We had been in lockdown for several weeks and surely it help in slowing down the community infections. There were few people who were infected evidently the local government action and response to the COVID-19 Pandemic is effective. Now they are trying to loosen up and allow very minimal movement within the city. And here are the guidelines they had in place while the city is in GCQ
It has been a long time since I updated this blog. I had been busy at work, in life and definitely in the other blog I have. Nonetheless, I decided to share a different story in this blog and try to update it more often. This time around let me share to you my Lock down Experience.
Imagine being alone locked in the comfort of your home. No one to talk to. No one to eat with. Basically being alone.
There are a lot of moments during the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) where I had thoughts of self pity hahaha. When anxiety are kicking in. Moments where you felt so alone. Moments where you wished you had that special someone. Moments where I wanted everything dark. Flashes of memories when you felt you were abandoned by someone.
However, along with those bad moments comes an array of memories where I felt I was loved. Moments when you were struggling but someone came and stayed by your side. Moments when someone understands your inner feelings when that someone listens to your rants just so I can unload and move forward.
That is when positivity feels my tarnished emotion and starting to make myself useful again. That is when I told myself that there should be something I needed to do so I wouldn't feel anxious and not to feel alone.
1. I started to blog. Blogging or Writing consumes my time. It makes me wander. It is where I could exhaust my emotion. It is an activity that keeps my mind active and focused on the things I wanted to say.
2. I check my Social Media regularly. It is where I kept myself informed as to what is going on with my loved ones or the people I care. It is an avenue for me to socialize and chat and talk with my family and friends. At least it is an avenue where I could see how someone so dear is doing :).
3. Watching My Favorite Series also keeps me in love, motivated, and above all it keeps me entertained.
4. Reading keeps my imagination going hahahaha it somehow brings me to a different world where negativity do not prosper.
5. Household Chores my form of exercise. Its time to slowly get rid some of the memories stuck in my house. Throwing them away somehow is also a therapy as I try to throw away those emotion that comes along with these things.
6. Exploring my creative venture through sewing and beading.
During these time in EXTENDED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE/ LOCK DOWN due to the COVID PANDEMIC, falling into depression or anxiety attacks may kick in more so if you are alone like me. But there are ways to combat it. It is by doing something that you love. Doing something that keeps your body active and your mind working or wander around through reading or writing. Its up to you there are a lot of activities that we can do.
Withdrawing money or going to the bank is a struggle. Imagine, I am only at least a kilometer or 2 away to a mall near me, however, because that mall is part of different city as I am near that boundary and because Of the implemented lock down I cannot cross the border. The military men don't allow me even though I beg as the next bank/atm near me is at least 5 or 6 kilometers away and I would need to walk to get there since I don't have a car or there is no public transportation that I can take to get me to a bank.
It took my 2 hours to go to an ATM and another 2 hrs walking back home. Just to withdraw cash. It is one of the disadvantages of the ECQ where no public transportation is available.
Work from home at last! Fortunately the company allowed us to work from home! At least I wont loose a job and I am able to continue working. Good thing the company is generous enough to lend us the desktop in the office and provide as router so we could do our job. Here’s my new workspace for the next few months as we transition to work from home set up.
THE FOOD - I call it my #ECQFOOD
I am happy as I have a generous neighbour who shares their food with me. The first on my list is Champorado, a Filipino comfort food with rice and chocolate and milk in it.
Living alone means doing just anything and everything on your own, that goes with food. During the “normal life” I used to have when we dont have this pandemic I just simply buy my own food in a small carinderia on a daily basis as I normally eat in a cafeteria at work. So basically I never intended to be cooking at home so I never bought a stove or rice cooker as I dont see any need of that. So during these whole time where everyone is in lockdown and a very limited time to go out in a given week I resorted to instant food.
The first one in my list is instant pancit canton with corned tuna! Hahaha oh yes baby! That instant noodle where you just pour hot water in it and let it set for few minutes drain the water and add canned corned tuna and boom I have instant food! I did not add the seasoning of the instant noodles because I dont want to add more junk seasoning and salt and msg into my food. I wanted the rawness of that corned tuna as a seasoning to taste for my noodles.
We get tired of eating just the canned sardines for breakfast till dinner right? So just what I did with corned tuna I added the sardines to my noodles. Its heaven! Hahaha that was my way of doing away with just plain sardines in the morning till dinner time!
I did all these because to avoid going out to buy food besides I would need to walk at least 2 hrs for me to get Jolibee or McDonalds so mixing food that is in my house already is more convenient and economical rather than having my food delivered to my house.
THE SERIES - watching these series is making me sane and definitely one of those moments where to keeps me excited. At least there are these days of the week where I am looking forward to because the new episode are being aired and when I had anxious feeling or I felt bored and alone I just re-watched those series that keeps me happy!
And there are series that I really love that I keep on watching anytime and every time I am bored! And click hereto see them all.
Another crazy stuff I was able to make during lockdown (ECQ) is to challenge my crazyness to and created a hat full of beads. I came up with these idea when my virtual trainor told us to wear cap on a monday.
And then I created a crown for our THANKFUL THURSDAY Costume! Hahaha just doing over the top when my trainor ask me us to do something.
And of course the shade! It has to be over the top too! See I was thinking of throwing away these beads but instead of doing it, I just recreated something. It kills time as I stay home with no one to talk to and somehow it tickles a little of my imagination.
As we transition to what we call General Community Quarantine where it is more relaxed. It is relaxed in a way that at least we are able to have public transportation unlike the ECQ where there is no transportation available.So to share my experience about the GCQ then that would be the second part of this blog post. IGOROT IN LOCK DOWN EPISODE 2
When I started a new chapter of my career life I know it will be very difficult as it was my first in so many ways. I was worried that I may never make it to the cut or if so, I was so ready that I may end up left in the battle ground and may only make it to the sixth month period.
I told myself, I will not allow my self loosing without giving a good fight. I reviewed my notes every after my training, I tried to memorize the jargons and relate it to something I am familiar with. I mapped every process I learned to make sure I can catch up with my well experienced batchmates in the field I choose to explore.
Luckily, I am able to make it and was awarded with my headset. I knew I need to learn and expose my self more. So I make sure I am in the office as early as I can be to read more, observe more, learn ways and techniques to do the job right with the well experience/tenured colleagues.
I survived the six months probationary. I explored possible opportunities and chat with my colleagues while I am exposing myself to everyone I encounter with. I am lucky I was in a company of people who gives you great feedback and walk you through a path where you could learn new things.
My journey and life story to my new corporate family wouldnt be as swift and sweet as it could be without the people who had help me. So I wanna thank them as I will start my first STEP to fullfilling my life long dream.
I am happy I was able to be part of Batch 14 who became my brothers and sisters at work. I could not thank each and everyone enough for sharing their knowledge and experiences so I could also learn and cope up in the environment as easy as possible.
My mentor Miel Carrandang who gorgeously shared her knowledge and best practices which is indeed helpful in building my confidence everyday. The rest of Fayentastic Golden Bibong Bibes and the Fayentastic Trolls for the support and love.
The Communique Team you guys inspire me alot! KC Fitzgerald thank you for the advices, tips and best practices.
