Bye Joe

Hi there!

I'm still alive you know...just living the real life! It's been ages since I last lingered in this site and a lot of changes have happened most especially at work.

In attendance, Author Solutions - Cebu management team

In March, we bid goodbye to a wonderful boss, our General Manager, Joe. I can't help but really feel sad about him leaving Cebu and going back to his home in Nebraska, USA. He's such a darling for a boss. I couldn't even remember him getting mad or really freaking out over things. He just turns red whenever he's upset. I never really had major issues with him for almost four years of being under his turn except when he appointed me and Ms. O to represent the company in small claims cases filed against our former employees. It was such a scary and stressful task however, I learned a lot and it helped build up my confidence in many ways.

goofing around with the CEO (in white), no less...coolness!

So, we cooked up a surprise farewell party for him at the Loft. Preparations were made for more than a month. The party was attended by mostly the management team. Our CEO was also around as well as the new GM. There were video presentations with messages from random employees expressing wishes and goodbyes to the good GM. There was also a "guessing game" about the things that Joe loves. Of course, there were non-stop food, booze and photo-op.

the Admin team with the "man of the hour"

 To those who really got the chance to know Joe, it was really heartbreaking to see him leave. Although he just took on another role in our principal company in the US, our Cebu office will never be the same without the "Man in high-waist pants" and his presence will be sorely missed.

Bye Joe

Photo Source: Official Company Photographers Earl and Gerry

Thank You 2011

It's the time of the year once again when we bid goodbye to one good year and say hello to another year.

2011 was a mixed of happiness, pain, drama, stress, struggles, success, celebrations, hellos and goodbyes. I mentioned in my 2010 post that 2011 will be all about RUNNING. And yes, it was a wonderful running journey and despite the negative stuff, I still survived the year and have a lot of things to be grateful about.

Survived being PAS President and left a good mark to the association (I guess...)

Traveled to the beautiful Palawan and Bohol with my loved ones

Having healthy and beautiful children

Having a loving and supportive husband

Healed past wounds and nurtured friendships

Though the year sucks in many ways, I am still hopeful that everything will be great with God's constant guidance. I am still a work in progress and there's still so much room for improvement. 

...and now here's my wish for myself and everyone I love from the words of no less than, Neil Gaiman

"May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

…I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you’ll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you’ll make something that didn’t exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind." -- New Year's Benediction by Neil GaimanCHEERS TO 2012!!!

Wanderlust: Around the World in One Night

Our company party keeps on leveling up every year and I am more proud being part of the organizing committee. In the previous years, I was tasked to head this committee and I'm just glad that the company finally assigned somebody to handle corporate events. This year, I am tasked to take care of food and the ambiance which is a no-brainer. I promised myself that I don't want to get stressed out in this particular party considering the role I portray. I didn't even take much effort on what I should wear.

Anyway, the party theme is "Wanderlust: Around the World in One Night" and everyone really dressed up for the party wearing national costumes and what have you's. True to the theme, the committee dressed up as flight crews. We distributed boarding passes to our employees as their ticket to this party and our registration was turned into airport check-in counters --- really cool!

Here's sharing some photos swiped from Facebook:

The flight crew ready for take-off

Captain and co-captain

Annual photo-op with our handsome GM

We know how to party too!

Day 8: What's in My Handbag/Purse

I guess true to what my previous post is about on what my worst habit is...I've proven that indeed I'm one great procrastinator and I've been putting this 30-day blog challenge to the back seat. I was busy as hell with Christmas parties to organize left and right plus my trip to Palawan with the hubby (which, by the way deserves a separate post). But I'm back and determined to finish off the list in this challenge!

So, what's in my handbag/purse? I'm showing the latest contents of my bag...I am actually a big-bag person and it's like I'm bringing the entire house inside my bag. Well, that's an exaggeration, of course but party true. 

