The Year That Was (2008)

January - Vincent was home for the holidays. I was still desperately lonely without him. It was tough coz he went back to SG, Joy left for Canada, and my grandma went home to her house and left us to take care of my dying lolo. It was a tough month.

February - Forgettable

March - My lolo passed away, first death in the family. We were totally broken. The patriarch has left us.

April - Summer classes with Julian and David.  Tiyaga tiyaga tiyaga! :)I also emailed an application to PAL just to try my luck.

May - PAL Hiring procedures really tested my guts. Thank God I passed all the friggin tests. On May 28 I started training at PLC. Goodbye for now Ms. Fran! Oh, a day before training, I got hit by a bus, well I’m still alive! Astig!

June-July - Training at PLC. I was back with the books and it wasn’t that easy because I hate studying. It was two whole months of wearing hairnets, stockings and business suits. My labsy went home, he inspired me to do my best.
August - I got a letter, my report to work order saying “Welcome Aboard, Philippine Airlines!” Yahoo!!!

September/October/Novermber - All I can remember is Philippine Airlines Mabuhay this is Amanda how may I help you? Hehe

December - The most stressful coz it’s the most eventful. But thank God for life and work, family and friends! May 2009 be kinder to us all!!!

HR Adventures

The hiring process of Philippine Airlines is the most tedious I’ve ever experienced. I’m writing about it for the benefit of all those who want to join PAL. It’s truly an experience one will never forget! You’ll truly kiss your contract when signing it.

1) Documentary Screening - I passed my CV online together with my TOR. It took like 2 weeks before they called me! I thought they weren’t interested but I’m glad enough they did. In your CV, you have to indicate personal details such as height, weight, vision, marital status. PAL is very particular with BMI! I was notified that I passed the documentary screening and they invited me for an initital interview.

2) Impact Interview - I would never have guessed. All applicants, we were around 20-30, entered a room. It was like a classroom. The head of HR explained to us the nature of the job, the perks part was irresistable. The benefits are great- free medical, travel passes, allowances… then she said, “I’ll give you 2 minutes to prepare for a 2 minute speech about yourself. You will go in front one by one and you have to express yourself, say something about yourself for 2 whole minutes.” The object is that you have to make an impact that’s why it’s called such. So when my turn came, I did not discuss teh things found on my CV, I just told everyone how I wanted to become an FA. But I said since I can’t be an FA, I’ll just settle for a ground position since the pretty ones are there! But of course I applied for RSA so that’s where they placed me. I think the secret to passing your impact interview is to be your natural and articulate self. No need to discuss your stellar academic achievements, personality counts more.

3) The Horrific IPAT Test IV - There were timed tests and psychological tests. The IQ tests were more on series, grammar and arithmetic. Timed lahat. The fourth part of IPAT was horrendous. It was like imagine the dot is inside the square blahblahblah! Kakaloka!

4) The Panel Interview - I had to wait two weeks pa for the results. Imagine, two weeks! Two weeks kang kakabakaba! I called three times last May 17 and they told me to call back three times! When I was finally able to talk to Ms. Kai, I was so relieved to learn that I passed the friggin’ tests! After that horrendous IPAT Part IV! They scheduled me for panel interview after a few days. Now to the panel interview. There I met my newfound friends - Gracie, Kat, Janice, Donna, Arlyne, and Jen. We went to PNB again at 8AM. Ms. Arianne, the HR for RSAs greeted us with “Congratulations!” then she told us how the panel interview will go. Bait noh? Then she handed over a long brown envelope containing our documents. She told us that we are scheduled for interview at 9AM at Nichols pa! Wah! Para talagang Amazing Race! So we took a cab to Nichols then there we were interviewed by two managers and a staff. The panel interview wasn’t as nerve-wracking as the impact interview, especially after I had rehearsed my answers in front of a mirror! It just revolved around work conditions and questions regarding my previous work. That afternoon Ms. Mavel called me up and told me that I had passed my panel interview and I’ll have my medical on Friday.

5) Medicals - Medicals are free!!! PAL shouldered everything (DUH, They have their own - PAL MEDICAL across Gate 1). You’ll just get weirded out coz when they take your urine sample the nurse is there watching you pee! Para walang daya yung mga  addict! Hehe!  Of course the doctor will feel you up, no excuses! The doctor told me I look like Glenda Garcia and Gracie looked like Vicki Belo! Hehe! Ang pinaka-nakakakabang test is the audio test at MMC. Luckily I had both ears working. Oh, they had my teeth cleaned and fillings done so my gums bled and I endured drilling just to be cleared for dental.

