It's been a long time since my last log in here. Two months after my graduation last November, I started looking for a job which resulted in me getting frustrated and disheartened most of the time. I got stuck in this shitty phase -- this phase of unemployment. But for what it's worth, I've managed to meet a lot of people along the way, mostly fellow applicants and HR staffs that seem to enjoy pitting me in a series of interviews and tests.
Eventually, my little break came in when I got hired to teach English to Koreans. I only lasted for a week in training. They got me kicked out for not having that "X-Factor" they were looking for. On the other hand, I figured it was a great thing since I realized that working there for a long time wouldn't be good for me in the long run. I mean, the pay was shitty and they expect too much from you. It's a bad deal unless your heart is really for teaching.
So anyways, I continued applying until I found a perfect part-time job for me -- working this time as a call center agent. It would only be temporary until I get myself hired at a decent job...and by decent, I mean a traditional 9 to 5 job that hasn't anything to do with constant verbal beating. I'm sick and tired of being part of the trend. I want to have a job that I can be proud of. For now, I'm going to deal with this call center thing. At least here, the pay's pretty decent even for a part-timer.
Q&A for fresh graduates conducted by K. Pabicospace1. Do you see yourself working abroad? Why or why not?- I don't see myself working overseas for now. I need all the experience I can get in working here before I go abroad, if need be. space2. 23% of the 1,200 people who answered the survey agreed with the statement that "this country is hopeless." How would you react to that?- I wouldn't agree entirely on that statement. While it is true that our country is struggling in terms of its social and political aspect, we continue to develop our economy by encouraging more entrepreneurs to establish businesses here as well as sending more OFW's abroad. Exporting goods is also another way. I believe the economy of this country relies mainly on these factors. space3. How hard/easy is it to find a decent paying job in this country?- It really depends on what job you are getting into nowadays. Some jobs require dedication, competence and even good credentials, but it pays off when it comes to salaries and benefits. And then we have those damn call centers. Now that's another story. space4. Do you think this country will soon face a brain drain problem? - I'm afraid so. I believe that our country produces thousands of professionals and great talent every year only to work abroad just because they offer better opportunities and benefits than we do. I can't blame them for it. I mean, let's face it. The grass is always greener on the other side. space5. What is your reaction to those college graduates who end up working in call centers? (those who landed on a job far from their field of study.)- Personally, I am saddened by the fact that a lot of graduates, especially student leaders and bright students, end up working on call centers rather than a better professional job. Other students who graduate on a different field far from answering calls also take this opportunity. It's not right. If they knew this was coming, then they should've taken a dumb-ass course in college instead. On the other hand, it is good because it solves the unemployment /underemployment problem in this country. space6. What could be blamed for the increasing number of Filipinos who want to work abroad?- There are so many things we can point our fingers to in this situation, but it doesn't really matter. If we really want some changes around here, then we should stop bitching and start on ourselves first.
As we head towards the end of a great year, so ends that stupid show, Pinoy Big Brother. For months, I haven't got the chance to bitch about the crappiness this show is pulling off until now. I'm just wondering why people are still going bonkers over this joke of a show. I see no point in cramping up a bunch of people under one big roof for a couple of months. I've watched an episode or two and I see no reason why this has to be a big deal. The situations they've encountered are too shallow to be dealt with and it never really delivered the essence of a true reality drama.
What really ticked me off is how these housemates end up becoming big time celebrities (i.e. hot shot pussy, Sam Milby). As far as I know, most people who participate in reality shows don't end up singing or dancing on variety shows or showing up on primetime sitcoms unless of course if that reality show was about talent search. But in this case, this is fucking Pinoy Big Blunder, man. What else can they do except slob around and follow rules. Aaahh...what the hell! If that's what they want to do, then let them make the most out of their 15 minutes. I bet fame won't last that long for these fools. It's just another fad, if you'd ask me...
spaceFinally, I got the chance to smoke this shit last night at Terno Au Go Go IV (thanks to Andrea). spaceUnfortunately, it failed to meet my expectations as regards to its taste. I believe Lourd (De Veyra) described it best. "Lasa siyang Winston na may tae." spacespace I couldn't agree more.
spaceCouple of hours ago, I went to MSE to see a friend. I had the cash to boot and another ace to get out of my shack. I tried calling her up to see if she's there but her phone seems to be dead. It's a risky trip going solo on a night like this, but what the hell. I like taking chances...
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When I got there, she was nowhere to be found. I felt a bitter sense of irony as I saw all the vintage shops and art galleries open for the night, but she wasn't there. Last time we went together, not all of them were open. So anyway, I had to make this trip worth my time. I started looking around the shops and they were great as always. I couldn't even take my eyes off Wawi Navarroza's works as I smoked another cigarette outside that shop.
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After three cigies, I left the place and decided to head back home. I could take a cab going to Malate, but I didn't. I heard Bogart wants a drinking binge, but I'm too tired and disappointed to take that trip. On my way to the bus stop, I saw a jazz band playing outside Cafe Havana. I thought of stopping by just to hear them rip and it was great. Oh how I love to be a trumpeter like Miles Davis or John Coltrane in a black suit with a hat on. Sometimes, I wish I was born in the 30's or so. Always love to be like one of them. Always love to look good in black and white.
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Riding the bus was always a scary thing. You'll never know if there's a bomb or a random punk armed with a revolver ready to take us down. But this time, I felt secured. Sitting on my left was a kickboxer. He was holding a pamphlet on kickboxing guidelines and on my right, a very old man wearing glasses and a large golf hat on. He's the coolest old fart I ever saw. There I thought sitting on the middle was rather appropriate. I just see myself in both of them...
A South Korean Dies After Games Session.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4137782.stm
This day has yet to be the best birthday celebration I have ever experienced. I felt the highest high just by being greeted by everyone - family, friends, relatives and acquaintances. I even received some love from the coolest local band around. I mean, what more could I ever ask for?spaceThe highlight of the day was spending the whole afternoon with Hamill. I figured, her gift would come in a form of an old place that looked like a perfect setting for a spaghetti western flick. But when I started looking around, you could see shoes, art galleries and shops that sell vintage stuff. I loved it. Everything's in it's right place. spaceBut this day wasn't just about celebration. It was a learning experience in the most amazing way. I mean, who would've thought that an 18-year old girl would teach a 22-year old chap like me spacehow to live,space how to find the find the best places around, spacehow to loosen up,spacehow to become a kid again, spacehow to reinforce my faith... space...and how to find my way around?
spaceDoctor Victor Von Doom is by far the quintessential evil genius. He has SINGLE-HANDEDLY taken on the likes of Fantastic Four, The Avengers, X-Men, the Watcher, the Beyonder and the Silver Surfer and bested them all on different occassions. In the picture above, he just made "The Man of Steel" look like a twit.