Tuesday, November 27, 2007

November audit craze

When I said before that I'll prevent blogging work matters topic, I actually didn't believe it. How can I share other stuff when my 14hrs in a day is consumed to working. And if our company will have a loyalty award for expats, definitely I'll be one of the nominee. Imagine, I'm the only survivor out of the six expats previously in our department. Meaning, I'm the only foreigner, which I won't brag about but I'm really proud of it, pinoy ata ito!


Anyhow, I hoped you won't get bored reading again this sort of lenghty blog about my entertaining job...hmmp, maybe entertaining only for me...ha ha


Yesterday my end, end customer had an audit. And when you say audit, everyone is in alarm level#1. But I'm somehow confident because last Friday, the premier#1 brand worldwide (S...)had an audit. And this end, end customer of mine is also from Japan and in cases like this, there must be a translator which of course is not me. So inside the meeting room are multi-cultural people composed of Taiwanese, English, Japanese and yours truly.


My first job was a Jap firm and has spent almost a year. Hence, I can still vividly recall some words and so, when I introduced myself in Niponggo, they were surprised...ha ha ha. My company then offers training in Japan and I was the first in our batch to got the privileged of a six months training program. Unfortunately, it wasn't pushed through as my visa was denied. I said to myself at the time, ok lang yun...but thinking it now sayang s'ya, If I just waited for 3 more moths to re-apply for the visa as their pushing to have me stayed, I could have been there already for free. Well yes, knowing how expensive travelling to Japan nowadays will make me to reconsider. Anyway, I resigned and the rest is history.


Going back to the meeting room, aside from listening to and discussing the agenda in which I also prepared myself. I can't help not to stare and observed how could one recognize this seemingly same individuals. Local folks says that Jap consider themselves as superior among their race, well for some reasons I agree because when you said made in Japan...wow, it must be good, the quality I mean. And while pondering, I think the identification trademark would be the eyes.


So we went into the line and not wondering why the English guy keeps beside me. Of course, I'm the only one he could understand. And has spent an hour of more blah blah blahs. Then they departed to the other floors of our building to continue the audit with another entertainer. After they've left and while returning some audit items, the production supervisor asked me "How many Chinese words could you say?" Oh well, I said itien-tien (means little), then both of us laughed afterwards.


Having said that, given the chance to be a customer in the future, wow, really hoping for that chance, I could somehow communicate with them right? cause I know itien-tien...ha ha ha, kidding aside though, but I do hoped that my mandarin skills will drastically improved next year as one of my goals.


To close with , we finished at 5PM with minor findings. Very nice, and then requested our team to attend dinner with them. For past experiences, although it's time to have that bonding, it usually ends up to a working dinner. And though I liked one of those Jap end customer, coz he defended us from our end end customer, I declined and headed back to the office where I'll just start going over on other pending activities...whew! tough job isn't it, but entertaining...^&^

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Time to move on?

There are just so much that I would like to write, but once I started to hit my laptops keys, it has left me clueless or better say speechless to be exact.



Whilst the cold breeze of winter, I decided to walk going home. Hoping that the 30minutes walk will allow me to ponder on things and finally have a decision upon reaching home. This is one of those times that I just wanted to be alone.



Recently, I received a job offer back home and weighing on things, the only topic for discussion is the salary. Significant difference of course, on the side, I could finally be with my family.



I like Taiwan a lot and have iterated so many times how I love my lifestyle here. But the question that popped out of my mind is that until when I could stay here? Money for sure is important, but is it the bottom line of everything?



I'm not saying that preparing for the future is not important. Indeed it is, I'm not just the type who plans and sets goals to have much, for example, this year I'll have this, next year this one, and so on and so forth.



I always believed that sufficient for the day is what's important, for tomorrow will worry for itself just like what the bible says. But then again, I guess I don't have that enough courage to go back. It takes a lot of faith to do so considering the status of the Philippines.



When you had that experience to leave outside and go back home say for vacation, you can't help to compare and hoped that the pleasures outside is the same thing in the Philippines. Never knew and understand why from a well-known developing country in the 70's has turned into a 3rd world country in the 20th century? In which the current economy greatly depends on OFW's remittances. And what will happens next? I don't know either.



