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What am I gonna miss when I leave Cebu D:
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Tommorow is the day! I'll be leaving Cebu which has been my second home for five years and I'm gonna miss lots of things here. So I've decided to list down some of them.
1. Urgello.This is the first place I've learned when I first went here. It was during the year 2004 when I was about to enter college. This place is my most fave place here in Cebu because it's very accessible to malls, churches, carenderias, fastfoods, burger stands and universities. It has a great number of boarding houses and dorms. There are lots of people here and mostly are students from the neighboring universities. Of course, I'll forever miss riding 01K jeepneys. :D
2. Sto. Rosario Church and Msgr. Achilles Dakay. This is where I hear mass every Sunday. I usually attend the 9:45 AM mass because of Msgr. Dakay. He's the coolest priest in town and he's my fave. I would always feel enlightened after his homily. He has a very soothing voice that would drown you to listen attentively on every word that comes out on his mouth. There is absolutely NO boring part all throughout the mass that would make you fall asleep nor check you phone. I'll definitely gonna miss his overused jokes. It's overused because he keeps on repeating those jokes after every mass and yet mass goers would still find it funny. Also, his expression whenever he tired to hold on his laugh. HAHA. Epic! And hey! I've got a confession to make here. I've told you that I've been here for 5 years, right? But I haven't attended a mass at the Sto. Nino Church yet which is, by the way, the most famous church here in Cebu. Yess, I've been there just to pray but a mass? -Not yet. Maybe because Sto. Rosario is a bit nearer to where I live .
3. Siomai sa Tisa. My favorite Siomai ever. Nothing can compare to it's taste. I've already tested Siomai from different Carenderias but nothing can beat Siomai sa Tisa!
4. Ayala, SM, Emall, Robinson's. Oha! The famous malls here in Cebu. Of course these malls would always be different from the malls in Manila. Gah! I can't believe myself that after how many years of living here, I can't still memorize the pathways of Ayala Center. I'm still having a hard time looking for the way out to the jeepney terminal. Stupid me! HAHA.
5. Bisaya friends and classmates. Gonna miss them big time! Especially my three closest friends- Loulla, Matet and Minette. It's really sad that I can't meet Uella and Nette before I leave. They're busy with works. D:
6. The Dialect. There's no person I know in Manila whom I can communicate in bisaya. My cousins don't speak the dialect. I would probably speak in Waray with them because we are from the eastern part of Samar originally. Yikes! And I'm not fluent with the dialect yet. I'm having hard time understanding some words that have deep meanings.
P.S Sorry. I can't provide you a photo of Urgello. I just put the map instead.
Neno's Award. Hmmm, I wonder why it's called like that. :]
The rules and regulations for this award are:
1. As a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
2. To seek the reasons why we all love blogging.
3. Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it.
4. Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
5. Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
6. Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
7. Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.
I've been blogging for four years now. It started during my 2nd year college. I created my first blog here in blogspot then I transferred to xanga. But I deleted my two blogs already because the contents were all nonsense stuffs. I used to blog on my multiply site but I don't update it anymore. Now, I've got two updated blogs. This one and my photoblog on tumblr.
I remembered my first ever entry was about my love confession for Edward Pattinson. I was sooo smitten by him during his Cedric Diggory days. After posting my first entry, I realized how great blogging is. It's like having your own world and sharing it to everyone else. For a person like me who doesn't talk much about life, this has been one way of imparting some lessons that I've learned throughout my life. It's keeping a track of all the highlights of your life and it feels good whenever you read every entry after a year. You feel nostalgic while reminiscing those silly stuffs you did before. And I feel elated whenever their are bloggers who appreciate your blog and give advices regarding my problems.
I'm a type of blogger who shared my inner thoughts on some things, a blogger who love to blabs about my recent interests. I think I am a very generous blogger because I posted every single happenings about my life here. HAHA. Through blogging, I can be my true self. I can rant whenever I want and say words that I wanted to say to somebody else but wasn't able to. It is here (my blog) where you can find the real me- no stereotypes just the simple me. If a person will tell me that she/he wanted to know more about me then I would refer him/her to visit my blog. And blogging is coming across amazing people who will also inspired you with their own stories.
