Published by dminotaur

[Pacquiao - a Symbol of the Nation]
There are three things, three events that usually turn the busy streets of Manila into a Ghost Town.

Holy Week.
Christmas.
Pacquiao’s Fights.

In fact, I think the whole Philippine’s time moves at a snail’s pace during Pacquiao’s fights. We’re all glued to the tube, cheering and praying for our champ’s mighty blow that leaves his opponents careening to the corner. Business usually halts – it’s a day-off for everyone, a holiday if you prefer.

Pacquio’s persona is now a cult the whole philippines has been following so zealously.

[Looking at the business side of things]

If Cotto were to lose, I hope it’s not as fast as Hatton’s pavement-eating embarrassment. 2 Rounds was simply unacceptable – and to think he had all that mumbo-jumbo trash-talk cooked up about how he were to disappoint the whole Philippines as he promised to destroy their champion – 10 minutes of Battle surely left a bad taste for those who paid 600 Pesos to watch it on Theatres. What was a waste.

But perhaps if that be the case, people may start wondering : “Is Pacquiao really that good?”

If the results aren’t too obvious, some may speculate that he’s given way for Paquiao to final battle Mayweather. I mean, if someone were to think of money instead of the pride and honor – I’d rather sell out the game and get a piece of the Mayweather-Pacquiao which is going to generate sales no fight has ever seen before.

[Should Manny Fall]
That’s going to change a lot of things. The Filipino Nation will be humbled. Or end up in a Civil War.

Also, Pacquiao might retire and we’ll never get to see the prime of his career – this will be it.

Likely targets to blame Manny’s Fall : Ondoy; “Nadaya”; His Bloxing Gloves; Our dear president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. I think we all enjoy throwing the blame to other people. Especially her. For anything. At all.

[Why Manny Pacquiao should win]
Well, first — I bet the whole farm on him, so if he lost, well, I’ll probably flip. And die of heart attack.

Second, winning means him eager to head on for Mayweather – and I really hope he will. I mean sure, Mayweather is great – in fact,  for being an undefeated boxer – that’s quite a feat. But someone has to shut him up. And Manny Pacquiao is the closest, if not the only, solution there is to that task.

Lastly, every Filipino has placed their bets on their Champion – not necessarily Monetary – but the faith and inspiration of success. Manny is a living proof here in our homeland that despite the bad economy, rampant corruption, and simply a bad way of living — if you really put yourself into what you believe in and fight for it (no pun intended there), chances are .. you really will get it.

Look at him, he’s not some guy who came from rich (or even middle class) lifestyle to study the profession he now holds proudly yet he excelled in it. No books, no schools for it – but he’s all heart for that sport and he’s a rags-to-riches story because he fought for what he believed in.

And that’s enough thought to leave us relieved that someday, somehow, everything’s going to be alright. Just try to do your best getting there.

Post a comment . Nov 15, 2009
Filed under: Boxing, Cotto, Pacquiao, Boxing, Cotto, Pacquiao

Published by dminotaur

I was at the airport earlier today – 6:00 a.m. My brother was supposed to take the 8:00 a.m. for Tacloban City – check out something for Dad – something related to the family business.

Apparently, in his haste – he forgot to bring some things and I had to bring that to him all the way to the airport. He also missed his flight – which means he had to reschedule – take the 1 p.m. schedule instead. Oversleeping is never smart when you travel by air.

Can you imagine sleeping for 2 hours and waking up to take the morning train – not a pretty sight.

With the A(H1N1) Swine Flu scare – Dad asked me to bring some Face Masks, the Airport may ask passengers to comply in using them within their premises. And so I did.

I wore that thing when I got to the place — like some bandit ritual before entering the bank. Then I saw my brother, I gave him the stuff and he went his way to the ticketing booth for the rescheduling. He left his things in waiting area so I had to keep watch while he went on with his business. I scanned the place — I can point a handful using a Face Mask. Everyone acted like this was just some normal season – others even smoked cigarettes and chat freely not going all paranoid over the idea that Airports are likely where transmissions of the virus usually start at – chances of getting it are an all- time high in places like this.

Two things came to mind. It’s either we have a stronghold for our doctrine over Fatalism or Filipinos just never really gave a rat’s ass about the epidemic.

I guess that may also explain why it took more than a month before the virus reached the Philippines – but it barely took 2 weeks to rank 2nd in Asia with the number of people infected and being included in the Top 10 World Wide.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090612-210029/Swine-flu-a-timeline

I was conscious with my surroundings and 2 things came into mind with me and my mask — I wearing this makes me look Paranoid and a Dork. So I took it off. Dumb – but I did it anyway. Vanity does kill.

That explains the Filipino trait and how we handle epidemics like this – with ignorance and neglect.

* We try to stop a cough, to restrain ourselves from sneezing, or even hide our sniffles – that’s because to be branded “H1N1″ Positive is like having leprosy. Next thing you know, you’ve infect your whole family and that’s when you just let your little secret.

