All my bags are packed...

Well, not really. But I'm sitting beside my suitcase now and I've started packing already. Tomorrow Mom and I will do the usual errands like getting pasalubongs for relatives.

I'm senti again. It never fails. Even if I've been 'away' from them for years, and only see them during the summer and Christmas breaks, I still get sad whenever we had to part. I remember last week dad asked me "Bakit ba babalik ka na ng Manila? May appointments ka ba dun?" I couldn't give a straight answer. I do have appointments- movies and dates with my friends to be exact.

This was not the first time he asked me about it. A week or two after arriving here for the holidays, he proposed to me the idea of being based here in Iloilo. I did like the idea for a secret reason (not love, unfortunately hahaha)- but it's not that easy. My friends are in Manila. Of course my most of my high school kabarkadas are here and we still get together every time I'm here but life's different now. We've grown and met a lot of people. We don't share as much visions like we used to back in high school. We still agree on the same things, we still dislike the same people, but my college life has been so amazing and eye-opening that I cannot live without that connection.

Manila is chaotic and expensive (believe me when I say it's cheaper in the provinces), it's stressful, it's difficult. But it's what pushes me (or us perhaps) to go farther, be more creative, more street smart, and more discerning of what we want in our lives. My stays in the province are just to buy me time to breathe, to relax, to think things over, but I have too much energy and only Manila can keep up with it.

I also value the pseudo-independence that I have there. I watch movies whenever I want, I go to the mall as I please, I cook my own food (therefore I get to learn a thing or two it the kitchen), I wash and iron my own clothes, etc. I know you'd say 'okay nga yun eh'. When you're a student, okay yun. You can devote your time to your studies. But when you're not going to school, what will keep you preoccupied? Aside from the work that I do, the aforementioned activities are my only forms of 'me time' and well, exercise (laundry). If I managed to do it while I was in college, I can definitely manage to do it now that I'm done with school.

Anyway back to my story, when Dad offered that I be based here, I said 'Iisipin ko. Pero babalik muna ako ng Manila at dun ko iisipin.' (Read as: If my secret reason works, yes, I will move to Iloilo and stay a little longer.)

RUNAWAY

No, it's not the song in Ryan and Juday's wedding. It's more like... I RAN AWAY FROM AN INTERVIEW. hahaha

Yesterday I went to Makati for my last set of interviews for a certain company. To my surprise, they sent us with their officers to join them in their field work.  THE IDEA OF DOING FIELD WORK KILLED ME. But I still went on with the field work. I was assigned to Ian and Rina- two of the business development officers of the company. We walked around the Makati business district and I was wearing heels. 

When we got to the first building, the back of my heels were already injured- as in tuklap level (fudger!). I wanted to change into my sandals because Ms. Rina was wearing flats also. I asked her if I could change, she allowed me naman but Sir Ian wouldn't stop walking. I don't want to get lost so I endured wearing heels until around 12 noon. We stopped at MiniStop (haha no pun intended) and FINALLY I was able to change into my flats. Ian discussed a lot of stuff about the company and quizzed me about it. He then revealed what my practical exam was... TO SELL MY CELLPHONE TO HIM kunyari. I SUPER DIED AT THIS POINT. I WANTED TO RUN OUT OF MINISTOP AND RIDE A CAB. I hate being sales-talked so how much more do the talking diba? I felt it was total BS doing the job (face to face marketing). 

We left MiniStop and moved to two more buildings. Finally he made me do my sales pitch- IN THE ELEVATOR. I ALMOST FAINTED. I FELT LIKE I WAS BEING BULLIED IN A STUPID WAY. Well he said I did a good job in the pitch. And then fa-hay-na-leeeeh, he sent me back to the office. I made my way out of the building, called up my mom and said I'm leaving. I walked along Valero Street, not sure if it's the right way. Thank goodness there are Makati roving guards who were kind enough to tell me where to go. 

