Skipped

I know, i know...I totally skipped 2011!

I was busy with other blogs...which I eventually closed down...has not been doing freelance for quite some time now...

Been busy with "life"...but I'm here now...back to my good old blog...i hope to see more from ya'll!

Comsite

Alas, my previous client has contacted me for a new contract with him - data entry! 

I am quite ecstatic about this!

There is quite a hitch though...my paypal account right now was associated with my old oDesk card. The client wants to pay thru paypal.

Which among the banks in the Philippines has the lowest rate of transfer from Paypal?

2 weeks

It's been two weeks since that fateful day when the world i was building for almost 7 years crashed.

I have cried,cried and cried...expectedly.

However, there is this small voice that's keeps nagging at me that I should move on.

Is two weeks too early to start picking up the shattered pieces?

It may or may not be.

Then I remembered...for the longest time, that I do not believe in fate or destiny.

I believe that it is you who makes it.

And whatever happened two weeks ago, i am also part to blame.

I am not sure on which phase I am right now.

But this I am for sure: I want to live a life that is full, a life with no guilt nor regret.

I want to do something with my life and start living again.

Hiatus

I am working on a personal blog right now. An outlet of sorts...

If you wanna check it out...www.loadedbag.blogspot.com

Games d-i ha!

today...i lost a friend...because of politics? so cliche` but yeah...that's the truth.

she removed me from her FB friends because I told her to edit her post and told her "its unbecoming of a public official".. such as her.To make the long story short, she and her political adviser didn't like what i said. Did I hit a nerve? I believe so...with all this drama this is all I have to say:  good riddance!!!

Hey YOU! you may be a political figure in your barangay (bless the people) but I didn't think you would stoop this low.

I know nothing about politics but one thing I know, you never betray the people who entrusted you their future...so for the people of barangay (uhmmm, whatever)...this is what your beloved kagawad has to say:

and yeah...you may block me from FB for all I care! OA!

Blah, Blah, Blah

WHEW!!!

2Q and 3Q hasn't been easy for me this year.

1st off, my LEAP for AM (Leadership Enhancement and Advancement Program) and ALS in SWU  simultaneously started, thanks to dear "fate" , although I do NOT really believe in that. Eleven of us, all JG 10 folks, graduated from LEAP on Oct 19, 2010. I am one of the fortunate ones who was selected and recommended for such a prestigious training. Just yesterday, I've heard, one of my classmates was promoted as a Supervisor in Core Skills Dept. Good job V! While the rest of us awaits our destiny, I am still on the process of still creating options for myself.

While being a TL, I am still doing ALS on the side. Although I have fully paid my tuition, there are still modules left unanswered and I mean, MANY...

With so much activities, I have neglected blogging, online work and cafe world! hehehe!

I hope that with this blog...comes many more thoughts that will soon be posted...ciao!

Rafe Bartholomew

Have you heard of him? Neither did I, 6 mos. ago. I read bout him but brushed it off...but it seems he has a log to say about being a "pinoy". He loves being here in the country, he loves local food - the last dishes he ate before leaving last year was ginataang alimango and inihaw na lapu-lapu, and he speaks tagalog really well!

As fate has it, the tagalog speaking New Yorker, is a celebrated author and  will be here in Cebu on August 25, 2010 at National Bookstore-Ayala Center-Cebu to promote his book : Pacific Rims: Beermen Ballin' in Flip-Flops and the Philippines' Unlikely Love Affair with Basketball.

I'm really hoping to get a copy of the book and have it signed by him, but if not, I'll still be getting the book! :)

Galesnjak

Galesnjak Islet, now known as "the Lover's Island, is located in the coast off of Croatia. It became famous after it was highlighted in Google Earth.

This heart-shaped islet has become a sensation among couples especially on Valentine's day, with requests barging in from all over.

Contrary to what the general public may think, working in a call center is a very hazardous job. And I am talking about health and life specifically.

There have been reports  of mugging (hold-ups), snatching...or worse, shot at. Then there's the classic case of insomnia where people, especially the agents,  suffer. I for one is not new to this. Sometimes, in the brink of frustration for not being able to sleep 3-4 hours before I'm due in the office, I cry. If you are in a management position, calling in sick is rare and sometimes not advisable. You'll miss tons of updates, emails, conference calls, trainings and not to mention, you'll miss "that" chance of a lifetime. To be considered on a top promotion.  It is very challenging to stay focus on the job and not get easily irritated with your peers if you lack sleep. You lose every bit of concentration if you're used to sleeping 7-8 hours a day. In some cases, there are reports of colleagues dying in their sleep or reports of cardiac arrest on other call centers in the metro. This is not a joke. People are dropping dead like flies.

On other scenarios, call centers are like petri dishes of people with sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). Due to the nature of the working timezone and freedom in lifestyle, call center has become a niche for this concern. Not a very good image especially that the average workforce age is between 21-25 y.o.

