Team Call Center

500 VISUAL ELECTRONIC INSPECTORS (QA)

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 08:26:00 +0000

PKI Manufacturing and Technology, Inc.

is urgently in need of

500 VISUAL ELECTRONIC INSPECTORS (QA)

This is for endorsement by Friday next week, July 13.

Please be advised that we do not collect fees. We are strictly compliant with the Philippine laws and we are PEZA registered company.

MUST

Female

20/20 Vision

Keen to details

Persistent, persevering, fast learner, self-motivated

Preferably

At least 2 Years in College or 2 Years equivalent of Vocational/Associate course

Workplace

First Sumiden Circuits, Inc.

LISP 1

Shuttle Service includes Tanauan, Calamba, and Alabang

For interested applicants, please visit us at:

PKI Manufacturing and Technology, Inc.

First Philippine Industrial Park

Lot 14 Phase 1-A Sto. Tomas, Batangas

(043) 405- 6388 to 89

Exams Schedule

Monday to Friday

(But due to the urgency, we advise for applicants to report for exam as early as Monday next week, July 9)

8:00AM, 10:00AM and 1PM

Kindly look for Nan.

Bring a resume and a valid ID.

JOB OPENING FOR FURUKAWA IN LIMA

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 09:11:00 +0000

PKI Manufacturing and Technology, Inc.

and

are in need of

500 FEMALE PRODUCTION OPERATORS

Please be advised that we do not collect fees. We are strictly compliant with the Philippine laws and we are PEZA registered company.

IF NO WIRE HARNESS EXPERIENCE

Female

Single

18 to 23 years old

Highschool graduate, Vocational graduate, or College Undergradute

Willing to be assigned in night shift

Residents of Batangas only

WITH WIRE HARNESS EXPERIENCE

Female

Single/Married

18 to 28 years old

Highschool graduate, Vocational graduate, or College Undergradute

Willing to be assigned in night shift

Residents of Batangas only

WORKPLACE

Furukawa Automotive Systems Lima Philippines, Inc.

LIMA Technology Center, Lipa City

Tentative Shuttle Services: Sto. Tomas, Lipa City, and Batangas City

For interested applicants, please visit us at:

PKI Manufacturing and Technology, Inc.

First Philippine Industrial Park

Lot 14 Phase 1-A Sto. Tomas, Batangas

(Near FPIP Fire Station)

(043) 405- 6388 to 89

Exams Schedule

Monday to Friday

8:00AM, 10:00AM and 1PM

Kindly look for Nan.

Bring a resume and a valid ID.

A Joker Caller

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:59:00 +0000

For the past couple of days, I think I have to say it here, I was, and still am, struggling to find something to write about. And the harder I try, the worse it gets. So I decided to calm down and try my best not to get bitten by the stress bug. So I just let it flow and see what we'll get by the end of this post. No rules. No Grammar Laws. Smiles.

First thing came in my mind was this old man who called about his problematic cellphone. I was in the process of getting into the system finding the cause why he could not use his brand new phone. And because we were encouraged to avoid putting customer on hold for it affects our stat for availability, what I do is I tell customers that I need to work in silence. That if they have questions, they can feel free to ask their questions.

Now this customer was kind of funny, I think that would be the right word to describe him. He said he had no questions but he had a joke for me. I was like, okay..? So I continued troubleshooting his phone as he continued his joking session with me. So I was half-listening to him. But his joke was, well funny? I think. He said something like this:

There was a very old man who could not pee. This very old man went to see his urologist. The urologist asked him what was the problem. The very old man said, "Doc, I could not pee." Then the doctor asked him, "How old are you?" Then the very old patient answered, "I'm 92." And the doctor said, "Oh I see. Well, you have peed enough!"

Then my joker/caller laughed as if he had told me the funniest joke ever created in the history of mankind. So I forced a laugh there. Well, somehow it was a sincere laugh because I thought that was funny, right? Was that funny? What do you think?

Feel free to leave a comment if you find this joke funny. Well, I don't think I'll get comments from this post but who knows? He-he. Hope to hear from you. :)

With My In-Laws

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:08:00 +0000

Yesterday, or last night, marked my last day in Convergys. Finally I’m done with the clearance. I also have now my trophy with me at home after 7 hours standing there in elevator lobby to wait for people I know who might be able to help me. I feel so relieved and also sad at the same time knowing that I might not see my good friends from Convergys again, just like in Sykes. Anyway, I need to focus on 2012.

I spent the two-day clearance in Convergys and San Pedro. Psyche was so cute and showing serious signs of hyperactive personality. She wanted us to play catch-the-ball in the middle of the night! She was very talkative. And being there for one night, she thought I would be staying there for good with my little bag, laughs! So on Tuesday night, while I was waiting in Convergys to get my precious trophy, Mama sent me a text message about the two donuts Psyche received from a cousin. Psyche said that she would wait for me before she eats the donuts. She wanted to wait for me so to share it with me. I was deeply touched just like those in Hallmark moments. Psyche was so good at making people cry in a good way, if you know what I mean. And hey, for the records, I did not literally cry there in the elevator lobby, laughs! What I’m saying is I’m missing her, our family, the old times.

I don’t get to see them like we used to do before. I put my faith in God’s promise the He would bring my family back together in one house. Sometimes this makes me jealous of my wife her being with her family all the time. Gracia always tells me that if it’s the other way around, it’s not going to be a problem with her. That might be true. But it is still different when it’s happening. You know, it’s more than a statement. It’s a daily life for me.

Don’t get me wrong. Her family which is now my family, too, is great. Her mother is amazing and very sweet. Her sisters are awesome. Every one is wonderful, including their in-house cousin Arnel. Her Papa is also nice to me but it’s a bit awkward most of the time because he rarely talks. I could see the effort in the two of us but we always kind of fail to connect. Perhaps it is because he never had a son. Maybe it’s me who had a chain of father issues before. That’s going to be a long story to tell. What I am saying is that we want to get along as a family but it’s not easy, I just realized.

During my first months with them, I had this silent, or secret, competition with the other sons-in-law. No one was really competing. I think it’s more of manly pride? Can’t get the right thing to say. Let’s get down to the story.

Last Sunday Gracia and I spent almost the whole afternoon after church shopping for the Christmas gift for her co-employee for their company’s Christmas party this Saturday. I was really tired but I was kind of showing off, making her feel that I was a very supportive husband which was sincere act from me. After that, when we got home, I was like relaxing while reading a magazine. Just like any other woman, she wanted to fix everything before we went on relaxing. I was even joking at her that she was acting like a mother now, laughs!

Then she wanted me to pin those belt holders behind the door but I was kind of into the magazine’s interesting article. Before I knew it, her Papa was in our condo-type room doing the nailing. It was very embarrassing as if I was not a man enough to drill those nails into concrete walls. I tried to get the hammer from him but he was determined to finish it all by himself. I know that it was no big deal for him. But for me, I was kind of hurt and very embarrassed. I had a hard time getting over with it.

Then next day came in. I was cleaning our house as part of my house-husband role when Kiel, Gracia’s nephew, started knocking outside our window. Automatically I opened it for him and one of his little fingers got caught and in the next seconds, he was crying hysterically. Everyone was very concerned and that included me. I felt ‘Strike Two’ blinking over my head as Gracia’s father trying to comfort his grandson. I felt so exhausted that I spent hours sleeping until it was time for me to get ready for my trip to Convergys.

Now I am back here in San Pablo and I felt so blank, trusting God in everything. Tried reading Bible but it’s…I don’t know. I know I kind of need some help here but if someone asks what kind of help, I don’t know the answer.

But I’ll be fine. I know that because I always will, by the grace of God.

I Will Always Be Convergys

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:16:00 +0000

My last day in Convergys.

Almost Ending 2011

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:44:00 +0000

I can’t believe that the year is almost ending! I know it’s too early for me to write my year-end post but I feel like doing something like that today.

Year 2011 has been very tough and soul-exhausting for me and for my family. It was like the stains of 2010 had found its way to crawl into this year. I was hopeful with my family that 2011 would be our year. 2010 ended in a complicated move to a different house which I had to give up the small savings Gracia and I had for our wedding to pay almost everything. That was exactly the last day of 2010. So we celebrated the first day of 2011 in a new home.

We did not have so many foods and we did not have any fireworks to celebrate the New Year with. But great the LORD was that we had enough on our table and we even had a bottle of red wine, plus we were together. We were complete except for Christina who has her own family in Bulacan. I was positive that everything would be okay as I liked so much the new house. It was brighter than the old one.

We began the year with family prayers which was so beautiful and the hope was so fresh that it was almost reaching the face of the sky.