1. My Current Bag - an ukay find

2. My Kikay Kit - contains make-up and what-nots

3. Cheap Wallet - needs replacement by the way

4. Coin Purse 

5. Cheap Sunnies from IT Park bazaar

6. Current Book I'm Reading - Mockingjay

7. VS Cologne

8. Company ID - else the guard won't let me in the building

9. New Starbucks Organizer

Not in the photo are the following:

10. Bunch of Keys

11. Sanitary Napkin (in case the monthly visitor arrives unexpectedly)

12. Hanky

13. Wet Wipes

14. Some Papers

15. Fan

Company Recognition

Last night, the company prepared this little recognition dinner while our CEO is in town. Only those who have been with the company for five years and above were invited and of course the management team.We were given this TIMEX watch with our names and date hired engraved at the back plus three thousand pesos worth of gift certificates. 

It's amazing how the management has finally decided to recognize employees who stick it out with the company all these years. It has always been the top performer or those who bring in moolah to the company a.k.a. the Sales people they always pamper with lotsa perks.The backroom support, just like my department never gets to receive incentives. So, it's such a pleasant surprise that they started this kind of recognition to tenured employees.

Looking back all those years, I can't imagine how we've survived. I mean, it has always been very difficult to the point of quitting. We've been through so much --- the change in management, the office transfers (3 offices at that), our boss leaving us with me holding on the fort in our department, facility dilemma, all the drama, all the mess, all the nasty people you've worked with, the office politics, all those SH*T. I guess we're made of strong stuff. I know I have always been complaining on the side but at the end of the day, we cannot deny the fact that this job, this company brings in the food to our table, pays for my kids education, pays for the house amortization and takes care of our other needs.

In 4 months, I will be celebrating my 7 years in the company. I'm not certain though if I'm still around when that time comes. I guess I've reach that point when you said to yourself that it's time to look around and move on...not necessarily to a greener pasture but to something different, new environment, new people to work with, new challenges. When I get there, I know it will be a tough decision to make. 

But for now, allow me to bask in this feeling of being appreciated and wanted. 

Thank you XLIBRIS-ASI Management!

Bidding 2010 Goodbye

In less than 48 hours, we will bid goodbye to an incredible year. Two thousand ten brought in wonderful and amazing people and experiences in my life. Though my family continue to struggle in some aspects (i.e. financial aspects),  we received abundant blessings in some other forms. Allow me to list them down here in my year-end gratitude post.

·         We welcome the addition of a new family member – the adorable, Sir Leon.

·         My sister and I ventured into a new business opportunity which happens to be our favorite hubby as well --- the birth of our “UKAY CEBU” online shop in facebook.

·         I got promoted to Admin Manager (something that was unexpected) and my team also received a well-deserved raise.

·         I was surrounded by true friends who bare with me their soul, share with me their laughter and give without expecting something in return.

·         For having smart, healthy and loving daughters who melts my heart. Every.Single.Day.

·         Having an amazing husband who is selfless and provides for all our needs --- for being the coolest human being I’ve ever met.

·         For PAS and the endless learning opportunities, for giving me the chance to become a leader and for allowing me to meet wonderful people.

·         For hotel freebies, gadgets, appliances and house renovations

·         For parents visiting often.

·         Embracing a new exercise – RUNNING.

See? With all of these, I find it really difficult to let go of 2010.

But with 2011 comes a promise that everything will be a lot better, a lot brighter and a lot happier. I look forward to a lot of things in 2011 --- running my first marathon, running an association, running a family, running a department and running away from my fears, from misery, from debts (haha just kidding). I think 2011 will be all about running eh!

Seriously, I will try as much to be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, employee, PASer and person in 2011.

Happy New Year from my family to yours!!!

Oh Hello There!

Dear Reader of Two (or Three maybe),

All apologies for the extensive blog hiatus. Life happens and I was caught in between realities and responsibilities.  Although, I blame facebook and tumblr for taking over my blogging time. So many stories to tell, so many dramas to share and so many dreams to chase BUT allow me to compose them one by one… will be blogging soon! ... and hopefully this blog gets some pampering and a make-over. (crossing fingers)

Stay tuned will yah!?

xoxo,

momgoddess

G1bo is the man

While the rest of the Filipino nation is queuing up at the precint polls today, I'm stuck in the office to work. As always, the company (being an American firm) doesn't observe Philippine holidays but then again, the reason why I'm in the office is because I cannot cast my vote. I miss one election then on the succeeding election, my name is no longer in the precint where I was suppose to vote. And I didn't get to register again when we moved to Lapulapu City. Shame on me!

