random thoughts

Weird how people turn out different when, for years now, you thought otherwise. Someone told me change is the only permanent thing. I have to agree.

The 90/10 Principle

This week is a major hurdle for me. Three of my batchmates already announced their intentions of quitting the job. They have their own reasons. I understand them. I know it's tough but personally, I still want to stay. I have invested myself in this. Might as well reap what I sowed.


I wanna share this with you. If you have the time, please read it. I got this from a friend's email. Although I do not know who the writer is, I appreciate it if anyone can give me that info so I can give credit to whom credit is due. Read and ponder...


Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations at work and at home...) What is this principle? 10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react. What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%. How? By your reaction. You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react. Let's use an example.


You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened. What happens next will be determined how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 (traffic fine) away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find a small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter. Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning. Why did you have a bad day?


A) Did the coffee cause it?

B) Did your daughter cause it?

C) Did the policeman cause it?

D) Did you cause it?


The answer is D. You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is what could have and should have happened.


Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You and your spouse kiss before you go to work. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully meet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having. Notice the difference? Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different. Why? Because of how you REACTED. You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction. Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc. How do you reach if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? (A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off) Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the other motorists ruin your driving? Much more your day? Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.


You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying; energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.


The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle. The result? Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. There never seem to be a success in life. Bad days follow bad days. Terrible things seem to be constantly happening. There is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time. Anger breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the fullest. Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often seems cruel. Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged. You can be different! Understand and apply the 90/10 principle. It will change your life.

Happy Easter!

Easter means so many things to so many people. So whether Easter may mean this:





or this:





Happy Easter everyone! =)

a week's time

I think we all passed OJT for this week. The QA average we needed to meet was 80%. It's the weekend, I know, but it's not over yet. One more week and this stage is through. I don't think I'll be relieved until the end of OJT. I really hope all of us in the batch will pass. Honestly, this is the toughest account training I have ever experienced! Three people from our batch are now being missed. I think we all have invested a lot of ourselves-- time and effort and I don't want anyone in the batch to leave anymore. I really hope all that hardships are going to be worth it.


A couple in the batch are thinking of quitting. I won't quit just yet. I think I've done so much to let everything go down the drain. Next week is going to be ultra-stressful. We have to get a QA average of 90% in order to pass OJT. Wish us luck! (What a way to spend the Holy Week.) =(

Mr. Gaiman's new book

I subscribe to Harper Collins and get info about my fave authors from their Author Tracker. Like this update about Neil Gaiman and his new book "Anansi Boys".



On sale Tuesday, September 20, 2005

God is dead. Meet the kids…



When Fat Charlie’s dad named something, it stuck. Like calling Fat Charlie “Fat Charlie.” Even now, twenty years later, Charlie Nancy can’t shake that name, one of the many embarrassing "gifts" his father bestowed -- before he dropped dead on a karaoke stage and ruined Fat Charlie’s life.



Mr. Nancy left Fat Charlie things. Things like the tall good-looking stranger who appears on Charlie’s doorstep, who appears to be the brother he never knew. A brother as different from Charlie as night is from day, a brother who’s going to show Charlie how to lighten up and have a little fun…just like Dear Old Dad. And all of a sudden, life starts getting very interesting for Fat Charlie.



Because, you see, Charlie’s dad wasn’t just any dad. He was Anansi, a trickster god, the spider-god. Anansi is the spirit of rebellion, he is able to overturn the social order, create wealth out of thin air, baffle the devil, and cheat Death himself.



Exciting, scary, and deeply funny, Anansi Boys is a kaleidoscope journey deep into myth, a wild adventure, and a fierce and unstoppable farce, as Neil Gaiman shows us where gods come from, and how to survive your family.

Wanna to read more? Here is the first excerpt.


Wanna be a member and get info directly from your email? Just CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! =)

summer at last!

I noticed that I'm not getting the complete sleep I want because I kept on waking up in the middle of the day due to the heat. Yes, summer has officially started in this part of the globe!


