The Writer's Corner #

Anecdotal Bloopers In Call Center

2009-08-13T22:28:00.000-07:00

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

Fernand Yim: I was in KFC, in line for my lunch. I was next to this beautiful African-American. She really has a beautiful butt. Arg, couldn't help it but noticed that.

Elve Jane: What a maniac.

Fernand Yim: Hey, I was appreciating, not lusting!

Comment: No comment.

Scenario 5

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.

A Friend Said Goodbye

2009-08-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

A friend told me goodbye last night

The message was thickened with a thousandfold of hidden messages in it

However, I was not that stupid not to know

So I told him right from the blades of my tongue,

You want to die? Go on, die!

Don’t wait for me to stop you ‘cos I won’t stop you.

I would let you cut yourself so blood could be freed after many lame years of running into the same lame veins you have.

For sure it would take some minutes of pain and suffering,

Tears would join the smelly fresh blood,

Sweat would be there as well,

It was as if you still feared of the end of your life.

Death surrounded you so long before.

Not because it had found you

But because you searched for it and you took it home with you.

And don’t call me friend because we are not friends anymore.

Because if I was your friend, you would listen to me.

You wouldn’t just let me rant on and on when you always knew you never had ears for my words.

I pitied you so much.

I pitied you because you had never appreciated my being a friend to you.

Well, goodbye and good luck.

P.S. Don’t make another suicide note addressed to me. I would not be reading them.

Goodbye was enough to let me know that I was not a friend enough for you.

Goodbye.

——————————————–

The above poem or whatever you call it was written last year. Forgot the date, though. It was written by someone I know so much. Forgot his name, though. Arg. Anyway when I was reading this again, while I was cleaning my old stuffs at home, I felt that weird feeling again that I am not sure if it was good one or bad. Sure thing was, it put some chill up my spine. It was like a ghost was standing right there, behind me. As if I believe in ghosts. #

The Cinderella’s Shoes

2009-07-03T02:40:00.001-07:00

It was December 11, 1994. A couple of weeks before Christmas. I was walking towards Serenity’s Gift Shop and saw Elaine hanging on her boyfriend’s arm. Yeah, it was a cold season but looking at them, something warm was about them. I lowered my gaze, trying to pretend I didn’t see them. But then again, it was not successful.
“Hey Taranee Bron, are you going to Serenity’s? Oops, why am I asking you? Obviously you are. A gift for whom? For my dear Alfred?” An insulting laugh she made after looking at her boyfriend. I was speechless, as usual.

Everybody in the school discovered my secret love for him and since then, they never got tired on picking on me. Alfred was not an exemption. They said I was ultimately boring. If ever I was a duckling, they said I was the ugliest.

I always experienced the pits of treatment ― except when I was home. I was a loser. I was not academically smart and was wearing the most common face in the land. Probably that was why I had no friends in school but Dolly. She was the only good girl that treated me nicely. But she did not hang out with me so often because she had also other friends who unfortunately did not like me. But still, it gave me hope.

One day I reinvented myself. The whole school was surprised when I joined in a singing contest in the school. I knew I could sing and I thought that was the only way I could prove to them that I was also an interesting person. When it was my turn to sing on the stage, I was overwhelmed when I saw the big crowd all staring at me. My first time, and God, I was shaking! Slowly I walked around and ran down from the stage covering my tearful face.

I went home even if the program was not yet done. Why should stay anyway? I was so down until I learned that my Lola went to visit us that day. She hugged me so tight that my bones felt like about to break. She noticed the heartache I was trying to hide from her. She encouraged me to tell her what happened. After she listened to my awful story, she asked me, “Do you know Cinderella?” Puzzled, I just nodded. “I’ll tell you a holy secret. Don’t tell a word to any one, neither to your father nor to your mother. Not even to your friend.” I could not understand what she was trying to say but I kept on nodding.

“I know where Cinderella’s shoes are.” My eyes grew bigger. I knew Cinderella and her magical shoes was only a product of a fantasy. I told her that, reminding her that I was no longer the kid she used to know. “Hush…” She put her index finger in front of my lips to stop me from talking. “Believe me. I know it is not easy for you to believe me but I promise you with all my heart, I know where they are. I don’t lie to you, do I?”

“Where are they, Lola? Can they make me become beautiful? Are they really magical?” She laughed upon hearing the excitement in my voice.

“Excited, are you? Of course, you will become beautiful and not just beautiful but very beautiful.” She said while touching my face. “But it will not be easy to get those shoes.” Swiftly my rising hope felt lost in the air. “But there is a way. However, it is a slow process. But one thing is sure, it is not impossible.” Again, my excitement grew up.

“Then tell me please.” I begged.

“Remember the old summer house we used to go to when you were eight? That old big house belongs to my old friend Sherikka. She was also a loner before during our teenage years until her grandma gave her the Cinderella’s shoes on her seventeenth birthday. She told that to no one but me. We were best friends. After the big change in her life, she got married to Paul. She decided to keep the shoes for she would not need them anymore. We kept the shoes at the basement of that old house.”

The excitement was sparkling in my eyes. “Did you say it is not easy because there are now ghosts in that old house?”

She laughed to that and said, “No, my dear. There are no such things. That house is now on sale but no one can buy the house unless the purpose is valid. And it is so expensive.” I was waiting impatiently to her next words, “No one else is allowed to go inside unless you will buy the house.”

“So you would buy the house for me?”

Again she laughed. “You’re such a funny kid. No. My money is not enough. It is only half of the price of it but I am willing to give it to you.”

“But where should I get the other half, from Mama and Papa?” I confusedly said.

“No, you can’t tell them because I promised Sherikka I wouldn’t tell anybody about the shoes but to the only one who would need them.”

I shrugged and gave out a heavy sigh. “So what should I do then?”

“You need to earn the other half.”

“But how? I am only a high school girl.”

“That’s how you would start, from being a high school student. You need to study harder and when you finally have a college degree you would find a good job and earn the other half.”

“That sounds like a plan but it would take many years.”

“Yes, I know. That is why I told you it is a slow process. But what do you want, stay that way for the rest of your life and let your classmates call you loser or make a change in your life with those Cinderella’s shoes?”

I thought some more and then I agreed. Why would I waste my whole life if there was a chance to change my fate despite the fact that it would take seven or eight years? At least, there was a way and it was all up to me. So I decided to say yes, not just to Lola but to myself. I committed my whole self to that yes.

After that day, I started a mindset that I was a smart girl. I began wearing clothes better and began to act like a real smart girl. I studied harder so that I would make good records in high school. I focused on that goal, being Cinderella one day. Surprisingly, people around me noticed the changes in me. I was even more surprised that I graduated with honors from high school. I never stopped on that. When I entered college, I became more eager. I graduated Summa Cum Laude. It was really wonderful but that was not I was after with. I wanted the shoes. I easily found a well-promising job while continuing the boutique business I started in college.

After those years I checked my bank account and it surprised me to see how much money I had already earned. I could now buy the house even without telling Lola. And so I did. I was so excited. Finally the house was mine. I went straight down to the basement excitedly searching for the Cinderella’s shoes. Night fell and still I found no Cinderella’s shoes until I found a shoe box under the staircase. On its cover read, Cinderella’s Shoes. My hands were shaking as I lifted up the cover only to find a piece of a drawing of a pair of crystal shoes. It was but a joke! I cried when I finally realized the Cinderella’s shoes never really existed.

I confronted Lola. I was so hurt when I learned how she fooled me throughout those years. She made me believe in that childish fairytale. I was an idiot myself. How could a normal person believe on that kind of fairytale? I was so displeased and I decided not to see her anymore.

Until one day I was informed that Lola was hospitalized. I hurriedly went to see her. She was seriously ill. She was crying upon seeing me. I was crying, too. My heart was breaking to find her in that condition. All my pains went away. I knelt down before her bed and cried. “I am so sorry, Lola…”

She smiled at me with tears in her eyes. She slowly opened her mouth. “Taranee, my dear, I am so glad that you found them.” In the midst of my sorrow, I was puzzled. She read my face and smiled, “After we talked that day, that same day you started wearing them in your heart.”

Like a lightning, I was struck with the idea of how things really went on. I had the shoes throughout those years without knowing that. When I was about to say thank you, Lola had closed her eyes and she left me forever with that immortal smile on her face. I cried and was so sorry to what I had done to her. But I knew she was so happy for me.

