway, I owe ivy 200 bucks. There. It's documented.

Saturday
stayed at home the whole day while late afternoon until evening saw me performing in church. around 2PM, the HR guy from where i applied last Friday called and he was asking me if I can start working for them on Monday. I said yes. But then he said I have to come to the office at that same day (Saturday) for them to give me the training and other things i need to know. Like, hello?! What happened to scheduling? Bottom line is, I'll be getting my training this coming week, and hopefully start the week after. Well, at least it is planned well. i mean, the schedules, eh?
Before performing in the afternoon, i had a nice hair cut. It's been a long time since I haven't had my hair cut done by Rommel, my suking barbero and i still love how he cuts my hair. He didn't raise his hair cut charge in one year. Its still 50pesos, although, i always give him 70.

Sunday
It's nice driving to the province, with the travel to North Luzon Expressway continuously improves. I just hope that the toll fee won't be too heavy a burden for the motorists come December of this year, as the news forecast regarding this matter. My apo prepared my favorite dish, and i caught a nice nap after lunch. We then headed to the mall to buy the barong tagalog which i will be using in Judy and Edel's wedding on Friday. Right then, Joan called mom and she was inviting us to come over their place for Judy's _th bridal shower. Well, it was like more of a family gathering for the bride and groom to be. Nice to see Jen & Kuya Chito again. They reminded me of our boat cruise in TO, which eventually reminded me again of BK. and yes, i miss BK.

Tomorrow's another day, if Bertrand doesn't call for the training schedule, i will be using the day for my banking transactions (utang) and after office hours, i'm scheduled to accompany Espie to their prospective place of wedding reception--- Patio Ibarra

Multiple Choice: Blog Update

Last update (before this day): Monday
Probable reasons why this blog hasn't been updated frequently these past few days:

a. Nothing new is happening in my life
b. I'm too busy to update my blog
c. I have very limited internet access
d. I'm just too lazy to update my blog
e. None of the above

*just choose one reason. lucky winner will get a surprise from the author. :p

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PEx Congo Grille Anniversary EB 2004
(photo courtesy of Ada, posted in PinoyExchange.com)

tough luck

*SLAM*! ...was the sound he heard from the side of his car. he looked at the side mirror to see what hit him but he just saw a broken frame. he pulled over and checked the tricycle driver who also stopped to have a word with him. after checking everything, including his passenger, they shook hands and left each other. but now he's got a problem: he needs to buy a replacement for the broken side mirror, and there's a long scratch that needs re-touching on the driver side of the car.

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IF I WERE questions...
(taken from Jheng's blog)

If I were a month I would be:
> |:> DECEMBER

> If I were a day of the week I would be:
> |:> SATURDAY

> If I were a time of day I would be:
> |:> 6AM

> If I were a planet I would be:
> |:> EARTH

> If I were a sea animal I would be:
> |:> DOLPHIN

> If I were a direction I would be:
> I:> EAST

> If I were a liquid I would be:
> |:> WATER

> If I were a tree I would be:
> |:> NARRA

> If I were a bird I would be:
> |:> DOVE

> If I were a flower I would be:
> |:> SAMPAGUITA

> if I were a kind of weather I would be:
> |:> FALL

> If I were a musical instrument, I would be:
> |:> PIANO

> If I were an animal, I would be:
> |:> PUPPY

> If I were a color, I would be:
> |:> ROYAL BLUE

> If I were an emotion, I would be:
> |:> LOVE

> If I were a vegetable, I would be:
> |:> kangkong

> If I were a song, I would be:
> |:> SHE

> If I were a movie, I would be:
> |:> THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

> If I were a book, I would be:
> |:> BIBLE

> If I were a place, I would be:
> |:> HILLTOP OVERSEEING NATURE

> If I were a thing, I would be:
> |:> A WEDDING RING

> If I were a taste, I would be:
> |:> SWEET

> If I were a scent, I would be:
> |:> CITROUS

> If I were a word, I would be:
> |:> HALLELUJAH!

> If I were an object, I would be:
> |:> TIME

> If I were a body part I would be:
> |:> the EYES

> If I were a facial expression I would be:
> |:> CONTENT

> If I were a subject in school I would be:
> |:> THEOLOGY

> If I were a/an cartoon/anime character I would
> be:
> |:> GREEN LANTERN

> If I were a shape I would be:
> |:> SQUARE

> If I were a number I would be:
> |:> 12

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imy,K. :(

Saturday the 14th

i always think that the superstitious Friday the 13th will have no effect on me but thinking of what happened to me the last time, i dreaded what's in store for me the day after. and here it is...