I finally saw the building, made my way to the lobby and got my ID. I went back to the office but the receptionist was not at her desk so I decided to call her on the phone. It was a crazy idea because I was just at the opposite wing of the same floor. I can even see her as we talk. After informing them that I won't continue with the last part of the interview, it felt so free I could scream. It was one of the best feelings in this part of my life. So I guess it was the right thing to do. I just didn't want to waste their time and mine since I know in my heart that I won't be taking that job.

I rode a cab to Greenbelt to meet up with mom. I texted her "Ikain mo ako ha? Hindi pa ako naglalunch." She did feed me! We even bought Sebastian's ice cream. Yehey! We didn't stay long in Makati. We rode the MRT to Trinoma and did our malling there. Glorietta is just too weird now that almost half of it is covered. Greenbelt is kinda nakakailang when you don't have enough funds to shop around. In Trinoma we just looked around and took home Brothers Burger for dinner. We just kept laughing about my crazy day.

And now I'm enduring probably a week or two of painful and throbbing back-of-heel injury. It super hurts but it doesn't matter. It's over now.

LONGCHAAAAMP!

I don't know why but I am currently crazy about Longchamp totes. You'd probably think it's just the same nylon tote. Yes- the design isn't much to rave about. But the colors- CAPITAL OMG. I really don't want to have any major purchases now until I get a job but seriously? haha (Btw, major purchase yan because at my current financial status, that's gonna take up a hefty percentage from my allowance. hehe)

Here are the ones I fell in love with.

Longchamp Planetes in Mastic and Sand.

Longchamp totes cost at at least P5,000 when converted but the ones in the pictures cost 7ish. Not at the LV level but then again, I'm not an LV type of person so this is a pretty good deal for my money. Longchamp is available locally in Rustan's but they don't have much variety. Most of the ones they sell here are the Le Pliage ones.  So now I dunno how to get the ones I like. haha

I know there are so many other things I can worry about. Sorry. This is just something to motivate me to work hard so I can satisfy my wants. 

Which reminds me...I'm flying back to Manila this Sunday. It's one week earlier than I planned. I just need to attend to some interviews which I can't further reschedule. It's all good. My soul searching was successful. I know what I want to do. They're still cluttered in my mind but it's safe to say they're clear and just needs to be chronically arranged. Reading business magazines and Kerygma helped me a lot. It's amazing how God works through the people around you to help you realize your goals. Hay, I'm excited for the future. I'm been praying hard for it. The answers will come at the right time. I'm positive about it. 

Special shout outs:

Ace, get well soon!

Emm, good luck with work! Ayiiiieee! Makati girl! hahaha

Raish, go go attorney! I hope the hotdog eating contest was good. haha

Ma'am Gamo, I hope you're doing good. See you when we work on that best seller.

Doods, haha penge donuts! Just kidding!

Learnings

It's my second day in Iloilo and it's been a good stay so far. Last night I was reading old Kerygma magazines my mom piled in my room. Since I have claimed this trip as a 'soul searching' vacation, I have decided to write down my daily learnings in my handy dandy notebook. At least I can keep track of my thoughts and reassess myself once I have completed my vacation. Let me share one learning.

God won't do for you what you can do for yourself. 

On top of that learning is a blessing. Company A called me for an interview tomorrow and thought I'm doomed to lose the chance because HELLO I'm here in the province? hahaha But they were very gracious and kind to schedule me on my date of availability. So I immediately said I'll be back July 12. She scheduled me for an interview on the 13th. I'm super happy they're very understanding.

And lastly, I am working on a new blog. I have yet to post anything but I already signed up the blog URL under my account para reserved na diba? hahaha I will launch it (charing) at the right time. hehe

Super Week

 I am on a SUPER VACATION MODE right now. I'm super excited to go home and catch up with my high school friends.

