It is always good to have a time wherein your entire family gathers together even for at least a single day. Christmas, birthdays, reunions, holy week and the coming all saints day are just some of the special occasions long-time cousins, aunties, uncles will be seen. All saints day was special because even the family member who passed away or the unseen grandparents, who were born in early 90’s, are part of the event.
Days leading to November 1, there are a lot of Halloween specials, documentary, movies etc. shown in local and cable television. Before the advent of pay-per-view and internet- surfing, I’m glued to programs like Magandang Gabi Bayan who yearly presents horror stories. Our country is known to possess haunted places that makes this kind of presentation very effective and entertaining as well.
The Diplomat Hotel in Baguio City is believed to have ghosts of beheaded nuns and priests. Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor became the haunting ground of unknown spirits in the area. UP Los Banos was a scary place on one reason alone, it was situated at the foot of Mt. Makiling. There are bridges in this place that seem to take forever when crossed at night. The famous Balete Drive in Quezon City, though despite lack of evidence, brings thrill among the motorists because of the belief that a white lady will cross the street and worse, will joyride with you.
The night of All Saints Day was not just a night of remembering lost love ones but also a night of sight- seeing and girl-haunting. Different kinds of women pass by in front of our tomb. Head-turners, mini-skirt dressers and even unpleasant-looking girls were everywhere. We also have this contest wherein we count every person we know passing by. It will be counted once he replied.
During my teenage years, I also collect used candles by circling around the cemetery. There was also an instance where I clean and paint the mausoleum of a girl I’m courting. Unluckily, still not enough to impress her.
The sight of colorful food stalls is also a joy to behold. We stroll around them and food-trip with my friends. Burgers, fish balls, squid balls, hotdog sandwich, donuts were some of the most sought after foodstuffs. We also hear the mass at night since the church is just beside the cemetery.
In my younger years, we normally go home at 12:00 a.m. but because you're thinking of the work the following day we had to pack-up as early as 8:00 p.m.
Happy Halloween!
Biyernes, Oktubre 30, 2009
Huwebes, Oktubre 8, 2009
The Way I Look At Him
November 3, 2009 will go down as one of the most memorable yet, sad date for us here in Asian Gaming Academy. Our STDO, Arnold Cesar Romero will say goodbye as he venture to a whole new world.
The man we fondly called “Notty” or “Naughty” to some extent, is severing his tie with Pagcor, whom he wholeheartedly served for 7 long years. I will just pay a little tribute to the person I called friend, boss, teacher, adviser, motivator and even an idol.
The latter part of 2007 produces anxiety for me and the rest of my colleagues in Surveillance Department. Rumors are spreading about the impending disbandment of our position as Surveillance Monitoring Staff (SUMS). Everyday was like a guessing game for us. Office order arrived almost every hour sending one after the other to one department to another. I got mine also. An interview with a never- heard department in branches, the Asian Gaming Academy, awaits me. Little did I know that this never- heard would become my saving grace!
I came face to face with this young fellow I can describe as quite intelligent but, permit me to borrow the word, just an average joe. He is Arnold Cesar Romero, the departments’ Senior Training & Development Officer. Conversation runs smoothly, probably because I’m articulate enough to answer his questions, he,he. I asked him the work he plans to give me and he said “Reliever ka lang, meron talagang naka-assign dun”. What I didn’t know is that the person he’s talking about is already dead and I’m not a reliever but a replacement.
Luckily or unluckily, depending on what angle I want to see it, I was accepted for the job. I had mixed emotions the moment I step inside the AGA office. Happy because my feeling of uncertainty is over and sad because according to Mam Beth, our Assistant Managing Head, I was accepted because I was the only one who wants the job. Anyway, I enjoy my stint here in my new house. Probably one of the biggest factor is my relationship with my co-employees especially with Sir Notty. He made me feel welcome and was quickly accepted in the tribe. He made me feel comfortable in a job totally stranger to me. Several months after, he included me in his application for Sun Group Plan which is a big help for me because prior to this, all my application in post-paid plan were denied.
My first night out with Sir Notty was also memorable. We bar hop and little did I know that I was already drank in just 5 bottles of San Mig Light. I can’t remember how I reach our house. But what made it more unforgettable is that it cost me 4 days to overcome my hangover.