The money issue still crawling into each new day but it was manageable. Papa was getting better and he started working again. But Gracia and I were worried about getting married this year. It had been taken aside for so many times due to recurring reasons. We were losing hopes and we felt that if we did not do anything to hold the wedding this year, the hope which was so little by then might be lost and I knew in my heart that when the fire began to die, it would take a long way to see it spark again. So we sought all help we could get.

In our families meeting where Gracia and I would announce formally that we were getting married, we insisted to get married in May of this year. And we did not have a single penny for the wedding at all! All we had was love and faith.

Our hope got excited when we received a Yes from my biological grandfather that he would support us, especially in money matters. In the end, it only broke my heart into million of pieces when I was left hanging in the air a week before the wedding. I felt so hurt and it was more painful when I was getting blamed for their decision. But glory to God that Gracia and I got married in May of this year. It was not a grand kind of wedding but it was really beautiful. It cost us to give up Gracia’s purchasing power for the next six months, if you know what I mean. So we were on a very tight budget but we were very happy.

A month after the wedding, Papa had a serious heart problem and he was taken to a private hospital in Pacita, San Pedro which goal was to increase our bills. I said this because after two weeks staying in that hospital, we insisted transferring him to the Philippine Heart Center where the doctor there told so many things which should have been done since day one but were not in the former hospital. The expenses were unbelievable. We had been humbled way below the ground. But we kept trusting God in everything for He never failed us.

Then Gracia’s sister gave birth to Ethan James in August. In less than a week, the baby got a fever and was diagnosed with infection of the blood. The bill was incredible. We thought that was it until in September, Gracia’s another sister gave birth to Ezra Daniel through Caesarian. Aside from day to day worry seeing the little baby in the ICU with all those unforgiving tubes, the bill was overwhelming. The memory of my baby brother Jean Emmanuel kept crossing in my thoughts. Although it was not entirely on us, since we are family, we care and we tried our best to help.

Gracia and I had so much to bear. I was thinking about us, about my family, and about her family. It was the grace of God that we got to survive each day. I tried to calm down every time I saw my brothers getting thinner. Praise the LORD that they were born with beautiful faces.

The distance of my travel to work everyday took its toll on me in my birth month, the month of October. Prior to this, I felt like I was always sick but I ignored that as much as I could. The first Sunday of that month, I was diagnosed with Intestrial Pneumonia and later that week, I bled again because of UTI. The Urologist said I had Kidney stones based on the ultrasound results. It was a very uncomfortable situation to me and to Gracia. Gracia was also sick that time.

In that same month, my family had to vacate the house because of the old reason. I had been fighting for this, to keep my family all together in a house but everything seemed so against me. I tried to resort to writing again but after writing half of the story and not getting any call or message from any publishers, I lost my heart and was not able to finish writing. It was so difficult that I could not join my family in the transfer. What broke my heart was the fact my family had to be distributed. Roron had to be in Bulacan. Calvin had to go to a boarding house in Calamba and Jojo in Santo Tomas. Thank God that Alex was offered to stay with Franz, a friend from church until the end of school year. The rest would join Tita Sol in San Pedro.

All of this had put so much Ginger (Depression) on me. Every hour I worried so much in thinking if they had something to eat, if they were safe. Also I was concerned about the people they were with. I also knew, even if they were not putting it in words, they were all hurting and left with no choice but to live with it. I felt so lost and failed.

Then Nanay, my mother in law, had her operation in October. Praise God that it was successful. Also Calvin got another scholarship. God was so amazing that He always assures me everything is in His mighty control.

I fought Ginger with the hope coming from the LORD, believing in His promise that there would come a day that my whole family would eat together in one same table with so much to eat as prophesied to my sister Nikka Lynn by one of our Pastors.

I still have so many discomforts in my body even though the medication for my kidneys was successful. This and so many other things including my long travel to work are putting me on plate of hard decision-making. It was getting harder for me to travel a long distance everyday. I thought of resigning and look for a new job somewhere near in our place. The back pay would definitely help. I had talked to my boss and to the boss of my boss and I was so grateful with those kind words they said about me. But I am getting the Old Allergy again. I was losing the will to fight and this affects everything.

Last night I realized my decisions were selfish. My prayers were more of complaints than of communicating to God. Today, I am praying that when I finalize my decision about everything, this would glorify God and would benefit all that are involved. Also, I pray that the decision would be a decision I could keep until the decided day.

Smelling the Christmas Breeze

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 01:47:00 +0000

Found this note I wrote last month. I decided sharing it here:

While writing this, I am listening to Hillsong’s O Holy Night. Wow, it’s Christmas now in the Philippines! Filipino Christians love Christmas that we begin feeling Christmas as early as September 1st and it even affects the other Filipinos.

Before I forget, I am so glad that Papa and Mama were in 11AM service at our church yesterday. Only Alex, who was in camping, Psyche, and Chris were not there with us. We were on the third installation of the series ALL IN and we listened to more beautiful gifts from God through the grace of Adoption. It was also the Communion Sunday, remembering what the Lord Jesus Christ did for us in the cross.

God is so great that even Pastor Ernie had a hard time preparing the series. You know what, the illustration of adoption to become the children of God is truly awesome that I don’t know if I could share the whole idea here. I might resort to Podcast, we’ll see.

Last week was the first week we joined the Micah’s team. I still did not know who my other team mates are. We’ll find out tonight. I miss Team May, I miss TL May. Well, TL Micah looks as nice as TL May. I heard so many good things about him. We’ll see.

I am excited for next month. I am not really sure why. I think it’s because I have so many PTOs filed for the month of October. And next month is my birth month! Well, it feels that there is something so huge and so beautiful going to happen in October this year! I don’t have a clue at all but it feels that way. I am praying that there will be something to happen which is great for all of us next month.

Now I am busy writing In (The Dreamwalker’s) Soul Mates. The story is getting clearer now, laughs! Hope this one gives way to the realization of an old dream. Let’s pray for that. This is it for now. Just wanted to write about current details in my life so I won’t forget in the future.

Five Days of Battle

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:46:00 +0000

Day One: The Beginning

On Sunday night Gracia could not sleep. She always took trips to the bathroom. I could see the seriousness of the pain she felt that time on her face, even though she was trying to show me the opposite. She was complaining about abdominal pain. She knew it was UTI. She just went on one-week medication exactly last month. But this time, it was more painful. I was trying to comfort her but I had a fever myself. So we hardly slept the whole night.

Day Two: Had Interstitial Pneumonia

Gracia and Nanay were so worried about me because I had no sipon and no ubo. It only meant that I might have infection. I could not drink any medicine without seeing a doctor except Biogesic because I also have allergy in medicine. But my fever would not go away. And it was like on and off. And once in a week I got fever. But the one I had last Sunday was the most painful.

On Monday morning, Gracia and I went to the Community Hospital and had urinalyses thinking that it could be UTI. After the long process and a series of waiting, the Urologist had already left and would come back on Wednesday. And some of the unprofessional hospital staff was adding to my irritation.

Even if I had fever, I still wanted to go to work since I promised TL Micah that October would be my month. And that’s true, my goal for October is to get 4 for my scorecard. But my fever was getting more serious this time and my joints were feeling worst and my nerves in my head and in my chest felt like strings of guitar being strummed every after minute. I also had LBM. So Gracia decided to take me to Doctors Hospital where they had checked my blood, my breathing, and I also had X-ray. In the process of it, I wanted to give up and just go to work and if they saw me crawling on my knees they might let me go home. But it would take me 3 hours to go to work and another 3 hours to get home. Not a better option.

When Dr. Dy checked my Urinalysis from Community Hospital, he said it was okay. I did not have UTI based on the result.

I am thankful that TL Micah was trying to help me. But after hearing the findings of the Dr. Dy, I rolled my eyes and could not imagine the face of TL Micah once he knew about my Interstitial Pneumonia. I could not mingle with people for the next three days while I go through medication because it is contagious. Dr. Dy insisted that I don’t report to work and I don’t travel for the next three days. I also needed to wear a mask so people around me and I could be safe.

I am thankful to TL Micah that he put me on VGH on Monday shift. When Gracia left me in the room, I heard a woman cry in our room where I was left alone. When Gracia was back, I didn’t tell a word for I did not want to entertain that kind of talk.

Day Three: Nightmares

Gracia was still feeling pain and I am still dealing with my on-and-off fever. I was also starting to feel pain when I peed. So it was not an easy day for the two of us. I felt something was not right about the whole thing and I went upstairs in our room which we hardly visit everyday. I played Gospel songs and I prayed there early at night all by myself. I could feel something was moving around me in that room but I refused to get distracted. I kept singing songs of praises. I heard the box of Gracia’s wedding gown moved like it was swaying in the air. I was feeling scared but I declared the presence of the LORD in our house. The evil spirit became still.

