Sisterly Matters

My sister and I have been going out very often for the past month. Since she graduated, she has automatically become a bum of sorts as she recently began her hunt for that elusive chef position in the different restaurants and cafes in town. And knowing just how fragile her self-esteem is (especially after my untimely job offer from the hotel), I am supporting her with everything I've got.

I come home right after my classes. I stopped attending my church fellowship on weekends. I destroyed my healthy eating plan. I even cut school for her.

But this is becoming too much. Aside from the pressure that my own nearing graduation is putting on me, now I have to think for the two of us. On one hand, I have to do this. But on the other, I have to do this for her. As much as I want some "me" time, my conscience just always puts her needs first.

This has led to a lot of forgotten requirements for school and a whole truckload of trouble for me. But even today, when I need to be fully concentrating on my Theology orals for tomorrow (of which I have hardly studied half), I chose to accompany her in submitting some resumes in Ortigas.

I'm not complaining that she's eating up too much of my time. In fact, I enjoy every meal that we share together, because when I'm with her, I can picky about fried, greasy food but also, insist on a calorie-laden dessert or a hot cup of coffee. I love talking to her and just spending time with her, because this past year is the only time that we have truly bonded like kabarkadas.

But the fact is, I AM FAILING. I am on troubled waters and uncertain cliffs with regards to my academics. I am hardly able to squeeze in all my time for the ton of things I still have to do before getting my clearance from the different departments of Ateneo. On top of that, I have to be there for her, every minute that she is awake, encouraging her of her abilities and comforting her of better things to come.

I'm tired.

And I'm scared that I might not be able to graduate on time. I guess this just proves just where my family ranks on my priority list.


------

As for that job offer interview with the HR director, the hotel called a while ago when I wasn't home and asked me to come in at 11 am. Guess what? My Theology orals starts at exactly 11 am. Ang saya noh?

Nakatikim pa ako ng sampal ngayong gabi. I'm always misunderstood, damnit.

The 2nd...& 3rd Interview!

The 2nd...& 3rd Interview



I waited agonizingly for less than 24 hours when that call arrived, asking me to come in for another interview that morning. I woke up that day, dressed in the nines and prepared myself mentally for a possible beating.

I was right to expect such interrogation.

I waited for an hour and a half for the PR director, seated in that waiting area with nothing to stare at but my ticking watch because she was busy with a lot of things. And I understand; it's just that I really was bored out of my mind. After that agonizing length of time, she finally came out and said, "You've been waiting for an hour and a half, I owe you coffee. Come, come, come..."

Unexpecting that welcome note, I stood up, grabbed my brown bag and followed her and the Marketing Communications Manager to the door. We headed to the "World" restaurant where we ordered some coffee. Mine was brewed.

Then, they battered me with a lot of questions of the first fifteen minutes of the interview with why I should get the PR job when I seemed to have another passion, baking. And I said, baking is indeed a passion of mine, but PR is another. I explained how my dream job had to do with Communications and Advertising, until late last year when I began to consider pursuing Culinary Arts.

Then they asked me more questions and I had to think of better answers. I explained that I initially applied for a Culinary Apprenticeship because I wanted to try out working in the kitchen and see if the job really is for me. Adding that I'm not sure whether this is just a fond hobby or a profession I could seriously do full-time. While this PR job would be blanketing all aspects of my person, utilizing my designing, communications, writing and creative skills. Aside from the fact that this used to be my ONLY dream job.

After all the gabbing, they finally laid out what the job would demand of me, if I get it, that is. They told me of the long worktime, extending up to the wee hours of the morning if need be. Also, they asked if I was okay with changing into jeans and rubbershoes and actually doing physical labor of preparing for an event. I told them that my mom does elaborate balloon decorations as a professional hobby (long explanation), and how I am used to all that hard work.

They nodded their heads in approval. I must've looked a bit nervous then after they told me that we (if I am hired) actually handle two hotels under the same group of companies, which meant double weight of the load and double hard work. But on a happier note, they told me that because we were officially working for the two hotels, that meant receiving two amounts of the montly accumulated and divided service charges too! Kaching-kaching!

And they told me that they have gone seven months without hiring a PR officer because they are picky. They would rather do all the work than train another person and have them leave only after a couple of months. (In the case of their previous colleague, a male Atenean, he left after only a week, crying and pleading the PR director to allow his untimely resignation.) They explained that when they train a person, they really share with that guy/girl all their knowledge on the ins and outs of the business.

But I wanted this job so much that I was willing to brave all that and see how much perseverance I am made of. After that lengthy chat, she then asked if I had any engagements for the evening. I said I had none. She said she was going to call the VP for Sales & Marketing and see if I could get an interview.