* We’re not very much the sanitary-conscious types. We spit anywhere – you see that a lot in Metro Manila. We cough and not cover our mouths. Sneeze uncontrollably in public. We don’t even bother bringing handkerchiefs. It’s just not our thing.

* We think that anything related to Medicines, Doctors and Hospitals equate to spending money – So, a little cough or cold is not something we give total attention to. We let it go like it’s some normal day being under the weather and think: “I’ll just rub it off naturally. It’ll heal. Just give it time”. Then we find out it gets worse and it’s too late – now we’ll even spend more. Even life.

Right now — I have a runny nose and I sneeze even 3 minutes. Seriously, not a good time to have some mild cold – I hope this is just my nose infected and irritated with all the travel I did today and going through the hazardous environment called MRT EDSA Station. Oh, Lord – Please let it be that. Hehe.

1 Comment . Jun 26, 2009
Filed under: Health, Personal Thoughts, Philippines, Swine Flu

Published by dminotaur

I don’t know how it came about — but Filipinos have grown accustomed to celebrating Valentines day. It’s probably because we’re Christians.

It is said that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

For her — it’s like a 2nd birthday. Wait, it’s more important than HER birthday, because it’s exclusive to Love.

No amount of Monthsaries and Anniversies (and all the -saries you can think of) could compare to such date. Why? Because it’s Valentines Day!

Don’t you dare allow her to paddle in a sea misery and loneliness while every other girl out there is celebrating it with bliss in their hearts, flaunting their gifts and smiles while dining somewhere fancy. That almost feels like Christmas Season and she doesn’t have a Christmas tree.

Women, regardless of age (okay, not TOO young), religion, or social status — recognize this day zealously. Though, they have different perception of Valentines Day depending on Commitment Status.

*************

Single Girls. They go to clubs with single girlfriends and celebrate being all single, alone, without a special someone calling them cute terms of endearment, not receiving hugs or smothered by wet kisses. Not getting any wild, relentless, mind-numbing sex. Okay, that’s it — more tequila, girls.

She dare not invite any committed or married girlfriends in that group. That just spoils the fun. And her night.

Her expected budget: $50 – $100 Dollars. You are splitting the bill with your girls.

Results: nefarious morning breath and that buzzing in your head called hang-over-from-tequila.

*************

Single Girl and looking. The more desperate (and not a whole lot of you, but I’ve witness of such incident) is that they actually pay couriers to send them flowers and chocolates at work (or school). They believe such gestures will have the people around her give a quizzical look, asking who the special someone is. It drives them crazy.

Desperate? So what. it gives them a fuzzy feeling.

Her expected budget: $100 Dollars to compromise a trip to la-la land.

Results: $100 Dollars equating to loss of self-respect and dignity. dreaded feeling of desperation. Will go out with girlfriends and do exactly what single girl theme did.

*************

Single Girl and someone dating her. You forgot to take her out somewhere nice and expensive or at least give her a gift? In that case, Don’t expect anything special from her. And by Special, I meant a special… stroking of your… tra-la-la.

If you forgot this, how much more of the lesser things like, say, monthsaries and weeksaries and (I hate to say this), hourly text report of where you are and what you are doing.

Make her feel like a queen. Or at least Princess Jasmine, and you being her genie. In a bottle. *Aguilera comes to mind*

His expected Budget: Around $300 – $600 for the fine dining, chocolates, flowers, cuddly bears, new shoes, a necklace. perhaps a movie. Christ. There better be some good sex tonight.

Results: Guy ends up eating noodles till the next 2 paychecks.

*************

Married Girl (Newly Wed). The intimacy is still wild. The love? without definition. The moment leaves her breathless. Please don’t forget to enforce love through the gesture of such occasion so she dare not reassess the notion as to why she said “Yes”.

His expected Budget: an Extension to the fortune you’ve spent for the wedding and honeymoon.

Results: No hint of divorce.

*************

Married Girl (it has been 3-5 years). Just because you have kids running around, she’s got stitches in her tummy, and she’s practically gained twice the weight — give you the excuse to ignore this day.

She expects you to not forget this — all hell will break loose if you do.

Go out instead with the whole family. Eat out. Watch a Movie. This way, the kids will -really- believe you still have the hots for mommy. If you have regard to all that is holy and rightful, don’t discuss this act to your other married buddies. Please.

Their expected Budget: $200 Dollars for some good ol’ KFC or Mickey D’s and a Movie.

Results: Happy Family. You won’t breed any bastards who’ll hate (or kill you) when they’re old enough.

*************

Married Girl (it has been 10 years). It has been years since you’ve really felt that thrill in your spine.

Life has been pretty much of a routine. There’s actually a routine, a flowchart implemented in the household — to deal with school, work, family time, money matters, and household keeping.

The trick: Do something unusual. Surprise her — like how you did when you popped the question (no, not the sex-related one). Buy her some bling. Take her out on some expensive fine-dine. Buy her a car.

His expected Budget: $1500 – $2500 — don’t worry, your career probably pays you waayy more than what’s worth your salt.

