Year Ender '09

Twenty Oh Nine was something. Some Ups and down... some turns and twist. Though surely I enjoyed the ride.

I came home from SG to Manila early this year. After I was retrenched in Keppel Shipyard I was offered a job that will be based in PH. It was too good to be true that finally after waking up everyday 4AM, needs to be in bus stop by 5AM, arrives in shipyard by 6AM and start working at 730AM, work that supposedly ends at 430PM extends two OT hours. Saturdays were off though I still work OT than stare at my blank wall of nothingness at home. My friends were bothered by this workaholic thingy of mine, but I won't mind... I'm in overseas and would like to utilize myself working.... So I thought that the headset company was the one... I started looking for a job when I found out that I am next in line for retrenchement I had three job offers --- Lead Trainer for Times Software, Training and Development Specialist for By Design (Regional Post) and Technical Trainer for Plantronics (Regional). Ofcourse, I chose Plantronics for me to be based back in Manila even a part of me would like to join By Design because of more travel opportunity and visiting US for 2 months for free....

Few months went well but then again... I got fed up.... Gave me a letter first week of October that I they can no longer have me as a Regional Trainer though Country manager assures you same post, same office lesser salary.... Regional Manager tells you good stuff and still can continue the post but a consultant type but Loren relays what country manager says that was SO opposite of what country manager reassures you.... then kick you out of the office telling you pack up your belongings that turn it gray with my dear friend Loren. I felt so bad being bias and for selecting the headset company despite of so many good offers in SG.... I feel so low and started retrieving my inbox and started reading my Offer Letters from the two companies.... regret.... regrets....

I got suck up so bad that I accepted Smartmatic offer that let me start working right away without me signing any contract, even I though have pending applications with Cisco SG (arranging work visa to start end of the month January), Lexmark in Cebu, Mc Quarrie and ADB... I was upset with HE SAID SHE SAID part.... And when people let you feel PITY that changes your good outlook in life and SUCK up your confidence... That was the worst part of all.... I don't mind to be pity on but to let you feel it over and over again... that's one different story...

Before I complete my Simbang Gabi, actually before it starts... Donna, my Christmas Angel rang me up with a GOOD NEWS....Karen Thorthon, the head of Change Management of ADB (who'll be my boss) told me, they will probably inform me by December 16 or 17 after my knee shaking, jaw dropping final interview.... by December 14 came a call... thankfully that I didn't signed any contract with Smartmatic even I started training and started traveling... even I have to visit Argentina for training by January, I just told the HR of Smartmatic I can't proceed due to Blah Blah reason.... Because ADB is ADB... I remember Ate Michelle (housemate in SG)... she said that if ever ADB will offer her a job she'll not think twice to come back home. I am overwhelmed once again by God's love.... sometimes even if you can no longer hold some ones hand for comfort HIS words will be your refuge. It was the best gift I've received this year.... besides from healing a broken heart. I accept that I was hurt and the Lord heals it with his promise... As one of my high school friend says, Arlynd who worked for ADB before (now she's in NY) says I was so lucky to be selected... She knows pretty well how was the selection process was.... it was mind boggling... Tax free from salary to gas... they have their own gas station inside the area.... its like a small city inside... subsidized tuition fee for the kids and for myself.... benefits are so so so good... It came clear to me the reason why I am here... The reason why I shouldn't regret those SG offers.... because its always in HIS time, not mine.

I've learned that when you hold on something like a bar of soap as if your squeezing it... you'll lost it.... it'll pop out of your hand.... but if you just hold it gently.... as if its sitting in your hands... it wont slip off....

Love was all over this year.... Two of my dearest friends tied the not.... I am happy that their starting their blissful married life.... Jane and Mike last November 19 at Ferwood Gardens and Greys and Nots last December 23. Me and my daughter Paula was part of the entourage. Paula's flower girl, while I am part of secondary sponsors.

For my health is getting better.... me and my moms' gaps were patched up.... my love for Jae grew even stronger.... my relationship with my kids were remarkable and all worth all the things I've been through.... I turned 31 this year...The storms Ondoy and Pepeng had passed by, but never washed out my faith for him... Better be quite than to blurt words that may hurt... Mayon might erupt anytime but neither this will shake my love for HIM.... ships may sink left and right but through prayers and his promises wouldn't let me down. The wheel of life may just come around and by moving forward you might feel the road bumpy but definitely wouldn't let you down all the time. Karma are not karma's for bad people... these are excuse of the self centered... not so good things may happen for you to be awake that your faith is drifting off.... My Tatay Berting passed away but his memories will not be forgotten....

