Teamwork

Vintage Horror

Struggle Within

Lea felt as if she was stabbed the moment she turned off the power of her computer. Five years. Yes, it had been five years when she started working in this company. And now, it is time to leave. She looked sadly at her work station. Her own little world for her nine to five job. It used to be filled with her own trinkets, with documents she needs to finish before the deadline. She already cleared her desk. Now it is empty with only a flat screen monitor atop it. She sighed with her nostalgia. The office that she will soon have will be a corner office. Where sunlight will bathe her, wherein she will have a larger mahogany table and more sophisticated high-back swivel chair. It is time to move on to a bigger and better world. “So you are really leaving,” a voice called her from behind. She almost jumped with surprise but her heart did that against her rib cage. “Why?” she faced him without any trace of emotion that swirled on her chest. “Will you stop me?” she asked point blank. She found herself wishing that could be true. “Nah, a bigger salary and a higher position in a multi-national company?” he said and gave her the smile that always make her knees weak. “No, way will I stop you.” She wondered if there was even a slight envy when he said that. After all, they started working together in the same year. But she climbed up in the ranks of the corporate ladder as he just remained below looking up to her. Lea sometimes convinces herself to believe that this man was secretly insecure with her being more successful than him. And that is the reason why he never felt the same way as she does for him. She hold on the handle of her bag tighter than needed. She needs the pressure to prevent her mind from wondering such mean and useless thoughts. “You did not attend my Farewell party a while ago,” she said instead. “Oh, I met up with Kara,” he said and the sudden affection on his voice twisted a knife on her stomach. “Then I came here in the office to say goodbye.” She nodded, but she really wants to slap her bag across his face. Even for the last time, he mentioned the name of his girlfriend. “Thank you, Dave,” is all she can say. “I have to go,” it was an imperative to herself before she will be tempted to throw herself at him and hug him tightly and never let go. She got passed him and almost run away before her tear betrays her. “I will miss you, Lea,” she heard him say that made her stop on her feet. “Thank you for being an amazing friend.” “My new office is just a block away,” she wonders if he sensed the desperation on her tone, but her knows that Dave had been always dense about her feeling for him. “See you,” and continued to make her way out in the office. She pressed the down button of the elevator. She can see the numbers going up to the level where she is. She wants it to be slow motion. Maybe, just maybe, Dave will follow her. The elevator arrived but there was even no footstep that echoed the lobby. Her feet felt like it was heavily chained as she entered it. As its’ door closed, she also did to her eyes and let go of her tears swelling up. As the elevator lowered her down in the building, she remembered everything about Dave on the half a decade they had been together. The everyday chit-chat in the office, clocking extra time at work and the countless night out and weekend getaways with their other office friends. How she wish memories can easily brushed off as her tears of her cheeks. The elevator finally stopped on the ground floor, she took a deep breath and gathered her strength to see the light again. Lea wants to leave all her hurts on the confinement of the elevator. She put on her game face that couldn’t care less about Dave. She will soon have her own corner office after all. She felt braver as she step out to the world oblivious to the turmoil inside her.

Keep Sparkling!

