On Saturday, the girls (Paula, Mapi, Tintin and Diane) and I went to National Bookstore to get some pom pom materials for Sunday’s basketball game (Matrix Libis vs. AOL Makati). I had no intention of buying anything due to economics (u-huh). I was just going to browse, as I have been doing for months.
Without realizing it, I found myself in the “self-help” section of NBS. I saw a book entitled Etiquette for Mistresses.. and what wives can learn from them by Julie Yap-Daza. There was no price tag, but I raced to the nearest counter, not caring how much it cost. I just had to have the book (buti na lang it was less than P400).
I couldn’t put the book down. In the moving car, I already had a headache and my eyes started to hurt, but I kept reading despite Denver’s scolding.
I recommend the book to all women - - single, married or mistress. Even Denver commented that whatever I was reading, he likes it because it seemed to have an instant effect on me. I became maasikaso for a day. Hahahahaha!
Seriously, it would make a nice gift to any of your girlfriends. I’ve been pondering on who I can give it to. I’m really excited to share it with all the ladies I know.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Body Pain
My body still hurts from Tuesday’s WTE. My neck and arms are stressed from breaking falls and I have a bruise in my thigh from hanging on a rope. I was hesitant to attend this workshop but it was all worth it.
The Place
We went to The Forest Club in Bay, Laguna. It’s just past Los Banos, so it’s not too far.
I love this place and I’d really like to go back. As you’d expect, the place is all earth, water and greens. Team Matrix CBG rented a cottage and a family suite. I stayed in a cottage that had screen for walls. I could have stayed in the air-conditioned family suite, but since we were already roughing it up, I took a bed by the attic in the cottage.
One of things that I like is the “probinsya feel” of the place. It was nice to just lie down and relax in the cabanas. There were hammocks all around and all sorts of wooden chairs. When I have my own home, I’ll make sure to build a cabana and fill it with hammocks and recliners, even if I don’t have a pool. Hihi. Kahit fish pond na lang and plants around the cabana.
The infinity pool was also nice. I regret not taking my own pictures. The pool water was really hot. I could see steam rising from it.
The Activities
Our first challenge was to walk on bamboo poles set (around) fifteen feet high. I was terrified but the group assisting us assured us that nobody has ever fallen off these bamboos (yet, hehe). I can’t estimate how long it was but there were quite a few bamboos that we had to cross. Scary talaga to be up in the air, walking barefoot on a single bamboo pole, even if there were ropes to hold on to. There were red antiks (big tree ants) in some of the ropes and bamboo. Good thing we all managed to complete the challenge without hitch.
My group headed to the swamp for the first group challenge. We were divided in pairs and tasked to get on a raft. The goal is to get to the other end of the swamp and back. There were no paddles provided. We were to pull ourselves toward one end through a rope. Just imagine a sampayan set low across the swamp. We were all laughing so hard when the first pair sank their raft right after boarding it (Shirley and Jeff). Nash and I were the second pair. We made it through the other end without any problems. When we were on our way back to the starting point, that’s when trouble began. I was pulling the rope too fast so I ended up falling on my back. Poor Nash fell on the swamp because of me. That was even more hilarious. Buti na lang walang lasa yung tubig.
The next activity, I guess, was the most challenging for our team. Each of us had to walk across this log above the swamp. Everyone in our team fell except JV. Galing ha. Most of us were already wet from the raft challenge, so it was really difficult. I heard Boj hurt his thing when he fell. I didn’t notice how he fell, but they said he hit the log instead of falling on water. Ouch! When I fell on the swamp, the mala-burak feeling on my feet shocked me. I’m not sure what was underneath the water. I was expecting to hit sand or something harder. My feet were just immersed in this unknown slimy thing. Hay, naku, I can’t wait to see our pictures. Wet and wild!
