It’s Okay…

I’ve made mistakes.  No matter how much I avoid committing mistakes or having lapses, it’s one of the things that always haunt me in my work life.

I guess I’m really not cut out for the corporate scene.  It’s such a cutthroat world for me.  Ideas denied, principles threatened, emotional stability shaken.  I guess I’m too AWARE of the things around me that I also over-think things.  Yes I know I’m not making sense but I have a thing about sharing what bothers me in full detail.  I prefer thinking about it to myself before I’m actually ready to share it.

Anyway, I’m once again at a limbo.  Like I said, I made a mistake.  A lapse, an error.  I apologized, explained my side and was willing to accept what sanctioned reprimand they were ready to throw at me.  More than less I knew how this SHOULD have played out.  Unfortunately, compared to a corporation, family-owned businesses tend to have a different train of thought.

SIGH.

So I’m at a standstill once again.  But, I’m not too worried for myself… YET.  I have accepted my mistake.  And although I wish things would have been handled more fairly, it wasn’t my call anymore.

I need to pave a different career path.  Find my bliss and explore the many possibilities open for me.

For now, my power up song is: It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay by Whitney Houston (and sung by the Glee Cast).  How my case was handled was not right, but I’m okay about it.

A Break From Work

Has it been more than a month already since my last post?  Gosh… I’ve been SO BUSY at work and other stuff that I haven’t been able to just sit down and blog.  In fact, I’m still a bit tired from a business trip to Iligan City (about a 12-hour bus ride from my hometown) to attend a Job Fair last April 2 -4.  My mind is still stressed out from the nonstop interviews and long travel alone.  Thankfully it’s Holy Week so I get to take a few days break before returning to work.

It was my first time in traveling to Iligan City.  And being alone during travels wasn’t exactly safe.  But needing an adventure and break from the office, I was willing to go (and besides, it was the company’s expense).  Just to be sure though, I checked with the bus line if there were any trips on Holy Thursday.  It wouldn’t do me any good if I got stranded there during my long weekend (plus I’d hate to miss my mom’s birthday!).   After the assurance from the bus company that there would still be trips returning to Davao, I proceeded with my preparations.  And since my mobile line wasn’t on an unlimited data plan, I checked for any available daily unlimited plans my service provider offered.  Luckily there was!  So all I needed to do was register (depending on my preferred number of days) and I was all set.  Since my phone has tethering as well, it worked on my advantage in bouncing my mobile signal via wifi, enabling my iTouch to get its signal.  Thank you techie-ness.  For Sun Cellular subscribers, click here for the details.

 Just to be extra sure that I wouldn’t get totally lost (and know exactly where I was along the trip), I utilized my iTouch map for my convenience.  Below you will find that there are 2 routes in getting to Iligan.  In terms of distance, the first route would have been the faster way (the one I took) especially if you had your own car, but due to road repairs along the highways it still took quite a long time in getting to my destination.

via BUDA route

via Butuan route

Job Fair

It was the first job fair I participated in with my new Company and it has been 2 years since the last one I attended with my previous employer.  I was half-expecting to be bored to death but I was literally deluged with a number of fresh graduates eagerly applying with our company.  Their eager faces, skeletal resumes, and idealistic responses during their one-on-one interview with me was quite endearing… bringing me back to days that I was also a part of that crowd.

fresh from their graduation celebration the day before

How I wish it were so simple.

Anyway, with all the applicants I have gathered for pending hiring and pooling, I’m excited how their lives would turn if hired with our company.  More work for me.

SIGH.

Joining the bandwagon in bringing home specialties from places traveled, I brought home Iligan’s well-known Cheding’s Peanuts.  Too bad though mom’s not allowed to eat TOO MUCH nuts (it’s her favorite!).