And since there will come a time for me to come back, I wanted to settle for sure in the Philippines. I just hoped that I have the confidence to say that my family has a future. Having said that, I think I should keep my feet here for now!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

After 10yrs and still counting....

I'm actually not into writing this post because it's so late now and I should start to snooze. But upon realizing that it's a special day to me and the rest of MIT-CHE batch'93, I got that adrenaline to reminisce a bit.

Wow, it's been 10 years already, the moment after 41/2 years of sweat, tears, hunger and countless sleepless night with matching sunog kilay has paid. Upon calling my name and stepping finally at the stage to get that much awaited diploma has come into reality. I graduated at last!

Looking back then, I never knew I will take such course and study in MIT. At the time, the most in demand course is either PT or Com Sci. And usually, a fresh grad from high school doesn't have much in mind for what direction to go through aside from the fact you wanted to be with your barkada's. Sunod lang ika nga...

Our food store in Makati was just in-front of the former P&G Plant now transferred to Laguna for environmental reasons. And it's one of our customer who encouraged me to try MIT, he said I had big chances to enter this giant company which we all knew offers great security.

And so, I tried, sige try lang naman, let's see how it goes. I still have fall backs after all. Know what, I was actually part of those last batch of examinees and enrollee. And thinking it now, God indeed send that guy to encourage, or better say guide me.

Although studying in MIT was quite difficult and challenging. In which you need to maintain a certain grade in order to stay, I finished my studies with flying colors. Not saying though that I never got 5, but the thing is I graduated ahead of time. One thing is sure, I loved my college days and has treasured every moments of it until these days.

And today, 10 years to be exact after our graduation. I would like to greet fellow MIT-CHE Batch'93, we made it guys!

Friday, November 2, 2007

Here it goes again

Just 2 weeks ago, I had written on my last post that I will try to avoid writing work related subjects. Apparently, it won't be the case as we encountered once more another strange case.


And so, I'm back to the same workaholic full-mode, a slave maybe the exact word. And thanks to that smooth sailing process one month break, mind you that we pinned down the last one. I was able to recharge, and now wanted to shout " Panahon na para ilabas muli ang isang daang porsiyentong kapangyarihan" (in English, "It's time to unleash my 100% power")...ha ha ha, funny as it sounds, but I like it, it's very appropriate. Hey do you still remember which famous cartoon show tag line it was? I already forgot, it's one of my fave back then.


Actually this one is more critical than the last one, considering the failing rate is quite low. Imagine, they will be flying back again next week. Oh well, maybe they just like me that much...ha ha ha


And you may say, hey it's kinda serious and should be taken seriously. Yes, I am, I really am taking that into that level. Obviously, I just wanted to use another approach and see what happens next.


I just learned from previous experience that, I usually put additional pressure on myself for motivation. Don't know why, maybe it's just my style in order not to loose momentum of what I'm doing. But realized at the same time that the more I put myself into pressure, the more I can't move. So this time, I would like to try like playing, but surely hitting the nail and I believed that it's more light and fun.


I'll end this post for now and let's see how my next entries goes, better watch for it...@_@


Have a nice weekend every all.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Three points shot

Finally, after four months of distress figuring out the root cause and resolution, we have seen light and fingered this one.


To pin down analysis straightway for a new failure was really difficult. I'm somehow helpless during initial stages of the experiment as our 1st leg matrix on two group samples showed different result.


It only made the problem worse and complicated plus the need to explain why is it so...argh!...considering that we issued instructions of ways to control it, don't tell me now that somebody didn't follow the exact sequence. In which we find no abnormality after investigating.


But with our 2nd leg still not able to simulate the same defect, has lead us to conclude that we're not hitting anything and thus made us to step back and re-check everything.


And so far, with the pilot lots showing promising results was a complete relief. There's not much to be done apart from continuous monitoring to establish confidence...TYL!!!


