THE 25TH OF NOVEMBER

I just want to tell you again and again: When God made you, He must have been thinking of me.


Happy Monthsary!

BORA SHANG, HERE I COME

On December 3 – 5, 2010, my team (Cebu Comms team) is flying to Boracay for an important event which will be participated by the company’s top management. My team will be staying at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa for the entire duration of the activity. I am a bit excited about this event considering the fact that it will be my first time to visit Boracay. I had several plans in the past to visit the island but to no avail due to a number of reasons. However, coupled with my excitement is also the thought that this is not a vacay but work. I am just hoping that my team and I will have the chance to at least enjoy Shang and Boracay.

Bora Shang, here I come!

Go Team!

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P.S. The pictures below were taken from the resort's website :-) Don't worry, I'll be sharing the pictures I took while am at you know where!!!

Main Entrance

Solana

Beachfront

Swimming Pool

Lobby Lounge

Hotel Room

DEAR FRIEND 1, 2 AND 3

Dear Friend 1,

I exactly understand how you’re feeling…been there. Everything right now is like a roller coaster ride… the ups and downs as well as the twists and turns seem to direct you to a nowhere destination. But as I have told you, focus more on what is important and not on what is temporary and fleeting. The good thing about life is that it is a cycle. We have the chance to be better. A friend once told me that the best way to move on is to forgive. It is hard, but who said it is easy? It is a process… and we can start by forgiving ourselves.

Just hang in there.

Dear Friend 2,

Ending a bad relationship doesn’t mean starting a new one… give yourself some time to breath, contemplate on the things that happened and put yourself back together. You see, I learned that there are some things (and the most important ones) that just can't be yours no matter how hard, eager or relentless you are. It just doesn’t fit. I guess you know that already but you just did not take the hints. Why? I guess you and I both know the answer to this question...you would rather absorb the pain than see the person you care about move away and far from you. But I want to tell you this… we have to learn our lesson, if it is the hard way then, so be it. If the shoe does not fit, why force it?

We can’t give what we don’t have. So I say, learn to love yourself first before you share it to others. If you feel like your heart is in void, don’t expect that others will fill that space. Love is a celebration of gratitude. You enter into a relationship because you have so much blessings already and it is your turn to give it back.

Dear Friend 3,

Finally, Facebook status: Is in a relationship. I am super happy for you. Enjoy every moment of it and take good care of yourself and your partner. Four years of being single, am I correct? I guess the reason why it took God that long to find you a partner is because He was so busy writing your perfect love story :-)

MY FAVORITE MOVIES

Whenever I feel sad or exhausted or if I just want to gain my strength back and function again “normally” and be inspired to perform at my best, I watch these movies over and over again. Catharsis!

If you guys haven’t seen these films yet, I suggest you grab a copy now and enjoy the magic of these titles. Some may consider these movies "baduy and jologs" but I couldn't care less :-) Movies, according to Stanley Kubrick (he directed the films such as Eyes Wide Shut, The Shining, etc.)  should be more like music - a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, the logic behind the emotion and the meaning of the film should all come later. 

So again, baduy or not baduy...jologs or not jologs... it doesn't matter. The important thing is, it touched us, made us think and left a significant memory  (may it be fear, joy, or kilig) instead of just becoming a time pass.

AM A SUPER PROUD BROTHER

I am a super proud brother!

My sister, Judith S. Eballe, whom I love so much, is now officially a Law Enforcer after passing their final training. Am happy about this news because I know very well how difficult the training was. You see, after my sister passed the Law Enforcement Licensure Exam, she taught first at Liceo de Cagayan University before she applied in the Philippine National Police. Thankfully, she got accepted in the PNP and has to go through a lot of rigorous, rough and physical screenings and trainings. Am just relieved and happy that it is now over. Her batch “graduated” last November 15 and they are the newest addition to the PNP.

Just to share with you guys, some few years ago, my family were not sure about my sister’s decision to study Law Enforcement due to several factors like it's a male dominated profession, or it's risky, or due to its stained reputation in the community. However, my sister did not second guess her choice although she had her share of jumping from one course to another.