Cheding's Peanuts

My job schedule has been very hectic lately.  The constant turnovers from one of our companies are quite difficult to handle and I myself becoming like duck’s feet underwater trying to stay afloat.  I had to be responsible in retrenching and terminating a number of employees in another company.  Seeing people cry over the loss of their means of income is very DRAINING to say the least!  I just want to get rid of the negative vibes I get when I have to confront the displaced employees.  Sometimes I get to thinking that I chose the right course but the WRONG career.  Speaking of which, I was planning on taking up post-graduate studies.  But with how my boss is, I doubt I’ll be able to pursue it.  Sure I’ve discussed it with him but he keeps thinking that I’ll be leaving my work unattended.  Regardless of the justifications I’ve made, I sense that I’m not going anyway with that conversation.

Darn.

Anyway, we’ll see  in the coming days.

By the way, here are a few photos I took during my bus ride going to and from Iligan.

via Butuan route

via BUDA route

fresh from their graduation celebration the day before

Cheding’s Peanuts

Happy New Year 2012

Hi Everyone!  Happy New Year!!!  I haven’t been able to sit down and just leave my fingers to start keying the words my thoughts are dictating.  Been swamped with a number of things and different life events since last December that I haven’t been able to process it all and share about.  One thing’s for sure though.  2011 closed for me with a LOT of things to be thankful for.  And I wouldn’t be doing it any justice if I just simply enumerate it all without describing in detail each event.

Aside from that, I’ve also attended a number of parties and occasions that I would like to share with you guys.  I just haven’t got the time in uploading the photos to show you all.

So, sorry to keep you all waiting and thank you for your patience!  I’ll check in soon to update you all.

Advance Happy Chinese New Year!

It’s Not a Promotion… More Like a Step Up

My position title is still the same.  And from the vacancies and interview schedules I’ve been setting for the past week (both of our bosses were in town at that time), they were looking for a supervisory position in my department.  A bit sad though that I’ll be the one orienting someone who’ll be supervising me.  Hmm… But as of last Thursday, our COO disclosed that we will be hiring new employees for my department.  2 to be exact… and I will be their immediate head.

WHAT?!? Did I hear right?

I guess I did.  Because far along our discussion, further instructions were given as to how I will be delegating all tasks under HR.  So I just simply kept a straight face, carefully processing what he was saying but at the same time reeling and grinning from ear-to-ear internally.  No talk about changes in my title but that’s not a bother.  Suddenly I’m bombarded with added responsibility by overseeing other people besides myself, and slacking off just isn’t an option.

I’ve always had plans and proposals in mind but never got the chance to air a lot (some I was able to discuss though), and somehow drawing up plans, listing them down, and all things related in reorganization, realignment, and policy creation seemed way out of my league.  Until I started opening my mouth on pertinent issues and giving out ideas to address other concerns.  I should be happy.  I am!  But I’m getting a lot of sleepless nights thinking about it.  Over-thinking much?

Not really.  I guess I just have a bee in my bonnet whenever I am given a large responsibility.  Especially when it’s something I’ve never tried before.  I’ve been planning, scratching out, and rethinking ideas for the last few nights.  And last night, when I should’ve rested for my fun run early this morning, I ended up drawing up a “to-do” list for Monday.  So far, I’ve filled up 4 pages (going 5) on my notebook which I have officially dubbed as my “planning  notes”.  I SO want this to work.  I’m a bit scared but I want to prove myself that I can do it (most especially before our bosses would have other plans AGAIN for my department).  Better move fast but better be well-prepared as well.

I’m nursing a mild headache, and I seem to have caught a cold plus my eyes are getting red for not getting any sleep.  Hopefully I won’t be too bugged down tomorrow.  It’ll be a turning point.  Too bad that the other applicant backed out for the position.  Can’t blame her though.  So I’d better continue pooling again.

Like I said, it’s not a promotion.  But it’s a step up!  Time for battle!

Wish me luck!!!

Forest Hill RnR

It’s back-to-work Wednesday and it wasn’t a wee bit stressful for me.  Should I be worried?  Maybe it’s just the calm before the storm.  Anyway, no big deal.  I’m feeling quite optimistic about work as of the moment.  I guess it’s good that our boss is in town.  I get to discuss a number of things with him and he seems willing to listen.  (Yey for me!)  And he seems to take my side with the possible changes/adjustments along the way.  Still not looking forward to having a new HR Manager though.  But I’ll live.