With that, I hope I can post as much as I could or say at least once in a week would be fair out of this mediocrity. And I hope I could post not only work matters but of personal stuffs as well...Actually, I don't have much idea what to share for a single like me. On the contrary, I think telling about one's child development and family affairs is kinda more interesting. It's just that there are lots of subject to be tackled about than just oneself, particularly myself....he he


Oh! did I just said I wanted to get married already? hmmp, can be, but not really. On the side, I'm still enjoying the benefits of single hood, but of course if God provide it soon, so be it, no objection. By then, I'm going to retire...he he, although I really can't figure out myself staying at home doing home stuffs, especially for a lazy one like me, it is my dream to be one when it's already my turn. You may say, let's see, but for now all I can say is read it right! ha ha


P.S

While thinking of a suitable title for this entry, I came to write it as "Three points shot". And just in case you wonder why? just spare my explanation. Life in general is ain't easy and there are times we need to step forward, make difficult decisions and take the risk. But once you shot the ball into the basket similar to shooting it from a three points lane, then it's a great achievement. A sure winning shot!


Will close this post for now, have a nice weekend to everyone.

Sunday, September 23, 2007

Latest Phils experience

In case your wondering why this blog was on hiatus for a while was because I was in Manila for 2 weeks and immediately jumped back to work after coming back in Taiwan.

My anticipated merry vacation turned out to be a blow as our only one taxi was carjacked which tested once again my then frazzled serenity. We're supposed to go to Baguio the following day and wondered what sort of hustles then if we've left earlier...whew!

But what terrified as more was the driver, who was my older brother, a family man. The incident happened last Aug31 at 10PM along Pasay Rotonda where a certain man rode and asked to bring him to Pasay General Hospital.

Shortly, the guy asked to pick-up another man whom he said was his companion. With just thoughts of helping in such emergency, my brother did as told and in an instant the second guy declared holdup pointing a 38 cal gun on my brothers' right abdomen.

Mindful of his young children, he told the robbers to get everything they wanted but leave him unharmed. They then entered a desolated narrow street, took his 450 pesos (10 dollars)income, cellphone and the taxi.

The next couple of days are even more stressful especially to my mother who was the owner. It was our parents hard earned possession after being a sidewalk vendor for 12 years. Contrary to my air-conditioned, pretty nice work place but with a brain draining job, I still cannot whine just thinking of my parents sacrifices for those hot sunny days and cold rainy days in the street.

So despite the fact that I'm physically and emotionally exhausted, though this vacation didn't turn out as expected, my feelings were superseded by just seeing my mother's own sweat and blood turn into void.

It was her source of income, but more worried of her sons who get there living out of driving it. Even at the age of 72, mother is independent financially to her children. She never asks unless it's necessary. She even treats me when I'm in the country and I will forever treasure those moments and be grateful to her.
God do answers prayers, after 4 days of searching and waiting, a QC police called and told us that our taxi was found abandoned in Cubao Q.C. It was a great feeling of relief and joy that everything will now be settled. He even provided police officers who never took advantage and assisted us in many ways. It has somehow regain my broken trust in our security system.
So before I end this long entry, hope you never slept on it...^____^...I would like to thank once again the police of Quezon City's Pride, Pasay Best's and TF Limbas Crame for their unwavering commitment. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!!!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Clock is ticking

Since last week, Taiwan is experiencing heavy rains and thunderstorm. So, most of the time I overslept, too lazy to get-up in the morning for work. Treasured times where tickling my pillow is way much better than pressing my laptops' keyboard.

My workplace is not that far from my apartment, and my usual transportation everyday is riding a bicycle. Thou it's a little uneasy due to sweaty thing and awkward feeling riding it while wearing slacks on sunny days , I missed now my bike. Just love the feeling riding it and it's also my sort of exercise. And so, for the time being, my means not to get drenched is by taking a cab. Only this time...

The truth is I can't imagine myself riding a bicycle back home. There's just so many means available, that even it's just 2 blocks away, I may think of riding the tricycle. But living here thought me to be practical and not to be so concern on stuffs like what we called as "porma" (get-up). For the locals, no one will care or even dare to stare. What also amazes me on my early days here is to see elite cars such as BMW's parked along sidewalk vendors just to buy or eat something. It's just something rare to be seen in the Philippines.

No wonder though that most Westerners wanted to stay in Taiwan. Why? because living here is so simple, not complicated. Aside from the cheap cost of living...yeah read it right, no imposed 14% tax for every items bought, Taiwanese folks are very nice in general. Hard workers as usual Chinese people trademark, they are soft spoken and loving individuals.