To Miss Grace Villarama for teaching me well and believing in me and molding my skill I needed for the job, Ping Termulo who cheers and inspire me through his own leadership style. My first manager Faye Abaricia who plays a big role in building the foundation I need for me to realize my full potential. To Karsten Taniegra, Ana Marie Dela Cruz, Fatimah Lazatin, Canille Tandas, JC Guerrero, Boss DJ, and Boss Queng for all the support and you guys inspire me thats why I do what I do today.
This is just my first STEP towards my goal. May I continue to inspire others too in reaching the goal. First STEP is crucial as it builds a foundation and skills and I want to ensure that my foundation is strong.
2017 is a new year. I believe that circumstances are meant to happen to prepare me for what is about to happen. Let me take that first STEP and continue to walk with me as we uncover the wonders of 2017 and beyond.
I was at work when I heard the news that Former Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago died peacefully in her sleep.
I was saddened for the fact that she has finally lost her final battle against cancer. The very reason why many of her supporters back out on her from the most recent Presidential Race.
Nevertheles, I still campaigned for her secretly because I believe she should have been the best President the country never had. She should have been that President way before. I believe in her wits and her political style.
Goodbye madam Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago! You have served the Filipino really well. The laws you have authored will forever be cherished by many generations.
Of the (recent) Laws she authored
Rest in peace Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago! You'll finally re-unite with your son in the after life.
You will surely be missed by many of your supporters!
"Habulin mo ako Reynaldo!," sabi ni Dale sa kaibigan...
"Saglit lang hinihingal na ako di ko na kaya" sagot ni Reynaldo. "Ok ka lang ba? Segi pahinga na muna tayo. Mahirap na baka atakihin ka jan eh ako pa magbuhat sayo."
"Grabe to. Atake agad di ba pwedeng napagod lang."
Ganyan kami ni Dale. Dalawang gwapong magkaibigan. Nagsimula ang pagiging magkaibigan nila nung napadpad sa maynila si Reynaldo para magtrabaho sa isang sikat na Call Center sa Makati. Pangarap nya yun. Pangarap nyang magtrabaho sa Ayala, the countries Business District.
Nahihirapan ako magadjust sa mga panahon na yun. Salamat na lang at may isang Dale na umalalay at tinulungan ako sa mga mumunting bagay. Tinuruan ako kung paano manamit, dinala ako sa mga functions at mga lugar na si sine ko lang nakikita.
Yun nga lang gimikero etong si Dale at maluho. Kada tapos ng trabaho ayun nasa galaan nakikipag inuman sa mga kaibigan nya.
Ako naman pag nabobored na sa bahay pag day off ko nasa Evia lang ako. Nagjojogging sa madaling araw hanggang pagsikat ng araw. Kagaya ngayon since wala naman ako ginagawa nasa Evia nanaman ako naka upo sa ilalim ng isang puno habang nagsusulat ng mga kwentong naglalaro sa aking isipan.
Kinabukasan masigla nanaman ako papasok sa opisina. Ewan ko ba. Excited ako makita mga kaibigan ko. Excied ako makibalita at makinig sa mga ginawa ni Dale naparepareho lang naman. Mga kwento at kabulastugan nya sa gimikan.
"Pare! Hanep may nakilala ako sa bar kagabi. Ang gwapo nya tol. Makinis at maputi ang balat. Mapupula ang labi," sabi ni Dale.
"Am sure inuwi mo nanaman eto. Naku pag ikaw nagkasakit ewan ko na lang," sagot ko naman.
"Syempre naman," sagot ni Dale.
"So kayo na nga? Naku Dale. Kada linggo na lang. Parepareho ang iyong kwento. Ibahin mo naman. Yung tipong nagkawangga ka. Pumunta ka sa bahay ampunan. Hindi yung parepareho na lang na may nameet ka. Ikinama. At kayo na. Sa susunod na linggo iba naman. Swere na lang kung tumagal ng isang buwan ang makakarelasyon mo," pangaral ko sa kanya.
"Andami mo ng sinabi. Tatanong tanong ka kung ano kaganapan tapos pag nagkwento ako sayo aariba ka naman ng sangkatutak na sermon," sagot ni Dale kay Reynaldo.
"Alam mo ang mahirap kasi sayo. Tingin mo ata sa mga tao mga laruan mo eh. Hindi ka nakukuntento sa iisa lang. Pagnagsawa ka paalisin mo na lang basta. Ako na lang ata ang di mo pa pinapaalis sa tabi mo eh. Sabagay kaibigan lang naman pala ako sayo. Swerte ko na lang kung ganun," saad ko kay Dale.
"Teka lang. Ba't kung makapagsalita parang may relasyon tayo higit sa magkaibigan ah. At kasalanan ko ba kung walang nakakatagal sa akin? Tapatin mo nga ako gusto may gusto ka ba sa akin," sigaw ni Dale.
Bigla na lang ako tumayo at linayasan si Dale. Ewan ko ba. Tatlong taon na kami magkaibigan pero di na ako nasanay sa kanya. May gusto nga ba ako sa kanya? Kaibigan nga lang ba ang turing ko sa kanya?
Hinabol nya ako. "Rey saglit lang."
Bigla akong humarap sa kanya. Nangingilid ang aking mga luha.
"Pare pasensya ka na. Pasensya ka na kung minahal ko ang best friend ko bilang syota. Pasensya ka na kung ang best friend mo gustong syotahin ka. Pasensya ka na. Wala eh ganun talaga. Ayaw kong best friend lang kita. Gusto ko akin ka," sabi ko kay Dale habang ang luhang kanina ko pa pinipigil ay unti unting pumapatak.
Niyakap ako ni Dale ng mahigpit. Mahigpit na mahigpit. Unti unting nilapit ni Dale ang kanyang mapupulang labi sa akin pisngi marahan nyang hinalikan ang mga luhang umaagos sa aking pisngi. Hanggang natapat ang labi namin sa isat isa. Marahan kaming naghahalikan.
"Hoy! May motel at Sogo dun kayo maglandian hindi dito sa kalsada," sigaw ng isang lalaki na naglalakad.
Bigla kaming natauhan at nagtawanan.
"Wala nga pala tayo sa Italy." Sabay naming nasabi.
"Magmula ngayon akin ka lang at iyong iyo na ako", sabi ni Dale at bigla nya hinawakan ang aking mga kamay.
"Babe na ang tawag ko sa yo hindi na pare." Saad ni Dale.
"Salamat." Sagot ko naman sa kanya.
"Eto pala. Walang sex na magaganap sa atin hanggang mag isang taon tayo. Halikan lang ang sex natin. At promise ko sayo hinding hindi ako makikipag sex sa iba. May palad naman eh.
Naging masaya kami. At yung promise namin na walang sex natupad nga namin. Puro sariling sikap lang kami.
What a brand new day! Sabi ko sa sarili ko. Nagpeprepare na ako papasok ng work nung biglang tumunog ang telepono ko. Tumatawag ang love of my life.
"Good morning babe!" Bati ko.
"Good morning babe. Mamayang gabi sunduin kita. May surprise ako sayo," sabi ni Dale.