I went down and talked to Nanay and asked her to hold Bible Study at house. (Our house has three little homes. One for me and Gracia, another one for Ate Sheryl and Ken, and of course, the main house.) Nanay was happily and excitedly agreed to my request. So after dinner, we held a Bible Study. We discussed about Romans18:18-20. Our conversation extended to the exercise of power and authority our Lord Jesus Christ had given us.

And then we went to sleep and had a couple of nightmares.

I saw myself in a movie-like setting where two groups were fighting against each other with guns. The other group had real sturdy-looking guns while I as part of the other group had a funny-looking lizard toy gun which blew just like a normal gun would. Then my team had to jump off from a very high place down to a wide river or lake surrounded with many falls. I felt myself submerge into the dirty water like that of a pond. In my head there was a voice which was like doing the storytelling and it told me that that river had so many huge snakes. The moment the word snake was mentioned, I bumped into one. And yes, it was really a huge one like an Anaconda. But the swimming was only for few seconds. I swam out of the water and found myself in a reunion setting at a house I had never seen before which in my dream it was ours. My family was there and so did Gracia’s. Innocently I knew that I came home with a snake. In my head it was just the ordinary snake, not the Anaconda. But in that part of the dream, I was actually with a man who was only wearing a pair of pants. His whole body was covered with bleeding tattoos. His blood was burning like lava. He looked like the devil but it was not getting acknowledged by me in that dream. Then I remembered my baby sister Psyche in the other room of that house and I felt she was scared. So I took her and tried to comfort her in my arms. When we got down the man who had tattoos all over his body became a little girl whose face was like of an angel but the tattoos were still there, making her look like the devil. I was worried that the tattooed girl might get offended so I tried to comfort her. She tried to play with Psyche and the tattooed girl became a normal-looking kid. But she suddenly showed her tattoos on her head which became real devil horns and that made Psyche cry. I took Psyche away and all the elders in our families hold the young girl and casted out the devil from her. She was strong but we did not stop until the black spirit was released from her body. Then we prayed about our other family members who were sleeping for protection. Then I woke up and went to the bathroom. When I got back to the room, Gracia was awake, still in pain and I told her about my nightmare. Then I went to sleep again.

In my second dream, it was as if the continuation of the first one. Psyche was tall in that dream, her height reaching my shoulder. And she spoke fluent English. Then the setting changed so quick that we were all in a dark place. Only people were visible. It was like we were all in the outer space with no stars. We were having dinner and in the corner of my head, I was worried about Gracia’s niece named Kate who was in the upper room in that dream. After dinner I decided to confront the evil spirit with a Banana Que stick in my right hand. I went upstairs and found a huge dog standing on its four feet on a terrace. Then when I got nearer it changed to just a head of a beast I could not describe because I could not remember. Then it spoke to me. It said that there were nine who came ahead of me and all failed and I would also fail. But I told the beast that I knew what he was doing. We would cast him out and to fight back, the beast would make us remember all the bad past we had. And it’s not gonna work this time. I reminded the beast of his future and that is in hell. Then Gracia woke me up. She said I was crying and groaning in my dreams.

I prayed and went to sleep again.

Day Four: Revelations 20:9

Gracia and I went back to Community Hospital for another checkup. We had urinalyses again. Before we left home, there was blood in my pee. We finally met Dr. Valdez, the Urologist. He prescribed medicine to Gracia and when he saw mine, he worried a bit and advised to have my kidneys ultrasound. But Ultrasound Room was closed already that early in the afternoon that day. I had to come back by myself the next day.

When we got home, I shared with Nanay about my dreams. Then Gracia also shared her own experiences about the woman she heard laughing in the middle of the night and the person who lay next to her on her bed when she was alone which I also had experienced myself. The talk about the spirit of a little girl who was a shape-shifter in the area was also mentioned. That same girl could be the one in my dream. We prayed about it and read the Bible. She read to me Revelations 20:9-10. Verse 9 had made a powerful revelation to me. So I went upstairs and prayed there again and the comfort of the LORD filled me there. I thanked God for His protection and guidance in our families. I prayed for my families and friends and the churches. The night came and we had a peaceful sleep.

Day Five: The Results

I had to go to the hospital all by myself for Gracia had to report to work. She had been absent for three days, too. I went early in the hospital and was listening to The Anthem by Planetshakers. I was there as early as 7 a.m. but ultrasound for my kidneys would be around 10 a.m. I was thankful that I was the first one because I had to hold my pee until after the session and that hurt. When I had the result inside a white envelop which I had to bring to the urologist, Dr. Valdez was not there and I was asked by the nurse to come back at 2:30p.m.

I came back and praise God, it’s nothing serious. Just little medication and I’m good.

Have to Stop

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:24:00 +0000

I need to stop. I need to stop worrying too much. I need to stop focusing on problems. I need to stop because I am affecting people around. It becomes now everybody’s problem. And I don’t want that. I told myself many times that it feels like I am running in circles and not going anywhere. That is true. And that is because unconsciously somehow I had chosen to run in circles. Now I realized that these circles are actually my comfort zones! I realized that nothing is happening in my life because I keep myself in my comfort zone! Did they say ‘No guts, no glory’? This is so true. And I am still young. Yes I make mistakes but my mistakes should not be mistakes forever. They should become my learning points. They should never happen again.

To tell you the truth, after I felt my logic was back, when the pain had subsided, I saw the damage and I felt like I feared the possible consequence. I am so much thankful that there are people who are very supportive all the way. And I don’t want all the support to get wasted.

I should start caring for people who care for me, who love me and I should start that in fixing myself. My reasons are valid. There are so many storms in my life and I was not prepared. And watching the storms as I cloaked myself in Ginger Allergy (My name for Depression) would not solve the problems. But if I step out there in the open and by faith, exercise the favor of God, I know I would not run in circles anymore.

And thank You God for the wisdom. And bless all the people who never give up on me. Tonight, whatever happens, help me LORD to take it with the right confidence and attitude. If a door closes, You Yourself God would definitely open a better window for me. And here where my faith stands. In Your blood, Lord Jesus. Thank You.

P.S. Just went to my checkup. After series of questions and after she pressed my eyes which hurt, the doctor referred me to an Ophthalmologist which I c an take but she also referred me to a Neurologist which kind of alarming. Bahala Ka na, Abba.

Strength from The Inside

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Late Times Three

Last week I was late three days in a row. The first time, I was late for three hours! The second time was only for five minutes, I could sigh on that one. It was so frustrating. The third one was the most unfair situation of all.

Imagine this; I woke up at 5PM, dragging my tired body out of bed so to ready for work. My wife was still at work. (You see, we don’t see each other that much, schedule conflict. She works at daytime while I work at night shift.) She was not there to help me prepare my things and I learned a routine how to prepare everything before I go to sleep. Prior that shift, I made a promise with TL May that I would not be late again. Well, it seems like promises are really made to be broken.

I was thankful that I was able to leave the house minutes before 6PM. I was feeling good when I was able to get a bus around 6:30PM. My shift by the way starts at 9PM. Yes, I travel three hours to get to work in Alabang. I am used to it and my body has learned to adapt to the schedule and to the distance.

So there, when the bus was in Alaminos there was an unbelievable traffic. The worst traffic of my life! The bus was not moving for almost two hours! I could see people from the other vehicles getting off the buses and jeepneys, walking on the street. If only Alabang was just right in the next town, I might have tried walking myself but that would not work for me.

I tried to do something else on the bus as I waited for it to move it a foot or two. I had my new notebook for my thoughts and I wrote there how I was feeling that time. I listened to Worship Songs from my cell phone. I had fallen to sleep many times and every time I would open my eyes, I was still on the same bus and the bus was still on the same street.

I was chanting ‘Mind Over Matter’ telling myself that everything would be okay. But I guess myself knew so well that I was just fooling myself. I would be late again. I texted TL May, letting her know that I would be late again.

Don’t want to send this text because it’s so frustrating. I’m still in Alaminos, but bus not moving. Super traffic. Third day. I’ll be late—again. Sorry, TL. Is it possible to get VGH first half of the shift?

Then she replied her disappointment. I felt that she did not believe me. She thought I woke up late again just like the first time. I panicked and tried to find a proof that I woke up at 5PM and that I was spending ‘quality moments’ with the bus driver and the bus steward with other passengers on the bus. I was tempted to call TL May and let her speak to either the bus driver of the steward. But I did not have enough loads to do that crazy option. Then I remembered the ticket in my bag. So I texted TL May telling her that I have an evidence. The way I composed the message, I could imagine her laughing through her swelling disappointment.