Results: She won’t suspect that you are having an affair with the secretary. Don’t overdo it though.

*************

Married Girl (it has been 20 years). The kids are all grown up. It’s just plain nasty to even think about couples at this age acting like 20 year olds — but hey, that’s what “Growing old with you” is all about, right?

So, you can actually snuggle in the couch; eat some ice cream while watching moves all day. Don’t bother suggesting any — she’s thought of how the marathon works out. No, Star Wars and Die Hard movies are not included in the queue. I hope you’ve prepared yourself for some mushy Adam Sandler, Hugh Grant and 3 Repetitions of “The Notebook”.

*************

Married Girl since World War 2. Okay, admit it — you are just too old for this. He probably is dead. Best way is to just reminisce those good ol’ fling-flam days.

If Rose can recall all the vivid “I’m flying Jack” moments up to the steamy back sit experience, I betcha you can. If not, don’t you have like a diary lying somewhere? Might be good specially with the memory gap thingie going on in your head.

************

Men are simpler. They have two sections :

For a guy dating a girl — he has this map in his head like he was Scofield. It all leads to one conclusion.

The map looks like this:

Surprise her with gifts — > Eat out, somewhere fine — > Visit nearest Sogo or Victoria Court.

For everyone else, married or single: “Valentines-what-now? Really? Celebrate that? It’s like every other day — like Easter Sunday. I’m more likely to celebrate Halloween than that day.”

2 Comments . Jan 21, 2009
Filed under: Uncategorized

Published by dminotaur

“Arrrrrrh.”

After wiping my face clean with a towel, something caught my eye. I quickly inspect the irritation in the mirror.

“Christ”.

It was a speck of some sort — i don’t think it’s dust: i tried to clean it with water, it wouldn’t come off. I tried bating my lashes so fast like betty boop thinking it’d get caught in the eyelid and into my lashes but to no avail. After 15 minutes of washing, my eye going all red, and the irritation just beyond tolerable — i had to get this checked. I hope it’s not the skin of my eyeball — but it just wouldn’t come off.

If this is some kind of an ant — then this should teach me not to mix my clothes with food or leaving a bag of chips open inside my duffle bag. But better that then the skin of my eyeball, right?

I had some of my friends inspect it — no-one could tell me straight what it was. My Team Leader was concerned like a mother, he asked me to go to the clinic and have it checked. Team Leaders are just so full of concern, don’t they?

Bad news : Both clinics in the building had no ophthalmologists.

Worst news : I had to wait for them … tomorrow. Yeah. Right. Like when I’m blind already or something?

I grew tired of it. I told them I’ll just wait it out — let it heal by itself. See if I do have some kind of healing factor or whatever.

“No.”

Yeah, okay. So off I go to Medical City — closest hospital, and probably the best option right now.

Wow. This place looks good. Soooo many… yeah, okay .. so many sick people. Bad thing. BUT! ALSO, sooo many women doctors and nurses. Sooo white. Sooo clean. Must taint.

Imagination Starts to surface.

Imagination 1 : The girlfriend in her nursing uniform. cleaning me up… with a sponge!

Imagination 2 : Two Nurses. In their Uniform. Cousins. Stopped from doing all that clickity-clack-clack typing .. and starts… kissing each other. fondling…

Wow. I still had the strength to humor myself. Okay, back to reality.

I went straight to the Eye Center : 2 Women ophthalmologists. I almost crapped myself! There were tears of joy … Pain.

One of them began to examine my eye — she tells me it’s an insect. Ant.

“Freakin’ A.”

She leads me and had me sit down on this contraption, a Slit-Lamp. I mount my face on the Chin rest, eyes both staring blankly at the light. She starts commanding me as to where to look — examining my eyeball. I think this is a woman who has no problem with guys (in particular) staring at her fronts — like dentists — because that’s where i was gazing, although with the most I’m-just-following-you look I could muster.

She then takes out the most horrifying instrument in the room : Eye / Iris Forceps. I think i wet myself with the mere sight of that thing. She is going to use that thing to pluck that ant’s remains off my eyeball (with its mandibles well buried, mind you). You gotta be freakin’ kiddin’ me.

Then I start to imagine the worst thing that could happen :

I’d jerk forward, piercing my eye on her instrument like a balloon to a pin.
Her hand twitches involuntarily due to stress, accidentally mutilating my eye.

“Mother Blind Bitch!”

~May her skill be true!~

I don’t think the nickname Earl the one-eyed Willie works on women — regardless of the pun. That pirate gig just won’t work.

Thankfully, she did a great job. I was so relieved i wanted to jump and kiss her for that. Of course, I didn’t — since she’ll definitely break my jaw. And call security on me. I reserved my joys silently.

I stare at one corner; saw her Otoscope on the table.

“Welch Allyn.” I quipped.

“Wow. Do you have a laboratory?” She replied.

“Nah,” playing the conversation defensively, “Just that — we’re into the Medical Business, my Dad and Uncle anyway.”