No wonder too that I also love staying here. It offers great security and health care. Although the government does not offer migration for foreigners like me, my employment has enabled me to avail of permanent residency upon completing 7 years in the country. So that would be, 3 yrs from now and by then I could go back and forth without hurdles at the embassy. What else? Hmmp, not sure if I could also get my family to stay with me permanently.

It's getting late once again and I should start to snooze, but before that I just realized that time is also ticking for my D-Day...ha ha...tick tack...tick tack...yeah, 14 days to go and I'll be stepping on the 30's. Oh, how time really flies and another year will be added to my age. Can't help to think now if I'm getting matured or still immature at this point...ha ha. Just the same, still thankful thou that I have reached this age.

Let me see, what should be my plans then? Hmmp, I'm supposed to be in the Philippines at the time and hoping that the weather will cooperate. Just wondering now what's the weather when I was born?oops...hope it's fair then. Of course, have that gathering with family and I hope those close friends I've been missing since college will also be there. What else? we're supposed to go to Boracay and Hongkong if time permits. I really do hope that I could squeeze my schedule for this 2 weeks vacation. All hopes!




Saturday, August 4, 2007

Weekend thing

As much as I tried getting to bed early to catch more sleep during the weekend, my body clock was somewhat get used to sleeping late. Good thou that it's weekend and free to be lazy waking up the next day.

I should be now sleeping at my bed back home, had a taste of my fave dishes during dinner that is especially cooked by mom, obviously it's only a dream. Yes, I was actually flying back to the Philippines today, but need to postpone till end of August for some urgent responsibilities need to dealt with. Yeah, yeah, yeah, no other logical reason except than work matters as my biggest European customer will be coming over next week, meaning I need to endure a bit.

The truth is I was gear to be back on December, but I think I do need this break to unleash myself from being compounded. At the same time, it would be great if I could celebrate my birthday with family. For 3yrs in a row, I have spent it here and I think it's payment time, imagine I miss my gifts thrice and surely can't happen for the 4th time. Just kidding thou, I am actually so excited for this vacation and have done my itinerary to maximize this break.

So while pondering on these thoughts and because I can't sleep, I played one CD of this series which I have watched for the nth time. It's my sort of temporary escape from reality after a hard day at work, just makes me feel good after watching it everytime. Rain & Hye-Kyo's tandem in this romantic comedy Koreanovela was a blast, even ranked as one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time. The most adorable pair I have seen so far (yeah, they have surpass my likeness with Meg & Tom from You've Got Mail). Oh! how cute these two look especially when one is jealous over the other (both tagged as chicken...ha ha).

Anyhow, allow me to post some pictures in remembrance and I do hope you loved the series as much as I do. I'm planning also to attach YouTube's OST , but don't know how. So, if you can provide inputs and I'll post next time. Along with my collection of videos.

Have a nice weekend everyone....^^




Tuesday, July 24, 2007

TV game shows

It's been 2 days in a row that I ate my lunch on some Filipino restaurants just outside the processing zone. A good get-away from the usual pentang meal at our buildings basement cafeteria, plus a relief of that ever fishy smell after which...ha ha...Nothing really beats our own taste of Filipino dish. Yesterday, I have Embutido (grounded pork with egg, carrot, raisin, etc) and today Adobong Pusit (onion fried squid sauteed in soy sauce and vinegar) as viand, so delicious.

While savoring the moment of that break, the store was also equipped with air-condition to be free from the outside heat. At the same time, they had satellite to show Filipino channels on the TV screen. It's been a while that I haven't watched any, aside of course from the help of the Internet, so thanks to the computer geeks who discovered it.

Anyway, it was Game Ka Na Ba of Channel2 that was on air, now hosted by Edu Manzano. In fairness, his a good host, a capable replacement of Kris Aquino. On the side, I can't help to laugh realizing that he needs to do some dancing move to please the viewer's...ha ha, it might be call of duty. The shows motif has also changed from the one I've seen couple of years ago, so this is like my first time watching it again. Yesterday, I've only seen some part and today is like the continuation of it.

So the winner yesterday is Vannie from Los Banos and there are 2 challengers to get that position. The final round was naming the latest 12 senatorial electorates, so Vannie started and rest follows. The winner should be able to answer when it's his/her turn which is under time pressure. The 2nd person miss the 3rd round, while Vannie lost the 4th round and the winner is the boy whose qualifying answer to the final round was the question: Imbey was short term for gays which actually means: Imbyerna, with matching raising his eyebrow with one hand...oh oh! it seems like his one of the federation...ha ha. Anyway, it just make me think at some point because when Vannie lost her turn, there was a pause when it's the boy's turn to answer the question. It actually adds to his time to collect thoughts and answer the question. Not mean anything here, it's just plain observation for my 25cents worth.

Anyway, the show is entertaining and informative to sum-up.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Times of Reflection (part2)

Good that my browser is now functioning properly and can key-in the title text field. So, this post is supposed to be the continuation of my previous post entitled "Times of Reflection", and as much as I wanted to write part2 there was a delay.


Life is really ain't easy, but I'm sure I'm not the only one that is having difficulty at the time. It maybe much more harder for other people.


So, the following days was a struggle of holding on and letting go. Setting my priorities straight has been a work in-process. It's like trying to meet east from the west, a total no no. But I got no choice, I have to change my perspective, otherwise it will eat me alive.


The discussion I had with my boss was an eye-opener and I hoped you could also get something from it. It was more than a 2 hrs discussion and truly you can't see yourself clearly unless from another peoples point of view. And this is what I've learned about me: He told me that I'm someone who does & tries everything to make the work polished. And because the supposed collaborative effort is not working, I put the pressure on myself and thus left me so frustrated because it's still not working.


Initially I don't know if I'll get upset or encourage hearing that criticism. But soon I bursted out my complains which I rarely do so to be honest. It's not my style to whine, if I can do it, I'll try and I will really try hard. So, don't tell me now as if it's my fault, hello, I'm already brain drained here coz of this issue, can't you see there is problem in our system that's why I need to do this & that...blah blah blah. I cried so hard and I don't care if it's right whining at the time, but I wanted him to know how I feel, how hard I'm pushing myself just to close this issue and tell you what a relief, refreshing afterwhich.


For a fast paced working environment such as mine, time is crucial especially this case I'm handling is our leading customer, which only means there are plenty of eyes on me. Theoretically, subordinates should always deliver a good job to their respective bosses and I may have overestimate this assumption, that I also raised high expectation. The fact that I'm a foreigner with define communication gap and quite different paradigm among locals are sure pressure adder.


So does it mean I'll just be lax and wait everything to fall on my lap, definitely not. But rather to extend my horizon of understanding that I can't expect things to appear just like how I want it to be. But the best I've learned is not to put that pressure or burden only on myself. I'm not saying that I could handle it now more wisely, but I'm sure I won't dwell on it just like before. In the first place I have put so much attention on it.


Neglecting the Bible's reminder: "Where your treasure is, there your heart as well". So this time, I will start to pay attention and use that time and energy to the things that are critical to my happiness which are: my loved ones, my dreams, my faith, doing things that I love, time for myself, mentoring others and taking care of my health. To be a good steward of the talents and blessing that God has entrusted to me. Afterall, where not working only for ourselves but for the One who has made us.

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Times of Reflection

My daily routine has turned back once again of working till midnight, skipping dinner on time and if have luck, eat finger foods at my desk just to use that extra time and for what, for working as usual. So absorb attending to work issues, that I failed to recognize that I'm forgetting to take care of myself.

I do love my job, no doubt on that and it's the main reason why I am working so hard. Always a team player, always doing my best in resolving process issues. But this time, it's different, it hit me so hard, so hard to consider giving up and leave everything behind, the things that I have worked so hard building. It's the time that I felt so down at the wire.

I have come to the point of giving up, yes, not because it is too hard, too difficult, I wanted to get out, I can't do it anymore, maybe, just maybe...but, the main reason I believed I have come to this thinking is because I realized that what I'm doing is not the bottom line of everything.

What's the use of being able to buy things that you want if your going to loose your health. What's the use of getting recognition if your going to loose valuable time with family, losing time on the things that will make you happy. What's the use of being up in the ladder if your going to be all alone.