By the way, big thank you to Belai for giving me this award! :))
I'm tagging four amazing people who deserve this award:
If you happen to read some of my previous posts then I expect you to know how miserable I am for the past months. There was changes, by the way. Instead of November 8, I'll be flying to Manila on the 15th. I just got home from Robinson's. I bought my plane ticket! Yey! This means I got six days more here in Cebu. Hmm. How will I spend my six last days here? While I was typing my previous sentence, I realized that I still have a big problem here. ohmygod! My clothes are still stuck in the laundry shop downstairs. Our landlady won't open the laundry shop because the owner of the shop isn't paying for the rent and electricity fee. It has been closed since last week of October. Lots of us, customers, has been trying to contact the owner but to no avail. Some of us even beg Mrs. Medillo to open it up because their school uniforms are in there and classes are already started. I even heard that one of my boardmate burst into tears while she was talking to Mrs. Medillo. She didn't even take some consideration that a lot of us are getting involved with their issues. The owner isn't doing anything, I guess. I've told him to talk to our landlady if he can take those clothes out of his laundry shop and have it lock again. We just need our clothes and we don't care about their fight. We are being in between of their fight. One of us even asked help for a police but Mrs. Medillo is insisting that she need to be paid first. What would I do now? If the laundry shop won't get open until Sunday? Okay. Enough said. I might take a visit to the barangay hall tomorrow to file a complain against these two inconsiderate persons. Gah! I wanna strangle them both until they run out of breath.
Back to my sole purpose on posting this entry. HAHA. Well, I am actually over excited to be in a new place. It means new people to meet, new house to stay and a new life for me. I'll be staying with my cousins but I'm planning to stay in a dorm when I get a job. It's not that I am not comfortable with them. Well, yes, sort of! I am not used living with them because I had a little misunderstanding with Ate Gelyn way back high school days. We weren't talking for about a year because of such childish fight over some of my personal stuffs. Our relationship has changed. We treated each other like sisters then but things has changed after our fight. But we're okay now. We're civil to each other. I've got no problem with my other cousin - Ghea. We get along soo well. We haven't had fight before and she's younger than me. I haven't seen them for quite a while and there will gonna be some sort of reunion for the three of us. It was summer of 2008 the last time I spend time with Ghea and I haven't seen Ate Gelyn for almost two years now. I should brought with me my bright side personality. HAHA. I am not the type who'll do everything to please everyone else. I'm expecting myself to be more jolly whenever I'm with them. Gawd! I don't know if they'll treat me just the same as before. I'm afraid that they'll give me a cold treatment. Jeeez! I just hope not!
A Filipino on CNN’s list of Top 10 Heroes of 2009.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Filipinos, let's all show our support for Efren Peñaflorida. He is nominated for the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. If the name does not sound familiar, just read the article below.
Pinoy Efren Peñaflorida is One of CNN Top 10 Heroes of 2009
The Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009 comprises of remarkable individuals nominated by viewers for their sacrifices and accomplishments. CNN ’s Anderson Cooper revealed one Top 10 CNN Hero every hour last Thursday on the global networks of CNN.
Our very own Efren Peñaflorida, one of this year’s Top 10, was selected for his Dynamic Teen Company that offers Filipino youth an alternative to gangs through education.
“Gang members are groomed in the slums as early as 9 years old,” says Peñaflorida. “They are all victims of poverty.”
For the past 12 years, Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets in a “pushcart classroom”.
Stocked with books, pens, tables and chairs, his Dynamic Teen Company recreates a school setting in unconventional locations such as the cemetery and municipal trash dump.
Read the full story about Peñaflorida here.
Peñaflorida is running for CNN Hero of the Year. Let us show the world that blood of heroism is flowing in our veins. If we were able to make Nora Aunor’s “Himala” as the CNN Best Movie of All Time in the Asia Pacific, we can help Efren Peñaflorinda be CNN’s Hero of the Year.
Vote for Efren in CNN’s Hero of the Year for 2009.
Efren Peñaflorida – Efren Peñaflorida gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. His Dynamic Teen Company’s 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums.
It has been a worst year for me after I graduated from college. After a year, there are still no changes in my life. I can't even believe myself by living a life that's full of emptiness and failures for the past 12 months. There were no new things that had happen nor new people that I'd have meet. I was contented with my daily routine - waking up late noon, eating lunch then surfing the net then eat my dinner again then sleeps.Sounds super boring, right?
