classics: Somewhere in Time/Midnight in Paris

 Love indeed is timeless..

It is the first time that I'll write about 2 flicks that I feel are classics already at the same time. I'll definitely make this timely short as possible. =)

Anyhow, let's go for the old one first. Somewhere in Time was released on 1980, I saw this when I'm around 9 years old or such, but definitely in betamax format. I still remember I cried in that movie which I don't know why. I watched it again now but I didn't cry, but I got that same bittersweet feeling watching this flick.

Story goes, a successful playwright receive a watch from an old lady then saying come back to her. Years passed well, he took a break from writing plays, took a vacation in an old but grand hotel, which he discovered a beautiful picture in it's hotel museum. He discovered that the lady in the picture was that old lady he met years ago. A well known theater actress in 1912.. As he was very fascinated and fell in love with her, he discovered somehow how to travel time through his college philosphy professor, then attempted to do it.

It worked, by the way his name is Richard and the lady is Elise.. They met despite with strict watching eyes by Elise's manager, Mr. Robinson, they were able to overcome struggles then fell in love. But such love story doesn't come with happy ending.. Richard forgot he has a coin in the present which somewhat transported back to his real time. He became depressed, broken hearted and obssesed with Elise, wanting to get back right away. 

Due to depression, he didn't do anything, he starved himself, died.. But as that one sequence in the end, Elise and Richard met again which no one will separate. Then that famous music plays along.

Despite some major questions around the story, such how the old Elise got the watch if at that time she met Richard, she never saw that watch before. Richard's character, well is he really present at 1912, or he just come out at 1972. Confusing. I don't know...

Lastly, I hope there were a lot of screen time for Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve together. Well, you can't blame those 2 stars experiencing actor's strike and reduced budget at that time, but I hope, at least they have a lot of screen time together at least an hour.. I took 45 minutes when they first met, then another 15 minutes to have a scene they went out walking together. Then yeah it's around 30 minutes you see them together. 

That made me crave for more.

Great things I love this movie... First thing, costume design and setting as well made perfect for the story, I mean I thought it's a big budget at that time, but I read it was done in a tight and slashed budget, you gotta give credit to that team, looking the film elegant and fit for the 1912 period. 

Another thing, despite with the confusing story, got to give credit to the production team, from direction, screenplay, editing to make film focus in the relationship than the story itself. I just hope they have a longer running time.

2 great parts that I love this film that made it a classic.. Christopher Reeve really gave his all in this film, gave me a different impression than Superman 1. Great performance, and it really showed how he loves Elise. Jane Seymour, the only film I remembered about her, seriously, wedding crashers! I also remembered, I used to watch her at Dr. Quinn Medicine Women in TV her. Maybe that beautiful face.. Even when I was a kid, I don't know that name, I knew Christopher Reeve because of Superman. But when I saw her again, that beauty, radiance, don't forget that lovely voice and how she fell in love.. I just sigh and Richard was right, don't care which time you'll see that person, I'll back in time just for that lady.

Don't forget Christopher Plummer as that strict manager, which delivered a great performance, perfect for him even in such a short time. 

Lastly, don't forget that music used in that film. I know it's only like 2 versions used to it, but it's perfect for the film.. I can't imagine other musical score can be used in such lovely claasic.. I love that version used in the film credit.. Very subtle yet, gentle and lovely.. Oh love.. Together walking along in a long winding road, hearing that theme, it feels nothing can really break your love for each other. Anytime, somewhere.

In time.

 Woody Allen almost done with his european tour set of films. Started with Matchpoint in UK, which I haven't watch yet, Vicky Cristina Barcelona which is very hot perfectly fit in Spain, then Midnight in Paris then To Rome with Love.

 

For now, I can say, Midnight in Paris is the best out of those european tours! Very clever.

 

The story goes as one successful hollywood screenwriter tries going into writing novels, travels to Paris with his nagging girlfriend plus her family. The reason for the travel is his soon to be father in law has a business deal to finish in Paris. Gil by the way is the name of the writer, so loved Paris, just strolling around and not minding even when getting soaked in rain. He loves the sights and sounds, romanticism that Paris has to offer. Of course, along the way he met his girlfriend's friend in college plus the boyfriend. Inez by the way is the name of his very stubborn girlfriend.

 

One night after that wine tasting party of sorts, as he lets Inez go out with her friends, and him wants to enjoy just walking around Paris.. He stumbled at midnight in a street and he was picked by a very old car with some people inviting him going to a party. He joined them, drank and yeah, invited inside the party. As he is listening to a familar music which he is quite confused it's the real thing or recording, he was bumped by Zelda and asking what he does.. Gil said he's writing then Zelda introduced Gil to Scott, Scott Fitzgerald.. Gil was surprised that their name sounds like well, as we know, very good american lit writers. But Zelda suggested as they are getting bored, go to other bar and party again!

