a record of experiences

X.Death of the Agent

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 02:23:00 +0000

At the start of January 2011, Bert sent a greeting. I greeted back and along is a follow up on our application. He said he will just give me info when he has one. Even way back, I had an idea that our license in Philippines is not accepted elsewhere and that we can only work as tradesmen if we migrate, or even just work, in other country.

Believing that the chance of getting a positive result is high, I grabbed the chance when another employer asked me to work for them as an automation engineer. This is a specialised job and would be beneficial if experience from it is carried to Australia than as Project Engineer. (Learned later that working as a tradesman also needed a license and can be obtained even before migrating)

After some more months, there were no updates from him so I sent him an email. Thinking he was busy, I gave him time. But after 2 weeks, I gave him a ring on his main phone line, then the other line and did not make contact with him. Got busy with my application with the other company and I know he was doing he job, more time was given.

After 2 months, working for the other company happened and after settling in, I remembered my application. I gave Bert a ring but have the same result. I also called my wife to tell her what is happening and told her that I hope nothing happened to him as I did not have any doubts that he will back out on me (considering payments have been paid in full already).

I "googled" him and was surprised by the sad news. It was August then and Bert had died a month before - while I was planning to working with the current company then. I was devastated as I do not have an idea what to do and have tried to contact the immigration office before but they said they will only talk to my agent as I used one.

There was an autoreponder to emails but none was sent to me. In the article, the reply to mails going to his email was:“Due to his passing, any matters regarding Immigration will need to go to the Australian Immigration Office,” I did my research and fortunately contacted the right person and by filling up some forms, I got to continue my application

Previous blogs:
I.The opportunity
II.Initial preparations
III.Agent Wanted
IV.Initial Assessment
V.Start of Application – Fees
VI.Application – Instructions
VII.Application – Batch 1
VIII.Assessment Result
IX.Second Batch

IX.Second Batch

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 01:20:00 +0000

The second batch requirements involves the family documents. At this point, fortunately, there was only one form that was replaced, needed to be completed and sent to Bert. It is more of form filling but because I am working in Papua New Guinea and the documents are in the Philippines, it took a bit longer. The forms also involved my wife and I signing in so it had to be done from Philippines, sent to me then me sending it to my agent in Australia.

The requirements for the second batch includes forms that will be given after the Assessment result comes out positive, family and work related document. The list was only sent after the payment is received by Bert and is confidential.

It was not a smooth one as documents and answers to questions had to be resent to Bert. Beign busy with work, collating requirements and following up with wife, who is busy with my 2 kids, was not easy. But, really wanting to go to a better place, kept us moving. And on August 2010, my application was received be General Migration Australia. An acknowledgement document was sent to me together with the receipt of the payment to Immigration.

Notes:
1. Sometimes forms changes and I had to complete and resend one.
2. Price also increase and there was a time when I had to send Bert the difference.
3. Bert said it takes at least 6 months to receive the result of the second bath, depending on the criticality of the trade one has.

Previous blogs:
I.The opportunity
II.Initial preparations
III.Agent Wanted
IV.Initial Assessment
V.Start of Application – Fees
VI.Application – Instructions
VII.Application – Batch 1
VIII.Assessment Result

Vision

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 01:50:00 +0000

Today marked my 9th month stay here in Australia. Was here on 05 Feb 2012, fixed all required paper works in less than a week. Had training for 4 weeks and a job after 1-1/2 months. I believe it won't be easy had I not prepared or migration many years ago. Having a vision of migrating to a better country led to a lot of practice and research which opened a lot of new challenges. Those challenges were accepted, faced and surpassed. They then opened new doors that led to the vision.

Grabbing all opportunities that may lead me to it, worst thing that happened is learning something. The more tries made, the more knowledge and experience gained might it be relevant or not to the goal. I have also faced obstacles that came in e.g. negative input from other people etc, but they never stopped me as it is very clear that getting it will make life easier in the long run. Being a fan of Tony Robbins, I knew that to get what you want one must put more pain if I don't get it (e.g. staying in a very corrupt country etc.) and putting a lot of pleasure if you get it (e.g. my kids will have a better future etc.). Sometimes ending up with making mistakes but instead of dwelling on it, they were just considered lessons. Being short of money was never an issue as I have learned that there is always a way to get it and whenever we have some, we allot them for the vision.

Without the vision, I would have just settled for what I had and be scared of what bad thing may happen. I am earning good money and getting good benefits back in Philippines, but those are not enough to get where I want to be. Now that a vision have been achieved, more of them are made as I know one will get it as long as he/she is ready to commit and sacrifice for it.