Most people are starting their grand summer vacation today. It's Holy Week too. But unlike most people, I am obliged to go to work. Yes, even during holidays. I haven't had a decent summer vacation since I was 16 and that was 8 years ago. So don't blame me for pining for a long (and I think a well-deserved) vacation.


Yeah, dream on... There are only calls and more calls for me to face. *shudders at the thought*

Where did my entry go?

I remembered publishing an entry yesterday with "Grrr..." as the title. It was supposed to be after "meeting a Pea" and before "live calls galore". I can't seem to find it anywhere. I obviously, did not delete it. What the hell happened?!


Two weeks ago, I corresponded with someone from the U.S. who said she went to blogger and accessed my Dashboard immediately. Good thing I don't have important info stored in here like SSS or TIN. Imagine, someone halfway around the world was able to access my most private thoughts and had the power to delete more than 2 years worth in one click!!! Scary huh? That's why I emailed Google Privacy and until now, I don't have a response.


Now, an entry is missing. Is it possible that another soul (more souls?) out there have access to my account?

live calls galore!

I had my share last night. It was the first shift we had that we took live calls. Despite the callcenter experiences I had, I was still nervous, especially if someone is listening to me when I'm handling a call. Starting tonight, we'll be graded and the only way we can pass this OJT period is to get a QA grade of 80 this week and 90 next week. Hah! Tough one? I hope not. Well, I sure hope we can all make it. We went through a helluva month in training and can't afford to fail.


I've been quiet in class now. I just don't want the wrong kind of others to notice me again. I'll just do my job and hopefully they won't mind me. Yeah, I woke up a tad early today. Probably because I went home so tired early this morning and I fell asleep immediately.


I've also been feeling nostalgic lately. I don't know why. This song keeps running in my head:


Feels Like Home
Chantal Kreviazuk


Somethin' in your eyes, makes me wanna lose myself
Makes me wanna lose myself, in your arms
There's somethin' in your voice, makes my heart beat fast
Hope this feeling lasts, the rest of my life

If you knew how lonely my life has been
And how long I've been so alone
And if you knew how I wanted someone to come along
And change my life the way you've done

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I'm alright, 'cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light

Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I've waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I'd love anyone so much

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way the back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong
It feels like I'm all the way back where I belong

meeting a Pea

NOTE: The last entry from my supposed mobile blogging...


A few minutes ago, I was crying my frustrations out by the fountain. When I turned my back, there was a crowd gathering. Arnel Ignacio, a known local celebrity was interviewing someone in front of Sentro (a resto in Greenbelt 3). I wiped my tears and saw Apl de Ap, a member of the Black Eyed Peas. He's half-Filipino who was born here in the Philippines but he grew up in the States. I came closer and my papparazzi instinct took over. After the interview, I had my pic taken with him. It's quite blurry but it will do. Now, I'm smiling and I'm on my way home. Back to reality for me.



me and Apl

still alone

NOTE: Supposed mobile blogging continued...


Amidst the noise of Saturday night gimmicks and a midnight mall sale around me, 'm still sitting by the fountain, wishing to be drowned by the night lights. I don't want to go home yet. I've never felt so alone in my life. Thank God for SMS I was able to tell ma things I couldn't tell her in person. She's a bit ranty right now saying that I have to swallow my pride and all and that she never depended on anyone else except herself since she graduated high school. Spare me, I know all about that story. I probably got some of her pride then when she decided not to go continue working for a previous employee. She said she was the boss before and she cannot imagine working under him instead. She never found a job after that. (Yes, I can't seem to forget that moment. It was a decision that changed my life.)


Anyways, she was also talking about dying and stuff. If she only knew how I wish I could have her sickness instead at least I'll have medical coverage once I pass training. *sigh*


I wish it's raining right now so the strangers around me won't see me crying. Thank God for the dark.

just venting

NOTE: Mobile blogging did not work so let me manually input this entry instead.