Now, when I look back, I feel ashamed of myself. Sure, I tried applying for a job when there are possible offers that somehow related to my degree or a job that I know suits me but then again I have fears to share. I was only looking those vacant jobs that I know I can handle. I was afraid of applying for a work that I'm not familiar with, a work place where I can learn new skills. I was afraid of growing up because I was not confident with my capabilities on dealing new responsibilities. And the results are worse. I still belong to the unemployed society. I don't know where or to whom would I blame my jobless status. I know deep inside me that I have done my best to be able to get myself a job. I am just an average minded person. I don't throw the best-est answers during interview. On the other hand, I take time to research every company I was applying for and I studied its job descriptions. Even though I hate donning formal suits, I forced myself to dress up like a professional. Despite the fact that I loathe wearing high heels, I wore them then after every interview I put on my flip flops. I can't just go home wearing heels because I also falls down every minute of walking. It was a burden dressing up like such because I'm just a t-shirt-jeans-flip flops kind of girl. After all the efforts I put on, I was always been rejected. And the feeling of being such is killing my confidence and faith. I am just a human person. I also get tired of trying especially when I did everything I can to pass an interview but I ended up having nothing at all. Then, I told myself to try again and not to give up. If I give up, I will end up being a loser. After every rejection, I give myself another chance and try for the nth time. You don't know how was it to fail every single interview I had. Failure had been my companion for the past months. I had enough of being a failure and I have a share for the blame. Even though I know that I did everything, I was afraid to take risk and try new things, new place where there are lots of opportunities for me. Indeed, it was somehow my fault. My mother suggests if I would like to try applying for a job in Manila. I can stay with my cousins and they are also willing to accompany me if I need to. But why's that there are always BUTs and WHAT IFs? I am indeed afraid of new commitments. I am frightened to be in a strange place. After a year, I've got to realized that if I wanted to have a life that is worth-blogging *hehe* I need to step forward and explore new things. I am sooo embarrassed that it actually took a year before I came up with a decision.
One year is enough. I think the life that God has planned for me is not here in Cebu. I am going to Manila this November 8. I'll give it a shot! I can always come back to Cebu anyway. I admit that it's really hard for me to leave Cebu. I feel comfortable living here but now I am ready to leave the life that I am soo used to. I know there is something ahead for me. I just need to trust God with His plans. This had been a hard decision to take but I need to fix my life. I can't even go home and see my parents. I know that I have been a disgraceful daughter to 'em. Enough of being a failure and being a bum.
November --this will be the start of a new life. I need lots of "good luck" from everyone. :)
P.S Sorry if I posted some icons that are not related to my post. This entry seems so dull , isn't it? I put some icons so you won't get bored while reading it. Yay! :)
This entry should've been posted yesterday. That's what I've said on my previous post eh. Blame it all to tumblr.
Just a few weeks ago, I thought I was going to Manila to work. I applied for AAA (company's name changed). for the position of Outbound Call Center Agent. I've learned that their company was heading to Cebu for a job fair. I read about it on Sun.Star Cebu. They posted an ad for two consecutive Sundays. 'Twas last October 10, 2009 when I went to Castle Peak Hotel for an interview. I was with a close friend. Her name is Lora. We went there around 12 noon. Actually, we were scheduled for an interview at 11:00 AM but we got lost. We were not really familiar with the address. We ride a jeep going to Mabolo and asked the konductor to drop us off at Castle Peak Hotel. Then he said "Okay". It took 30 minutes and we were still on the jeepney then I asked the konductor again if he knows where the hotel is and he said yes. After 10 minutes, he said that we were already near at the hotel. He told us to walk for about one block away from the bridge then we'll see the hotel. So, we got off and started walking. Then I realized that the man was telling us lies for the whole time. He didn't know where we are heading to. I got sooo angry with that old man because he was actually referring to the I.T Park not the hotel. DEMN. Then we just ride another jeep going back to Mabolo. After an one hour, hurray! We were already infront of the Front Desk Officer of the hotel. I told her that we have an interview for AAA and he called someone over the phone. We waited for another 30 minutes before the interviewer met us. The three of us went to the hotel cafe and had us two interviewed. The questions were common questions that being thrown for a call center job interview. Then after the interview, he wanted to talk to each one of us privately. So, Lora went back to the FO area and waited there. He discussed to me about the job and he asked me if I'm willing to stay in Manila since their company is based there. I said that I am very much willing and told him about my plan on going to Manila to look for a job there. So, he told me to come back at exactly 3:00 PM for the job offer. Then I called Lora because it was already her turn to talk to the interviewer. After all of that, Lora and I decided to go to Ayala for a lunch. We talked about our plans. She told me that she won't push through. It leave me thinking if I'll be backing out or not. I've decided to try and I went back to the Castle Peak Hotel alone. I met Mr. K9 (real name changed). He discussed to me about the job offer and the salary and other benefits. One of the benefits was a free lodging for about 2 months of my stay in Manila. Then after 2 months, I can decide whether to stay at the boarding house or to stay with my cousin but the lodging is already payable. They will also be providing my plane ticket. With all of these benefits, I was soo excited and told him that I am up for the employment. The salary also was great. It ranges from about 12, 000 - 15, 000 and there are also some commission. GREAT, right? :)
After the discussion, I told my parents about it and they were soo happy for me. They know what I've been going through here in Cebu. That after a year of being jobless, I've already got one. I was soo happy, really.