 

Then, there they went and then go to another bar, as Scott introduced Gil to Hemingway, yes, Ernest Hemingway. Gil was shocked that he'll face Hemingway face to face and talk to him. Gil having a hard time to really know if his novel will be successful or not, so he ask Hemingway to review his novel. Hemingway declined because he's not good at giving opinion. He suggested that bring the novel to Gertude Stein, his critic. Gil was stunned about it, and told Hemingway he'll be back with the novel right away!

 

As he went out from the bar, he goes back and it became a laundry store.

 

His feeling is on a high and very much inspired, so he looks forward every midnight and meet his legendary idols.

 

The second night, as Inez left him in that spot where the old car passing by, he met Pablo Picasso, Gertude Stein and the very lovely Adriana. He gave his novel to Gertude but he was mesmerized with Adriana.

 

As nights goes by, he got not only a direction and inspiration for his novel but also met a lot of the literary, film and art greats like Matisse, Gauguin, Buñuel, Dali, Cole Porter and others that I don't know. But he also fell in love in Adriana... As much he wants to stay with Adriana, he can't because Adriana suggest wants to stay in the period she's in, and Gil although he loves classical, Paris and sorts, he wants to move forward and stay in Paris at the present time.

 

In the end, fell sorry for that detective who was stuck in Louis XIV time, somewhat he looks one.. Gil moved forward, no more 1920's time at midnight, he settled with Gabrielle, a nostalgia shop saleswoman, but very lovely as well. They went walking within Paris in the rain.

 

Oh yeah, he discovered Inez was cheating so he separated for her, no more wedding. That b*tch.

 

The only flaw in this wonderful film, I want to see more screentime of the great cameos or greats like Hemingway, Fitzgerald, or even Picasso or others, even Dali. 90 mins is such a short time that Gil was able to get it right away and fell in love with Paris and his experiences, at least if Woody Allen was able to extend it for around another 20-30 mins, and go deepen with that relationship with Adriana, this will be a perfect film. But it's not really a big flaw, it's a suggestion and maybe they are in a tight budget at that time. I still love it!

 

Give the biggest credit to Woody Allen, let me say at the first 15 minutes of the film, I almost like I'm going to hate this boring film due to Owen Wilson and Rachel McAdams acting like b*tch, pain in the arse.. After that he switched to full gear to awesome story.. That's why this film run away with an Oscar for original Screenplay. I could have agreed more! As much I don't like his infidelity part of film, as all his films has that.. I still love that dude. Knows how to depict love in a most simple yet glorious way.

 

His usual direction of clever yet short dialogue, fast paced, topic of love not only with 2 people, but love in the place, time and even the art itself. Give him credit for the compact film it is.. I know it's short and kinda let down but with all those characters coming effectively at such short time, it's a great film, and that takes well experience and smart screenplay.

 

Another credit to the production and costume design team, I mean I thought at first that 1920's backdrop is like I thought it's a party theme of sorts but when it moves forward, it's a really a different time. Got give a lot credit to them for making it real. From the place, cars, even dresses, it's indeed roaring 1920's.

 

Another one, cinematography, those scenes that in 1920's a different color used.. With that somewhat vintage color, it added to that feel of that period.

 

Music should be also given credit, as usual, French has a different kind of sound so you will feel all through out the movie, you're in France indeed. Especially that last scene and the music used in the credits, very French and lovely.

 

Lastly, don't forget the very great cast assembled in this film, not only by their names but also what they've done..

 

From Owen Wilson who I thought he's a young Woody Allen, more younger and good looking. Rachel McAdams as much that's her role, it fits her at least. Her parents at the film, very great portrayals.. Hmmmmm then Tom Hiddleston as F.Scott Fitzgerald, despite with short screening time, he did leave a mark, same as Alison Pill as his wife Zelda, then that Ernest Hemingway dude, damn I know he's not known but they can make a biography out of that character plus the actor alone!

 

Kathy Bates as Gertude Stein, very well acted, intellectual of sorts.. Then Marion Cotillard, wow.. She's not only a great actress but also great looking. I think I should watch her Oscar performance in La Vie Rose. Every film I watch with her on screen, I'm getting interested about her.

 

Then other unknown actors whose roles are the greats, they kinda look alike and felt their prescence even really having a script. Fave cameo, Adrian Brody as Salvador Dali.. Wow.. I was laughing and had fun about that short role of his. He can pull some laughs. Ah of course, don't forget ever reliable Martin Sheen.

 

Well, as much Vicky Cristina Barcelona is damn lovely because of those 3 great actors and actresses.. I mean indeed lovely for that film, but when I saw this film.. I forget Vicky and put this on top already. No doubt! The twist, cameos, design, everything, this really put it as one of the best, an instant classic.