I had to get out of the house just to clear my head. I'm in a nearby mall passing time, just sitting here staring at the crowd. After a stressful week at work, my Ma seems to think that I'm a coldhearted bitch. She was asking about the "status" of my borrowing money. Since I was not able to borrow yet, I told her that it's not easy to depend on other people. I mean, what if I couldn't borrow money? What's her plan B? My Pa said she got hurt by what I said. That's why she was crying earlier today. What am I supposed to do? I was only telling the truth. She's not speaking to me again. I'm an invisible being there. I wonder why this hostility feels so familiar? Your guess is as good as mine.

unsure

Big relief for me since I passed the exams (with flying rainbow colors! Whoopee!) Here's to two weeks of real, live calls in OJT ahead! Scary! It was actually just a half-celebration since one of us in the batch did not pass the exam so he was automatically removed. (We'll miss you, Benjie!) Yeah, that's one less person from the Cox and Fox batch. *sniff* Well, I just hope the best for him, and for all of us who were left to face the reality of the job. It is tough, I have to admit. But I hope it's going to be well worth it by payday. *wink*


There is no perfect job, no perfect company. I should know. I have been through 3 different companies in the past three years. I am never satisfied coz I know I've seen through all the "good sides" of these companies and I know it is improbable for me to find all these good sides rolled into one. Honestly, I am still questioning myself why I applied for this job. I know it's all about the money. But after the money, what else? I don't know. I also don't know if I'll last another year in this new company. Looking at what I'm going to do for the next few weeks, I can sense that the job is not my cup of tea. But what the heck? I'm here and I have sacrificed a lot-- time and effort, to get here. I won't back up now.


It's true that we can't please everybody. Coz I know for a fact that I am not pleased with everything in front of me. Do you ever get "bad vibes" from a certain person even if you still don't know that person? There are people whom I can bond with instantly and there are those people that I abhor (I apologize for the lack of a better word) even if it's only the first time I met them. Unfortunately, there were a couple of people in my workplace who are giving me that impression. I never really got to feel "lightly" towards them ever since the first day I met them. I can't explain why. My instincts were right as usual. The first one, we all agreed is a monster (I am not lying). Let's just call them person A and person B. Person A thinks she's a goddess. This entity has her own power-tripping moments on the floor. Person B, I think, is a bitch. Don't get me wrong coz I can be a bitch too, but only one bitch can be on the spotlight one at a time. I only shared this feeling about her with a friend. I was relieved to know I am not out of bounds with this judgment because this confidante also feels the same way.


I can deal with person A. All I have to do is scuttle in my shell and be quiet and stick to the rules and she won't mind me. But person B is different. She's always there. It's irritating. But no, I won't let her out of my way. Her presence will only remind me about the truth that we cannot please everybody. I guess that's one of the reasons why those kinds of people are in my life.


Not everything was handy-dandy last night. I just had the feeling that someone is not too happy with what I'm doing for myself. Friends are supposed to be happy for you for your achievements, right? Some people are not meant to be friends then. My horoscope for today read:

Cancer:
Someone out there is positively steaming mad -- not at you, exactly, but certainly about you. They're upset because you have something that they want, something that they feel they deserve more than you do. You can't help but pick up the vibes -- and one more icy stare might just turn you into a pillar of stone. If they initiate a discussion, be sure to have witnesses handy. Jealousy can warp even the most objective brain.

With person B, I felt it. I did. It was not a nice feeling. For one moment last night I thought that person B was laughing AT me, not WITH me. There is a HUGE difference. I did not like it at all. But I guess I have to live with that.