"Alright! Segi babe deretso ka na lang sa offie message mo ako or tawag ka pag nasa baba ka na ng building para makababa na ako di na ako mag oovertime."
Maghapon akong excited nun. Natapos ko lahat ng aking gawain.
Sinundo nga nya ako around 6pm. At dumeretso kami sa restaurant. Pagka upo na pagka upo namin. May tumugtog ng violin. Alam nyang favorite ko ang mga instrumental.
Naka smile lang sya at lalo ako nainlove sa kanya. Ang sarap talaga halikan ng jowa kung to sabi ko lang sa isip ko.
"Darating man ang araw na mawawala ako. Wag na wag mo sana isipin na nawala ako. Alalahanin mo na sa bawat araw na lilipas ikaw ang aking iniisip. Ikaw ang nagpabago sa akin. Ikaw ang rason kung bakit nag iba ang pananaw ko sa sex at relasyon. Ikaw ang taong nagmulat sa akin na pahalagahan ang mga taong malapit sa akin. Ikaw na hindi umalis at hindi ako binitawan kahit pa araw araw kang nasasaktan. Ikaw na nagbigay ng depinasyon sa aking pagbabagong buhay," saad ni Dale.
"Hinding hindi kita iiwan at hinding hindi ka mawawala sa aking paningin. Hahanapin kita kung ikaw ay mawawala. Hindi ako bibitaw," sagot ko sa kanya.
"Happy 11th monthsary, " sabi ni Dale.
Masayang masaya ako ng gabing yun. Umuwi kami na masaya. Pagdating sa bahay naghaharutan pa kami bago matulog.
"Babe uwi ako bukas sa probinsya. Sigurado ka ba ayaw mo sumama?" Tanong ko kay Dale.
"Naku babe andami ko aasikasuhin sa work. Magiging super busy ako ng hanggang next week. Hanggang kelan ka ba dun babe?" Litanya ni Dale.
"One week ako dun babe. Birthday kasi ni mama at gusto ko naman magcelebrate dun kasama ng mga kapatid ko. Anim na taon din ako na hindi umuwi sa amin eh."
"Ganun ba. Ikumusta mo na lang ako kay tita. Pasensya na kamo at busy talaga ako sa work ngayon eh. Dami mga reports kailangan tapusin."
Kina-umagahan. Hinatid nya ako sa paradahan ng Victory. Niyakap nya ako ng mahigpit at hinalikan ako. Parang kakaiba ang halik ni Dale nung araw na yun. Mas gentle mas matagal mas sweet kesa sa dati. Ramdam mo ang boung init ng pagmamahal nya sa halik nya. Yung halik na parang walang bukas. Yung halik na mas intense pero punong puno ng pagmamahal.
"Magiingat ka parati ha. Wag na wag mo papabayaan ang iyong sarili. Tandaan mo mahal na mahal kita hanggang sa dulo ng walang hanggan!" Sabi ni Dale kasabay ng pagpatak ng kanyang luha.
"Naku babe hinding hindi ko pababayaan ang sarili ko dahil gusto ko makita mo ako parati na maayos." Sagot ko sa kanya.
"Yung maintenance mo sa puso. Yung mga vitamins mo wag ka papalya sa pag inom ng mga yun ah," patuloy ni Dale sa pagbibilin.
"Ano ka ba babe kompleto po lahat ng gamot ko. Tsaka isang buwan ako dun pag wala ka ginagawa puntahan mo na lang ako dun ah. Mamimiss kita sobra" sabay halik sa kanya sa labi. Tumagal ng sampong minuto ang halikan namin.
Habol habol namin ang aming hininga. "Wag na lang kaya ako tumuloy babe. Parang may kung anong nagsasabing wag na ako tumuloy eh." Sabi ko pagkatapos namin maghalikan.
Hahahaha
Tumawa lang sya. "Naku babe. Tagal mo ng plinano eto. Segi na aalis na yung bus. Yung pasalubong ko ah. Yung ube jam na favorite natin. Dali na babe sakay ka na," pagtataboy nya sa akin.
Naghalikan ulet kami sabay tayo ako at umalis. Bago ako umakyat ng bus ay hinabol pa nya ako at mahigpit na niyakap. Di niya ako binitawan sa pagkakayakap hanggang sa tinawag na kami ng conductor at aalis na nga yung bus.
Masaya ako nakadungaw sa bintana habang papaalis ang bus. Nakita ko si Dale nakatayo umiiyak at kumakaway. Nakatingin ako sa kanya. "Over acting ang jowa ko ngayon ah. Daig pa ang best Actor sa Famas kung makaiyak eh." Sabi ko sa aking sarili habang binabagtas ng bus ang kahabaan ng EDSA.
Nakarating ako sa bahay ng matiwasay at naidaos naman namin ang birthday bash ng mama ko. Masaya kaming magkakapatid kasama ng mga pamangkin at pinsan ko.
Since walang signal ang phone ko. Naging camera na lang sya.
Hanggang sa dumating ang araw ng aking pagbabalik sa Manila. Tinatawagan ko si Dale para sana magpasundo at madami akong dala. Binili ko lahat ng paborito nya. Peanut brittle, isang kartoon ng ube jam dahil alam ko uubusin nya lang yun ng isanf linggo, strawberry at strawberry jam, fruit wines at kung ano ano pa.
Ngunit nakaka ilang tawag at txt ako sa kanya walang sumasagot. Pagtinatawagan ko out of coverage naman. Inisip ko na lang na siguro busy sya at pinatay ang phone para di sya maistorbo.
Hanggang sa nakauwi ako ng condo na inuupahan naming dalawa. Nakita ko sa parking lot na andun ang kotse nya pero maalikabok na halatang hindi nagagamit ng ilang linggo.
Nagtataka man dumeretso na lang ako ng room unit namin at nagpatulong na lang ako sa mga taga maintenance ng condo.
Ang unit namin ang alikabok. Naririnig ko may instrumental na mga songs na Kenny G ang sounds nya. Favorite ko kasi yun.
"Dale! Babe andito na ako. Tulog ka ba? Bakit di ka man lang naglinis ng bahay. Kaw talaga pag tinutupak ka ni paglilinis di mo magawa." Sigaw ko. Tingin ko natutulog sya kasi naka ayos yung inside sleeper nya sa may pintuan ng room namin.
Deretso lang ako ng kusina habang sinasalansan ang mga pasalubong ko sa ref.
"Babe gising ka na ba? Bat mo pinatay yung phone mo? Papasundo pa naman sana ako sayo," patuloy ko sa pagsasalita.
Walang sumasagot mula sa kwarto. "Kaw talaga babe pag matulog ka para kang mantika. Babe gising na jan!" Sigaw ko.
Wala pa rin sumasagot mula sa kwarto. Linisan ko ang lamesa namin at nagsalin ako ng brewed coffee.
"Babe gising na! Di ka ba malalate sa work?" Sigaw ko ulet pero wala talaga sumasagot mula sa kwarto.
Pumasok na ako ng kwarto ar nakita ko na walang tao. Yung ipad nya naka saksak lang at naka auto play lahat ng mga favorite song ko. Ang weird lang ng pakiramdam. Di ko man naiintindihan ang nangyayari kung bakit naiwan na naka auto play ang aking mga favorite song.