* * *

I shall kwento my day. Today I went to another interview- this time with a clothing brand. I like the job I applied for. It's called District Manager- which includes responsibilities such as managing the operations of the assigned stores, checking on the store supervisors, addressing customer feedback and complains in the stores. You also have to know why certain products sell and some don't because the boss will ask you and best of all, you get to do visual merchandising in the store- a.k.a. work on their displays. To quote the interviewer... 'You also make bihis yung mga mannequins.' OH SAN KA PA DIBA? I am not exaggerating. She really said that.

Anyway, it's been a crazy week for me. I had two interviews and one company call. That's like the most number of companies I have accommodated in a week! Just when I stopped sending resumes because I don't want to be disturbed during my break, these companies started calling me. I think it's a blessing though so okay lang talaga. hehe

I also had dinner with some friends last night. I was with Punky, Emm, Nica, Jam, Leslie, Jaz, Pat and Tim. Punky and I were together to get our transcripts,  then I texted Emm, Punks texted Tim and Pat. We saw Leslie and Jaz saw us then Nica texted me, Jam also arrived then Emm. GRABE DIBA? haha It seemed like for a moment, we were still in school. Just a normal tambay day when we'd have chikahan sessions then spur of the moment fishballs snack. 

Tomorrow, I'll be eating at Red Kimono with Jom, Sarah and Julian. Finally, my craving for good Japanese food will end tomorrow. Whew.

And finally, here's another super treat for all life-loving people like me (haha)!

photo from enjoythebest.ph

Basically, ENJOY is a privilege card you can purchase at Php 1,495. It entitles you to so many perks, freebies and discounts in sooo many establishments in Manila, Cebu, Boracay and other places around the Philippines. One year nga lang sila valid and wala pa akong work so what are the chances naman na masusulit ko yang binayad ko sa card. The red color is so gorgeous though! So very sosh! I will get one soon. If I get a good paying job. HAHA It's available in Fully Booked and other partner merchants. :)

Hodgepodge of Whatnots

Yesterday was a crazy day for me. I needed sometime to make things sink in so I didn't blog about it. I'm okay now. haha Here's a brief lowdown of my Monday (June 15).

1. Timmy's Birthday- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2. Went to the mall to buy my plane ticket and the tote bag I was telling you about in MFG. The ticket system was down so I was requested to come back at a latter time. I went around and dropped by MFG. When I got there, lo and behold the bag was sold out. There was one piece of the white version left but I had my heart on the black one. The only branch with the black tote was in the outskirts of Lucena. GOOD LUCK. I was super sad so I went to National Bookstore to buy a book to keep my mind preoccupied. I got this...

and this...

I officially love Sidetrip Magazine. I plan to subscribe or well, I can just buy in National Bookstore. haha

3. I got a text from (codename) Company A, a huge food company that I bet all of us has tried at least thrice hahaha. They were asking if I'm interested to know about their training program. How can I say no? So yeah, I said yes but waited for their reply. I decided to wait until 5 pm, after office hours for the reply before I buy my ticket just in case I need to move my flight.

4. I decided to kill time by reading Sidetrip at Starbucks. Got my caramel frap and sat in a corner table and began reading. I occasionally looked around just to see what types of people hang out in this branch of Starbucks. Well, this is not the laid back-book reading- laptop toting students that I am used to in the Katipunan branch. These are from all walks of life- nursing people, 'pa-cool' teenagers, med students reviewing, foreigners with their Filipina partners, and  couples having 'coffee' for a date. As a matter of fact there are only two tables with occupants who are reading- that's the two med students on the couch area and myself. It was also a noisy Starbucks. Probably because it was small so the churning of the blenders is audible even from the far corner of the area. The music was loud. In general it was just really far from the Katipunan ambience which I really love.

5. I was very much entertained with my new magazine, straining my eyes and forcing my ears to shut off the buzzes and loud music.  I decided to rest my eyes for a few seconds so I did one of those occasional looking around and there it was. THE BIGGEST HELLO IN MY FACE- A NURSING STUDENT WAS TOTING THE EXACT BAG WHICH WAS SOLD OUT. She even sat on the table in front of me. I was cursing the whole time especially when I saw how pretty the bag is when it's outside the store (you know, eliminate store ambience to see the aesthetics of the bag). Well, I knew I was never gonna the bag so I went back to reading. I left minutes later and decided to go back to MFG.