Here's one of the moments that make work life a little less stressful:



Ella + Me = MU! (Hehehe!)

halfway through

One written exam down. Half of us were already through the calls last night. Tonight will be another full-of-nerves night for me. Thankfully, I aced the written exam. I honestly didn't believe it. I just wanted to pass is all. Anyways, tonight will be scary. When I pass (when, not if, hehe!), I'll go through the next level of training, which is OJT for another two weeks. I sure hope we all pass, so we'll celebrate it once we get our first paycheck (about two weeks from now). Really looking forward to that. =)


I just updated my flickr album since we took some silly pics earlier today outside the building. We were waiting for our allowance. Here are a couple of them pics:



MCI IP-RO Cox and Fox



say "Ohhargh!" (me not included)

the reason

There was actually one thing I failed to include in my previous long entry. Earlier today, I had a reason to smile. It has something to do with why I want to go to work everyday (as mentioned in this post). It's not really a big deal but at least it made me smile. No, I won't reveal this to you if that's what you think. Hahaha! It's just my way of shifting this blog's mood. *wink*

a "lending" hand

I have never been comfortable borrowing money. Just as I am not comfortable lending money as well. The latter is mainly because of the fact that I don't have money to lend. The former is based on a lot of factors. The act of borrowing money, especially from a friend, or even the thought of it makes me uneasy. Why? Because the way the financial aspect of my life is going right now, I cannot set an exact time when I could repay what I borrowed. And when I cannot set an exact time, I feel ashamed. For example, more than two years ago, I borrowed a couple of thousand pesos from a friend I don't actually see that often. Imagine, I was only able to repay that person last Christmas when I had extra money from my 13th month pay. The person actually forgot I owe the money! It was actually a big relief when finally I was able to tell myself that I don't owe anyone anything anymore.


For more than two years of being an employee, I regret not saving up. I like the idea of saving money for future use, but due to unfortunate circumstances, what I earn (funny since I earn a bit more than ordinary employees) is not even enough for a 15-day period for a family of 5 (including myself). Bills, rent, more bills, allowance, school stuff, food, bills again and normal everyday expenses. Because of this, I am again getting myself into that wicked cycle of "debt". My parents, I really don't know why they are so used of "borrowing" money they can't even pay, want me to do my own "borrowing" since we need it for the expenses and a pending operation for my Ma (possible ovarian cyst).


I am broke right now. The idea of me being broke is awful since that would mean my entire family is broke. If only I can have her cyst, at least if I have an operation, I'll take advantage of the health card the company will give me as soon as I pass training (and I want to pass it, of course!) Setting all things aside, including pride and principles, I have to resort to the last option of "borrowing" money again. Imagine, I have not even received my first pay in the new company yet and it has not yet been a year since I paid my last debt, I'm going to have another debt on my name!


I was reminded of that after I got home. After a hard day at work (yes, really hard because our account is difficult and I have exams on Thursday and Friday), I got home and my mother started pressuring me again about that topic. I went up my room I had to sweep the floor because it was dusty and do some hammering because my cabinet broke. All that, without even eating breakfast yet. I felt so, so bad. It's so unfair! I started to vent my frustrations to a couple of close friends, but decided against it because I know they have their own problems to mind too. So, here's to a long blog entry then!


I haven't felt this for quite sometime but I lost my appetite. Maybe I'll get thinner. At least that's one advantage of being stressed out. I know money should not be a big problem for others. But I'm not like others. I'm really getting tired of this.

taking advantage

I'm not yet home because one, I'm taking advantage of the free internet access here in our office's cafe now that I have my very own company ID; two, I am waiting for nature's call so I can finally pass a stool sample to the hospital to finally complete my Pre-employment Medical Exam; and three, because going home would mean sleeping and I don't want to sleep yet.


This week's going to be tough since it will determine if I go to the next stage of training, which is OJT. I already passed another typing certification last night and this Thursday will be the written exam and the calls. Yes, THE CALLS! I am getting nervous by the minute. I know I've been through this before, but I must admit this one is a difficult account. Now, I know why the basic pay is higher. =)


I'm also looking forward to our training. It's weird coz I never felt this way before. Why? That's for me to know and for you NOT to find out. Hahaha! ;)

time with friends

One of the things I can sacrifice my sleeping time to is spending time with friends instead-- especially those friends I don't see more often. It's always nice to get updates about their lives, even if most of the stories are just rants about their job. For a change, it felt different to listen to rants rather than ranting myself. I am quite satisfied (as of this point in training, of course) in my new company. I hope this feeling will not change for a long, long time and if it does, will change for the better even, so I won't go through this resignation-and-clearance up to application-and-training processes again. It's tough and I don't want to familiarize myself by doing that often. =)

Dear Lisse,

Happy 2nd Anniversary!!!