So it was all settled. They purchased me a plane ticket and instructed me to get it from Cebu Pacific Ticketing Office. I was already ready to go. I've got the requirements and all. Two days before my flight, I already packed my things up. I texted my cousins in Manila if they can fetch me up from the airport since I don't know much about the city. I also told them my flight schedule. Excited much eh? HAHA. I was packing my other stuffs when my father texted me to text my Uncle the name of the company and address. I did. After a minute or two, Papa asked me about the details of the company and how did the interview went on. I was not able to reply immediately so he called me up. He told me that he and Uncle had decided that I won't be going to Manila to work for that company. He said that there's an illegal operation by those dubious people to hire Call Center Agents from the province and offered you free accommodation and plane tickets but when you already in Manila and living at the boarding house, these people will locked you up just like a prisoner and let you work as a maid or even worse, as a prostitute. Uncle was having doubts because they offered me a free lodging. He asked some of his friends who are working in Manila as a Call Center Agents and they said that free lodging isn't one of the benefits of any Call Center companies. I told him that I already checked the company's profile on the internet and I swear to God that the company exists. But he said that these people would usually use any company's name to be able to do their monkey business. I didn't even fight back. Besides they were just concerned about me. I simply said "Okay. I won't go but what about the ticket? They paid for it and I have it with me." I texted Mr. K9 that I'm backing out. He called me and he said that I need to pay for the penalty and the ticket. The next day, Uncle send me money to pay the ticket and the penalty. I texted Mr. K9 to send me the details on how can I deposit the money. And heck! I've waited for 2 days before I receive their company's account number. This happened on Thursday and I've waited til friday for the details. He was not texting me back. It was early in the morning of Saturday when I received a message from him stating their account no. and that I must settle everything on Monday.
I made it sure that everything was settled by Monday. I deposited the money on their account number and faxed the deposit slip to Mr. K9. After, I texted him if he already receive the deposit slip and told me that he was not yet on work and that he will text me soon as he arrived. For the second time, I asked him if everything was already okay. And until now, I didn't even receive any messages that all is settled already. Watta shame on them! They didn't even bother to inform me and even thank me for all the efforts. I settled everything earlier than they expected.
NOW. The question is: Was that really illegal or not? If I will based it on the process of the way they held the interview, I say that MAYBE, it was indeed illegal. I was only interviewed once which is doubtful, by the way. I know how the hiring process works for a Call Center job. There are a series of interviews that you need to pass and an exam. That was not my first time to apply for that kind of job. I've been through a lot of it. After the first interview, they instructed me to be back for the job offer. Seems they were boiling up some fishy things, eh? And hey! This may sounds so funny. Really. But I caught the interviewer speaking in tagalog during the interview. HAHA. Also the one who discussed about the job offer, he was speaking in tagalog. DUH. It was an interview for a call center job. Hellooo? Why would they speak in tagalog? And the fact that the company was hiring for a great number of agents. They were looking for about 200 agents. So, I was expecting that the interview will be in a ballroom or larger place than a cafe. RIGHT? When we went there I was shocked to know that there were only two of us applying for the job. I was expecting a large number of people queuing outside the venue. But somehow, I feel that it was not totally illegal because I deposited the money on the account number of AAA.
So, was it an amerciable business or not? Either way, it doesn't matter now. I need to move on with this experience and try again.
Hello bloggers! This blog is so outdated and I feel so sorry for that. I spend most of my time on tumblr. It's been a month since I created an account there. I keep it updated almost everyday. If you have a tumblr, please do follow me and I'll follow you back. :) I'll post some thing that is more worth reading here tomorrow. Not now. I'm kindda busy. =)
Tommorow is the day! I'll be leaving Cebu which has been my second home for five years and I'm gonna miss lots of things here. So I've decided to list down some of them.
1. Urgello.This is the first place I've learned when I first went here. It was during the year 2004 when I was about to enter college. This place is my most fave place here in Cebu because it's very accessible to malls, churches, carenderias, fastfoods, burger stands and universities. It has a great number of boarding houses and dorms. There are lots of people here and mostly are students from the neighboring universities. Of course, I'll forever miss riding 01K jeepneys. :D
2. Sto. Rosario Church and Msgr. Achilles Dakay. This is where I hear mass every Sunday. I usually attend the 9:45 AM mass because of Msgr. Dakay. He's the coolest priest in town and he's my fave. I would always feel enlightened after his homily. He has a very soothing voice that would drown you to listen attentively on every word that comes out on his mouth. There is absolutely NO boring part all throughout the mass that would make you fall asleep nor check you phone. I'll definitely gonna miss his overused jokes. It's overused because he keeps on repeating those jokes after every mass and yet mass goers would still find it funny. Also, his expression whenever he tired to hold on his laugh. HAHA. Epic! And hey! I've got a confession to make here. I've told you that I've been here for 5 years, right? But I haven't attended a mass at the Sto. Nino Church yet which is, by the way, the most famous church here in Cebu. Yess, I've been there just to pray but a mass? -Not yet. Maybe because Sto. Rosario is a bit nearer to where I live .
