THE C CIRCLE

The 2010 election in the Philippines was a success if we are going to talk about the integrity of the whole electoral process. The automation helped a lot in bringing back the trust of the majority of the Filipinos in COMELEC (Commission on Election).

Although some violence related incidents were still there, I could say that the 2010 election in the Philippines in general proved to be the cleanest among the elections I witnessed in my entire life. As technology advances, so did the way we do the recent election. COMELEC employed the power and convenience that automation promised to deliver to the electoral process.

The line up of the presidential aspirants was very exciting - a former president, a son of the former president, several senators, a secretary of national defense, a church leader, and at least two newbies in the arena.

Each one of them tried to best out each other from campaign sorties to commercial advertisements in print and in media. Filipinos heard different jingles each with stories to tell. Several of them did boast of being poor during their childhood days as if it is one of the requirements of becoming a good president. They gave Filipinos a good entertainment!

It only took me 3 minutes to complete my voting and I spent the rest of May 10, 2010 at home watching the news on TV and waited for the names of the winners to be announced.

Although my bet did not win, I am still happy knowing that in this 2010 election in the Philippines, I was a part of it.

Last 31 October 2009, me and my buddy, Mac, went up to La Union and Baguio. It was an unplanned trip. We decided to go at around three o’clock in the afternoon already. Maybe, we just thought of how boring the next couple of days would be so we just decided to take on the trip.

We reached La Union past nine o’clock in the evening. The road to the house we will spend the night at is not the usual smooth, cemented one. The walk was exciting because aside from the fact that it was already dark and we did not have flash lights with us, we also had to walk some mud pathways. It’s a good thing, it was a full moon that night and we were able to manage our way.

While Mac was chatting with his relatives, I took some pictures of just what my digital camera can capture that time.

This is how they cook their food. I don’t know but people in the province say that foods cooked in this kind of stove actually taste better.

Native chickens resting.

Alvin, Mac’s cousin, invited us to play cards before going to bed. However, since I do not know how to play “tong-its”, I wasn’t able to join them. While they were playing, I was watching some horror flicks. After several card game rounds, all of us went to sleep.

One thing nice about the place is that you do not need to use an electric fan or an air conditioner so that you could sleep comfortably. The gentle, cool breeze of the night will surely help you get that very relaxing and deep sleep.

In the morning, we hurriedly visited what used to be corn fields before Ondoy hit the place. We were saddened by the things we saw.

The hanging bridge before Ondoy.

This is all that is left from what used to be a hanging bridge.

This post where Mac and Trix had their picture taken used to be sturdy being concrete.

However, after Ondoy devastated the place, this is all that’s left from this post

I have been longing to attend a christian Sunday service. It came to fulfillment this afternoon when I, together with two of my office mates attended New Life’s 2PM Sunday service at The Market Market.

We did not plan of attending the service. However, as it is said, God works in His own time. He made way for us to attend. When we reached New Life Christian Center, we were welcomed by the usherettes warmly. They even helped us to our seats.

The service was already starting with the “praise and worship” part when we came in. It was a different experience when you are with a group of people all mightily singing their heart’s content because they know that they are singing for God.

After the praise and worship part, the sermon started. It was delivered by Pastor Jocel Evangelista. The sermon was all about “The Power of Everyday”. Pastor preached that we have to be thankful and excited everyday for each day is a gift from God and that He has already planned the things that is going to come in our way.

I never thought that the praising song “This is The Day That The Lord Hath Made” can mean so much to me during that day when Pastor preached that since Jesus has already defeated tribulations when He died on the cross to save me, we need to rejoice everyday of our lives.

The sermon also included that we have to strive to bless others everyday and that the things that are ordinary to us could already be a miracle for others.

After the service, having what Pastor Jocel in mind, I wanted to be a blessing to my two office mates and so I asked them out for an early dinner after the service. In which by doing so, I know, God will return the blessings to me tenfolds!

September 4 is actually the birthday of my youngest sibling, Nheah. However, we celebrated her special day two days after.

I thought of treating her to a lunch so that Mom and Trix (my niece) could also come and enjoy instead of me, buying her a gift. We agreed to have it at Dampa in Sucat (initially) but when we were reaching the place, my office mate suggested to us to try another restaurant joint somewhere in Paranaque (just like Dampa) where we can buy fresh seafoods and have them cooked in the restaurant of our choice.

We bought tiger prawns, squids, oysters, and crab’s claws. For the prawns, we had it cooked in butter and garlic. For the squids, adobo. While we had the oysters and crab’s claws, steamed. We had our stomach really full!

Again, I would like to greet Nheah, a Happy, Happy Birthday!

31 July 2009 was a memorable day for me. I happened to watch “Quick Change” - a musical comedy show that starred one of my favorite acapella groups, The Company, with the hilarious Jon Santos as the front act. I was joined by some office mates - Mac, Lelli, and Fats.

A dream come true for Mac!…Lea!!!

The hilarious Jon Santos, Ms. Fats, Ms. Lelli, and me

The show was officially opened by Jon Santos, impersonating a “sosyal” college girl attending the same concert, too. She was calling some of her boyfriends who can watch the show with her. Jon was in the middle of the audience while doing this comedy skit. Then, the stage was ready for The Company.

It was just unfortunate that I wasn’t able to take some pictures during the early part of The Company’s performances. I thought, taking pictures is not allowed. However, I observed that some of the audiences were taking pictures and some were even recording the show. And so, I did.

After the first set of The Company, Jon came in the stage. This time, he was impersonating “Armida Siguion Reyna”. He first acknowledged some great Filipino artists in both music and movie industry. He made mention of some Filipino artists who made big abroad like Lea Salonga (who watched the show, too), Ariel Pineda, Lou Diamond Phillips, etc.

Jon made a skit that talked about how Armida dislikes the lyrics of some foreign musics like those of Beyonce’s and Jennifer Lopez’. And so, she made her own rendition of Let’s Get Loud (popularized by Jennifer Lopez) changing the line “let’s get loud” into “aruy aruy aruy” (a popular old Filipino song).

Jon truly brought the house down!

The Company, during their second set, showcased not only their singing prowess but put some comic touch to some of their songs, also. I was really impressed with their talents - not only do they can sing but they can make people laugh, too! The Company also made a medley of their most popular hits like Now That I Found You, Muntik Na Kitang Minahal, among others.

Over all, the show was really great!

After the show, we went out to the “signing of the autograph” portion of the venue to buy some CDs of The Company. To our surprise, Lea Salonga went there, too. Perhaps, to congratulate the performers. We were really stunned! Imagine, Lea Salonga? The multi-awarded broadway singer? Miss Saigon? Mac and Fats weren’t able to help themselves. They asked Lea to have her picture taken with them which Lea gracefully agreed on.

Truly, t’was a night to remember!

Life is not cruel. That is one thing I would like to tell myself. It is because I am not a negative person. However, sometimes, I just can’t help but see that reality screaming right in front of my face!

Life can sometimes be unfair. In the sense that when you had to give yourself to those people who needed you during their low times, you’re there unselfishly giving a piece of what you have. They didn’t even have to know the pain you’re suffering and the limited things you can do at this point. What matters most is you’re there – willing to let them know that you’re with them. And after that, you’d feel good because you know, one way or another, you’re able to help – even without being asked.

Do I need to feel bad when the time comes that I am the one needing someone to be by my side and let me feel that they care and yet when I look around, there’s nobody there? Let me answer that myself – NO. I’d just tell myself, maybe they are too busy; maybe they think that I can handle my problems myself if I appeared to be strong for them when they needed me; maybe…maybe…

Let me clear this thing – I don’t feel bad; but I’m hurting. However, knowing these same people wouldn’t want to hurt me is enough for me to continue to be there for them when they need me, even if they won’t be for me. I do envy them, somehow, because they have me.

When we have problems, we tend to go around and look for our heroes. However, heroes just like Superman has his limitations, too. He can refuse to help us, even if how badly we need his help.

I realize now that the hero we can all rely on - at all times, is none other than ourselves. There are no impossible things that this hero inside us can’t do. The good thing is, whenever you need help, just face the mirror, and you’ll find him there - in front of you.

I long heard about Manila Ocean’s Park, but it is only yesterday we visited the place and we literally had an “under the sea” experience!

The Manila Ocean Park is the country’s first state-of-the-art Oceanarium, open water marine home, boutique plaza, restaurant line and social event facilities all found in one complex at the back of the Quirino Grandstand.

Before going to Manila Ocean’s Park, we had lunch first at Manong’s Restaurant in Alabang.

Here, they will allow you to touch these starfish.

This is probably the happiest birthday I have ever had. The happiness I felt is something I cannot deny.

I was not around in the afternoon because I had an appointment with my ortho. Good thing for the HR staff. I know this is what they wanted … for me to be out so that they could set up the office for the party later at 8PM and to surprise me. I know that they have prepared something for me since this will be my third time to celebrate my birthday with them, so I thought what they will come up with will not be something different anymore…. but I was wrong….

I reached the office past 6PM. It rained hard that’s why I was caught in a heavy traffic. When I entered the office, a big streamer posted on the wall in the call floor immediately caught my attention. It says ‘Happy Birthday Conrado Francisco Jacinto from, i-Elev8 Family!’ (do they really have to indicate my full name?) When I looked around, I saw everybody wearing something blue and black (my favorite colors) with a pin on their shirts that says ‘ ____ loves Sir CJ’. It’s as if I’m one of the presidentiables running for 2010 elections! They even rented a videoke machine to put more fun into the party!

Mac acted as the host and the HR staff helped out in the parlor games like paper dance, catch my egg, etc. While the party is going, gifts came in one after the other. I received gifts from Mac, Albert, CEP team, METime team, HR, Admin, and IT Department, Ms. Lelli, Ms. Fats and the MT team. I was just wondering how did they know that I love pots? Hmmmm…. Mac???? I knew it!

I was asked by Michelle and the others days before what do I want for my birthday so that they won’t have a hard time guessing what to buy for me. I told them, I do not want anything but to see everybody during my birthday. It’s not that I already have everything money can buy. I’m still far from that stage to be frank. However, the happiness that being with the people that you treat as your own children bring is something money cannot buy and is something I would rather feel than to receive material gifts.

I was really touched because I did not think that my i-Elev8 family could come up with something that special and different! They really got me there!

Before I end this post, my deepest gratitude to Sir Ernie for the trust he has afforded me to head i-Elev8 Contact Solutions. With them, I found a second family.

To Mac and Albert, you guys are the best managers one could ever work with. Keep up the good work! This is just the beginning. We still have a long way to go.

To my ‘panganays’ - Ryan, Donna, Anna, Remy, Osel, Joseph, and SM, you guys have been with us right from i-Elev8’s early days. We’ve already been through a lot, and yet you’re still with us. You share our beliefs and faith in the company and that really mean a lot to us. You just don’t know how happy I am seeing you grow with i-Elev8!

To the QA’s - thank you for spending countless days of extending your working hours just to get your tasks done. Your commitment to the company and to your job is immeasurable!

To Myra, you are doing a good job in heading the METime team. Keep it up!

To the utility personnel - Migs, John, and Kim, I know how hard your job is, but I cannot recall a time you guys did complain. The integrity you guys have is something really commendable!

To the METime Team, MT Team, and AHP Team - thank you for the dance numbers. Wow! They were choreographed very well. To the CEP Team - thank you for the song number. I know it took you months to prepare for it (lol)… But seriously I really like that song ‘I can’t smile without you’ and it’s true guys… my i-Elev8 family is among those people who can make me smile.

And lastly, to the CCAs - Thank you for working really hard. You are our front liners. Rest assured that the Management of i-Elev8 Contact Solutions will do its very best to live up to your expectations and to make this company your second home. You could have applied with other call center companies, but you chose to work with us. Let me take this opportunity not to make an appeal but to reiterate to each one of you that all of us have a commitment to i-Elev8 Contact Solutions. To make this company one of the biggest and well managed call center companies in the local arena, if not the best! However, the Management cannot do it alone. We need YOU guys, the CCAs to make this happen. Just like how the saying goes - UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!

Once again, thanks a ton guys for making this day very meaningful, happy, and memorable! I will forever be grateful!

La Union and Baguio. These were our summer get-away destinations. We left Manila on 08 April at lunch time. I was really excited not just because it will be my first time to go to those places but also because since we started i-Elev8 Contact Solutions last April 2007, it will be our first time to take a long vacation! Whew!

I know it’s going to be a fun filled vacation that’s why I brought along my camera so as not to miss any moments and picture worthy stuffs. And here are some of the pictures that I have taken:

Our first top over was at Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac. I took this picture of a train relic while we were having coffee in Starbuck’s.

We happened to pass by these people who were doing “Senakulo”. This picture was taken while we were driving along the stretch of Tarlac.

We reached La Union at around 9:00pm. In this picture is Mac (in red shirt) with his cousin, Jok Jok. We stayed in their place.

It’s been years, since I have last gone to a province like La Union. And the thing that I am expecting from this trip is the kind of life that is slow-paced and free from stress at least for a few days while on vacation.

09 April - We woke up around 7:00am. In our excitement to see how the surroundings look like, we immediately went out of the house even without having breakfast first.

These are the sights that we do not happen to see anymore in Manila. I felt so close to nature.

After admiring the beautiful sights in the fields, we went back to Jok’s place. One thing that is not common nowadays in Manila is people do not raise “native” chickens anymore. When we want to eat chicken, we usually go to fast-food chains and order our crispy fried chicks heavily coated with stuffs that make them crispy. But here, we experienced eating tinola using a “native” chicken and the taste was oh so good!

After a hearty lunch, there’s no better way to kill time than to be under a huge mango tree and eat unripened mangoes!

One of the things that I miss doing is to be with friends encircling a bonfire. And here, I am going to experience it again.

11 April - Time for us to leave La Union and go to Baguio. I admit, I somewhat felt sad because I am going to leave the place that made me feel relaxed and very close to nature. But anyway, there will always be next time….and hello, Baguio!

While on an hour trip to Baguio, I was trying to recall when was the last time I went up here? And it brought me to the realization that it’s been more than 5 years already. But even though it’s been that long, the sights going there still have not failed to put me in awe!

After an hour of trip from La Union, we finally reached the summer capital of the Philippines - Baguio. We had a hard time in finding a place to stay. We wanted to stay in a transient house because we wanted to have that “homey” experience like we will cook our food and not just order from the kitchen of a hotel. But since it’s summer season, and many would prefer staying in transient houses rather than in some hotels, we were not able to find one. All either occupied already by tourists or have already been booked ahead of time.

Tired from the trip and maybe about another hour of looking for a place to stay, we finally decided to just check-in in a hotel. We found The Venus Hotel just in front of Burnham park.

We did not let this rare occasion pass by without going to some of the well-known tourist spots in Baguio. We went to Mines View Park, Burnham Park, The Chinese Temple, and The Strawberry Farm. We did not also forget to walk the stretch of Session Road to buy some “pasalubongs”.

In this vacation, I can say I really had a great time and I was able to rest. As they say, work without play makes a man dull that’s why I thought to myself, I have to try to go out of town every time there’s a chance. Not just for me to have some sort of relaxation but to witness also the beautiful spots in the Philippines. It’s a shame for me to say but I have travelled to other countries already but have not explored yet my own.

Before I end this post, I want to say ‘thank you’ to Mac and his family for taking us in their place while we were in La Union. Until next time Bro!

Thanks for reading guys!

On this special ocassion for mothers throughout the world, I want to greet my mother, Arsenia F. Jacinto, a Happy Mother’s Day for these reasons:

• She gave birth to me
• She witnessed the joyous moments of my very firsts in life - utter my first words; I learned how to yawn; I smiled; I walked, etc.
• She was always ready to feed me and change my diapers even in the middle of the night
• And despite of her lack of sleep, she and my father would wake up at 3:00AM to go to the market (where they used to have a stall) so that me and my siblings would have food to eat and ensure that we all can go to school
• She cooks delicious meals for us
• She taught us how to pray the Holy Rosary
• She would give me a sponge bath whenever I am sick
• Etc., etc.

By the time I grew older, there were times I gave her headaches. I also began to talk back to her whenever she’s scolding me for my wrongdoings. There were times that I do not follow the things she’d ask me to do also and some other things that I know have hurt her feelings. But through it all, at the end of the day, she’d always be there no matter what; ready to forgive and love me.

I guess, that’s what our mothers are known for - giving us, their children, unconditional love; expecting nothing in return.

Through this post, I’d like to say sorry for all the things I have mentioned above. And I promise to strive harder to be a more loving son to you. We may argue at times but then again, you’re still my mother and I’m still your son - nothing can change that! And I want the world to know that I am truly blessed to have a mother like you. And if I have to live my life over and over again, and I will be asked to choose who I want my mother to be? It will always be YOU!

I LOVE YOU, NAY!