Bite it!

Why am I still awake?


There are actually lots of reasons why and the worst reason of all was the waste of time (especially sleeping time), energy and effort due to the fact that the Human Resources Department from the previous company I worked with does not have enough resources that their office is empty the whole day considering that it is a 24/7 company. Even the receptionist/operator canot even provide a decent answer to the question "What are their office hours?" Imagine after working there for almost a year, they never ever provided professional and employee-satisfying service.


7AM. I called HR and I was informed to check back by 11AM since there is no one available at that time. My training finished at 6AM.


9AM. My friend and I went to PAG-IBIG instead to inquire about getting a salary loan (since I am currently broke) and to get the needed documents to pass to the new company.


10AM. I got my contributions list and the last remittance was December 2004. I checked my payslip dated February 28, 2005 and they deducted me for a month's worth of contribution. Why are they not remitting on time? I double-checked with an officer in PAG-IBIG. I was informed that it should be remitted at least every other month. So, they should have already remitted for my January and February 2005 contributions. Strike one.


10:30AM. After being on queue for a while and during a really, really hot day, I felt sleepy. I learned that according to their record, I only contributed 10 months worth and they needed 24 months contribution to approve a salary loan. I thought, I started working in the callcenter industry since January of 2003 and I never missed a contribution. Then I learned that the ever-resourceful Human Resources Department did not follow-up and transfer my contributions from my previous, previous employer. So, I ended up doing what was supposed to be their job and updated my records. It will take 10 business days before that is completed. Strike two.


11AM. We were at the previous company's office since we were informed that we can get the copy of our clearance by today since we need that by Monday. I was about to have a bitch-fit if I were not that sleepy and tired. I learned that the HR people are going to work at 3PM since they ended their shift at 8AM. I asked why is it that when I called at 7AM, I was not informed about that? The receptionist just stuttered while he defensively tried to explain that they (reception) do not know when the HR schedule changes. I asked him why not inform me earlier at 7AM that there were still people in the HR office? He said all of them logged-out at that time so no one could take the call. Ano ba talaga? Who's lying? So, when I asked what time I could see them, he did not give me a specific time. He again reiterated that they do not know the schedule. What the fuck?! HRD, as far as I know, should always have available people for inquiries 24/7 in a callcenter. Why didn't they think about spreading their schedule out to assure that there is at least one person in the HRD at a certain time in a day?! Strike three.


I have a shift tonight and I really have a bad headache because of that. I wanted to confront them and get some explanation why my PAG-IBIG and SSS (yes, even SSS) contributions are not remitted on time. I cannot avail of the benefits because of that. I also wanted to get my clearance. Am I glad I am not working there anymore.


Someone once said "Never bite the hand that feeds you." But if you're not happy and you're actually being poisoned instead of being fed, by all means, bite it. Then look for another hand to take care of you.


Yes, this is my blog and I can write what I want.

for HP fans

Harry Potter addicts out there, brace yourselves! Here is the cover (U.S. edition) of the next book, "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince". I see an older Harry and my fave character, Dumbledore looking at a pensieve (if I'm not mistaken). Do they look scared? Or concerned? What do you think?





I can't wait! =)

dreamin'

Wow! Two weeks in New Zealand for a Middle-earth tour! I'm so excited!!!


*boink*


Yeah. I'm dreaming again. Back to reality. Just had that thought since we were asked about our dream vacation earlier in training today. Of course, that was my answer. Hope that won't remain a dream forever though. Info overload at this time of the month. Probably two weeks from now I'll be stressed out because we will be taking actual calls. Not to mention I'll be broke until April Fool's. But I'll take this one day at a time...