3. Siomai sa Tisa. My favorite Siomai ever. Nothing can compare to it's taste. I've already tested Siomai from different Carenderias but nothing can beat Siomai sa Tisa!
4. Ayala, SM, Emall, Robinson's. Oha! The famous malls here in Cebu. Of course these malls would always be different from the malls in Manila. Gah! I can't believe myself that after how many years of living here, I can't still memorize the pathways of Ayala Center. I'm still having a hard time looking for the way out to the jeepney terminal. Stupid me! HAHA.
5. Bisaya friends and classmates. Gonna miss them big time! Especially my three closest friends- Loulla, Matet and Minette. It's really sad that I can't meet Uella and Nette before I leave. They're busy with works. D:
6. The Dialect. There's no person I know in Manila whom I can communicate in bisaya. My cousins don't speak the dialect. I would probably speak in Waray with them because we are from the eastern part of Samar originally. Yikes! And I'm not fluent with the dialect yet. I'm having hard time understanding some words that have deep meanings.
P.S Sorry. I can't provide you a photo of Urgello. I just put the map instead.
Neno's Award. Hmmm, I wonder why it's called like that. :]
The rules and regulations for this award are:
1. As a dedication for those who love blogging and love to encourage friendships through blogging.
2. To seek the reasons why we all love blogging.
3. Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it.
4. Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.
5. Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.
6. Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.
7. Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.
I've been blogging for four years now. It started during my 2nd year college. I created my first blog here in blogspot then I transferred to xanga. But I deleted my two blogs already because the contents were all nonsense stuffs. I used to blog on my multiply site but I don't update it anymore. Now, I've got two updated blogs. This one and my photoblog on tumblr.
I remembered my first ever entry was about my love confession for Edward Pattinson. I was sooo smitten by him during his Cedric Diggory days. After posting my first entry, I realized how great blogging is. It's like having your own world and sharing it to everyone else. For a person like me who doesn't talk much about life, this has been one way of imparting some lessons that I've learned throughout my life. It's keeping a track of all the highlights of your life and it feels good whenever you read every entry after a year. You feel nostalgic while reminiscing those silly stuffs you did before. And I feel elated whenever their are bloggers who appreciate your blog and give advices regarding my problems.
I'm a type of blogger who shared my inner thoughts on some things, a blogger who love to blabs about my recent interests. I think I am a very generous blogger because I posted every single happenings about my life here. HAHA. Through blogging, I can be my true self. I can rant whenever I want and say words that I wanted to say to somebody else but wasn't able to. It is here (my blog) where you can find the real me- no stereotypes just the simple me. If a person will tell me that she/he wanted to know more about me then I would refer him/her to visit my blog. And blogging is coming across amazing people who will also inspired you with their own stories.
By the way, big thank you to Belai for giving me this award! :))
I'm tagging four amazing people who deserve this award:
If you happen to read some of my previous posts then I expect you to know how miserable I am for the past months. There was changes, by the way. Instead of November 8, I'll be flying to Manila on the 15th. I just got home from Robinson's. I bought my plane ticket! Yey! This means I got six days more here in Cebu. Hmm. How will I spend my six last days here? While I was typing my previous sentence, I realized that I still have a big problem here. ohmygod! My clothes are still stuck in the laundry shop downstairs. Our landlady won't open the laundry shop because the owner of the shop isn't paying for the rent and electricity fee. It has been closed since last week of October. Lots of us, customers, has been trying to contact the owner but to no avail. Some of us even beg Mrs. Medillo to open it up because their school uniforms are in there and classes are already started. I even heard that one of my boardmate burst into tears while she was talking to Mrs. Medillo. She didn't even take some consideration that a lot of us are getting involved with their issues. The owner isn't doing anything, I guess. I've told him to talk to our landlady if he can take those clothes out of his laundry shop and have it lock again. We just need our clothes and we don't care about their fight. We are being in between of their fight. One of us even asked help for a police but Mrs. Medillo is insisting that she need to be paid first. What would I do now? If the laundry shop won't get open until Sunday? Okay. Enough said. I might take a visit to the barangay hall tomorrow to file a complain against these two inconsiderate persons. Gah! I wanna strangle them both until they run out of breath.