I’m still reeling from the long weekend though.  It’s been quite some time since I’ve enjoyed lounging around and taking it easy.  ”Chillaxing” as one of my friends would say.  My eyes are a bit tired though.  Probably from all the swimming I’ve done yesterday.  I’ve gotten a shade darker but nothing so noticeable.  Thankfully.  The best part?  No muscle pains!  Quite amazing really.  I usually end up with a sore an lethargic body after spending a day in the pool.  But then again, it technically wasn’t a whole day activity.  One of my officemates invited me and some of our colleagues to go to Forest Hill yesterday.  A sort of last hurrah for the long weekend.  Turns out, it was only me and one of our maintenance staff who were available.

Our sweet hosts

Kuya Don's Humba..

Grilled Chops

Grilled Fish

 

Spaghetti!!!

Kinilaw!

It didn’t matter though.  The food was bountiful and the ride was free.  I just had to bring my stuff and pay for my entrance and everything else was set.  The trip to Forest Hill was a bit long.  And the sun was shining ever so brightly… communing with the celebration.  But I love road trips.  And even the harsh rays of the sun couldn’t put a damper on my spirit.

Forest Hill

The last time I went to Forest Hill was 1o-11 years ago.  When we got there, the improvements that have occurred over the years were worth applauding.  For one, they’ve expanded their area.  Another, they added a kiddie pool complete with mini slides, fountains, and showers that all the kids and the kids at heart would love.

Kiddie Area

After taking in the changes of the place, it was time to spread out our food.  It really pays to know people who are good in cooking.  The food ate Berlie and kuya Don prepared for us was just perfect for a day out in the pool.  And for a party of 5 kids and 6 adults, the amount of servings was more than enough not only for lunch but for an early dinner too.

With the week starting out at such a positive note, I’m pumped up with enough happy thoughts to look forward to the challenges to come.  But before that, better get some shut eye.

Good night everyone!

My Sunday Around the City

I was feeling quite dejected early last Sunday.  Mom still wasn’t home from her trip and I was getting pretty tired of skipping meals.  So armed with my gadgets and a couple of bucks, I was out on a mission to have my day out in my home city.  First stop?  Breakfast at Jollibee.  Yup, a bit shallow but I’ve been craving for one for their Breakfast joys meal for quite some time already.  And I remember Dad used to buy us breakfast on Sundays at Jollibee once in a while.

Breakfast Joy

My breakfast joy:  Fried rice, a piece of Longanisa, egg, and hot choco.  Just the perfect start to keep me energized.  After debating where to go next, I boarded a jeepney to take me to our city center: City Hall.  I was planning on being able to go into the Museo Dabawenyo (one of the two museums of Davao).  Unfortunately, contrary to what was listed online, they already close during Sundays.  Tough luck.  I did get one good photo of a new addition in our city.  I don’t know what’s it called.  But it’s a clock located in our city center.

The Town Clock (?)

After taking a couple of other jeeney rides around the metro, I ventured off into NCCC Mall.  One of the few malls I rarely get to go to due to proximity issues.  Glad that I went there too.  I finally found where my long-lost-out-of-stock-pined-for shoes have been hiding.  The Adidas CC Modulate W meant for running.  And the exact color that I’ve been crushing on too!  Sad though that I didn’t have money with me.  BOO.  Anyway, here’s the photo of the pair.  As what the saleslady said, it’s for the “elite” runner.  My thoughts… elite-terate? LOL.

For the "Elite" (terate) Runner

It may be an old design compared to the new ones that have come out recently.  But I find this one SO appealing.  And YES, it’s the color.  It just screams ME.  Aside from that, it’s also very light and comfortable for my feet.  With the Adidas fun run coming up this Sunday, September 4, the debate in my mind continued: Resist loans vs. Personal Gain.  Decisions, decisions.