Saturday, August 14th, 2004

was scheduled to call Karen at 10pm after my Sunday School Teaching class. So before the class, i bought a Sulit-tipid land line PLDT prepaid card. Didn't bother to review EVERYTHING that it says on the card but seeing it was a PLDT landline prepaid card, i thought its ok. And it boasts a cheaper IDD call rate so i thought it would be better than the usual PLDT Touch Card i buy.
When I got home after the class and as i was about to dial the access number, I found out that it's only usable for sulit-tipid PLDT lines. whatthe?? I tried calling from my cell phone but I can't make an IDD call. I wonder. SUN hasn't told me i'm barred of placing an IDD call yet. So last resort, texting. All messages I tried to send that night failed. And i was home alone, no other cell phones to use, can't go out again coz streets leading to the subdiviion exit was already flooded due to heavy downpour. I know it may sound a small deal but it isn't. I have told myself to fulfill any promises i make since Karen & I were officially on. And i knew she was waiting. I might have ruined her schedule coz it was also her mom's birthday. I was thinking that they might go out and that maybe she just waited for my call and there was no call or anything. I feel awful.

on another story, after turning down the offer of Sykes Asia, a certain Joseph of Convergys called me at my mobile phone. We talked about my former application and my (current) interest in applying, but i was able to talk straightfoward to him regarding my preferences and things to consider about working in a call center. I apologized for sounding too choosy but he said he admired me for being frank about my priorities. He said he'll keep my resume and my (online) application on his table and when i have decided to pursue my application with them, he told me to call his number and he'll be glad to assist me. I thanked him for it.
But still, i'm having second thoughts in working in call centers. I don't mind working a graveyard shift but what i can't live up to is the shifting schedule. have a more important thing to prioritize than a job.

huwaaat???

I just installed our new printer and i was glad to do a test print when our helper called me from outside:

Thelma: "Jun! may tao dito sa tubig." (duh! Jon ako hindi Jun)

Me: "Ha?? may tao sa tubig?"

Thelma: "Hindi, putulan daw kayo ng tubig, harapin mo kasi di pa ko tapus maglaba."

I went out to see the man from Sta. Lucia and asked what the problem is. He showed me a billing statement saying that we haven't paid for our water bill for two months. huwaaat???!!! Ok, so I told him to hold the disconnection and I have to rush the payment NOW to their office. At baka hindi pa ako makaligo ngayon. sheesh...

ciao!

contemplating...

i don't know what to do. i've been thinking about what to do with my life the whole day. i was with my best friend at lunch time til afternoon, then late afternoon, i went to see jun & his wife at their condo. i picked espie up from the central office and we went to their place afterwards. jun, angel, and their daughter are scheduled to leave for Canada tomorrow. i saw their wedding album. could it be that i'm just rushing things too much? my mind is way ahead of me. i hope time catches up soon.

Family bonding

Just arrived from SM Megamall with my mom, dad and cousin faith. We bought a new printer for our home PC and we also bought VCD Tagalog movies. After we’ve watched them, we’re going to send them to my sister so they can watch Tagalog movies too. I know how they crave for these tagalong films and I’m sure even the kids will love ‘em. I’m thinking of making it a business when I get back there. Hmm…

Anyway, I got to test drive the terrano SUV (AT) which my dad always bring here every weekend. It’s a company car and he gets to use it. Lucky, eh?

Yesterday, I met my PEx pals at Megamall and we just had a nice chat while having our lunch at Dencio’s Megastrip. But before that, I was waiting for Charmaine’s hubby for his package but he never showed up. Now, only his padala is left here at home. He has my contact numbers and I tried keeping in touch with him but its irritating coz he seems not to care about Charmaine’s padala to him. Alangan namang ako pa ang pumunta sa kanya sa Caloocan?

I miss keng. :(

Life's little pleasure

Lady: Sir dito po.
Me: hihiga?
Lady: hubad muna po kayo.
Me: lahat??
Lady: (grins) yung t-shirt lang po (walks out of the room)
I was giggling while I was taking off my shirt and as I lay in bed, I put it on top of my tummy.

My cousin Burn was offered a free facial massage and he asked if he could take with him a couple more persons. So he took me and his sister with him at Slimmer’s World in SM Megamall yesterday morning. It was my first time to have a facial massage. Never in my entire life have I availed of this service (which I believe is just for pleasure) or anything that “pampers” you (say, foot spa, body scrub, and the likes…)

Anyway, after the session, a receptionist explained to us the things that we have to know about blackheads and whiteheads. She tried to tell us we have open pores and must avail of their facial treatment program. For at least 8Kpesos, like, excuse me. I have better things to spend my money with. I said, “you can give me a tan instead. I don’t really love my complexion.” And she reiterated, “Oh no, your complexion is very fine. Would you like to avail of our body scrub program?”, “Ok, I’ll think about it and let you know”, I replied.