That was a year ago when Lola died. I could not still believe that I have the Cinderella’s shoes until now. It was funny when this morning this lady came to my office applying to be my secretary. Guess who? It was Elaine. #

The Proposal

2009-07-02T23:29:00.001-07:00

Scenario 1

Excitement was obvious on his face when the slim saleslady handed him the winged fairy figurine sitting on a crystal ball. It looked more beautiful when it was turned on and magical lights were produced inside the crystal ball. He could already imagine the happiness it could bring to her.

“How much?”

“Just ****.” The saleslady replied.

Silence. Arg, ang mahal!

Scenario 2

At the gift-wrapping service.

“Miss, can you please wrap it up for me?” He said, showing the white box, containing the winged fairy figurine inside.

“Yes, sir. You may pick a wrapper here.” The saleslady said while showing endless pile of different wrappers.

Arg, haven’t slept yet. Can’t decide.

“Can you pick for me? I trust you.” The saleslady smiled to that.

“How much will it cost?”

“Just ****.”

Arg, ang mahal!

“OK.”

“Sir, would you like to have a ribbon on it?”

Arg, the marketing strategy.

“Sure. How much?”

“Just add ****.” Arg, you knew it.

Scenario 3

He had been standing there in the center of the mall, looking expectantly, and waiting for a very familiar face. He knew she would love the gift. He even wrote a card for it. His first time. Just a simple one that said:

To My Beloved ****.
From my heart.
From Your Beloved ****.
(Laughs!)

Someone called from his back. Finally, there she was. Now, he was very happy. Proud about his gift.

“Where should we go?” She asked.

Arg, he knew the question was coming; still, he was not ready for it.

“Got an idea?”

She shook her head. Challenge.

Scenario 4

At 7-Eleven.

She insisted that he should be the one planning out the rest of the day. He thought of something. Something that every boy had in their mind. Something not that good. And so what?

He swallowed. Thought some more. He thought he even hesitated to say it at all. He decided to beat around the bush.

“Don’t get me wrong on this, OK?” Does he sound so defensive?

“OK.”

“How about in a daily hotel?” Fatal silence for some seconds, like his heart stopped a lifetime.

“What’s a daily hotel?”

Arg, she doesn’t know? How could he explain it to her?

“You don’t know? Come on, don’t give me a hard time on this. I don’t know how to explain it.”

“Then try.” She simply said.

“It’s that four-letter place where people can have privacy.”

“Tell me more.”

“Arg, it is getting difficult. It has two O’s. There is an S, a G?” He searched her face for some clue that she was getting what he was trying to tell her. Innocence was on her face. She blushed and turned around.

“I don’t go there and not planning to. Never.”

Pieces. His heart were in pieces.

“But, hey, families go there, too. It is a daily hotel, not a motel. See the difference? Families?”

“No.”

Kill me. I couldn’t believe I said it. Arg, go on, kill me.

Scenario 5

In a resort. In a room.

Conversation. Silence. Conversation. Silence. Silence. Conversation. Silence. Silence. Silence.

And…silence.

“Hey, say something.” She asked.

“What? Don’t have anything to say. You say something. I’ll listen.”

Conversation. Some more. Silence. And another silence.

They both lay on the bed. Facing each other. Their first time. Inside a room. Alone. And bored. When they said, a bored mind is a playground for devil or evil acts, he didn’t know if it had something to do with it when the idea came in again.

“Can I hug you?”

She smiled.

They hugged. Arg, that part, that…it was growing. He felt his skin felt so hot like a hellish fever. His heart was like racing against a thousand of horses. He moved away a little bit. Embarrassed that she might feel it. Arg, why he felt like a virgin with her? It was never his first time. He felt so weak and couldn’t make another move.

“What’s wrong with you? You feel so hot.”

Arg, she noticed.

“Are you not afraid of me?” He asked her. We alone in a room? He wanted to add.

“No, why?”

He just shook his head.

They hugged again. He whispered her name. Many times more. Then he sat up abruptly. She was startled and easily got worried.

“Why, something wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“You sure? You don’t look good to me.”

They hugged again. The thing in his head was running wild, almost making him dizzy. He felt he was running out of control of his emotions. Encouragement was far to reach. Too many voices were in his head. It was crazy. He would say it. No, he wouldn’t say it. Yes, he would say it. No, he wouldn’t.

“Can we do it?” Arg, He did it! He had said it!

“No.” She simply said.

“Say it again.” He said.

“No.”

“One more time.”

“No.”

Arg, kill me.

He wanted to scream. He was so bad. He couldn’t believe he even dared to ask her.

“You understand me, right?” She sweetly smiled.

Yes and no.

He roamed around Calamba for the rest of the dawn, trying to kill the idea from his head.

With no success.

My Fave Blogs

2008-07-25T05:12:00.000-07:00

This was my original entry but I had to do some changes because I was not reading the guidelines! Arg!

I want to add this one:

Alabama Kitchen Sink

I am excited to participate in the Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008. My first time. I am not the best blogger in blogverse however it is fun to be part of it. Here are some of the few blogs that I visit every time I go on line:

1. Filipino Armchair Observer (http://filipinoarmchairobserver.blogspot.com)

I like this blog by Abi, a friend from my previous work, because it talks about issues which have effects on ordinary people like us. It is very honest and straight-forward. It is like listening to a friend in a coffee shop.

She used to write blog entries for her friends until one day she thought of making her blog anyway. This is why her blog only has few entries so far. Still, I like the way she writes.

2. CONNIVERE (http://www.posham.blogspot.com)

I find this blog by Alex very interesting, funny, and sometimes emotional. It is her diary-like blog that talks about her point of view, dreams, heartaches, and other humanly emotions. I am really entertained, and sometimes it makes me re-consider many things in my life. I can relate with her in so many ways. Perhaps it is because we share the same passion and frustration in life.

3. http://haylayp.blogspot.com

It is inspiring in a sense that it tells about how the writer sets her dreams and goals and making them happen. Again, I like this blog because it touches my writer heart. It is good to know you are not alone in the world that has the ginger allergy! Arg!

4. http://marroxas2010.blogspot.com

This is one of the interesting blogs I just recently added, (Thanks to Kevin Ray Chua), I didn't know Mar Roxas is actually running for the Presidential position in 2010 Election. Now that I know, and I could see myself actually voting for him in 2010, you better check it out as well.

5. Work With Ria

Since IBlog4, I became an instant fan of Ria. She was so funny, very entertaining, and I learned a lot from her. Honestly I don't know much about her. I had jotted down every important detail about that event, including her blogs, so unfortunately I left my envelop there. Thanks to Ms. Janette Toral that now I have a way to update myself with what she is doing. Do I sound like a stalker here? Err, hope not. Anyway she is someone you would love to hang out with. She knows a lot. Even though you can't be with her physically, you can visit this blog and it will tell you how much you could learn from her, while you are being entertained as well. She is really a good writer.

6. Sweet World Of Joan

I have an impression that Joan is as sweet as her home baked chocolate cakes. She is very approachable and friendly in person. She is always smiling. Much like her personal blog which talks about her, her family. You better check out her recent post about her son who was inviting her to go to Quiapo to buy a new sibling there! Funny how kids think but you know that their innocence always has a special way to touch our hearts.

7. My Little Baker

If you are looking for delicious homemade chocolate goodies and sweets and want to get entertained as the same time, you better check out this one. You can get all the contact information you will need to make your orders of always-on-the-list gift items. Plus, the page has beautiful little essay that gives more flavor to the site.

8. Walking Tower

It is another interesting blog that tells you about adventures of someone like us. This is written intelligently, and it is really entertaining with nice pictures provided. It is like a friendly invitation of a friend, or simply a good moment with a good friend telling you stories which you could relate to.

9. Possum Princess Palace

This blog is written and managed by a girl and I am telling you, it is cool! It is like listening to your little sister telling you stories about their school and everything she saw along the way. It is fun and very entertaining. The pictures are really adorable. She could be a good writer someday. And she has a cute family. What else? Better check it out yourself!

10. Having To Drink Too Much Coffee

Aside from being a coffee addict myself, I find this blog very entertaining and funny sometimes! It is worth visiting. And also, I like to vote another kapwa Calambeño who writes really well.

***If I could vote for my own blogs, here what I say about them:

11. http://reportingfernandyim.blogspot.com

It is about telling stories about everyday life. It aims to inspire people, I hope that really happens. However, since that I have limited access to the Internet, (Arg!), it is not what I had planned what it would become.

