Realizations of a First-Timer

There's surely nothing to hide. I'm a newbie in this industry: fresh, innocent but never the least in the list. I've long wanted to be where I'm at. I know it's considerably a bit shallow but I think it's actually a forte for me. Being in the BPO industry has taught me much that not even Silliman university could provide me with. Listed in my long list of learning is the reality that earning moola isn't that easy. Nevertheless, nothing beats the feeling of self-worth coupled with productivity. It's something that not every school can teach students and because of that, I have proven that being in a call center isn't bad for a job at all. Perhaps I have proven my point, being in a call center is decent enough and it never wasted my potential as a mass communicator. The sad reality is, nobody really earns much nowadays with just writing for community newspapers and there are not much jobs in the broadcasting industry that fit me, I think. Yes, not even radio would give me the fulfillment and stability that everybody's striving to attain.


Another thing, getting high grades in school doesn't matter as much as it did before. That's in the context of the BPO industry and other related businesses though. Maybe it would be hard for me to stress this enough but the way it is, not all people who excel in academics actually soar in real life. It can never be assurance enough nor will it be seen as an accurate parameter of intelligence in life. If you'll think about it carefully, one can reap high grades in school by simply being studious but the catch is, it's not enough to measure one's intellect. There are more factors to consider other than grades that teachers/professors may not necessarily be accurate in assessing. A number of graduates who have left school with flying colors ended up having frustratingly little in life. Even in my workplace, a good number of those who used to shine in school actually didn't even get to be noticed. So whenever I go back to school, I'm certain that the way I view it will be different then.

Almost everything, if not everything, is a cycle. I have come to realize this fact and internalize it even more the moment I took the job. They say being in a call center is boring because eventually you will "know it all." Truth is, looking around other jobs would suggest one commonality - routine, thus, a cycle. If you're a journalist, you basically do the same thing everyday. The only difference is the stories you handle from day to day. If you're a nurse, you deal with the same familiar task every time you go to your workplace. Same is true with call centers, you basically deal with the same processes, only that you encounter different people from time to time. So, there's no sense in setting too much hate on this job, making it appear to be a last resort for undergraduates who will soon kiss studying goodbye.

One reality I was made to understand is the fact that there is no abundance of jobs that require less effort than expected. There will always be circumstances that may test your patience and capability as an employee that may lead you to consider giving up. Your hardwork/effort will definitely reflect how much you will be compensated. In short, no job is totally easy and you are paid according to the service you render. So, nothing is safer than expecting the unexpected after all.

Environment. It is a jungle out there. The corporate world can either make or break you. It's diverse and sometimes complex and you don't have much control over it. One observation that may be common among call centers or in any other field is the diversity of practices, beliefs and attitudes. Nothing really separates it from the actual reality we all are faced with. Flexibility is the key in any issue in line with environment. You are ought to adjust with everything no matter how hard it may be. It is worth emphasizing that you can't expect everyone to conform according to what you expect them to be. Instead, it should be you breaking a leg in blending with the environment's rhythm.

Surely, there are a lot that I have failed to include in this very brief tally of realizations but I'm sure there will be a lengthy list in the future.

Heartfelt Gratitude

It has been roughly a year and a half since "Jayvee" became a familiar name in local airwaves. Surprisingly, I was flattered when quite a number of hivers gave me the warmest welcome as a radio personality. From that point onwards, I knew my worth and purpose as a citizen of this country. I was glad to have served those who craved for the same passion that I have - music.

You may be wondering by now what's the reason behind the odd tone depicted in my words. This can be explained by my indefinite leave from Local Brew and the station as a whole starting June 20. It has been a hard decision for me to leave something I've been attached to for quite some time but I knew that it was for my personal good and that of the listeners' as well. It's no secret that I'm currently into a new career with a newcomer company in the city. Due to certain circumstances, I got a higher post, allowing me to experience conflict between my two interests. I know for a fact that one can't have it all at once; reason enough to give up one of my careers. My experience in radio was a wonderful one but I had to decide after weeks of thinking it over. The site's location including my preparation for each session and certain issues I prefer not to disclose, made the whole process of deciding considerably easier.

