New Version of "Excuse me, please."

Working in Manila’s center of commerce and trade (Divisoria) for more than a year as an HR Practitioner and Marketing Support exposed me to many realities in the area. After all, Divisoria is not a dreadful place. At one point, I considered my office in Divisoria as my paradise.

On one hand, Divisoria is known for its unprecedented traffic of shoppers especially during the yuletide season primarily because of the value for money that many traders offer. On the other hand, Divisoria is known for the notorious incidents within the vicinity. Name it and most probably it happened in the past. But amidst the clutter of the merchandise and the disorder of the shoppers moving to and fro, there exist familiar voice signals which command you to give way. It sounds strange at first because the spiel sounds like the person is selling three products, but in practice, he is selling neither of the products he is screaming. Hmmm… the story line sounds like typical Divisoria.

When one gets accustomed to the slang, the shtick does not sound strange anymore. The context is truly Filipino and characteristic of a third world country. You will never hear this in a comfy place like Greenbelt or Podium.

At the start, the spiel is HOP! If the expected reaction from the receiver of the message is negative, the person carrying large boxes/baggage will deliver the complete spiel: HOPIA, MANI, POPCORN! (screaming on top of his voice). Consistent with human nature, every one turns his head from the source of the sound, out of curiosity perhaps. After realizing that there is a person who is apparently burdened by the carriage, everybody gives way, but not if the space will not allow the shoppers to move.

One time, a delivery boy driving behind me was about to cut my way. He yelled: HOPIA, MANI, POPCORN! Well, I gave way but when he passed me by, I jokingly whispered: PABILI (Can I have one?). He didn’t say anything but looked at me with a grin on his face. I smirked and gave him a pat on his back.

HOPIA, MANI, POPCORN! Will this lingo work in blogs? Hardly. ;-) Can somebody tell me the etymology of this three-item excuse me version?

Notes: Hopia is a Filipino bean filled pastry originally introduced by Fujianese immigrants. Mani is the local translation of peanuts. Popcorn is a type of corn which pops from the kernel and puffs up when heated.

NurseStruck

Passion. Determination. Discipline.

(Philosophy as a way of life.)

Keeping pace with the nursing students with different backgrounds, upbringings, beliefs, and lifestyles within the four-walled room for almost five months seems to me the most challenging experience I ever had. In a society where everyone dreams to earn large amount of money and where fame is a prime motivation, nursing as a career will always be a highlight for many Filipinos. The ambition to live a luxurious lifestyle amidst the fluctuating economy is one of the reasons why majority of high school graduates flock to various universities which offer nursing and why the young generation also try their luck in show business not to mention the StarStruck sensation which hit the Philippine television.

While the search for the second batch of StarStruck begins and the first batch retell their unforgettable memories and bloopers to the viewing public, I want to backtrack with my first seven days in the University and also narrate my journey in the academe with my colleagues and students in tying to find the meaning of “MY” life.

Backgrounder
“I was made to believe that you're a teacher!” This is my famous line at home whenever my parents could not answer the questions that I throw to them. My parents are both educators in the elementary grades and it really frustrates me whenever they shut their mouth to inquiries that need their immediate attention.

Papa and Mama were my first teachers. During my toddler years, Papa would stay late at night reading the story of Peter Pan beside me. As a baseball coach, Papa told us about fair play and our search for excellence in whatever we do. He was my coach in driving and my coach in life (if there is such thing). Indirectly, my father taught me not to smoke because he is a chain smoker and I promised to myself not be addicted with the same vice. It was he who showed me what generosity is. Mama, on the other hand, was my guide during my early years. I learned the right way of breaking the shell of a hard-boiled egg from my mother. Indeed, Mama is my source of strength and my nurse who keeps on reminding me to do things always a hundred percent.

