Leaving Bacolod tomorrow afternoon.

Excited and sad at the same time.

I promise to come back. :)

Weee~

My globe phone (+63927 782 2598) got snatched last Thursday while I was riding the jeep. You can contact me at +63908 885 1410 instead.

See ya! :)

I woke up this morning, realizing it's the first day of July 2009. Really, time flies.

Three months ago, I was still a student and unsure of what will happen after I graduate.
Six months ago, I was busy with CAPES and projects and had little time to think about my future. I was living in the moment, so to speak.
A year ago, I was looking forward to my last year in college, determined to make the best out of it and to maximize the time I had left.
Six years ago, I was an excited kid about to turn 18. I absolutely had no idea about my future self.

Now I'm on the brink of the biggest change in my life. Why so?
1. No more school. 20 years FTW!!! (I'll be spending more time with my new friends (colleagues) than my school friends, including Josh. This makes me really sad.)
2. I'll be living with my family again. Ever since I went to college, I stayed in a dorm/apartment and went home only during weekends.
3. Come July 6, I'm going to be a part of the labor force. No more allowance!!! Huhuhu.

So what are my expectations? I have given this a lot of thought and all I can say is: I expect to learn something. My parents, especially my mom, always remind me that I should consider my mistakes and the mistakes of others as a learning experience. I have done as they said, and will continue to do so.

I think about next week, and realize that I am not afraid. I'm actually excited. I believe God placed me in this situation at the right time and I, again, plan to make the best of it. He made me what I am today and although I have my faults, I'm sure I'll do well. More than that, I plan to be great! Cos I can. :)

Bring it, bring it, bring it! Bring WOOH to the limit! :))

15 more days of doing nothing, of pure bumming around.

Oh, I can't wait for July 6 to come. But, I will. :)

But before that, let me recount my last semester in UP. I'll insert my top three reasons along the way.

Second semester was always the busiest sem for me for two main reasons: Engg Week and Job Fair. After these I usually catch up with my subjects so I don’t have much time to relax. This year’s second semester was different because I was busy with neither. This year, I was supposed to join indakan rather than cheering but I wasn’t able to attend the tryouts because of Marketing Congress. Mock marketing period, if I remember it correctly. Also, I was supposed to have 9 units only but I decided to get 12 plus PE (Aero Dance). I was sure mom and dad would force me to go uwian if I didn’t have WF classes.

Anyway, I was a bit busy at the start of the semester because I helped out with the First Lean Six Sigma Symposium. I sent out invitations and edited the pub materials. I’m glad that the event turned out to be a huge success because it’s great publicity for the department and for the IE students. Many people might belittle IE (“instant engineer”) but what they don’t see is that IE’s are trained to see the bigger picture in everything. Plus, IE’s are analytical and critical as any other engineer. I hope to see this year’s LSS bigger and better. And yes, I’m proud to be an IE.

Engg Week practices had already started by this time. The first time I visited indakan and cheering, the cheerers pushed me to join them. Most of them told me they missed me, which really tugged my heart. I already told myself that I’ll be focusing my efforts on being a “handler” (hehe, you should know what this means if you’re a clubber!) but I couldn’t help but learn the dance the cheerers were practicing. Plus, Jana said that they need one more dancer. I eventually gave in and said yes. I don’t regret my decision though. I tried to enjoy every moment even if it was physically and emotionally draining. Imagine, 5 years straight! I’m going to miss it so much especially since I don’t usually dance except during Engg Week.

Aside from cheering, I handled TADM (1^st Male Division, 2^nd Female Division), TABL (2^nd), Salpakan, Kanalan (1^st) and Pautakan (1^st). I joined numerous events as well but the unforgettable events aside from cheering are: casteng’g call, music video makeng’g, and cosplay. Casteng’g call was funny and weird because I had a pa-cute role. Balma and I placed in this event. Music Video Makeng’g was the most hassle event because of the deadline and the fail rendering. Luis and I tried our best but we still weren’t able to produce the best copy on-time. In any case, we placed 1^st. Lesson learned: Learn how to appreciate the efforts of your members or your team, no matter how little it may be. Give constructive criticisms instead of being silent and having an irate face. Cosplay was the best because it was my dream event since the first time I joined Engg Week. Before, cosplay overlapped with cheering so I couldn’t participate in it.
 