I was concerned about my friend. She shared with me that it was not that peachy at work this past few days. Things were not going on her favor. I thought that maybe it was because she was so familiar and comfortable doing that for five years. I know how smart and hardworking my friend is, so I believe that maybe she was just reaching her “saturation point” but will eventually get her grove back. So it was quite a surprise when a credible person approached me to inform me that my friend got yet another negative feedback from a client. We concluded that maybe she is losing her “spark” in teaching. What used to be her passion just became a dreaded and boring routine for her. I know that it is not yet too late for my friend to turn things around. Life can really turn dull, but it doesn’t mean that it can’t be colorful again. We should have a purpose on our work. When I was still a teacher, my aim is to teach my students and help them improve with their English skills. I also want to talk to them about their jobs or studies so that it will less stressful for them. As a team leader, my goal is always to represent my team to the best of my ability and to motivate them to be the best educators that they can be. Now that I am a Trainer, my vision is to produce the best batches of EIAs that Xepesys had ever had. I also challenge myself to continue learn something new. “Wisest is she who knows she doesn’t know.” Everyday is an opportunity to gain new knowledge and experience. That alone would be an inspiration to wake up everyday. It would be a waste if we were hesitant to seize the day. It may seem that it would be another “normal” day, so it is up to us on how to make it special. We should also accept that our work and company could never be perfect. So it is either you would stick with it or find a greener pasture. Should you decide to stay, make the most out of it by doing your best in your work and try to grow with the company by advancing your skills making you more indispensable. Should you think that it is time to try another company, that is a major decision that takes proper time and preparation, and not just because the boss had been breathing down your neck. We are all gems. Our radiance may sometimes be clouded, but our sparkle is always within us.

Promoted

The most successful of this generation are “those who have been given opportunities- and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them.” I really did not see it coming. I know that an important person in our company is about to resign, but since his position is unconnected to mine, I thought that I would not be affected at all. His post will be vacant so the management will undergo restructuring. So, I was offered to be the new Trainer, and my initial reaction is to decline. It is a huge responsibility. Our previous Trainers did not last long. Each one of them resigned after a short tenure. As a Team Leader I worked with our current Trainer and I know how hard it is to be on his shoes. He is on the frontline to deal with the manager about the concerns of the clients and team leaders. I think that was his greatest challenge and I must say that he was able to do a good job on his reign. To accept the torch will mean that I will no longer have the safety net. I will be the representative of not only the Team Leaders but also all the teachers. But I am proud to say that I overcame my cynic, negative and coward self. I realized that it is all up to me how I would perceive this change, and I decided to see this as an opportunity. It is my chance to grow and to learn. After almost half a decade doing what I do best at work, being a teacher and a Team Leader, I think it is high time to shake things up. For the longest time, I had been dreaming to be a Communication coach in a call center company. In a way, it was given to me, but it was wrapped in a different package. I may be hesitant at first, but now I am determined to show that I was chosen for this job because I really can excel on it.

superheroes

indie film 101

shoot for the stars

The 7 Most Annoying Co-Workers Miss Perfect She bakes cupcakes and brings them to work. She files bound and color-coded reports. At meetings, she’s filled with big ideas for new initiatives that push your already understaffed department to the breaking point. How to deal: Understand that she probably doesn’t mean to over-commit anyone. “She simply wants to show she’s a valuable member of the team,” Tell her it would really help if she’d discuss new projects with the team before proposing them at meetings, to avoid coping with sched changes and be sure to credit her when she delivers. And be sure to credit her when she delivers. “She may be afraid she won’t be credited with contributions she does make. As she feels more secure, she’ll relax.” I read this insightful article on the February issue of Cosmopolitan Philippines. Upon reading, I tried to categorize myself in the workplace and decided that “Miss Perfect” will best suit me. It makes sense that striving to be perfect can be annoying, for the reason that it is impossible. But at least trying, is worth the long shot. In the last Christmas party, I was awarded as the best Team Leader alongside the equally deserving TL Juri. Being part of the original set of TLs may one of the factors why I won it. Though I think it is also because I always want to be the “perfect” team leader. I help my teammates as much as I can and I cooperate with the management with the best of my ability. And when I make mistakes, I owe it, but never dwelled on it because I am never hard to myself. For me, perfection is something unattainable, but that doesn’t mean that I will not aspire for it.

Favorable Odds

It took me while before I was able to watch the much anticipated film adaptation of The Hunger Games. Without all the promotional hype surrounding it, I’ve seen it a more honest and non-biased way. The book will remain to be the original, but the movie has its’ own charm and excitement on the silver screen.

There are certain points that I was so crazy about the movie. The first was it successfully transcended the love triangle of Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Gale may just have a limited exposure, but I was convinced how passionate he is about Katniss that he is willing to try to run away with her if not only of their families that they can’t live behind. And the ever sweet and shy Peeta, he finally got his chance of being with his long-time crush only to be manipulated on the arena for his own survival. Then there is Katniss, with a chance to find real love, but she restrained her emotions to be loyal to the book that her heart still belongs to her best friend. The romance in the movie is subdued, but there is depth, longing and sincerity on it. It is something that would not gag the audience but instead invite them to patiently be with Katniss until the time that she will finally make her choice.

Another triumph of the movie was that it presented the irony of the Hunger Games to morality that was trampled upon on media and society. The media had urged the tributes to show their best foot forward to be liked by the mob who unvalued their lives as mere entertainment. Society dictated that the Hunger Games was a necessary reminder to the districts not to commit treason again against the Capitol. It was dystopia at its’ finest, wherein morality had been greatly compromised after a war. It is an idea which is not confined in books or movies, it can be a dark and painful reality.

Rue’s story arc had been one of my favorite part of the book and the movie gave justice to it. Seeing how innocent and young she is in the screen gripped my heart ten folds compared to when I just read about her. It is as if her death was more real, thus the anger on what sent her in the bloodbath in the first place, was also magnified. It was sheer genius when the movie showed the reaction of her district after witnessing the murder and how Katniss sang for her, surrounded her with flowers and saluted her in respect. That riot was just a tip of the iceberg on what to come. The trigger was pulled at that very moment. Katniss was shoved in the center, and there is no looking back but to embody the ‘girl on fire’.

The movie ended as powerfully as the book. The rage of President Snow may be contained, but he is nothing less but vindictive. His revenge will propel the second installment of the trilogy in a more explosive plot.

HK-Macau

Forward March to the 30's

I found myself comparing my life to my mom when she was still just 30 years old. At that age, she is a loving wife and a doting mother of two, while juggling her demanding work. I thought that that is what was expected to a woman at that age. It is not something which is passé, even in the present time, being a bachelorette at 30’s is unusual.

So I decided that my life will be a little different from my mom, or my female cousins and friends who are already married and with kids in their 30’s. I think being different this way is something good. I would still focus on myself and myself alone. I would also be happy but in a more selfish way because my source of happiness will come internally. I don’t have a husband nor children, yet, to provide it for me.

I am very grateful for my experiences that shaped me on who I am now today. I feel stronger and more confident that I can overcome whatever challenges that lie ahead. I have more control on my emotions and sharpness of mind. More importantly, I really like myself. I accept my weaknesses and celebrate my strengths. Being in the 30’s is not to be shy nor worried about, it is a gift that I should enjoy.

TEAMtation's Hello & Goodbye on White Day

work history

I only have one thing on my mind after graduating in college; and that is to land my first job. I remember obsessing over the classified section on the Manila Bulletin, cutting the advertisement of potential employers. I must say that it was baptism of fire that even though I graduated with honors; I have to experience the real world which is full of rejections and uncertainties.

I am grateful to my boss and colleagues on my first gig. The plan was really to teach, but I don’t have any experience yet so I ended up doing office work. It was not that hard; and I was thrilled that I can study some of their courses for free. You see, when I was younger, I always dreamt of studying in their school, but financial constraints made it impossible. You can just imagine my joy when I finally been able to do so and earn money on the side.

Six months on the job and I was offered by my cousin to work in a production company that produces fashion shows and model search competitions. I thought that it would really be fun and exciting to work with her; and it really was. I was a marketing assistant and even now I surprised myself how did I survive doing that for nine months. The shows are glamorous on stage but it took blood and sweat to produce it. I admire my bosses in producing such shows that required creative genius and relentless PR. In retrospect, those are not my strengths; that is why I was not such an indispensable employee in that company. I also did not enjoy the shows because I was always on the sidelines or backstage. I was just thankful that I was less shy, more fashionable, more experienced and stronger during my stay with them.

After staging two successful shows, I decided to go with my guts and concentrate on teaching. English teachers had been in-demand abroad so I thought of gaining teaching experience on elementary level. While completing my 18 units of education, I was given a chance to teach grade one and two students. I would never win the Best Teacher award when it comes to my temper. I am not proud to say that there are instances that I acted not worthy of an educator. But God knows how I tried my best. And most of my stay there was pure fun. Being with children was an enriching experience and my co-teachers are the best teachers in the world. It took a lot of hard work and patience to be a teacher. Those are the qualities that I learned during my tenure on my first school.

In as much as I was happy there, we have to work every Saturday. At that time, I decided to take my Masters which I can only do during the weekend. I took that as a sign that I have to move to another school. My second school was bigger to the previous one and closer to my home. I handled grade two students. I enjoyed teaching despite the problem students that I encountered. But what I noticed was that I did not connect to my fellow teachers, especially to my boss. It was not a surprise when my boss told me that it is unsure if they will hire me again for the next school year. That only means that I would be fired.

Thank God for the call center industry! I trained to be in a Technical Support group. I definitely enjoyed the training on the English language. The technical side was another story, let me just say that that I have to retake the exam just to pass it. It was horrible! But the trainers had been considerate that they still sent me to the Operations. Taking calls of the clients had been really a nightmare. I just realized that I can be a technophobe, so what was my business troubleshooting the Internet of people on the other side of the globe? I once described myself on that time as a ‘headless chicken running around in circles”. It was that bad.

I decided to take a leap of faith and resign. My last salary from that call center was used to pay for my tuition fee for the LET review in PNU. I already finished my 18 units of Education and I dared to take the board exam. During that time, I am already aware of the educational shift called On-line English teaching wherein you would teach your foreign students using the Internet and telephone. So while slaving away on studying for the test, which I eventually passed with a respectable score, I also tirelessly applied for a job. After several hit and miss, I finally secured a job in a Korean company called Xepesys Inc. and for almost five years,I never looked back, until now.

Extended Family

My Imperfect Alter Ego

I claim that KC Concepcion is my alter-ego and I will just shrug if one would laugh or snort on this. This celebrity is larger-than-life, someone that we can only aspire to be. You can only imagine how I cringe when she decided to have a tell-all TV interview about the ending of her relationship which was actually doomed at the start.

I once said that KC would never allow herself t be a fag hag, so her then boyfriend must really be a straight guy. Show business can be merciless and the guy must just be a victim of unrelentless gossip. But when she admitted that ‘hindi mo maibibigay ang kailangan nya’, it is as good as confirming that yes, he is gay.

That fact caused her meltdown amplified on the TV screen. Her anger, grief and hurt were magnified as she subjected herself to the scrutiny of the viewing public. A part of me was torn. I thought, how can she be so ungrateful, she had it all, and this bump on the road is nothing compared to how privileged she is. On the other hand, I want to shake her out in her misery, hoping the once ideal and perfect KC Concepcion will emerge.

After reading the March 2012 issue of Cosmo Philippines, I learned that I can’t just hang someone ‘like a frame, but instead, they should be read as a book’. Eventhough we look up to someone, perfection is just an image, it is a lie created by our own need to strive to be our better selves.

sequel

L.O.V.E. is JURI

TEAMtation's Explosion of Hearts

Got Balls?

Alexa's First

So This is Ricky Lee...

The Beginning: Subtle Signs

I am falling. This is dangerous. Kinda scared, I am.

Call me, damn it!

But I really do like him.

I like him so much I feel like having a heart attack!

I finally believe that I meant to have it this year.

J. S.

He is my _______,

And I am _______.

I like his brown eyes.

I like his playful smile.

If you will be with me, you will never be bored again.

I’ll be your girl.

I’ll be your friend.

I’ll be your companion.

I’ll be everything that you need.

Just be mine. =)

TEAMtation's Birthday Bash for Cathy

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TEAMtation's Lunar New Year