I arrived in the office at 12MN. Scream.

The Un-Official Team Building

It feels sad that the team is going to be dispersed this September. TL May is transferring to a different account. Ivan, Nikka, and I will also be transferred to that account but we do not have a date yet when this will take place. And the rest of the team will be separated joining different teams. I don’t want to be mushy on this but it somehow hurts to see the team gets disbanded. But it’s part of growth and we take it as an opportunity to know more people and to learn more things in a different environment. Besides, we can still see each other and we will remain friends, although I can’t really count on the first part of the statement.

So we had an un-official team building after shift yesterday. But not everyone was able to join. Leif, RH, Dan, and CJ went on VGH (Voluntary Go Home. Not Paid.) even before lunch and they went in Green and Grills in Festival. They greeted the dawn with towers and towers of beer and cigarettes.

Eventually, almost the rest of the team went on VGH after lunch to join them there. So we went there waiting for TL May, Gay, Lorie, and Chester. The place was dark matching the mood for drinkers and smokers. They were singing in Videoke, choosing loud songs. I contented myself on a well-lit table where I was reading the Student Bible of Nikka. In few minutes, Nikka, Ivan, Robyn, and Dan joined me there.

We had talked about the Genesis. I was impressed with Ivan’s knowledge of the Bible. It felt like I could learn more from him if I get a chance the next time.

Ellen was getting jealous of the situation and wanted us to join them in their table. I was hesitant because of the smoke but then I joined them.

When it’s morning already, the others already went home. TL May finally arrived. In RH’s car, Dan, Ellen, TL May, and I had talked about so many crazy and interesting topics. We went in Ellen’s house in Cavite. We had breakfast—tinapa, fried eggs, and fried talong.

After breakfast, Ellen served as a host to Dan and RH in the outer sala in their house, while TL May and I enjoyed our conversation inside. I learned so much from her. She is a very strong woman. We exchanged life stories and it was really inspiring. Some stories were cute.

I drank some dry wine until I got so sleepy and fell asleep. I woke up quarter to four in the afternoon. I refreshed myself and decided to leave. I would be meeting Gracia in Sto. Tomas so that we could go home together.

Seeing Psyche Again

I received a text message from Tita Sol while I was on a van to Alabang which had put an instant excitement in my heart. She was with Psyche in Star Mall. So before I went to the Bus Terminal to Batangas, I dropped by and met them in Food Court. I was so happy to see Psyche again. I hugged her and she hugged me back. I kissed her on the lips. I asked her so many questions but she only smiled back at me. It was breaking my heart that my family is not together at the toughest time of our lives. One of my major requests to God was that this whole setup would not affect Psyche negatively. Also I’m praying for everything to get back to normal real soon. All my hope is in Him who knows better than me. I know this will end real soon and we will be together again.

When I kissed Psyche my goodbye, I saw the disappointment in her eyes. She was holding back tears. I was impressed that she was trying to be strong at her very young age. In those eyes I could feel that she silently wanted me to take her home with me. But I just could not. Oh God, I just couldn’t… I forced myself to think of beautiful memories to deny the sad tears about to flow from my eyes.

Strawberry Flavor

I waited for Gracia in 711 in FPIP. I decided to buy her a drink. I could not find her favorite Mogu Mogu. I remembered that she wanted to try the Soya Drink so I got her one. While choosing the right flavor, I remembered her saying to me to choose what I do not like and for sure she would like it instead. So I chose the strawberry flavor which I didn’t like. And yes, she likes that one.

Funny Chat

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:41:00 +0000

Funny Chat

Now that time is running before the team gets disbanded in September, everyone is always making sure to have fun on the floor.

One time, we were playing on the chat room. When someone left his or her computer unlocked, Ellen, Robyn, Nikka, and Ivan were playing on that person’s chat! Well, it was only on the team chat. And it was really funny!

See the pictures below.

Also I want to share the newspaper versions of the picture during the Class Awards in Convergys where I got this!

Missing Heart

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 02:51:00 +0000

Yesterday I was anticipating seeing Psyche when I went home to Calamba but to my disappointment, there was only Papa at home. I prepared breakfast for him. I even joined him in breakfast. We had Sinigang Na Baboy, Fried Bangus, and Sopas but he did not want the Sopas so I ate the Sopas all by myself.

He watched TV the whole day. I easily fell into a sleep as I lay on my stomach. I woke up to Eat Bulaga. We were laughing together at Jose’s jokes. Then we only had Instant Pancit Canton for lunch. He also had some of his garlic bread and the peanut sandwich cookies which were supposedly for Psyche. He could not eat something else.

Secretly I was hoping that my brothers would come home earlier that day because I wanted to see them. But it was getting late that I did not see them when I left home. I kissed Papa a goodbye and I saw the sadness in his eyes I always see recently. Somehow it hurt my heart and I felt guilty leaving him alone there. Part of me was telling me to stay a bit until someone got home to replace me. But also another part of me was reminding me that I had to meet Gracia after her work so we could go home in San Pablo together.

I was feeling heavy-hearted when I decided to meet Jae Em. But instead of updates with each other when I got to their house, I found his Ate Mabel there and I enjoyed listening to her funny stories from her work.

After that, I went to SM City Calamba to fulfill a promise. I went to National Bookstore and bought Gracia a beautiful Sketchpad. It is called Minerva. When I saw it I knew it was the one for Gracia. When I checked the price, I coughed playfully and decided to look for something else. I found affordable ones but they did not level to the beauty of Minerva Sketchpad. So I decided to take the Minerva one instead.

I also remembered as if Gracia was inside my head whispering, “Uy, don’t forget about the water color pencils.” With a smile on my face, I looked for water color pencils and it took me just a few seconds to find one and err, the price caused my heart to skip a beat or two, laughs!

Before I knew it, I was there standing before the cashier to pay for the sketchpad and its family. I was so excited to see Gracia to give it to her. I also bought myself a cheap but decent notebook. I thought I needed inspiration now that I am back to real writing.

On my way to Batangas to meet Gracia, my heart was still feeling heavy because of the situation of my family. It hurt a lot. It is getting difficult and tiring to define this pain. But something in me is hopeful and knowing that it will end real soon. I just have to wait and let myself see how the Hands of God move in our lives. Truth is that I cannot do this anymore. And glory to God who is the source of all my hope, faith, and strength. It is not easy but I can still smile a real smile.

On the other hand, at work, VGH or Voluntary Go Home (We are offered to go home early if there are not much calls in queue. This is not paid. ) is flooding on the floor everyday, making people on the floor buzz about the unwanted change maybe real soon.

In Team May, I think everyone is secretly emotional about the disbanding of the team this September.

Everyone is taking time to join team breakfasts and other bonding time.

Well, we’ll see.

Team May: The New Horizon. The Second Team Building

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 03:45:00 +0000

The Final Interview

Just when everyone in Team May was so excited about the team building as the shift was about to end when a new chat-room from Ms. Jo popped up on my screen as I assisted a customer on the phone. Felt like all the sleeping butterflies suddenly got disturbed and their wings were flapping like they were giving me instant LBM right there! Oh my, I was so not prepared! All I was thinking was the team building. But there it was, asking me to take the interview for QA Apprentice post right after shift. Boy, I was so heart-brokenly nervous!

So the verdict started as I got fetched by Kai, all I was praying to God was to guide me all the way. One thing was sure, I could not do it all by myself. So I couldn’t control my brain from thinking of exaggerating thoughts.

When I was being interviewed, I was more nervous than before. When I was asked to rank myself about computer work, I gave Mr. Bert a nine score to rate myself. But he asked specifically about Microsoft Excel. I did not know what to say. All I knew was I badly wanted to be part of QA team and so I could do researching more. I saw Jeremy Castro at Mr. Bert’s back giving me hint with his fingers and I couldn’t see it clearly because I did not want to take away my eyes from Mr. Bert. I thought I saw Jeremy Castro showing me ten fingers. But I didn’t think I could take ten for my score so I stuck to nine, leaving one more finger for room of improvement.

Then Mr. Bert asked me list of questions about Microsoft Excel. “Do you know this?” I hesitated a bit and said, “No.” Then another do-you-know-this question which was answered by me with another No. And there were like three more questions and answers like that. Oh my! Then the question was asked again, “How do you rate yourself in Microsoft Excel?” With humble voice I said, three.