Naiwan lang kaya nya sa pagmamadaling pumasok. May surprise kaya sya sa akin? Nasaan nga ba sya?
Lumapit ako sa ipad nya at pinatay eto. Bumalik ako sa kusina at kumain mag isa. Parang hindi ako sanay. Parang hindi masarap yung hinanda ko. Hays miss na miss ko pa naman ang babe ko.
Naligo na lang ako at pumasok na sa kwarto. Dahil sobrang pagod ko sa byahe eh nakatulogan ko na ang pagiisip kung nasaan na si Dale.
Gabi na nung gumising ako. Mag aalas syete na ng gabi. Dapat andito na si Dale ah? Ah siguro natraffic. Triny ko tawagan ulet ang number nya pero out of coverage pa rin.
Nagprepare na lang ako ng hapunan namin. At habang inaantay sya nanood muna ako ng pelikula sa HBO. Alas dyes na ng gabi wala pa ring dumarating na Dale. Naiinis na ako at kinakabahan. Alam kong alam nya na kaninang madaling araw ang uwi ko dahil sya pa ang nagpabook ng reserve ticket ko.
Binuksan ko ang ipad nya. Wala naman ako makita dun chineck ko ang FB nya deactivated na. Triny ko mag log in pero ayaw.
Busy ako sa pagkakalikot ng kanyang ipad nung aksidente ko nabuksan ang isang saved video.
Si Dale:
"Welcome home babe. I am sorry wala ako jan. Sorry kasi alam ko madami ka bibilhin na pasalubong and I am sure na kakailanganin mo tulong ko. Kahit wala ako jan ngayon alalahanin mo na mahal na mahal kita. Ikaw ang una at huli ko na mamahalin. Sinisisi ko ang sarili ko dahil hindi ako nakapagpaalam man lang sayo. Na kahit man lang sana sa huling pagkakataon mahagkan at mayakap kita. Na sa huling pagkakataon maipadama ko ang labis ko na pagmamahal sayo. Na sana kahit isang beses lang mapagbigyan ako na mapagisa natin ang ating katawan. Na maramdaman ko ang katawan mo sa loob ng katawan ko. Na kahit sa isang pagkakataon maisakatuparan ko ang matagal kong ninanis na maangkin ka ng boung buo. Wag mo sana pababayaan ang sarili mo babe. Wala man ako jan ngayon parati ka naman dito sa puso ko. Ikaw na nagmamay-ari sa akin. Babe I am sorry kasi dito ko na lang to sasabihin. Itinoun ko talaga ang pag-alis mo pa-uwi sa inyo sa pag-alis ko papuntang ibang bansa. Matagal o baka hindi na ako makakabalik pa pero tatandaan mo na sa bawat pag andar ng oras at pintig ng puso ko ikaw ang laman neto. Ikaw lang ang mamahalin ko hanggang sa mga huling sandali pa ng aking buhay. At kung may makita ka na pwede mo mahalin sana babe huwag mo pigilan ang iyong puso na magmahal. Wag mong itali ang puso mo sa akin babe. Mahal na mahal kita at hanggang sa muli nating pagkikita. Sayo ko ipinapangalan ang condo babe. At ang kotse ko sayo ko din nakapangalan yan. Sa yo na yan babe souvenir ko para sayo."
Natapos na ang Goodbye video ni Dale at nakatulala pa rin ako kasabay ng pag agos ng aking mga luha. Hindi ko eto mapigilan. Ngayon ko lang napagtanto na binili pala no Dale ang condo akala ko inuupahan namin eto. Wala din ako kamalay malay na sa akin pala nakapangalan lahat ng kanyang ari-arian. Pero bakit? Bakit sya umalis? Minahal ko naman sya ng higit pa sa kahit sino man at alam nya na sa kanya umiikot ang aking mundo. Alam ko na alam nya na abot langit ang pagmamahal ko sa kanya pero bakit nya ako iniwan tanong ko sa aking sarili habang patuloy na umiiyak.
Nakutulugan ko na ang pagiyak gabi gabi habang yakap yakap ang mga damit ni Dale na natira.
Pumapasok ako sa opisina gamit ang maskara ng payaso. Tumatawa ng malakas nagbibiro at kung ano anong kalukuhan ang pinaggagawa ko. Puro positive ang pinopost ko sa facebook ko para lang isipin nila na wala ako problema.
Pero bawat gabi pag uwi ko lungkot at iyak ang ginagawa ko. Nakagawian ko na rin ang manood ng korean novela at comedy movies pero bakit umiiyak pa rin ako kahit nakakatawa ang mga eksena. Kina-ugalian ko na rin ang kumain ng kumain isang boung pizza kinakain ko habang nanonood ng movie at isa pa ulet na pizza bago matulog. Ganun na ang gawain ko hanggang sa isang araw "Grabe ka Rey. Sobrang hindi mo na maasikaso ang sarili mo sa trabaho ah. Tignan mo nga. Wala ka na six packs. Anlaki ng tiyan mo. Ang taba taba mo na. At mukhang hindi mo naalagaan ang sarili mo. Hindi ka na flawless," isang mahabang litanya ni Oscar nung minsan nakasalubong ko sya sa Glorieta.
"Grabe to. Kung maka describe parang inouod na ako ah," biro ko sa kaibigan ko. "Hindi ba pwedeng mangumusta ka na lang?"
"Nagsasabi lang ako ng totoo noh," sagot ni Oscar sa akin.
"Tara starbucks tayo Rey. Lets catch up. Sampung taon din tayo di nagkita. Inactive parati facebook mo eh.:
Madami kami napagkwentuhan ni Oscar. Nakwento ko na rin sa kanya na every day off ko na nasa sinehan lang ako nanonood ng sine at kumakain ng pizza.
"Hay naku friend. Masakit ang ginawa ni Dale pero hindi naman pwede na pabayaan mo ang sarili mo. Wag mo naman isangkalan ang sarili mo para lang mapagtakpan ang problema mo. Marami pa jan. At kung ano man ang rason ni Dale at bigla na lang syang umiskapo Diyos na ang bahala dun." Sabi ni Oscar. Hinug nya ako ng mahigpit sabay sabi, "marami jan Reynaldo. Tama na sampung taon ka ng nagluluksa dinaig mo pa si Nora, Sharon, Vilma at Maricel sa kadramahan mo. Wake up and move on my dear friend."
"Friend umaasa kasi ako na babalik sya eh. Umaasa ako na sana balang araw magpakita sya sa condo namin. Umaasa ako na isang araw makita ko sya sa daan. Kahit isang pagkakataon lang. Kahit isang yakap na lang nya. Kahit isang minuto lang matanong ko lang sa kanya bakit nya ako iniwan ng ganun ganun lang." Sagot ko kay Oscar.
"Tahan na friend. Pasikatin mo naman na ang araw jan sa buhay mo. Ang dilim eh. Yung ngiti mo ibalik mo naman. Yung totoong ngiti mo. Yung ikaw na ikaw. Tama na ang paghohold mo sa nakaraan. Nakakawa ka na eh." May awang saad ni Oscar.