 

But I should watch more Woody Allen flicks, to know which is the best film from him. I bet it's Annie Hall. I don't know yet.

Anyway, you may wonder why I have this two flicks in one blog as classics..

 

They have the same great element used for this film which they indeed use it effectively.

 

Time Travelling!

 

Other time travel flicks are about revenge, or saving one's life, or how about getting famous or rich..

 

These two flicks used time travelling in best ways..

 

For Somewhere in Time, finding love despite odds in different time, believing love is eternal, no time needed.

 

For Midnight in Paris, finding inspiration for one's work, to strive for the best way possible to express his feeling.. Of course, there is also searching for love, but it's more about loving the whole city, and especially the greats and arts. Everything in Paris, even in 1920's.

 

Both of them, really did not make things complicate using time travel as a theme for films. It can be a great tool for being inspired by looking back in time.

 

Or if you can, if you can't really find love here, maybe time travel into a different period and place to search that one true love!

 

Indeed, these films are classics for me.

 

Timeless classics, whenever time I watch these...

 

Passage of time isn't a problem.

Bully

Sorry Solar International, I watched it first here. =)

I was drawn right away with the title itself. I, admit that I was bullied way back HS years. As much I want to forget it, but well I can't. But it doesn't mean I did not forgive or had much hatred who done it, but I forgave them, even one of them is now my best friend. 

I just can't believe after watching it, for those 90 mins of such heavy heart seeing those kids getting bullied all the time but never give up of making a stand against it.

The documentary evolves around 5 kids who experience this kind of bullying. One is bullied because of his appearance and some they call "weird". One is bullied way down south because of her sexual orientation and preference. One is bullied because of her appearance plus she threat them by pointing a gun to them, then she was under probation due to her acts.

Another two separate stories of bullying due to their appearance and lack of esteem, unfortunately, because of it, they took their own lives. They can't take it anymore of it.

These are some of the many, or a lot stories evolves around bullying which affects a child's life. It is, not only physically but also more damage done emotionally.

There are 2 factors that which kinda did not help the documentary. One is the style of documentary is not that informative, or narrative. I mean the stories of these kids are great, but the style of narrative I hope they do it in a manner that builds interest or flow of the story. They only done that at the end.

Second factor which it's not the films or even the production crew's fault. It's the lack of action of government, even schools. The one who can really control this behavior or incidents are schools itself. I hate that one scene that the assistant principal done nothing about the incident of a kid, who is not only got bullied but also got stab by a pencil or physically hurt, and the kid is having like physical disability because of his condition. I mean, as much they scolded the kids for doing that but they will come back and do it again not only to that same kid, but others..

Of course, it's not only happening in the US, but all around the world. Here, it's a culture already. Geez.. I hope teachers, admin, faculty do their outmost authority not really punish for those who done it, but at least penalize or reprimand, or zero tolerance maybe for bullying. I know it's not easy but with will and authority, kids, children will follow. Not to mention the police who should also take part of it, which in the movie, they don't care even. 

I love those stories shared by those kids, but the one that strike me most was the girl who is smart showing off a gun to threat those kids. I mean it's bad, real bad but great thing the gun is not loaded but she's quite smart enough to face it and she has the guts to really show those suckers.. In the footage, those bullies where not even get close to her. Geez, bullies have one thing in common, they are strong if they are in an advantage, but very weak if they know they'll lose, they'll run away first. 

Another story strike me was that kid which is a miracle baby but as he grew older, getting picked day in and out. I feel sorry for that kid, almost like me, they just curse me or sometimes hurt but do nothing about it, good thing that kid done. Not fighting back.

What's alarming is bullying causes deaths of innocent children, I won't be surprised that this happen in Japan or other parts of the world. Such act can really damage such child's emotions or confident, then mentally as well.. I don't why they taught of it but well... It can.

Me, as a HS kid, I admit I did not go to school not because what I said I'm sick, had a flu or what. It's just I'm tired going to school because of those bullies.. I just want to get away from them for just a day or so. It is true. Sorry Ate for lying, and making those letters that I'm sick. =) But yeah, I endure it and finished school until college. Some of the bullies I confront, I finished college ahead of them. Poor them. hehe Yeah, some of them are happy or so, but well.. It's fate or Karma perhaps. 

What I can advise to those kids is quite simple... Don't fight back and continue to love life, if they don't love you who you are.. Then love the people around you, like first, family.. Family has the big part of overcoming fear of the child or be confident as long there is love and support from family. Close friends, or simply have friends. It doesn't mean you're alone in this earth, you have friends that you can keep or guide you. Great thing I have friends in HS before that despite my being a weirdo or sorts being bullied, I have friends who are in the same state yet not fighting back but we enjoyed company. 