Scream! Oh my goodness! That shattered all of me right there in front of him. Still, I let Father God to do the rest of it. Please LORD…

Team May: The New Horizon. The Second Team Building

Part One: Si Mang Fred

The setup was that Robyn, Lief, and Julius would join Saundra and John in their car. The rest hopped into Dan’s van. I took the front seat with Arjie. Laine was also with us. The travel itself was already fun. Jokes filled the van. Ellen joined forces with Chester in making fun of me, laughs!

When we got in Pansol, we were received too much of ‘hospitality’ from ‘resort barker’. We waited for Mang Fred, our guide to Villa Emma where we would celebrate our team building. I wouldn’t be able to detail out the ‘eyeball’ we had with Mang Fred, gulo niya kausap sa phone! It took us almost thirty minutes to finally find him. He said on the phone he was wearing yellow shirt and we got a bit paranoid out of too much impatience that we literally harassed all who wore yellow passing by our parked van, laughs!

After one thousand years, we found Mang Fred and he led us on his humble bike to Villa Emma. Smiles.

Part Two: The Battle Of Cooks

Everyone was busy cooking the foods. I was trying to help by preparing the other ingredients, naks! Ellen was with Chester. Dan was busy in his specialty, the tacos! Laine got too occupied with her early session with Gay with The Bar that they almost burnt the spaghetti pasta, laughs!

When everything was almost ready, TL May and Saundra went up to their room and prepared the games. Getting hungry, Laine and I began to eat. Boy, the food was great! Even though it did not look so presentable on our table, I’m telling you, it was great! In fact, you could ask Laine about the foods! Laughs! She couldn’t stop eating!

Part Three: Playing The Games

We played Charade in which my team lost! Laughs! Then we ate our lunch together. Then we played the famous Pinoy Henyo (Pinoy Genius) where we were divided into two teams. I was with Princess, Robyn, Laine, and Dan. Every turn, each team should choose a representative who would pick the word he would need to guess by asking questions to his team mates. His team mates would only be allowed to say No, Yes, and Maybe. And it was timed to two minutes.

There were so many funny moments. There was a time when it was Dan’s first turn that he was so excited to represent our team. He first picked the word Liempo (for those who don’t know, it’s like barbeque). Dan had a hard time guessing the word. Funnier part was that when it was the chance of the other team to steal, they could not even guess the word! Laughs!

When it was Dan’s second turn, he picked the word Puso (heart). And, again, he did not guess the word. And I said good job because the other team could not also guess the word.

On the last part, Dan wanted to make the guess again and that time the other team was a point ahead of us. I quickly pushed Dan back down to his seat and said, “Oh please don’t!” Laughs! That was the only chance we had to at least to tie with the other group.

We forced Robyn to take the guessing job, laughs! And in no time she was able to guess the word Canada.

For the tie breaker, everyone agreed that each group would give the word that the opposite team needed to guess. Dan suggested Internet. Gay, from the other group, almost guessed the word. Then, again, Dan took the guessing job. The word was Dandruff. I doubted he could even get close to the word at all. But guess what? He did it! He was able to guess the word! Laughs! We won!

Then we ate, sang the videoke, others drank, Chester slept upstairs, and made fun of each other.

Part Four: In The Pool

Again, I don’t swim. Still, I like skipping in the pool, laughs! Scariest part was when Gay and Laine were trying to pull down my shorts, laughs! Good thing it was tied real hard that they could not even pull it close to my knees! But that was so scary, laughs!

And there was so much fun in the pool.

Part Five: Going Home

It felt bitin when we had to leave by five. I hope there would be another team building.

Part Six: The Pictures

Meet Ms. Beautiful Smile

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:28:00 +0000

“Nan, please do something admirable…” For the nth time I heard Saundra asking me to join that blood donation project of EEC or Employee Engagement Champions in Convergys. And again, I told her that as much I wanted to share my Class A blood, laughs, I could not do so because I tried it before to help a friend of a friend in our church. However, a couple of medical technicians from Asian Hospital told me after dissecting and damaging my, ehem, delicate nerves in both arms that the needle they had for blood transfusion was too big for my veins. Err, I was like about to pass out making myself believe that I was brave enough to conquer my fear of…needles. But hey, the needle they had there was not just simple needle. They had NEEDLE! If they were comparing injections with Ant’s bite, wow, that must be a huge ant they were referring to! And there was Saundra, and Lorie, reminding me of my supposedly forgotten past, laughs!

But Saundra has this special talent that when she gives you her ever-beautiful smile, it is as if there is no other way but to say YES. Well, that didn’t work for me after flashing the memory of that giant needle.

And yes, we have Saundra Joy B. Villaester in the house as the second featured agent from Team May. When you enter a room, no way you will miss the smile of Saundra. She is always smiling. She easily gets my joke. Laughs! She is one of the best people on the floor. And here is the funny conversation I had with Saundra a.k.a. Sandra Parker.

Ms. Beautiful smile

Wow. Kelangan ba talaga ‘to? haha.. Naku, wala akong matinong masasagot. Ha-ha. (Do I really need to do this? Laughs! Err, I don’t think I could give you good answers. Laughs!)

Fernand Yim: Please tell something about yourself? (Interview? He-he)

Saundra Joy B. Villaester: I'm tall, dark, and handsome. Yuck, lalake . Ha-ha. Peace, Nan. Typical girl, sensitive and seryoso ako kausap. Kung gusto mo tumawa, hindi ako ang tamang tao. Ha-ha. But I always smile. Mababaw kaligayahan ko pero mababaw din luha ko :)

Additional info na baka makatulong sayo, haha:

I love singing so much. I'm a choir member since elementary until college. I like flowers (especially yellow ones--fave color is yellow). My fave food is sinigang. I love chocolates. I play guitar and a bit of keyboards. I love reading novels. Roman Catholic. I love Sudoku. I love to sleep. Slam book? Ha-ha.

Aside from being a great singer, she also plays the guitar next to...trash?

F.Y.: Why did you apply in Convergys?

S.J.V.: I actually applied as an HR Associate in Convergys Sta. Rosa. I did apply because I wanted to pursue my career in human resources in a well-known company. I was interviewed but I never got a call after. Then I have this friend who is really into call centers and applied in Convergys Alabang. It was her final interview after a week of training. She told me stories about how fun the English training was and asked me to come with her on her final interview that day. And so I tried my luck, since I never got a call for an HR post from Sta. Rosa, maybe I could start as an agent. I went with her as a walk-in applicant and passed my always-ready-resume. This is my after college life's second job interview (1st in CVG Sta. Rosa, ha-ha), and right there and then, they processed my application and the next day I signed the job offer. It was really a very quick decision, because I never thought of applying as call center agent. But after all, as long as I'm part of Convergys, whatever post, I’m in good hands :)

F.Y.: What do you like and hate about your job? Can you tell more of your job?

S.J.V.: Aside from loving my graveyard shift (because I wanted to get a fair skin, ha-ha), I like the feeling of being of help to other people. It's like fixing their lives. I love showing I care to the customers (this is true) and hearing them say they appreciate what I did. So every call for me is like saving their lives. But the worst part of course is that you did everything yet it's still a sup call. HAHA! No, seriously, what I hate is being a shock-absorber or a yelling-couch of the customers, oh well, we all do.

F.Y.: Aside from taking calls, what else do you do in Convergys? Can you tell more about EEC?

S.J.V.: Teasing Lorie is my hobby in CVG. Ha-ha. I'm also part of the EEC or Employee Engagement Champions. We help the management to plan and execute activities for employees. I joined not merely to enjoy while I work, but to make our employees enjoy their work and stay with us.

Can try do some cover up but that smile will shine.

F.Y.: On your rest days, where can we usually find you? And what are you doing?

S.J.V.: At our home, John's home, friend's home and God's home :)

F.Y.: On a regular day, who is Sandra Parker?

S.J.V.: Saundra Villaester-- daughter, a friend, a lover (I think I know whose line is this, ha-ha)

F.Y.: Why Sandra Parker?

S.J.V.: Apart from Sandra Parker sounding really nice for me, I really love Spiderman movies (Great power comes with great responsibility). And to top it all, to combine it with Fernand King… ParKing, ha-ha. Saundra would cost me a lot of time to spell for others :)

Shy?

F.Y.: Aside from John, who is your other crush we don’t know yet?

S.J.V.: He-he, Uhmm... Let’s keep it like the way you don't know it. Ha-ha. I don't have any other crushes. John is the only one who makes me love my work more every day. Ha-ha!

F.Y.: Any career goals?

S.J.V.: To be part of the Human Resources team in God's time.

F.Y.: What do you do best?