She then starts blabbing about the ophthalmology field & her line of work. Well, that’s kind of awkward seeing as to how she’s now cleaning my eyeball with a cotton swab. The eye test program went well — Thank God it still functions. I just didn’t know who to kill if it ended up requiring an Eye Implant.

It took my damndest not to hit on them. Pull-off something lame like : “My Team Leader might think this Medical Cert is fabricated in recto, any chance i can get your name and number as proof? You know — just in case he inspects.”

Rational Thing : 98% chance of that coming out looking stupid. But hey, this isn’t the first time I did something like this. And I turned-up just fine.

Bad Thing : My phone was dead.

Worst. Luck. ever.

I should learn to prepare for disasters like this — you never know who you get to meet, yes?

Which leads me to the next conversation — I wonder where these brilliant women hang-out. Hopefully, they’re not destined to date colleagues on medical conventions. Nasty.

Hey, it’s okay to have wishful thinking — Didn’t Scofield get Dr. Sara Tancredi? And he’s a convict for crying out loud.

Side Note : When I came back to the office, most of my mates were like “Hey earl, we heard about that eye incident — are you okay?”

Yoda Voice : Concern, I sense in you Hrrrrmmm ? Wow. Am I that loved? Muhwahahaha. *hugs self* Okay, Okay! *hugs everyone else*.

Post a comment . Jan 19, 2009
Filed under: Accidents

Published by dminotaur

My legs are hurting.

I’m growing uneasy. impatient. bored.

I kept checking my phone’s clock every few minutes.

I sigh : “God, there goes my Lunch.”

These girls are crazy.

I can’t believe I let them play with my head and get convinced to have a “Quick” look at some Boutique or Designer clothes store.

When a girl is window shopping and she tags it as a “Quick” check — she actually means an hour or so. And I fell for it. Again.

I’m here keeping watch as these 3 girls tried fitting every item in the store : Clothes. Pants. Shoes. Hair clips. Lingerie.

And what’d they buy? A scarf for one. perfume for the other. The last one thought a new purse should look good on her this valentines day.

Valentines Day. Can you freakin’ believe that? Ain’t that like in a distant future from today? And she’s well prepared for it.

Men will never understand how these women and the art of shopping works out. I think it’s some innate ability that a woman gets as soon as she’s 12. Is there like a Shopping 101 module that only women can actually read?

See, the way it works for men is simple — we have Criteria. For example, Shoes — we ask certain things like : “Is it comfortable?” or “Will it last for a Year or 2?” or “Can i use it on 3 to 5 different scenarios like Work, at home, in the Gym, on a Date, and for daily walk? The more the merrier.”

We also put Compatibility issues. “Is this clothing comfortable?” ; “Can i use it both rain or shine?” ; “Is it applicable to work and play scenarios?”

And if some of these are not met, we consider it “Incompatible” .. which is rare — because we are easily contented by the first thing we get our hands unto.

Women? Nah. It doesn’t matter if these shoes will mangle her feet. If it looks good with the dress she’s wearing tonight, then she’d rather experience Texas Chainsaw Massacre on her feet than look ugly. She’d purchase it right there and then. Smack any girl in the face who so much as stare at her new-found treasure.

We also have Limitations — like how the RAM / Memory Chips in a computer has limited capacity. We understand that one can have “Enough” shoes or clothes.

Women? Never. She picks up new shoes every month as if it were going to run out or something.

A guy’s brain has this … Flow Chart. With what I’ve mentioned above, it goes through a series of “Yes” and “No” questions when shopping — and he makes sure that the resultant is rational.

In the end, Men feels contented with it — despite the criticisms. Despite fashion police screaming bloody horror for donning that poor excuse of a garment he calls Clothes.

Girls instead just “Feels” it. She checks it out in the mirror and has this special “Bonding” with the items she’s about to purchase — as if it were her soul mate. She could actually pluck, out of the hundreds of clothes she’s tried on, and know which one is Perfect.

Incidentally, it seem to always look “Perfect” on her. How she does this is beyond amazement.

She refuse to try sports. She hates you for making her walk on your dates instead of getting a cab. She’d rather sleep then watch TV. But when it comes to shopping — this is her Sport. She has her shop-face on. And she’s very, very excited.

Her heart pounds with joy when there’s a Sale in her favorite mall (like men are when beer is served). Fact is, she has this calendar with inputs as to when such occasions happen, a map to point out the best places to shop, and a Statistics table more complicated yet sophisticated then the Stock exchange.

Women and shopping were made for each other like Men and Driving a Car.

Side-Note : Sure, Men also do shop — but it’s due to satiating a particular interest. Like Shop for Guns, Cars, and Sports materials.

Me? my heart gets excited when I visit Gilmore to get some new computer parts. The feeling is exhilarating, like how it felt back when I was 9 and I had to choose between Sega and Nintendo — and the cartridges to follow.

1 Comment . Jan 11, 2009
Filed under: Men vs Women

Published by dminotaur

[ Christmas of 2008 ]

Christmas — after 2 long years, i’m finally going to be at work when it happens. (I’m not so sure if that’s a good thing or bad).