Lastly, if you can, which I already did.. Be friend or nice to those bullies, I mean in the end, the bully became my friends. Ask Rheg for that. But yeah, most of the bullies, I've become friends with.. I forgave them and yeah leave them alone, besides, you'll not be schoolmates forever except if they said sorry and let's be friends.. Which, they graciously did.. That's why now, indeed, I don't have any hatred towards them. I just laugh when I remember those days. 

Oh don't forget, yeah pray to God that despite you get bullied everyday.. His love will cover your imperfections and enjoy your day as normal. Forgive as well. 

I was a bully too to Algerro but oh well, it's not the best thing to do.. I got beaten up. =)

It's not jolly to be a bully perhaps. 

Ring! Ring!

(Ortigas/Shaw/Mandaluyong)

Yes, it is quite near me. I mean from our house, 1 jeep going to MRT then MRT going to any of the stations, either Ortigas station, Shaw Blvd station or Boni Station. But after that, you need to walk long roads going to either work. Except for Shaw Blvd perhaps but well.. Any good at Shaw Blvd? I don't know. 

Another way going to Ortigas or Manda, G-Liner is another route from SM Centerpoint, just make sure you go down at Robinson's Gallerira. Another one is go to Quiapo, ride those FX shuttles then go down inside Ortigas, either ADB avenue or SM Megamall. But don't go there at night because it's quite dangerous. 

I really don't like the place. I mean, you will exert a lot of effort going there, especially if you the MRT way. Like I've done before, while working in HSBC which they don't have a center there anymore.. It felt tired already once I go down from the MRT station, looking ahead in discovery suites, having a long walk, passing thru a stoney parking lot at Podium then go to discovery suites, ride a elevator up to the 30th something floor then exhausted to take calls. That's what I felt and some days, I just don't want to work. hehe

How about the Boni Station? The cyberpark in Robinson's it's not even a walk in the park one. A lot of effort you need to exert. hehe Even there are some call centers/BPO that I can apply there, I did not attempt even once to apply there. It's just you need to have a lot effort going there. 

All I can say, if you want to work here. Just make sure, you really into brisk walking, every single day of work. You need to breathe and hope you won't be tired going there everyday. Especially if the place of work is inside Ortigas like Julia Vargas or Emerald or PSE.. I suggest take a cab. 


Let's go to Shaw, call centers are near there just across Starmall but yeah, a lot of walking. 

Sykes Asia - One of the pioneers of call center business here in the country. They have 2 sites at Shaw Blvd. One at One San Miguel blvd if I got it right, another one at that World Center across Starmall. I'm not sure if that One San Miguel site is still present but before I used to apply there. I have some acquiantances still working there, but a lot worked there and left. 

They've known before having a lot VL and SL then can be convertible to cash. But basic pay it's quite low before. Now, what I heard they will let you choose some kind of job offer package. One is low basic rate but a lot of premiums such as hazard pay, transpo allowance and other premiums. Another is high basic pay (17k tops but it's still low compared to other centers) but almost less to none bonuses or premiums.

Before they used to have Emerson, then a lot of centers in NCR due to acquisition of ICT but now, due to Emerson bolting out from them, then they also closed some centers like one here near at Hi Top and in Marikina, I'm not sure if there is one there.. They have few operating centers now. 

Accounts mostly US accounts, I don't know if that ad about a dayshift Australian account is true but definitely, they have a lot of US accounts. I'm not sure if Microsoft is still there, MCI I know still there, a financial account which I forgot what it is.. Ah a dental insurance in the US and others. 

All who left only has one common problem, a low pay with no really appraisal or increase yearly. But the benefits is good, maybe except for training which I'll tell later in a different site. There are worse experiences I heard but I'll tell it in a different site. hehe

For me, if you're a call center virgin, try it here but not in the long term. 

TP (Teleperfomance) - Well known call center thanks to their ads showing in Jeepneys and Classified Ads. They have one site situated Edsa Central, but they have a lot of sites situated not only in NCR but way down south provinces as well. 

If I heard it right, but I'm not sure if they have the account there, they have Telstra SME account. What's good about this center, I heard they pay good, better basic pay of sorts. But all who I've known worked and left there, they have one big problem which indeed a problem. Poor payroll system. 

Every payday, you'll experience problems which you will be demotivated, asking why will I work in a company which don't pay right everypay day. Geez, that's why I'm not surprised many leaving there, or many are going there to work or apply but also, many are leaving. 