VIII - Assessment result

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:44:00 +0000

The assessment takes 12 weeks for Engineer’s Australia. On March of 2010 the positive result was sent thru email by Bert. It just mentioned that the appropriate occupational classification in my case for migration purposes is Plant Engineer ASCO 2126-13. It created some excitement but more excitement came in when he listed the ways in which visa can be obtained. Attached with the Assessment result is seemingly good news as within the email are 3 ways of applying for an Australian visa.

The first way is thru sponsorship by the state government of Victoria. This is the fastest as processing takes only 2-3 weeks. Bert asked for some requirements before lodging the application and came back after the said timeline with a negative result. The second is the family sponsorship, which needs a relative residing in Australia. This did not work either my relative is cousin of my mother. She was used as a reference though.

And the last way, should the first and second one won’t work, is the independent visa category. This takes the longest time but I had no choice then. Bert gave me a breather when he said that it may take it less time as the occupation is on the critical skill list. Needed to take the longer road and I am very positive that this will work. Batch 2 is next.

Note: Australian regulation changes often that forms filled up, regulations and even critical skill list may vary. Be aware on the latest list they provide. April that year, changes will be made so he asked me to be quick in sending the documents needed before they implement the new rules.

Previous blogs:
I.The opportunity
II.Initial preparations
III.Agent Wanted
IV.Initial Assessment
V.Start of Application – Fees
VI.Application – Instructions

VII - Application – Batch 1

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:48:00 +0000

Batch 1 is all about the applicant only. This is where one has to prove that they are capable of working on the occupation you are in. The first batch is the assessment by Engineers Australia. Other occupations, of course, have their own assessment agencies. Aside from the usual papers from college or universities, the ones that took me sometime are: Professional engineering summary and the Career narratives which I believe this is common to all occupations.()

It was not easy doing these things as I have been a generalist (no specialization) and been in different engineering environment for almost 10 years that I have worked and had different positions taken. I have sent and reset them for Bert to check and give comments. Although there is an Engineer’s Migration skills assessment kit sent, it was not easy for especially the Career narratives which ended up him sending some samples sent. The said samples made the task easier but still needed Bert’s comment. These career episodes are easier if one has a specialization as he/she just need to narrate how one progressed and specific task’s step were taken.

Although she knew it won’t be easy gathering the other documents in Philippines, my wife Joecy, had no choice but to go back to my previous companies to get an original Certificate of employment. Also, she has to go to the IELTS office as it has to be sent directly from the office to an address written in the instructions.
For the other personal details, I believe they are open to what is really available and what original document one can provide. Processing was 2 to 3 months for the first batch.

Below his instructions is a big warning “Be advised that Immigration will investigate, verify and check your claims, so it is important that you provide only truthful information and genuine documents.” It took me 4 months to accomplish all written tasks and compile all documents needed before Bert lodge my assessment application.

Previous blogs:
I.The opportunity
II.Initial preparations
III.Agent Wanted
IV.Initial Assessment
V.Start of Application – Fees
VI.Application – Instructions

VI - Application – Instructions

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:24:00 +0000

July 13, 2009, money was sent thru telegraphic transfer from ANZ Bank for the upfront fee, the receipt was sent immediately after clearing and the Guidelines for Batch 1 and 2 was sent immediately after that – it was overwhelming! It was a long list and before the Batch 1 and 2 requirements are what he calls “Important Instruction” which generated a lot of questions and email sent back and forth because of the following:()

1. You and your wife and dependent children live together presently in PNG (Papua New Guinea).
2. All your dependent children are below 16 years old
3. You have no children under 18 years old who are not living with you and who are not going to be included in your application.
4. You have no other dependents, whether living or not with you.
5. Your occupation has not changed since the last resume you sent to me which was the basis of my assessment and proposal, and thence these guidelines.
6. You and your wire and dependent child are all are in good health and are unaware of any major medical concern.
7. You and your wife have no past disclosable criminal records or civil liabilities
8. You and your wife will be able to obtain your NBI clearances from the Philippines and Police clearances from PNG (n.b. I will provide instructions later)
9. You and your wife and children have only lived in the Philippines and PNG and no other country during the last 10 years.

The queries I had were a bit sensitive issues and cannot be listed herein. If you think the list means nothing and that there are no issues that may hinder you from continuing, then congratulations. Actually, I never felt the bad temper that my friend told me about the agent as he answered everything I asked promptly.