Monday
First day of classes. “Hi, good morning! I’m Al and I’ll be your teacher for the next five months. I want you to enjoy this subject…” This is all that I can utter in front of forty innocent faces while trying to keep my cool hoping that my students will not notice that I’m actually nervous that time. I asked the students to introduce themselves. It was fun listening to them. From time to time, I threw questions to them and with all the courage they can muster, they tried their best to answer the questions. Shortly after everyone shared his piece, I locked the introduction part by telling few things about me. Whew! It was fun and I did enjoy it.

I sort of quizzed myself why everyone gave the same answers that they took up nursing because their parents wanted them to take it. Do Filipinos really dream of White Christmas or many students are trapped in fulfilling the dreams of other people?

Tuesday
The same stuff I have to deliver, the same questions I have to throw but different room this time and different faces. “So, why did you get here?”, I asked most of them. With the same tone, they told me that they want to go abroad and earn money. Some students confessed that their Tito’s and Tita’s who support them want them to take up nursing, but it’s not actually their first choice neither their dream. It struck me to know, the number of Filipinos who are trapped trying to live a life they never really wanted. The voices of my students were just my only answer.

When I got home, I slammed the door in my room and opened the book “Tuesdays with Moorie.” I wish my students were on the right track. I want to toss back the questions to them next meeting hoping to get new answers. I planned how to start it all over again next meeting while on my bed.

Wednesday
I felt that this day is a different one. Yes, because I was late. My advisory class was waiting for me. I entered the room and did the usual stuff. The faces seemed to be so innocent and looked like half empty glasses waiting to be filled. I asked them, “Is lying always wrong?” Everyone was trying to dig the question. We ended with all possible situations where lying may be permitted but we were not able to provide a clear-cut answer to the question. During the discussion, I felt the rush that kept me going. Aha, this is it! This is the career that I want.

After school, I headed to Makati to unwind and pray. I ended the day right and the feeling was so light.

Thursday
Late enrollees poured this day and I reminded them that the number of days that they have missed due to late enrolment would be counted against their attendance. I had to remind them of their responsibility as a student. Some were annoyed while others took it lightly. As a new instructor, I’m still trying to adapt to the system and trying to fit myself to the usual image of an educator. This was a hard job on my part because I had to go back to the basic.

“Class, enjoy your stay in the university. Be active in co-curricular activities and make it on top” I told them. I even tried to mention to them the phrases like “during my time” trying to act like a mature person counseling the young.

Friday
After releasing the 2:30-4 class, I felt like the world shuttered in front of me. I’m going to miss this boisterous class for four days. Then, all of a sudden, I thought of going home and see my parents. I wanted to share with them my first five days in the university. Too bad, I couldn’t. I asked myself, “Did Papa and Mama feel the same way as I did during their first five days as teachers in school?” As usual, I did not get the answer.


Saturday
I met my cousin for a talk. I shared so much about my first five days. We talked a lot about it. We talked about the desire of every Filipino to go abroad. All the while, the question popped in: “Al, didn’t you ever think of studying Nursing and go abroad?” Whew! Honestly, I did but I know I will not do it. If being a nurse is the easiest way to go abroad, I will not go with the trend. The best thing that I can do is to perfect my craft here in the Philippines and make it big abroad. Not that nursing is for those who are in dire need of money but simply because nursing is not my passion. Towards the end, we talked about politics and Filipino values trying to compare it with others like that of the Japanese and the Chinese. We ended frustrated reminding ourselves that the Philippines has a long way to go before we move towards the direction of perfection.

Sunday
During the Sunday worship, the pastor said that if we want to take up the course that we really wanted and our parents don’t prefer it, he advised to leave our parents and live a life of our own and fulfill our dreams. This reminds me on how parents can truly determine our future. Parents may want us to live a life totally different from what we want but at this point, it is well to remind ourselves that there’s always a way to reach our dreams after fulfilling their dreams for us. We may be wasting our time trying to fulfill their dream but one way to get away with this kind of thinking is to think proactively. The pastor may be wrong for some, but I believe his idea is partly reasonable.