3. I got the EWOC 20.08 MVP Award. :)

EWOC party was super fun except that I got drunk too early. Lack of sleep and too much alcohol should never be mixed! :) Josh missed the party since his flight to the US was on that morning as well.

The recent Christmas break must have been the longest time I haven’t seen Josh. It was a good thing that we also went to Iloilo and I was busy editing and finalizing the CHB. We kept in touch through text and YM so it wasn’t that bad. Still, I really missed him.
Production of CHB was delayed for numerous reasons. By the first day of Job Fair, CHB was still in the works. It was entirely my fault but the good thing that came out of it was that the handbooks were distributed during the week, not after it which would’ve happened if we hadn’t done something about it. I don’t think it was as fail as it seems because there was a huge improvement on the content compared to the past years. I’m proud of my team and of my babies (RB and CHB). I believe Job Fair 2009 was a success despite the economic recession that affected most companies.

2. I qualified for a final interview in Toshiba, Japan.

They called me early February, in school. I was so happy when I found out since it was almost a month since my last interview with them. I was also hesitant since I knew that many applicants from last year still got rejected even though they were already sent to Japan. I gave my excuse letter to my professors a week before my flight. I was lucky I didn’t have exams set during my interview week.

More on my Japan Trip here (because LJ says my post is too large): trinadude.livejournal.com/69304.html

More Japan pictures here: trinadude.multiply.com/photos/album/148/Toshiba_Global_Recruitment_2009

After the trip I had to catch up with my academics since I was gone for a whole week. Before that, I also was absent for several classes because of Engg Week and Job Fair. But by this time (early March), I felt an extreme laziness to attend classes and finish deliverables. I’m not sure, but I’m blaming the upcoming grad rites for the sluggish mode. In any case, I still did what I could. I studied for anthro finals, finished our 156 project (ALONE), helped a bit with 155.

1. I got my highest semestral GWA!

I never knew that being sluggish would result to this. I’m very happy though that I managed to pull this off with Engg Week and Job Fair crunch time and the Japan trip while considering my number of absences and lack of interest in my subjects. What a way to end college! God really has great plans for us. I see my 6^th year as proof of this. Looking back to last year, I never expected these blessings.

More blessings:

• Love: Celebrated 2^nd year anniversary with Josh last February 12. We didn’t do anything actually. Still, <3.
• Friends: Got closer to a lot of young ones. I’m thankful for them. Special shout out to the closest friends I’ve had this sem – Mae, Luis, Tina, Jeff, Noel and Costy (in no particular order). Given closest friends si Josh, Kris and Dre. ‘Wag kayo magtampo! :P
• Lezzie Lovers: Mae, Tina, and Jordan. <3
• Family: Parents are more lenient now. :)

Looking forward to Bora on April 13-16 with Mae, Gianna, Mark, Gijo, Liane, Frau, Josh and Pey.
Engineering Recognition Rites on April 24.
University Graduation on April 26.
Singapore Trip on May 5-9 with Dad and Ate.

Can’t wait! :)

I went alone to Japan last February 22. Prior to my flight, I heard that there was already one Filipino (from UP ERG) that was already interviewed and got a job offer. This was my first international trip plus I was traveling alone so imagine my excitement (or you can look at my pictures)!