6) Processing - I only found out that I’m in for contract signing yesterday! They’ve been calling since Monday but our line was busted so I rushed my docus yesterday! Imagine getting your PNP at Crame, your NBI at Makati and your Barangay Clearance at Pque! In one day! PNP before 4, Bgy before 5 and NBI before 6PM! OA dude! Para akong aatakihin na sa puso! Umaakyat ako ng MRT talagang napapatigil ako sa sakit. So today we had processing… PNB 8AM business attire parin -_- They told us to go to Gate 1 for ID pic taking so I have my ID na then contract signing at 1PM. The training contract was 7 copies, 4 pages each and you have to sign every single page with your complete address repeatedly. So it took an entire hour!

Applying at PAL is really an experience from top to bottom! If you want it, come and get it, parang ganun! Talagang it would test your wits, your patience and your endurance! Kaya ko na ata umakyat ng Everest eh! But I know it’s all worth it. After all, we should live for our dreams.

Protected: Why Dont You Love Me (The Way Love You)

Singapore rocks!

My sister Katy and I went to Singapore last week. The trip was a bday and grad gift for the two of us. It was our first time to travel on our own. It turned out fine since the SG airport was tourist-friendly. We arrived at half past 9. When I got thru immigrations I saw my Huckie right away. My bag was at the baggage carousel waiting for me. Sa Pilipinas you can see the men loading the bags into the carousel, they even say hi. Hehe. Lata pa yung carousel.

We stayed at Fragrance Hotel. It’s true what the reviews say: It was astoundingly small! The rooms are so small you can barely walk around. But it’s okay, just need a place to sleep. Vincent and I went to this bar near Selegie din, he needs to drink! I was too sleepy to bother. It’s nice to be back together.

On our first day, we went to Sentosa. We met my cousin Big at Vivo City. Sentosa is just like Ocean Park, magkaiba lang ng pangalan! There in the aquarium they conspired to have me feed the rays with my bare hands! I was so scared that they might swallow my hand but they just suck the food in. Bungal ata yung mga page eh. Then we went to the butterfy and insect garden where they volunteered me again to do a show with the parrots. The parrot took the dollar bill from my hand then returned it. Galing nung mga parrots. There’s one that rolls over and pretends to be dead. Nothing I’ve seen before. I loved the skyride, it’s like a cable car only it’s open! Hehe! So cool. It’s like the ones they use sa ski resorts.

Nung gabi na, Huckie and I went out on a "date" again. I had two Singapore Slings  at the Sanctuary Bar along Orchard. Walking along Orchard past midnight is just awesome.. except for the fact that my dress was too short (it kept hiking up) and my sandals we’re too glam for comfort. Huckie took pix of me during those sabaw episodes.

The next day we shopped at Singapore’s Chinatown. Divisoria minus the stench. All souvenirs lang naman. We also entered a hindu temple. The people we’re freaky, sorry to say. It was a hindi nightmare. Scary. We had lunch at a Chinese resto before heading to Suntec.

Suntec is a mall with four towers. Inside it’s just like… Metropolis hehe! Mas maganda parin ang malls sa Pilipinas. We stopped for Starbs of course but it was pain in the pocket - a grande frappe costs $7.35! Pisada! Then we went to the vendo that dispenses mini toys in eggs? I got the ugliest toy (buti nga!) hehe. We went down to the Fountain of Wealth. You had to go round it 3 times and your wish will be granted (hopefully).

I asked Huck if we could go see the Merlion at Merlion Park and he agreed. We went to the Merlion Park which also has a splendid view of the Esplanade and Fullerton Hotel. I wanna stay at Fullerton on my next visit. The area is so serene. 

That night we were scheduled to go to the famed night safari. I loved the Creatures of the Night show! Ang galing! Katy joked the animals daw were putting makeup on at nagrerehearse ng lines nila backstage. Hehe. We rode the Japanese tram coz we wanted to see the other animals like the big cats dahil ang haba nung pila sa English-speaking tram. On our last tram ride, Huckie and Katy fell asleep na.

On our last day we had a few more places to visit. We went shopping sa Little India, nice folks there and the merchandise were magnificent. I love Indian jewelry to bits. For the first time we ate at a hawker stall. I tried the Soya drink, delicious. We visited the Red Dot Museum and the Mint Toy Museum. Our ride to the airport was really long and tiring coz we took the MRT. We had very little time to say our goodbyes since  we were running late, boarding na. After I passed immigrations, I saw Huckie looking at us sa window, just like me when he left for Singapore… It was sad to leave him but we’ll see each other again soon.

I love Singapore, just everything about it. The country is very beautiful and the people are very friendly. I will come back soon… diba labs?

Day One pa lang… 700 more days to go?