Ah, this is where I got my bruise. For the next challenge, each of us had to cross the swamp once again (puro na lang swamp). This time, there are two ropes. Dalawang sampayan po mga kaibigan. Isang mababa, para apakan, and isang mataas, para hawakan. Everyone in my team made it to the other end, Crez, Jenny B., Grae, Shirley, Boj, Jeff, JV and Nash. Pressure eto on me ha. I wore my tattered leather tsinelas (yes, the one that I wear for work, at home, and even sa putikan) because Jeff said his feet hurt when he crossed barefoot. So eto na, natutuwa na ko because my team was cheering me on and I was almost at the other end. Eh, my tsinelas were still wet, so I slipped. I was able to keep my hands on the upper rope, but I just had my left thigh wrapped around the lower rope. Masakit ah. Imagine all 170+lbs of me relying on one thigh to keep me from falling on the water. Naguluhan na ko so I don’t know who among the girls helped me. I didn’t let myself fall this time. Somehow I made it to the other end. I think I saw Crez, Jenny B. and Shirley but I’m not sure whose hands were pulling me. Buti na lang I made it. Kakahiya naman if I was the only one who fell di ba?
We went back to the field where the obstacle course was set up. I passed off on the next two races. I’m just not athletic enough. I watched my team for the “Buko” race, and another obstacle course that was super funny. We also had a ski race (in the mud), a spider web challenge, and the trust fall activity. I felt fearless after my trust fall. And I can’t believe that these skinny girls are so heavy pala. Until now I feel like my arms are going to fall off any time because I was on the second row catching Tin Po, Vans, Kaye and Jenny M.
The Food
Morning Merienda: Goto, Tokwa’t Baboy, Ice Tea
Lunch: Fried Fish (Bangus, I think), Sinigang na Baboy, Pakbet, Vegetable Salad, Watermelon, Lemonade
Afternoon Merienda: Pancit Canton, Puto, Lemonade
Dinner: Sinigang na Hipon, Inihaw na Baboy at Inihaw na Saging, Ensalada, Bananas, Ice Tea
The Place
We went to The Forest Club in Bay, Laguna. It’s just past Los Banos, so it’s not too far.
I love this place and I’d really like to go back. As you’d expect, the place is all earth, water and greens. Team Matrix CBG rented a cottage and a family suite. I stayed in a cottage that had screen for walls. I could have stayed in the air-conditioned family suite, but since we were already roughing it up, I took a bed by the attic in the cottage.
One of things that I like is the “probinsya feel” of the place. It was nice to just lie down and relax in the cabanas. There were hammocks all around and all sorts of wooden chairs. When I have my own home, I’ll make sure to build a cabana and fill it with hammocks and recliners, even if I don’t have a pool. Hihi. Kahit fish pond na lang and plants around the cabana.
The infinity pool was also nice. I regret not taking my own pictures. The pool water was really hot. I could see steam rising from it.
The Activities
Our first challenge was to walk on bamboo poles set (around) fifteen feet high. I was terrified but the group assisting us assured us that nobody has ever fallen off these bamboos (yet, hehe). I can’t estimate how long it was but there were quite a few bamboos that we had to cross. Scary talaga to be up in the air, walking barefoot on a single bamboo pole, even if there were ropes to hold on to. There were red antiks (big tree ants) in some of the ropes and bamboo. Good thing we all managed to complete the challenge without hitch.
My group headed to the swamp for the first group challenge. We were divided in pairs and tasked to get on a raft. The goal is to get to the other end of the swamp and back. There were no paddles provided. We were to pull ourselves toward one end through a rope. Just imagine a sampayan set low across the swamp. We were all laughing so hard when the first pair sank their raft right after boarding it (Shirley and Jeff). Nash and I were the second pair. We made it through the other end without any problems. When we were on our way back to the starting point, that’s when trouble began. I was pulling the rope too fast so I ended up falling on my back. Poor Nash fell on the swamp because of me. That was even more hilarious. Buti na lang walang lasa yung tubig.
The next activity, I guess, was the most challenging for our team. Each of us had to walk across this log above the swamp. Everyone in our team fell except JV. Galing ha. Most of us were already wet from the raft challenge, so it was really difficult. I heard Boj hurt his thing when he fell. I didn’t notice how he fell, but they said he hit the log instead of falling on water. Ouch! When I fell on the swamp, the mala-burak feeling on my feet shocked me. I’m not sure what was underneath the water. I was expecting to hit sand or something harder. My feet were just immersed in this unknown slimy thing. Hay, naku, I can’t wait to see our pictures. Wet and wild!