To be continued…

LOL.

Moving forward, I then went to SM City Davao (another mall I rarely go to).  Nothing much to see.  So after going around some choice stores, I went off to ride another PUJ to Gaisano Mall.  With the prodding of my BFF achi Toffee, I went to Abreeza Mall to place a period in my malling.  Half-expecting and half-worrying that I’d bump into my boss and his family, my mind seemed to magnetize my most-thought of possibility.  Upon entering Abreeza, lo and behold!  The first few persons I ran into was my 2 bosses and their daughter.  Oh well… After the pleasantries, I went off to look for a place to grab a bite and rest my back and feet.

FOOD TRIP SUNDAY: Hukad

One of our office’s Senior officer has been plugging about Hukad and the good food they serve.  So when I was at the 2nd level of Abreeza, I chanced upon Hukad’s open-to-the-public displayed menu.  One of the waitress/cashier came up to me to assist me in my queries.  With my tight budget, I was hesitant at first.  But seemingly noticing my plight, she offered their budget meals to me.  A choice of Budget Meal A: Chicken barbeque, with unlimited rice and bottomless iced tea, plus a serving of soup and a siding of eggplant salad; or Budget Meal B: 3 pieces pork barbeque with unlimited rice and bottomless iced tea, plus a serving of soup and a siding of eggplant salad for only Php 99.00.  The said budget meal is available every 2:00PM to 5:00PM.  Checking with my watch… still 4:00PM.  Hmm… why not?

Budget Meal A

Now “hukad” by definition means to scoop out or if in Cebuano or Visayan terms, to set or to serve food.  The restaurant is aptly named since it specializes in Filipino food.  Next time, when I have enough cash, I’ll try out their other dishes.

Anyway, just to share with you.  I just LOVE the food that I ate.  After eating in a number of restaurants specializing in barbequed food (the likes of Penong’s, Banok’s, Mang Inasal), I never expected to experience a different taste in chicken barbeque.  For one, Hukad’s chicken barbeque was soft and easily removed from the stick.  Juicy and with just the right amount of seasoning.  The soup wasn’t loaded with MSG, and their eggplant salad gave the right touch of “homely” feel of the whole meal.  And to think that I NEVER eat eggplants at all.

I got a kick out of the designs of their lighting fixtures.  Their light was enclosed in “kanin na nasa puso” designs.  ”Puso” is another variety of how rice is cooked.  perfect for barbeque foods.

Biko with Sesame Seeds on Top

Aside from my budget meal, I also ordered one of their snack servings.  Biko (Sticky Rice) with your choice of drinks.  What makes this delicacy delicious is that it’s served hot.  And the sesame seeds on top gave it an extra oomph.

Having had my fill of malls, I eagerly walked home.  I do mean walk since Abreeza is just a couple of blocks from our place (especially since I know a couple of shortcuts).

I was still a bit wound up to take a rest and since our office declared that it’ll be observing the holidays for the 29th and 30th of the month, I needn’t worry about staying up late.  I decided to walk off my excess energy and at the same time try out my shoes (Yes, I did get it!) killing two birds with one stone.  I felt so light!  But running was out of the question yet.  My plantar fasciitis still keeps on bothering me.

For a day that started out not so well, ended up to be one of the most fun days I’ve had by myself.  But still, I’m still open for anyone who’d like to join me next time on my self-mapped out adventures.

Missing Out on the Kadayawan Festivities

Image by Andy*Enero via Flickr

Today was the culmination of Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival. With activities set as early as dawn kicked off by the Phoenix Run Series, then the most anticipated float parade, and a whole lot of other events going on around the city… deciding where to go and what to do would be quite a dilemma.  Add to that the traffic in the key places for the festivities.

I ended up staying at home though.  With all my initial resolve early in the morning to go out and snap a few photos to share, I ended up with nothing.  Nada.  Zip.  Zilch.  I was just too tired from last night’s ball game.  Then there were other pressing matters (of the female kind) I couldn’t just ignore that’s currently causing me discomfort… I opted to slip away into (start theme music: Lazy Song by Bruno Mars) the LAZIES.

