Wednesday, February 19, 2003

POST VALENTINE MUSINGS

Valentine’s Day + Friday night + Payday + Concerts = Perfect Metro Manila traffic jam. And of course the perfect excuse not to go out on a date when the love of my life is thousands of miles away from me, and 14 hours behind. Early morning on my way to work, I got a call from him greeting me a happy heart’s day, reminding me that we won’t be together today and for the next months to come. . .a big sigh. Long distance relationships. . .

Looking back, it all happened one normal hectic day when I least expected it. Maybe good things really happen when you least expect it, like God’s way of sending us surprises! And what a big surprise God sent me last December, with no big ribbons and a gift tag to go with it two days after I completed the 9 Simbang Gabi masses. Serendipity? Yes, that’s what he said that happened to us that fateful evening.

The realization that he was God’s gift dawned on me as we started to get to know each other. The oysters at Via Mare, the Funtastyc Crepe at CafĂ© Breton, our trips to my favorite church in the coastal area, the song playing on the radio when he first held my hand, the way he smiled when I held his hand back, the dozens of roses he has given me everyday that we were together that I have kept until now, the quiet walks in the evenings, our dinner with my relatives, the way he said he liked the adobo I cooked for him, the private jokes we shared and so many trivial things that would not have mattered to me if he wasn’t special. I guess simple things become special when you are in love.

And you are very special Daniel. . .Belated Happy Valentine’s Day!

See you next Wednesday for our Serendipity story!

CaRPe dIeM!!!










Wednesday, February 12, 2003

OF REINVENTIONS AND CHANGES

After how many months of quiet Wednesdays. . .I am back! A new, changed and reinvented ME!

The change did not just come with the new year but with the new and more challenging jobssss. . . Yes girls, I have plunged myself into Human Resource Management and Administration and Quality Management (plus of course not to mention my previous functions as Executive Assistant of the CEO of our group of companies!) And looking back this is my nth reinvention as a professional – from being a brand manager, a planning and research professional in government, a part-time college professor, a consultant and now – an HR and quality manager! Whew! Talk about diversity!

When our CEO offered me the additional positions, I was hesitant at first, knowing I do not have proper HR and quality training to back me up. I asked for about a week to think it over and I finally gave in to the challenge. I don’t know what made my boss decide to give me the job but whatever it is, I am thankful he did. Despite the workload, I somehow feel more fulfilled knowing I can make a difference in the workplace. At the same time, it always keeps me on my toes to be the role model of professionalism and integrity at work. Tough job but hey, I am not complaining! My passion for learning new things has been fueled and put to the test once again and my interpersonal skills and judgment honed. It has given me the right avenue to explore other facets of my personality as a professional which only happened when I embraced the changes that came along with the new responsibilities.

For the coming blogs, I will be posting job openings in our company and other affiliates as well as my usual random blogs!

See you next Wednesday!

CaRPe DiEM!