12. http://mynameisfernandyim.blogspot.com

This is my diary-like blog. I tell everything here. About my life and my dreams. I don’t know if it will interest you but I really like people reading about me here.

The listed blogs above are written by people I know and, even though I couldn’t really say that they influence me that much, I enjoy reading them.#

The POEA Article

2008-06-28T23:56:00.001-07:00

In an ordinary afternoon along EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is packed with hundreds of busy applicants going in and out of the old Blas F. Ople Building. This must be one of the busiest places in Manila where you can find the never-ending growth in number of many Filipinos aspiring to work abroad. These Filipinos believe that working abroad is the only solution, if not one of other promising solutions they can they can think of, that will give way to the realization of their goals.

Many have said that they have decided to work abroad for the sake of their family. They are even much aware of the many sacrifices that come with it. Some have given other reasons of working abroad such as poor local economy, loss of faith in the government, and personal dreams, however, these reasons always lead down to its primary concern - that is financial.

Whatever reasons these Filipinos may have, it is undeniably true that the role of POEA is very significant to the realization of their goals. POEA was established in 1982 as an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment. It is mandated to manage the migration of many Filipino workers. It provides various services for employment and welfare, adjudication and employment regulation, and management services for all Filipino workers applying abroad.

POEA is expanding the grassroots tri-media outreach of public orientation and education on the risks and rewards of overseas employment. One of these is the consistent campaign against illegal recruitment.

The quarterly publication of list of licensed recruitment agencies in the Philippines is part of POEA's Anti-Illegal Recruitment Campaign. It is free of charge and is available from the information lobby of POEA. The list includes the complete information of each agency along with its contact person and contact numbers. It also provides OFW Advisory related to jobs abroad, prospect employers, and bits of OFW stories.

Despite of all the efforts of POEA in providing support and services to all OFWs and aspiring OFWs, many are still not satisfied with its services. Some of the respondents said they are looking forward to more efficient services and better facilities in POEA. Nevertheless, there are some applicants who said otherwise.

As reactions and opinions of many aspiring Filipinos who want to pursue an overseas employment may vary from time to time, POEA is continuously improving its services for the benefit of many Filipinos.

To get to POEA, if you are coming from Katipunan, you can take either MRT or a bus going to EDSA. However, if you are coming from the south, you can take a bus going to Cubao and get off at Robinson’s Galleria. #

Nicalyn At Banaue Rice Terraces

2008-06-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

I was in Second Grade when I first saw a picture of the Banaue Rice Terraces. Our teacher that day was discussing with us the beautiful tourist spots in our country aided with pictures in black and white. Seeing it for the first time in black and white was not mesmerizing at all.

I grew up in Antipolo, Rizal where I was surrounded with endless rice fields which some part of it looked like the famous rice terraces. At least, that was what I believed that time. Funny it is now but that time, I thought I could climb up the Banaue Rice Terraces as easy as going upstairs. Innocently I wondered, what could be so amazing about the rice terraces then?

I never thought of it again until one day, like a twist of fate, I had to be there for our complimentary project in Natural Science 10. All I got was P 300.00 for my food allowance. And I had to contribute P 3000.00 for the transportation fee and for logging. It was sure a bit expensive but it was worth it.

Surprisingly, and I found it really strange, my anticipation to see the Banaue Rice Terraces was choking me inside the van we were boarding from Laguna to the Ifugao Province. I couldn’t just wait. We had to wake as early as one in the morning. Still, the trip seemed forever.

My growing impatience was quickly replaced with an inexplicable excitement when we had to turn off the aircon and scroll down the windows. We’re almost there! The cold breeze was relaxing to the face, and it smelled so clean, so safe to fill in your lungs with it. Our excitement doubled as we saw the breathtaking views of rice terraces. They were almost everywhere!

Hazel, one of my classmates, couldn’t help herself and said, “Eto na, Banaue na!” while referring to the Banaue Rice Terraces. But Sir Danny, a staff of the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources who served as our lecturer on that day, said that those were not yet the famous rice terraces. In fact, he declared that those were actually ‘small’ compared to our goal. So we called them the mini-terraces.

We decided to have a stop-over to give way to picture taking, and also to stretch our numbing legs. We noticed that the soil was reddish brown. There was even clean water surging from some part of the soil. According to Sir Danny, that only proved that the whole place could still be classified as an old growth. Meaning, the ecosystem there was still in good shape and in a safe condition. That made me happy to know about it.

After couple of minutes or so, we returned to the van to continue our trip to Banaue. The community radio playing in the background made us giggle and laugh. It also reminded me of my life in Antipolo. Suddenly I felt home there.

There was a particular place where many students were happily walking to their school. It put a smile on my face, thinking that we Filipinos really value our education. As we drove our way up, aside from the fact that the air was getting colder and colder, the air pressure was somehow blocking our ears. What I did was I yawned to get rid of it. That was the technique I learned from a friend once we were in Calatagan, Batangas for our educational trip in Zoology 1.

I was not sure of what exact place it was where we saw an old Igorot couple wearing their traditional dress. Many people, some were foreigners, were taking pictures with them for a fee. Looking at them, although they were smiling or trying to smile, I could sense that they were not happy with what they were doing. However I was glad about how they show off their heritage through their traditional dress.

After a long wait, finally we arrived in Banaue Rice Terraces! It was really amazing! Right there I was convinced that it truly deserved to be dubbed as the Eighth Wonder of the World with its time-honored beauty which was created 2000 years or so ago. That was according to Sir Danny. He also said that if it was connected end to end, the length of it was ten times longer than the Great Wall of China , or it could encircle half of the world! Isn’t that amazing?

These classic rice terraces manifested the engineering skill of the Ifugaos. As Sir Danny made a joke as he said, “Wala pa mang UP noon ay marami ng magagaling na engineer ang Pilipinas!”

The irrigation was designed with water running from the streams and springs found at the top of the mountains and channeled into canals down through the rice terraces. And to think that these were made largely by hand, I could not find a place to put my swelling Filipino pride.

We took pictures, made fun of each other, and said praises for the majestic beauty of the Banaue Rice Terraces. Hazel took me by my left hand and said, ”Isigaw mo yung pangalan ng crush mo kasi nasa mataas kang lugar, mag-e-echo yun sa puso niya!” I made face and just laughed at it. No way would I tell them the name of my crush!

Our adventure didn’t end there; we found a hidden fall and a pond to relax our tired body. The challenge was we had to take the 1800 plus steps to get there! Anyway it was worth it. We swam like kids and sure did we have so much fun!

It was a great trip to Banaue. I learned a lot. I now know that the Banaue Rice Terraces is really wonderful. All of the sudden, I felt inspired and proud that I am a Filipino. #

Gracia At Boracay

2008-06-28T23:52:00.001-07:00

Like any other normal person who is going to Boracay for the very first time of her life, getting a good night sleep before the big day was a bit trouble to me. Bubbling excitement could be the first factor to put the blame on, as if pointing fingers would offer me relief at all. But it was Boracay! If many people from around the globe had been there, and many of them keep coming back, benefiting the local tourism industry, why not me? First of all, it’s my country and I deserve to truly enjoy it all.

Fortunately, when it comes to company outing, the gods of TLS are gallant and willing to pamper its most valuable asset – me. I mean its productive and reliable staff which included me. Okay, I’m babbling.

The very minute I felt myself finally surrendering to a deep sound sleep, which I was so thankful of, my cute alarm clock just rocked the whole house with its irritating ringing sound, causing me to jolt up on my bed. No wonder I was so quiet on the plane, well, almost quiet if snoring would be counted out.

From the airport, we took the two-hour bus ride to Caticlan where we had a short boat ride to Boracay. The boat ride was really exciting. Aside from the paradise-like sceneries around us, the boatmen had to carry us from the boat off to the shore. From there, a van had taken us to the Regency Beach Resort where we would be staying for three days and two nights.

Inside the van, my eyes feasted on so many beautiful views in Boracay. The sky was the bluest sky I had ever seen in my life. The sea seemed like kissing the sky. It seemed have no ending. I couldn’t wait to feel its salty water on my skin. Suddenly I was so awake and full of energy in spite of lack of sleep.

There were so many people around from different races. It was a good feeling to see people of different colors had come from around the globe to flock here and take a break from a busy life they had in their home country.