Nevertheless, this didn't stop me from supporting one presidential candidate whom I think deserves every Filipinos vote. Weeks before the election, I have been campaigning for Gilbert Teodoro Jr. through Facebook. Why him? I say, why not him? A lot of reasons actually...

I have been following some of the debates sponsored by some television networks and I have seen how Mr. Teodoro answers the questions compared to other candidates. He is the total package of what the president of this country should be --- intelligent, clean and God-fearing, notwithstanding his track record in the government. I think, it has been forwarded and reforwarded in FB, blogs, emails, twitter the reasons why G1bo is the man for the highest position in this country.

Let me quote Daphne Oseña as she said in her blog "I'm not choosing the lesser evil. I am choosing the best person for the job at this point."

I hope and pray everyone makes the right choice today --- a choice that is not be based on personality and mudsliding.

hello Mr. President

IT Park Here We Come...

This will be the third time that our company will be moving to another facility. The third time to move people and stuff around. The third time for some major adjustments. We're not so very lucky with the choices of our office locations. First was in Mango Square... it was a very controversial place that landed in the pages of local dailies. Second was in Lagon Technopark... the building we're in is lovely with zen inspired architecture but as they say, you cannot judge the book by it's cover. The place is hopeless and we're faced with facility problems left and right not to mention the flooding inside the office. But that's not the only reason why we're moving. The place also can no longer accommodate our increasing population.

So, we're off to Asiatown IT Park where most BPO's are located. We'll be occupying the 6th floor of TGU Towers - one of the newly-constructed high rise buildings in Asiatown. I'm really hoping that this will be our last stop. Moving around is stressful especially for the support group --- not much though for some departments who are less likely to experience what it's like to move stuff.

I don't really like the thought of moving. IT Park is way too far from where I live and transportation cost will be eating much of my salary. And the food there is expensive.

Truth is, I'm really gonna miss Lagon Technopark --- we've had some fond memories of the place you know. And these pictures will show...

Yeah, IT Park here come...

IRIE - A Party in Paradise

The company party last Saturday was a huge success. That coming from our GM himself. Despite some minor glitches with the transportation, we were still able to gather quite a great deal of people in attendance. Our venue was superb - totally matched our theme which is carribean. The camwhoring was endless as we have in-house amateur and professional photogs. I didn't even take that much picture using my camera.

Below pictures are courtesy of our colleague, Gerry Bates. I can't help but post them here...his pictures are amazing!

I salute the committee for doing another good job. But wait, I am part of the committee! Well, it's always been wonderful working with the same people who actually has the same creative juices like you do. Hats off...till next year, guys!

Let’s get these parties started…

Unconsciously, I started singing to the tune of “deck the halls of boughs of holly fa la la la la la la la la la” off-key as I decorate my little tree at home. Undeniably, the busiest season of the year is here once again to invade our wallets and bank accounts. I started to do some little shopping and gasp in disbelief how my little shopping turned to a big spree. So, I promised myself to limit my gift-giving this year to just family and closest friends. Swear!

However, I won’t limit myself to party, party and more party. I have two parties to attend to over the weekend. One is the annual gathering of XGothongians – the Magdalo Group. This will be held at Mactan Isla Resort courtesy of Herbelle. After work, I have to rush to A. S. Fortuna where Anabelle will pick me up on the way to the resort.

Come Saturday is also the Christmas Party, Awards Night and Induction of New Officers of the Philippine Association of Secretaries and Admin Professionals. The party’s theme is Western so I will be donning my cowboy attire which I have been overly stressing about the past days. I will also take my oath as Vice President – Elect for 2010. Definitely, 2010 will be a busy year for me.

Next Saturday is the company Christmas Party at Maribago Bluewaters. I am grateful that I’m simply part of the core committee and no longer spearheading the event this year. I took care of the venue which I’m glad was already settled as early as October. I learned my lesson well last year when almost all good venues were already booked as early as September. We’re having a Carribean theme this year and I haven’t had the slightest idea what to wear. Well, I have my Sunday to search through heaps of clothes at Ukay-ukay stores. Sssshhh

There are two more parties that I will be attending in the coming weeks prior to Christmas Day and I am sure that the holiday binge will be up to a maximum level. And I can see myself ballooning before we hit the new year. Teehee!