6. Back in MFG I somehow wished another stock of the bag would appear and forced the sales lady to check again. hahahaha that was how far I'd go. She wouldn't remember me anyway. haha I thought I'd but the white version but it was the last piece and the stitches were worn out- probably a lot of people held it already. So I decided to drop it and forget about the bag.

7. Five pm came and I went to purchase my ticket. After that I bought take home dinner because I was too drained to cook. While waiting for the sisig from Gerry's, I got another text for an interview on Tuesday- that's later this afternoon by the way. hahaha I confirmed anyway even if it meant risking a cut-short vacation. I just said to myself 'Mahaba pa ang week. Bahala na si Lord.'

8. When I got home my brother told me he saw a multo (ghost) outside my room walking toward the sala. He saw it twice taht afternoon daw. The other time was while he was feeding Raffy, the shi tzu. I'M LIKE WTF DON'T SCARE THE HELL OUT OF ME. I was having goosebumps the whole time. My imagination was running wild.

9. Because of the multo, I prayed so hard before I went to sleep. I was curled up in one side of the big bed. I was so scared to spread my limbs (like I usually do) because I was so afraid to feel something. HAHAHA Slept at 1 am. I kept twisting and turning in that side of the bed. By 5 AM my eyes were wide open and I couldn't sleep. Literally gising na gising na ako. It was still dark so I decided to spend my time online in my room. I told myself I'd go out of the room when it's already daylight. I was even able to chat with my brother (who was at the other room lang haha). 

10. Now it's 9:30 AM, I already had breakfast and coffee. I am already sleepy. But I can't coz I have an interview this afternoon. I hope tonight I'll have a better sleep. Nothing happened last night. Maybe my prayers worked. I was busy praying I barely had time to sleep.

Whattaday diba? Just when I decided to take a vacation, these calls happen. Sabi nga ni Cheska 'Parang boys lang yan. You'll never know when the'll call.' hahaha I still consider them as blessings. Sino ba naman ako to not appreciate it diba? I just know things will work the way it has been planned for me. But I am sticking to the decision of pushing thru with my vacation- even if that meant letting opportunities pass. Because I think I really need this time to rethink things, reassess my goals and have some 'me' time first. Maybe it's just not for me. hehe

Paranoia, confusion, and the random ideas in between

OK. HONESTLY? I don't know where my life is going right now. Quarter life crisis, is that you?!

First there's the employment (or lack of it). I planned on working in June but seems like I won't have a job in time for the start of June. I would start working before June if the job is something I really like OR if the pay is really good even if it's not my dream job. I'm afraid that everyone else has a job while I don't. As of today I turned down two interviews already. I feel bad about turning down the first one. The second one, I don't even remember the name. haha It's just that I don't see myself in that career.

I did make a few back up plans for the month of June.

1. Take kickboxing or the real boxing. At the very least jog around the village. But I want boxing more. 

2. Enroll in photography classes once get my slr. I recently found out my late grandfather Lolo Jaime has a manual SLR somewhere here. I'll search for it soon and buy some good ol' film. Can't wait to get my dslr too! yahoooey!

3. Work for my dad. I actually like this one. haha One, I don't need to wake up at 6 AM everyday to get to the office. Two, I can manage my own time. And three, I can travel to places where dad goes. haha He jokes about it often. He said 'mag unahan tayo. Pag natapos ko na yung mga kailangan ko tapos wala ka pang trabaho, dito ka na.'  I'm very thankful to have this offer. But of course I don't want him to think that I don't want to find a job anymore since he offered me one. Hay, I just know that the right job for me will come. Maybe it's this or maybe not.