The air was smelled clean and at the same time salty. I tried to close my eyes and felt the cool air soothe my lungs as I inhaled some of it. The sun was a bit cruel, good thing I had brought a sunblock lotion with me. When we got off the van, I excitedly scanned and experienced it myself the famous powdery white sand which Boracay is famous for. It was so fine like sugar, so white that it seemed reflecting to the light of the sun that it shone. My eyes got sensitive that I had to blink many times until they had adjusted to the extreme daylight. Somehow it was blinding at first when you were finally there, standing on the white sand under the bright sun. It hurt to some point. But the pain felt with joy knowing that it was all real. I was in Boracay!

After hours of rest, we began the mini-sport fest which was scheduled on our first day. We did couples of exciting, physically exhausting, and throat-straining games. I didn’t notice this until now that I was the nosiest girl there. I was screaming at the top of my lungs!

The most memorable part was when I joined the raft-making contest. Each group had seven members. I was with two Filipino men and four Japanese men. I thought I was lucky to have all boys in our group, assuming that they knew how to make a raft. To my disappointment, they all relied on me. Impressive, huh? Forgiving them was easy though when our group ended up as the winner. The prize? A paper of recognition.

By dinner time, I was revved up by the extremely delicious sea foods and salads that were served to us. How I wish that was forever! (Sigh)

On our second day, we went to Puka Beach in the morning. It was where the rare Puka shells are found abundantly. There were many accessories stores as expected. I was with Angel, my friend. We shopped around and bought couples of good bracelets before we returned to the hotel for lunch.

After lunch, we dilly-dallied on the shore and watched people around us. We also visited every store we saw. We tried to ask for discounts; however, those generous locals seemed to think that all the people who go to Boracay are expected to spend half of their fortune there. I tried to protest and insist on having my discounts on some stuff which were beautifully made out of real talents, but instead, I settled on cheaper things which were equally beautiful.

There was this particular store in which the vendors were eating some slimy seaweed. They offered us to try some. Of course we were pleased with their friendliness so that we reluctantly gave it a try. It tasted not really good but it was not that bad either. It was just…fine. But the fun we had there was amazing.

Then finally, Angel and I went on swimming! It was fun and so exciting. We played in the water like kids. It was so relaxing as well. I don’t know if it was psychological, but the water seemed to have a healing power reaching deep into my soul and searching all the hidden pain and complaints in there.

Angel was as crazy as me. We scrubbed ourselves with the sand underneath the water like doing spa right in there. We were laughing and enjoying every moment of it.

Before dinner, Angel and I had an itchy feeling all over our body! It was like we got allergy from the scrubbing that we did! We put alcohol and some other things we believed would help. Good thing, any of those did work. Hence, we were able to attend the awarding of all the winners of the mini-sport fest we had the previous day. After that, we went out and strolled around. Many people were bar-hopping, partying, and actively socializing. The night in Boracay was so alive that people there seemed never get tired at all. As if they didn’t sleep at all.

Well, it was not my cup of tea. Instead, we enjoyed the night at Jona’s Shake which according to a friend, we shouldn’t miss in Boracay. And she was right. The shake there was really good. It was a wonderful night that I might never forget in my life.

All in all, I had enjoyed my stay in Boracay. It made me proud in our country. One day I know I will come back in Boracay. But that will be with my family and friends. And do it again…or even more.
To spend three days and two nights in Boracay, P 12, 000.00 was allotted per person. That was based on a company outing held by TLS. Sometimes there are promos which you can learn about through various travel guides on the net. #

Places to Visit from Central Terminal LRT Station

2008-06-28T23:48:00.000-07:00

Central Terminal LRT Station, sometimes called as Central or Anoceros, is located in Ermita, Manila. It lies in the center of the LRT Yellow Line. Many interesting landmarks and worth-seeing places can be found around this station.

A few steps from Central Station, just between the Manila City Hall and the City College of Manila, you will find the Liwasang Bonifacio (the Andres Bonifacio National Shrine), a massive bronze and solid structure which is obviously established to honor and remember Andres Bonifacio and his greatest deeds as one of our greatest heroes.

For someone who had worked abroad, especially those who had spent many years outside the country, the entire Liwasang Bonifacio is an excellent spot to revive your sense of nationalism and to discover your identity as a Filipino, whether with your family or just yourself alone.

Bits of information can be found on the Bonifacio statue itself. There are scenes depicted on it which are like telling stories about our history. You can also find several flagpoles flying the transformation of all the flags from the Revolutionary era to the present, and the KKK’s constitution inscribed in metal.

Some few more steps to your right, if you are facing the statue of Bonifacio, you can reach the Manila City Hall. It is one of the busiest landmarks around Central Station. From the outside, it looks impressive with its St. Stephens Tower-like Hall. It provides services mainly in relation to government transactions like for OFWs, they can get their birth certificates from there if they were born in Manila. Others are passport, residential certificate, etc.

From Manila City Hall, you take the underpass and few more steps to one of the seven gates of the famous Intramuros. But before reaching Intramuros, if you are fond of bonsais, you can drop by the Bonsai Museum and Library located on the right side of the road. The entrance fee is Php 50.00.

Intramuros, or the walled city of Manila, is actually a big place which covers an area of about 160 acres. It is surrounded with walls which are 6 meters high and a commanding 3 kilometers in length. You can actually get there by LRT from United Nations Station. However, the gate which is nearest to the most visited spots in Intramuros is close to Central Station.

Near the gate, there is the OWWA which provides foreign language training for aspiring OFWs. It is pretty impressive to find a 7-11 store in front of OWWA with some details suggesting old times.

On the corner of Sta. Lucia Street, there is the Light and Sound Museum which depicts the colonial rule of the Spaniards in the Philippines and the Filipino struggle to gain independence from the foreign invaders. Entrance fee though is quite over-whelming. If you go there by a group of more than ten people, you will pay Php 100.00 per person. However, if you are visiting alone, prepare Php 1000.00.

Along the Gen. Luna Drive, just before the San Agustin Church and Museum, are the entrance and the office of Club Intramuros which administers the golf course where locals and foreign nationals play the sport.

Going a bit farther is the San Agustin Church and Museum. The church’s design is a legacy of Spanish architecture in the Baroque style. The feeling from the outside and inside of the church is like it belongs to a different era. The museum, which is adjoining the church, is also a must-see experience.

Another famous church in Intramuros is the Manila Cathedral, also known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. The history of the church itself is quite inspiring. Being there is an experience of the combination of our history and the Filipino faith.

And definitely you can’t leave Intramuros without paying tribute to our national hero Jose Rizal by visiting Fort Santiago. It is a natural defensive position that has been used for centuries. It is shielded by 22 feet high walls, with a thickness of 8 feet, and an entrance measuring 40 feet high.

It serves as a museum which features well-preserved legacies of the Spanish government, Rizal Shrine, and the prison dungeons for alleged criminals by the Spanish officials. You can also find Jose Rizal’s final footsteps representing the walk from his chamber to the actual location of his execution embedded onto the concrete ground. The rest of Fort Santiago has been set up into a beautiful park. It is really recommended for family outings while appreciating our colorful history. #

Trip To The Mehan Garden And Liwasang Bonifacio

2008-06-28T23:42:00.000-07:00

I was a bit hesitant to take the new assignment that was given to me as a part-time writer which was about featuring the landmarks around LRT and MRT. It was because I didn’t know much about Manila, especially going around the capital city. However, I thought I liked the challenge of trying something outside my comfort zone. So I took the challenge and found myself restless on my seat on a bus going to LRT Station.

I was thinking that I would be getting off at the first station of LRT since that the placard on the bus only said LRT. To my surprise, I got off at the Central Station which I was totally clueless of where it was exactly in Manila. I tried asking people, sending text messages to some of my friends, and even saying little prayers while looking around. I was not panicking, though. I liked the adventure of it.

There were many friendly people around who really tried helping me to provide the information I needed that time. I thought I was starting to have headache after receiving different directions and suggestions from people I met along the way. Until I got some solid information from a friendly old man.

He mentioned the Mehan Garden and the Liwasang Bonifacio. I was so excited with the information I got from him which after saying my thank-you, I started walking to its direction. It was easy to find these locations which were near the Manila City Hall and City College of Manila.

My first stop was the Mehan Garden. I was thinking of a beautiful park where flowers and green shrubs were abundant. There might be children along with their guardians playing around it. If my imagination would permit, there must be a fountain or two which would add to the beauty of the place. Should I say I was excited?