The festivities started early this week but my work isn’t exactly holiday-friendly.  Even on a declared holiday, our boss needs us to work.  Darn.  Last Friday was declared as a Special Holiday.  If our inventory ended early, we could’ve gone home by our target time: 9:00 AM.  But noooohhhh… questions and discrepancies had to arise.  And we finished it by 4:00PM.  Too tired to venture out, I went home to rest and freshen up.  It was only by night time that I met up with Macks at her niche in the 1st Grand Kadayawan Bazaar in Davao Convention and Trade Center.  Had dinner together with her family, then simply watched people weaving through the exhibits.

I wanted to catch at least a few of the festivities earlier too.  But no more float parades lay in wait for me.  The street market was still open along People’s Park but nothing fancy or unique stood out for me.  Didn’t even whip out my camera to take photos.  All the while thinking to myself how it sucks being single at times.  Pathetic really.  Seeing people around me walking in pairs, HHWW (Holding Hands While Walking) was quite an eyesore.  But then again, being able to freely walk on my own when I want to has it’s perks.  At least I didn’t have to please anybody but myself.  And I had my constant companion with me… my iPod.  LOL.

That’s all guys.  Did I waste your time?  Not exactly something worth sharing.  But hopefully next time, I’ll get to be more active.  I’ll post a link soon on photos taken by my bff once I get her approval.

Good night!

Escaped Thought: Work at the Moment…

So it’s a Friday again and I’m a bit pressured.  From what? From the idea that I should be keeping busy instead of just thinking about what I should be doing to BE busy.  I’m partially blaming the heat outside and my sleepiness.  I haven’t had a decent night’s sleep for quite some time now.  Mostly staying up late and doing nothing of great importance.

I’m restless.  Yes I’m enjoying my work but I feel being inside the office 8 hours a day, 6 days a week can be quite boring.  No, scratch that.  It’s not boring (with the tons of work and general overhaul my department’s making, it’s anything but boring), more like stuffy.  Being constantly bombarded by new problems day in and day out, plus all the cascading we’re continuously doing and encountering a few resistance on the way isn’t good on my nerves.  The good thing about it is I get to go out of the office once in a while.  Beating the monotony.  Add to that the occasional basketball practices I’m volunteering on joining…  I guess I’m still adjusting.  Too many differences from my previous work with my current one can be very… DRAINING.

I’m thankful however that my week started well.  Dyed my hair, had bangs.  Received compliments from our boss on a job well done, and complimented as well with my new look.  I got to sweat off a few calories while playing basketball with the guys (and gained them back while eating dinner).  I had my hair cut back into my “cobra” look (slash style). Painted my nails (an event I rarely engage on).  Then for last night, watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 with my bff Rai and bff Ditse’s cousin Alex.

Maybe it’s just me.   I’m over-thinking it.  I just hope though that tonight would be another night for relaxation.  Maybe to even get a little perspective back.

Forgive my lack of introspection and insight, just a bit slow right now.

On Overload

I missed a week of blogging.  Now, I’m swamped with a number of thoughts and ideas that I want to share but with so little time at hand… I don’t think I’ll be able to blog about each and every single topic.  Besides, the thunder has already been stolen and the impact wouldn’t be that much convincing.

So I guess I’ll just give a little recap of the things that have happened and the random escaping thoughts flowing from my brain.  Besides, a thought-overloaded brain needs some release.

First: Bonding Moments with Friends

If you all remember, I’ve had a steady night out schedule on Fridays.  I spend it with a couple of my old college classmates (those who do show up for the date, that is!).  I sort of officially tagged my Fridays as “Fri-dates“.  However, for almost a month of that, it has become so much of a “cheat” date.  (Not the sleazy kind!)  Why?  Part of our bonding is doing one of the most natural things in sustaining life… eating.