I'm not sure which are the other accounts, but I'll make a research or make guesses in their different site. But I've known before, they have also local accounts and known for well.. Energy saving center, I mean using electric fans than have air conditioner while working. That is not good. hahaha

Emerson - One BPO company found at the Boni Station, Robinson's Cybergate. Specializes in utilities, equipment of sorts.. I thought they do have a high pay but it turns out not. It depends maybe which department you go through but what I heard, they hire engineers even not board passers so it's good thing for them.

I almost tried to apply there but when I heard the pay of sorts, nah.. 15k tops for an entry level work then going there, what an effort. 

Accenture - The desciption is quite long for this company. hehe But I'll just make an introduction for this one. Yeah, they have a site at Cybergate, and yes, a big BPO company with some call center accounts. They cater a lot or wide range of clients they have. 

However, in this site alone, famously, and I'm not sure if this happens until now. They have always a standby ambulance outside in that building. That's for them! One reason they have like that, and what I heard before, they have a very stressful account. So stressful one. Other facts about this company, well I'll tell it in the other site. 

TELUS - they have a site here at Ortigas, discovery suites. I'm very sure that site still stands there, as they have ads about a CSR position for a Australian Telco account, which I'm guessing Virgin or other telcos. 

SITEL - They had a site in Cybergate which it will be transferred to ETON cyberpod right across Robinson's Gallleria then they have another one which is at Ortigas, around Emerald or Julia Vargas, not sure. hehe I know they are near ADB avenue then you need to walk in some street. 

Famous for having a gaming account, I think that Star Wars, then they have Dow Jones journal, I'm not sure about it but they do have a business newspaper account. They have also a sales account, US account. I'm sorry if I was not able to memorize. hehe Financial account for Capital One if I'm correct..

Before they were Clientlogic which handles DHS Dell accounts but when they were buy out by Sitel, they became big.

Their screening process has a quite difficult interview but after that, it's smooth sailing. For me, I had a disappointing experience. I'll tell that later. I heard and I hope it's not true, that they still have a basic of 12k.. That's terrible, I mean with all the stress you're getting and these days, 12K is very small. 12K salary I experienced was way back epldt days! hehe

One great benefit they have which I know is their Maxicare benefits. You won't need to pay for your dependents as long they are qualified. It has reimbursement and it has around 150K limit for you know medical expenses and emergencies. Although not the best but they have that great benefit which others still stay there. 

TPG - An australian call center specifically for a Australian telco account under the same name which I know they offer big pay around 20k, but yeah.. It has outbound sales, CSR, tech support and worst of all, escalations. Escalations were made due to the fact that in Australia, if you ask to have your telephone service connected, wait for 10 business days. That made a customer asking for escalations especially after 10 business days, paying that connection fee, still customer doesn't have service. Geez.. I know why. hehe

Acquire - The call center situated well, near Sykes.. Dodo is one of their biggest clients, I'm not sure the other accounts they have such as directory or sales accounts. But Dodo, is like TPG in Australia. We can call them, small telco companies in Aussie. Well, they also offer around 17K-20K depends which department you are going to work to. I heard they have great schedule plotting it's like working in a normal job, but I'm not sure if they work on weekends. 

But one thing is for sure, Dodo is a difficult account like TPG. The reason is also the same.hehe

CVG (Convergys) - The biggest, or even the largest pure call center operations here in the country. One of their first and old sites is here at Ortigas. Until now, it's still running. 

They show great ads, commercials especially in print media like what you see in buses. You can see them always in Job Fair and malls.. They are like sari sari stores, they are just around the corner. They do have big sites, no joking.

They have the biggest in number ranging sites from NCR, Visayas and Mindanao and right now, they even have one in Nuvali.

I'm not sure which accounts they have in this site but definitely, here at CVG, all kinds of stressful and toxic accounts that you can think of are here. 


Maersk - It sounds like a pharmaceutical company but not.. It's the number 1 company in Norway, one of the big shipping companies around the world. If you see 12 wheeler trucks carrying Maersk shipping containers, that's them. In Ortigas, I sense that this is the biggest BPO/call center. I mean, it's an inhouse company and most of the people, tenured agents want to go there. It means, they have great salary package and benefits.

Their previous Xmas party, they have Up Dharma Down playing, so it just means they are big time! hehe

They have series of tests, online and paper based.. Yes, if you're applying for an accounting position, you will compute and they will test your skills for that! It was damn hard. 

I passed those tests but the sad thing was HR did not call me even they promised. They have a test which is time pressured, even it's like repeating questions and abstract questions, I don't know how I passed. hehe

I don't know really what's their weakness or problem in that company but what I can think of is their location. I hope their office is at Makati, or QC or different place, just not Ortigas. They are in the same building with Sitel, and they are around 30th floor in a quite old building. It's not easy to go to work with. But do I recommend you applying there? I don't know how stressful but my former team mate is already there and he's having a great time, so yeah, try to apply and work there.