Five months of unlearning, relearning, and learning with the nursing students is often exciting and frustrating at times but still fulfilling most of the time. I realized how important it is to be committed. Often I hear, “Al, you’re a new comer and you need to learn many things, you need to learn from us.” My eyes were wide open during the five months of exhausting days in the classroom but I tried my best to do things the best way possible.

We all have temptations, challenges, sacrifices, and struggles in life but we must remind ourselves with the only thing that will keep us going. Let us not fall in love with amassing so much knowledge but not accumulating the know-how in using such knwoledge. After all, life is not about knowledge. It’s about how we make use of our talents for the greater glory of God. Let us remind ourselves of Michael Phelps, the 19 year-old 2004 Olympic Games Swimming Champion who after losing the 2000 Sydney Olympics kept on practicing 365 days year after year without missing a single day focusing on his goal, which is Athens and be the champion. He kept on reminding himself… Athens, Athens, Athens! Indeed, Michael made it!

As the StarStuck program banner proudly waves, one has to dream, believe, and survive. The same goes with the nursing students of this institute, they have to dream, believe, and survive their four-year stay in the university to call themselves survivors. More than that, they have to discover their passion, give focus, and develop discipline among themselves to be where they want to be and be the ultimate survivors of the battle and be one of the Registered Nurses.

My story ends here but the chronicle does not. Discover yourself because as Socrates says, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” The only question is: “What is your Athens in life?”

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*This article was submitted as part of our final requirements at the end of Academic Year 2004-2005. I was a College Instructor back then. Since Yahoo Briefcase is about to close on March 30, 2009, downloading of all my files became necessary. I'm glad I found this article. I did not introduce major changes so as to keep the true intention of this article which is to inspire more Filipinos. This article has never been published until this entry. Enjoy reading! ;-)

Life Buddy

NEW YORK. Friendship has to be established in a certain place, at a very precise time, and on a specific date. The problem with human nature is the fact that its memory has certain limitations. Yep, I remember that I met my life buddy Sheila when I joined New York Life but I cannot remember the exact time and date.

Sorry for the misleading intro. I did it with the intention to deceive. If indeed you were deceived, blame your faulty brain structure for telling you that the intro refers to New York City.

Sheils is one of the snob ladies in our group who sits in front not because she prefers ist but because she loves coming late from time to time. Training, after all, is all about being on time and still coming on time (we are always on time to be late) but late (at least with reference to the agreed time a trainee should be inside the training room). Sheils is a kind of person who doesn’t talk much. Not when she’s not interested. Well, I guess everybody has the same attitude but her stillness is apparent. The twist is, whenever she smiles and laughs, man, you’ll feel it that it’s genuine.

I’m a person who prefers the back seat. At the back, I can see what’s happening in front, chat with my seatmates, make some silly comments, laugh, and do everything I want to do without being noticed. There are certain characteristics of other trainees which are simply contagious. In our case, the characters of the trainees at the back row are undeniably infectious. Towards the end of the training, Sheila became a familiar face at the back row enjoying the company of men who have a lot of experiences to share. The back row personalities include Sir Mon (who happened to be the nephew of Dean Jara of San Beda College of Law), Lawrence (a stock exchange broker and a chick magnet – his gf is a member of Hotlegs Dancers), Sir Tony (a seasoned medical representative and a basketball prayer), Erik (an elite new graduate from Benilde), and Jeffrey (who invited us for coffee but actually it was a buy-your-own-coffee-cum-recruitment to a networking company). This bunch is the most boisterous company during the training and Sheila is one of the boys. Yes, she’s one of the boys but she’s not boyish at all to be despised. The company of the boys brought out the girl in her. Sheila was with us when the Trainer walked out of the training room because we were too educated to be controlled. It happened twice. On the second instance, we didn’t ask for any apology. Not anymore.