While waiting for a reply, they asked me if I was a coffee drinker. The answer was a yes, and they said, good. They asked if I watched movies. The answer was a yes, with a wide range of preference, and they said, good. They asked if I smoke. I said no, and they seemed silent for the first time. They asked if I was OC, I said it depends. But when I'm working, I am because I don't like spending a lot of time lookign for things. They said, very good.

Then, the PR director suggested we best be heading off to the VP's quarters. She said she'll be sending me in there with her recommendations. With that they ushered me into the VP's office, introduced me and left me for what I thought was going to be torture. But only fifteen minutes had passed when I came out of that office, confused as to whether I amused, impressed or disappointed the VP.

Still dazed, I walked out the hallway and bumped into the PR director on her way to the restroom. She asked me what happened and I told her that the VP said I'll be receiving a call, hopefully on a positive note. The PR director patted my arm and said, "Don't worry, don't worry. I'll be the one you'll be working with naman eh... Alright? Good luck on your examinations and see you."

SEE YOU!? Did she just say see you?

All I was able to respond was "Thank you and see YA!" LOL. See how childish I really am?

Then, I left the hotel with both giddiness and fear that I was expecting too much.

That was a Wednesday, and the next day after that, I agonized over the non-existent call that I wanted to get so bad. My thoughts were all tied up with my doubts and excitement over that job. My mind replayed the scenes of the interviews over and over again that even I got so exhausted. But I couldn't help it. It was all my little brain could produce.

Fortunately, on Friday morning at half past ten, I received that long-awaited call from the HR manager informing me of an interview. She said, "Abi, you have an interview with the HR director at 1 this afternoon to talk to you about the job offer. Will you be available?"

With overspeeding mental calculations, I said "Yes and thank you." Putting the phone receiver down, I was dazed for a few minutes and then began hugging everyone in the house and texting my closest friends! I think that was the first time I had no hesitations about squeezing anyone.

Unfortunately though, due to the attempted Coup 'D Etat that morning and the rally at the Edsa Shrine, I had to reschedule that interview. The woman who received the call sympathetically said she understood, since there was no way I could get through that throng of people to the hotel without joining the rally.

So now I'm still waiting for that call...and hoping that I get through his final week of examination ALIVE.

A Blessing in Disguise

A Blessing in Disguise


Hummin': This Thing Called Love

I've heard it said that it is during the most unexpected events in your life that you are truly blessed with a sudden turn of events. I know what that means now.

Last week, I applied for an apprenticeship, also known as on-the-job training or practicum, where students work for a company for free, in exchange for the priceless experience, of course. So, with that goal of experience and enriching my know-how, I decided to offer my services to these two hotels along Ortigas.

One of them called after a mere four days and asked me to come for an interview, which was scheduled yesterday. There were seven of us that morning, majority of which had put major effort in dressing to impress. Since I was the only one without a previous work experience and was itching to try out the workplace, I was the giddiest of them all.

I reached the Human Resources Department after circling the whole third floor thrice, seriously worried that I would be lost and late. And so when I finally found an office, I entered and asked my question to all those seated, uniformed women.

"Excuse me, is this the HR department where interviews will be held...for apprenticeships?" with my voice volume decreasing out of nervousness as all the ladies' heads turned to me.

"Uh, what's your name?" asked the pretty but stern-looking lady. When I answered, she simply gestured me to sit at the sofa area and wait for further instructions. Then, just seconds after my tush landed on the overly cushy couch, a young man entered and asked for me. I raised my hand slowly, fighting the urge to shout "PRESENT!" when he asked, "You're here...for employment, right?" I was stunned, but with gears clinking, I answered a soft and almost question-like, "Yes..."

My heart was thumping in my chest, just like how I imagined I would feel like when put under a Lie Detector test. Then, we headed off to the testing room where we were given several tests with regards to English & Math proficiency, character evaluation, pressure reaction, Abstract Reasoning and their own application form--all under time pressure.

After two and a half hours of using exhausting our brain powers, we were given a two-hour break for lunch and then asked to come back at 2pm for the initial interview. I gladly welcomed the break in order to refuel. An hour and a half passed and I was back at the office, praying that I wouldn't botch up my first ever job interview. While waiting, I talked to my co-applicants and was VERY surprised to discover that most of them had previous work experience in hotels of the same caliber. I WAS THE ONLY GRADUATING STUDENT.

They were equally surprised to find out that I was only twenty. Hrmph.

We were called in one after the other starting at 2:30pm with intervals. Some took 3 minutes, others about 15. And so I nervously anticipated my turn, hoping I wouldn't get tongue-tied. After waiting for more than an hour, there were only four of us left and my bladder was screaming at me in pain.

"I HAVE TO PEE, I HAVE TO PEE"...I shared with the remaining applicants. "But I'm afraid I might be the one they call next." With an attempt at reassurance, the others told me I could probably go to the bathroom and then run back before I get called. With no further convincing necessary, I rushed off to find that wonderful toilet bowl.

No sooner than I was zipping up my pants when I heard someone calling my name. My co-applicant was saying that the interviewer was already looking for me. What are the odds, huh? With a quick washing of my hands, I sped back to the HR office. Luckily, they weren't waiting for me as they interviewed another person first. That gave me time to sit back and compose myself.

That girl's interview lasted for maybe five minutes, and then the only guy applicant was called. When he came out after a mere two minutes, he was shaking his head and gesturing his hand with a sign of "None" which meant there was no job offered to him. He had worked in Hotel Intercontinental at that! My hopes sunk to their lowest, but before I could ask him for information, I heard my name called.

I straightened my pants, and walked into that office with the best fake-confidence I could muster, hoping none of my nerves showed through. There was the interviewer, smiling at me as she stood up to introduce herself. In return, I introduced myself and we shook hands.

She asked me about my resume credentials, and I reaffirmed them. Then, with the most unexpected twist, she said, "I'm actually considering you for two positions." My eyebrows shot up to my hairline, or at least close to it, and I controlled my jaw from hanging down in shock. "You can go for culinary, as you requested here, OR, you can go for a Public Relations officer."

She then explained to me the PRO's and CON's of both positions, with the PR having a huge lead in the benefits and monetary aspect. A long talk ensued as she further discussed what the job descriptions are and how stable each one would be, again with the PR having a run-off with the positive returns.

Aaaand so, with reluctance, because I didn't want to make a huge mistake, I said I'll take the PR job because the culinary position was one that will make me a trainee for 3-6 months depending on my recommendations--with only minimum wage. Then, if I pass, I will be on an indefinite contractual basis with no reassurance of becoming a regular employee. While the PR position was very suitable to my personality, educational background and love for advertising. Plus, because it will be a direct hire, if I was chosen for the position, it meant a much higher salary with all the perks. No need to undergo that much trouble. (See what I mean by the PR job becoming much much much more appealing?)

After asking me a couple more times if I was sure with my decision, I said YES. Then she asked me if I had any appointments for the rest of that late afternoon. I said I was free since I had already missed my only class for the day hours ago. She asked if I would mind talking to the PR Director for my second interview right then and there so I wouldn't have to return for that week. Stunned, I merely nodded and mustered a weak smile.

I waited outside her office as she made a phone call to the PR Director. A minute later, she called me back and said the PR Director is doing a photoshoot at the moment in the hotel's prestigious Chinese-named restaurant. I said it's alright. She said she'll schedule me for an interview. And being a sensitive people-reader like most HR managers are, she unexpectedly said, "Look, I'll give you until tomorrow for your decision so you can have some time to think it over. You can call me by then with your answer." I thanked her very much, shook her hand, and left the office with a smile and a heart still beating wildly in my chest.

About ten minutes passed and having talked to my sister and a co-applicant who was very excited for me too, they convinced me to go back to the HR office and give my decisive answer. I was scared to death. But with a little more verbal pushing and lots of moral support, I decided to go for it.

With a shy smile and a much firmer voice, I went back to her office and told the interviewer, "I have made up my mind about trying for that PR position." She smiled widely, "Good, good." And I bashfully added, "Uhm, I'm available for this week for interviews...if ever." With a quicky and genuine thankyouverymuch, I bid her goodbye.

Last night and the whole morning of today, I fidgeted to no end, worried, biting two of my nails until they shrank to half their size, as I always do when faced with so much stress. There was not a minute that I was not thinking of this. It's a good thing that at about half past one, I received a text from my sister stating that the hotel had just called for an interview TOMORROW afternoon.

With a huge, enormous, gigantic sigh of relief, I texted back my thanks. So tonight, it looks like I still won't be getting much rest after all.


PS: I don't want to sound boastful but I know this is one of the careers I can be great at. The bottom line is: I really want this job. Please pray for me.

Powerful Seducer

Powerful Seducer




There are things in life you can look at but never have... Like a huge, beautiful mansion with a sculpted garden of roses, sunflowers and fresh herbs, or maybe a beautiful, speedy, red convertible just for two. Or even harder to possess, that one guy you think (but claim to know) is the one for you but belongs to someone else.

Ahhh, but I deviate.

I meant to hit at those intense food cravings one like myself who is in love with food gets at the most untimely hours. It deprives you of a good night sleep with your stomach growling not because of hunger but because your brain orders it to bother you with loud whining and pinings!

It keeps you from your normal routine, distracting you with memory flashes of its delectable self, luring you with its beauty, smell, texture, taste. One bite, one lick is all it takes--holding it safe in my mouth, savoring the flavors as they dance on my tongue and slide down to my waiting reservoir longing to be filled--and yet it is that inanimate object which beguiles and captures me with such potent seduction.

Ahhh, food...what power you have over mortals who have been cursed with the passion for you, and the weakest of restraint.