Ah, this is where I got my bruise. For the next challenge, each of us had to cross the swamp once again (puro na lang swamp). This time, there are two ropes. Dalawang sampayan po mga kaibigan. Isang mababa, para apakan, and isang mataas, para hawakan. Everyone in my team made it to the other end, Crez, Jenny B., Grae, Shirley, Boj, Jeff, JV and Nash. Pressure eto on me ha. I wore my tattered leather tsinelas (yes, the one that I wear for work, at home, and even sa putikan) because Jeff said his feet hurt when he crossed barefoot. So eto na, natutuwa na ko because my team was cheering me on and I was almost at the other end. Eh, my tsinelas were still wet, so I slipped. I was able to keep my hands on the upper rope, but I just had my left thigh wrapped around the lower rope. Masakit ah. Imagine all 170+lbs of me relying on one thigh to keep me from falling on the water. Naguluhan na ko so I don’t know who among the girls helped me. I didn’t let myself fall this time. Somehow I made it to the other end. I think I saw Crez, Jenny B. and Shirley but I’m not sure whose hands were pulling me. Buti na lang I made it. Kakahiya naman if I was the only one who fell di ba?
We went back to the field where the obstacle course was set up. I passed off on the next two races. I’m just not athletic enough. I watched my team for the “Buko” race, and another obstacle course that was super funny. We also had a ski race (in the mud), a spider web challenge, and the trust fall activity. I felt fearless after my trust fall. And I can’t believe that these skinny girls are so heavy pala. Until now I feel like my arms are going to fall off any time because I was on the second row catching Tin Po, Vans, Kaye and Jenny M.
The Food
Morning Merienda: Goto, Tokwa’t Baboy, Ice Tea
Lunch: Fried Fish (Bangus, I think), Sinigang na Baboy, Pakbet, Vegetable Salad, Watermelon, Lemonade
Afternoon Merienda: Pancit Canton, Puto, Lemonade
Dinner: Sinigang na Hipon, Inihaw na Baboy at Inihaw na Saging, Ensalada, Bananas, Ice Tea
Breakfast: Fried Fish (don’t know if it's Bangus, because I don’t eat fish), Tapa, Sinangag, Fried Egg (pinahaba ko pa tapsilog), Pandesal, Kesong Puti, Hot Tsokolate
There was unlimited brewed coffee. Some of the Team Leads mentioned that the drinking water tasted salty. Not sure if it’s from a spring or something. It tasted different but my stomach didn’t complain.
I’m not fond of Sinigang but I enjoyed theirs. The Inihaw na Saging was a delightful surprise. It’s wasn’t like Banana-Q or Pan Fried Banana. Masarap siya ha. I was also surprised that I took seconds of the Pakbet. I’m not even sure if it’s Pakbet because it wasn’t sautéed. Parang steamed sitaw, talong, okra, boiled kalabasa and really good Bagoong on the side. Mmmm, yummy talaga.
During dinner, a lot of the participants were too tired to go to the dining hall. It was expected after all the physical activities. After our trust fall, I took a nap and woke up at 10PM. I was dead tired but I kinda panicked when I saw the time. Reason for the panic: baka wala ng food. Haha. So I got up and went to the mess hall to find just a small group drinking their san mig lights and lots of food.
There was unlimited brewed coffee. Some of the Team Leads mentioned that the drinking water tasted salty. Not sure if it’s from a spring or something. It tasted different but my stomach didn’t complain.
I’m not fond of Sinigang but I enjoyed theirs. The Inihaw na Saging was a delightful surprise. It’s wasn’t like Banana-Q or Pan Fried Banana. Masarap siya ha. I was also surprised that I took seconds of the Pakbet. I’m not even sure if it’s Pakbet because it wasn’t sautéed. Parang steamed sitaw, talong, okra, boiled kalabasa and really good Bagoong on the side. Mmmm, yummy talaga.
During dinner, a lot of the participants were too tired to go to the dining hall. It was expected after all the physical activities. After our trust fall, I took a nap and woke up at 10PM. I was dead tired but I kinda panicked when I saw the time. Reason for the panic: baka wala ng food. Haha. So I got up and went to the mess hall to find just a small group drinking their san mig lights and lots of food.
xXx
It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much fun with my colleagues. I’m glad I stayed in Ops long enough to be in this year’s WTE. There were also a lot of realizations about myself and about our leadership team. My mood: still happy after the WTE. It inspires me to build a stronger team.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Antipolo, Pacman, Bebot and the Notebook
Denver, Ippo and I have been spending our weekends with my in-laws in Antipolo so they could all squeeze in some quality time with daddy (my father-in-law) before he leaves again for the Middle East. He is based there and just comes home for a month every year. Until now, I don’t know which country he works and lives in most of the year. I know, I know, I’m a worthless daughter-in-law, but at least I’m nice and quiet. I just seem so damn indifferent.