Back to my sole purpose on posting this entry. HAHA. Well, I am actually over excited to be in a new place. It means new people to meet, new house to stay and a new life for me. I'll be staying with my cousins but I'm planning to stay in a dorm when I get a job. It's not that I am not comfortable with them. Well, yes, sort of! I am not used living with them because I had a little misunderstanding with Ate Gelyn way back high school days. We weren't talking for about a year because of such childish fight over some of my personal stuffs. Our relationship has changed. We treated each other like sisters then but things has changed after our fight. But we're okay now. We're civil to each other. I've got no problem with my other cousin - Ghea. We get along soo well. We haven't had fight before and she's younger than me. I haven't seen them for quite a while and there will gonna be some sort of reunion for the three of us. It was summer of 2008 the last time I spend time with Ghea and I haven't seen Ate Gelyn for almost two years now. I should brought with me my bright side personality. HAHA. I am not the type who'll do everything to please everyone else. I'm expecting myself to be more jolly whenever I'm with them. Gawd! I don't know if they'll treat me just the same as before. I'm afraid that they'll give me a cold treatment. Jeeez! I just hope not!
A Filipino on CNN’s list of Top 10 Heroes of 2009.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Filipinos, let's all show our support for Efren Peñaflorida. He is nominated for the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. If the name does not sound familiar, just read the article below.
Pinoy Efren Peñaflorida is One of CNN Top 10 Heroes of 2009
The Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009 comprises of remarkable individuals nominated by viewers for their sacrifices and accomplishments. CNN ’s Anderson Cooper revealed one Top 10 CNN Hero every hour last Thursday on the global networks of CNN.
Our very own Efren Peñaflorida, one of this year’s Top 10, was selected for his Dynamic Teen Company that offers Filipino youth an alternative to gangs through education.
“Gang members are groomed in the slums as early as 9 years old,” says Peñaflorida. “They are all victims of poverty.”
For the past 12 years, Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets in a “pushcart classroom”.
Stocked with books, pens, tables and chairs, his Dynamic Teen Company recreates a school setting in unconventional locations such as the cemetery and municipal trash dump.
Read the full story about Peñaflorida here.
Peñaflorida is running for CNN Hero of the Year. Let us show the world that blood of heroism is flowing in our veins. If we were able to make Nora Aunor’s “Himala” as the CNN Best Movie of All Time in the Asia Pacific, we can help Efren Peñaflorinda be CNN’s Hero of the Year.
Vote for Efren in CNN’s Hero of the Year for 2009.
Efren Peñaflorida – Efren Peñaflorida gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. His Dynamic Teen Company’s 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums.
It has been a worst year for me after I graduated from college. After a year, there are still no changes in my life. I can't even believe myself by living a life that's full of emptiness and failures for the past 12 months. There were no new things that had happen nor new people that I'd have meet. I was contented with my daily routine - waking up late noon, eating lunch then surfing the net then eat my dinner again then sleeps.Sounds super boring, right?
Now, when I look back, I feel ashamed of myself. Sure, I tried applying for a job when there are possible offers that somehow related to my degree or a job that I know suits me but then again I have fears to share. I was only looking those vacant jobs that I know I can handle. I was afraid of applying for a work that I'm not familiar with, a work place where I can learn new skills. I was afraid of growing up because I was not confident with my capabilities on dealing new responsibilities. And the results are worse. I still belong to the unemployed society. I don't know where or to whom would I blame my jobless status. I know deep inside me that I have done my best to be able to get myself a job. I am just an average minded person. I don't throw the best-est answers during interview. On the other hand, I take time to research every company I was applying for and I studied its job descriptions. Even though I hate donning formal suits, I forced myself to dress up like a professional. Despite the fact that I loathe wearing high heels, I wore them then after every interview I put on my flip flops. I can't just go home wearing heels because I also falls down every minute of walking. It was a burden dressing up like such because I'm just a t-shirt-jeans-flip flops kind of girl. After all the efforts I put on, I was always been rejected. And the feeling of being such is killing my confidence and faith. I am just a human person. I also get tired of trying especially when I did everything I can to pass an interview but I ended up having nothing at all. Then, I told myself to try again and not to give up. If I give up, I will end up being a loser. After every rejection, I give myself another chance and try for the nth time. You don't know how was it to fail every single interview I had. Failure had been my companion for the past months. I had enough of being a failure and I have a share for the blame. Even though I know that I did everything, I was afraid to take risk and try new things, new place where there are lots of opportunities for me. Indeed, it was somehow my fault. My mother suggests if I would like to try applying for a job in Manila. I can stay with my cousins and they are also willing to accompany me if I need to. But why's that there are always BUTs and WHAT IFs? I am indeed afraid of new commitments. I am frightened to be in a strange place. After a year, I've got to realized that if I wanted to have a life that is worth-blogging *hehe* I need to step forward and explore new things. I am sooo embarrassed that it actually took a year before I came up with a decision.