Christmas used to be different. Christmas used to be that special week where we get to help decorate the Christmas tree, letting our G.I. Joes and Ninja Turtles dangle on the bells and  lights. Speaking of Toys — it also meant we’re supposed to expect new ones come Christmas Day.

We actually have an excuse to stay up late and watch cartoons while eating cake and ice cream.

These years — it works differently. I don’t even expect myself to be at home on Christmas Eve.

Not expecting any Noche Buena.

Not even a Christmas Tree — or a gift.

My Sister, along with my Brother and Marjorie, picked me up in Libis (Eastwood).

Just us 3. Used to be all six of us in the dinner table, along with the employees of the company. Now — just us. In the road. with no plan whatsoever.

It had me thinking how we’re all separated now.

Dad’s in Mindanao. Funny. 12 years ago, it was I there on this very day.

My little brother, Jasper? On the farthest side of the Philippines. I wonder how he’s holding up ever since he transferred to Zamboanga City. Well, at least he’s with our uncles, aunties and cousins.

I let out a sigh, mumbling : “Damn, it always were simplier back when we were kids.”

Then Tisha quips “We’re not kids anymore”.

She’s right. Christmas no longer is about receiving gifts, eating ham for dinner, and playing with the Christmas Tree.

We’ve outgrown that phase (or probably just grew lazy to involve ourselves into that).

But it doesn’t matter — Regardless — you have to remember, this is the only birthday where everyone around the world is invited and celebrates. Where everyone should receive a gift. So do yourself a favor, give a gift to yourself — make yourself happy.

Make it count.

Excerpts of my Christmas Vacations :

2001 — Finally transferred to Manila.
2002 — Christmas with family, sheesh.
2003 — Got my heart broken in Zamboanga.
2004 — Last Christmas at home, with Family.
2005 — First time having christmas with a different company, and my first call center experience : Alorica (D-Link Account).
2006 — With Electronic Arts, No work on holidays. But i was there anyway.
2007 — This time, come hell or high water — I’m going to have a vacation : Tacloban city.
2008 — I’m now with Siemens.

==========================

New Year : 2009.

Just 2 years ago, it was 2006 — an hour shy from turning 2007. I was in the office when the celebration started. In the office — while the world was on countdown, awaiting the New year.

I was actually in the office.

It was so empty. So cold. So silent, I could actually hear the spinning of the harddrive’s cylinders, the Heat-Sink Fan of the CPU whirring.

It drove me nuts.

Not Last year, I was in Tacloban City when it happened. I’m glad I was.

Still, something is missing. And I hope it’s time to fill that void.

This year, it’s all about change. I can feeeeellll it.

Side Note : Last year — the biggest change I’ve made, since we Filipinos are fond of that New Year’s Resolution thing, was to quit EA (My Dream Job) to pursue something bigger. something bolder. Siemens.

This Year — I tip-toe towards the edge of actually leaping off from my comfort zone (Call Center Life) and say “No More”.

Woobie is helping me mesh that idea into my head.

Am I really ready for it? The thought alone makes me cringe.

I’ve made changes last year — am I ready to embrace these new ideas i’ve fondled?

1 Comment . Jan 11, 2009
Filed under: Celebrations, Personal Thoughts

Published by dminotaur

“To have a stable job before I marry and have a family of my own”.

That was the motto I heard when I was young, when the teachers asked each and everyone in the class their Hopes and Dreams.

When you are young — the basis of success is how much allowance you get. For the rich kids, they get to fancy their family car, purple cash in their pockets, and a meal different from the common snack served in school. They get to make a great impression of “What I did last summer” on the first day of class telling everybody how the scene in Singapore was breath-taking, or how cold Baguio was or the tan they got from Boracay.

A close friend once told me that the measure of success is how you did after your parents are no longer there to watch over you and pay for your bills.

And that brings us to the present.

When my relatives ask me how I’m doing — I tell them that I’m not working for Dad, instead, for a different company. When they ask the nature of that company’s business, I tell them it’s a call center. They give me that indifferent look and tell me all this things I’m not — like being a Call Center agent is not a real job. They act disappointed as to why none of the kids went for Doctors, or Lawyers or Engineers like my uncles and aunties did.

I’m not complaining — I make twice as much as our employees at my Dad’s business. The most common job out there above my line is Business Men, Politicians, Celebrities, Doctors and Lawyers. Heck, I tread on the line of engineers and private accountants yet still, it’s perceived as a Dynamic situation. One day I’m there, the next day I’m gone.

The common idea of how living is done in the Philippines is:

You have to graduate — if you don’t, you won’t get a job. If you do, it’ll suck.
If you do get a job, it’s a low-paying, under qualified, 10-hour job.
It’s okay to work on low-paying skill-jobs like Engineering, Cuisine, Hotel attendant, Helper, etc. so long as going abroad comes next in mind.
Eventually, you will need to go abroad after having spent years in the low-paying job.
Try out Caregiver crash-course or send kids to Nursing school — it’s the best chance to get out of the country.
Try out politics if you are a lawyer, it’ll pay a lot.
In 5-10 years time, if you still haven’t reached 5 digits every cut-off on your career, it’s best to just go abroad.
Doctors should eventually try out being a nurse.
Join Pyramiding Business or any other source of income will do. Your career alone will not get you anywhere.
Be a call center agent.