Call Center job is not for everyone, even if you are qualified. Some don't just make the cut. Emotionally, call center is not for the weak-willed people. A lot of negotiations, planning, strategies go on behind closed doors. Who knows what goes on the senior leadership meetings. Then there's that  team lead, supervisor, manager or director who power trip on lowly employees. If you want to stay, you bow down as low as you can. If not, off you go. I know I am not really painting a very good picture of the upper management but truth be told, it is happening. It is seldom nowadays to meet people above who can inspire you. Call center profession is a political battle all the way.

But wait, isn't this whats happening everywhere? Come to think of it. 

Sigh...I'm so stressed out. I wanna quit, but I can't. Someday I will.

2010 FIFA World Cup

Spain won over Netherlands in a close match of football on July 12, 2010 (Phil Time).

Viva España!!!

Still Here!

Been away far too long...I forgot my pw when I signed in...
Been very busy for a few weeks...still busy but I want to let you all know that I am still here.

photo by Duncan Holley

...and summer is already over.

6.0 Earthquake rocked Cotabato and Moro Gulf

At approximately 6pm today, May 31, 2010. Cotabato was hit by a massive 6.0 earthquake. As of this writing, I don't see any update from the PhiVolcs site about it yet...though I found out from another source, the U.S. Geographical Survey site that there is indeed one!

As history would tell us, on August 17, 1976, a rather strong earthquake rocked the same region in the Moro Gulf which caused a devastating Tsunami - rampaging through the coastal barangays of Zamboanga del Norte and Sur killing 8,000 people along the way.

I am just hoping that there'll be a bit of news later on. God please keep the people in that region safe!

Simon Cowell bids farewell to American Idol

Will this be the last memorable season of the legendary American Idol series?When Paula Abdul left the show, it went on and made historic moments along the way...the show made numerous changes like retaining DiGuardi and installing Ellen DeGeneres as part of the the Idol family - which was a genius by the way! The American audience loved her...she was funny and hilarious and always make a constructive comment seemed not too harsh on the contestant without sacrificing her image as well..I so love her on American Idol..personally she should stay for another season.

The season finale of the reality show American Idol was that meaningful to all, probably more so with the staff and people who closely follow the show since this will be the last time Simon Cowell will be seen as a judge. Late last year, it was announced that Simon will not be signing for another season but will be closely working with another TV reality show in the Great Britain.

Simon's reputation in the famous TV series, American idol, was not only legendary BUT notoriously legendary! People would really look up to his standards. Simon has a love - hate relationship with American Idol. People would boo him on his comments yet they respect it. On one of the auditions, one fellow did came close to shoving glass of water on him! Well, it was expected anyway.

I do not know what would it feels like without Simon Cowell on the show...but one thig is for sure, Simon you will be sorely missed...specillay your snotty British accent! teehee!

Lee DeWyze is the next American Idol!

Lee DeYWyze is trending up in Twitter.

Will he be the next American Idol?

UPDATE: Lee DeWyze is the winner of American Idol Season 9

Charice Pempengco is joining Glee cast

Before I went to sleep this morning, I have read print reviews that Charice Pempengco is joining the cast of the premier tv series GLEE.

Obviously there was a huge confusion or rather miscommunication with her Philippine manager, Grace Mendoza, who earlier announced it

A couple of hours later, Charice tweeted:

Oh well, maybe it was not the surprise Charice hinted on May 23 in her Glorrietta Show: “Basta in na in posiyangayon,” she said.

On another Charice note, Charice's fashion style has gathered a lot of buzz as of late...how did the shy, pretty and petite singing sensation turned from this...

into this?...

... the answer is Trish Townsend. ..suggested by Oprah Winfrey herself. :)

Kudos to Charice's new fashion style!

God Bless the Philippines!

This will give us more insight on how the heck did some people were able to commit fraud on the recently concluded Philippine National Elections.

Cebu Bloggers Camp 2010

Are you a newbie blogger?
Are you someone who have been blogging for quite some time now and just enjoy blogging as a hobby?
...or better yet, someone who wants to make blogging as a means of livelihood?

If you answered yes to any of those three questions then you need to register here to be able to get a full access pass to the upcoming CEBU BLOGGERS CAMP come May 22,2010.

This is a rare opportunity for all ya bloggers out there especially those in Cebu to be able to join this one time event and meet fellow bloggers.

Date: May 22, 2010

Venue: CAP Auditorium, CAP Complex, Jones Ave, Cebu City

Time: 7:30AM registration / 8:00AM start of event / 5:00PM end of event


Topics range from Blogging 101 to Earning from your blogs!

Hurry, Seats are limited so take the plunge now!


Register here!

The Cebu Blog Camp 2010

is co-presented by

Gold Sponsors

Sponsor and Media Partner

Bronze Sponsors

Geiser Maclang Marketing Communications, Inc.

Custom Wordpress Theme by Padd Solutions

South Florida Party Planner Magazine
Weddings, Quinceanera, Sweet Sixteen and Events Magazine

Winston Delawar Photography, a Premiere South Florida Wedding Photographer

Black Friday Deals by Jehzlau Concepts

Jupiter Suites – Free Internet and Breakfast Hotel in Makati

Media and Institution Partners

Mozilla

RCTV 36 – Official Online and TV Media Partner

Cebu Daily News – Official Print Media Partner

Blog4Reviews

Donors

Jaypee Habaradas of JaypeeOnline.net

Cebu Blog Camp 2010 is an event organized by a group of Cebu Bloggers.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

I have been following blogs of some celebrities and high profile bloggers as of late and I have been reading a lot of "chicken rice" or "hainanese chicken rice". Finally it got the best of me, I looked it up and voila! Chicken rice is really a common Chinese dish which is associated with Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine...at least that's what wiki says.