V - Start of Application - Fees

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:15:00 +0000

Receiving the result of the assessment, attached to it is the proposal from Bert’s company, The Migration Specialist, is the fees that will be incurred should processed commence. It was quite a lot (based from some migration forums) but out motivation to migrate is bigger so I paid the initial fee. My agent also had my trust when he listed the reasons why my fellow applicants did not make it and why I passed which is very consistent and means that he will not accept applicants and take their fees should they stand no or small chance of making it.()

Fees back in 2009 are the following (to be sent to agent):
1. Professional Fee – Upfront fee of A$2,000
2. When the skills assessment result is positive - A$ 750
3. 1st Stage - Skill Assessment - A$450.00
4. 2nd stage - Application With ASPC - A$2,525

Other fees (applicant’s responsibilities):
1. IELTS
2. Medicals Examination

In the first stage, Assessment with Engineers Australia was emphasized together with the need for IELTS (which I already have passed before entering this process) and also later needed for spouse, if any. December 2011, I have checked and the current score/band needed for applicants is down to 6.0 only (previously 7.0) for all areas and same 4.5 band/score for spouse.

In some forums, people and even agent are surprised to hear that there is an upfront fee. One should make sure that he is ready to undergo the process as part of the guideline for termination of the service will mean he/she will pay the agent A$300 per hour of service rendered.

The family is included in the application whether they are coming or not. If they are coming, Bert said, they should be there before a timeline that will be given by Australia immigration. Otherwise, they have to undergo the same process all over again. Sounded good – payment sent!

IV - Initial Assessment

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 08:12:00 +0000

On July 2009, communication with Bertram “Bert” Ocon started. Requirements were requested and they were sent immediately. Positive response came in and the agent said I am legible for migration. Learning my fate, my other colleagues also tried their luck. The 2 others were not legible for the fact that they did not put into use what they have finished in college. This means that the certificate one has should fit the job he/she is in. ()

Initial Requirements requested: (1) Resume, (2) Detailed job description, (3) Details of relatives in Australia, if any and (4) If spouse is a professional and working, same details are also required.

The result of my initial assessment, based from Bert, qualified me to apply for 175 Skilled – independent visa. The Australian profession where my qualification fitted in is in the code ASCO 2126-13, Production or Plant Engineer. It was listed in the 400+ occupation in the critical skill list, then, required by Australia. If the occupation is listed in the critical skill list, it enables quicker processing in the 2nd stage by Immigration, says Bert. Though I haven’t undergone the first stage at that time, it sounded good.

That time, I was just 31 years old and points say I am eligible for the same rating until I reach 35. Plenty of time left, but focus was on the expiry of the IELTS certificate. I would usually pass the assessment, but with a known successful applicant from him, I proceed with the process. I emailed my intention to apply and he replied quickly with his list of requirements and the fees of course.

In July 2011, the critical skill list, now called SOL went down to only 180+. Fortunately, my profession is still listed in it. The codes were also changed.

Continued from Agent Wanted

To be continued . . .

III - Agent Wanted

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:55:00 +0000

With only 24 months due on the certificate, I searched for people who can help me. I am a very cautious person then and without much confidence in applying directly, an agent’s help was needed. The first assessment I had was from True Blue Migration. The details they need were sent on January 2009 and had positive result. They said that with those qualifications, I am eligible for migration and their money back guarantee sounded nice but seeing the AU$3,000 migration fee made me back off and just had my name listed in the waiting list. ()

This changed the focus when listening to people. Coming back from the break and hearing the result, I would usually ask for people’s experience or ask for those who knows people who has successfully migrated. Also, I searched more of the requirements and what preparations are needed when applying for a migrant visa especially those which I have heard from friends and acquaintances. You can check www.liveinvictoria.vic.gov.au for preparation needs.

Some months have passed and pressure is building up so I became keener on looking for those people who know our friend who left for Australia to ask who his agent is. I was fortunate to get his contact details from a co-worker. We at once asked for the agent’s email. A prompt reply was received with the details we need together with a note advising us that he is good though has a bad temper.

There are some sites that has assessment calculator in it where one can encode data to tell you if you are qualified but this is not that reliable. The best way, in my opinion, is to give your details to migration experts and let them do the assessment. At this starting point, no fees are required yet.

Continued on Initial Assessment

Continued from Initial Preparations

II - Initial Preparations

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Most of the requirements listed are already available or easy to produce except for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Reading the details in obtaining it, I asked my wife’s approval on spending some amount to check if I can pass the quota for the profession I am in. I didn’t see it will be easy as the highest rating is 9.0 for each of four categories and I should get a minimum of 7.0 for each one of them. ()

For the other qualifications, you can check SOL at www.immi.gov.au. In the website are also the required marks and averages for specific qualifications.

I worked with a multinational company and I am fortunate to have worked with other race that helped me gain confidence in speaking in English. Joecy agreed and on the next holiday/break I had, my priority next to being with my family was to register in IDP in Makati, for the test. The break then was short so it was tailored that I can reserve a seat as soon as possible after arrival in the Philippines and takes the test a week after. Everything was pre-arranged as they have a website and contact numbers in it. The exam took place on 28 November 2008. After 13 days, the result was sent and I passed with all areas with at least 7.0. The certificate says it is valid for 24 months.

On the same year, there was an opportunity to spend holidays in Australia. Joecy and I had the same thing in mind – that it will help going to Australia first before applying for a visa as immigrant. On December 2008, me and my colleagues here in Papua New Guinea went there.

In the List, they asked if the applicant has a relative in Australia. I contacted my cousin and agreed to help me.

Later I learned that it has no bearing going to Australia first as a tourist. But that Australian tourist visa, I believe, helped me in obtaining a 10 year, multiple, US Visa. Only immediate family can help in sponsoring an applicant, but they can help, as a reference person is needed.

Continued from The Opportunity
Continued on Agent Wanted

I - The Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:10:00 +0000

“Accept the inevitable”

2008. While working in PNG, my eyes are wide open for opportunities. Most people complain about the security condition and getting sad about being far away from their family, instead of doing thing like they do, I searched for chances where I can grow and/or gain something – but not limited to them. ()()

“Seek and you will find”

Having growth in mind, on every occasion I have attended, aside from the good chit chats, I more often listen to stories where a person either gets something big thru luck or by working hard.

There were people who started from scratch and now are successful business people. There are also people who get hired (pirated) by other company with better package. Another big positive the PNG offers is the chance to get a tourist visa to, as I have heard, anywhere in the world and this is something that even some rich Filipinos are getting hard time with.

I used a great number of hours on my first year reading self help books which gave me more confidence and courage in bringing to reality whatever opportunity that I may hear that created a positive result.
After only a year working abroad, one of my Filipino co-workers resigned and migrated to Australia. Hearing that it is possible, I wasted no time and did a research on the requirements.

Continued on Initial Preparations

Don't go home

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:47:00 +0000

During the early years in college, I collected comic books as an investment when I learned that like other form of arts, its price appreciates. I bought some of it and saw other investing materials from the shop where I bought those comic books. As time went by, my collection evolved and I later collected Sports card - basketball to be exact.

Usually they are bought in packs of 5 to 10 and it is not easy to get good ones and the better players are sold at higher price.

It was a hit and many people in Manila spend fortune to get rare cards of their favorite players. I tried to sell some, earned instantly and I got more interested in it. My collection grew and sold more cards.

When I had a binder full of cards, it just came out of my mind that I haven't seen any shops in our province (Bulacan) that sells cards as such. My mother's owns a store and she agreed on helping me sell them. I was a working student then and I showed my collection and plan to my co-workers and they wished me luck.

It was a Sunday then when I was about to go to the store. I happily left the house and on the other side I saw my uncle. He is a famous in our place as he is a good basketball coach and an influential person. I excitedly showed my collection and told him my plans. After listening to my story, without emotion on his face, he said "No body will buy those".

My excitement turned into sadness and I felt devastated with his words. I just smiled then waved good bye to him and walked… slowly... going to the store. After some paces, I ended up standing in the corner where I can see the store or and our house. My mind went blank for a while.

When I came back to life, I just smiled and told to myself "I'm selling cards". So I went off to the store, posted 2 banners with the words "NBA cards for sale".

After only a month of trading cards, form my profit, I can already often eat at nice restaurant and fast foods chains. That was "cool". Every Sunday, kids and teenagers would ask me for new items. I actually became famous. After 3 months, I was already paying for my monthly lodging fee in Manila. The following semester, I paid for my school fee and I made my mother very happy. I also saved some money in the bank.

My trading in the province ended after only a year when competition came in and more serious businessmen erected shops like the ones in Manila.

Fortunately, I did not dwell on the worldly things that I gained. What I considered to be of highest value is the decision that I made. Without that decision, I would have never earned those.

I can still remember that day when I went on even if there was resistance from a known person. After that, every time I want to do something good and fair and people will say I cannot do it, or if any other resistance comes in, I would tell myself "Glenn, don't go home".

Book: Fish!

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 22:38:00 +0000

This thin book is a fable about a demotivated and weary people and area in a company and how it was transformed into a happy and inciting one. This is a simple leadership book that can help not only leaders in offices but also in any type of workplace - and outside of it too!.

The ingredients based from it are:
1. Choose your Attitude.
2. Be present
3. Play.
4. Make their day.

The said ingredients to a better workplace are basic and inside the book are explication of them. On our Toastmasters meeting, "Attitude" was used as a word for the day and what is catchy is when he said that "it is contagious so be careful what you catch". The author made is easy for us to understand the importance of it and that the other 3 are nothing without it.

The first book about leadership that I have read is also a fable - "The Monk who sold his Ferrari" by Robin Sharma and I will follow other coming fables that is about self help and leadership.

Dan Brown - Lost Symbol

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:57:00 +0000

With 2 hours on the waiting line in Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 5 hour trip from Philippines to Port Moresby (PNG) and more than 8 hours of waiting and transport from Port Moresby to Lae, this book kept me from sleeping. The book hardly left my hands. For me Dan Brown did it again. The pacing was well done that I did not want to miss what happens next.()

Jeffrey Deaver's "Twisted" is the book that triggered me to look for more of its type and this one has twist up to almost the last chapters. In this story, Robert Langdon had problem with deciphering a lot which is quite different from the other 2 bestsellers he had which I believe is good. I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes and he also has his downs meaning he is only human and it bores me if all the time, the protagonist doesn't make mistakes. There are things to be learned which are very true.

Same as with other novels, Dan Brown puts all the trivia he can put and he never ceased to amaze me. And same with the other novels, there are a lot of things that the author considered to be facts so I believe I have to check some of the things that are quite sensitive.

This is his 5th book and I have read all of his novels. This one plus the last 2 - Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code are my favorites. From "The Da Vinci Code" which had a lot of opposition because of what he wrote about the Bible, in this novel, it is the hero.

Puerto Galera

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:30:00 +0000

I have been in Philippines for 2 weeks up to October 3 and at last, me and family had a chance to go to the beach. Puerto Galera is a famous destination for tourist due to its white sand. It is popular especially during summer and Holy week where charges on accommodation goes up to 3 times its normal price. Gio and Gideon did not want to go at first, not until they heard that they can play in the sands. ()

To go to Puerto Galera, we rode a bus going to Batangas Pier. In the Port is a terminal for boats which goes to Puerto Galera and other parts of Mindoro (I am not sure where else the other lines go to). The boat ride is just a bit more than an hour to White Beach Resort. We rode the last trip (5pm) so we were disembarked at Muelle and we were sent to White Beach after.

Muelle Port

We only stayed at Sea Jewel Resort for 2 nights as Gio and Gideon cannot afford to absent in their classes. We used all the time we had to enjoy. We went out on Friday night but there wasn't much shows as there aren't much guests. We hired a boat on Saturday and we are almost out the whole day doing island hopping on the area where corals are. It was the first time that we did snorkeling with nice coral views. They enjoyed our stay and that made my holidays.

I of course have my camera with me and took photos of my family and the beautiful views and below is my favorite of all shots.

For other pictures of Puerto Galera click 1 and 2.

Toastmasters

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:49:00 +0000

I am fortunate to be a part of the Toastmasters International Club as part of training provided by K. K. Kingston Ltd. I was not a first choice but I really wanted to have training on public speaking that I made my way to become a member of this club.

The Toastmasters International is a company sponsored club which carries the goal of improving communication and leadership skills thru public speaking. Here in Papua New Guinea, it is currently the only group as the first one has just been dissolved. It is listed in District 69 together with Australia and New Zealand.

I have read Dale Carnegie's public speaking book and other communication books. I have also tried most of the things that are written in them and have made good progress in communicating with my subordinates and to my superiors as well. I know that I have a lot more to learn when it comes to communication and needs more confidence in speaking in front of other people.

When I learned that there was a club formed for such, I told myself that I have to become a part of it. I just saw that getting there will already be a challenge and I made my way by asking the president on how to become a member. Though I was not given attention, it did not stop me from trying more and my eagerness prevailed.

I seek for other way such as asking the members. Experiencing my enthusiasm, a close friend of mine, Leah, invited me to be her guest. I was her guest for 2 sessions and I can only observe. From their meeting agendas, I already saw how it can build confidence in people that I told them that I want to become a member. Fortunately, most of the people in that group are my friends so they voted me to become a member.

On August 28, 2010, I had my first day as a Toastmaster and I had fun while learning. I had my opportunities to speak and with the studies that I already made on communication, I performed a step ahead from the beginners. I knew that this club will be my way to more development. Their website is: www.toastmastersd69.org.

Bruce

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:31:00 +0000

While driving on our way to Snake Valley River last 14 June 10, I just can’t stop but ask my friend Bruce if he is very calm. I admire him because he is the type that no problem can make him speak a note higher than his usual tone. While he teaches me how to run off-road, he bravely narrated his story. As I expected, he was not like that before. In his terms, it is because of tragedies and very valuable lessons he learned in life.()

He was an impatient person before and observing what is happening in his life… he made his change. Same with me, his kids are also factors for the change he made. We would not do things that our kids would copy. These are the start of our 4 hour chat, that is, we drove for 4 hours which was supposed to be only 2 hours if not for the muddy road on the cliff of the mountain.

Nelson Mandela which is one of my current subjects and I am trying to learn more of him. I did not realize that he is a South African and that Mr. Mandela was a President of his before. I learned a summary of Mandela’s life and some insight from a person that was led by him.

He is also a good reader and I asked his favorites. He said two books that I would like are “The Key” and “1423” which he said is a Chinese story of how they sailed around the world… approximately 75 years before Columbus did. I have yet to read those. Another thing in common to us is personal development that is why he said “the Key” would be a great read for me. Aside from off-road driving, talking to him throughout the journey is very enlightening. I really had fun with that very long journey.

Off-road Driving

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:38:00 +0000

Our GM Mike Kingston invited us on the trip to Snake Valley River, still here in PNG. He had an invite from Hon. Sam Basil of Morobe Province. Aside from going to another place, what gained my interest is that the invitation says only 4X4 vehicles can climb this area.()

The time of departure was7:30 on 14 June 2010. I have been awake on the night before it as I have been with my friends, having fun playing cards. I just thought of sleeping on our way as I will just use a spare seat of those with the ideal cars for the trip. I only had minutes to prepare and after that, my co-worker came with his car and he said he is not coming. I drove the car to the meeting place and still thought of transferring to a different car. I really don’t want to drive knowing I haven’t slept for more that 24 hours straight.

Then there is this manager, who I know that can help me – Bruce, who works on the other side of PNG, also with K.K.Kingston, I just tried to ask him which car he will use and learning that he will just be a passenger, I asked if he can drive us, at least until I get some rest. Hearing my story, he said it is not right for me to drive. So he did and I slept most of the way. After probably more than 2 hours of resting, I said I am good and I can take it from there. I thought that he will go with be with his wife when I said that and fortunately he stayed.

When I drove and I forgot that to consider that I have never driven in a dusty rough road before. He found some weak spots in my driving. I have never driven in a terrain as such and I am doing it as it is on paved road. He gave me some tips on our first stop and he was happy with my quick improvement the next time I drove.

On the last stretch to our destination, we got tied up in this very steep road. I had problem with it so he easily drove after changing the other shift stick of the 4x4 car - something that I wanted eagerly to learn.

After the very relieving journey we had, we headed back home. He asked if I need his help. I said I can drive but hope he can hop in to our car because help might be needed. Then after that, before I asked him, he said he will teach me how to use the “low range”. I got excited that I did not think of the long drive we are about to take.

Rough road was fine, but he just gave me some tips on riding in a road on cliff like the one we took. It was the first time I drove on a one way road on a corniche. We used the low range and told me how to it works, it just became semi-automatic, but the main thing is that the breaks should not be pressed. I had some mistakes, he saw it, and reminded me that it is very dangerous on narrow roads and most especially at the side of a mountain.

After some practice and turns, we had to pass muddy and narrow road which made driving more interesting. And there is where these low ranges are very useful. I also had time when I slid on mud and he told me what to do.

Many people who came to that long trip were so tired after but I was pumped up learning and having this new experience. Good thing I did not rest the night before.

American Idol 2010

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:26:00 +0000

This year is the first time that I have followed the very famous American Idol starting from its Final 24 contestant. Many says that there aren't much good talent this year but I find the whole show entertaining, especially with the comments coming from the judges. Ryan's hosting is also a hit that I find myself some times mimicking him. ()

As a person who has subordinates and give advice, what the judges instill to the contestants are sometimes relevant on cases I have with my personnel or friends that I had chances on using words that they use to the contestants. I sometimes sound like either Randy or Simon as I talk to them. Ellen is hilarious and though she cannot give technical advice, she looks at a different angle and gives jokes that are well timed.

Though the judges are more often in conflict, when it comes to voice and performance, I also try to follow their advice to the contestants and I believe that I myself improves in my singing - though I more often do it in the bathroom only, and that is my opinion only. The famous "you have to own it" and "you're all over the place", are things that comes into mind when I sing and make sure I don't violate them.

My bet Siobhan left early and she would have made it farther should she listen to the judges. Her shouting sounds great at first, fine with the second but Simon hated it on the next ones. They had good advices gives to her but were not followed.

I haven't been playing guitar for a long time until Tim played "I can't help falling in love with you". His plucking is superb and his voice is perfect for his voice. I got more leverage when the final four all played guitar.

Rob Libbis

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 16 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Rob Libbis is a consultant/auditor from NCS Australia who helps us with ISO documentation. I had a chance to talk to him as I had to drive them (him and my friend Leah) off during lunch time. He is experienced and matured. When given this job to accompany a person especially a person of other race, I have no hesitation as I know I can learn something, and sure enough, I heard many things that are worthwhile. ()

What he has that I am really keen on learning is how to gain interest of the audience when he speaks in front. He has to do it for training purposes. He had given me some points. Though I can speak with people, and I have done mini-seminars myself, I know it will be very different if your audiences are not your subordinates. He had simple tips that would really help should I encounter talking to a bigger crowd and outside my own organization. He also is interested in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic programming) which is a topic that I have been reading and practicing for some time now. He finds it very useful and so do I. We also shared life experiences and fortunately, I can relate to most of them. As usual, I ask foreign friend of their culture. I love reading cultures of other nation but I found it best to be heard directly from a real person.

Day after day, we would talk and the conversation gets better and a lot of non-sense but funny things surfaced afterwards. It was a bit formal on the first 2 days and after that, we spoke in a very casual way. Aside from the things that he encounters in his home land and as he worked to other parts of the world, there are a lot of things he said that he learned as we grow older. I told him that, that is the reason I read books - to gain knowledge and so I would not have to wait to grow old before I learn those lessons in life. We only have an hour a day at lunch time and our conversation is so nice that time flies so fast.

It was a relieving week and I look forward to his next stint in PNG this June. If not at lunch time, I know I can ask him questions at work hours but with queries that are work related that can make life easier as I drain in me some of his experiences in documentation and auditing.

Ninoy Aquino

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Mon, 10 May 2010 05:32:00 +0000

When I was young, I remember seeing this guy on TV speaking in front of a big crowd. I did not absorb most of what he said except for a joke in it and since then, every time I read or hear the name Ninoy, the lines in bold just comes out of my mind :

”As you very well know the Japanese have a difficulty pronouncing their R's. Manila becomes Manira. And so this Japanese gentleman stood up and said, My dear Piripino pipor, you are very raki, and I consider he said the Filipino people the most raki in Asia. And the people were of course surprised and they wanted to know why they are very lucky. He said you know why you are raki? You have a president who robs you, and you have a first lady who robs you more!”

Just yesterday, I saw chunks of this speech at National Geographic’s presentation of Ninoy Aquino’s assassination and the investigation that was done. Seeing that, I then searched for his speech and learned that it took place in Los Angeles in 1981. I believe it was aired on Philippine TV after the reign of the dictator.Videos are available on Youtube and the website http://hawaksatun-og.webs.com has a written article of this speech.

I was amazed by the wisdom he has and powerful words he used. He looked at things in so mature and sincere way. He also has a great sense of humor. And even with his wisdom, he is humble enough to say that he still seeks for sage advice. A very wise man indeed. I am a fan of wise people and he is probably one to follow.

Simply amazing, he would have been a president of the Philippines and with his bravery, he was assassinated then people woke up, fought and had freedom back. Now I have more lines from that speech to think about in addition to the joke he uttered almost three decades ago.

Contract Ending

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Fri, 07 May 2010 04:08:00 +0000

I have worked for almost 3 years in K.K.Kingston Ltd, Papua New Guinea and through those years, many good things took place. These are years where I put into practice all the things that I have learned from previous jobs, trainings and of course from books that I have read.()

With those years, I have improved in communicating. I have been braver facing big complaints and giving people answers that can solve their problem. It is already automatic that when I hear a problem, answer(s) come in an instant and the level of answer I give them is much better than how I give advice before working in PNG.

I have moved out of my comfort zones in many areas of work and life. There are things that I never knew I can do until I tried them and made possible. I was very cautious before that all moves have to be calculated and before I knew it, opportunity is lost. Now, I walk into the paths where people say it is too risky and learn what is in there.

I have stretched my patience and now can easily accept things the way they are. I have practiced more of putting myself on other’s shoes instead of judging them for what they are doing or saying.

I can make decisions a lot faster now. Knowing systems, patterns and its people here in PNG make planning easier.

After those years, I believe I am mentally and emotionally stronger now. I have met people that are experienced and wise. The feeling is very different when we just listen to what others have done right; and when we do it, thus also reaping the benefits in it. I also have been thru bigger problems where I gained experiences.

Still I know that there are a lot of things I still don’t know yet and have more years of learnings to come. I consider what happened to those years to be big leap for me in terms of leadership and maturity.

Next Job

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:35:00 +0000

Luke is one of the first subordinates I had here in PNG. He was our maintenance co-ordinator and worked on our computerized maintenance management system/software. After working with me for a year, a job opening came, still here in the same company but suits him more because it is his course from college – IT. I had small chats with him all along and just lately he told me that he is leaving and this time to a different company which offers a lot better than the current one can give.()

I had a chance to ask him about it and he felt guilty saying that he is leaving. I saw myself in him in this situation and told him that in Philippines, the first thing I do when I start working in a company is to look for the next one. This is a good strategy for me as it helped me study everything that I can whenever I can. Looking for the next one, I have accepted additional jobs that are beyond my boundaries and learned different aspects of the business. With it, I did not get comfortable no matter how good the company and its benefits are. I also did not get bored while in the factory as I have used all the free time I had checking out things that I don’t know yet.

As a Plant Engineer here in PNG, this is where I have used and is using all the knowledge gained from the Philippine companies I have been to. Here, I am also bounded by contract that I have to at least finish. It is more of the management stuffs that I am gaining more while working.

Stock Market Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:56:00 +0000

When it comes to stock market many talks about Technical and financial analysis. I am still a newbie (just started Nov. 2008) in this field, but having heard, watched and read a lot of articles regarding them, and there are things that experts would not forget to share. They say at least one of these basics thru their interviews and for me, these are the best things that stock market has taught me:()

Be patient. It is better to hold on to your money than just invest on any stocks. I am trying to learn everything I can so that I won't end up just getting a deal closed. Buy high and sell low, that is all we can get out of Philippines stock market as we don’t have much options. Market goes up and down so if I did not chose a stock that goes up, I'll just wait for the next opportunity.

Don’t be greedy. When market goes up, tendency is we wait until it goes up and up… suddenly it goes down big time and we would become depressed. The thing is that we should have a target that is attainable and be happy selling it when it is already reached and don’t be affected should it go higher. Looking at stock market history, prices go up and down so I would not wait and sell them when I have what I wanted.

Admit mistakes. Either you sold something and then have a new high or if you picked a stock that you though is at bottom then goes lower, best thing is to admit you made a mistake and then cut the losses. The main thing is that we should learn from every mistake we make. I believe that we should not focus on just one deal we make but we should look at your whole portfolio. When one you’re your “picks” increased price and did not buy them when low, forget it, move on and look for other deals.

All these thing aren’t just for Stock market but of course every part of our lives. If we can master these things I believe wewill not just end up being a good investor but also a better person.

Book #7: Men, Women and Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (giojahn) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:40:00 +0000

One of the books that I blogged about is about John Gray’s “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”. On one of my stints to Philippines for holidays, I have found another book of him and hoped that it is as good and helpful as the first one that I have read. While in PNG, I have read more than half of the book until I became busy that I had to set it aside.<>

Thanks to the Tsunami alert due to Chile's devastating earthquake, I have to spend the rest of the day at home. I looked for my notebook where I list down my goals, doing so I saw this book with the bookmark on it.

I checked where I left and found that the next chapter is “Symptoms of Stress”. The previous parts are also related to stress but this chapter has the examples to situations that I have been experiencing and found the reasons to the issues I have been dealing with for several years now. I believe that this chapter alone is a good help for partners and also for those who mingles with the opposite sex. I said that because this is where arguments and problem starts and are things that in my experience are hard to communicate.

Almost all parts of the books got my interest and it is like the continuation of the first book which emphasizes difference between male and female.