One year is enough. I think the life that God has planned for me is not here in Cebu. I am going to Manila this November 8. I'll give it a shot! I can always come back to Cebu anyway. I admit that it's really hard for me to leave Cebu. I feel comfortable living here but now I am ready to leave the life that I am soo used to. I know there is something ahead for me. I just need to trust God with His plans. This had been a hard decision to take but I need to fix my life. I can't even go home and see my parents. I know that I have been a disgraceful daughter to 'em. Enough of being a failure and being a bum.
November --this will be the start of a new life. I need lots of "good luck" from everyone. :)
P.S Sorry if I posted some icons that are not related to my post. This entry seems so dull , isn't it? I put some icons so you won't get bored while reading it. Yay! :)
This entry should've been posted yesterday. That's what I've said on my previous post eh. Blame it all to tumblr.
Just a few weeks ago, I thought I was going to Manila to work. I applied for AAA (company's name changed). for the position of Outbound Call Center Agent. I've learned that their company was heading to Cebu for a job fair. I read about it on Sun.Star Cebu. They posted an ad for two consecutive Sundays. 'Twas last October 10, 2009 when I went to Castle Peak Hotel for an interview. I was with a close friend. Her name is Lora. We went there around 12 noon. Actually, we were scheduled for an interview at 11:00 AM but we got lost. We were not really familiar with the address. We ride a jeep going to Mabolo and asked the konductor to drop us off at Castle Peak Hotel. Then he said "Okay". It took 30 minutes and we were still on the jeepney then I asked the konductor again if he knows where the hotel is and he said yes. After 10 minutes, he said that we were already near at the hotel. He told us to walk for about one block away from the bridge then we'll see the hotel. So, we got off and started walking. Then I realized that the man was telling us lies for the whole time. He didn't know where we are heading to. I got sooo angry with that old man because he was actually referring to the I.T Park not the hotel. DEMN. Then we just ride another jeep going back to Mabolo. After an one hour, hurray! We were already infront of the Front Desk Officer of the hotel. I told her that we have an interview for AAA and he called someone over the phone. We waited for another 30 minutes before the interviewer met us. The three of us went to the hotel cafe and had us two interviewed. The questions were common questions that being thrown for a call center job interview. Then after the interview, he wanted to talk to each one of us privately. So, Lora went back to the FO area and waited there. He discussed to me about the job and he asked me if I'm willing to stay in Manila since their company is based there. I said that I am very much willing and told him about my plan on going to Manila to look for a job there. So, he told me to come back at exactly 3:00 PM for the job offer. Then I called Lora because it was already her turn to talk to the interviewer. After all of that, Lora and I decided to go to Ayala for a lunch. We talked about our plans. She told me that she won't push through. It leave me thinking if I'll be backing out or not. I've decided to try and I went back to the Castle Peak Hotel alone. I met Mr. K9 (real name changed). He discussed to me about the job offer and the salary and other benefits. One of the benefits was a free lodging for about 2 months of my stay in Manila. Then after 2 months, I can decide whether to stay at the boarding house or to stay with my cousin but the lodging is already payable. They will also be providing my plane ticket. With all of these benefits, I was soo excited and told him that I am up for the employment. The salary also was great. It ranges from about 12, 000 - 15, 000 and there are also some commission. GREAT, right? :)
After the discussion, I told my parents about it and they were soo happy for me. They know what I've been going through here in Cebu. That after a year of being jobless, I've already got one. I was soo happy, really.
So it was all settled. They purchased me a plane ticket and instructed me to get it from Cebu Pacific Ticketing Office. I was already ready to go. I've got the requirements and all. Two days before my flight, I already packed my things up. I texted my cousins in Manila if they can fetch me up from the airport since I don't know much about the city. I also told them my flight schedule. Excited much eh? HAHA. I was packing my other stuffs when my father texted me to text my Uncle the name of the company and address. I did. After a minute or two, Papa asked me about the details of the company and how did the interview went on. I was not able to reply immediately so he called me up. He told me that he and Uncle had decided that I won't be going to Manila to work for that company. He said that there's an illegal operation by those dubious people to hire Call Center Agents from the province and offered you free accommodation and plane tickets but when you already in Manila and living at the boarding house, these people will locked you up just like a prisoner and let you work as a maid or even worse, as a prostitute. Uncle was having doubts because they offered me a free lodging. He asked some of his friends who are working in Manila as a Call Center Agents and they said that free lodging isn't one of the benefits of any Call Center companies. I told him that I already checked the company's profile on the internet and I swear to God that the company exists. But he said that these people would usually use any company's name to be able to do their monkey business. I didn't even fight back. Besides they were just concerned about me. I simply said "Okay. I won't go but what about the ticket? They paid for it and I have it with me." I texted Mr. K9 that I'm backing out. He called me and he said that I need to pay for the penalty and the ticket. The next day, Uncle send me money to pay the ticket and the penalty. I texted Mr. K9 to send me the details on how can I deposit the money. And heck! I've waited for 2 days before I receive their company's account number. This happened on Thursday and I've waited til friday for the details. He was not texting me back. It was early in the morning of Saturday when I received a message from him stating their account no. and that I must settle everything on Monday.