This is it. My expiration date in radio might have come but I am not closing my doors for a comeback in the near future in any of the numerous media outfits in the city or country as a totality. Because of this, allow me to grab the opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who believed in me and what I could offer. Same goes to those who have supported me all through out. I would also like to thank the people who served as my challenge in becoming better every time I go on air. To my Killerbee family, thanks for the camaraderie and thanks for being a part of my life in radio. To the summer jocks who have been under my leadership during summer of 2009, thanks for the opportunity to impart knowledge and learn from you guys at the same time. Without all of you, I wouldn't have reached this far.


My name is Jayvee and this has been one full chapter of my life in the world of radio. I will miss you guys. Take good care of yourselves. I wish you all the best. Adios Amigos!

Climbing Your Way Up

It might be a surprise that after a long time of stagnancy and silence, I'm once again back to update this site. It was quite some time since certain circumstances have deprived me of the chance to express myself through my simple words. I'm here to gladly inform everybody that I'm currently having a new career. This has been my dream since I was still in school, busy kissing teachers' asses in the light of getting good grades. I was obviously kidding aside. This time, a lot of things have changed - including my priorities. I may have long went away with toys but I recently dropped some of my kiddie traits. Funny but it does make a lot of sense to me. I guess change is really inevitable, more so that I opted for a practical switch from being unemployed to otherwise.

I knew what changes were coming and what not but on the 31st of May, something beyond my expectations occurred. The company where I'm with opened doors for me with an opportunity that not even a good number of employees are given. With fingers crossed, I got the QA Analyst position without even a drop of my hard work's juice. For a first timer in the call center industry, I believe, this is such a blessing considering that my status is new to them. Of course, this wouldn't happen if they thought I was a piece of junk in the first place. Nobody really asked me why I got the post or how I landed to a higher department but giving out my secret as to how I got it isn't such a bad idea.


To start with, always bear in mind that first impressions last. I've been a witness as to how this myth-like cliché unfold in its truest sense. Yes, first impressions do last and I believe a better terminology for it is recall. This works in most call center companies as far as I know. During the onset of the training, product trainers or bigwigs who serve as the company filters wouldn't have time to get to know their employees one by one. So, why not give them a permanent stamp in their memories to let them remember you? Take note that not all impressions are good so the best thing to do is to give them the best and unique side of you. Do show off your skill if you have it otherwise keep it and don't attempt to show anything that you never possessed in the first place.

Equip yourself with a feet magnet. If there is one thing I'm sure of with the company I'm with, it would be the principle that attitude is paramount. Skill equipped with attitude is the perfect duo one should posses in any field of work. Remember that skill can be acquired faster than desirable attitude. Bottom line is, you should make sure that you leave any negative attitude outside work or eradicate if possible. Unfortunately, there isn't an invention such as a feet magnet just yet. So, the best thing to do is to ensure that you device your own feet magnet for you not to fly way above the limits. In short, don't be a bighead whether you have a high position or you just feel like having one.


Your body is composed of 60% water for men and 55% for women. The same is true with how work is to be dealt with. Flexibility, purity and transparency are just three of the many traits that employees (in call centers, at least) are supposed to possess. Your attachment to the company is comparable to clean water. It's up to you to maintain its cleanliness and prevent it from being tainted. Once it's dirty, the company will have to dispose of the water and have it replaced with a fresh one. Makes sense? Well, it should.

Be productive. People wouldn't help but notice your worth in any company. It is expected that you'd be an asset to the company, not a liability. In a more familiar manner, you should do your task(s) as expected. If you fall short in complying the company's standards, it would be very essential to give yourself a personal evaluation. It's easy, just learn what you're supposed to learn, do what you're ought to and pour a satisfactory amount of devotion to your job. Otherwise, you will surely mess up big time.

There's actually a long check list of what you should do and shouldn't in your way to climbing your way up. The problem is, I am yet to figure out the rest. For now, the aforementioned should do the trick. Go ahead and take the right path. In no time, you should get what you deserve. Carpe Diem!

A Letter To Mom

Dear mom,

Fate led me to a rough ride called life. It wasn't really as stable as one would expect. Nevertheless, I do not blame you because I owe my life from you. It is now that I have come to see the world, how it is to live with pressures surrounding me. I may not have handled everything well, but at least I've attained certain achievements that would, at least, make you proud of a son you have. Mom, you just don't know how much ecstatic I am whenever I excel. You don't know how much I yearn for your appreciation and attention. In any of those, you gave me the right dose of what I've expected. Mom, my words wouldn't be enough to express my gratitude for always being there despite the distance, for extending a comforting hand whenever I stumble and fall, for sharing with me what I find most useful today. You've been the strongest wall I could lean on whenever I feel tired and weary.


At times I couldn't help but feel that something's missing in our family but in all those, you've exerted much to negate my longing. I might have missed the opportunity of having a father standing beside me at times I needed one but I am proud that despite the situation, you still raised and molded me to be who I am right now. Now, I can be proud to tell the world that I come from a broken family. That despite the situation, we still deviated from mediocrity and have come to live our lives as we do today.

Mom, you have a proud son right here, ready to face the world and defend you from people who may interfere. Thank you for being selfless enough to give us what we want and need despite leaving nothing for yourself at times. Thank you for making me feel that I'm special even if I think otherwise. You have made your part, I will soon.

Do you still remember that one instance I asked you 20 bucks 'coz I needed to buy something nearby? Remember how much hesitant you were in giving me what I wanted but nonetheless you still granted my plead? Remember how we both ended up crying when I gave you the card I made from it? Remember how relevant that day was with what we have today? Yes mom, it was Mother's Day back then. This time, I can no longer hand you letters with those fancy crayon drawings on it nor give you the most cuddly stuffed toy there is but let this serve as my surprise to you. I love you mom.


Happy Mother's Day! You're the best mom in the whole world!

Love lots,
Jave

Who Deserves Your Vote?

We're down to our last few days before the first automated elections in the Pearl of the Orient. So, do you have a candidate in mind already? If not, maybe my principles will guide you to finally pick who's who.

First and foremost, my vote is NOT for sale. Ads including abundance of campaign materials, too much airtime and the most dangerous one - SURVEYS are among the few ways for politicians to buy your precious votes. Go ahead and vote Villar if think your vote has a price.

Secondly, my vote should NOT be put to waste. Yeah, it's easier said than realized. The determining factor whether I junked it or not is when the candidate I intend to vote for actually made SOMETHING or NOTHING for the betterment of the people. I hate to name names but in order to give you a perfect visualization of a politician who's fond of doing nothing I'd make Noynoy Aquino a perfect example. Of course, I wouldn't stop anyone from voting him. Maybe the data below could help.


Third, my vote should not be based solely on popularity. Filipinos, intelligent or otherwise tend to rely on popularity in easily choosing candidates. Well, if popularity would be basis enough, I dare the Filipinos to elect Manny Pacquiao instead. He's a tad popular than Erap, isn't he?

Fourth, my vote SHOULD go to the person who has served a number of Filipinos. One who has an outstanding track record, exceptional leadership skills and someone whose works are visible and evident even as I write. The only person who matches these critera is Senator Gordon. I'm not telling you to dump any other candidate you have in mind. What I simply want is for you to, at least, consider Gordon to lead the country. If he was able to transform Subic, it shouldn't be impossible for him to do the same or even do more great developments for our motherland.


May 10, 2010 will be among the most remarkable days of the country, I reckon. By then, the world will see how the minds of the Filipinos work. It could make or break the country's tomorrow. It's not enough to just think, you are ought to think HARD! Make a difference and stop the majority's CRAP mentality. Remember, this country went through a lot. Filipinos have voted and ousted presidents already, don't let more of those to happen. In your ballots lie the country's fate.

This time, get to know my bet...

Dirty Politics

I've never been such a fan of Philippine politics since then but I'd like to think that there's a little light of hope in store for it. From the time Marcos held the presidency up to this very point in time, there's really nothing much to brag about the way governance is right here.

Corruption has been long in "power" in the political system in the country. A lot of people have tried to combat such act but no one really made a big impact. What could be wrong? Why is this country wrapped with greed and hunger for power? Is there no other way to get filthy rich in this side of the planet aside from corruption? Apparently, nobody holds the exact and satisfying answer to that. It has been said a couple of times that we only need change to right the wrong. Well, what seemed to them before as an easy task turns out to be among the hardest officials are faced with today.

The past months not only seemed to be full of crap but were actually twice that. Promises thrown everywhere. Change of heart, no to corruption, aims to development and more lies are yet to come especially that May 10, 2010 is just around the corner. So tell me, what's so new about politics in this country? I can tell that envelopes will be almost sold out a week before the electoral process. They'll be in dire need for it. In the first place, where will they place the money and the sample ballots? They won't be as blunt as giving it directly, would they? That I am yet to see.

It's just so sad that everything seems to be associated with money. Not only do people sell votes in here, even DOJ's AGRA-vated pest in power just did the same thing with his biased decision. Saying goodbye to that little flick of hope remaining for the family members of the Maguindanao massacre was just easy for Agra despite evidences and testimonies of witnesses. Talking about pathetic people!

Upon certain realizations, I no longer know whether there's still a better tomorrow for Juan de la Cruz. The upcoming elections just won't help, I reckon. With that much money they spent? Isn't it quite obvious that their ROI or Return On Investment will meet realization when these people win and eventually engage in corruption? Now, I no longer question why a lot of people aspire to stay away from this country. Life's difficult in here. Everything's cheap when money comes to play, even your lives; and yes, even your votes...

Beat the Heat!

Summer is here and there’s no stopping it! Because of that, confusion on what to do is at large. Whether it is for school or just for nothing at all, it wouldn’t matter anymore. What will surely count is the thought of you having lots and lots of things to do. In line with this, we would like to be of help to make your summer a productive, fun and meaningful one. So, are you ready for summer? We bet you do!

First things first! Make sure to plan what you really want to do all summer long. It’s going to be a long one so make sure to plan well enough. After such mentally exhausting process, it is best to take it one step at a time. Also, you might be interested to consider some activities that would help hype up the season.

Sports, sports, sports! When would be the best time for them but this summer? It’s one way to burn some fats you have acquired because of pigging around the whole year round. There are a variety of water sports to let you feel that summer’s here. Beach Volley to get away from the boring Volleyball courts that you perhaps saw numerous times already. Get those sunburns on from swimming under the heat of the sizzling hot sun! Does the option to go green sound interesting? Then you might consider scuba diving in the country’s many dive sites. Or better yet, go mountain climbing. But if you feel lazy to engage in these activities, you can always plant trees and help Mother Nature revive what it has lost. This way, you can stay fit and healthy this summer. If those weren’t capture your interest, then maybe giving yourself a break will do the trick!

Go far, far and away this summer! Travel like you never did and see the world’s wonders! Traveling enables you to learn a lot of interesting facts and information. We know that traveling abroad could be very, very costly so a good alternative would be to travel within the country. That won’t be as painful to the pocket as traveling abroad, would it? However, if you still find this costly enough, your last resort would be to travel to tourist attractions nearby. This way, you will get to still have fun without spending much for a trip.

There are a lot more things to do this summer that may spell out f-u-n for you. It’s just a matter of thinking it over and doing what you really like to do this summer. So, what’s holding you from enjoying? Go on, have a great summer and make sure to share your experiences with friends and classmates when you’re back to school!