He was also my first boss, as I was under him for several months. There I saw how strict he was in terms of work but always willing to lend his helping hand. Money is also not an issue for him, and probably, will never be. Whenever he asked me to go out with him, I don’t have any qualms because I knew my stomach will never complain.
As the days, months had passed, I started to realize that I’m wrong. He’s not your average joe, rather he’s a special person who’s full of wisdom in mind. I can’t remember a single instance that he failed to answer my question which in most occasion satisfies me.
He’s also a good copy for those who seek insights about a particular matter. His smartness is good to emulate. I’m honest to say that I will never be a writer as good as he is.
There are probably more praises and accolades we can hear from the people he work from day 1 here in Pagcor. I’m just fortunate that I was given a chance to work with him for 2 years.
He was my boss, where instructions must be followed. He was my teacher, particularly during my second wind as a student in BPA. He was my adviser, not just on work but also as a human being. He was my idol, because you can only imitate him but can’t totally replace. He was my motivator, especially in this kind of endeavour which I truly appreciate. And of course, he was my friend, though I have shortcomings, he still extends his outmost kindness to me.
That’s the way I look at him. That’s the way I salute Mr. Arnold Cesar Romero!
The man we fondly called “Notty” or “Naughty” to some extent, is severing his tie with Pagcor, whom he wholeheartedly served for 7 long years. I will just pay a little tribute to the person I called friend, boss, teacher, adviser, motivator and even an idol.
The latter part of 2007 produces anxiety for me and the rest of my colleagues in Surveillance Department. Rumors are spreading about the impending disbandment of our position as Surveillance Monitoring Staff (SUMS). Everyday was like a guessing game for us. Office order arrived almost every hour sending one after the other to one department to another. I got mine also. An interview with a never- heard department in branches, the Asian Gaming Academy, awaits me. Little did I know that this never- heard would become my saving grace!
I came face to face with this young fellow I can describe as quite intelligent but, permit me to borrow the word, just an average joe. He is Arnold Cesar Romero, the departments’ Senior Training & Development Officer. Conversation runs smoothly, probably because I’m articulate enough to answer his questions, he,he. I asked him the work he plans to give me and he said “Reliever ka lang, meron talagang naka-assign dun”. What I didn’t know is that the person he’s talking about is already dead and I’m not a reliever but a replacement.
Luckily or unluckily, depending on what angle I want to see it, I was accepted for the job. I had mixed emotions the moment I step inside the AGA office. Happy because my feeling of uncertainty is over and sad because according to Mam Beth, our Assistant Managing Head, I was accepted because I was the only one who wants the job. Anyway, I enjoy my stint here in my new house. Probably one of the biggest factor is my relationship with my co-employees especially with Sir Notty. He made me feel welcome and was quickly accepted in the tribe. He made me feel comfortable in a job totally stranger to me. Several months after, he included me in his application for Sun Group Plan which is a big help for me because prior to this, all my application in post-paid plan were denied.
My first night out with Sir Notty was also memorable. We bar hop and little did I know that I was already drank in just 5 bottles of San Mig Light. I can’t remember how I reach our house. But what made it more unforgettable is that it cost me 4 days to overcome my hangover.
He was also my first boss, as I was under him for several months. There I saw how strict he was in terms of work but always willing to lend his helping hand. Money is also not an issue for him, and probably, will never be. Whenever he asked me to go out with him, I don’t have any qualms because I knew my stomach will never complain.
As the days, months had passed, I started to realize that I’m wrong. He’s not your average joe, rather he’s a special person who’s full of wisdom in mind. I can’t remember a single instance that he failed to answer my question which in most occasion satisfies me.
He’s also a good copy for those who seek insights about a particular matter. His smartness is good to emulate. I’m honest to say that I will never be a writer as good as he is.
There are probably more praises and accolades we can hear from the people he work from day 1 here in Pagcor. I’m just fortunate that I was given a chance to work with him for 2 years.
He was my boss, where instructions must be followed. He was my teacher, particularly during my second wind as a student in BPA. He was my adviser, not just on work but also as a human being. He was my idol, because you can only imitate him but can’t totally replace. He was my motivator, especially in this kind of endeavour which I truly appreciate. And of course, he was my friend, though I have shortcomings, he still extends his outmost kindness to me.
That’s the way I look at him. That’s the way I salute Mr. Arnold Cesar Romero!
Martes, Oktubre 6, 2009
Little Help Matters
Five days after the fury of Typhoon Ondoy was experienced here in our country, it seems that we haven’t gotten over it yet. I told myself that given a chance, I want to help, the best way I can. That opportunity came yesterday, first day of the month, when Pagcor asked for volunteers who will bring relief goods on affected areas. I enlisted myself and was assigned as group leader of Team 5.
I woke up at around 2:30 in the morning to prepare my things. Upon arrival at Corporate office, we were quickly briefed on what to do before and during the distribution. We were handed ropes and flashlights just in case the place requires so. We were also given plastics of foods and cases of bottled waters.
My group is composed of 5 members including our driver. Each of the 9 groups was assigned to different places. We dispatched at around 4:30 a.m. going to our first destination in Pasig City. Pineda was our first stop followed by Malinao. These places weren’t affected that much so we just inform them that they can call Pagcor if they need any form of assistance. One of our security guards is also affected. Their house is still submerged in waist- deep water. We gave them additional mineral water since we felt that they badly need clean water. Next stop is the Karangalan Village. We had difficulty finding the target area because no house number was indicated in the list. After almost an hour of circling around the area, we found a bungalow house just about half feet above the street. The owner said that almost half of their house was flooded that they had to transfer to their neighbor across them. Muds greeted us at our next destination, Midtown Village in Cainta, Rizal. According to the people residing in this place, the water was 10 feet deep that most of the houses were buried. We saw Meralco meter bases containing water inside. Model cars were dilapidated. We even saw a taxi cab turned over in front of the gate of a 3 storey house.
Before we left, a phone call was received by one of my member requesting us to save her since we’re already near their residence. We bravely face the strong current going through their subdivision. Unfortunately, only 6x6 or 10-wheeler truck can go through the raging and chest-deep water, not our Toyota Revo. We retreated back and just made a phone call to our office informing that these people were in need of rescue operation.
It was short but meaningful day for us, who in a simple way, has given our time to at least give aid and assistance to the victims. After seeing the damage cause by typhoon Ondoy in flesh, reality struck me that God can get back everything you have in a snap of a finger. In this time of uncertainty, learn to be thankful for all the blessings we got.
My prayer is for all the victims of this tragedy.
I woke up at around 2:30 in the morning to prepare my things. Upon arrival at Corporate office, we were quickly briefed on what to do before and during the distribution. We were handed ropes and flashlights just in case the place requires so. We were also given plastics of foods and cases of bottled waters.
My group is composed of 5 members including our driver. Each of the 9 groups was assigned to different places. We dispatched at around 4:30 a.m. going to our first destination in Pasig City. Pineda was our first stop followed by Malinao. These places weren’t affected that much so we just inform them that they can call Pagcor if they need any form of assistance. One of our security guards is also affected. Their house is still submerged in waist- deep water. We gave them additional mineral water since we felt that they badly need clean water. Next stop is the Karangalan Village. We had difficulty finding the target area because no house number was indicated in the list. After almost an hour of circling around the area, we found a bungalow house just about half feet above the street. The owner said that almost half of their house was flooded that they had to transfer to their neighbor across them. Muds greeted us at our next destination, Midtown Village in Cainta, Rizal. According to the people residing in this place, the water was 10 feet deep that most of the houses were buried. We saw Meralco meter bases containing water inside. Model cars were dilapidated. We even saw a taxi cab turned over in front of the gate of a 3 storey house.
Before we left, a phone call was received by one of my member requesting us to save her since we’re already near their residence. We bravely face the strong current going through their subdivision. Unfortunately, only 6x6 or 10-wheeler truck can go through the raging and chest-deep water, not our Toyota Revo. We retreated back and just made a phone call to our office informing that these people were in need of rescue operation.
It was short but meaningful day for us, who in a simple way, has given our time to at least give aid and assistance to the victims. After seeing the damage cause by typhoon Ondoy in flesh, reality struck me that God can get back everything you have in a snap of a finger. In this time of uncertainty, learn to be thankful for all the blessings we got.
My prayer is for all the victims of this tragedy.
Mag-subscribe sa:
Mga Post (Atom)