Natapos na nga ang catch up namin ng friend ko. Gumaan naman ang aking pakiramdam.
Kinaumagahan. Prinint ko na ang aking resignation at nagresign na ako. Binenta ko na rin ang kotse ni Dale at ang condo namin. Tanging ang iniwan ko na lang ay yung mga pictures at mga damit nya.
Bumili ako ng maliit na bahay sa Cavite to start everything fresh and new.
Lahat iniwan ko na. Gusto ko na magsimula ulet ng bagong buhay. Yung ako lang. Yung walang Dale naman yung walang ibang tao pinaglalaanan.
Lahat ng gamit ni Dale inilagay ko na lang sa isang kartoon at itinago eto.
Dun ko na nga napansin na sobrang taba ko na pala. Yung dating 57kilos na ako ngayon 92 kilos na. Oo nga tama si Oscar. Siguro nga kailangan ko na mag move on. Wala na siguro ako maantay pa.
Dahil dun Binuhos ko ang oras ko sa trabaho. At sa pagjojogging. Sumali ako sa mga marathon. At nagdiet ako ng todo.
Unti unti ko ng naibaba ang aking timbang. Mahigit sampung taon na nung huli kaming magkita at mag usap ni Dale. Kasalukuyan ako nakatitig nagpapahinga sa isang waiting shed dito sa Evia katatapos ko lang magjogging nung time na yun. Habang pinagmamasdan ko ang isang magarbong simbahan naalala ko si Dale.
"Eleven years na pala mula nung huli kita mahagkan. Eleven years na nung hinatid mo ako sa bus station. Eleven years na din kitang hindi makalimutan. Naalala pa rin kita babe andito ka pa rin sa puso ko. Hindi ko mareformat eh. Ang daya mo naman. Ako na nga etong naiwan ako pa ang nagdurusa." Bulong ko sa hangin.
Dun ko napansin na may kasama pala ako nakatayo. Tinignan ko sya. Payat na payat na sobrang puti ng lalaki na nakatayo din katabi ko. Hindi sya umiimik pero lumuluha din kagaya ko. Hikbi ng hikbi.
Naasiwa ako at tumalikod na ako. At nagsimulang tumakbo. Sabay naman ng pag ihip ng hangin. At sya namang nalanghap ko yung amoy ng pabango nung lalaking nakatayo malapit sa akin.
Paglingon ko nakita ko na pasakay na sya sa sasakyan. Lumingon sa akin at kumaway sabay pahid ng luha nya. Inalalayan sya ng isang matandang babae papasok sa sasakyan.
Nakatayo lang ako at pilit minumukhaan. Kaso di ko mamukhaan kasi naka sumbrero na may malaking initials na R sa harapan.
Bago umandar ang sasakyan nya nakita ko na nagspray sya ng pabango sa hangin. Tinitignan ko lang yung sasakyan nya palayo. At naamoy ko yung pabango ulet dun ko naalala na yung pabango ay ang paboritong pabango ni Dale.
Umuwi na ako at iniisip ko pa rin yung lalaki na payat. Nakasout ng shorts na kulay brown, tshirt na kulay moss green at naka cap ng kulay white at may initial na R.
Wala sa loob ko na pumasok sa isang kwarto ng bahay ko kung saan andun ang mga alala ni Dale. Napagdisiyunan ko na na sunugin ang mga eto.
Nung isa isa kung binubuklat yung mga pictures namin nakita ko yung picture ni Dale na kaparehong kapareho nung mama sa Evia kanina lang.
Napaluha ako nung bigla ko naalala lahat ng pangyayari. Chinarge ko yung ipad at nagbabakasakali ako na pwede pa at gumagana pa. Namiss ko ang unang pag-ibig ko ang unang lalaking nagpatibok sa aking puso ang nagpatatag sa aking pagkatao. Inilabas ko yung perfume nya na naiwan pa nya at inispray ko eto sa isa sa mga damit nya.
Pinanood ko ng paulit ulit yung message nya. Bago ako matulog, pagkagising ko, bago ako pumasok at pagkauwi ko ng bahay. Araw araw ako nakatayo kung saan ko huling nakita sa Dale. Yung payat at sobrang puting Dale nagbabakasakali ako na muli ko syang masilayan. Hindi na ako magtatanong kung bakit sya nawala. Hawak hawak ko parati ang mga lumang damit nya ang pictures naming dalawa. Baka sakali lang na magpakita sya muli. Ngunit ang araw ay naging linggo. Ang linggo ay naging buwan. Di na sya nagbalik. Di ko na ulet sya nakita.
Pagka uwi ko ng bahay ng minsang galing ako ng Evia may biglang pumaradang itim na van. Kamukha nung sasakyan na sinakyan ni Dale sa Evia. Bumaba ang isang babae.
"Hi are you Reynaldo", wika ng babae.
"Yes maam, I am. What can I do for you?" Sagot ko naman.
"Oh I am Ivanka Smith. I am Dale's older sister. May I come in?" Paanyaya nya sa sarili nya.
Ang lakas ng kaba ko. Naalala ko nga pala si Ivanka na parating kinukuwento ni Dale sa akin. Yung kwela at pinaka close nya kapatid na nasa Germany. Na-excite ako dahil sa wakas may magsasabi na sa akin kung nasaan si Dale. May mapagtatanongan na rin ako sa wakas.
"Sure please come in. Do you want juice? Coffee? Beer?" Pautal utal kong sagot kay Ivanka. Halatang nanginginig ako.
Halos hihimatayin na ako. Pigil na pigil ko ang sarili ko na lumuha. Pigil pigil ang emosyon ko.
Nang biglang lumapit sa akin at yinakap ng sobrang higpit. Naramdaman ko ang paghikbi nya. Walang salitang lumalabas sa kanyang bibig pero ramdam ko ang bawat emosyon na gusto nya ipadama sa akin. Bumigay na rin ako. Sinabayan ko sya ng pagiyak.
"I loved your brother so much. I did loved him from the moment I saw him up until now. I loved him even more when he just disappear from nowhere while I am on vacation." Sabi ko kay Ivanka.
"I know. Lets sit shall we?" Sabi ni Ivanka.
"Oh sure. I am sorry" sabay pahid ko ng aking luha.
"Please remember that my brother never stopped loving you. He just need to do what he needs to do so you can flourish. So he will not drag you into the mess he had created. He visited me in Germany and started his medication there."
"Wait. Was he sick? Is that why he was so thin that I cant barely recognize him when he stand beside me in Evia?" Putol ko kay Ivanka.
"Yes. He is very very ill. Infact three years ago we flew back here in Philippines because he wanted to see you. He wanted to see you. Everyday he is following you. We are watching you weep your tears when you are passing by to your most memorable places. He sneak into your condo unti when you are fast asleep. He knows you are taking in sleeping pills so he will sleep beside you and hug you while you are sleeping. He was there with you everday for the past three years. Not until when you sold the condo unit and the car."
"Where is he? I wanted to see him. Is he with you?" Tumakbo ako palabas. "DALE!!!" Sigaw ko sabay katok sa van ni Ivanka. "Buksan mo to Dale. Miss na miss na kita."