It's roots can be traced back to Hainan, China...thus the name.

I'm hoping to find a good place in Cebu where I can get my hands on these so yummy foody!Teehee! :)

Anyhoo,here's a sample recipe Hainanese Chicken Rice from this site:

Ingredients for Chicken:

• 1 Chicken, preferably Kampong Chicken
• 8 clove Garlic, lightly smashed with skin intact
• 5 slices Ginger
• 1 - 2 teaspoon Salt
• Water

How to do it:

1. Stuff garlic and ginger in chicken and seal with toothpick.
2. Blanch chicken.
3. Boil a pot of water and add salt.
4. Simmer the chicken for about 20 - 25 minutes or till cooked.
5. Retain broth for use on rice, chilli sauce and soup.
6. Plunge chicken in ice water for about 15 minutes or till chicken is no longer hot.
7. Remove from water and drip dry.
8. Cut chicken into pieces.

Ingredients for Rice:

• 3 cup Long Grain Rice,
• Broth from cooking chicken
• 4 slices Ginger
• 5 glove Garlic, lightly smashed with skin intact
• 8 Pandan leaves, tied in a knot
• Salt to taste

How to do it:

1. In a wok, add 2 teaspoon oil, preferably oil from frying chicken skin or the congealed fats you get when you refrigerate your chicken broth. Otherwise, vegetable oil is fine.
2. Saute ginger and garlic till fragrant.
3. Add in washed rice and saute till rice is coated well with the oil.
4. Add salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon is enough).
5. Stir to mix well.
6. Pour rice with ginger and garlic to your rice cooker.
7. Add in broth from chicken you cooked earlier instead of your usual water.
8. Add in the pandan leaves.
9. Let your rice cooker do the cooking.

A bowl of soup is always served with a plate of Chicken Rice. Just in case, you get choked for eating too fast. Hehehe ...

To make broth more tasty, return the bones from the chicken to broth and continue simmering for another hour. Retain 5 tablespoon of the broth for the Chilli Sauce.

Add salt to taste. Add some shredded lettuce in a bowl and pour soup over it. Serve with the Chicken Rice.

How can you eat Chicken Rice without the Chicken Rice Chilli?!! You are missing one of the essences of eating Chicken Rice! Well, unless you are like me. I'm one of the rare breed of Singaporeans who can't take spicy food. Then again, I do still take some, followed by plenty of water.

Ingredients:

• 3 Chillies, top and seeds removed
• 1 slice Ginger
• 4 glove Garlic, skin removed
• Juice of 3 limes
• 5 tablespoon of chicken broth

How to do it:

1. Blend all ingredients together, till smooth.
2. That's all!

Note:

• Add more chilli if you prefer it to be more spicy.
• Add less broth if you prefer it to be thicker

well hello blogger! I've missed you so...

sorry for neglecting you for quite some time but I've got tons of stories to tell!

talk to you soon! ta-tah!

Freelancing Tips and Such

For all oDesk users, buyers come and go anytime, right?YES.

But for some, there are those who really stick around and appreciates your work and would even go out of their way to give you bonuses! yey!

I'd like to share my very best practices that has never failed me through the years.

HONESTY and OPEN COMMUNICATION - lines of communication between buyers and providers/ customer and providers should always be OPEN both ways and truthful.

Even at the start of interview, as a provider you should be upfront on what you CANNOT do and CAN do. This could mean anything - from skill level to time management.

Skill Level - buyers are very specific on what type of provider they need.If you get lucky and gets an interview,whether buyer or provider initiated,you should inform the buyer how much you can do. I am not that tech savvy, but I was open to learning new things and some of my buyers agreed to train me and that's a very good thing! Buyers can be very patient if you are truthful to them and would even spend to do that.

Hours of Operation - There are buyers who just let you work any hours and well, there are some who wants you at a specific time of the day. It's understandable since they are running a business.During an interview, you should tell the buyers how long you can work and what time you are available. This is very important since there are buyers who wants you to work parallel on their timezone.

Buyers sometimes posts 10 hours/week or 20 hours/week and even full time or 40 hours in a week. For those who are full time freelancers, it's not a problem - unless you already have a lot on your plate. For part time freelancers like me, time is of the essence. I used to do 20 hours per week on top of my 40 hours at the office. It's just like spending 4 hours daily from Monday to Friday doing freelancing.

If you value family time more than money or rest days and outings like me, then you should think twice on how long you can do a project and when you can do it.

With all things said, both parties should agree so things would go smoothly. And when you are already on a tight spot, then tell your buyer you can no longer do the job. As long as you have been doing a good job on a project and you need to drop it for some reason, I'm sure you'll earn that 5 star on your profile!