You’ll get what I mean with these photos:

@ Crepelato (June 3, 2011)

The Victorian Spare Ribs

My Pistachio Gelato

The Magic Words…

So many choices!

@ Bigby’s (June 10, 2011)

Grilled Pork something…

@ Seafood Island Grill (June 17, 2011)

My bff came home to surprise her dad.  Luckily, it was a Friday! So here we go again…

The Tali Beach

Our Coffee Treat courtesy of my achi!

Ok.  That’s enough food for right now.  On to another set of bonding session.

For us long-time Friends (bff Achi – 18 years; bff Rai – 14 years), it’s always a pleasure doing common things together.  With the busy schedule of the workweek, hanging out and unwinding is all the more pleasant with friends.  I appreciated the fact that they went out their way to come and watch my basketball game and were my number 1 fans.  So heartwarming!  Then, had dinner together late at night, joined the fun run (achi, showed up well after the race started. huhu!), eating breakfast together, went on a group massage (which we forgot to take photos of)  and just being goofy around each other.

An actual picture of me playing!

Fun Run Aftershots (guess who didn’t run)

A newly discovered Ice Cream (thanks ate MM.. and Dru!)

It was a jam-packed week(end).  And I’m still reeling with all the thoughts that I want to share, trying to capture its essence at the least.  Overload I tell you!  Even in selecting photos to share, I can’t decide.

Anyway, that’s the first on my list.

Second: Father’s Day

Father’s day this year has a bittersweet feel in the air.  After the run, my brother texted me that they (his family) will be visiting Dad’s resting place to pay respects.  So I opted to go with them (since Mom had other plans as well).  I bought my dad flowers and got another set for my grandma too since their resting places were beside each other.  Before prepping up though, I still couldn’t help the trickling tears falling down my face.  Quite pathetic really… but couldn’t be helped.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed spending time with my brother’s family.  My nieces are growing up at a fast pace but they will always be my dad’s (their Daddylo’s) girls.

The Pizza of Hunger..

 Third: Work

Work’s fine.  My new boss finally started yesterday.  So far so good.  He reminds me of one of my closest friends.  Hope we’ll get along just fine.  I’m more stressed out on a different load.  Contracts of leases.  Not my cup of tea.  But, I’ll wing it for now.

Another good news from work was that the Special Non-working Holiday last June 20 has been approved by our management (a feat which they rarely do).  Hopefully, all succeeding holidays will be acknowledged!

And last..

I was planning on starting a new category.  Just something that I’m pretty sure everybody’s doing as well be it bluntly or discreetly.  What am I talking about?  Just a “Did you know” section.  So I’ll probably start posting a few trivia and other random information I gathered or just discovered within the week to keep track of what little new things I learn everyday and share it with all of you.  I would’ve started last June 15 but that idea took a backseat on the many other details in my so-called- exciting life. LOL.

What started it all and why June 15?  Well, on that day I was searching for a synonym for a word when I saw that Google had a new logo.  For those non-Google users, which I doubt there are any, Google changes their website logo whenever they were in commemoration or celebrating a feast, anniversary, or any momentous event.  What  caught my attention?  A flash video of the moon.  That was then I learned that there was a lunar eclipse the night before.  Darn!  And I missed it!

Oh well… there’ll be a next time (I hope!)

So wish me luck on my target!

Just a Quick One

This week has been very hectic not only for me but for the whole Central office. We’re busy preparing for our Sports League and birthday celebration of our bosses’ daughter which will be tomorrow, the 28th of May. I’m both excited and anxious for tomorrow. Still got a lot of things to prepare plus my tasks tomorrow are not I’m usually up for. I’ll be leading our National Anthem; “requested” by some supervisors to “assist” them in our calisthenics; plus I’ll be dancing!

Waaah!!!

I’m getting antsy just thinking about it! Add to that, I’m nervous about the program/invitations I have prepared and creating back-ups for all necessary documents. What’s still unfinished is the music and reserved copies!!!

So, I gotta go! There’s some things else I want to share but time is of the essence.

Will post soon!!