S.J.V.: I always do my best in everything I do. Ha-ha.

F.Y.: Any weird talents?

S.J.V.: I have seconds-before-it-happen premonition.

F.Y.: Any funny experience/s in call center? Off and on the phone.

S.J.V.: Off phone, when Ellen and I were talking to Jeh in our vernacular, he thought his Avaya was on mute and so the caller asked "What language is that?!" ha-ha!

F.Y.: Any advice to those who are considering call center jobs?

S.J.V.: If you are planning to apply and work as agents, take a dose of anesthetics, so you won't feel the pain. Ha-ha.

F.Y.: If you did not apply in Convergys, where do you think you are right now?

S.J.V.: At home. Chos! Ha-ha. ABS-CBN's Training Coordinator or Meralco's Human Resources, or a business woman.

F.Y.: Any far-out dreams?

S.J.V.: To be the America's Next Top Model. Ha-ha! Far-out, right? Ha-ha. I actually wanted to own and manage a five-star hotel.

F.Y.: Why do you think you were hired?

S.J.V.: He-he. Why shouldn't I be? Ha-ha. This is my destiny; I’m destined to help Convergys. Convergys is engraved in my name. Ha-ha!

F.Y.: Can you tell about your current stats?

Always funny. Life is fun.

S.J.V.: Please… uhm… Let’s not talk about availability. Ha-ha. But my scorecard for the past two months is at 4.00!

F.Y.: Who do you look up to in Convergys?

S.J.V.: TL May :)

F.Y.: What do you say about people you are working with?

Where is John?

S.J.V.: They are fun, sweet and inspiring. They make my Convergys work worth keeping :)

F.Y.: If there is just one thing you want to be gone for just one day at work, what is it?

S.J.V.: Pound 9. Ha-ha!

F.Y.: What do you think can be done to better your job? Keep your goal in mind, push for it harder every day, and pray.

Superhero Personal Info:

I graduated valedictorian during elementary in Infant Jesus Montessori, graduated in Muntinlupa Science High School, BS Psychology in UST. Fave quotes "We value words of appreciation so highly because so much of what we do seem to go unnoticed" and "As long as you do what's right, nothing could go wrong...with HIM on your side".

Updates And...

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:11:00 +0000

This day was quite…I don’t know…tiring? I was trying to keep up the positive attitude but it was really a bit…too much?

One of my team-mates got 1.5 survey score (We have survey every after each call where customer can score as 5 being the highest and 1 as the lowest score) and it did pull down the day performance of the site and of course, of the team. This guy is my friend and it was really unbelievable that it was coming from him. He is one of the best guys on the floor and this 1.5 survey score would not change that. I think we all need sometimes to encounter situations like this so to learn and therefore, to grow. But of course, it will be better if we learn without getting bad experience.

TL May was a bit scary, well, she was really scary and I remembered that day when I got my 2.0 survey score last year. She was very competitive and like what she always said, she is her real person. She is what she is. She lets you see her best and at the same time her worst if appropriate. But I like her as she is. She is very strong and when you make mistakes, she will make sure that you will learn from it. That shapes my character and it did help me realize what I could do and that inspires me so much.

For my friend who got 1.5, he is still one of our assets. Again, a lesson was learned. In fact, everyone did learn from it.

Per the positivity, I know God will bless the team and the site with more perfect surveys and there will be no more non-five surveys. Looking forward to the end of the month.

And, hey, I forgot to tell you that yesterday was my interview finally for my application for QA Apprentice post. That was so scary! I could not relax. I was wishing to get over it as soon as possible. Well, the lady whose name was Zaida, she interviewed me, she was very nice. The presence of Ms. Jo, the QA manager, was adding to my nervousness. I hope it did not show at all.

The interview was kind of short and I was not able to get a chance to tell my winning line! And that is…laughs! No way am I gonna say that here. I’ll keep it for the next interview! Naks! Assuming! Laughs!

I also want to thank all the people praying for me. I really appreciate you all. I am so pleased and blessed that my Christian friends and families are all praying for me. I wanna say the whole church is praying for me! Well, I pray that the will of Father God be done in this phase of my life.

Arg, so much I am thinking lately. But I know it will get better not soon…but NOW.

P.S. Nikka is coming back next week. Also next week is our team building.

Was Forced To Laugh At A Joke

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 02:53:00 +0000

There was a very old man who could not pee. This very old man went to see his urologist. The urologist asked him what was the problem. The very old man said, "Doc, I could not pee." Then the doctor asked him, "How old are you?" Then the very old patient answered, "I'm 92." And the doctor said, "Oh I see. Well, you have peed enough!"

Feel free to leave a comment if you find this joke funny. Well, I don't think I'll get comments from this post but who knows? He-he. Hope to hear from you. :)

Meet Mr. Discipline

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 02:30:00 +0000

"I live not believing in perfection, cause with that I continue to strive for it." - Jeremy Castro

My shoes looked dirty. Even though I had washed them three times already before I went to Convergys on the first day of training - the very first day of my Convergys life.

Yes, I was nervous but I felt like more excited than nervous. After all, it is Convergys. I am now a Convergys guy. I still love Teletech and Sykes. But this is Convergys.

I tried convincing myself that my shoes just looked fine. They might look dirty and all that but that's how I liked them to be. Didn't want them to be over-cleaned, you know what I am saying. They were just fine to me.

Then someone wearing a pair of all shiny classic leather shoes walked in the lobby of Convergys 1, joining me and the rest of the new wave trainees that day. The guy had every strand of his hair in right places. He looked smart and aristocratic. He looked so clean and neat. So unlike me that my dirty shoes got easily intimidated. I took my body-bag off my lap to put it down and to cover my, ehem, then shying shoes!

"Rich kid." I whispered to myself. "Looks like call center virgin. Hope he survives the call center jungle." I added as if having real conversation with someone.

Days later, I learned his name is Jeremy Lowell Castro. Err, even his name sounds elite. So that was my first impression of Jeremy or Jeh as we fond of calling him. He is now the pride of our wave, the Wave 20a, and of Team May.

I never met someone who doesn't only live discipline but breathes it until I met Jeh. He made me realize how un-disciplined I was (Or am?). Many times I wish I could be a bit like him. For someone who just graduated from college, no working experience, and in a matter of nine months, he has now been promoted as...err, can't remember the exact position he is now holding. It levels to manager, something like that. His direct boss in from US. Writing this here makes me remember the Greenwich commercial, laughs! He is very inspiring. He is not only a big dreamer. He is also a big achiever.

Here is more of our conversation.

Fernand Yim: What were your stats?

Jeremy Castro: For LH, which I think is the most important stat, 0.00%. For QA.. Before I went to ABAY, I got a 100, and then I got a 95, but TL May disputed it cause of the markdown for repeat call indicator, they tried to listen to that call again, then they gave me a 100. That made my average a 100.

FY: What you like about your work as an agent, as ABAY, and now with your new job?

JC: As an agent, I had fun taking in calls cause it developed my communication skills.

As an ABAY coach, I had a great time supporting, developing, coaching the transition agents.

As for my new job, I know eventually I'll find a way to enjoy it.

FY: What do you like about Convergys?

JC: The way they take care of their employees. They know how to develop, they know whats best for their employees.

FY: Why did you apply in Convergys?

JC: I remember, it was a week after my graduation, I was cleaning our car.. It came to my mind that, "Hey, I'm a college graduate already, why am I still cleaning our car? I need to be productive." That day, I went in front of our computer, typed in Jobsdb.com, sent my resume to all of the good companies. Then on that same day, someone from Convergys called, then he told me to bring my resume, ID's, etc, so that on the next day I can apply already. That's what happened, and it was all because I didn't want to be stuck at home doing chores.

FY: Who is the most influential person in your life now who contributed in your success?

JC: My Mom. (Very safe answer there, smiles)

FY: And I didn't give up so I asked this, 'What inspires you?'

JC: The fact that everyday, there's a possibility that something great and amazing can happen if you just give everything you've got. It's the way life gives back.(Err, another safe answer.)

FY: What do you do if you're out of work?

JC: Out of work, meaning out of shift? Stay in the office. :D I spend my time with my family. I try to relax by eating out. Watch a movie. Play computer games. Exercise with my trusted jump rope. Go to church.

FY: Who is Jeremy Castro on normal days?

JC: A son, A friend, A lover.(A lover...hmmm...smiles)

FY: Any future plans or goals? Any dreams? Wild or weird dream which could be so-not-Jeremy?

JC: I want to reach the highest possible position in our company.
I often dream about flying.
I want to be a Rockstar. :)
(I could relate with becoming a rockstar. and I also dream of flying, many times!)