Besides, Maersk really own this one. They handle international accounts, depending which timezone you're working with around the world. As much I want to work there, I imagine myself not working again in all around shifts, like nightshift, and maybe you'll work at weekends. I just want to work in their backoffice positions. Calls, nah.. Unless they have great package but if it's calls, forget it.

Fly by night centers - In Ortigas, it's the home of networking/MLM/scamming companies you can think of. It is! As much SEC is very near at that place, these obsurd companies still working, I don't know why. Maybe nobody is strong enough to file a complaint.

Yes, even in the BPO industry, there are some call centers which runs as long the client stays. If the client wants out, the center closes. That happens especially for outbound sales, hardcore selling call centers. Meaning they live by the day, no sales, no pay, they don't even care about the welfare of workers. 

Horror stories which well, I heard from former workers such as no breaks until you sell, no sitting, cursing TL's especially if you have no sale. OT's that are not paid until you make a sale or if you do make a sale, free jollibee lunch. Yes, a lunch from jollibee that pays you for a whole day. Great! hehe And the most glaring problem of all, the product/service you sell is a scam, and you'll do everything just to get a sale.

Yes, you'll do everything, even fraud just to make a sale and they approve it. There are also companies that are well, sell adult entertainment, I mean through Chat. Wow. That's outsourcing for you! hahaha

For inbound call centers, well.. Most glaring problem is the delay of your salary until you got tired of waiting and resign.

This not only happen for hardcore selling, or inbound cs, but also in other kinds of operations like research, upselling, forex or even collection. There is one building in Ortigas which I'm not sure if that's the name, but I remember it's Orient Square building, it houses a lot of this companies. 

Tips to avoid these companies, just search it first if they are running for a year, or most. They have a lot of clients they handle, or even if they are registered in SEC, BIR, and DTI. And yeah, for example if you're in the interview or in their office already, and it's look like it's bare, agents are not happy and talking about hitting targets or if you hear them getting punished all the time, then get out from there. Don't waste time and talent in this companies. 

Investor's standpoint, Ortigas is a good place to really have your office or call center. To invest into. Near at everything, best schools, MRT, SEC, PSE, great hospitals, a lot of malls from high street to the end market malls... Except for traffic, especially holiday season? Just don't go there. hehe 

Don't forget there are a lot of ways going there, even they don't allow jeep inside Ortigas. Night spots and clubs like in Metrowalk, include as well the ever famous Banchetto food market every weekend which they transferred already. hehe This place is fine but a dude like me living in QC, I just don't like it here. You need a lot of effort going to work, unless if its your dream job. 

For those who live near here? You're damn lucky. =)

I forgot, other centers are here such as Online english teaching for Koreans, Medical transcriptionist which pays a lot for what I heard, WEST contact in Cybergate which pays every biweekly but strict stats, Transcom in tiendesitas which I heard a so-so company but they are still there and in EDSA, RR Donnelly at the middle of Shaw and Boni station which it has 17K less tax pay tops. hehe Ah, Teletech as well, Brady for outbound sales, ah a lot more.. In numbers, they have a lot here including those scammers. hehe

Anyway, these set of places are good. However, it's just me who can't really stand working in this especially in the night shift ones, unless I have a big pay which will cover my Taxi expenses. hehe

But it's a good place to work, especially if you're near and has the time all day to walk and work in these places. I hope sometime, these places will be convenient to work with. 

PreView

"Don't focus on emptiness, so much love room for happiness.." 

Kaskade is damn right! hehe

But anyhow, this month is a search for happiness. I'm happy na but of course, we're not done yet. Although Lent season pala, but we should be happy because this the right time to have deep relationship with Him and have some space from work or anything that give you stress. hehe 

I hope my scores will improve, or kahit sa team namin. I hope na mastart na ang healthy routine, I just need to finish the book I'm reading. =) Planning na din for the summer months. 

I don't expect this month na sobrang lahat ay maayos, pero sana lang less problems. hehe March for me always kinda special. Special in a way that it's lite and a lot of breeze, flowing inside and out. 

Well, this month mabuti nakapagplot ako ng VL at ang dates... Ehem parang familiar. hahahha Nagkataon lang siguro. Tuloy pa din ang film fest. Tuloy pa din nag less writing and hoping for more reading para sa inspiration. 

Tuloy pa din ang pagigng single.

Tuloy pa din ang spacing out. hehe

Tuloy pa din ang ever simplified life. =)

Ah I was inspired what Hemingway said, I don't care if he did say that when he's still living, it came from the film Midnight in Paris.

"No story is terrible, as long the story is true, prose is clean and honest, gave grace under pressure." 

Wow.. I need to write more! 

That's March for me, I'm looking forward to it. 

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Hay, what a relief na tapos na ang February.. Although short sa QA but other stats, ok na. I can say possible tataas na ang score ko this March! Medyo nakukuha ko na yun work flow. hehe 

"Aanhin mo ang maraming pera, kung wala naman romansa." Sabi ng isang lola sa kin.. Grabe naman lola. Nothing beats that statement in my status being single. hahaha Anyway, she's damn right. I should really seek one these days. But as much I want to search for one, well.. Medyo inaalat ako. hehe More snubs than hugs. 

Anyway, ano pa.. Ang bilis ng Feb at ngayon ko lang nalaman na may Allergy whatever ako, from dust, smelling spicy and even perfume which parang di naman ako nagrereact sa ganun, lalo na pag maganda ang lady. hehe But that's life, as grew older, these reactions rises. Or how about a new prescription for my skin irritation, at least di na steroid cream. hehe Speaking of getting older, I'm quite impatient ha, siguro yeah sa work na feeling mo alam mo na pero yun bagsak sa isang monitor. hehe Pero siguro nga dahil sa eagerness to reach some goals but..

I need to be patient, it's not overnight you see to reach those goals.

I can really say that this month better than January, parang curse talaga yun month na yun. This month, it's more of a moving forward and yun a glimpse for best things to come.

Although schedule well, as much I want it early but there, di eh. =( But that's fine, at least weekends off and I can do much more. Paano pa kaya pag regular sked, I'll do a lot more! hehe

Yeah sad part pala, Sonnets vs. Haikus were gone, but well nandun yun ibang sinulat ko na pinaghirapan ko ha. hehe I don't know why she gave up. =(

Oscars pala quite surprising, especially one of my crushes, Jennifer Lawrence suddenly won her trophy. That's why, I'm planning to watch Silver Linnings Playbook! Sana. If there are funds. hehe 

Acting, beauty despite rash well, you got an award. 

It is full of love this past month, although wala naman ako date or whatever, despite loveless from others or whatever, important is...

I felt loved by Him and me.. 

Next month, more love and time to Him. =)

Almost gone: Walkman/Music Players

Great thing that Apple still releases yun ipod touch, kasi with great sounds that you can bring around then with a lot of songs you can store, you can also enjoy yun apps at other tasks even watching movies. Without yun phone feature which for me, ok lang.. Pero with the dawn of tablets, at smartphones na pwede din to do the same things with great sounds eh.. Parang nawawala na mga ito. 

I used to have walkman nung grade skul at HS.. Tapos yun CD player nung college na dinadala ko pa sa skul, nakapasok sa bag yun cd player at may sounds ka na! 

These days, you don't need that big things. You need is small players or better kasama na sa phone mo. Like me, gamit na gamit yun X2 ko na wala naman sim, pero pang sounds ko. No radio player or component needed kasi ang lakas naman nito. hehe 

Kakalungkot lang that they've been phased out. Well, it's better than fast forward or rewind in a sluggish and destructive way kasi nasisira yun tape/cd pag ganun. Unlike these days, pindot lang, ayun na! hehe Although quality wise, mas maganda pa din yun walkman or casette player kasi iba kbps nun or quality. I doesn't mean di kaya ng players today, it's just you need to convert pa to higher kbps or well flac format na.

Eh paano ako yun 30gb worth of songs? I convert ko pa lahat? katamad! hehehe Pero yun lang advantage nun, kasi pagdating sa storage, mas maganda naman yun mga players ngayon, copy then lagay sa lahat ng players! hehe Memory card na lang. 

Although siyempre di lahat ng players ngayon magaganda, siyempre pipili ka ng matino players, pero yun single magandang player talaga eh Apple Ipod touch. I'm not sure sa 5th gen, pero sa dating, panalo, sa sounds, sana mas maganda pa sa 4th gen which is sulit na sa kin. hehe

I hope manufactures will continue making these new digital players at maganda sounds. Samsung gumawa na sila kaso di nila minarket. hehe Ah Sony as well pero mostly naka sama sa phones.. So I hope they understand that there is a market for audiophiles like me or Ted.. Who just want out flat music only or some functions, basta maganda quality. Zune is a great example but even it's not sales great, I love the richness ng sounds niya.. 

Yun nga lang, phase out din. hehe

Besides, listening to music never phases out..

flashbacks: ROTC

I feel so deprived when I see a student going to ROTC Sunday sa UST without any pressure or sorts kasi well... They only need 2 sems to finish the course at wala na silang problema sa graduation. They can choose pa instead of ROTC, community service through NSTP. They should thank or kahit sa batch namin or even sige lahat to Cadet Chua. Because of him, we might be still languishing wasting precious Sundays to a training which all we do, waste time and money. 