*sigh*

another dilemma

Yes, I attended my first day of product-specific training. I now know why they say the account is difficult. I hope I can get over this. I know I can. *trying hard to be optimistic*


I also learned that the new company I'm working with will not offer HMO/health cards for my parents. I don't know what to do with my mother's need for an operation. Due to the payroll cut-off, I won't even receive my first real pay until April 1. I honestly don't know what to do now.

Insecurity

(n.) : a feeling of apprehensiveness and uncertainty
: lack of assurance or stability





The first time I learned the meaning of this term was when I read my mother's letter to my father. I was 11 years old then and we were living in Bacolod City while my mother worked here in Manila. She described me as "insecure" that's why she told my father to understand my situation more. Being the ugly duckling that I was, the oldest of three and being without a mother during my adolescent years, it is not surprising that I have that insecurity. At that time, my parents wanted me to maintain my academic honors, but since our financial status went way, way low during those years, I entered my semi-rebellious stage and graduated as second honorable mention-- a far-cry from their expectations for me.


At my age right now and with the achievements I had, I should have gotten over that insecurity already. But no. Just last night, I realized I still have that insecurity when it comes to my relationship with other people, especially with him. I told myself I'd be honest and face my fear and what I ended up doing is confronting and accusing a totally honest person. He said I am over-criticizing myself. Yes, I hurt him and I hurt myself in the process. I felt embarrassed and sorry for what I did.


If there is a medication for insecurity, I'd gladly take them.

New Worlds Episode 3

NEW WORLDS EPISODE 3: The 3rd Philippine Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention will be held on May 23 and 24 at the Glorietta Activity Center. This year's host is Star Wars Philippines, in commemoration of the last great movie of the Star Wars saga. The event is presented by the New Worlds Alliance, Mellow Touch 94.7, and the Ayala Center.


The NWA is the first organization of science fiction and fantasy fan groups in the country. Formed in 2003, the NWA is currently composed of Pinoy Harry Potter (PHP); PinoySlayers—The Filipino Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel the Series Fan Club; Pinoy X-Philes (PXP)— The Filipino X-Files Fan Club; Star Wars Philippines (SWP); The Matrix Philippines; The Talon—The Filipino Smallville Fan Club; Pinoy Fremen—The Filipino Dune Fan Club; Alliance for Eclectic Gamers and Interactive Storytellers (AEGIS); The Philippine Tolkien Society (TPTS); and Via Astris Inc. (VA)—The Star Trek Club of the Philippines.


Check out New Worlds.TK. Here you'll see information from the previous convention.


If you go to New Worlds.PH, you'll see the new poster for the upcoming convention. Cool huh? =)


You may find links to go to a specific group and also links for available pics there but if you wanna check out my personal pics from last year's event, which was co-sponsored by The Philippine Tolkien Society, please visit my Imagestation album.

on to step 2

I did it! I passed the first two weeks of training! There are only 16 of us left out of the original 18. It's scary. This is the first training program that I ever got serious on. Next week, I'll be starting a month-long product-specific training and I heard it is even more difficult than the first two weeks. Yaiks! I'll be going back to the night shift. So much for sleeping at night for the past two weeks. I am so looking forward to payday! =)

One down

Yes, one typing certification exam down. I, surprisingly, passed it. Practice really makes perfect. I will be facing an oral and a written exam this Friday. If I pass both, I'll go to the next level-- a month-long product-specific training. That means more info and more exams to face. But that's ok. It would be an opportunity for me to open a savings account for myself. Finally! At least work's going to be quite a challenge now. Really looking forward to passing those two exams. *cross fingers*

lonely road

This is a total turnaround from my previous post. But I guess when the mood kicks in and it's the time of the month, I couldn't help it.


I feel alienated. Lost. Even in my own home. Seems like everyone's going on about their business and I'm left behind. Why? Coz I spend most of my time doing a job I don't want just to earn money? Makes me wanna think twice before sacrificing myself and my interests (again) for others' sake. I feel rebellious. If only I could be a rebel, I wouldn't be writing this stupid entry. I'd be doing it. Damnit.


I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone


I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
and I'm the only one and I walk alone


My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone


~"Boulevard of Broken Dreams", Green Day