overseer

One thing that’s keeping me from this work is my so called lolo, but he changed it to colleague…

It’s my first time in BPO and I didn’t know what to expect, yes, I admit, I stutter, I stammer and most importantly I’m not good in English. Yet, I have been here for 10 months already and still counting.

I’ve had my share of heartaches over the first few months. It was not an easy journey. I struggled, I gave my best, I thought its already enough but it was not. I was compelled to do more coz I wasn’t performing well plus, my then sup was emotionally harassing me. I couldn’t take it anymore. There was some point at that time that I wanted to quit but doesn’t want to because I have a lot of obligations to attend to. For this reason, I continued my journey.

Presently, I am really happy with whatever is happening now. I love my team and I love my sup. Although he likes picking on me which I really don’t know. Maybe he finds me cute or adorable..hehehe. We have communication, there is openness, we can talk about anything, and I feel good when I’m working with him, he gives me encouragement, he gives me feedback may it be negative or positive. I don’t mind if we are constantly bickering coz I know it will not last.

If ever there is a change of overseer, Id like to be in his team again and I will not get tired working with him as long as he will approve my VL.

Teacher Mae, Teacher Mae

Teacher Mae, Teacher Mae, Thank youý, simple yet full of meaning and sincerity that cannot be measured nor exchanged with any material thing, words that were spoken by one of my pre school students during my practice teaching at the Ateneo de Davao University.

Words that were still implausible to imagine, for I myself, cannot contemplate that I chose to become an educator by profession. Yes, after the entire uphill struggle that I have gone through in my collegiate world; sleepless nights, innumerable paper works and strenuous examinations, being called as such was still unacceptable for I believed that being an educator is really a challenging and complex occupation. Above all, teaching pre school student is the hardest because I am fully aware that I am the primary source of foundation that will unquestionably instigate learningýs all through out their years and I think I donýt have the skills and capabilities to mold them into such.

However, after hearing those words I felt immense joy and happiness. My time with them during my practice teaching was the greatest and truly unforgettable. Teaching them with the wonders of Reading, Language and Mathematics and the feeling of sharing and imparting them the lessons that I once knew was beyond description. Their smiling faces, and cheerful disposition were very infectious that I cannot help but socialize with them even at the most stupid and silliest circumstances. Nonetheless, it was still gratifying for I know that they were certainly learning and enjoying every bit of my lessons and so am I. With these, no amount could surpass all the pleasure Iýve had with them.

Everyday Iým looking forward to going to class because I know each day is a new experience and learning that will always be treasured and remembered. Hearing my name over petty quarrels was like being a judge, who made decision over small things such as reconciling students. Furthermore, I could never forget the time during every recess for they always share their snacks to their classmates. It is really amazing to think that as young as these children they are already learning to share and give what they have. As their practice teacher I feel happy and proud that I have been once a part of their life wherein they learned something that cannot be learned elsewhere.

However, there were times that they became disruptive and unruly and already becoming unmanageable, SILENCE was the paramount technique of making them behave for they simply understand that I am already irritated. Unknowingly, sometimes their interminable questions create a pleasant teaching-learning experience of their naivetý living in this world. Obviously, children are creative in nature and possess different distinctiveness that makes them even more to love; their simplicity is genuinely unique and invigorating that as a future educator I am more compelled to do well in my chosen field of career. Yes, I should be.

My practice teaching went by so fast that I havenýt become aware of the time, it was already March, time to say goodbye and leave. It was so painful to bequeath because I have already built relationship that I donýt want to sever. They became the bone in my body. They are my inspiration and my angels who motivate me innocently. They became my life.

From the experiences during my practice teaching, it can never be denied that one by one I am already starting to like my chosen field of career. I am already accepting the thought of becoming a future educator and teach pre schools students in particular. Yes, I know this is hard and a tedious job but hey, what can I do I love children.
Moreover, with determination and patience as my weapon and shield Iým sure Iým going to make it through and be an excellent teacher.

Yes, Teacher, teacherýwas the words that I began to value and appreciate the magnificence of being an educator. It holds a very high position that no other profession can outstrip, for I fervently believe that there will be no doctors, engineers, nurses, architects, psychologists, accountants and etc. in this world without the teacher. Donýt you think?

My side of story

I am a good person and I deserve to be happy but this is not the case. Over the years, when I have had my own relationship, I would always give my best coz I always believe that this is the person that im going to spend the rest of my life with. Unfortunately, all turned out not the way that im expecting it to be. So after all those despondency, I vowed to myself that I will not have a connection with Filipino guy and so my journey to find a foreigner guys begins…

By January 2007, I signed up to all dating websites that I can think of. At that time, i was thinking that the more websites the more chances of finding a potential good guy so I sent interest to men who intrigued me most because of their “excellent” profile and luckily, I met someone thru myforeignbride.com, his name is Rich and I thought we have a connection, we would always chat and talk thru yahoo messenger but our relationship didn’t last long. Then one day, I never heard from him with no apparent reason. He didn’t leave a message nor called, which led me to think that I am a bad person. It was painful since I invested emotions for him.

During our getting to know each other with rich, I sent an interest to someone, his name is Dan. At first, I don’t find him attractive or perhaps I wasn’t concentrating on him since I am more directed with Rich but Dan and I established a good friendship. We would talk about anything and everything under the sun. Moreover, I also learned that he was talking to some other girls which were fine since I too, am with Rich.

Dan and I hardly ever chat online after what transpired with rich, I went on with my life. Just like with Miriam Quimbao, she stumbled once but gracefully stood up and eventually won the 1st runner up of Miss Universe. Soon, I met another guy, his name is Tim, and he is divorced and has 2 kids. While we were constantly chatting, I soon admired his valor for exceeding all the trials in life and raising his children, together with his mother, of course.

Like with rich, it didn’t blossom into a wonderful companionship. For the second time, I am left again heartbroken.

Was I harsh with my life? Nope, coz I know deep inside that God prepared something for me far greater than what I had before. I continued with my life, I found a better job and had been transferred to another city which was good, to meet friends and enjoy life.

When I was in Clark, I focused more on my job. I was busy and still adjusting to my new work. I talked to my friends over the phone, thank God Suncellular was there, and it’s cheaper to call. I met new friends and had really fun there. After 2 months without checking emails, I finally thought of checking it and my yahoo messenger. And I saw Dan was online. We chatted for about 30 minutes and I found out he went to Japan for vacation. It was a good conversation, relaxed, calm. There were no emotions involved just 2 people exchanging thoughts and ideas over some serious and hilarious theme.

Months passed, and I haven’t heard from Dan since the last time we talked. I went on with my life, yet again. Eventually, I got back to Davao to work. I kept myself busy, which wasn’t a problem to me. My work schedule permits me to be hectic all the time and by the time I got home, I’d go straight to bed.

The latter part of the year, which was December 2007, I’ve come to be active again in dating surroundings. I expanded my horizon and searched for more for a fine partner. I learned my lapse and that is; don’t give your emotions instantaneously. I shielded my self from getting hurt, thus, I was carefully scrutinizing every man I talked with by asking numerous questions, may it be sense or senseless so long all my doubts will be answered.

I had the chance to chat once more with Dan. We were able to share friendly conversation without any trace of pretentions or something. The two of us seated there for hours. We were unmindful of the time that was passing. Regrets? I have none. It was indeed a wonderful talk.

I didn’t realize that we have been relentlessly talking with each other. I learned to trust him and share my surreptitious that none people know of. I opened myself and he was too. He shared something that I know took a lot courage to communicate, divorce. After hearing those words, I felt sorry for him. I also felt used. It was like I felt the same feeling he had after realizing that he was fooled by some unworthy individuals. I felt angry at the person. But I have no right to feel that way on the culprit because it was already done and the damage, too, has been done. I was with him that day, in thoughts, feelings and emotions.

It was a nice start of the year, 2008. He made known his feelings to me in our native dialect. I was shocked and delighted all at the same time. Shocked, coz I didn’t know that he was feeling that way already and delighted because the feeling is already reciprocated. None of us was looking for a relationship; it was purely out of friendship. But I didn’t let him know that. I gave my self a time, time to reflect and the consequences if this will not work out. I was so pessimistic. I soon understand that this is the reality of life. There will be happiness and sadness. I always have an inkling that “we will never discover genuine happiness if we don’t have the courage to let go”. We have to go through the bitterness of life before we appreciate the wonders of life.

So, by January 09, 2008, I said yes to him. It was an unforgettable day. We found love with each other. We were constantly chatting and once in a while he would call me. We gave so much in our relationship. Since, I’m working in a graveyard shift, 11:30 pm – 8:30 am and he was working 2nd shift thats 3:30 pm-12:30. By the time, I got home I’d go straight to bed and woke up around 2 pm, to go to the nearest internet café just so we can talk and we’ll be talking for hours and hours and this has been going on for months. It was strenuous but this is love, we have to make sacrifices in order for the relationship to last.

We have been frequently chatting for months, learning each other more, planning for his first visit. And came, April 2008, it was his first time to visit the Philippines. Imagine, I have been counting the days that he’s going to be here, by the thought that it’s already april, it was nerve wracking. I don’t know what to expect and what im going to say during our first meeting.

Came the day that he’ll arrive, I stood at the waiting shed. It was so hot but I was feeling very cold, and my knees were trembling, my heart were pounding its as if it will come out, my hands were all wobbly and I couldn’t think straight. Suddenly, I looked at the people coming out from the airport. I searched for any familiar face and I found none. I was informed that the PAL flight was delayed. Gosh, another hour of painstakingly waiting.

I waited for 1 hour and a half, and finally I saw something flying up in the sky that is going to come down. I heard the loud noise screeching on the tarmac. It was PAL landing already. Upon seeing the airplane, yet again, I was feeling tense and jumpy. One by one, I saw people coming out. There were balikbayans who were embracing their loved ones, a lot of foreigners may it be American, Chinese, Australian; I was looking intently at the people who were coming out but I didn’t see any familiar face. Out of nowhere, there was this porter who was holding a big luggage shouting a familiar name. The porter said in our dialect “Mae, Mae kinsay Mae diri.. Of course my name is Mae but hello my name is common so I didn’t pay attention to him. I concentrated my eyes at the people getting out from the airport. Now while the porter was shouting the name, I accidentally, looked at the luggage he was holding, it was his name and when I saw that, I turned around and he was there with a big smile planted on his face. Momentarily, I was shocked and when I came to my senses. I immediately hugged him. It was a sight to behold.

It was a fantastic 2 weeks vacation, we went to Blue waters, we tried the zip line, we visited the crocodile park, we went to jacks ridge for dinner, we went under water for scuba diving, we watched 3 movies together and we even went to manila to visit my friend. He got to meet my family, relative and friends. It was superb, I get to know him more and he got to know me also. Every single day was just so memorable.

Time has passed so quickly that it was already May 3rd and he’ll be leaving the next day. His last night was so sad but truly a passionate night. We got at the hotel around 1 am because we were out with my friends. When we got there, he immediately checked his laptop doing something; while I was preparing to go to bed coz I was tired. After, I tucked myself to bed and he turned of the lights and he played the music that in his laptop. The first song played was grow old with you, after hearing the music I cant help but cry. He hugged and kiss me and it felt so good but sad. We hugged the rest of the night.

May 4th, we were silent while helping him gets his luggage done. We spent the entire afternoon doing silly things. We went to mall to play basketball. And time for him to go to airport came, we were in a taxi and I was about to cry but I held back my tears coz I noticed he was crying. Boy, it was so sad, I hugged him and told him its going to be alright. This is not the end. This is not goodbye but we’ll be seeing each other again.

Inside the airport, we hugged and kissed, we were unmindful of the people that surround us. He was really crying and I was comforting him. I’m holding back my tears so that he’ll not be worried. I led him to the hallway where only passengers can go through. I reminded him that this is not goodbye. I won’t say goodbye but see yah.

This is not the ending of our story but this is a start of wonderful companionship to forever. We will be weaving our future together and by simply thinking about that, I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with. I want to grow old with him.

HIS STORY

How Mae and I met

We both were on an internet dating site called My Foreign Bride. I was only a member for a month between February and March of 2007. Mae was the first one to show an interest between the 2 of us. So after we talked for a while we exchanged email and started talking on Yahoo messenger. At first we would only talk once or twice a month since I was still recovering from my divorce. She was talking with some other people also.

She would come online sometimes while I was at work and I would talk to her. Than one day when she came online I called her sunshine because I had seen pictures of her and she always had a smile on her face. Well right after that she responded by calling me moonlight. As soon as I read that I thought to myself that she was a quick thinker with the snappy comebacks. This got me intruiged.

I moved to Louisiana in October 2007 to start my life over again. Than one day in December 2007 after sending out Christmas cards I got a phone call from an old friend of mine that really blew my mind what they had to say. After that I needed someone to talk to and it just could not be anyone. Well to my surprise Mae came online and I felt comfortable and relieved to talk to her, so I told her what had happened.

Than after that night she kept coming online and we would just talk about anything and sometimes nothing at all. As soon as I noticed that we had been talking all week long I realized that there was just something amazing about this woman. I was able to have a conversation with her and I was comfortable talking with her.

Than when I was driving back to Louisiana from Toledo I got the chance to talk to her on the phone and from that moment I knew that I was in love with her but I didn’t tell her right away. I wanted to make sure of my emotions and feelings for her. I started to find myself getting home from work as fast as I could so I would be online when she was.

Than one night, around first week of January 2008 I really surprised her by telling her that I loved her in her language. And it was Janaury 9, 2008 when she said yes, and we were officially on. I asked her if she really did mean it and she said yes. She was just afraid that I would break her heart. I told her that I always keep my promises and that I would never do that.

Than around the middle of February 2008 we started talking about me coming to Philippines to spend time with her. At first I think that she thought that sure I was going to tell her I was coming there but then not show up. Well I told her that I was going to be getting laid off from work and it might be until July. So as soon as I got my income tax return I bought the ticket for me to fly out on April 17th and I would arrive there on the 19th. Than when I got the flight information I forwarded it to her and than she knew that I was really coming there and that I was keeping my promise to her.

Before my flight we had talked a few times about marriage and having children. I had even asked her what would be a special way that she would liked to be asked to be married. I had gone to purchase a ring for her but didn’t know her ring size. I was also laid off at the time so I just bought a ring that I could afford for her.

On the day of my flight I called her to tell her that I was on my way to pick up my friend who was going to take me to the airport and have my car for the time I was away. He even had my cell phone so he could call her on one of his breaks at work to let her know that I was on my way.

Supposedly my arrival time in Davao should be at 12:30 pm of April 19 2008 but it was delayed due to unknown reasons. I was a worried because I don’t know what time will I arrived at Davao and worst, Mae was waiting for me at the airport and she doesn’t have any inkling that our flight was delayed. Alas, it was all over, we were on our way to Davao.

I had to come out of the airport from the international side which she was not standing at. So as I was walking along the backside of everyone waiting for the people to arrive, one of the porters was yelling her name and as soon as she turned around I noticed her right away.

I checked into the hotel and than we went out to eat and I met her mother and sister at a restaurant close to the hotel.

The next morning, it was April 20 2008; while she was sleeping I slipped the ring on her finger without her knowing. When she finally woke up she saw the ring and was in shock. She was just so stunned and so than I asked her and she was just so happy that she said yes.

On my trip there Mae had the entire 2 weeks all planned out. We went on a zip line, a crocodile park, a nice island resort, scuba diving. We even took a day trip up to Manila. I met her relatives of both sides and I met her friends, who were very nice and easy to get along with. I formed a special bond with her sister and her sister’s friend, coz I like picking on them and of course I get to meet her parents.

On April 30, 2008, I had a serious talked with her parents. I was really nervous as to how should I tell them and soon, I told them that I wanted to marry Mae in her language and momentarily they both said yes. Mae was so happy about it and I’m happy too coz they have already gave their blessings and that is the most important.

I was there from April 19 to May 4, 2008, and it was the best time I’ve had. I get to know more Mae and love her more. She is the woman that I wanted and spends the rest of my life with.

The only thing that I could not get used to over there was the driving. It was like being in a NASCAR race but with more than 43 cars.

May 4, 2008, it was. It was the day that I left and one of the worst days of my life. I did not want to leave her. I kept on holding her and hugging her. I know this won’t be the end of our love story. Instead, I fervently believe that this is the start of our wonderful companionship to forever. We will be weaving our future together.