"He is not there." Sabi ni Ivanka. "Lock your house you have to come with me."
Wala na akong paki alam kung ano ang sout ko. Wala na ako paki alam kung hindi paka nakapagshower. Gusto ko na sya makita. Gusto ko na sya mahagkan muli.
Panay ang kwento ni Ivanka sa mga activities ni Dale sa Germany. Sa mga pagkain sa sauna sa mga lugar na binisita nya. "Sabi nga nya how he'd wish na kasama ka daw nya. Iniimagine nya na kasama ka nya. Iniimagine nya na kasal na kayo."
Dumeretso si Ivanka sa Asian Hospital sa Alabang. At pinindot ang 9th floor. "Ano ba ang sakit ni Dale?" Tanong ko kay Ivanka. Hinarap ako ni Ivanka at sabay yakap sa akin. Si Dale na lang daw ang magsasabi sa akin.
Pagdating namin sa room ni Dale. Tulog na tulog sya. Ang gwapo pa rin nya kahit sobrang payat na nya. Lalapitan ko na sana sya nung biglang hinawakan ako ng gwapo nyang doctor.
"Ikaw si Reynaldo?" Sabi ng doctor.
"Yes ako nga po."
"Well I suggest you follow me first before seeing your boyfriend. Plus he is resting so let him rest for a while." Sabi ng doctor.
Wala ako magawa kundi sumunod kay Ivanka at sa Doctor.
"I am Dr Murphy. Kapatid ko si Dale at Ivanka at ako na din ang Dr ni Dale." Pagpapakilala ni Murphy. "Sorry at hindi natayo nagkakilala nung kayo pa. Isa talaga ako sa mga tutol sa love affair ninyo. At laking pagkakamali ko na ginawa ko yun."
"Ano pong sakit ni Dale Doc." Tanung ko.
"Murphy na lang since kapatid na rin naman na kita. Kasi minahal mo ng husto ang kapatid ko. Di na ako magpaligoyligoy pa. May AIDS si Dale. At nasa huling stages na sya ng AIDS. Maaring ikamatay na nya ang mga komplikasyon na naglalabasan. At maaring hindi na sya abutan ng susunod na taon." Sabi ni Murphy.
Nanlumo ako. Parang nagunaw ang aking mundo. Panay lang ang iyak ko. May sinasabi pa si Murphy pero di ko na naiintindihan. Di ko na naririnig. Yakap yakap na lang ako ni Ivanka. Habang nagiiyakan kaming tatlo.
"Hindi pa man ako namamatay kung makaiyak ako patay na ako," nakangiting sabi ni Murphy.
Lumapit ako sa kanya at sabay halik sa kanyang labi.
"Saglit lang babe," sabi ni Dale sabay ubo. "Sorry babe iniwan kita na sa ipad lang nagpaalam. Sorry sa ginawa ko. Sorry dahil eleven years din kitang araw araw na sinasaktan at pinapaasa na babalik ako."
"SHHHHHH" saway ko kay Dale. "Bago mo pa lang gawin yun napatawad na kita. Pero sana hindi ka na lang umalis.
Sana ako na lang nag alaga sayo. Sana babe kasama mo ako sa pagharap mo sa hamon ng buhay." Sabi ko kay Dale habang yakap yakap ko sya at umiiyak.
"Thats exactly why I left kasi mas gugustuhin ko na masaktan ka na lang dahil alam iniwan kita kaysa sa ako ang maging dahilan para lalo ka malugmok at sa takot na rin na baka mahawaan kita. Kaya ko sinabi na magiging tayo at kailangan isang taon bago tayo magsex dahil alam ko madami ako naka sex paiba iba at alam mo yan. Nung naging tayo nagpa check up na ako kinabukasan at kailangan ulitin ang check up after 6 months at on the ninth month. Tinago ko sayo yung mga gamot at iyong resulta kasi natatakot ako na baka iwanan mo ako. Kaya din ako umalis kasi para malaya ako magpagamot kasama ng kapatid ko sa ibang bansa. Ayaw ko idawit kita pag nalaman nila na may AIDS ako." Paliwanag ni Dale.
"Shhhh tahan na... wala na yun importante magkasama na tayo." Sabi ko sa kanya.
"Ahemmmm" sabi naman ni Dr Murphy. "Bro are we ready?"
"Yes we are" sabi naman ni Dale.
Nagtataka ako pero tahimik lang ako baka procedure lang nila yun. Baka kailangan lang turukan ng gamot si Dale kaya tumayo ako.
May inabot si Dale sa akin na maliit na box. "Buksan mo" utos nya.
Nagulat ako nung pagkabukas ko. Sing sing yun. Naka ukit ang pangalan naming dalawa.
"Will you marry me?" Tanong ni Dale.
"OF COURSE" sagot ko agad agad sa kanya.
Si Murphy na ang nagkunwaring pari sa kasal namin sya na ang nag officiate ng kasal namin kasi hindi pa naman legal ang same sex marriage dito sa Pilipinas. Masaya ako nakayakap sa kanya. Nag indifinite leave na rin ako sa opisina at buti na lang maunawain ang boss ko at pinayagan ako bilang regalo na lang dib daw nya sa kasal ko.
Gabi gabi binabasa ko sa kanya ang diary nya. Gabi gabi yakap yakap ko sya na matulog. Andun ako pag inaatake sya. Andun ako pag kinakapos si Dale ng hininga.
"Lord. Maawa ka po sa amin. Bigyan mo pa kami ng panahon ni Dale para magkasama. Bigyan mo pa kami Lord ng chance para maipadama naman ang pagmamahal namin sa isat isa." Ang dalangin namin pareho ni Dale bago matulog.
Isang umaga. Pagkagising ko nakita ko ang maamong mukha ni Dale nakasmile at maaliwalas. Nakayakap sya sa akin. Pero yung kwentas nya isinout nya sa akin. Pero naramdaman ko ang malamig na katawan ni Dale. Isang malamig na Dale na lang pala ang kayakap ko. Napansin ko din na ang aparato na nakakabit sa kanya ay tinanggal nya.
Wala na ako mailuluha na iiyak ko na lahat. Nagpaalam ako sa kanya isang masuyong halik ang pinabaon ko sa kanya hanggang sa tuluyan na syang matakpan ng lupa.
#TheEnd#
This is dedicated to everyone who is fighting for AIDS and to those who is standing/stood besides those who suffer and to those who continued to be inlove despite the adversities of life.
It was dark. It was so dark. I can’t see anything but the flickering lamp post so far from me. The wind blowing harshly and the rain pouring immensely. It was one cold night. So cold that I can feel it piercing from within. The stridulating sound of the cricket and croaking of the frogs sounded like a chorale in the night adorn with the flickering light from the fire fly.
It was that night where these creatures are rejoicing from the dark. I wanted to go home. I wanted to feel the comfort of my bed and the warmth of my house.
Plugged my earphone and played my playlist while walking in the cold rainy night.