 

Japan’s very nice and clean. The Narita Airport is huge! It’s very different from NAIA. I felt the very, very cold wind in my face when I stepped out of the airport. I remember having a huge grin on my face while walking to the bus. I was that excited and happy! I usually fall asleep during bus rides but this time, I was awake the whole time (and saw Disneyland from afar). I was quite shy at first because I was the only Filipino. The other applicants on the bus were all Taiwanese. Most of them were quite friendly though, but not talkative. :D

 

Upon arriving at the guest hotel, we were given about an hour to settle down before our orientation. My room was nice, warm, and very comfortable. Each room had a LAN cable so I was able to talk with my family, Josh, and some friends. It didn’t feel like I was so far away. So during the orientation, I found out that there were 22 applicants. We were the second batch. There were Taiwanese, Singaporeans, Malaysians, an Indonesian and another Filipino, who is currently a student in NTU. The Singaporeans were the friendliest and most talkative. Malaysians place second. After the orientation, we ate dinner and I joined the Taiwanese group go to Fit Care Depot for a bit of shopping. I bought lotion since I forgot to bring mine. Or that was just an excuse so I could buy something. Or not. Hehe.

 

So there, I had my schedule and my food and transportation allowance on hand. I think I was one of the few people who had a full schedule. On Monday morning, most of us had our dormitory visit. In the afternoon, How, Feng Wen, and I had our interview with the elevator company (marketing position). On Tuesday morning, Feng Wen and I had our interview with the TV Division at the honsho or headquarters, also for a marketing position. In the afternoon, we went all the way to Fukaya with our guide, Cherry, for our interview with the TV factory (project management position). On Wednesday, each applicant was interviewed by the HR Department.

 

It was raining when we went to the train station on Monday. I was wearing a skirt so it was very hard to walk fast (FAIL). I also brought the wrong shoes, too high for long distance travel on foot (MAJOR FAIL). Anyway, we arrived at the train station on time. I learned how to decipher the wild, wild railway map and to use the ticketing machine. But being the forgetful person that I am, I got confused the following day. The dormitory was okay except that the room was small. There was a common kitchen which was also okay. Three things I noticed that are unique to Japan are: vendo machines (drinks, cigarettes, etc etc), use of facial masks, and use of bicycles. Ah! Since it was raining, some stores also had umbrella plastic wraps so you could bring your umbrella inside. It was cool and very convenient, so that you’re umbrella won’t be stolen.

We ate at a tempura store near the train station. It was super yummy. Even our dinner at the cafeteria the night before was great! Their miso soup is SUPER YUMMY. Very different from what I usually eat here in the Philippines. FYI, I love Japanese food. I really stuffed myself when I was in Japan. Hehe.

 

Upon arrival at the elevator company, we were briefed about what they do and the position we were being considered for. Since I wasn’t really that familiar with elevators, I was quite reluctant in “giving my best”. That was FAIL because in the end I realized that you should always give your best when job searching. Anyway, the people were very nice and friendly. I didn’t get the position. How did. Since the interviews ended later than expected, a company representative treated us to a cab ride to the Shinagawa station. It was so cool we couldn’t resist taking pictures inside the cab. :P

 

Mike met us at the guest hotel for dinner. He showed us around Shin-Yokohama station. There were a lot of cheap electronics but I was hesitant to spend money. It was nice just to look around. I bought a clear envelope instead. Couldn’t resist the consumer in me. :)

 

Tuesday was a full day for me.  Interview with the TV Division was quite difficult since the three of us were interviewed at the same time. There was only one interviewer as compared to the elevator company which had 5 interviewers (at least). Honestly, I felt that marketing wasn’t the right position for me. Feng Wen has work experience already in project management and has a master’s degree in marketing and advertising from the Netherlands. The other guy (I forgot his name already) has been working for a long time already, although not in marketing. I felt deflated when I compared myself to them. I gave good answers to the questions asked but their answers, especially Feng Wen’s, were really good. I didn’t look forward to the results. Usually after interviews, I already get a “feeling” if I pass that interview or not. I had a bad feeling on this one.