As such, everyone is trying out the “Physical Jobs” than the “Information Technology and Electronics” Jobs because that’s the passport out of this country.

One is willing to bus in restaurants or clean Hotel Rooms so long as it’s located in Italy or France – compared to their Managerial Position here in the Philippines.

But why do we lower our expectations when we know we can do better ?

We’ve looked deep into that line of business that we forget the skill we’ve gained in this field – I’ve had some peers who work as I.T. in Singapore or Europe thanks to Call Centers. Others have used the money they earned from Call Centers to become CCNA Professionals and Infrastructure Admins.

Here’s what most assume of the Call Center persona :

90% of those who go to Call Centers are undergrads.
Its a dead-end job, sooner or later, you won’t have a stable job; you’ll burn-out and won’t have any pension plan like Local jobs.
Its a stressful job. If nicotine and caffeine won’t kill you, the stress will.
They get paid a lot for speaking in English and that’s the only thing they know, just chit-chat all day in English.
They get paid a lot but no money to show for it sooner or later.
These people are high-class acting citizens with their Starbucks lattes and Mickey Ds meals.
Its mostly the Young that go into this line of business.
They don’t have any other talent except sit in a chair, know much about computers (and their product) and blab all day long.
They have no chance in going abroad.
They are unfit for having a family of their own — if they have one; it’s mostly unstable, just like the nature of their job.
A lot of my peers and schoolmates are now residing in God-knows-which-country. Going abroad has always been hype — everyone is immensely focused on checking the greener pastures outside our country.

My uncle asked me about plans for Canada or Australia — I declined.

Currently, I love my situation — I must say that 3 years spent in this line of business was an investment well placed. In fact, I regret that I started out at 23 years old when I actually see others in this line of work who are barely of legal labor age to apply in this profession. They even excel in this field.

Me, I’m trying to diversify, working for my Dad and working here at the same time. Someday, somehow — I’ll probably love this whole Blog-and-get-paid thing. Heck, I’ve been dying to try out that Culinary Arts idea — just so I’d have a different skill for this very year.

A lot of things you can do in your stay here.

All I’m saying is that — to those that entirely complain of how things work here in the Philippines — well, they probably just don’t have imagination.

P.S.

Ill probably will go abroad in a few years *CACKLE*

2 Comments . Sep 24, 2008
Filed under: Call Center, call center agent, call centers

Published by dminotaur

In a Community.

In a Rank and File.

In a Group … a Gathering, men long for companionship — a welcoming.

But any significant gathering of people, big or small, will always have a borderline at some point.

Call Centers are no-where different.

There are the Veterans. Then there’s the newbies.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Newbies have the inspiration to try and change things.

Veterans will stay with their Ancient ways.

Newbies will compare the “way of the old” and their “new ideas” and see which is feasible to make things efficient, accurate, and less troubling.

Veterans will mostly compare “The new ways of things” and “their way”. They will, of course, lean adamantly on the ways of the old giving that Back-in-our-time speech. They brag how things used to be done back in their day and suggest that it still should be how things work around here today (Unless they themselves admit the faults of the process).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If a newbie makes a mistake — he’ll receive a scolding or a beating. He didn’t listen eagerly. He has not learned well. He’ll try his best not to go down that road again.

But if a veteran makes a mistake, it should just be a laughing matter. His old age is an excuse for errors committed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Newbies think of the veterans as has-beens, obsolete, and should learn new tricks.

Veterans don’t trust the newbies because they have not matured with age, withstood time, and earned the respect one receives for being here for quite some time. They wait for that very moment a newbie makes a mistake, so he’ll have an earful.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Newbies are open to the idea of “Mentorship”, willing to be under the watch of a Veteran.

Veterans take pride of their wisdom borne of age. To bow to new ideas from newbies show weakness.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If a newbies starts talking to the group of his new ideas — he’s showing off.

If a veteran starts talking to the group of their ideas — he’s simply passing knowledge.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If a newbie fights back – he’s rebelling. This is frowned upon.

If a Veteran attacks – this is implying discipline. He’s a role model.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Newbies are hospitable and welcome Veterans with open-arms — they respond with utter joy the moment a veteran shows a friendly face.

Veterans will do everything to make a newbies’ life a living hell — this is the Rite of Passage — you have to earn respect. If you did, it still doesn’t necessarily mean that you are already accepted in their group after all that.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Newbies think of veterans as arrogant old-timers who _might_ need some help into the age of new ideas.

Veterans don’t trust newbies and think of them as stupid, immature toddlers. They don’t deserve attention just as easily.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If a newbie moans and bitches about how harsh he is being treated by the veterans — then perhaps that’s what he is, a little _bitch_.