And cell phone numbers were given.

(re)Familiarizing

I’ve been going out of the house for the past week, trying to familiarize myself with the changes that have happened in Manila for almost a year. At the same time, I meet with people who are the recipients of the padala I brought from friends in Mississauga. Here are some things that struck me for real:

• Passenger fare. The minimum fare for a jeepney ride now marks at 5.50 pesos, from the 4-peso fare I left with a year ago. Even the self-regulating FX operators and drivers of Cubao-Rizal increased their fare to an additional of 5 pesos. Updating myself with current events and news through my still-favorite-morning-show Unang Hirit, I’ve learned that oil prices here in Manila went up 6x since January of this year. And anytime next few days, passenger fare might just increase. Again.
• Steaming hot. I’ve been a hater of cold weather ever since I was born but I never expected that I’m almost giving up with the weather here in Manila. Summer is supposed to have ended in June and next month marks the start of the “ber” months, which means, cold weather should start to breeze in these days. But no. I have to bear the sweat and perspiration every time I do anything. Even when taking a bath.
• Air pollution. Nothing new with this and it’s even worsening. I just hope we get a cleaner air to breathe even when we are on the streets but I believe, as long as our transportation vehicles use diesel gasoline, the dream would be far from reality. What is left with our future? Sad.
• Rat race. Not the usual meaning of it, but the number of rats here at home doubled, or I even guess it tripled. At night, we hear them racing each other on our ceiling, and we can not leave any food stocks, leftovers, or even our rubber shoes where these rats can find and reach them. So, we have to install our shoes in a “secured” cabinet, if not, HANG them where these rats can’t reach them. If “rats” is a curse word, I’d say it to these rats--- RATS!
• Retail prices. A hundred pesos’ value has gone to the cellar. It’s not even enough to treat a friend with a value meal from the popular fast food chains in the country. If you do, chances are, you will end up buying your friend a meal while you just settle for a glass of water for yourself. Maybe, it’s safe to say that a hundred pesos is just good for an FX ride, two-way--- going to destination, and going back home from destination. It’s just that.

I need a job.

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PLUGGING

The life story of actor JOHN REGALA will be featured tomorrow (Thursday) in GMA 7's Magpakailanman.
John Regala had his share of life's ups and downs, and how he renewed his life from its deepest point, will be shown in the said program. John is now a brother in faith, an active member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Changes, plans and things to do

I have been longing to update my stories into the next chapter and the new layout seems perfect for it. However, I was disappointed to see that my past stories’ layouts were lost even if I only published my blog’s index. Even the date-time zones were adjusted so the recorded entries when I was in Mississauga were lost. It took me a lot of time in changing those templates each month and with just one click, they were all gone. Moving on…

I have yet to stay at home for a day since I arrived in Manila last Tuesday night. I always get myself busy, meeting up with friends and relatives, to keep my mind off the people I left in the west. Memories of them give me sadness, well, at least for the first few weeks of my comeback.

Still have a lot of padala here to be delivered to my friends’ relatives. Hopefully, I could contact all of them within this week so I could have the rest of the days for myself. I still have a lot to do and accomplish. It includes job hunting. Speaking of job hunting, I was scheduled to have an exam today at Sykes Asia but I can’t seem to see myself working in a call center community. So I’ll pass on it. I would want to work in the government, in any department, and realize one of my dreams--- literal public service. ”Mamamayan muna, hindi mamaya na.”

a new chapter

First day of August and i was motivated to blog just to rant. Printer here at home is busted so I have to pay at least 60pesos for having 4 color pages printed. Plus, i have met with my cousins today but wasn't able to chat well with them because of this stupid cold which i believe is caused by allergy. i have never had cold in a year where the environment has little dust and air pollution, and add the fact that i feel like a meat being cooked in an oven even if i take a bath three times a day. its freakin' hot and my body's water supply is madly in love with whatever clothes i wear, so it prefers to stick with it thru sweating rather than stay into my body to keep me from being dehydrated. at least, i get to drink more H2O than before. I badly need to.

earlier, i went to National bookstore and bought a bunch of Hallmark cards which i will be sending accross the globe in the coming days. i missed going rounds at the said store. it still remains to be my favorite hang out place here in Manila.

i'll be meeting with Espie tomorrow and discuss some matter pertaining to her upcoming wedding (with Charlie). I hope we could come up with the best deals in terms of everything.

i'm taking a bath... again.