 

After lunch at the cafeteria, we headed once again to the train station. It took about 2 hours to go to Fukaya, I fell asleep on the train. The interview there was a bit long and we had about 7 interviewers. Since we were being considered for a project management position, Feng Wen already had an advantage. I guess comparing myself with the other applicants wasn’t a good idea. It just made me feel small and shy. And I’m really, really shy. (Don’t argue with me, I know myself hehe) The bad feeling never went away. Good thing I met a super cute Japanese guy, Natsuo Ootani. Hehe. But I didn’t talk to him. Hiya ako e.

 

Feng Wen and I were supposed to go back to the guest hotel after our interviews but I decided to have dinner with Mike and Meiling in Kawasaki. The food was super yummy! Since it was already late and we had a 10 pm curfew, we didn’t have time to look around. Mike decided to accompany me to the guest hotel since I wasn’t that familiar yet with the train station. Upon arriving at Shin-Yokohama station, I told Mike that I wanted to take the cab to skip the long walk but we saw my co-applicants in the station. They decided to walk so I joined them, and so that Mike wouldn’t have to go to the guest hotel. He’s staying the dormitory in Tsurumi (I think). We were late for about 5-10 minutes. It’s a good thing the dorm manager was kind although he reported it to Nishimoto-san and Cathy-san the following day.

 

For our interview with HR, they mainly asked us how we liked our experience in Japan. I was honest with them that I felt shy but that it was a good learning experience for me. Many applicants got a job offer after their interview with HR. Some got rejected while others would have to wait for the results of their interviews. I was one of those who had to wait. I found out though that Feng Wen got offers from the TV division and TV factory. I guess I failed there, although they (HR) didn’t directly reject me.

 

After our interviews, my co-applicants and I went to Kawasaki to shop for pasalubong. We went around Lazona Mall and had our dinner there as well. Dave, the Filipino studying at NTU, was my shopping buddy. We bought sushi and ate dinner together. Yummy!!! There were a lot of pastries and cake being sold so I indulged myself and bought strawberry shortcake. Super yummy!!!

 

After our shopping trip we went back to the guest hotel. I don’t remember if we were late but I guess we were able to maximize the remaining time we had left. It was the 30^th birthday of one Taiwanese co-applicant (I forgot his name already) so we surprised him in his room. We drank sake and greeted in him in different languages. Oh, we sang happy birthday in Nihongo! Thanks YouTube! :p It was a short celebration since we had to sleep early but still fun. It was great bonding with them.

 

Our flight the next morning was at 9 am so we had to be at the airport by 7 am. Almost all of us were asleep during the bus ride to the airport. I think I had the earliest flight so I wasn’t able to join my co-applicants when they toured around the airport. It was okay though; I toured by myself for a while. Dad picked me up in NAIA and we went straight to UP. I saw Josh wearing the polo I bought him for Christmas. :D

I honestly felt left behind when my batchmates graduated last April 2008. Maybe this was the reason why I didn't attend their graduation rites. I felt melancholic, and I didn't want to my friends to know this. If they knew they'd tell me, "okay lang yan no, ano ba." But that wouldn't change how I felt.

But getting delayed turned out to be such a great thing after all, I figured at the start of AY 2008-2009. I just finished my internship with Total (Philippines) Corporation, IEC and CAPES had just finished planning for the year, everything was great! I wasn't as lonely as I'd expected, but I confirmed that iba talaga when you're with your batchmates. In any case, I enjoyed the company of the "younger ones." *shoutout to my favorite and ultimate lezzie lover, mae_illuh (wag na tampo haaaa? HAHAHAHA)*


Highlight of June was Bing's flight to Seattle. I had some time to get used to the idea of Bing leaving, but come June 11 I found out that I was still not ready. Super not ready in fact. Now I'm used to the idea of Bing not being here, because I know that she's not that hard to reach. Like today I texted her something important, and she replied!!! I feel loved! I miss you, Bing! :x


Remainder of June until end of July were filled with org events and mobilization of CAPES Publications. It was actually slow, but not boring. I enjoyed the pace since I had 15 units for the first semester. Acad life was doing fine as well, nothing much to say about it except Sir Jonas picked my baby as our Feasib Project. :) IE 144 pics shown below.

First semester officially ended with the Zambales semender. J3's special request seen below. :D


So here I am, not left behind. I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. :)

---
To Do until The End:

1. IEC Turnover Dinner
2. IE 156 Presentation
3. Graduation Shitz
4. Rummage Sale
5. EOY Party
6. Anthro 10 Finals
7. IE 155 Presentation
8. IE 155 and IE 156 Project Submissions
9. Second Semester Wrap Up (Blog)

Time flies so fast. Imagine, only 2 more months to go before I walk on UP Theater's stage. The stage. The venue. For what? The final rites. Eff, panic mode! Sometimes I feel like I haven't done much during my stay in Diliman, in Engg, but I know otherwise. It's just a feeling that comes and goes, when I see people who do so well in school early on in their college life. Can't help but compare. But, well. :)

During my first year in college, I found my feet. I found the right people to be with (my best friends), and I found my foundation. I also found out that things really do change. Sometimes, things change dramatically and so fast that your head reels and you think you've made the wrong decision. And you panic. But you really can't change what you've already done, you just have to live with it and move on. I guess that's what I did, I moved on from LB to Diliman, sometimes still wondering what would've happened had I stayed in LB, BS Com Sci, with Anna, Melai, Jing, and the others. That first year was so wonderful, I could lie in bed the whole day and reminisce the good times. I'm so thankful for that one year that changed me because it assured me that I was going to be fine, and safe, until forever.

Second year was difficult because of the changes, especially since I got into IE. I had to catch up with the curriculum, deal with "left out" friends, and other now-unimportant-things. I realize I don't remember much of that year, except we (Kris, Bing and I) took a lot of pictures of ourselves.

Top 15 unforgettable moments listed
( here )

Third year first sem was the "safe" sem because my grades were just enough to be not-delayed. I guess that sem had such a negative impact on me (trying so hard but failing to get a higher grade) that I subconsciously anticipated the wild, wild results of the following sem. Third year second sem was a major failure. I don't want to tell all the gory details now but to summarize, I enjoyed too much, lost focus, and suffered the consequences. Maybe I just let go. I don't really know now. But I have to say, that sem was major kilig sem. And that sem was the height of the Jana-Trina relationship too. Hahaha. I really really really miss those days. :)

( One more thing. )

Fourth year was the bawi year. I enjoyed my classes very much, and I enjoyed seeing the fruits of my actions. I was intense mode maybe for the entire year, focused on the goal of graduating on-time + 1 (not more than that haha). At the end of that year, I got back my confidence in myself. I must say, it was also the getting-to-know-josh year. Hahaha. :))

Fifth year was so-so. (I'm actually becoming lazy in finishing this lengthy entry.) It felt weird knowing that my batchmates were about to graduate. I felt I was lagging, that I'm the one to be left out. But that was entirely my fault so I had to deal with it. And in any case, there were still other batchmates left with me like Josh, Pey, Shelly, Mark, etc. It's just a weird feeling knowing I wouldn't be with them when they graduate. Well. It was during this year that I realized that I was blessed because I learned so much more from my take two's. I realized I had one more year to be more active in my orgs, to learn more about myself, to spend more time with my friends, blah blah blah. I realized I wasn't that ready to let go yet. I guess God really knows what's best for us, eh? At the end of the year He opened so many opportunities for me, like my OJT and being part of IEC and CAPES execom. In an instant, it felt great to be delayed. :)

Now my sixth year is another story. I need to catch my breath, because college happened just way waaay too fast for me.

i'm so lazy.

there's so much i want to say but i'm so effin lazy.

daym.

stuff to write about:
1. acads
2. japan
3. job search mode
4. life

next time na lang. tamad pa rin talaga e. HE HE HE. :D