It’s so quiet in here (Antipolo). And it’s cool most of the time. I like the fact that we don’t need air-conditioning to be comfortable. I absolutely do not have any problems getting myself to sleep when I am here. It must be the fresh air. Last night after dinner, I had no intentions of going to bed yet, but I dozed off as soon as I rested my head on a pillow. Denver had to wake me up at 2:00 AM so I could change into my sleep shirt.
This is really a good place to rest but it could be so boring at day time. We don’t have cable and the PC has a dial-up connection that’s so annoyingly slow! Buti nga meron internet noh.
Today we watched the Pacquiao-Barrera match. Just before it aired on GMA 7, I was on the internet trying to find out who won. I called my brother in the U.S. and he had no idea who won as well. I saw two forums on Yahoo saying Barrera won. Then I landed on an ESPN forum and I realized that the match had not ended yet.
As Denver and I were watching in the sala, my son came out of our bedroom saying “Pak-yaw, Pak-yaw.” This is unbelievable. Even my two year old knows Pacman.
I saw my cousin among the audience. I rarely see her in person when she’s in the Philippines, but I often see her on TV, usually with Ruffaya & Annabelle Rama. This cousin of mine is so into showbiz, she’s always hanging out with these stars. I swear, her family is even complaining that she spends a lot of money for these artistas. They say she always has pasalubong for them, even for those who are not really close to her. She ought to make money out of it na lang. Maybe she should become a comedian or manage a starlet or something. Wala lang, para lang she can really be showbiz di ba?
Anyway, one of the highlights of my day is discovering my son can sing “Bebot” by B.E.P. Isa pa tong anak ko, masyadong showbiz. Laging may surprise performance for me.
This afternoon, I also found one of my old notebooks in the closet. Super aliw because I saw notes about me and my team when I was still an L2.
Here are some of the stuff I wrote in the notebook:
Denver and RJ are reliable when it comes to assisting the newbies with their call handling.
Dave and Benj are reliable when it comes to assisting the team with troubleshooting.
I am not offended when the rest of the team members take turns in answering each other’s inquiries. As much as possible, I would like for the members to come to me for inquiries, but if another has an answer, it doesn’t bother me, for as long as the agent is able to resolve the issue faster.
We work as a team. All inputs are welcome.
I do not have the final say. I just give my input. In the end, it’s still up to the agent.
Anchet has given his commitment to improve ACD and AHT. His research skills have improved. His strength is in convincing the customer to troubleshoot, VOC/rapport. His AFI – voice projection and he wastes time asking for opinions.
Goodness. I can’t believe I wrote all this down. I was like this pala when I was an L2. I have pages of everyone’s strengths and areas for improvement.
I’m not like this anymore. Would it be a good idea to start doing this again?
Today I realized how different I am now. Yikes.
It’s so quiet in here (Antipolo). And it’s cool most of the time. I like the fact that we don’t need air-conditioning to be comfortable. I absolutely do not have any problems getting myself to sleep when I am here. It must be the fresh air. Last night after dinner, I had no intentions of going to bed yet, but I dozed off as soon as I rested my head on a pillow. Denver had to wake me up at 2:00 AM so I could change into my sleep shirt.
This is really a good place to rest but it could be so boring at day time. We don’t have cable and the PC has a dial-up connection that’s so annoyingly slow! Buti nga meron internet noh.
Today we watched the Pacquiao-Barrera match. Just before it aired on GMA 7, I was on the internet trying to find out who won. I called my brother in the U.S. and he had no idea who won as well. I saw two forums on Yahoo saying Barrera won. Then I landed on an ESPN forum and I realized that the match had not ended yet.
As Denver and I were watching in the sala, my son came out of our bedroom saying “Pak-yaw, Pak-yaw.” This is unbelievable. Even my two year old knows Pacman.
I saw my cousin among the audience. I rarely see her in person when she’s in the Philippines, but I often see her on TV, usually with Ruffaya & Annabelle Rama. This cousin of mine is so into showbiz, she’s always hanging out with these stars. I swear, her family is even complaining that she spends a lot of money for these artistas. They say she always has pasalubong for them, even for those who are not really close to her. She ought to make money out of it na lang. Maybe she should become a comedian or manage a starlet or something. Wala lang, para lang she can really be showbiz di ba?