Amidst the violations of the house-rules during the training, the back row team managed to finish the training course. After graduation, we went on our own. I’d say that my first month was painful and discouraging but on the third month, I topped and assumed the 25th rank (Company wide ranking) based on my monthly production. The next month, my performance plummeted. During the last few months of my stay with the company before I finally decided to call it quits, seldom do I find the back seat team in the office. I knew they went somewhere else.

Though we parted ways, the back seat team made sure to get in touch. We started from a big group until finally it was reduced to two: me and Sheila. We have many things in common like how we look at things, our level of appreciation of life events, and certain beliefs as well. We both put premium on keeping relationships. Sharing certain sentiments and preferences doesn’t mean that we don’t have differences. We belong to different religious groups but our religious affiliation never became an issue. She has a degree in Marketing; I am a Philosophy graduate.

Sheila is like Nokia, she connects people. I remember one time when she asked me to join her in meeting her highly intelligent boss who did not treat her like an employee but a trusted friend. I admire her on how she keeps relationships. We would see each other and simply enjoy our never-ending stories about crazy stuff. We did laugh at ourselves and find ourselves crazy.

When the Supreme Editor-in-Chief transferred me to the Marketing Department, Sheila became my crutches. She introduced me to BIG people in Marketing. Funny but with zero background on Marketing, I had to learn the basic design development process and insisted that she had to discuss it even while she’s inside the elevator. She always finds time to answer questions and extends help whenever I needed them most. She never said no. Thank you Sheila, I am forever indebted to you.

There were moments when life brought us to certain unfamiliar zones but we never stopped communicating. Proximity to people who are willing to listen whenever there are challenges is always an advantage.

I’m lucky I have Sheila as a friend. Earlier today, I asked her to read my blog entries. She asked me why I chose Coach Spike as my site name. Why not AL she inquired. Below is the conversation which transpired during the afternoon chat and the explanation why I chose Coach Spike as my blog site.

Sheila is more than a TAMBAY (STANDBY) BUDDY! She is a real-life buddy!

Yes Sheila, you may call me Spike.

Security Bank MasterCard

Blessed. This is the first word which crossed my mind when I thought of little kids who were brought up by their biological parents and grew up with so much love. I’m happy I am one of them.

I fully understood the true concept of a utility BILL (credit card, phone, electricity, etc.) at the age of 27 when all my bills became due within a given week and my pay check is not large enough to cover them. Though blessed, I feel I am being crucified for spending too much beyond my capacity to pay. A credit is always a credit.

My first credit card is an HSBC Classic card which is active up to present. From the outset, prompt payment is never a problem since I always make sure that my spending is within my power to pay. No more, no less. And so I thought. Having been a disciplined swiper, I accepted all the cards which was delivered to my door step.

The convenience of having a credit card whenever my wallet becomes thin is rewarding during the exact moment that the need arises but such delight is too temporary and automatically turns into a desolation when the due date of the bill comes close and no enough moolah is on hand. Though an average earner, I always make sure that I stash immediately all payable amounts I have and live life in honest poverty with whatever left of my TF. I understand that Warren Buffet never gave this advice but since he doesn’t see me, I cheated. Savings and investments were completely out of my head. But I know a lot about compound interests, financial charges, and late payment fees because they appear on my bill. I complain about such things yet I keep on paying.

Security Bank Master Card is one of the credit cards which I keep on my wallet despite the minimal credit limit they gave. Since the charges are minimal, I decided to delay my payments giving top priority to cards which have higher credit limit. After few months, the card became inactive. Despite the long hibernation of the card in the locker, I managed to pay everything I owe to the issuing bank. I was on cloud nine when I paid the last bill.