FY: Are you still counting your calories?

JC: I don't have time to count them anymore. But I make sure that every week I still have time to work out, even for just 30minutes.

FY: Any hobbies?

JC: I play computer games, currently I enjoy playing NBA 2k11. I work out. I draw. If eating and daydreaming is a hobby, you can count those in. (Err, didn't even know what was that...smiles)

FY: Anything we don't know yet about you which you may want to share with us now?

JC: There are a lot of things even my mom don't know about me. :)

FY: Who and what do you miss in Team May?

JC: I miss Team Meetings, Post shift huddle, QC reminders, Coaching, Training Offline, Team Building, Monthly Awards. I miss Nikka's questions, I miss Dan and Nan's jokes, I miss Saundra and Ellen's stories, I miss Arjie's put-customer-on-mute-just-to-say-mr/ms customer-its-your-fault-thing, I miss Laine's rapport, I miss Mina's craziness, I miss my QA partner Gay, I miss Danix and Kat's pcs. I miss TL May. I miss everyone.

FY: Any advice to those (like me) who want to follow your success?

JC: Keep your LH at 0.00%.

Stick with the rules.

Be humble.

Keep your words soft and sweet just in case you'll have to eat them.

Success seems to be a matter of HANGING ON after others have let go.

ORA et LABORA ( Prayer and Work )

Do your best and God will do the rest.

FY: Anything you want to say?
JC: Team Building? :) I love you guys! Take care! :)

Good job, Jeh! Keep up the good work! Five Star for you!

Keywords:

LH means Lost Hours counting absences and tardiness.

QA means the quality score.

ABAY stands for Academy Bay which is about assisting and preparing the trainees from training to the actual job.

Applying For QA Apprentice!

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 03:12:00 +0000

After the Strong series in our local church for the whole month of February, by the way it was our second year whole month celebration; the Book of Joshua is now one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is so inspiring and so exciting that it revealed so much of God to me. My favorite part was the most ambitious prayer of Joshua praying for God to stop the rotation of the whole earth for one whole day! Was that amazing? And for the last week of February, I was praying my long shot prayers to Father God, smiles. For now, I keep those prayers to myself and to my Christian brothers.

Also I finally re-joined a Victory group in the church. I used to say before that I still had no time and would be very much interested to join one in the future once my schedule permits me. But then and again, I felt like God was telling me that there was no such thing as No Time. I wondered, what if God said He has no time for me, how about that? I don’t know about you but that was a very dreadful thought.

And you know what? It was great that I finally had my Victory group. I was with Jae Em, Bong, and Red last Sunday. It was fun and easy and you know that familiar feeling that you are so at ease and God’s presence is with you. That one was amazing.

Then when I went to work, I felt so relaxed and so inspired. In the first hour of the shift, TL May post the invite for the application for QA Apprentice in the team chat room. This was the same position Gay and Jeh applied before and were hired. Being a QA Apprentice means no income increase but more time of staying in the office for some…QA tasks. But the cool thing there is that you get handy with what’s going on in the heart of Customer Service. And also I feel like I wanted to do more. I am happy with taking calls, err, I can’t believe I could now say this, laughs! Truth is, it is the people I am working with that makes the huge difference. Everyone wants you to achieve your career goals. Unlike with…never mind, laughs!

So after asking Father God in prayers if I would try and, ehem, I then told TL May that I am interested. I felt relieved that I finally got the right courage to say it and at the same time, I felt so pressured and could not help it but worry too much with a lot of what-ifs. But TL May assured me that whatever happens, she will still accept me, laughs!

Then yesterday I stayed in the office for a couple more hours asking Gay and Jeh to orient me with some things I should be prepared about. I think they were very fair not to tell me about the whole process but they gave me tips on how to stay cool in the interview. After that, I tagged myself along with Gay and Khai , didn’t know Khai drives, in Khai’s car and they planned to drop me in Pacita thinking that I could save money with that idea (then finding out later that it would actually cost me more, laughs!).

Gay Espanto

I was not sure if it was because Khai was five-month pregnant that the two decided to stop in Greenwich in Gas station in South Expressway. I was so worried for I was not ready that I dod not have extra money for it and did not have my debit card. But then, like a true blessing, Gay paid for my meal! Yehey!

Khai with her husband

I enjoyed the food and the conversation. Well, Khai just told me that the other applicants are very good. That made me a little more upset but I was holding on tight in my faith. Let the will of God in my life be done.

And we had to go for later that day, Gracia and I would meet. And that was another story. 

Things That We Do In Call Centers To Spice Up Our Busy, Or Sometimes Not That Busy, Working Lives!

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20:58:00 +0000

1. We chat. That's right. Even if we already have a call. Assisting a caller doesn't stop us from chatting next to our seatmate. That is what the mute button is for.

2. We eat. Yes, it is okay to eat on the floor as long as the food doesn't smell. From this habit, you will notice that there are two groups of call center agents. Those who keep gaining weight as the volume of calls increase. And they don't care. Anyway foods, or eating, are very effective reliever of stress. The other group is those who live in the gyms. I don't think there is a need for me to explain that further.

3. We play cards. When I was still with Teletech in Lipa, while taking calls we were playing cards. It was fun. So much fun. Of course, that was when the gods were not on the floor.

4. We draw. We draw whatever we feel like drawing as long as there is a clean sheet of paper and pencil handy from Boss Ivor's drawer. When he reads this, he might stop wondering why his pencils are missing.

5. We call each other using the Avaya, the call center phone. Of course that is not allowed which makes it more exciting.

6. We do coloring. Some of the agents bring coloring books and they color them, of course, with crayons.

7. We drink. That's right. We, or I, bring flavored Vodka on the floor inside my spill-proof mug. That is not allowed which makes it very exciting. The thrill that you might lose your job any moment, that was priceless. If you got caught, from priceless, you become jobless. Err.

8. Talking about other people lives. They, not me, love to talk about who flirts with who, who hates who, who likes who, and all of those who-verb-who's.

9. We flirt. There are so many good-looking people in call centers. So many of us, err, of them. Hey, it is my blog so let us say 'of us', OK? Laughs! So there, you will see him dating her today, then by tomorrow he is dating another her, or a him. Err.

10. We do fashion shows. There are so many call center agents who are so good when it comes to fashion. There are so many beautiful people that to some point, you feel like you are one of them. Really. Some are totally outrageous, like you can't explain what they are trying to express. What era they have come from. Like, oh look, Goku comes alive! How about Piccolo? Err. Name it, we have it.

11. We are one-day millionaire. We earn a lot and spend a lot. That explains it. Many say, I'll start saving money next payday. Two years have passed by, we are still saying that.

12. We do the dirty things. They do the dirty things. I just watch. Laughs!

Obama Will Fix It!

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Scenario 1

Agent: Mr. ****, we didn't receive a payment from you on time and as a result, a past due fee was already assessed on your account.

Caller: I don't give a f*** care, Obama will fix it.

Comment: Adik ka, Sir.

Scenario 2

Agent: We only process your payment once we receive it. And we understand that you sent your payment a week earlier before the due date, however Mr. ****, we don't have control over the delivery of your payment.

Caller: And so do I. I don't have control over the delivery of my payment. I'm NOT the President of the United States!

Comment: The caller has a point. A lame one. Adik.

Scenario 3

Agent: OK, let me repeat what I just said. (And she did.)

Caller: What!? Do what now?

Agent: (Sighing after pressing the mute button.) Mr. ****, I was telling you…

Caller: What fees?

Agent: (On mute) Mamatay ka na sanang matanda ka!

Comment: Bad agent. Anyway it was so funny!

Scenario 4

Agent: What city and state, please.

Caller: What?

Agent: What city and state, please.

Caller: What?

Agent: What city…and state…please.

Caller: What?

Agent: (Now irate) What city! City! City!

Comment: What a st**** caller.

Hey, Thank You!

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 17:53:00 +0000

I am very pleased to know that there are people who are reading me from here. I t has been a long time that I did not write for Team Call Center. It is because I lost my heart to continue writing here for I thought no one was reading me from here.

But I remembered the very reason why I set up this page, and that was to share and to help as much as I can. I appreciate the other sites re-posting my posts even if I was not aware of it.

To all the readers and my one follower, I thank you so much. I promise to write more once our computer is fixed at home.

Again, thank you.

3. Just Got A Job

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:03:00 +0000

“How do you see yourself after five years?”

The interviewer in impressive casual suit asks me. I am a writer and I know the answer to that question. They are not really interested to know my goals in life but they want to know if I am planning to stay with them for the next five years of my life.