Why can't you hold me in the street? Why can't I kiss you on the dance floor? I wish that it could be like that Why can't we be like that? 'Cause I'm yours
And nobody knows I'm in love with someone's baby I don't wanna hide us away Tell the world about the love we're making I'm living for that day Someday
It was then I remember a friend. I remember the times when I was so sick and unable to get out of the house he’d come and play with me. Sleep together like real siblings. Play wet soils soaked with our own urine when no one is watching. I remember before you go away, you’d left me your mud fish pet asking me to take good care of it until we would meet again. I remember crying over it for months when it died after a year. I remember the unparalleled friendship when I have none. I remember you standing beside me when I was bullied because I was labelled as the weakest link amongst everyone.
I remember my friend every time I am being rushed at the hospital. Growing up would never be that exciting if not with the memories that we shared. The stories we created. The crying and comforting. We are best friends; we are best buddies.
I was so happy when after 10 long years we finally met as we took the same major in college. I remember the nights of sleep over. The pranks and the laughter. I remember the bar hopping and smoking packs of cigarettes. I remember how you snore and your after shower smell. I remember those smiles. I still remember your unwashed hair, your delicate lips and your eyes with a thousand emotions.
Now we are miles away. Now we both have separate lives and problems to take care. I remember how worried I am when my only best friend was abducted by Abu Sayyaf before your marriage. I guess those were the days and will always be part of a sweet memory. I will always remember you.
I continue walking home in that one called night. The rain continues to pour hard. The wind continues to blow angrily. The frogs and the crickets continues to make sound. I continue to listen to the music playing in my phone.
Then you came out of nowhere I could not believe my heart I didn't know how to tell you Didn't know where to start I know you understand
When I hid inside I almost died Oh, I hid inside and I cried A loving heart in a sensitive man I know you'll understand
As the second song continues to play. I continued remembering the past. I continued remembering the days and the people whom I have been in the past. I continue to remember you then suddenly I see a flash of a rushing head light gearing towards me. Then, I hear a screeching sound of a tire. I hear scream of the by standers. The croaking of the frog slowly fading away.
I feel numbness from within. I feel cold. I am not hearing anything but I hear your sweet voice once again. I hear your voice whispering your goodbye. As everything goes dark and really cold, I imagined I was riding at the back of the mud fish. I imagined just you and me for the last time playing, chatting and laughing in the river where the mud fish swims freely and happily. As I savor the moment, everything is fading slowly. I tried to hold on. I see you fading away. I see things going dark and getting colder by the second.
Ber month finally kicks in... and so is the busy holiday season! Yes baby! Its holiday season. Back when I was younger... when September kicks in, you would already hear firecrackers and the start of Christmass rush, you would already hear Christmass songs and children starts thier Christmass Carolling.
I dont hear firecracker very often nowadays in September but I am sure hearing people start talking about Christmass and New Year.
So let me start my blog a very early HAPPY HOLLIDAYS my dear readers.
Now, the real holiday shopping rush here in the Philippines will start in the later week of November up until last week of December.
So for now here are some few tips for you my dear readers to avoid being in a terrible shopping rush and terrible traffic.
GIFTS AND GIVEAWAYS
Since Filipinoys by nature love gifts and giveaways might as well start your preparations there since this is tedious and definitely time consuming plus of course it can drain your budget most especially if you dont plan it in advance.
1. List down everyone whom you intend in giving a gift this Holiday Season. Categories them wether they are a family, a friend, or a god-children. Categorizing them would be easier for you to identify and ensure you are not forgetting someone in the list.
2. Plan your gifts. Its easier to have a generic item for kids, boys and girls, family member and or a friend. In this way it is easier to pre-determine your approximate budget for each category plus you can buy by bulk and have more chances of getting a bigger discount. BUY by bulk its always cheaper that way.
3. Scout for a store. Since you already have a list start scouting for a store who could give you better prices. Avoid buying stuff in a mall. Mall merchants are way more expensive so either you resort to buying online or visiting Divisoria or Baclaran and finding the best gift and giveaways this Holiday Season.
CHRISTMAS DECORS
Its high time for you to start checking the decorations you had last year. I hope you had preserve those decorations. So go ahead and unbox them and start checking for those decorations that are still re-usable. There will be decorations that needs repainting and a little repair needed. If you need to buy some you might start buying now as the prices are still quite cheap. For major items I would suggest you have them listed and buy them when it is out of season or in Janaury and the prices will drastically go as low as 70% off during peak season. Example a five foot Christmass tree is worth more than 3 or 4 thousand pesos during peak season but that would go down to as low as 1 thousand in Janaury in time for bext years holiday decoration. So for now, recycle the old one and repair them if needed then a new one in Janaury when the holiday rush dies down.
DONT SPEND ALL YOUR MONEY!
The best gift you can give yourself this Christmass season is your savings and security at old age. This is the time of the year where you will have your bonuses. So instead of having this all be spent for bruhahaha during the holiday you might want to have the 50% of it if not all in a time deposit for your emergency fund or start building your mutual fund.
Having an eight month emergency fund, mutual fund, or stock investment will at least help you when you can no longer work. When your old or when your kids go to college. Have your kids educational plan insured in a reputable company. OR get ab insurance policy so if anything goes wrong then at least your family will not end up misserable. All these will help you in the future.
In the coming months I will try to feature best stores to buy for your Christmass giveaways.
I wasnt never a fan of the pokemon serries while growing up but of course even though I was never a fan of the cartoon serries I still got to watch them once in a while so pretty much I have that idea as to whats going on.
Nevertheles when this POKEMON GO grew big and really became very popular to teenagers upto the working class, I got too curious too.
So I started downloading and started playing it. Little did I know that I will be so into it.
Then I realize this could be so great in my fitness experience. So every day off I gear up for my usual running/Brisk walking while collecting pokemons, dropping by at the pokestop near by, and of course hatching eggs.
Now I had a whole new motivation to wake up and go for a long distance walk and having fun while getting fit.
So guys wake up early wear your shoes and go out for brisk walking dont forget to turn on your GPS and start walking, gettig fit, and of course collecting pokemon, poke eggs and hatching eggs.
Just as I thought... after kilometers of walking... I finally caught my first Pikachu!
I've been swooning and wallooping status in social media about experiences of great place to work. In deed it is mind blowing and inspiring to see such status of being and having a place to work in such working environment.
All companies and institutions are great places to work because all of them provides a bread and butter for everyone. Everyone gets to go home and have a milk in the table.
So the first in my list if I am going to qualify a company for a Great Place to Work are the Benifits. It is something an employee got to take home extra aside from of course the take home pay. It is the mere reason why an employee signs up the contract in the first place because that employee because it is that benifit that differs from one company to the next.
The moment that employee signs up, then their experience within the company becomes super important. Benifits are useless if we have very bad executors. Leaders or the managers should be a very good executors.
What makes an employee happy basically is when they feel that the company they are working for feel the care. For the employee the company is represented by the managers.
Trust plays a significant role in making sure that the company is indeed a great place to work and the essential element for an employee is when the benifits and laws are properly executed by the executor that is when a trust is built.
As an employee, the moment I trusted the leaders in the company, I see better performance in me and so as the other employees. I take pride of what I do and I flourish a smiling customers.