Day one pa lang ang hirap na. Gusto ko siya tawagan pero hindi pa siya ma-contact. I remember what he told me.. sabi niya puwede bang i-fast forward na lang to two years? I know it’s much harder for him.. If only I could keep him with me always. For 3 1/2 years magkasama kami halos araw-araw, kung pwede lang araw-araw. I will really feel the loneliness pag-uuwi nako galing from work.. wala nako kasabay umuwi, wala nako kasabay kumain, wala nakong pagtitimpla ng kape, wala nakong sasamahang mag-yosi. Ang sakit na ng puso ko… I know it’s harder for him, he feels more anxiety, more loneliness, helplessness.. lahat na. Ang bait-bait ng labs ko sakin… Miss na miss ko na siya….

Everything’sfalling to place

Yesterday my boyfriend showed me an mms sent by his mom. It’s a picture of us edited using a cellphone. There’s a thought cloud that says "I luv Frances" then the caption on the bottom says Vin and Fran. Really cute His mom has always been pleasant to me and I totally respect her for that. It’s nice to see that she approves of us, it’s something that I’ve always prayed for.  Meanwhile Vincent will start working soon at another company and I only wish the best for him. I hope his career will take off even if it means less QT, at least he would feel fulfilled, career-wise. I on the otherhand, well, not so good since I woke up with yet a monster headache (Thank God for Tylenol). But I’m cool, I always am. I just try not to dwell too much on things that are not worth my patience. 

Healing and Deliverance

My family and I brought Vincent to an exorcist because of some unexplainable circumstances. It was a night of faith and healing. We have to forgive ourselves first before you can forgive others. When God’s hands have touched and healed us, we should be living testimonies of his mercy and unconditional love.

barkada xmas party

it was of course better than last year although bitin parin as always. it’s weird that we didn’t drink at all! well i had one bottle of beer before we left coz aj and i noticed that there were no bottles on the table and that can’t be! as usual i sang my fave, ocean deep! i was about to put the teriyaki in my mouth when it came on. i didn’t care if my voice sucked, i just sang loud and proud. it was a terrific night… too bad ley can’t make to IO. Hay, miss my friends..

living for yourself

nakakatulala kapag yung mga bagay na hindi mo inaasahan ay nangyayari. you have to accept that you don’t have fate in your hands. it’s always best not to expect anything, not to say anything. just observe those around you and listen to them speak, read their minds, their motives.. but it’s all too tiring for anyone. in truth, in life, we are all alone. we are all depending on others to live our lives for us. maybe it’s time to start living for ourselves and not center our lives on just a few people. there’s a whole world ahead. don’t get stuck in a rut. moving on is hard to do, trying to stand on your own is hard to do. but someone’s got to do it. i don’t want to please anyone, i’m not a slave to anyone. i am just me in my own world. it’s all mine, live with it or stay out of it.

Soundtrack ng Love Life

Vincent always sings to me. A couple of weeks ago, he won’t stop singing One in a Million You. His friend told me he even sang that at the karaoke bar. Now he can’t stop singing Especially for You - yeah, the Kylie Minogue version! Back when we weren’t us yet, everytime he’d call me, Ocean Deep will be playin’ at MYX. That’s why associated that song with him. We stopped talking for awhile and whenever I’d hear that song, it made me cry. When we became a couple, he said his song for me was "Bakit Ba Ganyan?"

Our lives have some sort of soundtrack, songs that meant something at a particular period in our life. Lalo na pag brokenhearted diba? Iba yung tama! Lakas! But I’d rather not sing those songs! Last night was Precious’ bday. There was a live band at Toscaño’s. We were laughing our guts out coz we wanted them to sing Preshy’s fave song - Hindi Kita Malilimutan! Hehe, pang-patay! Baka naman mag-alisan yung mga tao dun! Then we moved to Malate. I knew someone’s gonna ask for My Girl and E7 did sing the song. It was a great night. I was surprised to find out that Vincent came with Raymond to fetch us and they surprised us (Shay and I) with roses. Ang sweet naman.. bestfriends dating bestfriends! Anyway back to soundtracks…

Early Childhood - I sang Johnny Matthis songs back then.. no kidding!

Grade School - Hehe, Color Me Badd’s All for Love and Raggamuffin Girl

High School - When You Say Nothing At All - Hahahahaha and all Sandwich songs esp. Butterfly Carnival

College - Nako, Kesong Keso ako nun.. My ringtone was Garden Fresh! Someone by I forgot the artist and of course! Ocean Deep! Woohoo! That song was in my player for months!

Now - Hmmm… let me pause and think about that… My Girl? Hehehehe ;D

TBC….