In my head I want to shout, I want to be the first placer for Elite Writing! But instead I hear myself say, “Will there be vacancy in your position by then?” He laughs at my reply as he slightly taps my hand on the table, while I give it just a simple smile. Bading ata ‘to, eh.

“Well, we would be expecting you tomorrow for the newest batch orientation. You’re the last person to get included in the team, you know.”

See, everything in this world is about writing a good script and of course, you need to learn to act them well. I look at him in the eye as if asking something but can’t say a word.

“Yes, you just got yourself a job. Congratulations!” He says happily. The last word he said has betrayed him. Its pitch is too high for a straight man. It seems to me that he is happier than I am. But then again, I continue my acting self.

“Wow. Thank you!”

“You’re very welcome. Just don’t hesitate to invite me in your team’s first night out.”

“Sure, why not.” I say. Err, asa ka pa.

“Mr. Park?” He calls out as I turn for the door.

“Yes?” I ask in confusion.

“I like your pants. Good cut. Your front looks really impressive.”

Don’t say one more word or I will kill you. “Thank you.”

I quickly reach for the door before he can say another word to me.

Wow. I now have a job. I still don’t understand what made Joey, my best friend, think to do all this. I know he is worried about me after I ended up only as a second placer in Elite Writing yesterday. He has his own style of cheering me up. He knows that I need to do something else to move on from a defeat. He also knows that I need to earn money before the next pile of bills hits my door.

Life is really full of surprises. Who would know that by next week, I will be working in the same call center company where Joey works as a supervisor for a financial account? It must be exciting.

My cellphone vibrates. As I look at it, there is a message from Joey.

“Libre mo ‘ko mamya.” It says.

Wow.

I send a reply. “Who you?”

2. Moving On

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:01:00 +0000

The green wall clock ticks 11:30AM. I know it is almost lunch and I am still lying on my bed. Actually I haven’t slept yet. I couldn’t sleep. Dreamland might have stuck in someone else’s head that it didn’t visit me last night.

Wow. I couldn’t still understand what on earth had made that Luis, that loser from high school, got the first place in short-writing contest sponsored by Elite Writing, the famous magazine for writers in the country, yesterday. I had been waiting for that event in months, help me please!

It is really hard to believe that Luis could write something like that. Being the second-placer is not that bad. What a relief, you might say. But the magazine people were only after the first place! And that contest happens only once in five years! Who can wait that long? It was the break I was waiting for the past five years of my life!

“Who can wait that long?”

“Not me.”

I turn to the door and find Joey, my best friend.

“What are you doing there?” I ask.

Joey picks one of the magazines piled so neatly on the little table right next to my room’s door. I hate it when he starts conversation in silence. If people have something to say, why they don’t say it right away? Why waste time in making others to guess.

“Joey, believe me when I say I am not in mood today to play your silence. Spill it. What is it that you come here so early today?”

“I got a job for you.” He says while flipping pages of FHM.

I am speechless for a moment, thinking of what to say.

“Not yet a job, unless you get hired, of course. Interview at 2PM. Here’s the address.” He puts a post-it on the table. Then before I knew it, he is gone.

“Wait!” But he is nowhere to find outside my small apartment. “Yung FHM ko. Di ko pa nababasa yun, eh.”

1. Dreaming and Losing

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:58:00 +0000

I want to be a writer of best-selling novels. I know that people would start raising brows. Some would roll their eyes in dismay. That’s understandable. But I have reasons when I say this. And my reasons are more than mere monetary goals, or fame. Although these things will be part of it.

I say this because if you have written best-selling novels, it only means that there are so many people who are touched by your stories. In simpler sense, people like your stories. That idea is a lot more precious than the most expensive gift anyone in this world could ever give to an artist like me. Just thinking of it, I already feel like standing on the top of the world.

I don’t’ want fame. I don’t want riches of the world more than I would need to survive a day with just three meals. I think what I am really saying here is that I want to be appreciated through my writings. However, every time I spread my wings to fly and let my pen lead my writing journey to victory, I always fall and get hurt. I wake up realizing I need to start over―and the most hurting part here is to realize that I need to say the word―AGAIN.

I am on my favorite part of the earth. It is like a small cliff by the farm, an outskirt of our small city. The moonless sky is filled with stars, making it just perfect for my angst to get across my beautiful mouth so that all the terrestrial living things would tremble upon hearing my presence.

“I will get there! Yes, I will get there! I will become the best writer of the world! You hear me? Just wait and I will get there!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, as if I wanted the whole world to hear me.

“Hey, what’s your problem? If you can’t sleep, let tired people who need to get up early the next day sleep! Why don’t you go home and sleep!” Someone shouted back to me from one of the nearby apartments.

“Sorry po!” As embarrassment kills me, my feet start to run. Err, define embarrassment!

Call Center Interview Questions and Tips (Part Two)

noreply@blogger.com (King Sierra) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:38:00 +0000

There were few occasions that I heard some people say not-so-good remarks about jobs in call centers, or being a call center agent. Some say it is a job for lazy people. There was even a group of people saying that you don’t have to be smart to get a job in call centers. Some even say that as long as you speak English, you can get the job. With all respect for these people, what they say is not true. Not only that it hurts to get branded as lazy and idiot here just because we work in call centers but because of a long list of positive qualities call center agents possess.

This industry needs people who can work independently and yet, can follow rules. And should I say this should be done under pressure? There are so many misconceptions about people who work in call centers and I am raising the banner to defend the Team Call Center, laughs! I have a feeling I am becoming emotional here and getting sidetracked from the topic we have for this second part of Call Center Interview Questions and Tips series for Team Call Center. Well, I must be writing a separate article focusing on this hot topic anytime soon, how’s that?

Anyway, idiocy and laziness have no room for the following list of questions being asked by recruiters to know the right person to man a call center job. It is because the focus of the list below is the candidate’s problem-solving and analytical skills which are indeed very important to be hired.

1. What major problem have you had to deal with recently?

The word ‘major’ in this question suggests for something not really so complicated but would at least make them think that you can work in a tough work environment. The answer is solely depending on experiences you had in life. Whatever answer you might have will certainly make an impact; however, the supporting details, more often than not, will influence the final score for this question.

One more thing, though. Please try to avoid giving too personal and emotional answers like issues about family, relationships, divorce, deaths, etc. The moment you say something like this (with tearful eyes, oh please), the recruiter will make a note on your application paper that you are an emotional type. Call centers are like a modern version of a jungle. It is the survival of the fittest. Emotional ones will not last.

2. Are you willing to do overtime work?

Say yes. They just want to know your willingness to have the job. Support this with situations you had to work overtime. This should not be a problem for people who had previous work experience but for graduating students or graduates, you can boast your big school projects like writing theses and research papers.

3. Was there a time when you were expected to learn several new things in your job or at school?

For competitive answers, give at least two major situations and tell how you coped with these changes. In call centers, anything can happen. Things can change overnight. This question wants to know your flexibility at work and your attitude against changes.

4. Would you rather work with information or with people?

This is another question to know your flexibility and attitude against unexpected things at work. Don’t go only for information or for people alone. In call centers, you should be able to work either with information or people. Truth is, this job is about information and people. So information and people are two inseparable items in call centers.

5. Do you enjoy doing independent research?

Again, the answer should be yes. This question not only wants to know your capability of doing a research work but it also wants to know your attitude, your feelings at work. Therefore, you should not only provide details of your previous experience, whether a research work in nature or research-related activity, but also the way you felt in the whole process of that particular project. The happy feelings you felt throughout the course of this certain experience should reflect in your choice of words, the way you say them, and more importantly, it should reflect on your face.

6. What changes would you make at your college or at your previous job?

It is another tricky question. Be careful with every word you say about your college or your previous job. Don’t say anything negative or too negative for it is as if you are badmouthing your college or former job. You can use positive scripting or choose positive words in delivering your answer. This question tests your creativity and sense of observation. They want to know what more you can contribute in the company in case they decide to hire you for the position. It is also one way of knowing the level of your dedication or involvement in your job.

7. How much training do you think you’ll need to become a productive employee?

It is another challenging question. Don’t say you don’t need further training just to sound smart. You can say that you would still need to have the product and system-related trainings provided by the company which should be enough to prepare you to the actual job on the floor. Call centers provide these language and product/technical trainings prior to sending new hired agents to the production floor.

There is still more to this list on my future postings. See what I mean when I say, this must be the most challenging series I have for Team Call Center? Laughs! I hope that these lists are helping you somehow in preparing your answers for the full range of interview questions you might be asked during the interview. Bye for now. Smiles.