The rest of the shift was very productive. We tested the systems in the training room, had calibration sessions with the communications trainers, attended meetings and sent e-mails.

It’s now 9:20 am of the 16th. I’m now ending my day with this post and a couple of Pretzels sent by my dear friend Gladys. 

2010 Forecast for the Rat: The Rat may be feeling quite tired and deflated after 2009, which saw him keeping his head down, working and staying out of trouble. The Year of the Tiger is going to be fast-paced for the Rat, which in itself does tend to make them slightly uncomfortable. But it is essential that they go with the flow and seize opportunities and take adventures – this year is going to be important for them. A lot of Rats may have dreamt of travel in 2009 but were unable to take trips either due to financial or work commitments. This year will be so different! Travel will feature strongly for many and if there is dream destination in mind, it may become a reality during 2010. February and March can bring interesting work offers, while June to August and December will bring happy social occasions. Romantically, September and October bring tempting offers for single Rats, while those who are attached will find the summer most special. It is essential for all persons born under this sign to be extra thoughtful and caring throughout the year – an inadvertent remark or gesture could lead to discord with loved ones.

Taal volcano at a distance.

February 6, 2010. After Jessica recovered from chicken pox and since it’s her birthday on the 7^th, Gladys (our trainer) decided to go to Tagaytay after our shift. We went to Sonya’s Secret Garden for some melt in your mouth chocolate cupcakes (sinful!) and had lunch in the Golf Club in Tagaytay Highlands.

At Sonya's Garden. Now all I need is somebody to sit beside me.

Sonya’s Garden is a haven for couples and urbanites who want a quiet time away from the bustle of modern life. There are plants and flowers all over the place. We had so much fun enjoying the scenery and of course posing for pictures. Jessica was far from camera shy. She posed, posed and posed some more. Jade (our client services manager) was so entertained by her.

Tagaytay Highlands

After buying cupcakes and yema from their Panaderia (bakeshop), we headed to the Golf Club. Of course we took some more pictures. We also had lunch. We ate a lot of salads, fish, fresh lumpia and beef salpicao. We were definitely more than satisfied.

Officemates having fun!

By 2pm, we were ready to go home.  We had to stop by Rowena’s and Mr. Moo’s for some pasalubong.  We took the Sta. Rosa – Manila route and passed by some familiar places like Laguna BelAir where I used to go to high school and Laguna Techno Park where I used to hear mass at Don Bosco Parish. Seeing those places reminded me of the wonderful time I had as a kid growing up.  The thought of transferring to Nuvali to work crossed my mind.

The Cebu Trainers at Convergys in Nuvali

That day was really special. I had fun and got to visit old and familiar places. Thanks Gladys, Jade, Arlene and Lyn!

Espadrilles

They’re cool, casual and comfy! They’re handmade in Spain. They’re espadrilles! A pair is perfect for leisurely Sundays and beach escapades. Each shoe is special. Since they’re handmade, you really have to try them on to find a perfect fit. Even if you get 2 pairs of the same size, it’s not a guarantee that both will fit. You really need to find the pair that molds to your feet.

I am so in love with them that I got 2 pairs from Sueno de Espadrilles at the Podium. I only got two since I really can’t find that 3^rd pair that will fit.  That’s a good thing though or else I would have blown my salary on them!

iMax and Me

January 25, 2010. After weeks of its release I watched Avatar with my cousin Lex in IMAX at SM North Edsa and I must say the 400PHP ticket is so worth it! You can really see the pictures and the images come to life! There were a couple of instances that I thought I’ll get hit by the flying arrows and bullets. Watching movies for me will never be the same again!

MRT

January 23, 2010. It’s the weekend again! This time I decided to go to my cousins’ place in Pasig City. Last time I’ve been here was September of 2009. This was when I had my temporary residence in Holiday Inn in Ortigas. 