I am currently watching Kara David on I-witness. She mentioned she's in the town of Rizal, Palawan. This is  where the tallest tree (Manguis) in Southeast Asia is rooted and where the beautiful birds of the Philippines flock. And then an idea came upon me- maybe I could be a nature photographer and environmentalist like Mr. Cede Prudente of Sabah, Malaysia. He was featured in Trip na Trip. His parents are from Iloilo City but migrated to Malaysia. He was born in Malaysia as well but mentioned that he is aware of his Filipino roots. (I actually believe he's a relative of one of my kabarkada in highschool- Kassy Prudente. I'll ask her nga when I visit Iloilo soon. haha)

So there. Such a random post. Oh, Isadora is back from Beijing! Can't wait to see what she got for me. haha We're planning to visit Corregidor (and hopefully Zambales) soon. NOT overnight in Corregidor though- I'm scared!!! haha

* * * 

Yesterday we went to SMX to check out the food fair. I saw Veejay Floresca. He was friendly-really. I was sitting at Travel Cafe when he passed by. I quickly recognized him (yeah, hello Project Runway) so I smiled. He smiled back probably thinking to himself I'm a Project Runway fan. hahaha nice one!

Two Decades and counting

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! I got 56 greetings via ym, text, facebook, and in person. You guys made me so happy today. 

We spent the whole day at home. Mom got me an Oreo cake from Red Ribbon, prepared bacon, pancit, turon and calamares just because it's my birthday. (Favorite ko yan lahat! Plus adobo haha) We'll celebrate tomorrow daw- Wolverine movie and lunch out. It seems like as I grow 'older', I tend to like quieter celebrations for myself. This of course does not apply to everyone. Take Aling Dionisia Pacquiao for example. She celebrated her 60th birthday in a debut-ish manner. good job! haha 

Lord, thank you for 20 amazing years. I pray that many good things will come at the right time. Thank you!

* * *

I'm so happy to catch up with my high school friends. I plan to visit them in June. We'll all hit Boracay siguro after their board exams. Probably stay there for a few days then fly back here to continue my job hunting. I want to be back in time for Todo Patintero and some other stuff.

Speaking of job hunting...I found this article on JobsDB. It's about WHAT YOU CAN DO WHILE WAITING EMPLOYMENT. Let's see what I've done so far.

1. Research (on your desired industry). CHECK!

2. Read. I have started reading on stuff. But will intensify reading soon.

3. Travel. True, it doesn't cost a fortune to travel around the Philippines or Asia. Ang problema ko ay SWINE FLU at COMPANION. Hindi ko pa kaya mag travel alone- wala akong taga-picture. haha 

4. Make an online resume. OH YES, I HAVE!

5. Visit exhibits, fairs and activities. Will do this when I get a chance.

Seems like I haven't done everything mentioned. So how did I spend my few weeks of joblessness?

1. Eating and sleeping. Lessening my guilt with L-Carnitine. haha

2. Malling. This is legwork for me. jeeez.

3. Got my cedula recently. Will get my NBI clearance, TIN number and driver's license next week. I'll be registering for the elections too. I wanna exercise my right to vote. LET US ALL TAKE A STAND AND VOTE! 

4. Staying at home and watching over Julian.

5. Job hunting online.

Oh, in fairness productive pero kulang pa. haha I wanna jog but there's too many dogs in the village to run after me. haaaay.

Something new

NEWS FLASH: I didn't get the job or at least I didn't get a call when she said she would. hahahaha ok lang naman, but I sorta wanted that one. Too bad for me. Thank God I have a new neck piece to cushion the bad news. I got myself a birthday present from Promod. ahahaha

LORD, BIGYAN MO NAMAN AKO NG WORK PARA HINDI AKO MAKADAGDAG SA UNEMPLOYMENT RATE NG PILIPINAS. Thank you.

