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(contract between me and myself) not to regret this decision with the provision that such contract cannot be rescinded without my permission.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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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.---0---
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.---0---
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!
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