I made it sure that everything was settled by Monday. I deposited the money on their account number and faxed the deposit slip to Mr. K9. After, I texted him if he already receive the deposit slip and told me that he was not yet on work and that he will text me soon as he arrived. For the second time, I asked him if everything was already okay. And until now, I didn't even receive any messages that all is settled already. Watta shame on them! They didn't even bother to inform me and even thank me for all the efforts. I settled everything earlier than they expected.
NOW. The question is: Was that really illegal or not? If I will based it on the process of the way they held the interview, I say that MAYBE, it was indeed illegal. I was only interviewed once which is doubtful, by the way. I know how the hiring process works for a Call Center job. There are a series of interviews that you need to pass and an exam. That was not my first time to apply for that kind of job. I've been through a lot of it. After the first interview, they instructed me to be back for the job offer. Seems they were boiling up some fishy things, eh? And hey! This may sounds so funny. Really. But I caught the interviewer speaking in tagalog during the interview. HAHA. Also the one who discussed about the job offer, he was speaking in tagalog. DUH. It was an interview for a call center job. Hellooo? Why would they speak in tagalog? And the fact that the company was hiring for a great number of agents. They were looking for about 200 agents. So, I was expecting that the interview will be in a ballroom or larger place than a cafe. RIGHT? When we went there I was shocked to know that there were only two of us applying for the job. I was expecting a large number of people queuing outside the venue. But somehow, I feel that it was not totally illegal because I deposited the money on the account number of AAA.
So, was it an amerciable business or not? Either way, it doesn't matter now. I need to move on with this experience and try again.
Hello bloggers! This blog is so outdated and I feel so sorry for that. I spend most of my time on tumblr. It's been a month since I created an account there. I keep it updated almost everyday. If you have a tumblr, please do follow me and I'll follow you back. :) I'll post some thing that is more worth reading here tomorrow. Not now. I'm kindda busy. =)
I'm Ma. Aileen Robredillo. But everyone calls me Aileen.
I celebrate my day every 7th of July.
I graduated from the University of San Carlos.
I originally came from Dolores- somewhere down the eastern part of Samar.
I got the coolest parents on earth. Also, I'm the eldest. Got three annoying siblings.^__^
I`m a type of person who you can get along well. Oh yeah!
A simple person that enjoys everything that life has to offer.
If you`re seeking for some piece of advice, I`ll be hiding on my blanket. Really. I`m a worst adviser and bad conversationalist. I will let you do the talking and smile afterward. I won`t say anything. That`s how bad I am when it comes to these stuffs.
I love reading books. Mostly are fiction ones. I don't have any particular author that I considered as my fave. I just read those books that interest me. But lately I've been reading Coelho's books.
I`m not a friendly type of person. If you hate me I won`t insist myself for you to like me. If you don`t want me to be your friend, so be it. No one cares!
I`m good in hiding my feelings and I do try to control my anger when I`m pissed off. And once I get pissed, you wouldn`t like me. Trust me!
I was never a party animal.
I don`t use text shortcuts, text lingos and sticky caps. They bring me headache.
I`m a left-handed and it makes me feel PROUD. HAHA!
I`m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
I`m a sucker of: Yellow Cab`s New York Finest, SB`s Mocha Frappe, Pastries at BreadTalk, McFloat, Teentalk, Sigaw, Havaianas, Twilight Saga, Photoshop, Striped tees, Digital Arts, Internet and a lot lot more. :D
I loathe: Backstabbers, Wanna Be`s, Kleptomaniac people, Posers, People who take me for granted, Warfreaks, Secluded places, Creepy stuffs, Emo fashion, Parties and Roaches.
I've been blogging since the year 2005. I started first at blogspot. Then I transferred to xanga then back to blogpsot again. But you'll never find my previous blogs anymore since I already deleted them. I also blog through my multiply account but it's not quite updated. I created my Official Blog (which you're currently at, by the way) last May 02, 2008.
new pair of HAVAIANAS starbucks mocha frappee Digital camera *cybershot A trip to Korea Sony Ericsson phone SuJu's 3rd album Macbook Ipod nano more stripey tees a new place to stay a kiss from LEE MIN HO new hairdo more more money spend a day at bora
What am I gonna miss when I leave Cebu D:
new pair of HAVAIANAS
SuJu's 3rd album
What am I gonna miss when I leave Cebu D:
