My life - working in a gift shop company

It was June 2007 when I started working in a well known gift shop company as an Area Manager. I thought that job was Gods gift to me after working in a American research company for 2 years. I never wanted to leave my job with that company however, I don’t have a choice but to move out for financial reason.

To date, Its almost 7 months since I left the gift shop company, I thought I was able to move on after all the trauma I was been. I was not able to find job for 3 months after they decided to end my contract for simple reasons. Though, a co-worker tried to help me to find a job in a cosmetic company and was offered a work as an Executive Assistant and all of a sudden the company decided not to pursue with there offer for no reason at all. See how unprofessional they are.

Why were I traumatized working in the gift shop company. Oh well, I was part of the opening team. I’m one of the first batch to be hired. I was there when the company needs our help for the smooth transition. I gave all my strength and dedication to my work. As an Area Manager to their 4 branches I know I did my best for the betterment of the company. I know that they were expecting a lot from me because of my past experiences in retail business.

I thought I’m doing well at work. The VP would always look for me when they need urgent presentation about the store. Would ask for my assistance to monitor the other branches. The President itself would lend me some books to help me finish the presentation for them. Suddenly after 3 months I received a call from the VP to report to the Head Office first thing in the morning to discuss something. I thought I was terminated cause that time there was a rumor that they terminated the Admin Manager. So I already had the idea that if they dont like the employee they can easily terminate you.

Went to the Head Office, though I was really worried The VP broke the news. I will be transferred to the Head Office to handle the consignment department as an Operation Assistant. I gladly accepted the offer since I thought they had a better plan for my career. I did not asked for their reason why am I being transferred to the office because I trust them that they are professional people.

My staff was so happy for me about the news however, I had the feeling that I was demoted. From AM to OA. With God beside me I did not entertain bad vibes and accepted this new path as a challenge for me to prove them I can handle the task. About 2 weeks in the office they are unsure what responsibility they will entrust me since the Consignment Department of the Old owner of the gift shop company has not turned over all the necessary information to us yet.

When the Operation Manager reported to work, I am under her. Our first assignment was to make a Company Policy. I was able to finish the 80% of the policy before the deadline. However, unexpected situation happened to me about my family and was not able to report to work for 5 days. I did inform them and I said my apologies to them. I know this would affect my evaluation and accepted it if that would affect my evaluation. Since I know I do still have 2 months to prove to them that I can eliminate tardiness and absences.

First Evaluation - I passed it! with 90% grade. VP evaluated me. The only comment I got from the VP was I need to be superior
even though if my staff are older than me. Thats it. Im so glad about my evaluation.

After a week, It was like hell working in the Head Office . I felt demoralized professionally. They have been commenting about my grooming, the way I talked over the phone. They are making gossips about me. Office politics! Gosh! I never been into that kind of politics! This is a hard-core politics. Im not sure who are the true people in the office whom I can trust. Until the day, a manager approached me and warned me about it. She told me that they are planning to terminate me for the reason that I was making gossip about my boss the OM. The OM told my colleuges that I said that “She is a stupid OM and I am more capable in doing her job.” I never said that. God knows I never said that. and the rest of the issue are just branch of a tree. To pull my evaluation down.

In 2 months, I felt every discimination at work. The VP would introduce me to there client as the person in charge in Consigment department but when the OM would set a meeting with the client they cant even introduced me nor asked me to join the meeting. I cant spread my wings.. they are already giving me the limitation to handle the task. During those time I approched the VP to give my point of view, though it was really hard for me to talk to her because I also felt a big wall between us. Since the OM and the VP would have a briefing every morning. And in that case I dont have any idea what the OM is telling about me. Its like the VP does not want me to be close to her. But I understand, she’s the VP and im only just her staff. Right? Petty issues becoming big issue. Its like i tried not to do things that would affect my credibility but something is there to ruin everything.

Until the 2nd evaluation approaches and only 3 days left before they regularized me. The moment of truth suddenly broke the news. The company decided to end my contract. I failed the evaluation. Reasons: Poor Grooming, Does not want to listen to superior, Cant meet deadlines, Inconsistent and chatting.

Poor Grooming - Admittedly, I am not a good dresser. However, the company allows employee to wear jeans or shorts or t-shirts or daring blouses during weekdays and weekends. I never wore shorts nor t-shirts nor daring blouses at work. I remember I wore “tokong” pants because it was raining hard that day. And also a co-worker was regularly wearing short shorts why is it that its unfair to me?

Does not want to listen to superior / Cant meet deadlines - Instructions are coming from the OM. I regularly update her with the task she entrust me and would ask her to check my work. When I submit my report to the VP the VP would be very dissapointed because I was not able to make the report perfect, because thats not the instruction she gave to the OM. Now, is that flaws? Since OM and I is a one team I have to accept the fact that its also my fault.

Chatting - Yeah. Im chatting but not most of the time or consumed all business hours for chatting. I usually chat with my co-worker or with the HR since the phone line are always busy and they cant get through the lines to inform me of important messages. Now if HR is legal to chat why is it not implement it across all department to banned chatting. Since HR and Operations are working hand in hand.

Why am I still ranting? I do still feel the pain and the trauma. Now im happy with my present work I hope everyone would pray for me to help me surpassed all the stress I went from my past experience and get over this trauma. ANd in time I would be able to forgive the gift shop company and let the bitterness in my heart die. As to the board and directors of the Gift Shop company I pray I would forgive you for showing me the unprofessional manners and non Christian behavior.

Priest and Pastors / Nuns and Sisters

I grew up in a Christian family. Studied and Graduated in Catholic school. Being different with what I believe and stand for somehow, affected my academic ability in school. I thought I can survive in such different culture but I was wrong.

Anyway, while on my way to work and so happened I have to do some official errands. Walking as fast as I could like I don’t care if I bump anyone then I realized I’m about to bump a Catholic Nun walking in a pedestrian lane. I slowed down while walking. She’s wearing a long black skirt, and a blue Vail. The nun walking slowly while cars and taxi have to stop to let her crossed the street safely.

Back to reality…. Ooppsss!!! I wonder if people would give the same respect to Christian Pastors and Elders with the same value they are giving to the Catholic Official (Priest and Nuns) since we can be easily distinguished them with their attire while on public places?

Unless, these people knew they are Pastors and Elders, Right?

Mother’s Day: If you made your mom cry, will your own child make there mom cry too?

Mom had just recently got out from the hospital. Before she was admitted to the hospital, she has been complaining in difficulty of breathing. My mom is consistently seeing her cardiologist to monitor her health condition. At her age of 62, we cant blame her if her health is starting to deteriorate fast.

Honestly, I dont want mom to be admitted at the hospital for lots of reason. Financial, Time, and Stress reason. I cried when mom got in to the hospital. My siblings is starting to pint point who should be responsible for my mom’s hospitalization. Among all the siblings I’m the one who is not capable of paying off her hospital bills. However, I’m the one who can speak to my mom about her condition.

At the hospital, the eldest sibling were having a small fight with our mom. Until mom really wept to tears. I understand mom straggle in life, sometimes its just hard to understand why does her health is badly affected when mom is doing nothing at home. She does need to worry about money and paying off her utility bills since we siblings shoulder that for her.

At home while playing with my son, I asked myself will my baby do the same to me in the future? Will he make me cry too? I pray not.

AMN - last day of work

June 6,2007 - My last day working for AskMeNow. For 1 year and 8 months I really enjoyed my stay with AMN. Oh! the actual working days I worked for AMN is only 1 year and 5 months. Atutututututututu! Less the 2 months maternity leave and the 1 month testing working or whatever you may want to call that! Hahahahahahaha!

Of course, part-time job was still offered. But, I cant handle two jobs! I’m not wonder woman. If God given me the strength of Hercules and the Mind of Einstein I would probably accepted 3 full time jobs all at the same time.

I would surely miss my wonderful days… I mean my petiks days.  I cannot say anything bad about the company… Management was so accomadating and very eager to give what is right for their employees. Like what I told everyone, this Job is to die for. Many jobseekers are desperately looking for this kind of job. No phone calls.. No irrate callers and stuff… I would understand if management would be strict about their company policies..:) Lets think of the positive side…. Haller!!!

I’ll miss the people I worked with who became close to me… like mark, pugeh, jana, chell, jrome, iris, jojo, Yohan Maniac, lady,bevs, ms. irene, mai,ms. ruth, jeff, ron j, arn arn, ms. neri, george, mannix, mike, sir ma-el, and ms. cye.

How about bangaw * — She’s just one of the person I wont forget but I wont miss! hmf! However, she let me learned one lesson that I would bring with me to my new “career”.

For those people I forgot to mentioned don’t worry you will always be in my heart! Naks naman!

Unforgettable People and Moments:

Grace “Gres” Roman - the gurl who brought me to the world of online earnings. Gres was the one who helped me during my pregnancy cravings. Literally, she’s the one who is more into food cravings than me! Gres was the first person to know that I was pregnant. Been close to her since the first day I hit the floor. We shared a loooooooot of things even locker, jackets, food, and etc. Gres is my twin sister here in AMN. Gres even wants me to transfer to IBM to be with her but unfortunately I was not able to pass the super hard employment exam. Unforgettable moments with her…. Hmmmm……. when we got stuck on the elevator for 5 mins and the bomb scare on this antique building.

Rochelle “Buntit” Solano - Mommy Buntit thats how we call each other. The second person who got pregnant on this company. Of course I was the first to be preggy! Hahahahaha! But unfortunately for her she was not able to deliver the baby due to miscarriage for the second time. Since I learned that she was also pregnant, we bonded like mighty bond. We were the “hot momma” of AMN. What does that means? heheheh Hot momma means even though were both pregnant and married we’d still fantasized our Training Manager Myles Vives. Buntit advice me to watch the “how to give birth CD” w/c is very informational! bwahahahaha! Unforgettable moments: We both went to buy baby things, the barbeque and isaw store and the work bus! Basta Work bus! Hahahahahahaha

Jodie “Yodie” Nolasco - The pretty woman of AMN. The sweet gurl who brings along mimi and teddy to work. Actually, It was only a short period of time when me yodie get along each other. Probably, I was a little intimidated because Im not sure if Jodie can speak tagalog. Oh Well! Queber! Talked to her na din in Tagalog. It was fun talking to her. The dull mid shift hour Yodie was able to make things so enjoyable and fun. At first, I thought jodie was a chips freak! I mean everyday she would bring Taquittos for us to eat. And I seldom see her eat a complete meal. Not after the Pao Tsin Craze! never seen yodie eat like that before. How do we greet each other hmmmm…. I d just shout her name YODIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! hehehehehehe! sweet huh? Unforgettable Moments: When I hugged her before my 1 month work testing days, the spaghetti, sinigang, menudo, binagoongan days, the pao tsin craze, the bantz moment, bobito, auto mises, auto daughter, secret confy, and kpo days.

Mark “YM-General” Go - How did mark include here? He’s still connected with AMN, Eh he’s unforgettable bakit ba? At first I was scared of Mark. Snobbish Mark. He cant even look at me. Dunno why. Bakit nga ba Mark? But, days after days after days past we got so close na we would joke around with alot of things thru YM. Take note YM! We usually compare how many questions we were able to answer that day. What are the weirdest question we answered for the day. We only have our communication thru YM or Txt. Hahahahaha! I know other people would ask me how I was able to get along with Mark they seldom see me talked to Mark. To answer that questions its still thru YM. Thanks YM for being there without you I wont be able to know what mark’s personality was. Unforgettable Moments: Im his mug keeper,I got mad at him ( mark knows why ), the food galore moments, the music 21, the moving baby.

Others wag na magtampo, kakapagod mag create ng ganito noh! Like what I said nga for those people I forgot to mentioned you would still be always in my heart!

A mi amor de la tiíta y shang de la hermana:

First of all, wanted to thank Tita Pangga and Ate Shang for being nice and helpful to me. I was so grateful to have new friends such like them. Though I was not able to give the friendship bracelet that I had on my small green purse. Oh well, I thought of giving it before we left the hotel since I was nervous and not i’m not on my right state of mind I forgot to hand it over to them. In time I would be able to send it to them by any traceable means but not only the friendship bracelet I would include something big and cute. Actually, at first I wanted to give both of them a swarovski bracelet (original po). However, my collection of beads is with my mom. I cant make one and I’m too busy. Busy of what?! hmmm…. planting my future. (not planning!)

I know tita pangga is somehow expecting that I would be sweet to her. With what happen to me lately I was not able to give her that. Sorry Tita Pangga. However, Tita……….. just want to tell you how much I appreciated your kindness and sweetness.

I know that every friends kindness has its own limit on helping. All I wanted is you’d stay there no matter what happen to me. I mean never stop giving advises and loving me and hear me rant. I’m not expecting material things from you but all I wanted is your warmth love and hugs. Thats it!

The only thing I can share my happiness to you tita and ate shang was potpot. I can see you were both happy with potpot.

Love you Tita Lila and Ate Shang! Muah!

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may the pasig river…… rest in peace

I’ve been staying in Mandaluyong for 10 months now. Though, I grew up and had my 25 years of life living in the City of Stars… Quezon City.

For the past 2 months, in order for me to get to work I would have to ride a small motor boat to cross Mandaluyong to Makati via Pasig River. Its a short and cheap ride. It is a great time and money saving for me, imagine for only P2 per ride! Geese!

About the Pasig River…….. I was wondering what was Pasig River looked like before…. I mean the OLD PASIG RIVER…. Right now I may say that Pasig River is really dead!

Now… Pasig river has tons of trash, smelly and greasy water, with lots of big oh! should I say gigantic janitor fish at first I thought it was a real fish! About the Janitor fish they said that It was former President Fidel Ramos who implemented the Janitor fish project…. Wow! Its like the movie Blaire Witch Project! Hahahahahaha!

While doing nothing at work….. btw, lately I’ve been bragging myself to go work…. Im so lazy and somehow lose my drive going to work. Dunno why…. Oh well! back to doing nothing, with my curiosity at the back of my head I researched how pasig river looked like before somehow I was amazed how busy was Pasig River before. Here’s the pix:

How does Pasig River lookes right now?

Then while doing the usual research I found this!!!

Ignore the copyrighted chuva ekek….. Sa kanila na ung pix if they want! Hahahahaha!
Since this project is not in reality pa naman… ahihihihihi

Well according to their website this project will take place in 2015. To redevelop Pasig River waterways and riverbanks in order to increase tourism, alleviate traffic, cap toxic substances that pollute the once fabled and revered river in history and literary books, revitalize its waters so as to make the river fit for bathing, fish catching, and as a transport system.

By that time im already 34 years old. Most likely I would be able to see that naman pa diba? Looking forward for the New Pasig River…. aka Baywalk! Huwaw! ;P

Musca domestica ~ *

Musca domestica also known as houseflies. A disease transmitter of infectious disease. Houseflies usually hang around garbages, manure (horse, sheep and large mammal)and rotting fresh .

What are the common attributes that a person and a houseflies have:

1.) Houseflies prefers to be on someones mess.

2.) Houseflies jumps to one place to another living behind bits of mess.

3.) Disease transmitter.

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I may consider this certain person a housefly or much better a “bangaw”….. in English its a big housefly….

Thanks for the people who are still very loyal and honest to me. Even though they are no longer part of the circle.

Thanks for the people who opened my thoughts and letting me see the light.

Thanks for the person who comforted me when I feel that I wanted to put the housefly on fire and puree it on the Osterizer. (Thats how rude and bad I’am to this person.)

If you will be able to read this…. READ THIS CAREFULLY!!

If you still cant get what I meant better get your dictionary and all of your backers to help you decipher my message to you:

YOU don’t deserve on the position you have right now!!! I regret endorsing you to your fellow candidate during your evaluation. Probably, I was blind with your kindness and excellent skills in researching. I admire your quick responses when it comes on making decisions. I guess I was wrong to have you known the way you showed yourself to me.

I may had offended you before, but that just way too professional issue to judge me on my personal side. Have you asked yourself that you may also had offended me that time? YOU dont have the people skill that a LEADER must possess.

I’ve been nice to you and even defended you to people who are making fun of you…… Why do you have to aim your gun to me??

YOU did hurt my feelings, even the small friendship I shared to you. Its been 5 months that you’ve been ranting all over the place. Telling people how you hated me and not wanting me to included in your team. Because of petty reasons, that I believe those reasons wont affect your team standings or even your reputation to be the best leader.

But with this incident, I can say YES, this can affect your evaluation for this year. Its a rule of thumb in any company to let your subordinates know your comments and suggestion to anyone on your team or agents. Its so unprofessional of you to shout out loud on the floor all your complaints about me. My gosh! Shouting out loud! As if your letting everyone to hear your thoughts about me and for me not to be transferred on your team. Is that the proper way to express it??? Or should I say, before escalating this issue to the management YOU should have talked to me first before doing such drastic move. I cant remember that you talked to me personally about this issue.

Fine! I may have my own mistakes and short comings. I’m not a perfect person to deny my own flaws. I was not thought to be someone who can’t accept own mistakes.

Back Stabber!!!…. If only I could say those words on your face…. I WOULD!!!

Oh well! YOU got no idea why on earth did *HE talked to you the other day. YOU may had misinterpret it. But someday you would know the real reason behind it, and this would get into your nerves too.

* assistant ops manager

~the girl in pink blouse and lilac skirt~

While on my way to work today, I saw this lady wearing a familiar uniform in pink blouse and lilac skirt….. oh geez! It’s the Watsons Beauty Concept Sales Lady.

I once was in-charge with Watsons Uniforms, when I was still connected with Watsons HR department.

Back to my story….. while staring at her. I remembered my stay with Watsons and with my ever famous boss (Ms. K). For 5 months with Watsons it seems that I was with the company for more than a year. Though, I learned alot from them and was able to gain lots of friends specially Kruku ( Ms. Len), but with Watsons HR dept was really a limbo and a prison.

It felt like I was turned away from the usual world I used to be with. My brain cells begin to deteriorate day after day after day. I was belittled. I was on total pressure in terms of work, finances, relationship and family. Was trying to be Ms. Congeniality in order to be promoted. Cant spread my wings to the fullest when someone wants to crash my credibility. Multitasking responsibility but lack of manpower?! Hows That?? And the agony of being happy with the situation I’m with.

I was like a cigarette.. when you start to ignite and puff…. it slowly burns me down. I was burned down to the extreme limit. Dunno if its just because Im the type of person who wants life in a fast paced or wanted to be with a decision maker who can make decision instantly. Its a headache on my butt!

Do I still feel bitter about my stay with them? O yes! somehow, I still feel bitter. Because I left a friend who is with the company for the last 10 years of her life and still her works and efforts has not yet been recognized. Though, I felt relieve to know that Kruku left Watsons last year to pursue her career in the US. I wonder what happen to others who are dear to my heart and shared the same sentiments. I wish all of them Good Luck!

Though, I’m with the company who has flaws in itself however, I was freed from stressed because of this company. Anyway, Is there a perfect company to suite all our needs?

~ not a bachelor’s degree ~

Do I still need to be concerned about this issue? After all worked experiences I had.

This issue is getting to my attention, everytime I am applying for a new job. Am I just getting desperate in getting a new job? I wanted a higher position but I felt I’m not qualified. (Yah! Probably Im not qualified!!) Though, there are times I do submit my resume to companies were I think I can perform the job very well even though their first requirement must be a bachelor’s degree holder. I still push myself for it. (Kapal ng fez ko!)

For some I got my luck, but most of the time I dont. In total, there was 2 companies turned down my application and 1 company prevented me to have my promotion and 1 pending application. *sigh* Though, I wanted to finish my course into a bachelors degree. But in this time and my situation right now I prefer to focus myself to my family needs first (probably this is mom’s instinct).

Time and Money is the huge issue here. If only I could leave Kyan to support himself I would do that. But geez! Who’s mom would ever do that to there baby.

The reason why I go for company w/ much higher pay:

- I would like to hone my knowledge and experience more.

- Be able to pay all debts FAST!!!!

- Be able to give Kyan all he’s needs.

- Be able to help BI regarding financial needs.

- Have my freedom back.

maltese for adoption

While watching some streaming videos on metacafe. I found out this interesting video about “everything is free” the video teaches how you can have a list of things which you can get them for free. Oh! Well, I’m not expecting anything since I know here in the Philippines it has limited people who would be willing to advertise on the net regarding free stuff. Nothing to lose if I try. And then I came across this ad about maltese for adoption. I sent out an email asking if that ad is for real. She politely replied to me that due to her work and the climatic condition in africa she is giving away gizmo for free and I will only have to pay $120 shipping cost. I think she is a doctor because she said that she is now attending a seminar in Africa about Malaria infection in pregnant woman and they have to find ways how to eradicate that condition in Africa. As much as I wanted to have gizmo and pay the shipping cost, if you check maltese price its around P14,000 each. $120 is not that bad. However, $120 is still $120. Gosh! How on earth I can get that.

*sigh* I sent out an email informing her that I cant afford to pay the shipping charges. I know that she is still expecting an email from me. *sigh* On the other hand, Im afraid that this is a scam from Africa…..