Those thoughts has struck me more that I ever imagine. I am putting myself on unnecessary stress and pressure that I'm forgetting the things that will really make me happy.

To be continued....

p.s. If you've notice, I put the title inside of this post as my browser can't key-in the title bar. Not sure though what's wrong. Appreciate if anyone can advise how to fix it...thanks

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

It's raining time again

I fortuitously neglected this page for a while and felt good somehow that I was able to catch at least the last day of the month, my 2nd post entry for June.



So where was I these past weeks you may ask? I was deeply, as in deeply engross to the torrent of activities at work. Even this humid Saturday morning does not left me go to the office to catch-up with the activities and multi-taskingly write this stuff while having my short meal break.


With only two hands, one body and one mind...ahhh! has definitely left me worn-out each day. And from the way things appear, this sting will be running till next month. Oh oh...it's raining again, and when it rains, it pours, and it pours really hard. But, there's always rainbow after the rain right?


What amaze me though is that even if my personal or social life was at stake because of the current scenario, I still love what I do and I mean it , I really do love my job. It's one thing that I'm able to do at my best, it's my passion, my obsession.


And it pays most of the time, just for example the GAP bag I received from my recent US customer visit, plus the big bang of happiness after my boss confirmation that I'll be promoted next month...yahoo!!!


And in all these things is because of God's grace, to God be all the glory.



Saturday, June 9, 2007

Memoirs of June

This is my first blog entry for the month of June and despite the fact that the past days had been one of a hectic week at work where several topic can be a subject for posting, I never come out to anything in particular to share with or maybe, I just don't want to go over on work matters again. Hence, I choose instead to reminisce on the D-day's this month. Those events that my memory will serve me well and try figuring out plans of making it more worthwhile.

  1. June15 is my twin kuya's (older brother's) b-day and just this afternoon, I chatted with sister and learned that they will have a small gathering. A typical pinoy style b-day which is usually composed of the immediate family members plus nearby brothers friends or repapips. Thankful though that I won't be seeing the drinking session, plus the singing as if concert Ala king...ha ha, I can't help not to have that wistful thinking that I won't be celebrating with them. My family is one of the ordinary class and though our b-days are not celebrated with grandiose, we make sure that this day was spent as always as one of the most important days in our lives.
    Well, as the occasion means gift giving, I just hoped that my brothers won't ask too much...ha ha, actually they are not that bilmoko nun type, sound good for me right and even hesitant telling what they really like. So this time I just left them buy for them selves. Happy B-day to you my Bros...^^

  2. June15 is also the end of my working contract and I should be going back home a week before this day. But then I was blessed as the company renewed my contract. Yeah, will be here for another 3 more years. We had done the contract signing last week and my residence permit and visa are on-process at the embassy. I could actually now avail my yearly vacation, but I prefer to use it instead on December for the holiday season.

  3. I have experienced Christmas in Taiwan once and though most of them are either Bud dist or Atheist, they were already westernized in many ways. And during this time, decorations can be seen everywhere to join Christians all over the world in celebrating this glorious event. But truly, I could say that there is no other place to spend Christmas among us pinoys than in the Philippines and I'm sure that most of the pinoy expats will agree to me on this matter regardless of the potential cost.

    I've been in Taiwan for 4yrs and honestly, there are only a few places that I have visited so far. And so I said to myself, these next 3 years should be a breakthrough for that delay in exploring the country. The fact that my mandarin skills is still on phase1 (basic) should not be anymore my long time reason for fear of being lost. Also, the courage to travel alone though it would be better to have companions sharing the experience should not be anymore an excuse. So, I decided and determined to take that risk. And well, in life we need to have some right...Aja Aja fighting...^^

    3. Lastly, after being a colony of Spain, Japan and Americans, the Philippines will be celebrating it's 109th Yr of Independence this coming June12th. Now I'm not surprised why upon seeing the natives of Taiwan just make me think that they look very similar with pinoys. Why you may ask? because majority of our ancestors came from the Austronesian from Taiwan. If you don't believe me, then you can check Wikipedia and hit Philippines as key word. And now, I'm also not surprised why J.Rizal has Chinese blood...ha ha, small world isn't.

    Now more that ever, I realized how important learning mandarin. How many times I tried, really, but my tongue just goes nowhere. Oh well, it may not be too late. I still had my 3 years in the row...Aja Aja fighting...^^

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Practice perfect

I went to bed early than usual last night. I need to wake up early and have that energy for the next day's big event. It's so important, so so important and I'm excited of the outcome.

Today, I just had a meeting with our new European customer and discussed our capabilities in supporting their product. Off-course, it's a matter of new business pull-in and in times like this , it only mean one thing...brain draining.

For a technical job such as mine and an environment dominated by man, I need to be effective and assertive. And well, after the whole day's presentation and table discussion, I received a very good feedback, what an accomplishment. Ang saya saya!

Actually, last week I also had one of my US customers visit the factory. It's our first time to meet in person after having that bunch of e-mails going back and forth. And since I've been working with them for a year, the agenda mostly covered project updates and road maps.

Confident to present my part with expertise, deep inside, I felt guiltily that I had taken it too easy. My workaholic me is out of sight, a seemingly odd situation of myself especially when it comes to work matters.

Do I just sound so hard on myself? hmmp, I don't think so, because I think the main reason of not having that momentum last week is my being fancied of what I'm watching last week (see my previous post)...ha ha. Anyway, so glad that I'm back to my old self and now you know why today is so darn important.

I've learned in school that practice makes it perfect and have spent so many sleepless night in practicing mathematical equations just not to have that singko. But now, I can't stand of not having at least 5hrs of sleep...Gah! ano ba ito, senyales na ba 'to ng tumatanda...ha ha

Tonight, I ate my lunch with my dinner, see how it did affect me. Anyway, it was a long day and have to pamper myself, so I ate in my fave resto. I actually would like to take pix so you can peek on the dish, but I don't have my camera with me. Next time, I'll do it and that would be all for today folks.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Recent viewed et al

It was more than a week after my last post and just in case your wondering where am I, not sure though who you are but thanks anyway. I've got pre-occupied watching a Korean Telenovela...ha ha, yep, pathetic it may seem or jologs, whatever, I don't care. For me, it was blissful.

Contrary to the usual happy endings of Filipino Telenovelas, the Korean Telenovela I just saw ended up with lovers separating their ways. The girl died due to a terminal disease leaving the boy...her husband...her childhood sweetheart.

I believed that stories, especially love stories are usually ideal and dialogues are well scripted and edited which will made you long for to be heard or said to someone. Anyhow, I know that everyone has a romantic side and need to be tapped once in a while. Otherwise, life will be so dull and boring, right? So allow me to rate this love story as remarkable, because one of the lead roles give up his life in order to let others live happily even if it'll mean for just a short period of time. Isn't it awesome? a one of a kind love. OK, I think that will be enough for now and I don't want to be mock further...ha ha

P.S If you wanted to know the title of that Korean telenovela , just let me know...^^

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Moving forward...last Monday was our country's National election and since it's a relevant topic, thought to add it on my post.

Aside from the stagnant voting system of the country, I assumed that the latest absentee voting of pinoy expats is an added opportunity for the parasite officials to delude. I actually received an electoral mail from COMELEC couple of weeks ago, but I rather choose to ignore my right to exercise.

I stopped voting even when I was still in the Philippines and for sure one vote will not have a significant impact as winners may have been defined long before the actual election. So, why waste time filling-up the ballot and go to the post office, it was also not a payed to envelope. Paying the stamp is not the matter OK, it's a just a small amount, the point is was there an assurance that my vote will be used correctly? Apologies for being cynical, I stopped believing this system for quite a long time and hoping for a time to regain back my trust on the government. When will it come? I just don't know...maybe if the total outcome of this election winner turns good, it will be soon, all hopes!