Pagtapak ng USTE, well naenrol kami sa ROTC, at ayun, 4 semesters of grueling army type of training for nation building or service daw.. Damn, I skipped first para mag first aid training sa red cross which icredit daw as ROTC kaso wala din nangyari. I failed that first sem. hehe

Nung sumabak na ko sa ROTC at that time, I expected na training or babad sa araw, kaso ayun.. Babad sa counterstrike at battle realms. hahaha There was a time na magkikita kami ng squad leader at iba kong classmates sa BK, tapos counterstrike then pag patapos na ang training, ayun na, pirma sa attendance at uwi na! Minsan nga advance ang pirma, para kahit wala sa next Sunday, may attendance na. haha Hell with the prelims or finals sa ROTC.

Pero di naman laging ganun, may mga Sundays sa sobrang pahirap, as in, binababad kami sa araw, marcha lang dun.. Pag late at nahuli ng MP, excercise sa harap ng commerce building, tapos kung malas malas ka, eh sasabunin ka pa ng pesteng commander. Kala mo kung sino umasta. hehe 

Anyway, towards second year, eh napasali ako ng silent drill, thanks to Doc, at kasama ko pa ata sila Igz.. And some of doc's friends. Eh di naman lagi training, kaya ayun pagassemble sa umaga, labas sa uste, cyberscan muna hanggang last break tapos uwi na. Minsan, may part2 pa ang laro paguwi. haha

Kala ko magiging buenas ako sa silent drill, last drill eh napasama ako sa presentation ng sponsors with the first battallion kaya ayun, flag bearer for the whole f*cking day then yun, that was the end of may very reproductive ROTC. 

Although di nagtatapos diyan, the very reason why ROTC became a 1 year course, and now may NSTP pa, then ladies should now participate, one of the breakthroughs happened was this one great officer from ENG. 

There were times kasi sa ROTC na despite gumastos ka na sa uniforms an other stuff, aba plus siyempre yun baon and pamasahe, aba gagastos ka pa sa ibang "requirements" nila. Such as one big concern eh yun handouts na napakamahal, at sapilitan pa bibilin kasi kung hindi daw, aba di ka ipapasa. Eh around 200 ata yun na napa nipis at walang kakwenta kwenta. Tapos, they have tests di ba, bayad pa kami sa test paper na dapat libre. Then I forgot may mga iba pang fees pa sila siningil na wala naman nangyari. May balita pa nga noon na 1500 lang, pasado ka na sa sem. hehe

There, well, Officer Chua heard the plight of the students, then he made a survey ha, each platoon at siya lang gumawa nun, no other officer bothered to ask, all they do is shout and power trip. Siya eh nagsurvey, nagtanong at gagawin niya makakaya niya.. At that time, may nagrarally pa na anakbayan ata yun akbayan. hehe Kaso nasupress sila eh, isa dun kaklase ko pa sa precom. hehe

Anyway, Officer made investigation at I remember parang na whislteblower siya through varsi and media..

Unfortunately, that was the last day we heard from him. UST was rocked when we heard na nasemento siya sa drum and ditched sa Pasig River sa Quiapo. That happened I know 3rd year na eh. Of course, mabuti at kahit papano, nahuli yun mastermind na yun commander na peste at yun iba pang kasbwat, mind you yun mga ROTC higher ups yun. Well, justice was served swift pero yun ibang kasbwat or yun ibang officers na kabatch ni Chua eh kanyang kanya eskapo. I heard once yun nakahulihan, yun isang officer nasa US na. Di na bumalik. Yun iba, di na nakita or nagpakita, yun iba well we don't know. Pero with that event and sacrifice, he paved way changes ng program, congress approved it and now, students are enjoying such light training with chicks pa! hahaha Damn they are lucky..

Well, sa akin naman eh ok naman ROTC ko not because of that crappy training of sorts, but most especially yun mga kalokohan ginawa namin dun, papasok last break na. Laro lang kami ng laro, tapos yun wala na. hehe Mabuti talaga nabago na siya because kung ganun lang gagawin, napakaaksaya ng 2 years requirement for reserved army training. Unfair pa sa mga mahihirap na course. Ok sana kung lahat ng officer eh magaling na trainer but they are not. They are trained not to share good values but to scare or punish us lang. What kind of military training is that?

Ok lang it's required, no problem with that but as long it's benificial and will really help a citizen to be proud protecting our country in times of well invasion, if that happens.. Why not?

I'll be happy to be trained and baka sumali pa ko sa armed forces.. Or marami pa sumali sa armed forces.

Pero kung corrupt naman at wala naman ginagaw matino, at ang ginagawa lang eh manigaw at magalit.. Many won't be interested going to army corps. 

Don't forget we have a weak military armory as well. Geez, if invasion does happen, I'll just run. Thanks to that training they gave me.

A very motivating training. hehe