Pictures to these parties will follow…

Has it been 5 years?

…Coz it seems like yesterday when I left my post as HR practitioner in a logistics company to join this publishing company as executive assistant. This job has evolved from merely sitting at the reception area taking calls and be boss around by most people to more rewarding tasks like working on visas, travel arrangements, events management, corporate stuff and fixing toilets and aircon. Well, the last one wouldn’t count as rewarding don’t you think? Kidding aside, it wasn’t an easy ride coz being part of the so-called “pioneers”, you get all the sh*t and shock. Not to mention all the transition from one facility and management to another. I had my share of heartbreaking, nerve-wracking moments too having to deal with grumpy expat bosses.

But beyond being paid really well (the highest in the industry), working with amazing people is a perk I wouldn’t trade for anything else. The unconventional flexi work schedule is also an advantage coz I get to bond with my daughters and the hubby more often and much longer. I don’t want to sugarcoat it or anything but as in any company, this company also has its share of issues and difficult people to deal with. You have to be strong to stomach office politics and you have to be aware of your responsibilities to stand up to power-tripping expats who creates a big deal out of petty office cleanliness issues.

In a nutshell, the past five years still has been wonderful in many ways for I would never last this long if not for the people, the learning experience and the work coupled with fun.

Now, let's take a look back at the 5 years that was...

* My One Year Post

* Christmas Party 2008

* Christmas Party 2007

* Halloween 2009

* Halloween 2008

* Halloween 2006

* Drama

* More Drama

* Pet peeves

* More pet peeves

* Goodbyes

* More goodbyes

* FUN

* Lotsa FUN

There's more to come, I tell you. Here's to my 5 years with XL!!!

Another Halloween...

I always look forward to halloween to the extent of feeling overly stressed on what costume to wear. I would always want to look different not necessary creepy or disgusting. This year, I decided to be a mutilated head - blame it on IT Infra's styro lying around the office. It's actually one of my dream halloween costumes. My pictures really scared the hell out me... I didn't want to look at it.

I guess, being Lady Gaga is way better than being an "ulong pugot".

Nah, not really... just a fat version of Ms. Poker Face.

More photo overload below:

Till next halloween...

what lies ahead...

I joined this organization for secretaries and administrative professionals less than six months after I joined XL. My then boss encouraged me to join for career growth and networking. I wasn’t officially accepted yet coz as a newbie, one has to attend 3 consecutive meetings and undergo a panel interview with the members of the board. Well, it took me a year to be accepted as I haven’t really completed the required 3-consecutive-meeting requirement save for my perennial absences. In August of 2006, I took my oath to be able to cast my vote to the incoming officers. I was officially inducted as member December of the same year.

It has been almost four years of being a member of PAS. PAS gave me numerous opportunities to learn and to grow. I was trusted with some roles and positions that I thought I can’t do from the very start and yet, was able to pull it through in the end. I started as a member then a committee chairperson and eventually a member of the prestigious Board of Trustees.

In the coming year, I am thrust to one of PAS’ vital posts as Vice President Elect. With the position comes a very challenging role of spearheading the 11th Regional Conference and ultimately leading the association as President in 2011. Such an enormous responsibility if I may say. If one asks if I am ready… I don’t think I am and I am scared as hell to be honest about it! I’ve seen the best and the worst of this association and its membership. There even came a point when I got sick and tired of the system and wanted to quit. But better things like friendships and the learning experience outweigh the negative side. And knowing that I can do something that will make this association a better one is another reason why I am up for the challenge. I know I am threading on uncertain path --- we don’t know what lies ahead in the next two years. This year, we had the recession with companies folding and people losing their dear jobs. It might get worst in the coming years. For a professional organization like PAS, we are affected by the status quo. Thus, I need as much wisdom and inspiration from PAS members and past presidents before I take the hot seat. May God be with me and the association.

“Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” -Eleanor Roosevelt -

APY 2009

"The documentary film, The Secret reveals the most powerful law in the universe – that every human being has the ability to transform any weakness or suffering into strength, power, perfect peace, health and abundance. If you think positively, you will attract positive vibes. When I think that I’ll be the Administrative Professional of the Year, I became one.”

Above statement was supposed to be the intro of my acceptance speech but didn’t get the chance to say because I left the copy in my purse and it would look awkward running to my chair from the stage to get it. Nevertheless, I made it. I was declared as this year’s Administrative Professional of the Year (APY). Maybe I already knew it from the start that I’ll bag the award. The thought process was so powerful. It wasn’t an easy ride though – the written exam and the nerve-wrecking panel interviews. My mentors JPL and Ms.O were rooting for me and they never fail to give me the push. Now, I am among the roster of secretaries and administrative professionals who were recipients of this prestigious award. Yehey!!!

And boy oh boy did I receive fabulous prizes! I received a roundtrip ticket Cebu – Incheon – Cebu from Cebu Pacific Air (it’s time to get my passport...yeah,yeah me no passport yet **shy grin**), a gold ring with 4 pound pearl from M.Lhuiller, a TIMEX watch, cash prize and a lot more. I feel like winning a pageant or the Oscars’ last Saturday night and I couldn’t contain my happiness.

So, thank you PASAP for this recognition. It’s something that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

More thank you's:

Dexter Alazas for my gown, Sylvette for the killer red shoes, Jon for editing my speech, Dona for the other dress I wore and Mary Ann for ironing my hair

No Goodbyes

I still find it surreal not having her bubbly self around us anymore. It actually hasn’t sink in yet because we could just call her anytime. But I guess I have to be ready for the inevitable. We’re on our own now. I feel so vulnerable without her. She’s been like our shield from whatever corporate battle we’re in, someone who picks up our fight for us. I think our relationship with her goes beyond the boss-staff relationship. For the past four years, she’s treated us like her own daughters and sons.

I truly understand her decision of leaving us but things will never be the same without her. We will truly miss her – her leadership, her legacy, her influence in our lives but definitely not her friendship for I know it will continue to exist no matter what.

Miss O., I know this isn’t goodbye. There will never be goodbyes. We will continue to burn the lines and share a cup of coffee discussing about boi, visas, aircon, cubicles and admin stuff. I hope you're always there to listen and lend a helping hand to your abandoned children like you always do.

For you, we’ll be strong and we will carry on from here.

Holiday Mode

Not really.

While everyone is planning their trips out of town during the holidays, I’m left with no plans at all but taking my much needed zzzzz. (I don't know with the hub...he's been making "parinig" that he's going to Bantayan. Whatever). I’ve been sleep-deprived these days waking up in the middle of the night and as early as 4am almost everyday attending to a wailing baby zaab. I only slept for less than 5 hours when she got caught by the bug (colds) the past days. It’s such a pity hearing the baby cry. You can’t understand how she’s feeling. If only I could read her mind…

I’m not sure if the company’s declaring Good Friday a holiday. One thing’s for sure; we’ll have work on Holy Thursday as always. I’ll be sleeping my way through Friday and Saturday waking up only to eat “binignit”. And my sisters are coming over so I guess it will be fun.

Oh my sleeping child

Yes, I'm Back

I’m back to being a working mom again. People ask me why so early since I’m supposed to be on maternity leave for 78 days. The maternity leave is supposed to be a time to recover from the birthing pains and also to bond with the newborn. Well, I’ve already recovered well enough I’ve considered myself a toughie despite the major operation. My C-section cut has healed so fast. I also have my lifetime to bond with Zaab (and of course with Alex). I know it’s a lame excuse but it’s actually more on financial reason. Truth is I have to start earning again since our expenses and the kids’ upkeep are ever-increasing everyday. It’s only the hub who is bringing in the bacon for the past month and he’s starting to complain. Another reason for returning to work this early is that I’m starting to feel bummed just staying at home. I need to get back on the groove before I lost my sanity.

Guess, I’m back…with a few pounds off and a brand new look.

Why don’t you give me a hug?