Farewell 2009... Looking forward to 2010.

Still keeps the faith....

All my love and prayer.... from my family to you

PS: This is to let you know that God works in many ways....

Christmas Miracle

I just came back from my OB Gyne today. I've been bleeding for 3 weeks... It's unusual for me to have my period for that long because my regular period would only last for 5 days max. Something is really wrong with me...

Last Saturday, my bleeding became lighter and I feel a little bit better so we decided to have it checked. I had TVS and they found a lot of irregularities in my uterus. I was paper white as what the doctors says.... a lot suggested for me to have D & C because the lining in my uterus is so thick despite that I was bleeding for 3 weeks non stop with 8 to 12 overnight napkins a day and wear adult diapers by night.... The lining should always be thinner every after menstruation period. There were plenty of polyps and its disturbing as well because of the bleeding, its should be flushed out already. So the results of my TVS was not so good and made me cry so hard and pray harder to ask forgiveness and healing. Though the doctor advised me to comeback Monday to have it checked again.... and miraculously Sunday morning, I woke up so early to attend Simbang Gabi (which I am doing for the past couple of days for my thanksgiving for my new work) napkin was empty... no spots of blood at all.... Monday I am panty liner free... so the doctor was amazed with God's grace. Though she says that if ever I have my period again by the end of the month and exceeded 6 overnight napkins I have to comeback again. She therefore conclude that it maybe hormonal imbalance due to stress...

Stress is bad. It should never control you. You must must handle it well.

I am no longer connected with Plantronics since December 3. I just finished some projects that were pending though didn't push through with other training that was lined up for the rest of the month. I was way too stressed with it. The work is way too demanding and training funds were limited... as in you need to shell out from your pocket and have it reimbursed and wait for 15 to 30 days or worst wait for 45 days... which is way to hassle and destroying my budgeting skills. No training, flop KPI... its unusual for me to give up, but I did. What SG peeps says different things to what PH point person says... I was about to loose a friend who's dear to us.... And that started my heavy bleeding.... which lasted when I received a good news from an angel Donna of ADB....

But so happy and overwhelmed with God's grace that I will start with ADB on January 5. I am arranging my requirements... So excited. God really works double time to those who ask for it. I almost started with Smartmatic out of desperation... knowing me... not really comfortable doing nothing.... thought right now I am enjoying my vacation cleaning up all the clutter in our house... Daiso in Festival is the hippest place with wonderful things were I can organize our stuff. I hope we have Ikea here in the Philippines... I wasn't able to buy as much as red organizing boxes when I was in SG.... sigh....

Its been a while

I know, last post was way back summer and here comes the winter season... huh? Winter? Christmas season in the Philippines... This year is bitter sweet in many ways....My best friend Jane married Mike. It made me cry like a baby. I'll miss her and missing her everyday. Even we're far from each other I know that we are still connected... even not much of a phone call.... nor web chat, we just know. Thats true bff... here are some video and pictures from last November 19, 2009 at Fernwood Gardens

Michael and Jane Wedding from Michael Jane Pagaduan on Vimeo.

The Video

Michael & Jane from Mervin Gobaco on Vimeo.

I heart you guys....

Next wedding Nots and Greys....

Changes

I've been in Singapore for about 10 months, nearly 11 months. And I may say this experience is one life changing. It was an experience that will always be cherished again and again. I didn't just earned money by working in Singapore, it was something... I have a handful of friends when I came in Singapore though most of them just slipped away like a sand in my hand... There are friends who is there even on your darkest days, your lowest point and lonely nights... 

It was a retreat. A 10 months soul searching... one that I will never want to forget and cherish forever.

I will definitely miss my friends, and Singapore as a whole.. Where HE made things happen...

I have learned to be more independent. To be humble. Not to be scared to ask for help. To be diverse. To be more disciplined, just think of waking up 430AM and to make sure that I'm in the bus stop by 530AM... To know the value of money, and to realize its not everything and its a paper that can be earned. I've learned to pray harder and hold into HIS word. And lastly to be thankful everyday, with all the blessings that I've been receiving, unconditionally.

I know, its a week that I am writing things on how grateful I am. I really can't help it. All praise to him, because I really wanted the job. I need it to be with my wonderful family. 

I will certainly miss a lot of things, and people ofcourse... Sandy(rocioxands), Peggie, Ermel, Mang Paul, Otep, Jodie, Chalo, JR, Ate Michelle, Mai, Kuya Jojo, Kuya Japs, Stella, Jason, AJ, Myk, Chicken Rice, Minced Meat Noodles, MRT, BUs Ride, Blk 408, Bukit Purmei, Vivo City, Sentosa, and Greys....

Miracle

I am arranging my stuff now. What clothes should I wear in my remaining days in Singapore... Tomorrow will be my first day of work in Plantronics, a US Telecommunication company. My office is kinda classy since it is inside a hotel on the business center floor. Same in the Philippines... its inside a hotel as well. I am overwhelmed with God's love for he granted my prayers. He knows how I am missing my 2 beautiful kids that He entrusted to me. My detailed prayers and my strong faith.

Who says you can't have it all? With HIS love and your faith will make everything happen. 

I am coming home this weekend. I hope I arrive Manila in the morning. I am so excited!

Kita Kits

And they made an offer....

Plantronics, one US MNC even in the clouded economy offered me the Technical Trainer position and I accepted it. The contract is still on process, as my headhunter said the company is so keen for me to join the company this April 1. Though one thing is unsure if I need to fly right away to Manila or I'll stay first in Singapore. The Hiring Manager from US fled to China last night after our meeting. One thing is for sure, SGD salary but Manila based. Additional benefits will be discussed further on Monday. There'll be 3-5 times a month travel to various countries in Asia Pacific. I'll report directly to the Regional Manager for Asia Pacific, Alvin, which is stationed in Singapore. So I'll still be coming back and forth to SG and I'll still have my employment pass in SG. Whenever I'm based in PH and if I need to fly to SG, accommodation will be covered since I am Manila based. Does that make sense?

I am more than happy right now. HE answered my prayer. I am now detailed (unlike the Keppel Christmas Raffle incident, I should have asked for that Ipod touch)... I said to HIM, Please give me a job that pays very good, with travel and I'll be in Manila. Its a bonus that its an MNC. I used to wear that thingymajig around my head whenever I am taking calls or just listening in to some other call... But the thing is.. this is it. I am coming home very soon. 

There is just one thing, I dunno where will I be on April 1, will it be in the Philippines or SG. Different time zone is the barrier here, because they want me to be trained in US, they just don't know how long. Thats why they are thinking if I should go home first then go to US or SG and go to US. They are actually thinking of my room. So if anyone who is in need of a room in SG, please contact me. My place is in Yishun. We are still exchanging emails with my headhunter and my new boss, where should I be. Come to think of it I need to pack up a lot of stuff....

So please do continue to pray for me. I know I have answered prayer. I have a feeling that the work load will be stressful than Keppel... I mean challenging... but definitely rewarding. Manila... oh Manila.. its in Makati pala... 

So how's the traffic jam in Makati?

The man who cant be moved

I always believe that there are valid reasons why things happen. Or maybe its a human thinking na dapat may reason for everything... ako lang ba to? Or kayo din? 

I am actually planning to comeback home half hearted. Thinking that I will start a new... I don't want to work in a call center, its because of unusual shifting schedules... I wanted some normal office hours. Wherein I can sleep at night with my family. Tuck them into bed. I love working in call centers, though because my family is growing, my husband need someone to hug during the night, baka maghanap ng ibang kayakap, and I have a baby. Since retrenchment after retrenchment in the yard... I've realized that it is unhealthy for me. All contract employees where removed... that includes me. Even I hold the biggest project in the yard. They gave me one month notice. I was devastated, but I always think this way... God have better plans. I told my husband that I'll come home after a month... if nothing... I'll come home. 

There's some job offer but I was eyeing on one advertisement. And I wanted it so much that I delayed an offer that is similar to it, with US training... Because it will be based in Manila. Another MNC, it is the sound innovation, the first headset, one step of a man, one giant leap of a mankind... Neil Armstrong... history written... Apollo 13. I am looking forward for my contract signing tomorrow. After 3 interviews... HR, Hiring Manager for SEA and Hiring Manager from US. I am never an awardee when I was young, and never had honors. But I am happy and blessed that HE grant me knowledge when I needed the most. The timing is also the best... I can never ask for more. During economic downturn... just a week after my last day of work in Keppel. I am so blessed.

Using Plantronics Headset during my HSBC days...

I'll update tomorrow. I just can't help to announce after my long silence... God is so good and all praise to him! I'll be joining the Sound Innovation Team, next week. As the Alvin told me, travel will be as frequent as 3-5 times a month. And this all happened because of faith and trust that I have for HIM. He is actually the my man who can't be moved. He stand still, just waiting for us to comeback and tell him we want HIM back in our lives. I feel peaceful.