Having paid the entire amount I owe to the bank, I decided to request for the reactivation of my card. Since the hiatus seemed like a year, updating of information becomes necessary. The Member Service Representative of Security Bank told me that I have to fill-up the document and send it back to them. They were very nice. They even promised to call after thirty (30) minutes to give me updates regarding the Updating Form but they never did. They all lied. Well, majority of them are. Ramil the one who is in charge of my account, he was never true to his words and even squealed the irresponsibility of his boss. He pissed me off. He was a real pain in the ass. Hell, the email arrived to my inbox after two working days and unending calls to their hotline. OMG. The email arrived around 7pm. On that same day, around 5pm, I inquired about the cause of the delay and all he did was to tell me that he had communicated it to the support group. With such answer from a front line service officer, I told him that I’ll be cancelling my card for poor customer service.

Two days after, Ramil gave me a ring just to inform me that he is cancelling my card. Yes he has the all the power to cancel it because he is from the collections department. He asked few questions which I verified to be true and voila within few seconds my credit card was cancelled.

The cancellation of my Security Bank MasterCard made me sad because I really don’t have plans of cancelling it. It’s just that I made such decision while my emotions were high and Ramil is the person on the other end of the line. Now, I only have three active credit cards. Goodbye to Security Bank MasterCard!

With three credit cards left, I hope to manage my bills this time.

Blogsvertise

I'm suppose to place Blogsvertisecovery: The Discovery of Blogsvertise as the title of this article but I decided not to, so as to preserve my intention in writing this post.

It is a common knowledge that the word blog is a contraction of the word weblog. Yes, blogsvertise is a portmanteau: combination of blogs and advertise. From the word itself one may surmise that the purpose of Blogsvertise is basically to promote the blog entries of bloggers without exerting extra effort from the bloggers end. Apparently, Blogsvertise does more than a large number of bloggers think.

Blogsvertise services many registered bloggers who meet minimum requirements. In a very concise manner, Blogvertise will inform a registered blogger if an advertiser wants a specific blogger to blog about their products and services. In return, the concerned blogger gets paid via Paypal! It's that easy!

There's more you need to know about the services of Blogsvertise. To know more about how you can take advantage of their great offers and opportunities, you may visit http://www.blogsvertise.com/ and be blogsvertised as well! Be one of us!

Wait there's more! Upon checking the rank of http://www.blogsvertise.com/ from Google PageRank Checker, the website sits on the 5th (5/10; 10 being the highest)! If you need more info, its best that you visit http://www.blogsvertise.com/ NOW!

Let’s Mamboo!

My job appointment brought me to Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. Initially, I was informed that my appointment will be in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro but reshuffling of new hired occurred; hence, I was thrown to Occidental Mindoro. The appointment came as a surprise; I was sad the entire day I learned it and the apparent sadness was easily noticed by our legal representative Atty. Laurence and Sir Steve. Despite the fact that I knew I’ll be able to survive my new life there, being unfamiliar with the place was my major concern. I have this tendency to live within my comfort zones. I am open to changes but not sudden changes, not when I’m not prepared, unarmed.

Since I affixed my signature and agreed to an appointment document stating that I MUST accept any area of appointment, I had to take the offer without any reservations. At some point, I felt like giving up the job offer but I have submitted my resignation last December 2008 so I have to stand by my decision. Besides, I have passed all the pre-employment requirements. Yes, the pay is relatively low compared to my previous jobs but working with the government is something which tickles my fancy, something which I fantasize; hence, I want to give a crack at it.

The offer did not land like a box of chocolates. Considering that I’m currently enrolled in my MS studies, I filed my Leave of Absence during the third term. This is one sacrifice I had to make. The program coordinator did not want me to leave due to certain pre-requisites I have to complete but I have made my decision. I placed myself in a self-contract (contract between me and myself) not to regret this decision with the provision that such contract cannot be rescinded without my permission. ;-) Though I really wanted a break from my 9-5 work err… 9am-8:30pm toxic work in Manila, working in the province was not an option. It did not cross my mind at all.

Realizing that I’ll take the job, I let my friends know it as well. One of my friends even commented: “See, you’ll be one of us!” A friend jokingly commented via electronic communication: “Eww, mingling with the locals?” With these comments, I prepared myself very well and started accepting living life in a very simple way. Asked whether or not I’m excited, I said NO. But deep within me, I promised myself to live a simple life in a quaint place like Occidental Mindoro.