Since I didn’t know where exactly it was, I approached an old lady who seemed to be staying a lot in that part of the city where there were many trees and concrete benches around it, which most of it were occupied by sleeping homeless people. Some of them actually seemed to have comfortably found a permanent home and comfort room in it. I didn’t mean to sound awful about the place but the smell was undeniably strong.

The old lady was nice and was a bit shy to tell me that I had actually found the Mehan Garden! I was actually standing on it. I didn’t know what to say but one thing was sure, I was so disappointed. Perhaps I expected too much. The sad part here was that the local government of the city was not doing a good job in keeping their place inviting to first-timer like me or a tourist who was going around Manila. Because of this, I didn’t take out my camera for some snap shots. I was thinking it was kind of offensive to the settlers’ privacy.

So I moved on to my next stop which was the Liwasang Bonifacio which was located just a few steps away on the opposite side of Mehan Garden. This time I was not expecting too much. Just fine. Until I was welcomed by a massive bronze and solid structure of Liwasang Bonifacio which was obviously established to honor and remember Andres Bonifacio and his greatest deeds as one of our greatest heroes.
Bits of information could be found on the Bonifacio statue itself. Like the dates, people, and other important information about it. There were scenes depicted on it which were like telling stories about our history. There were several flagpoles flying the transformation of all the flags from the Revolutionary era to the present, and the KKK’s constitution inscribed in metal.

It was really impressive despite of the heat of the afternoon sun. There were few people who were actually taking pictures before the huge historical structure. It was fun watching them teasing each other like kids. I wondered if they had appreciated it like a proud Filipino should.

It was my turn to take pictures of it after they easily left the place. Whoever did this beautiful statue, he sure was a good artist. Emotions were clear on each face displayed in it. It was beautiful. The hardships and the dedication of Andres Bonifacio and his colleagues had evidently been showcased in great details. It was like looking at a great painting on a wall in a museum.

It was something we all should be very proud of. I decided to get an up-close look on it by getting near it and touching its rough and amazing curves. I was enjoying it until I noticed something, or smelled something that should not be there. I tried thinking of beautiful things to deny another disappointment. The area around the statue was full of – you know what it was. How could they do this? I am so sorry to say this but those people who didn’t have sense of hygiene and respect should be punished in any way possible. Was that how they give tribute to a hero? What was going on?

I wanted to protest and make an appeal to the local government of Manila to do something about it. It was a beautiful place and should be considered sacred. I wish that the next time I would visit the Liwasang Bonifacio, it would be clean and fresh to the nose. #

My Trip To Fort Santiago

2008-06-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

Fort Santiago

I felt like a kid attending his first day in the school when I got a chance to see and explore the Fort Santiago for the very first time. I was excited and a little afraid at the same time. I was excited because that was my first time to experience the famous Fort Santiago. I never even thought of being there at all, it was a blessing that my part-time job brought me there. I was a bit afraid because I didn’t know much about the place and its people. However, excitement got the best of me. After paying the entrance fee, I excitedly entered the old entrance to Fort Santiago.

The beautifully developed park welcomed me. There were even fountains that were very family-oriented. There was a young father taking pictures with his active little boy before the fountains. Excitement was so obvious on their faces. Souvenir stores which offered beautiful art works and gift items were lined up on the left side of the road. If only I had spare money with me, I would never leave the place without buying one. They were irresistibly beautiful! I would love to see one of those fine-looking paintings pinned on the wall of my room. Well, there would be always next time, that I hope so!

Few steps from the entrance gate, right after the souvenir stores, there was a small tunnel to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There was an eerie feeling going through that tunnel. Something like a spirit from the past was left hanging in the air, watching after you. It was really strange, almost spine-chilling. I could even hear my controlled breathing; the sound of the echo inside was fascinating itself. It was just a short walk through that tunnel; however, if you would pay keen attention to the experience itself inside that tunnel, it was something else.

At the end of the tunnel, there was the small yet very impressive chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was just right for you to say a little prayer or not, while appreciating the beauty around you. The place had a sense of sacredness. It was peaceful there but be careful with the flying golf balls because it was just near or a part of the Club Intramuros, a golf attraction there. Ironic, right?

After the spiritual visit at Our Lady of Guadalupe, I went to the Fort Santiago proper. It was surrounded with very thick and old walls. Before reaching the main entrance, there was a bridge over a green river-like body of water. I caught a couple of Korean tourists around the area who were beaming with amazement with what they were seeing. Suddenly I was proud of myself being a Filipino.

Going through the main entrance, I was imagining those people from many years ago who just walked through the same location I was standing that very moment. I thought of happy people, and of course, of not-so-happy people. I did touch the rough wall, feeling its stories from different centuries. I had a feeling of both amazement and envy for these walls which had been the witness of our colorful history. They had seen so many things and people I could only imagine.

It was good to see the Rizal Shrine, the first thing you would find after going through the main entrance. I was like comparing that shrine with the Rizal Shrine we had in Calamba. I believed we had a better one. They were both important and beautiful, though.

To the left, there was the final footsteps of Jose Rizal embedded onto the concrete ground which was representing the walk from his chamber to the actual location of his execution. I noticed his footsteps were small compared to mine. I remembered he barely stood five feet. That was a bit inspiring to think that his height was never an issue of becoming the Great Malayan in the history of the world. Silently I learned something right from that experience.

There were old prison dungeons which were transformed by the hands of time into mini-museums. I felt a bit of grief while thinking of many unsung heroes that suffered and died within these walls and there were no records of their names and stories. It was somehow a relief that there was a sacred cross to honor them all, located near at the far end of Fort Santiago.

The view of the Pasig River from the Fort Santiago was impressive enough to find some Korean tourists making a pose for some snap shots. Some of them did pose with the guard in a Guardia Civil costume.

I explored into every corner there was in Fort Santiago, into some dungeons there especially the one which was once occupied by Jose Rizal. There was even a model statue of him behind those old bars. What a real hero he was, and I was so proud of him. Thinking of corruption and dirty politics in our country today, I was feeling ashamed and wanted to tell him that I was sorry on the behalf of millions of hard-working Filipinos around the world that his beloved country was still captive, now under his very own fellow Filipinos. How I wished that it was still not too late that his sacrifices and of those many other unsung heroes to be not just a beautiful stories on pages of many history books, but a powerful nudge to transform our selfish deeds into a true patriotic acts.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience to visit Fort Santiago. I learned a lot and felt mixed emotions of my being a Filipino. There were factors that made me proud of being a Filipino. Like the products of great minds and our so colorful history. Even though I realized so many not-so-good things with the situation we were in today, I still had faith in us. Just like what these walls were whispering to us. #

The Prey

2008-06-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

THE PREY

by Fernand Yim

Dedicated to a Friend

1. It has been a very long day for Macky, especially after spending his whole day roaming around the streets of Manila looking for a decent day job. The humidity in the air makes it even worse. He sure needs a bath. A warm bath would be a better choice. How he wishes he could just go home now, have a decent meal, and sleep.

However, he has other business to attend to before he could claim the day is really done. Being the eldest of nine, he has to go extra mile to make both ends meet. Fro his family, he is willing to gamble his chances…even his life.

His cellphone rings.

After pressing the answer button, a voice of thirty-something man speaks through the phone. “Where are you now? You coming, right?”

Macky takes a deep breath, careful enough so that the caller will not hear, before replying, “Yeah, of course, I’ll be there. I’m on my way now. It’s Taytay, right? One more bus from Ortigas to Tikling…sorry it’s traffic here.”

“No, it is okay. I’ll wait for you. Just text me once you’re here, okay?”

“Uh-uh.”

“Take care, baby.”

Click. The voice is gone.

All of the sudden, Macky wants to puke. Take care, Baby. Just three simple words. Yet it puts chills up his spine. Tonight should be the last night. Yes, tonight is the last night. Please…Macky feels like he wants to go crazy, and forgets what is going to happen. Again.

2. After an hour of waiting in Ortigas which seems like forever, finally there comes the bus to Taytay. The situation inside the bus is really overwhelming. There is barely a space for another commuter to get in. Even the air will be challenged to get a space. The middle isle is already full of standing, and impatient, commuters.

It is so irritating that the driver and his partner don’t even give a care about it. They keep calling more people in! Macky can feel the heat of the television an inch away from his face. Why don’t they just turn it off since no one can actually watch on it?

In a situation like this, Macky makes sure all his senses are working wisely. Pickpockets might be around so he gives more attention to his wallet and cellphone which are now both in his front pockets.

He has also learned to adjust his breathing so that he won’t pass out by too much inhalation of, ehem, different human odors. Oh boy, if it is only possible to stop his breathing for the next thirty minutes, he will!

3. Now in Taytay, while waiting on a well-lit side of the Municipal Hal, the strange fear begins to feed on him again. He crosses and uncrosses his fingers and searches for the brightest star in the sky. Suddenly he wants to get lost somewhere into the black velvet sky.

Somehow he feels like a kid again. A kid who fears the monster hiding under his bed. He feels so helpless. Only the difference there can be is that the monster this time has a name. It is Joel. A discreet gay.

“Hi, Macky?” And the monster is here, fetching his prey.

4. Macky makes sure the door of the bathroom is really locked before he takes off his clothes. He wants to drown himself alone in a bath. Many times Joel checks on him by knocking on the door. An impatient monster can hardly wait, huh?

After the cold bath, Macky finds Joel on the bed wearing only his bikini brief. Macky swallows another breath, trying to deny all of this. And the old game starts again.

Macky closes his eyes, denying all the kisses he is feeling all over his body. From his neck, to his chest, down to his flat abdomen. Joel plays his tongue around Macky’s navel. Then Macky cannot deny anymore the heat of his monster’s mouth around the half of his member. He gasps for a quick breath, as the sensation is taking the best of him. Until he finally gives in.

And it happens again. #

Losing Job...Again

2008-05-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever experienced death twice in your life? This is exactly how it feels inside. Everything was starting really fine. It was so good that, I think I was carried away and became careless to some point. I knew this was coming but I got so confident that things would continue being great. Besides, I was really innocent with what happened in my previous employment.

However, I did not prepare myself a bit for something like this. You see, I lost my job for the second time around. It was still that same issue. It seems like I can't really run away from it. It is not that I am running from it. It is like I had been contaminated and it surely would take serious process of healing and getting over it. It always haunts me. It is so unfair. Why do I have to suffer for this? I am feeling weird emotions inside. I am thankful that I have so many wonderful friends who never get tired of cheering me up.

Now I am back to zero. But I am okay. Sure I will miss those new friends I met in Kgb_. I feels so sad that we are just starting to know each other more, then it happened. I want to thank all those people from Batch UK92. You know who you are and I wish you all the best in your career. Hope to see you again.

Life begins at forty

2008-03-19T02:35:00.001-07:00

Life begins at forty. Many have said this only to deny the biological fact that they are not getting younger anymore. It is like a positive statement that provides inspiration, hopes, and youthful energy.

An inspiration to carry on in life, which is to discover more about this world, about life, and most importantly about one’s self. A hope that more beautiful things and more precious memories are yet to come. And finally, a youthful energy to make these all happen.

Let’s take it from Maria Clara B. Conopio, or simply Mommy Melodz to her friends, who aside from being lively and beautiful at 41, she likes to travel a lot in every chance she gets. It’s like a new journey is unfolded to a bigger world of excitement and new education. That’s right. She believes that in life we are always like children who never stop learning new things.

She just had been in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last October 30, 2007 for a four-day vacation with her friend, who is also an officemate. It was her first time in Puerto Princesa and like what she had expected, it was a beautiful place that we should be very proud of. It was a place where there was a feeling of encouragement that seemed to welcome new dreams and goals in life.

“There is something in Puerto Princesa that gives you comfort and a spiritual healing deep within you. It refreshes your soul, giving you new meaning in life, a new perspective which is a positive one was created in me when I was there.

We went all over the city, to many beautiful gardens and parks, to many different islands they called in different names but I am not good in remembering names. Well, there was Snake Island, though, that was what I could remember. And Sabang Island! (Sabang Beach). These places are so amazing. They seem to have their own spirit. It is like each island or place has something different to offer you, you know, just looking at them.”

When she was asked to name her favorite spot in Puerto Princesa, she happily said, “The beach, the white sand! And when you go snorkeling, well I believe that scuba diving would be a lot better than snorkeling but we contented ourselves with that, you would never stop appreciating every creature under the water. The fish, the corals, and many more, they are all beautiful. You would realize that God had done so much a beautiful work in our oceans.”

She had learned so many things, that according to her, we often take these things for granted. She believes we are so blessed that God had designed the Philippines that beautiful. It should be then our responsibility to take good care of these gifts.

“Nakakapanghinayang naman kung masisira lang ang mga ito, napaka-ganda pa naman,” she said thoughtfully.

The most exciting part throughout her stay in Puerto Princesa was when she had walked 14 kilometers just to reach the famous underground river. She had never expected that she could actually do that. To some point, it made her proud of herself. However, she reluctantly told that she had cried on her bed when she returned to the hotel because she was dead tired all over.

“But my adventure didn’t just end there. When I was in the airport, I met the Mayor (Edward Hagedorn). I told him about my stay there, especially my 14-kilometer walk, he was really amazed that I did that.”

And if given another chance, she would love to return to Puerto Princesa and do it all again. Actually, she is growing impatient waiting for the summer!

at 10:16 AM
Labels: maria clara conopio, palawan travel experience, puerto princesa city

Being Thrift and Practical is Good Business

2008-03-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

Life today, no doubt, becomes busier and more expensive. If you are not keen enough, you will be surprised to know how things are evolving into something unbelievable.

Oil price hike, which now an all-time problem like traffic in many big cities, never stops there but it creates more ‘sub-problems’ like transportation fare hike, price increase of basic commodities, and so many more.

So anything that comes in lower price, say the discounted goods, buy one take one promos, you-buy-this-and-you-get-that stuffs, has become more popular than ever. However, there is something that is being sacrificed or taken for granted most of the time in exchange of a lower price. That is the quality.

This stated fact is actually one of the many reasons why Grace Cariaga, a wife and mother of three children, got the idea of putting up her own thrift store eleven years ago. The dictionary defines a thrift store as a shop that sells used articles, especially clothing, that are available in lower prices. However, in Practical Shop, you can find anything you think you need, from reading materials up to big home decors and office furnishings, but you will never see any clothing goods being sold.

"Kasi mahilig talaga kaming magkakapatid magbasa at magkolekta ng mga libro. Kaso nga lang mahal masyado sa mga bookstore. Kaya naisipan kong itayo itong Practical Shop," Grace said during the interview.

"Tinawag itong Practical Shop kasi nga mas practical kung dito mo bibilhin yun ilang mga bagay na bagama’t second-hand ay ganun pa rin ang quality. Minsan nga mas mainam pa ang mga naririto kaysa sa mga bagay na available sa market ngayon," she added.

The Grove’s Thrift Shop, or best-known as the Practical Shop, is located along the Lopez Avenue, Los Banos, Laguna. It had started selling mostly reading materials as donated by her friends and relatives with few little materials that could be used at home. But as time went by, it now sells pocketbooks, hard-bound books, magazines, comics, children’s books, office furnishings, decors, china wares, ornaments, and many more.

For Grace, she is happy and proud to some point knowing that her business is not only financially helpful to her family but it is helping many students who are in need of quick-to-find yet affordable reading materials, as well as the many mothers who now have become suki to her store.

"Marami rito ang nabalik na mga ginang para bumili ng mga sala set, aparador, mga ganun."

One of Grace’s customer actually couldn’t help but gave her comment about the store during the interview. "Convenient nga dito. Hindi mo na kailangan pang pumunta sa malayo gaya ng Manila. Dito pa lang ay sulit na." The old lady gladly said while holding the pile of used magazines and pocketbooks in her hand before the counter.

It was not easy, according to Grace, to put up a business. But since that she had a canteen business before, she dared to venture into something she really likes. Now that the Practical Shop is reaching its eleventh year this coming July 8, she had promised that she would continue to get better goods from her sources and contacts in Manila and other places that she had refused to mention any of them.

She also has a piece of advise for those who are planning to engage into any business, "Make sure you love what you are getting into and do some research first before laying all your cards on the table."

For more info, contact:
Grace Cariaga
Practical Shop / The Grove's Thrift Shop
Lopez Ave., Batong Malaki, Los Banos, Laguna
Telephone number: (632) 536-7017

at 11:54 AM
Labels: grace cariaga, grove's thrift shop, laguna, los banos, practical shop, success story filipino entrepreneurs
1 comments:
Jonas Diego said...
Wow! Practical Shop! Madalas ako dito nung college ako looking for comics to buy. :)

March 18, 2008 11:15 PM

Christmas Gifts and Their Relevance

2008-01-23T00:36:00.001-08:00

Five months ago, Fernand Agor, a fresh grad working in a call center, was already excited about this coming Christmas. He didn't really know why. It was certainly a happy feeling but something weird was associated with it. Sometimes he thought it was a bit abnormal. It was a long way to go before Christmas. However he didn't mind that much the freakish part of his feelings. He had settled to the idea that he was happy, that was what he thought was important.

He was making a mental list of friends and relatives he would like to give a present for this Christmas. The joy within him was a burning life growing inside. He was more excited to know that he was experiencing the joy that started way back to the Roman festival of the Kalends which took place on the first of January during the Winter Solstice. Of course his gifts would be far different from what they had back then. Their gifts progressed from a form of evergreen branches to gifts of honey and cakes. His would be simple yet pleasant.

After he made his final list, he got conscious about the financial constraint along with it. Honestly, it was choking him that he had to make a quick change of plan. Instead of giving each of them a gift, he decided a gift for each family would cut down his expenses. Still, being a part of a big clan and having so many loving friends, the joy of it was slowly being replaced by worries. To get away with it, he gave up the idea.

During a lunch break at work, he had talked to his friend Dorothy. He asked her about how her family celebrates Christmas. He was excited when she mentioned about the gift-giving they always had since she was still in college. That was fifteen years ago. He was so impressed that he encouraged her to tell more about it. He had some pre-thoughts that her family was greatly close with each other. Surprisingly, she revealed otherwise.

Through out those fifteen years her mother never thanked her, not even wished her a merry Christmas. Although she never failed to give her mother a special gift each Christmas, her mother remained distant from her. Her father left them when she was five. Fernand believed that was the reason why her mother treated her differently.

Looking at her, he could feel the pain she was holding inside her. He felt guilty for suggesting the topic to her. He felt desperate finding comforting words so that she would feel better. He believed her mother loves her, only she couldn't show it the way she wanted. She is afraid of the love itself which she actually has inside for Dorothy. Then Dorothy smiled at him and said she was happy enough that she is free to show her love towards her mother through gift-giving.

The next day before his shift, he met his good friend Dianne at Starbucks in Paseo de Santa Rosa. Her father is an executive manager in one of Ayala businesses. He was eager to find out how they celebrate their Christmas, especially the gift-giving in her family. They usually donate in some charitable events which was a wonderful thing to know. However, he was disappointed to know they never had a gift-giving in her family. They always went abroad or had out-of-town trips during Christmas. He knew it seemed not appropriate to feel pity towards her but he was wishing she could experience the joy he felt whenever they had gift-exchange in their family. The surprise and fun they always had every time they un-wrapped their gifts. Although he could feel that Dianne was happy with the way her family celebrates Christmas.

At home, Fernand was reconsidering his plan about Christmas. He admired the love Dorothy had for her mother. She told him the joy she felt from the gift-giving in her family was inexplicable. Even if pain was there, she would always continue to show her love for her mother. While on Dianne's part, he was a bit lonely knowing they never experienced the thrill of wanting something for a long time which eventually someone from your family would give it to you as a Christmas gift. She told him they could buy things they want to have even though it is not Christmas. They don't have to wait for Christmas just to have it. He believes that the special touch of waiting and knowing someone you love had prepared a gift for you was more than the material gift you actually had received. That was what he believed Dianne was missing. Just the thought of the process of un-wrapping and opening your gift and the joy along with it was already a wonderful experience he would always cherish and would never barter with anything in this world. Finally, he started making his Christmas list.

at 11:37 AM

Together in Our Hearts

2008-01-23T00:33:00.000-08:00

"Life is like the wind that blows you away to many places. Even if sometimes you don't want to go, the breeze just gets too strong until no other option is left but to give in and let it take you away." This is how Alma Bibar, a young mother of two, simply described the feelings of her young husband before he left the country last December 8.

It was an emotional night before that day of Sherwin's departure for Abu Dhabi. He had to leave and work abroad as a butcher for his young growing family. Their two beautiful kids were really young. Kevin is four while Cristina is two years younger than her brother. The kids needed a father figure as they grow. It hurts her to imagine those two coming years of their lives separated from their father.

During the time Sherwin had finally made up his mind, Alma was both proud and sad for her loving husband. She couldn't explain the exact feelings she was experiencing that time. She wanted to protest yet she felt relieved that finally there was hope for a better future for their family. She just hoped that time would run really fast. It was like crazy of her to say it but sometimes she really wished she could fool time so that next week those couple of years would be finally over. But she knew reality better than that. She knew she was just hurting herself more. When she knew that she had to be strong for their children and for Sherwin as well.

"This is for the kids, for us," she remembered Sherwin whispered to her ear.

After a week, the tension of missing her husband kept swelling and it was making her weak inside. Whenever her children asked about their father, she didn't know how to explain this to them. She was forced to make up funny stories that she knew what their young minds only could understand. But many times she ran out of words.

Every time she observed how people were excited about Christmas, the more she felt the absence of Sherwin in their family. She realized she never thought of Sherwin that much ever since they settled down until he finally had gone abroad. Just two years ago, they had a serious fight that almost broke their married life because of the other woman.

She thought she never loved him that much anymore. Yet, she terribly felt so alone and longing to be with him now. She had re-discovered her love for him.

Sherwin never turned to look back to see his crying children when he left the house. It was as if they knew what was happening. Perhaps they could feel the situation. Even though their young minds were not able to comprehend any of it. It was breaking his heart to bid them goodbye. It had to be done. He never turned back even as he and Alma together with his brother Zaldy had arrived at NAIA. He was trying to keep his control over his feelings. He had to show a strong attitude towards his family so that they would stop worrying about him. Besides, it would be only two years. It seemed a long way to go but he knew it would be just two years. He silently prayed that God would give him the strength and faith he would need to get through this process. "Be with us, God, through these years."

Kevin started to ask about his father every other hour whenever he saw or heard something about Christmas. Sometimes He woke up in the middle of the night and asked his mother what time his father would come home. Alma just told him, "Papa has gone to Santa Claus to get your gifts. It's a distant place. But soon, he would be running through that door with big hugs and kisses for all of us. Okay? Be patient and take care of Cristina for him so when he comes back, he would be proud of you."

She knew Kevin's young mind would not fully understand the words she said. But he nodded and gave her a trusting smile. She just prayed to the Lord that everything would be fine. Then the cell phone rang. It was Sherwin. She was so excited like she had never been in her whole life. "How are you? How is the job? Are you okay there? We miss you." While talking over the phone, a faith was finally crawling up in her soul. They might be separated physically but in their hearts, they were always together.

at 8:39 AM

Discovering Real Self by Working Abroad

2008-01-23T00:30:00.001-08:00

Reasons for working abroad by many Filipinos vary from financial necessity to personal and sometimes, more complex reasons. Just like Jose Alden Habacon who, at the young age of 23, is determined to explore his abilities and limits, to find his real self.

Alden used to be a working student while taking up a 2-year HRM course in Los Baños, Laguna. He was able to balance the demands of his job as a service crew in a fast food chain store in their area while maintaining his excellent school grades. When he graduated in 2005, Alden continued working in one of the busy food chain stores in Calamba City, Laguna, while preparing himself for a job in Dubai.

On February 14, while most of the people were celebrating the season of hearts, Alden was busy sending emails of goodbye to many of his friends. "On that same day, I left the country to work for TGI Fridays in Dubai. Although gaining higher financial income is a motivation, but that is not my primary reason.

I am actually proud that I made it - to get a job abroad. I want to experience life in a totally different perspective. I don’t think I was afraid the first time I got here. Excitement would be the right word to describe the way I felt that day."

Money was a concern as he did not have enough pocket money upon arrival but his fellow Filipinos came to rescue. "I was really thankful with our fellow Pinoys here who had supported me until I received my first salary."

Working in Dubai was not as easy than Alden thought it would be - especially the weather. "On my first day, it was so cold that my lips got swollen. The next day yung pisngi ko naman! When I looked at the mirror, I was like, oh no, mukha na akong siyokoy!

My body suffered a lot. If it is hot here, it is very hot. If it is cold, it is very cold. It took me around three months before my body finally gave in and accepted the fact that I am no longer in the Philippines but in Dubai!"

Alden happily joked, referring to his body as if it was another person. "Throughout those first three months, I had a pimple on my left cheek which, isa lang iyon pero kasing laki yun ng pigsa! I had fever. There were times when I got home from work, namamantal buong katawan ko. Worst thing happened when I woke up one day with so many pimples on my face!

I also had problems in adapting to their time that resulted to sleeping problems. Masakit sa ulo. Inom ako ng inom ng mga gamot. Now I am happy that those days were finally over.”

But in general, Alden considers everything as fine. The only thing he could consider a problem is when other foreign workers try to discourage them. "Some of them are not as friendly. We just don’t mind those who, as if we don’t know, are insecure because we Pinoys are a lot better than them in terms of good work performance. Kahit minsan nakaka-sama na talaga sila ng loob. They bad mouth us whenever they have a chance to talk to the boss. Fortunately, our boss does not easily believe every word they say.

To overcome the work politics, we just encourage and support each other here. Whenever we have problems, everyone is willing to give you advice, a helping hand."

During days of rest, Alden just go to the mall. He observed that the crime rate is low because of strict regulation in Dubai. "Lahat takot gumawa ng mali."

Despite disappointments encountered, Alden is proud to be an OFW. "Working overseas entail some sacrifice. Pag mahina ka, wala ka mararating. Nothing is easy in this life. You have to work for your dreams. And I know God is always with us wherever we are.

I miss the Philippines, my friends, my family, and the traffic. I am excited to go back soon. But right now, I am enjoying every moment here and saving money so I could put up a small business when I come back there."

at 6:44 PM

Work and Pleasure in Palawan

2008-01-23T00:26:00.000-08:00

Jeremy E. Marfori is working as a manager in Jollibee-Crossing, Calamba City. He has been always dedicated to his job, together with the whole crew of the said store, to bring the great taste and happiness to everyone as what the company’s mission says. It is open 24-hour a day to cater all the needs of the late night passengers and of those who work at a night shift. This results to a busier and, like any other hardworking professionals, a more stressful everyday life to Jeremy.

Many times he had wished to find a time for even a short vacation where he could relax, reflect on important things that he had often neglected due to the hectic demands of his work. However, it seemed too far to become a reality. Until last year, the company has offered him a one-month job in the two store outlets in Palawan to assist the first-time managers there.

"Puro kasi mga bago ang mga manager kaya tutulong ako ng konti," he said.

Jeremy was excited when he learned about the offer. He thought that it could be the right time to give his little wish a chance while rendering his job. It would be just a matter of time management. He was determined to make his so-called ‘job’ in Palawan in May of last year to be really enjoyable.

"Mahilig kasi ako sa mga trips kaya pumunta agad ako sa Roxas. May festival daw doon at may crew ako na taga-doon na malapit sa plaza. Kaya nung unang rest day ko, gala agad ako," he amusedly said.

On his next rest day, there was a day tour that was offered to them but Jeremy and his friends had decided to hire a mini-van instead. Their first stop was at the exciting Crocodile farm.

"Excited kami, madami daw crocodile," he joked, "By batch ang pagpasok at suwerteng last batch kami. May film showing tungkol sa mga buwaya. Napaka-educational, talagang marami kang matututunan. Sumalubong sa amin ang isang malaking skeleton at balat ng buwaya na nasa loob ng isang glass box nung pag-pasok namin.”

"After nung film showing, sumunod naming pinuntahan ay yung tinatawag nilang nursery. Doon sa amin pinakita kung papaano pinapakain at inaalagaan ang mga buwaya. Sobrang saya. Napaka-exciting nga nung tumatawid kami sa itaas ng kulungan ng mga malalaking buwaya. Bawal magtulakan kasi nga baka mahulog. Puwede rin magpa-picture sa mga baby crocodiles.”

On his third rest day, it was the 8.2 kilometer Underground River beneath St. Paul mountain his next destination.

"Maganda siya, ang lalaki ng mga puno, nakakatuwa. Nung nasa bangka na kami, ang linaw-linaw nung tubig at kita mo ang ilalim. Pero pagpasok na namin sa loob, kakaiba yung pakiramdam. Dumilim, lumamig, at medyo nakakatakot. May taga-ilaw sa unahan ng bangka. Mga thirty minutes din kami sa loob."

"Nagloko nga yung camera ko kaya kakaunti lang ang mga nakuhanan ko ng pictures sa loob. Hindi ko nga nakuhanan yung mukha ni Jesus at yung mga stalagmites at stalactites.”

At the end of that day, Jeremy had described the longest and reputedly the most beautiful subterranean river in the world and his adventure there in one word: amazing. He even would like to invite all the people he knows to visit Puerto Princesa, especially the Underground River, themselves so that they would know the inexplicable feeling while navigating the said underground river. "Proud ako at atin ‘to," he added.

On his last adventure in Puerto Princesa, he was with his co-manager and friend Myra who had become his personal tourist guide in his island hopping at Honda Bay.

"Una naming pinuntahan ay yung Pandan Island, sumunod ay ang Snake Island na kung saan kami nag-lunch. Nag-rent din kami ng goggles para sa pag-snorkling namin. Ang masasabi ko lang, napaka-ganda ng mga corals natin. Sana ingatan natin ito sa mas mahaba pang panahon."

It was no doubt that Jeremy had enjoyed his one-month stay in Puerto Princesa. He wanted to explore the other places he was not able to see such as the Butterfly Garden, Vietnam Village, and the Penal Farm. If ever he would be given again a chance to work in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, this was what he said, "No second thoughts, I will pack and go back."

at 6:43 AM

A Teenager Adjusting in America

2008-01-23T00:23:00.000-08:00

Many Filipinos, regardless of their social status in society, have an American dream which they would like to pursue in one way or another. It is as if they have convinced themselves that Uncle Sam’s homeland is a big open door where, like magic, all their dreams could come true. It is like the American country is a cradle of all the answers to all the thinkable problems and frustrations they have in life.

"Lola told me that you have to work really hard in America to be successful. You can’t just sit there and wait for your dreams to become true overnight. For many Filipinos here, they are not just competing against your fellow kababayan and other nationalities, but as well as with the natives of America," Norman related when he was asked about his American dream.

"I don’t actually have any American dream that could be called like. I am here for a different reason. I am not really that happy because I am here, although I must admit that I enjoy a lot of opportunities around here, in addition to the fact that I get to know more of my relatives in my father’s side."

Norman Ababan, now 19, left the country in December 2006 to finally re-unite with his father’s family in Union City , California . That day, he remembered, he felt half of his soul was being stripped apart from him, that any moment he wanted to change his mind and rather stay in his beloved humble country.

"I know it may sound foolish but if only I had another choice, I would rather stay there. I know I belong there.

It was a bit weird when you go out and see a lot of Americans around you. That was a funny part. Back in the Philippines , many told me I was tall for my age. Right here, I suddenly felt small compared to the kids here. It was like I always had to remind myself, uh-uh, I am no longer in the Philippines anymore.”

Norman never really had a hard time adjusting in the US. Most of his days during the first couple of months after his arrival, was with the immediate family. They also have Filipino neighbors and friends there. At first, he had to adapt to the American time and weather. But it has never become a problem at all. He busied himself by going out with his cousins and new friends.

"It was really lonely the first time I arrived here, I missed so many things back home. You really have to do something to occupy yourself so that you won’t think so much about the Philippines . Funny thing was, there were so many things that reminded me of home. We have tuyo here, although I don’t really eat tuyo. Lola always cooks Filipino dishes, just two days ago, she cooked pinakbet.”

In his third month, his lola let him to have a job in one of the local bakeries here. It helped Norman to enjoy his new life. He was able to mingle with more Americans and made friends with most of them.

Things are really doing fine for Norman. Many people were willing to help him cope with his new life now. However, whenever they hear bad news about the Philippines, he couldn’t help but get upset.

"When I learned about those things, bad news in particular, about our country, I really get depressed. Sometimes I realize, we are losing so much because we have never learned to love our own country like the Americans do for their country. I just hope that the time will come, the pride and passion Filipinos felt for the Philippines once in a while would be a lifetime commitment.”

Norman doesn't know how long before he would be able to go back or visit the Philippines. He admitted that he is starting to create his own dreams, even though he insisted to say that those dreams are truly Pinoy. He is planning to save money and put up a business when he returns to the Philippines.

"In everything I do, I make sure that I am doing the good stuff. So that, in my own simple way, I could show to many Americans that we are just like the other races in the world, who deserves respect and does much more better things than the exaggerated news circulating in the papers about the Philippines."
at 7:01 AM