Anyway, one of the highlights of my day is discovering my son can sing “Bebot” by B.E.P. Isa pa tong anak ko, masyadong showbiz. Laging may surprise performance for me.
This afternoon, I also found one of my old notebooks in the closet. Super aliw because I saw notes about me and my team when I was still an L2.
Here are some of the stuff I wrote in the notebook:
Denver and RJ are reliable when it comes to assisting the newbies with their call handling.
Dave and Benj are reliable when it comes to assisting the team with troubleshooting.
I am not offended when the rest of the team members take turns in answering each other’s inquiries. As much as possible, I would like for the members to come to me for inquiries, but if another has an answer, it doesn’t bother me, for as long as the agent is able to resolve the issue faster.
We work as a team. All inputs are welcome.
I do not have the final say. I just give my input. In the end, it’s still up to the agent.
Anchet has given his commitment to improve ACD and AHT. His research skills have improved. His strength is in convincing the customer to troubleshoot, VOC/rapport. His AFI – voice projection and he wastes time asking for opinions.
Goodness. I can’t believe I wrote all this down. I was like this pala when I was an L2. I have pages of everyone’s strengths and areas for improvement.
I’m not like this anymore. Would it be a good idea to start doing this again?
Today I realized how different I am now. Yikes.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Carla's Birthday
I would make a good sister-in-law.
Very recently, my brother’s girlfriend had her 22nd birthday. I was busy all day getting her flowers, chocolates and running errands for her surprise dinner at home. It was chaotic for me during her 21st birthday as well.
You might be wondering why I’m slaving yearly for her birthday. My brother is stationed in an Airforce Base in Louisiana, so he depends on his one and only reliable sister to take care of his girlfriend in his absence. He’s been very generous to me, my son and Denver. Birthday planning for his girlfriend is the only favor I can do for him and it’s only once a year.
Anyway, it was a small birthday dinner but it was a hit.
In the morning, I dragged my uncle and aunt to Farmer’s Market so they could pick out the seafood and meat. I’m a real dummy when it comes to choosing fresh stuff. A few times, I went home with “smelly” meat, or really tough beef. I’m glad they enjoyed the market. My uncle wants to go back for my birthday.
It was raining so we got home drenched. We had Baked Tahong, Steamed Alimasag, Hilabos na Sugpo and Mechado. We were all serious eating dinner. Carla (my brother’s girlfriend) had some food on her hair while we were eating. Ganun ba talaga kasarap Carla?
I think everyone was happy with how everything turned out. I’m looking forward to next year’s birthday preparations.
Very recently, my brother’s girlfriend had her 22nd birthday. I was busy all day getting her flowers, chocolates and running errands for her surprise dinner at home. It was chaotic for me during her 21st birthday as well.
You might be wondering why I’m slaving yearly for her birthday. My brother is stationed in an Airforce Base in Louisiana, so he depends on his one and only reliable sister to take care of his girlfriend in his absence. He’s been very generous to me, my son and Denver. Birthday planning for his girlfriend is the only favor I can do for him and it’s only once a year.
Anyway, it was a small birthday dinner but it was a hit.
In the morning, I dragged my uncle and aunt to Farmer’s Market so they could pick out the seafood and meat. I’m a real dummy when it comes to choosing fresh stuff. A few times, I went home with “smelly” meat, or really tough beef. I’m glad they enjoyed the market. My uncle wants to go back for my birthday.
It was raining so we got home drenched. We had Baked Tahong, Steamed Alimasag, Hilabos na Sugpo and Mechado. We were all serious eating dinner. Carla (my brother’s girlfriend) had some food on her hair while we were eating. Ganun ba talaga kasarap Carla?
I think everyone was happy with how everything turned out. I’m looking forward to next year’s birthday preparations.
I Love Neozep
I’ve been dealing with a mean cough and cold for a week now. I am getting better and I just have to say that I am now addicted to Neozep Forte. I’ve had trouble sleeping for months but this week, I’ve been hitting the sack early and won’t wake up until after 8 to 9 hours of sleep. Thanks to a tablet of Neozep before bedtime.
It’s amazing! I'm cured! But I’ve been late for work 4 times this week. That's not good.
It’s amazing! I'm cured! But I’ve been late for work 4 times this week. That's not good.
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