Before she finally decided to study Law Enforcement, she was a student of Computer Science. However, she did not found her niche in that course. My mother wanted her to study Nursing however, she was never interested in that course. It was in Law Enforcement that she found her place where all of her ideals were fused into a single capsule of thoughts, theories, and practices. It was in this course where she was challenged to perform her best.

My sister, like me (ahemm) is an achiever. When she was still in school, she set realistic goals and worked hard on it. Come graduation day, my sister was awarded as the Outstanding Intern of the Year for the pioneering batch - an all male batch.

In her on-the-spot, written interview, she was asked to describe herself. Am pasting the full text of her answer so I can just brag to everybody how smart my sister is:

            “One thing that I am proud of myself is that I am a leader. I was able to prove it during my college days when I served as a student body officer in our department. I am enthusiastic to work and dedicated to tasks assigned to me. I "walk the talk" and I show it through the actions and decisions I make. I practice humility by accepting that I do not know everything but works toward educating myself and the other people around me. Also, I am into sports like basketball, taekwondo, volleyball and track and field thus, I am very good team player and I value teamwork. Indulging myself with sports makes me appreciate the importance of rules and regulations, of victories and losses. Lastly, I am an achiever both in work and studies thus, I work and pray hard to achieve my goals.”

Langga, I told you this and let me say this again: “Liwat ka nako. I am so proud of you!”

TOTALLY GLEEK-OUT!

And I thought am not hosting that night.

Well, I was wrong.

30-minutes before the show, my good friend Teacher approached and informed me that the host for the second elimination night can’t attend the event due to a client visit (it was the same case as last week since the Aegis Idol host have to attend to their clients and town hall.) Since I love Teacher and given the time constraints that we have, I said "yes" to her request. ‘Twas a good thing that I was wearing something “presentable” that day – a checkered ¾ sleeves polo from F&H, faded jeans from Bench and white shoes from Linea.

The second elimination night was dubbed as “It’s Glee Night” where the remaining Aegis Idol – Cebu 2010 hopefuls performed songs from the hit musical comedy-drama Glee. To be candid about it, I was really not prepared and also exhausted that day. I guess it mirrored on my performance. My Specialist, Aldz, said that I was not as conversant as last week and I even forgot the sequence or order of presentation of the contestants. But overall, it was still a fun night. Not to mention that I shared the stage with Maki Eve Mercedez, Queen 2010. She was gorgeous and charming and she handled the crowd very well.

Most of all, special shout-out to Paulie for being a reliable and amazing co-host. I just love her.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING:

1. Seeing Jo Cartalla (Aegis Idol 2008) perform again her winning song with a twist - a mash up of Home and A House is Not a Home. Jo, you are just divine.

2. Shared the stage with Maki, who looked regal that night.

3. Hosted the competition “impromptu"

4. Sydney’s version of Poker Face was crazy. She is my Aegis Idol 2010.

5. It rained on our parade, or something to that effect. :-)

Paulie and I reunited

Me surrounded by two beautiful deities - Maki and Paulie

Of course, Queen 2010 Maki Eve Mercedez

We didn't plan it but look at us, we were wearing the same shade

From left to right: The Dream Team - Aris, Hyde, Maki, Misty, Paulie, Josh and Max, Aegis Idol 2008 First Runner Up

Parang di pagod. Parang walang pinagdada-anan :-)

So happy to hear Jo sing again. One word for you Jo - DIVINE!

TOP THREE that night. From left to right: Helen, Mags and Sydney

I WAS ONCE A JOURNALIST

I was once a reporter in a local daily in Cagayan de Oro covering the City Hall, Capitol, Business and Life and Leisure beats. Admittedly, it was quite an adventure despite the meager salary. Yes friends, working in a newspaper or in the media may sound “glamorous” but the compensation is not enough to cover for your hospitalization just in case you meet an accident while covering a certain event. I was paid Php 5, 000/month and during that time, I was sending my sister to school. I don’t know how I did it, but I was able to support my sister despite the small amount I was receiving.

Although my day to day routine was a struggle, the experience working for Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro was something am very proud of. The company of the people I work with, most especially my editors and co-journalists was the reason why gathering and writing news feels noble. They were all reliable, ready to back me up when threats and/or intimidation chance on me.

You see, I had my share of libel cases. As a matter of fact, I got two although it was not served meaning, the libel cases were just bluffs to intimidate me so I could shut up and discontinue the” research” I was conducting for a sensitive story. 

In hindsight, it’s funny because I cannot remember anymore the exact article I was working on during that time. I guess I was trying to prove the graft and corruption case of a certain governor that resulted to the bankruptcy of the province. Again, am not really sure if it was that story, but no doubt, I was unwavering to uncover the truth. Blame it on my youth for being idealistic or blame me for wanting to expose the truth. Either way, I suppose I was doing my city/province a favor.

Let me end this entry by sharing some pointers to the aspiring journalists who want to work in the media particularly in print.

5. Don’t be scared to defend your story.

                I guess this was the legacy that my former editor-in-chief inculcated in me. Writing an article entails not only hard work but also conscience and integrity. A reporter’s story reflects who he is as a person.If a certain story was written to flatter and curry favor with someone (kissing somebody’s a*s), then the journalist writing it is tantamount to the sh*t excreted by that “somebody’s” bottom.

4. No story is worth a reporter’s life

                While it’s true that we have to defend our story, but please, don’t die for it and with it. No story is worth dying for. Learn to choose your battles and choose the battles you’re sure you’re going to win. As reporters, let’s keep our names in the byline and not in the headline most especially if the story is similar to what happened in Maguindanao. You know what I mean, ayt?

3. Always bring extra clothes

                Print is a demanding profession. Sometimes you cover stories outside your beat. I remember one time, I went to the office all dressed up since I was scheduled to cover Miss Cagayan de Oro. As the Life and Leisure reporter, it was part of my scope. The pageant was slated at 7pm. However, at around 6pm that day, a huge fire broke out and our police beat reporter who happens to be my close friend was absent.  Well, I guess you already know what happened next… I was at the fire scene, wearing my best beb and tackle (I was wearing a white, ¾ sleeve raglan shirt and light brown jeans) standing side-by-side with the firemen and fire victims, all sweaty, wet and dirty.

And yeah, I still covered Miss Cagayan de Oro later that night.

2. Always dress up

                I don’t want to admit this but most print reporters look as if dressing up is a taboo. Based on experience, I realized that sometimes, our sources judge and treat us based on how we present ourselves. Respect is practically owned based on how neat or smart looking we are.

                Now, don’t get me wrong. When I said dress up, I didn’t mean that you have to spend for the most expensive and up-to-date wardrobes.  Simply by looking neat and clean makes a huge difference –  it will make you look and act more professional and it upgrades your image in the eyes of others.

1. NO TO ENVELOPMENTAL JOURNALISM

               Whatever the case, situation or circumstance, always say NO.

OF BATCHOY AND SIOPAO

These past few days, I have been craving for batchoy and siopao. Since Friday last week, I have been bugging my friends to accompany me to a “batchoyan” just for me to satisfy this hunger but to no avail. We always end up eating at the diner across the office, at Mabolo or the siomai-yan sa Tisa in Labangon.  Not that am complaining because although you don’t sometimes get what you crave for, but the company of people, or friends for that matter you share lunch or dinner with is sometimes the best part of the meal.

My friends and I bond over food. We talk about our lives and the lives of other people over food. We discuss about work, showbiz, politics, religion, tv shows, relationships – successful or not and a lot more over humba, or fried chicken, skinless longganisa, sinigang na baboy and CUPS of rice. I believe that eating tastes best when the people am eating with brings me to a homely place, where I can just be myself. An author of an article I read once said that precisely because of these ordinary but intimate associations, lunch or dinner can be sacred grounds that permit few offenses. That is why if we eat with friends, we don’t really care if he uses the toothpick without covering his mouth while doing his business, or that funny smile due to the squid cooked in inky broth. So what right?

Am writing this article to all my friends I had lunch and dinner with. Regardless if we ate in a fancy restaurant, in the pantry, in the office, the sidewalk, my apartment or your apartment, the best part of it is the fact that I shared that moment with you. Because of your company, lunch or dinner is not just a necessity but an intimate experience we share.

So, batchoy and siopao anyone?

I WISH I COULD SING

“I wish I could sing lullabies to you,

Can you teach me how?

All I do is talk a melody

But it don’t come out a rhapsody”

                   - I Wish I Could Sing

I love music. I really do. As a matter of fact, I really wanted to sing my whole life however, I was told that I sounded awful. That is why I channeled my “frustration” to something related to music and that’s theater.

Back in Cagayan de Oro am a professional theater actor performing under the Mindanaoan Glowing Production umbrella. A few years back, I played Iñigo in Chic Fortich’s three-act musical play entitled “Ay! Kasing-kasing Ko!” I played the villain in the story - an egotistical, self-important and proud Spanish mestizo. Interestingly, I was given a song number in Act II entitled, “En mi casa” and interestingly again, I was given the license to sing the number out of tune. Well, as some of you might have guessed, I did the part effortlessly – not the “so full of himself part” but the “singing-out-of-tune part.”

But seriously, I adore people who are musically gifted; people who have the power to tell my story – my joys, fears, triumphs, defeats and indifference through beautiful melodies and well thought of lyrics.

Last Wednesday, I witnessed how persuasive music is and how it can rally people to work together for a good cause when Aegis PeopleSupport launched Aegis Idol 2010 featuring nine hopefuls representing the different accounts of the company. The first elimination night was dubbed as “Unity for a Cause: Voices of Hope” and it was a venue for the employees to give back to the community by donating canned goods, school items, used clothing, etc. The items collected were endorsed to World Vision.

I enjoyed every moment of the competition as host and spectator. Am looking forward to the coming weeks until we reach the finals and herald 2010’s Aegis Idol.

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Post script: You know what, it’s during moments like this that I wish I could sing!

Aegis Idol - Cebu 2010 hopefuls. Lay-out by Demi.

From left to right: Aki (who was responsible for giving me my new name, Jeff) and Paulie my co-host

Ponkan na ponkan in action

One of the crowd

The team who made it happen. Kudos to all of you!

IT'S OUR ALDZ'S BIRTHDAY

The picture that launched his second Friendster account with 300+ pending friend requests in his first account

Our first conversation ever was when I conducted his interview for the position he was applying for. November last year, we opened the Specialist post for the Cebu Communications center and he was one of the applicants who submitted his resume. I guess there were five or seven of them who braved to try for the post.  In hindsight, I think 'twas an extensive interview since I consumed more than an hour of his and my time questioning him about his credentials, his motives for applying and other pertinent queries that will help me gauge his aptness for the vacancy. You see, my basis for hiring people is not only rooted on talent or the applicant’s dexterity with his/her skills but apart from that, I hire for attitude.

To make the long recruitment story short, he got shortlisted, was endorsed for final interview and got hired. As Cebu  Comms Specialist, he handles the documentation of company events, project management, copy writing, external employee engagement activities and other tasks and responsibilities not written in his JD.

But more than just being a team mate, he is friendly but can be brutality frank at times.

A person of character but can be naughty and daring.

Loud and proud but can be moody and temperamental.

Helpful and dependable but can bitch around when the occasion calls for it.

Is currently single but kisses random strangers (hahahaha)

That’s Aldz.

Happy Birthday, Yoyok nga Bongoton!

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Post script:

Well, I started this during Demi’s birthday. I mentioned that every time a close friend celebrates his/her birthday, as my birthday gift, I will be featuring his/her TOP FIVE “notorious” quotes. But for Aldz, I’ll just feature three (abuser na, naa nako’y article sa ibabaw. Walay in-ani si Demi. Magmahay unya si Miss India sa ako)

Ready Aldz?

TOP THREE NOTORIOUS QOUTES

#3:    Gaga!

#2:    Minatay!

#1:    Baho siya ug b*l*t!

Again, happy birthday Adlaon!

PHANTASMAGORIA: THE AEGIS PEOPLESUPPORT HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION 2010

When I was a kid, I never experienced trick or treating. Growing up in a small suburb, Kalag-kalag is spent watching Magandang Gabi Bayan’s scary documentaries about ghosts, urban legends and horror stories. Hahaha funny how I miss that show. I just realized that we don’t have those kind of shows lately.

But anyway, I usually spend my so-called Halloween at home, with my sister, helping our parents prepare a “feast” for our departed love ones. It has been a tradition in our family to offer prayers (Ampo para sa mga kalag) to the deceased and coupled with that is the extensive meal that we prepared which according to my Mama “the favorite food of our dead family members.” It’s always a delight – we have biko, humba, suman, bibingka, pina-upong manok, and a lot lot more. It’s like Christmas in November minus the parol, Christmas tree and carols.

Fast forward…(to say 10 years J  hehehe)

Now that am in the BPO industry, the Halloween celebration is different. Aside from having kids in the office for some sweet treats, Halloween is about wearing costumes and decorate-your-floor competitions. Speaking about that, the company where am presently working celebrated Halloween 2010 with the theme dubbed as “Phantasmagoria.” The highlight of the activity was the decorate-your-floor contest participated by the different accounts. The employees, on the other hand, gamely joined the competition by wearing their most enchanting and creative costumes.

Am not sure if they're from the movie Avatar or Noah (you know, with Piolo *blush*)



Am not sure about Mike's character hmmm can I just call him as Foundation Boy?



Hey you guys! It's the character from Avatar now endorsing the Nike franchise :)

In fairness, I love the Lion Fish. He/she/whatever looks like the king/queen of the sea. Nag-effort gyud!

Dear readers, please meet, Josie WITHOUT a Pussy Cat



Some stranger with Josie



Wala lang. Group shot.



EPIPHANIES

Epiphany (noun)

       A sudden, intuitive perception or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

My visit in my hometown brought me a number of realizations and while most of it are painful and daunting, I am still comforted with the fact that there’s still something I can do about it. I once read that a person’s road to greatness starts with a purifying moment, or to put it simply – an awakening (i.e. Einstein was given a compass and his quest for science and truth began, or when Siddhartha saw a beggar outside their castle which started his pursuit for the true meaning of happiness.)

In this entry, allow me to share my so-called epiphanies. Although am exposing myself a bit much through my revelations in this article, I feel that it is something that we can all learn from.

• Epiphany 1: I don’t have any savings and I live from paycheck to paycheck. At my age, having a high-paying and exciting job in a huge multi-national company I should have stable finances already. But sadly, I have debts to pay, bills to settle and most of the time, I spend more than what my means can afford. In times of emergencies like what happened to my father, I struggle to provide and meet the needs for hospitalization, medicine and after care.

• Epiphany 2: I still have lots of plans unrealized like taking my Masters, buying my own house and lot, travel around and outside the country (I don’t even have a passport for crying out loud) or, my long overdue promise of Pangkabuhayan Showcase to my Mama. My sister even has better life management compared to me. She’s just starting with her job (she is a policewoman) but every time we need help (we meaning her immediate family) she manages to provide.

• Epiphany 3:That if am having kids it should be at least FIVE. A big and responsible family has its perks. In hard times, you have each other to lean on or share the burden most especially with regard to the financial requirements of hospitalization, medicine and after care.

If you have a big family, you can take turns in looking after the sick family member.

If you have a big family, you have someone who can help you make decisions over crucial situations.

If you have a big family, you don’t cry alone, in your solitude, when no
one is watching. It’s difficult when you’re only two in the family and the
eldest for that matter.

• Epiphany 4: That I should have kids. My own flesh and blood. Any takers?

• Epiphany 5: It really doesn’t matter if I have only a few friends for as long as they are like family. It dawned on me that I should choose friends. Friends who will visit me when am sick. Friends who will share their time. Friends who will comfort and assure my immediate family that they are not alone in this battle.

• Epiphany 6: When I die, I want it to be quick. Fast. Painless. I don’t want to suffer and in the process, see my family suffer.

I am not sure how to end this entry. Perhaps as what the title of this entry suggests, I should start taking action over my life and make radical changes, not only for myself but for also for the people who will be, in one way or another, affected by my deeds. Cliché as it may sound, but sometimes it takes a powerful experience such as an ailing family member to bring you to Earth and examine what you have been doing to your life.

With a prayerful heart, things will get better.