Before finally packing my bags, I made sure that I have a place to stay. Luckily, I have a student-cum-friend John Mark Flores who helped me providing the details of affordable hotels. With positive comments, I decided to stay at Travellers Hotel in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. Days before my trip, I inquired and the officer on duty Mr. Angie Masangkay was very accommodating. With my pushy attitude (but not disagreeable), he gave me 10% off the regular rate. All in all, I saved a pretty good amount which is almost equivalent to four days stay in the hotel. I was supposed to ask for more discounts but I remained loyal to what we agreed. They might label me as makunat so I sealed my lips. Travellers Hotel was my retiring haven after work hours.

Travellers Hotel in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro was established in 1975. Located along the National Road facing Mamburao National High School, the hotel provides striking views of buses jam-packed with students going home to nearby barangays and crowded tricycles with boxes and passengers alike. (My camera missed those unforgattable views!) ;-(

During the MOA Signing between Mamburao and Makati City, Hon. Mayor Jejomar Binay recalled that Travellers Hotel had been his home when he worked in Mamburao as a lawyer. His testament is a proof that Travellers Hotel housed a large number of famous persons but the hotel remained to be very simple and no pictures on the frame hanging on the wall screaming the persons they have served. Though there are other hotels in the area, I highly recommend Travellers Hotel.

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Back in my previous job, I was once warned not to call the driver as SIR, instead the driver should call me SIR because I assume a higher position than him. Personally, I feel comfortable calling everybody as SIR and MA’AM despite the existing hierarchical differences. Calling the driver, the messenger, and even the janitor as SIR or MA’AM puts a smile on their face. After all, I’m also an employee of the company not the owner. By calling them as such, they feel proud with their position and do their best in their field. Having said thus, I am accustomed to the organizational endearment SIR/MA’AM. When I arrived in Mamburao, the SIR/MA’AM changed to ATE and KUYA.

It’s difficult to find a workplace where everybody respects each and every member of the organization and treats every one like a family member. Such is the situation in my work place in Mamburao. Though I had a hard time relating to kind words ATE and KUYA, I took the plunge and joined my new kapamilya.

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Our Provincial Director is a man of respect. He values organizational rules which make him truly admirable. He corrects mistakes and short comings but he never sounds disagreeable. Funny, but I remember one time when he inquired about us (the new hires) regarding our attitude. Ate Vangie answered that were kinda quiet and seem to be good picks. He instantaneously replied: “Well, obviously because they are trying to feel the environment but once they become familiar, they’ll show their true colors.” Hehe. What a perfect answer! He knows little kids like us very well.

Three of the new hires were born and raised in Mamburao. I see myself as an intruder. Apple is the most friendly of them primarily because she is a new Mom. ;-) At one time, she prepared an exotic food called UOK which is basically an edible worm which can be found in a wood called Dungon. The Dungon tree is believed to thrive mostly in Tayamaan which is a Barangay in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. (I hope my memory serves me right.) With much prodding from Ate Vangie that it really tastes good, I finally succumbed and bought four (4) pieces. Apple volunteered to prepare the UOK. She washed the UOK, place resonable amount of rock salt on it and after few minutes placed them on the frying pan. I saw the UOK wiggle their tale as the hot oil completely fried them. Only after Apple swallowed the first UOK did I decide to pick one and swallow it. The fried UOK tasted like a shrimp. Kuya Jun told me that it is a staple food of the Aetas and tastes good when prepared kinilaw. Also, kinilaw na UOK with Gin or Matador is a good rule to live by.

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I didn’t have the chance to stroll the entire Mamburao town. Instead, I opted to check the places which I feel comfortable and places which I feel I will never look like a stranger. At the Capitol Compund, I was able to catch few sights shown below.

Are you ready to Mamboo? Visit Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro!