I Love Chase :)

I LOVE CHASE 

December 2010 – When I left academe and teaching for some reasons and decided to explore other opportunities outside the four walls of classroom. I had an enjoyable experience in teaching then I didn’t even want to leave but the situation pushed me to. I chose to apply in other field and this time it’s in the recruitment world. One day during that month, Ms. Gi Malavega surprisingly called me up to conduct an interview with me. I initially said yes and even stopped working-out to attend to her call. She asked basic and behavioral questions to me and told me that If ever I were considered I would be deployed somewhere in The Fort, Taguig. I was actually wondering about the identity of the company, and after the interview she disclosed it to me that It’s gonna be JPMorganChase and Co. which is one of my dream companies to work in. I couldn’t even imagine then working in this company. I was shocked and amazed and felt so excited to work. Ms. Gi scheduled me for another interview but this time it’s gonna be one of the recruiters of the company who will interview. After a week, I went to Chase for my interview and it was Ms. Jam who conducted it. It took approximately 30min for us to finish the interview. Ms jam told me that it’s gonna be the agency who will inform me about the status of my application. After a week, Ms. Gi brought a good news for she told me that I was selected for the position but I will be technically employed with the agency it’s just that I need to render my service to JPMC. Ms. Gi asked me to submit my requirements for the background check but was not able to inform me about my start date.  Time was running so fast, one month has already been passed but still no feedback from JPMC about my start date, that was also the time wherein Ms. Gi asked me to look for other opportunities outside JPmorganChase. I was so hopeless felt so sad about the news. That’s why I decided to look for other opportunities then. After another month, that was February 8, 2011 Ms. Gi suddenly called me up again asking me if I can start the following day which was February 9. I was even in the middle of the road then taking a jeepney going back home and just recently resigned from other company and spontaneously said yes to Ms. Gi! So there, February 9, 2010 was my first day in JPMC!

 I was really excited to work then. I met awesome people, my teammates who became part of my recruitment life namely Meg Abunio, Anton Guerzon, Vanessa Landicho, Naomi Libano which is my co-RPO and Di-ann Mendoza who taught me all the things I need to learn about Recruitment. I was enjoying then working in the company who won’t? Working in this international and prestigious company is really a once in a lifetime privilege and distinct honor for me. I was so delighted not only because of the grandiosity of the company but of course also because of the people whom I work with. Ms. Di-ann was the one who taught me a lot about recruitment. She became my mentor and stood a sister-like figure to me. She let me familiarize about the recruitment process in the company and all other things that I need to learn. During the first month, I was quite bored for I was missing teaching and perhaps also because we were just doing call-outs then but after a month we were asked to process walk-in candidates. I enjoyed it! I was able to talk and interact to different kinds of people from all walks in life. Different stories and different personalities. But after almost 3weeks of processing walk-in applicants, April 28, 2011, Ms. Twinkle suddenly called me up, informing me that my contract will end on that particular day which means we are not going to report on the following day which was Monday. I was in the state of shock, expecting that my end of contract is gonna be May 13 which means I still have 2 weeks left in the company. 

 

Ms. Twinkle gave me two options, since I still had remaining 2 weeks to formally end the contract she asked me to report to Staffright solutions instead until May 13, and the other one is not to report anymore and will not be able to get my salary for May 1-15 cut-off. I chose the former. I stayed there for almost a month. That was also great for people there were also great working with. One day, Ms. Gi received a message from JPMC telling that they’re going to extend our contract If we’re still available and willing to. I said yes once again to Ms. Gi but I told her that I can only render one month for I had already committed to certain schools for I was planning to go back in teaching. They agreed on it and for the second time I went back to Chase! I was assigned this time for the non-voice account with Sir Iano Ramos, Earvin Arce and Ms. Di-ann Mendoza. I was assigned to process the walk-in applicants in the afternoon. That was of course again a great experience! I was exposed to volume recruitment this time for I used to interview 30 applicants per day. I was also able to be exposed to different profiles. But of course everything must come to an end.

 

It’s actually my last day today while I’m writing this article for my blog. I’m quite poignant and sad for it’s bound to an end for the second time. It’s relatively hard for me to leave the company which I really loved working with. I will miss everything, the people who already became part of my life especially Ms. Di-ann Mendoza and Sir Iano Ramos who were doubtlessly sharing what they know and all the things that I need to learn. I’m so thankful for I was given a chance to know these people and work with them. I know 3 months is quite short to establish great friendship and to know people but I believe that actually sufficed for me to say thank you to them for our experience shared. It’s really hard to say goodbye to good friends and workmates, but of course I don’t have any choice but to do so. That’s why I am writing this blog to extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all people who became part of my life during my stay here in Chase. I will treasure and not forget all those moments and things that I’ve learned here. If I were to be asked to work again if given a chance I would still choose to work with these people.Thank you very much for everything! I really mean it!

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

ABOUT PUERTO GALERA....


Puerto Galera (port of galleon)  is a small town on the northeast coast of the island of Mindoro in the Philippines, which has been considered as one of the most awesome and developed beaches in the Philippines. A lot of tourists and visitors stay here during summer because of its splendid and majestic white sand surrounded by flourishing mountains. 
There's a lot of activities one can do here. Travelers can play volleyball, toss Frisbee, go island hopping, snorkeling, ride a jet-ski, mountain climbing, hiking, light bonfires, watch the sunset and even bar-hopping at night. Aside from these, the white beach and the water are the main highlights of the island. Pure white sand, crystal clear and glistening water which is ideal for different water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba-diving and others. The weather here is somewhat the same as the rest of the country. The months from March all the way to May are hot summer months, that's why most visitors opted to go here during these months. When it comes to hotels, resorts or accommodations, there's a lot of boards and lodgings that you can find and choose from. You do not need to worry about your budget cause there are resorts which offer accommodations in cheaper price. There are also expensive ones if you'd really want to pamper yourself during your stay here. Foods here are everywhere specially if you are staying near at the White Beach, there's a lot of kiosk and stores that you can choose from and all kinds of food are available and affordable. That's why if you are planning to visit Puerto Galera, you need not to worry about your needs coz everything here is provided. You should not also miss to try their special beverage called Mindoro Sling. There are also souvenir shops in the surroundings where you can purchase stuffs like shirts, accessories etc. Don't also forget to take a glimpse into the must-see places here such as Tamaraw falls, Sand Bar, Bayanan Island, Sabang beach, coco beach, white beach etc.

Puerto Galera Galore: My Personal Experience with Friends....

Eric, Sie and Marvin

May 14-15, 2011_ My friends (norie, carlo, marvin, siena, carlo, len, chez, herald, sai) and I decided to go to puerto Galera for our summer escapade this year 2011. This was our first ever beach outing. Yes! after so many years, at last we were able to make it, to spend our summer at the beach! May 14, 2011 at 5:00pm, we met together at Jollibee Alabang and took our breakfast there, then afterwards, we took Dela Rosa Transit Bus at Alabang terminal to go to Batangas Port.

 It took us almost 2 hours to get there. Everybody was excited but we grabbed the opportunity to sleep for most of us did not have an ample time to sleep the night prior to our trip.  It took us almost 2 hours to get there. We arrived at Batangas Port at around 8:00am. We dropped off from the bus to settle our tickets and other stuffs for our trip going to White Beach Puerto Galera.

Eric and Friends

Suddenly, I was trying to check my celfone inside my bag and my pockets but unfortunately I was not able to find it! I asked siena and herald to call it up for us to hear its ring. But we failed to locate it. After 1 week again, for the second time, I lost a fone! =( I was so frustrated then for I just recently lost my fone one week before that and here I am again misplacing the fone of my mom. But that did not hinder me to savor and enjoy the moment. I set it aside for the meantime and promise myself not to think of it while we're there. At around 9:00am, we take the Penguin 5 boat which is under Father n Son Shipping lines for our trip from Batangas going to White Beach Puerto Galera. We did not find it difficult to get tickets and pay for other fees for I made an arrangement with La Solana Suties prior to our trip there and so thankful for this. After an hour, we arrived at the White Beach Puerto Galera as we get off from the boat Kuya (staff of La Solana Suite) was there already waiting for us with my name written on the white board. LOL

Kuya with matching white board

I really loved it. We felt so special. Kuya asked us to follow him for he's gonna guide us going to the resort. After 3 minutes we arrived at La Solana Suites, Finally! I talked to ate tess (another staff of LSS) about our stay there and she also told me about things that we need to consider while we're there at the resort. She asked us to check-in afterwards. We took some rest first for it was almost 11 in the morning then, somewhat sunny outside that's why we decided to take some rest first.

La Solana Suites

We fixed our things, took some pictures and decided to look for our lunch. Since it's not included in the package with LSS, we decided to go to a grocery store to buy some food for our lunch, since we did not have an enough time cooking and looking for food, we decided to buy century tuna, 555 sardines and rice for our lunch! LOL! We really enjoyed it, in fact we were not able to take pictures during our lunch since all of us were busy eating those limited foods. Afterwhich, sai called us up to fetch her from the White Beach and Marvin did. After our lunch, we decided to go out and experience exhilarating activities. Sai was already there prior to our trip, and she asked us to do activities that they had as well like snorkeling and island hopping. Everybody agreed! We looked for kuyas who helped us to experience those. When we found him, we rode right away on the boat to have snorkeling and island-hopping, we did snorkeling first. Kuya gave us goggles and other swimming tools for our snorkeling, he brought us in the middle of the sea to snorkel.

Snorkeling Galore

We really enjoyed it! We saw different kinds of corals and sea creatures then! After 30 min, Kuya asked us to get on the boat again for we're going to have our island hopping. Unfortunately, Herald and I lost the tube, a swimming tool which helps you to breathe under the water! We needed to pay another 150php for this. Haaaist. Well, anyway after our snorkeling we went directly to the first island and that's the Sand Bar! We took some pictures there for it contains fine sights good for picture taking.

Bayanan Island

After 15 minutes, we went next to another island and that's Bayanan Island for another 15 minutes, where we swim and of course again took pictures.
After this, we decided to go back to White beach to play Freesbie! It's good to know that Sai brought a Freesbie. We tossed Freesbie for about an hour, and we really enjoyed it! honestly that's my first time to play Freesbie! LOL! and I indeed enjoyed it! Then we decided to go back to resort to take a bath and rest. We stayed there for more than an hour before we went out again for our dinner. We ate out at around 9:00pm at one the stores there at the White Beach, we had a lot of recipes then for we ordered 10 different kinds of viands plus unlimited rice! We were all full! There should have an unlimited iced tea then but Kuya told us that they ran out of it that's why we were forced to buy something for our drinks.

Freesbie Time!

After that super meal, we stayed at the sea shore, we just sat down on the sand while chatting and taking pictures, we also played Freesbie again but for a limited time only.
At around 1am, everybody chose to go back to resort to rest and sleep for we really had a very tiring day. That's why we' re not able to follow our itinerary, we failed to have party party or bar-hopping! =(

Banana Boat Adventure

May 15, 2011 Sunday, 7:30am we had our breakfast, tocino with itlog and coffee! after that I told ate tess to prepare our banana boat adventure! We again went to the white beach for our banana boat adventure!
When we were there already, Kuya asked us to wear life vest for we were about to start. Everybody followed. I requested kuya to drop us once for Carlo and Herald were somewhat frightened to be dropped off. then Kuya agreed. We rode on the banana boat and we had a 20 min adventure then! Siena did not join us for some reason. hehehe so she was the one who took pictures for us. After our banana boat adventure, we played Freesbie for the last time before we went back to the resort. Upon going back, we already fixed our things for our trip was 3.30pm. we checked-out at 12nn and fixed our accounts with LSS. We took our lunch while waiting for the boat. At exactly 3.30 the boat came to fetch back to the Batangas Port.

I really had an exhilarating summer escapade this 2011 specially because I was with my super Friends! Though there were uncontrollable circumstances happened I must admit that I really enjoyed it. =)

KAMAY NI HESUS: Annual Vicita Iglecia

About Kamay ni Hesus...

Kamay ni Hesus is one of the Top 10 Lenten Destinations in the Philippines. It is located at Lucban, Quezon Philippines. 4-6hrs away from Manila. This is where a lot of devotees believe that miracles do happen in this Shrine. Continuous Planning and Development are done in order to preserve and maintain this Pilgrim Destination. Miracles and Healing were made possible and confrimed by Fr. Joseph Faller for he has healed many devotees during the celebration of the holy mass. Holy masses are regularly conducted and its schedule is posted for everyone to see. Set apart from healing and holy mass, most travelers are also coming to see the 300 steps Kamay ni Hesus Shrine. Steps going up to the Shrine contain Stations of the Cross that's why a lot of visitors stay here during lenten season. Serenity and tranquility will surmount you once you see closely the huge image of Jesus Christ! Most visitors reflect and pray and lean on their hands on the feet of the image to pray for their personal intentions. Some of them are also taking some pictures as a remembrance. Going up to the Shrine is not easy. You need to bring stuffs with you to protect yourself from the sun such as umbrella and cap. Wear comfortable clothes but it should not be daring, like mini-skirt, sando, sleeveless and the like, for caretakers do not allow people to enter the shrine if they are not wearing the prescribed clothes. You will perspire a lot so it's better to replace fluids that have been lost from your body by bringing water or any drinking beverages. In case you fail to consider these, there are lots of local shops in the surroundings where you can buy those. There are also "pasalubongs" or delicacies being sold by these shops. It also includes religious items, souvenir shirts, accessories etc. There are also bestseller foods around that you should definitely not miss such as their organic longganisa and pancit habhab which are originally produced by Lucban Quezon. So if you are in soul-searching and looking for a peaceful and tranquil place, I'm sure Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon is one of the best destinations you must consider.

My personal Experience...
April 21, 2011, Thursday - My superfriends (Cha, Carlo, Siena, Marvin and Norie) and I decided to go to Kamay Ni Hesus in Lucban Quezon as our destination for our annual Vicita Iglecia. We left San Pedro, Laguna at 6:00am for we know that it's gonna be a long long trip for us to get there. Of course Hondat was with us (car's name)! We love Hondat! We started en-routing and passing by the different municipalities of Laguna such as Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz and Pagsanjan.  It has already been for years since my last visit in these places though I also live in Laguna however, I used to work in the north and haven't found much time going in these places.  As we were passing by these places, we exchanged thoughts, took some pictures and were appreciating the cold and fresh air breezing in these provinces as it touches our face. I love it! As we reached Pagsanjan we decided to take the Majayjay-Lucban Hi-way not knowing that there are lots of cliff roads there which worsened the car's condition. Finally, we reached Lucban Quezon after a very long trip.

We  parked our car a kilometer away from the Shrine and tried to walk to get there instead. As I got down from the car, I was mesmerized by what I see,  the Kamay Ni Hesus statue is  highly visible from the point of where we were in.. I was fascinated and surprised and felt blessed on the very first time I glanced on it. My friends and I walked together going there. It was raining then but that did not hinder us to continue walking and seek for the Shrine.

It was 30-minute-walk before we got there. As we arrived, we decided to stay at the church first and take some rest for we knew that climbing up the Shrine's going to be a very exciting and yet energy-consuming activity and it was still raining then. We went out of the Church, chose to eat first to boost our energy.

"Pancit Habhab"

"Pancit Habhab" (Php10) for our lunch. =) Accorcing to Ate, (the one who's selling the Pancit) that's actually the so called Pancit of Lucban wherein you are not supposed to use any kind of utensils to eat it, but rather use your hands or directly put it into your mouth! That's delicious though somewhat awkward but we decided to get some and try it! Ate also asked us to put few drops of vinegar in it.

Entrance going to Kamay ni Hesus Shrine

After we eat, we decided to line up for we were about to go up and climb up into the shrine.
 As we continue walking, we witnessed lots of sceneries and structures of the significant events and persons in the Bible such as the Noah's Arch, Adam and Eve etc.

It took us another approximately 30 min before we get into the Shrine proper.

From the feet of the Shrine, this is where we started venerating the Passion of Christ by praying the Stations of the Cross.

There are 14 Stations of the Cross. 

• Jesus is condemned to death
• Jesus is given his cross
• Jesus falls the first time
• Jesus meets His Mother
• Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
• Veronica wipes the face of Jesus
• Jesus falls the second time
• Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem
• Jesus falls the third time
• Jesus is stripped of His garments
• Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross
• Jesus dies on the cross
• Jesus' body is removed from the cross
• Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense.

After the last station, finally we GOT there at the Kamay Ni Hesus Shrine.

After about 300 steps finally we were able to see it closer! It was indeed a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Ineffable! That's how I describe it. Being there and getting a chance to see it closer is indeed a heartwarming and overwhelming experience. I never missed the chance to pray and feel Him for that was indeed a once in a lifetime experience (I can always go there though). This encounter completed my Holy Week this 2011 for I believe I am blessed and continuously to be blessed in these coming years.

We stayed there for about 15 minutes and this is where we prayed our last prayer and intentions. Afterwhich, we decided to go down and take a rest first. We ate out again but this time it's no longer the Pancit Habhab. =) We took a rest for a little while and chose to walk back into the parking area and take into the car for us to arrive at home earlier.

It was another long trip, but this time we decided to take the Lousiana road instead of Majayjay for it is much easier and safer to pass by here.(If you'd like to have a more adventurous trip. take the Majayjay-Lucban Hi-way). However, things did not go well. Hondat's starting to malfunction! There were fumes coming out from the front hood that alarmed us and suspected that there's something wrong. Cha decided to stop driving and put water into it. We continued to drive but still same things happened. We put some more amount of water every now and then since Cha told us that the car overheated! Worse things occurred. The car stopped functioning! It was not starting! Gas station is about a km away from where we were in! We're running out of water! Fortunate enough, we were stranded in Pinagsanjan, Pagsanjan where some houses were yet visible and accessible. Cha and I went out of the car and asked a sari-sari store owner to give us some water. He gave us all the water that we need! We even asked for help from some people we know whom we think are knowledgeable in this kind of instances. Marvin called up his dad and I asked Raymund as well. When we were loaded of water needed by the car, we again put some more H2O, the car then started.

Hondat's Check-up with
matching Policeman! =O

Until we arrived at the Pagsanjan "bayan" where "senakulo" was then going-on. Cha and I concluded that that was the time that we need to ask for a professional or technical help. We stayed at a Shell station to look for a "mekaniko" to help us. We met different people who were trying to assist us. Kuya Dong, the electrician who checked and helped us fixing the technicalities told us that the blower that gives coolness to the radiator is not functioning. That's why it overheated!





Another problem has arisen, we're running out of cash! LOL! and we were supposed to pay Kuya Dong Php950! I still have some money in my ATM though but this is what we did,( take a look!) Remember that there's a Senakulo in the Plaza, one of the kuyas informed us that Gov. ER Estregan was also there! Cha, Carlo, Norie and I did not miss the chance to take advantage this shall I say destiny LOL! Yes! We asked for his assistance, for a monetary help from our dear Gov! LOL! Luckily, he did not fail us! He gave us Php1000! LOL! It was somehow embarrassing but proud to say we did it! Unforgettable! right?

It's 11:00pm already when we got out from the Town proper of Pagsanjan. We also tried to drop by at UPLB but since it's too late already then and Siena felt something creepy, (according to her, she saw a little girl walking together with three people who were also passing by inside the campus), we chose not to roam around anymore but rather get out from the campus and eat elsewhere instead . We decided to take snacks first at Shell Northbound SLT. We stayed there for an hour and took a nap. After 1 more hour. We arrived safely at San Pedro, Laguna! Woooh!

That was indeed a meaningful, exhilarating, overwhelming and legendary! As if we're in a movie! That was exciting and yet fulfilling! A lot of realizations were made. We're no longer a kid! We need to be independent and try to seek help in instance like this! This experience does not only strengthen our faith but also our friendship!

We never fail thanking the Lord in situations like these! We were never scared for we believe His existence sufficed! We will continue to seek for Him and journey with Him! As we continue to magnify our devotion to Him.