If a Veteran complains about the newbies — he’s simply disagreeing and questioning the entry of these neophytes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

If a veteran questions the actions of a newbie — it’s keeping him check and making sure he’s doing exactly as told.

If a newbie questions the actions of a veteran — he’s challenging authority. That’s insubordination.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A newbie will place effort in understanding and comprehending the ways of the ancients and the personalities and history of their mentors, the Veterans.

A veteran will never recognize the potential of a newbie unless it outdoes his. This recognition may sometimes spell trouble.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A newbie may praise a veteran — this is rightful.

Before a veteran would praise a newbie, the lad should have gone through losing blood, sweat and tears. Twice the effort, half the respect.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A maltreated newbie looks at the veterans with hate and contempt. But he must hide this.

An obnoxious Veteran must look at the newbies with doubt and pessimism. This should be obvious to instill fear on the younglings.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A Veteran will always think that he outranks a newbie because of his wisdom, because he’s been around longer than him, because he’s been through a lot of things that this juvenile has not embraced yet.

But If a newbie will soon outrank a veteran — it’s either he’ll be benevolent about it, or bring an ass-whooping for the hardships he’s been through — depends on how he was treated. At this course, a Veteren will understand that it is in his best interest to show some respect on his new superior to take his good side.

You see — this profiling is simply induced because of the difference of time. The generation of when one has set forth into the same stream or line-of-profession.

But if both young and old alike were sent to a new thing, a new concept, all of them will act like newbies and get along pretty well.

Post a comment . Sep 24, 2008
Filed under: Call Center

Published by dminotaur

She can command her boyfriend to destroy every evidence, memoir, contact info, and gifts given to him by his Ex-girlfriends — but don’t expect him to forget the whole deal.

If there’s one thing a guy can never let go : past-passions.

Okay, sure, there are some which he may forget but it could be one of two things, either he was bumping uglies and does his darnedest to bury it in his closet or it was an I-was-too-drunk-to-be-liable moment.

Guys make rituals out of this – they create “Treasures” which could have different things in it: teddies, figurines, lock of hair, thongs, g-strings, and what-have-yous coming from different women. Unwashed.

You know the main reason why he can’t let go of it ? Because you never know.

In a guy’s mind, he believes that there will be situations where he’s left all alone. Where he is stuck in a crowd that he has not chance or intentions to do the nasty with. A dry moment where he is forced to spend some time with the family that loves him dearly.

• That cold December where he hopes to celebrate the New Year with a bang in bed with someone.
• A reunion with friends where he plan to attend with at least a date holding his hand.
• Someone to introduce to his parents to give them confidence that he isn’t gay.
• Someone to brag to his friends, and her to confirm it.

Why do you think it’s a cliché when one points out about “Guys and their little black book”?

What do you expect to see in that book? Scribbles he made back in his 5th grade? Formulas of applied science and astrophysics? Hell no. It’s of historical value. It has phone numbers and contact details of those he dated; those he hooked up with, ex-girlfriends / wives — a way to keep in touch with the past for future use.

You see, girls don’t have this problem — no, no. They expect that somewhere along the road, sometime in the future — some stud will pull-up the lamest pick-up line or do something stupid to get her attention — and although hesitating at first, she has the option to totally ignore the whole ordeal or check where it leads to. It’s almost like having a secured pension plan … without the need to scribble it on paper.

Guys, guys invest instead. And those which they’ve invested on, like time-deposit, they expect to use it up sometime in the future, when he happens to be broke and alone.

Here’s why an ex-Girlfriend is pretty handy:

* He doesn’t have to court her again — she knows him. She won’t hide her phone or clutch tight on her handbag when she sees his ugly mug.

* She’s accepted him for who he is. Smelly feet. Beer-belly. hair on his ass. The works. She’ll still treat him nice despite being such a monstrosity — one can only wonder why.

* No more expensive dates. She’s been with you through thick and thin, she forgave him on not saving enough money for a glamorous date in Boracay and instead exchange it with a cute moment eating at his bestfriend’s stand, the fish ball vendor.

*She’s an ex-girlfriend, she’s supposed to accept his need to gawk and stare at other girls. Even allow him to talk about the nastiest and dirtiest deed he made with his new girlfriend without so much as a slap.

*She could hardly say “No”. He’ll let it off as a “Friendly date” — a talk about the past, just catching up with times.

*She won’t be offended with his advances. His hand stroking her shoulders? A friendly massage. A goodnight kiss and hug after the date? He’s just being nice. A shrug on her boobies? No problem. He had his way deeper than that, something this petty shouldn’t mean anything to her — and if it’s anything, she’s willing to turn the other cheek to avoid putting too much detail on it.

*He is used to her. She takes a bath for an hour and a half; it takes 30 minutes for her to decide which shoes matches with her dress ; she’s fickle when it comes to deciding which movie to watch — but this doesn’t bother him, he knows her already.

*She doesn’t have any right to bitch on anything. If she starts to have a bitch fit, it’s a friendly fight, not a lover’s quarrel and he can ditch her anytime without losing anything or having a guilty conscience.

*No need to buy her gifts and flowers. He has an excuse to not give one because they’ve decided to remain as friends, and by giving one, could start off a new thing or be of a certain meaning.

*She knows he expects Sex. The most important reason. She slept with him already, and he’ll head-off an excuse that he missed her intimately and would ask for at least a kiss, then some heavy petting, fondling her fronts, then it goes on and on until they romp so hard it contends as the Next greatest Scandal if it were on video.

Post a comment . Sep 24, 2008
Filed under: Personal Thoughts

Published by dminotaur

There are milestones in life. A Journey, an Era, a moment. Regardless of Time’s length spent in such short stories — there’ll always be something to remember by. Something or Someone that will touch our lives and change us forever in the way we see things, acting ways, and living life. And we’ll treasure these droplets of memories.

I grew up loving video games — and there’s one ill forever remember. Philippines Ragnarok Online.

Despite the bad reviews :

Intermittent connection faults with the Servers.
Unfair Advantage to the selected Few.
Conspiracies and Political Imbalance of certain individuals.
Questionable acts done by moderators.
Unethical behavior of the common player.

I’ll never regret that i’ve shared a piece of my life in this Cyber-experience.

Sure, i’ve missed classes because of it. I’ve missed out dates and pissed-off people for not showing up because I had to stay online for a certain event or just plain mindless hack n’ slash. I’ve spent a small fortune on this bad habit.

But it was worth it.

To the common business man (or patron) of this game, one would ask what was to gain from all this. If this was at any point an Investment to take. If i was seeking anything in return at all.

The Experience was a fair trade to what I’ve paid just to be involved.

I’ve felt new feelings, it inspired me.

I’ve learned new things, it made me smarter, wiser.

I’ve met new people, it made me feel included — complete.

At this point, i’d like to mention the ladies who have truly blessed me with change and comprehension to my betterment. Surely, i’ll keep these girls close to my heart — never forgotten, never to fade.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Polgara (Woobie)

I’ve known her since the tender years of learning the game — she’s the one who inspired me with the profession I took in that game. Now, she’s doing the same thing with this Blog thingamajig.

She’s made an impression that a Strong woman is a Dangerous woman — a force to be recko… not to F*ck with.

Funny, irritatingly smart, and undeniably firm in her sexuality — Polgara equates to that girl your moms have warned you about and every girl should envy. Confident Bitch personified.

I’ve never gone this far without all the things you’ve taught and helped me with. For that, here : *hug* — okay, that’s the last time — I swear.

Phoemela (Farrah)

My Inspiration in this Call Center Lifestyle.

She’s Sassy. Sophisticated. Stylish.

Phoemela is proof that girls with both beauty and brains DO exist. Conversations and moments with her are never dull — sure, there were ups and downs — regardless, those were all great times i’d forever cherish.

I’m glad that touch of inspiration has not faded after all these years. Once in a while — when I hit a dead-end — I’d just turn to her, and I know everything’s going to be alright.

Thepoetess (Diwa Fernandez)

She’s an Individual with a complete spectrum in her soul. She’s shown me some good traits of Leadership, Finesse, and the Cunning uncommon to the everyday-girl. She’s amazed me at how she handles her life — a freelancer who possess acute handle on Artistry, Digital Arts, and everything beautiful.

The thought of her alone inspires me to do better at everything I tackle.

Adding all that, she’s reminded me that sometimes the best perspective is sitting back — all relaxed and still — and admiring the picture called “Life”.

Etienne (Monica)

Casual Cocaine Crazy. She defies the notion of the discreet, demure and subtle filipina. No, not Etienne — she’s all-out, coquettish and opinionated — and in a cute way. God should make more of you.

She’s also the girl who introduced me to this Call Center industry — inspired me try it out. And that I did. Look where it got me — sitting in this desk instead of working in the Family business, sprinting to the office seconds before my Log-in time, surviving the daily grind.

I have her to thank for all of these.

Miss Clumsy (Joanne)

Bold. Brilliant. Bitchy. Yep, that’s her. And she’s proud of it.

Clumsy in a nutshell? Imagine Veronica Lodge minus the Whining part. Imagine Betty Cooper minus the Goody-two-shoes act. Mix it all up. Add a dose of tough-as-nails attitude, immeasurable wits, and lots of cash.

Because of her social status, society expects her to act like a demure princess. She, in return, gave them the finger.

You know how mankind always fantasized of what Doomsday is like and which is usually set-up in America? Well, picture such and this time it’s in the Philippines. Yes, it will happen. Like Damien’s birth. It’s in the form of this Girl acing her Masters in Law and jumping aboard the Political Bandwagon. It’s inevitable.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

To these ladies, you’ve helped shaped the persona I wield today. I leave my Thanks. I’m forever grateful.

(And if you want to know what kind of persona it is — it’s inscribed in this Blog).-

1 Comment . Sep 24, 2008
Filed under: Personal Thoughts