It’s nice to be home for the weekend, especially on a rainy day. :) Been away from home every weekend since April.

Robin: Ted really did love Zoey for a minute there… didn’t he? Barney: Yeah, he did. And she loved him too, didn’t she? Robin: Yeah, she did.

She is cool. :)

Hooray to my first job ever! :D What you don't know is that I was job-hunting last month. I'm not blogging about it because I don't want to jinx those pending applications. I'm not really that superstitious and all but I just don't want to count the eggs before they hatch. Yeah, whatever. :P

Job Hunting Experience

Yes, I've done all those stuff--submitting resumes, attending interviews, waiting for long hours, and going back to step one. It was hard and tiring, some are patience-consuming. First, I applied online to four call center companies. I chose call center because as of now, I don't have that much qualifications for other job. I know I said many times that I will never work as a call center agent because of many reasons I have. But well, we have to make choices and never waste an opportunity.

A day after I applied online, I received a call from those four companies and I was immediately set up for interview appointments. I canceled one appointment because it has conflict on my schedule and I'm actually not that interested in Makati area, especially if I'll be on a call center. The next one, I was declined because they were after the ones with call center experience already. The third one, I passed their series of test and was scheduled for a series of interviews. On the third final interview, I wasn't able to come because I was really sick. The last one was good, I passed their series of initial interviews. Supposedly there was a training but I passed the evaluation and was recommended for direct hiring immediately. Unfortunately, the only open account that time was for technical representatives and I don't qualify for that position because that also needs past experience. They told me to wait for a call when they got another account where I can fit, and not to worry because it doesn't mean that I fail and they won't call me again.

I learned a lot on my job hunting experience. The most important thing I learned is that I can extend my patience. I get to meet different people while waiting for my name to be called by the interviewer. I also experienced rush hour at the MRT station for the first time. Also, I think I improved on my communication skills because of those many interviews. Hee. And while on the process of applying for a job at a call center, I realized that I really really don't want that kind of job. It's like working abroad minus going abroad. I mean, yes, you work here in the Philippines but your clients are foreigners, your company is owned by foreigners, and your work schedule is based on their time. Yes, you may earn a lot more compared to other Filipinos who work here with a different job, but in the long run you are actually trading your health in exchange for a higher salary.

While waiting for a call from that company (where I was recommended for direct hiring), I was notified that UP College of Engineering Library II (EnggLib2) is hiring for two positions, one is for Information Specialist and the other one is for Information Assistant. At first, I was a bit hesitant because I'm not yet a college graduate and also because Dan is working there and that may be an issue. But after thinking about it a hundred times, I grabbed the opportunity.

I submitted my resume personally. They called me for an interview. Signed some papers. And waited for a call regarding my application status. By the way, Bianca, my orgmate, applied there too for the Information Specialist position.

And after two weeks of waiting, we both got hired! Yey! Then, I received another call for a meeting with the boss, which was actually for initial orientation. She told me everything about the job and that I will not be based at EnggLib2 but at EnggLib1 because, of course, Dan and I shouldn't be on the same office. At first I was a bit dismayed because I really prefer EnggLib2. Not that I think EnggLib1 isn't good, I haven't seen it yet in the first place. I just really admire the former. But I understand the reason behind it and I'm not really in the position to choose where I'll be assigned. So yeah, congratulations to me for landing a job! No sarcasm, seriously. :)

First Day At Work

I started my first day at work on August 5th. New environment, new acquaintances, new experience. I was nervous, of course, but they were really friendly and helpful that I didn't have a hard time on my first day, except for familiarizing myself with the work procedures.

I was assigned at the Reserve Section of the library and at the Cataloging Section. So 60% of my week goes to Users' Services and 40% goes to Technicals Services. Basically, I lend, cover, label, and shelve books; that's not just what a librarian does but that's what I do because I'm not yet a licensed librarian. Yes, mind you, we do have a licensure exam too. :P

I like this job because it would help me a lot with regards to the degree I'm taking. And of course, because I can finally earn and save up money to help my mom and for my plans of continuing my education.

August, why are you so early this year? You know I'm not (financially, emotionally, and LOL, psychologically) ready yet. Oh well, but I still have to face you, I know that. August, you are my month as my birthday and our anniversary are with you.

OH MY GOD! I'm turning 20 in 16 days! >.<

So I was with Dan this morning, we had breakfast at McDo. I was ranting to him about my incoming birthday and how I still don't want to be 20. Then we had this funny conversation...
And then he hugged me. :) I'm so blessed to have him.

But I'm still worried about my birthday. Everyone's reminding me how near it is, even my neighbors. And I just realized that it's unfair that I'm the only one anxious about it, you should too! :P Maybe now you're thinking of what gift to give me, huh? Well, my friends, let me help you. TaDa! Here's my wish list! ;)

(Book) Life on the refrigerator door / Alice Kuipers

(Book) It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be / Paul Arden

Secret Wish by Anna Sui

Wacom Bamboo Pen Tablet

Note: I might still update this list anytime before my birthday. Hee.

*images found on Web using Google Images

Despite my hesitation to attend this event due to P-Noy's State of the Nation Address (SONA), I still signed up for it because I don't have anything to do on that day and it was a free workshop. Note: I live near Sandigan and during SONAs, I'm (sort of) stuck here in our place because of the expected heavy traffic and closed roads. Going back, it wasn't my first time attending a Photography workshop. The student organization I am in used to have such event but of course we were usually outside the venue/room. Ergo, this was my first time to join as a participant. Fortunately, I arrived at the venue on time but unfortunately, I wasn't able to have lunch because I left the house too early. :(

The workshop was amazing as was Mr. Gunther Deichmann or Mr. G.D. He is a great photographer and I love his pictures which were mostly about colors. Mr. G.D. conducted the workshop with full enthusiasm despite a quite timid audience. I like that he pointed out that capturing a very good photo does not depend on the tool or the camera used, it depends on the one taking it. After discussing Photography we were given 45 minutes to roam around the campus to take some shots. Forty-five minutes is not much of time especially because there's only a few interesting views and subjects around the venue. It was really a bit of a challenge that one has to be really creative to have good pictures. Regardless of the time limit, I still chose to go to the Sunken Garden, took some photos there and walked back to the venue and took another photos on the way.

Some of the photos I took for the contest and while waiting for the announcement of the winners:

It didn't win. And yes, I had a feeling that it really won't because it's a typical shot. But this was my first successful shot of a subject like this. :)

This was the candidate for second place. I just love everything about this picture. Thanks Dan for giving me this lovely cupcake! :)

This was my winning photo on third place. This is a candid shot of a girl I don't even know. I know, it's not the best quality that's why I almost didn't include it in my entries but I just love this shot.

Overall, everyone seemed that they enjoyed the workshop. It was a fun and productive day for all of us. I would like to thank Power Mac Center for hosting this event for free and Mr. G.D. for sharing with us his knowledge on Photography and inspiring us to develop our photography skill.

As for the co-presenter, UP FLIPP, I wish they prepared a bit more for the event especially the emcees. First, there should be no invocation included in the program as UP is a nonsectarian university. Also, as much as possible, speaking in TagLish should be avoided. No offense or anything to you guys but I think you can do better than that. :)

Winning on this contest is huge for me. Actually, it was my first time joining a Photography contest as I'm not really confident in my skills. I take photographs just for fun and also because it is therapeutic for me. So being appreciated that much gives me a boost of confidence. I browsed through Mr. G.D.'s online portfolio and it is so humbling that he likes my pictures. :)