From Makati, I rode the MRT and took the FX at Robinson’s Galleria. Seeing the Holiday Inn and the Robinson’s Equitable Tower reminded me of the 3 months I spent there. The breakfast buffet at the 2^nd floor of the hotel. The Seven Eleven right across the street. The weird shape of our office building. These brought back memories of my then usual Sunday doughnut at Krispy Kremes, dinners at Mongkok, midnight indulgences at Pancheto, Bob (the guy who cleans my room)and the rest of the hotel staff, and daily complimentary mineral water at the mini bar.  It made me grateful of times gone by. I suddenly felt lucky that I was able to experience that and I am reliving it but this time in a different city. Being with Convergys really has its perks!

Holiday Inn Manila

Robinsons Equitable Tower

Manila and Cebu Training Team

Fun fun fun!!!

January 16, 2010. It’s the weekend after pay day. Everybody is happy. Pockets are full. It also doen’t hurt that Kimy and Debbie (my co-trainer) dropped by on their way to Cebu from Macau.

The day started out with us ordering breakfast. Since Jessica and I are fresh out from work, we slept and left them on their own. I woke up by lunchtime and joined Kimy and Debbie. We met up with Cha from our Ortigas site and had lunch. She invited us to a drinking session with the rest of the Ortigas team that night.

That night I never thought that the Ortigas team is as hard-core as the Cebu  training team when it comes to drinking. We had so much fun. Banter here and banter there. And the best part – KARAOKE!

We ended up going home at 4am. So much fun!

Close to the Filipino urban dweller’s heart is Mini Stop! Like Starbucks, you can find one in every block. It has definitely replaced the sari-sari store. You can get everything from school supplies to full meals. It has become the best friend of everybody who needs something quick, fast and cheap.

Personally, I love this store. I never fail to visit one every time I’m in Manila. I don’t of course plan to go there like I do with Starbucks but just the same, it has become a habit. If you need load, it’s there. A quick bite? They also have that! What about some magazines for reading? Definitely.

I think as somebody who works at night, Mini Stop is a God sent. I don’t think life is going to be possible in Metro Manila without convenience stores. Ask any call center professional if they have visited Mini Stop and I’m sure you’ll get a yes from everybody.

I was able to relax at my Uncle Vic’s rest house in Porac. It was a day of lounging and a night of drinking. I didn’t even mind that I was on the night shift the day before.

Sunday was spent in Angeles City at my Uncle Melo’s place. It was nice to see Carlo and Gener again. I used to baby sit them and now they’re all grown up. Gener showed me around town and I ended up imparting my wisdom over coffee.

At Mactan International Airport

January 4, 2009. I’m finally here in Makati for my T3! For those who don’t know, T3 is call center lingo for Train-The-Trainer. Our company is opening a new line of business for a client. I was chosen as well as a colleague to be trained here so we can train agents when we get back to Cebu!

I had to wake up early for my 6am flight. Jessica (the other trainer) and I decided to share a cab to the airport. We got there safely and were able to check –in our bags with no delays. I didn’t even mind that we don’t have our letter of authorization yet for the hotel. I know everything is in order. All is doing well till we got to the hotel! We are staying in Prince Plaza II and to tell you honestly I’m not that keen with it.

When we got to the reception, we were greeted as cordially as possible. We were all smiles until they informed us that we are both sharing a room. What?! I was trying not to make a big fuzz about it or blow it out of proportion but Jessica was already making that face. I guess they also noticed since both receptionists were already panicking. Luckily, we were given our own rooms after a few calls.

Waiting for the hotel car service to pick us up!

Jessica got the bigger and nicer room. I got the smaller one. It isn’t ugly but the color of the couch is bright green! Please! The walls were also decorated with Geisha inspired paintings. Probably the person who designed it was on crack. Seriously! This no Holiday Inn!

I’ve settled in now. I was able to put my things in order. I even ironed all my business clothes for the entire week. Now, I’m trying to sleep but obviously I can’t since I’m writing this blog. I just hope our red hat trainer is as cool as the folks in Ortigas.