* * *

Today my mom and I went to Quiapo to hear mass. Shempre I went with her coz I had special intentions in mind. Pero I keep reciting the same wishes and prayers even when I'm at home so I dunno if it makes a difference in my merits. hehe

I'm excited for tomorrow- Lunch with Fa! And then Wolverine (haha I know, laggard) with the family in the evening.

p.s. This is what happens when you have too much time in your hands and not much contact with friends- you get to blog (almost) everyday. Haaay, mag b-boxing nalang ako sa June- Ma, penge pang enroll. YEHEY! Sometimes I wanna be emo but what the hell- emo is so overrated. senti- that's better. ahahahaha I miss you all!

Shobwiz Sighting

Today I had a job interview somewhere. hehehehe secret! Then I went to Trinoma to wait for my brother then we'd go home together. I saw Victor Basa but I was far from him- mga 5 or so meters. He was nice. Three manangs had their photo taken with him and he was happy naman to have his photo taken.

* * *

I saw a lot of good clothes today! I wanted to buy a lot but of course I didn't because one- I might not get the job so I won't get to use the clothes much. Two- sayang pera- baka wala pa akong trabaho tapos gagastos na ako. haha I remember Ace telling me that once he gets his first salary, he'll spend half of it buying clothes for work. I'M EXCITED! I WANNA SHOP FOR WORK CLOTHES ALSO! hahaha I wonder if I'll ever be used to wearing heels. I mean I do wear them but only when there's a need to- like reports, presentations, events, interviews. But 10 hours a day?!?! OMG. I've also observed while waiting that a lot were wearing flats too. So I think I'll be fine. But wait, another OMG...they have a uniform! ghhhaaad. 

The good thing with uniform is that you need not worry about what to wear the next day. But it gets boring rin with uniforms. Pero I noticed some were not in uniforms! I wonder what their positions are. And oh, may cute! hahahaha yun ang winner! If I get the job, I'd hope and pray sana he's single and straight. Para fun naman ang work ko diba.

Oh well, I have to stop now before I type in even waaay more random thoughts. Ciao!

Another episode of...ANG TANONG!

Ahahaha natatawa naman ako sa title ko. Anyhooo, this time it's on a more serious note.

After reading a post from a college friend and fellow blogger Javidoods, I thought to myself talaga...WHY? So ang tanong ay...

Why do I want to get a great, high-paying and enjoyable job? Take note ha, not just high-paying...ENJOYABLE DAPAT. 

My reasons (superficial or otherwise) are as follows:

1. To finance my lifestyle. haha 

I like to describe my spending habit this way- I don't spend a lot all the time. I choose what to spend for. I'm more of a quality over quantity person when it comes to my things. But I have learned in my long shopping days to find cheap thrills and good buys as well. Most of my money goes to my family, friends and myself. I use my funds to 'build and strengthen relationships'.

I've been saving up for a DLSR since my Cybershot died months ago. Thank God I found sponsors for it. My mom's siblings in the States will be getting it for me since I won't be availing of their grad treat (trip to the USA haha parang raffle). It's coming in July. Mejo matagal pa pero kebs. Now my savings will be in tact. Hopefully it'll be enough to keep me afloat while I wait for THE job.

2. To be able to travel to the many places I want to visit. My top destination goals are Batanes (ang mahaaaal ng airfare via SEAIR haha), Villa Milagros in Cebu, and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. Actually I want to visit a lot of places in the Philippines but these three are my top of mind destinations. Out of the country destinations include Paris, New York and Burobudur in Indonesia. hehe

3. To be able to give back more. 'Nuff said.

4. To retire early. hahaha How I wish I could 'live on interest' by age **. hahaha secreeeet! Baka ma jinx! 

5. To not feel like working at all. I want every working day something to look forward to. As many successful people say, do what you love and you won't be working at all.

Haaay, what's a girl to do? I just want to enjoy life. Can I get paid to do that? Please let me know. haha

Oh, which reminds me...someone already won the BEST JOB IN THE WORLD. Good for you Mister Ben Southall sir. YAY! Ako rin sana ganyan, kahit somewhere in the Philippines lang. hehe

Happy rainy vacation, y'all!