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Random thoughts of leaving alone

It was already 4AM when my eyes got heavy and fell asleep. Knowing that I'll be a tug of war event getting me to work shortly, I decided to take the whole day-off as I also feel the urgency of this break in order for me to think things over. Can't settle later on and pretend everything is OK.
After calling my boss at 8:30AM to inform of such absence, I headed back to bed to get more sleep. Unfortunately, all of my senses are wide awake and so, I decided to start the day with no plans in mind. Thought that it's good...just letting it flow, or where ever my feet will bring me.
As I took my breakfast and looking in the house, I can't help not to feel sad. I'm leaving now all alone in a place so big for a single person. While pondering the reasons of not getting enough sleep, the thoughts of being alone or was the milk tea I drink late afternoon the day before flashed thru my mind. Oh boy, both of which are potential root causes, the last one is a sure item than can be avoided, but the first is something that needs fixing real soon...sabi nga nila dibah " No man is an island " . Although, friends are coming sometime for dinner & launch, having someone to live with is really different.
Working abroad is my first time to experience being away from my family. For some, going abroad, is a time of independence , but for most, it is a time to seek brighter pasture for one's love one. Although mine is the second, I really don't know if I can to stay long, just the thought of longing for the next couple of years is something unbearable, and now, as I look back, wow, it's already 4 years since then.
They say that the 1st three months are crucial, it's where you'll be homesick and everything, but honestly, I never felt that way and all I could say is that I have been blessed to lived with people which become my good friends and family.
Nothing is constant as defined and people move on overtime, some of this friends went home, while others are leaving in different parts of the country, keeping in touch once in a while. And so, this time, I considered as my very first time leaving alone in a foreign land. The truth and challenge I need to face valiantly...one that is easier said than done.

Saturday, May 5, 2007

Too blessed to be stressed

My housemate is moving out, she's been in the house for a year and tomorrow will be her last day. It was a very sudden decision, leaving me and our landlord both shocked, and what could be the reason? matter's of the heart. Speaking love from an amateur I would say is inappropriate, but then, if it concerns the interest of a friend, it's a different thing. After that conversation, it's just sad to know that she still choose the wrong choice and so, what else can I say, well, I'm just a phone call a way.
I wasn't prepared for this and with the accompanying payments to be consider, I started to look for a new apartment for the past 2 days. Unfortunately, most that I saw are all flats which need fellow friends to be with, others are dormitory type, which are too small to accommodate all my stuff. But within this time, I was also praying that my landlord will give a reasonable rent even if I'll be staying alone so that I can keep it. It's been my home since the first day that I came and I'm so get used to everything that's in it.
The Lord is good, this afternoon meeting with my landlord was very positive and he agree that I will pay the exact amount that I was praying all along. Graveh!!! Lord ang bait mo talaga. After dinner, my sister called, she doesn't call often and I know that the call is of need, it's like this eveytime anyway. It was a short talk and then the line was disconnected. Can't help di magtampo, eh kasi naman parang naalala lang niya ko in times like this. Just the same, it's still not enough reason not to bless other just like how God blesses me and so, I called mother. I told her about the good news that I can keep the house and at the other line, I can hear her teary voice sharing the same happiness with me. It was an answered prayer, both of us agree. Then told her that my sister called, she was a firstborn on mother's first husband and got widowed after only a year of marriage. I learned that she called earlier because of the need for my sick uncle&auntie, the persons who took care of her and her family during their healthy years. I told mother that I will send money immediately and give to them not as borrow, but merely a gift and it's always a fulfilment to give out of love, expecting nothing in return.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Beginners post

This is my first entry in a much anticipated long journey of blogging. A journal where I could find myself contemplating later on and having said that, you'll find this page having all with " a touch of me" and so, let's get started.

When I came across the word "Blogs", I really dunno what is it and what for...ha ha, I may sound out from this world for some, considering that I'm working in a very fast paced industry of technology...yes, not ashamed to admit tho, and well here I am now trying to explore my potential and possibilities. You may ask, " so how did you discover it finally?" lucky me that it's not that hard and tiring just like how Magellan discover the island of the Philippines...c",) rather it's thru my tukayo, a former college classmate and friend now leaving in France and so, I would like to thank you my friend.

Never knew that I will be encourage to write and express freely what I think and feels inside...lalo pat' na ho-homesick ka sa pinas o naghahanap ng kausap, ah basta yun na yun. And who knows that I could use my newly bought laptop for blogging aside from chatting and surfing veoh...haha...yes, not ashamed to admit again, dahil pag ala talagang magawa, yun ang gawa ko just to let the time past and this one is much better, way, way much better spending time with...