Employees take pride of what they do and they enjoy doing what they are supposed to do plus other activities that go beyond expectation. Employees exceeds the expectation because they trust the leaders, that they are treated fairly.
For example in a very well known company had a very good compensation package and definitely mind blowing benifits. They surpass the benifits and went above and beyond the problem was the executors.
They have favoritism, unfair judgement, and employee relations is very very poor.
Here's the story:
There were two kinds of employee both are hard working but have different areas of oppurtunity. The other one has the highest number of events executed for the past year there were misses along the way, had a very bad situation in the family, still manages to go to work everyday and conduct the usual routine and goes back home and helps in a family matters.
On the otherhand, there's these one who have very or rarely commits mistake at work, had one of fewest events executed for the year and almost non-existent as either on maternity leave, sick leave and had to attend school activities.
The later gets the highest increase by year end assesment.
In this situation, the company is fantastic, a very good benifits but very very poor leadership they have a terrible executors.
The employees are the face of the company but for the employees the leaders is the company. A well taken cared employee definitely radiates and affects others creating a great culture and values radiates outside and bring forth a happier customer a better performance.
To end, I agree that a great place to work is one in which employees trust the people they work for resulting to take pride of what they do and further resulting to enjoying working with the people they work with.
In the field of customer service, your knowledge comes only after emotions. People do not care about what you know. They do not care if you are precise and concise in providing instruction. They do not care if you have memorized and understood everything in the conpanies procedure and practices.
What matters most is how they felt after talking to you. Their feeling will determine how well you are as a customer service representative. If they felt and treated right thier response will definitely and will always be positive. Its either they woulf say, "the representative I have spoken with answered and understood my situation" or they would say, "the representative keeps putting me on hold to find an answer to my question and I appreciate that".
The point of the matter is, I knew for a fact that Starbucks barista when it comes to dealing with their customer it is always above and beyond and so I am already expecting that when I visit their coffe shop they will talk to me and serve me well. However, when I was feeling exhausted, tired, worried and devastated I happen to drop by at STARBUCKS SHAW Boulevard WORLDWIDE CORP CENTER just to have a coffee just to ease these negativities its just like my stress food. I went in and of course the usual greetings and good smile. So I just ordered an paid my coffee.
I went ahead the table and lighted my cigarette and started drinking my coffee and puffing my cigarette.
I noticed in my cup the barrista had wrote: "HELLO CHARLTON and a smiley." It made me smile and it made my day. I then look back at the counter and saw him doing stuff and keeping himself busy while there are no customer around. I noticed his work attitude, his passion in what he do... I noticed he is damn good looking too... and I remembered the name in his tag... His name is CARLO.
See... just like me, I will soon realize how good the customer service representative after I felt good, I felt I was treated right. A simple Hello Charlton and a smiley ib my cup made me feel good because I wasnt expecting it. It is because a barista named Carlo went the extra mile in giving customer service.
“Sorbetes! Come have a piece of this delicious ice cream,” shouted the ice cream man!
“YEY!!!” chorus the kids.
“Mom! Buy me an ice cream!” says another kid. “Petra can we just skip that for now, you just ate sandwich and soda,” replied Petra’s mom.
“Mom, my playmates are eating their sorbetes,” Petra cried.
“OK!” Petra’s mother exclaimed.
“What about you Robert? Do you want some sorbetes?” Aling Martha asked her son Robert.
“Oh mom! Its ok I still have some money in my pocket and I don’t want to be spending on things I actually don’t need’” Robert replied.
“Waaaaahhhh Robert doesn’t have ice cream!” Robert’s playmate teases him. “Meh meh meh meh, Robert doesn’t have an ice cream!”
“Come on Robert, I will buy you one,” said his mom Aling Martha.
“It’s ok mom, I already ate my lunch and I also made some sandwich at home,” Robert replied.
“So where do you spend your money that I am giving you every day?” asked her mom
“I buy water or juice when I already drank all the juice that I brought from home or I buy some candies as well when I felt like eating one. But I make sure I don’t spend everything I always drop a portion of my daily allowance in my piggy bank,” Robert’s long answer to his mom.
“Are you not jealous with your playmates, when they are eating candies, ice cream, drinking soda or buying some toys at Ms Bebang’s store?” asked his mom.
“Ma, I have sandwich, I brought with me my lunch and I have toys at home, I am also already full and I don’t need to eat all those every day,” Robert replied.
“Ok”, replied his mom. Days and months have passed. Robert continued dropping a portion of his allowance in his piggy bank. He was able to fill up three large piggy bank. Robert is excited to count how much he was able save. Excitedly he broke his piggy bank open and counted all the coins.
“AHA!”, Robert exclaimed. “Its my mom’s birthday tomorrow, I think I can buy her a new dress! I will surprise her, she has been working all day and I think I can just simply give her something.”
The following morning, Robert woke up and as usual his mother is rushing cooking while doing the dishes.
“Mom!”, called Robert!
“What! Come on you’ll be late. And I will be late at my work too.”, she exclaimed.
“Just come here mom I have something to show you!” Robert exclaimed.
Robert’s mom rushed at Robert’s room very worried. When she arrives at Robert’s room.
“Surprise!!!!! Happy Birthday Mom! I broke one of my piggy bank because so I could buy you a gift!”
“Oh I love you my son! Thank you so much!” Robert’s my cried. “You saved a portion of your money so you can buy me a gift on my birthday, you should just buy some toys for yourself” she continued.
“Oh mom! I still have more don’t worry and I will just a toy when I already broke some of the toys,” Robert answered.
“Wow! You really surprised me Robert. I have a suggestion to you my son, let’s open a bank account for you so every time you filled up your piggy bank, let’s deposit it from there in that way when you need something in the future you would have something to use. Plus it won’t get stolen or lost because the bank will take good care of your money,” Aling Martha told her son Robert.
“Sure! I would love to do that mom”, Robert replied.
“Look mom I also bought a new bag and it’s my favorite super hero SUPERMAN”, Robert happily showed his mom his new bag that he bought.
Robert and his mom happily had their breakfast. After they had their breakfast, Aling Martha walked Robert to his school.
On their way to school, Robert saw his classmate playing.
“Wow! Robert you had a new bag and it’s Superman!”, exclaimed Alex. “Look guys Robert had a new bag!”
Robert proudly smiled to Alex!
All the children gathered around Robert to check on the new bag.
“I will ask my mom to buy me one too!” said another children
“Me too!” said another.
“Aling Martha, where did you buy Robert’s bag?” asked Marvin
“I did not buy the bag, Robert did and he bought me a dress too for my birthday,” Aling Martha answered.
“Wow! Robert where did you get your money. I saw that bag at the mall and its pretty expensive,” asked Greg.
“I am saving a portion of my allowance in my piggy bank so I can buy something when I needed something to buy. My mom also said she will open a bank account for me so I could put my money that I saved in my piggy bank every time it gets full,” Robert explained.
From then on, Robert continued saving a portion of his allowances in his piggy bank and every time it gets filled up, his mother accompanies Robert in the bank.
Also, his classmates’ gets so inspired since Robert can buy expensive things by simply saving a portion of their allowance in their own piggy bank.
