A Thankful Heart for 2013

My year end post seems to be a tad late by a couple of days. Nevertheless, I still want to share all my thoughts for the year that just bid us goodbye.

Saying that 2013 was a good year was understatement but I could not think of anything more to describe it in just one sentence. I would try my best to explain how grateful I was. The biggest blessing (so far) for me started to came in the very beginning of the previous year.  My goal of landing a job that would take me to different places came really close.  I tried for that one job opportunity that I think could be an alternative route to what I wanted to do.  The rest was history. I am now living in the sandpit for almost half a year. 

Independent life was never easy but I am liking it. I like it because I do grocery shopping, I budget my salary, I wash and iron my clothes, I wake myself up every single day, I cook breakfast before going to work, I cook my own meal whenever I am on day off and etc. etc.  If there's something I dislike was when you're absent on special occasions - Christmas, New Year, Birthdays, Anniversary, etc. etc.

As they say, you couldn't have everything at the same time, and yes, the latter was part of this blessing.  That was the catch of being away from home while getting to places you wanted to set foot in.  I recall Gwyneth Paltrow's line on View from the Top:

Why can't all choices be simple?
Why can't they all be window or aisle? Coffee or tea?

Paris, France - September 2013

Melbourne, Australia - September 2013

I guess, if life was as easy as ABC or 123, I would never grow. As a big girl, I need to make big decisions as well.  God never fails to guide whenever a decision has to be made.

Auckland, New Zealand - September 2013

If I didn't come out of my shell, I wouldn't be able to travel to Paris, London, Manchester,Australia, New Zealand in just one month or I might not be able to see my friends in Brisbane, Singapore, Korea and Malaysia. Most of the time, every sacrifice is worth taking. I am glad I got the courage to pack my things and live a life in a suitcase.

Brisbane, Australia - December 2013

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - October 2013

Singapore, Singapore - November 2013

Seoul, South Korea - October 2013

Every year is a good one for me. I have my own share of downs and every single time I need to bow down, there would always be a chance to chin up. One thing I am sure, we should be thankful for everything we have no matter how simple it was.  Being thankful for every single thing (even if it's something that challenges) means you're getting ready for the good thing that would be coming. Let me share with you a quote from Henry Ward Beecher:  

“The unthankful heart discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings.”

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/henrywardb105506.html#V8rBs8QwA4x48TVT.99

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_thankful.html#Cu3RJgLpOdbJMOUt.99

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_thankful.html#Cu3RJgLpOdbJMOUt.99

To the year that had been good to me, thank you 2013.
Cheers to 2014! The year of the horse.

 

What I've Learned from "Waiting"

WAITING - Noun The action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or until something else happens (Source: free dictionary.com)

Source: Google Images

One way or another, we are all waiting for someone or something  to arrive or materialize. We may be waiting for someone - right person whom God wants us to spend the rest of our life with; right person to help us solve our problem(s); right person who can understand us in all our shortcomings. We may be waiting for something -tasks to be done, goals to complete or it can be our dreams turning into reality.

Sometimes, things and events got so ironic - the more you wait, the more you don't get it prompting you to say that life is so unfair. Other people get what you want without them waiting or asking for it. Indeed, life can be so unfair sometimes so we can learn from all the times we have been tested.

If you've been following or reading my blog entries, you will surely have an idea what is this thing I've been waiting for to materialize. I've been chasing it for years and I must admit, things are never easy. In this entry, I will be sharing with you the lessons I learned from this word called WAITING.

1. Never forget to pray
- Pray that God gives you more patience. Your faith in Him is being tested too. When you wait for something, you don't know how long you will wait for it..you don't know if is will be given to you or not. Everything is uncertain when you wait, but when you know how to trust in Him, you need not worry.

2. Be Patient and Stay Positive
- The test of faith is also the test of our patience.  Sometimes, we tend to stop because we no longer want to wait more.  We get better things if we only know how to be patient.

Ignore all the negativity around your system and focus only on the positive sides of each downfall. Remember that at times, we need to stumble in order to learn and grow. Even the best fall down sometimes as they say, right?

3. Hustle while waiting
- I got this line from the Joshua Harris'  I Kissed Dating Goodbye. In Joshua's book, it means that while the right person is yet to come, we have to do things that are pleasing to the eyes of God, in this, we will be prepared when the right time (and the right person) comes.

If for an instance, we're waiting for our dreams to materialize, making the most out of what God has given us in the present will make us ready (physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually) when the dream we've been longing for finally arrives.


Waiting is never and will never be easy. You will doubt many times along the way. You will raise the white flag in the middle of the game. If you really want something to happen, then, your mind and heart will work together to make you more determined in reaching that goal you have.








 

Revisiting the Year of the Dragon: Thankful Heart ❤ (Part 2)

Surely, a lot will do a review of the year that is about to pass, and I'm one of them. I know that life will never be smooth sailing, but time will always give us the chance to stand up and redeem ourselves.

Even if I haven't reached my dream of working at 35,000 feet or even more, there are still many things to be thankful for. Aside from traveling to a couple of Philippine destinations, I'm also thankful for having the chance to explore another opportunity in our company. For that (almost) 24 months that I'm working for them, I've been given a couple of times to explore my own skills set when they asked me to transfer from one department to another. I'm quite excited for the coming year as I started preparing myself to work a lot better, especially now that I'm becoming really familiar with things that are involved in my current work.

I'm thankful for my family, my love, my friends and to everyone who has been good to me. Truly, we need people whom we can talk to when we feel bored and alone; people whom we can share our smiles and frowns, funny and sad stories and etc. I'm happy and thankful for the first year of love and friendship with 'mi loves' 😊. Looking forward for more years of love and friendship.

I'm also thankful that God made my 'mini biz' possible. I'm hoping that this coming year will be a good one for Kikay Konek (nag plug pa ko 😜). I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more buyers!
(Teheeeeee.lol!)

For making me optimistic, thankful, blessed, and strong - all praise to you God! ❤

Not the Right Time: An Untold Story

Last March, I tried applying for a start-up airline for the cabin crew position. I sent my cv on their e-mail and a day after they advised me to go to their office for the initial interview and assessment. During the initial assessment, my weight and height were checked. I still have a big bruise on my right arm which I got on our trip to Boracay (nadulas kasi ako sa kwarto lol!) so I wore my sheer ¾ blouse. I admitted that I have a bruised arm and the interviewer said it would not be a problem. The interviewer was nice and I was so relaxed all throughout the interview. 

After a few days, I received an email from the airline inviting me for the final interview and exam. The exam was quite hard! Na-challenge ako! The interview came after the 2-hour exam. My height and weight were checked again. My legs were also checked and I was asked for a few times if I was wearing stockings or not. The interview was all about ME –my work experience and some personal stuff. She said that successful applicants would receive a call after Holy Week. 

Two weeks after Holy Week, I received a call from them saying that I qualify for the training. I was surprised as I didn’t expect anything anymore. But there was one problem, the position was urgent and if I’d pursue it, I have to resign immediately and it has to take effect immediately. I’ve been with our company for more than a year already and I’m very well aware that we have 30-day notice. Nevertheless, I still went to the airline’s office to talk to them and see if I could do something about my case. 

The next day after receiving the call, the airline’s owner talked to me and asked a few questions and after that I was briefed by the trainer to discuss some matters. She said that the training would be urgent, meaning I had to resign or if possible take a leave without pay in our company because they could not move me on the next batch as they still don’t know when they will be conducting a training for the next batch. She said they already reached the number of crews they need. I was already getting a sad feeling then because I know that we don’t have Sabbatical leave or that my boss would not allow me an immediate resignation. I just said I’d talk to my boss and see what I could do. The trainer was really understanding and she advised me that if I could not pursue it, I could just sms them to inform of my decision. 

I wouldn’t get paid all throughout the training but the food and accommodation (in case I don’t go home everyday) would be FREE. It was my dream to become a cabin crew but I know that I still have other needs to look after to – credit card bills to pay, load, my upcoming Cebu Trip, my personal needs and etc, I just couldn’t afford to leave my work that pays me. I also considered that the airline was not flying yet, although they were on the process of completing the requirements to get the GO Signal to fly.

Maybe, if I was unemployed when the whole thing happened, I would have said yes. It’s like enrolling in a flight attendant school. At least, I could put it in my resume no matter what happens later on. Ito yung feeling na, kung kailan nakuha mo na yung gusto mo, may mga pagkakataon pa rin na masasabi mong hindi pa talaga para sayo. After I’ve decided to stay on my current job, I prayed that hopefully I’ve made a right decision. As much as I wanted to pursue the training, may mga bagay talaga na minsan kailangan nating isipin at bigyan ng konsiderasyon. As Donna Jensen would say: 

Why can’t all choices be simple? Why can’t they all be window or aisle? Coffee or tea?

 Hopefully, one day, if God permits that I get accepted to train for the cabin crew position, there would be no more hurdles, no more to go or not to go dilemma, and that everything would just fall into place.  Insha'Allah!


*****
I decided not to name the start up airline for a good purpose.  
 

WHY HOLD ON?

It's been (almost) three years since I started chasing for my dream. If you've been reading my posts, you'll instantly get what I mean.  The journey seems to be very long and it still continues.  I still continue to run after my dream once in a while, whenever I get the chance.  I've been to numerous failures but I'm still hanging on. If you'll ask me, "Why hold on? Why hold on to something you don't know when will happen?".

The question may be complex, but I will answer using my simplest yet the most sincere words.  When you dream for something, it means that you want it, and when you want it, you want to get hold of it and have a taste of it.  If you want to be on top of class, you work for it until you finished with flying colors.  In my case, I wanted to fly.  My dream lies up there, up above 35,000 feet or even more.  There is no easy way to get there, well at least for me. I've been to several "almost" tries, and it hurts that I really get emotional for a few days. Sometimes, I can't help but think that maybe, something out there is really for me, but no matter what I do, I still cannot keep myself from saying that "My dream lies up there. I want the airplanes to be my workstation. I want the world to be my playground." In one of my attempts, one recruiter shared that flying is a decision. Yes, it is.  If I'm going to fly, I'll be leaving all my loved ones here and be based abroad all by myself.  Not only that, if I luckily get into my dream airline, I have to stay single for five years.  Love has to wait if I get hold of my dream.  If you'll ask me, why still hold on despite those facts? I'll just say, it's my dream and I have to make it real.  I know that if I get hold of my dream, I can't ask for anything more.

Hopefully, as my birth month enters, I pray that I'm getting closer to my dream. I hope that my every failure serves as one step closer to what I really want to achieve.  Insha'Allah. To God be the Glory. 

 

2011: Opportunities, Surprises, Lessons, and Everything in Between

I started 2011 with excitement, probably because after so many years, my papa celebrated the holidays with us. When I welcomed the year, I hoped for something and prayed that everything would happen according to what I wished and longed. Reviewing the year that was about to end, things didn’t happen the way I planned it, well, not exactly, but wasn’t really bad at all. 

My Plan A – the dream of becoming a frequent flyer didn’t happen this year, but at least, there were some progress. It was January when I tried for a local airline that aims to let every Juan flies. I was able to reach the final interview but wasn’t recommended to take the medicals, meaning, I didn’t make the cut. It was sad of course! Having the thought of being so close to what you wanted but ended up going back to zero was really disappointing. A few weeks after, I learned that my dream airline (World’s 5 Star Airline) was hiring again. I was half-hearted about trying for it because I tried a few times before yet I never experienced being shortlisted among thousand applicants, so I was like tired already of trying and trying, waking up very early, dolling up myself and only have a few seconds with the recruiter. It was my MUA friend, now an International Flight Attendant who encouraged me to try and even offered to groom me for the Open Day. I said yes to her but a few days before the big day, I was still having thoughts of trying but I realized that I don’t want ‘what ifs’. So I tried and luckily, for the very first time, I got shortlisted among more or less a thousand applicants. It was really a productive moment for me. I got shortlisted and at the same time, I got to learn how to put make-up the right way. I didn’t make it until final interview yet I considered myself blessed. Having been shortlisted for the first time after a few tries was an achievement. I didn’t feel bad after being eliminated after the first stage of the assessment. Come July and December, I got shortlisted again for the same airline. The second time (July) was a surprise for me. When I attended the Open Day, I arrived at the hotel around 9:30 am and was able to submit my CV around 5 pm, so imagine the hunger and thirst for the entire hours of waiting. There was neither a call nor a text message telling me to come back for the second day, so I thought luck wasn’t on my side again, but I was wrong. I got the ‘magic text’ the next day. It was something I didn’t expect at all. To make it short, I didn’t make it again until the final interview. When my name wasn’t called to proceed, it was sad but at the back of my mind, I should be thankful for the chance, at least I have an idea what to do or what to improve the next time. It was the December assessment that my heart got broken and made me want to cry and just give up. Again, for the third time, I didn’t make it until final interview. I wanted to give up but a part of me says I should not. To recall, one of our recruiters told us not to be disheartened if our names won’t be called now, who knows we might get called the next time. I really thought it was the right time for me but, I have to go back to ZERO. Life goes on after all. If I try harder the next time, if God wills, I’d get to where I wanted to be. 

LESSON LEARNED: The only chance I missed was when I said NO. God gives us not an opportunity but OPPORTUNITES. Since I never said NO, for sure God wanted me to learn the basics first. 

My Plan B – getting a job that I would like. Working in Manila wasn’t really a big adjustment for me since I’m used to getting to and from the place. I’ve become a Manila girl since 2005 (and a Makati girl from 2008-2009) so commuting would not be an issue. It was waking up early for work that had been a challenge for me, well, at first, since I didn’t work for a long time. I would be a hypocrite if I say I was contented with my work. I would love to do more and learn more from what I have now. Nevertheless I could say that I was just relaxed. I don’t drag myself to work. I don’t get depressed from what I do. In Filipino I would say: “sakto lang, kalmado lang ako, okay lang ako sa ginagawa ko, wala naman akong reklamo sa mga katrabaho at boss ko”. 

LESSON LEARNED: Consider every work day as a chance to learn something new. If there’s nothing new to learn, might as well use the day to work with quality. 

2011 also offered me surprises like falling in love and getting an opportunity to work abroad. I started the year with a ZERO lovelife but along the way, it came when I least expected it. I don’t think I need to inform the whole world how, when and where our love story started; how we got along; when I said YES to him; or how we spend quality time together. We were never a perfect couple and our relationship was never perfect but the ride was always worthwhile. 

LESSON LEARNED: Once in a while, it’s good to swallow my pride to settle something. If there’s something that should be talked about, facebook won’t help, hindi dapat nagpaparinig sa Facebook or Twitter, mas okay nang maging straight to the point sa kanya. After all, lahat naman nadadaan sa mabuting usapan. 

On the latter part of this year, I got an opportunity to work abroad but I didn’t take the chance. I won’t say my reasons but I would say I didn’t have regrets. I have longed wished to work overseas, I won’t get paid here as much as I would earn there; but considering everything, I still chose to stay and I know that God wanted me to stay here. I know that my decision was well-guided by God. So far, that was the biggest decision I have ever made. 

LESSON LEARNED: When you’re about to make a BIG decision – Pray! 

2011 had been a happy year for me. I hang out with friends once in a while; I was able to experience another EPIC night with my high school friends; bonding time with my family; singing for God; a little shopping for the things I want and a whole lot more. I might not be earning really high but at least I’m getting by and surely, God was the reason why I’m getting almost all my wants and needs. 

If there’s one moment that this year made me really sad, it was when one of my closest aunt died of cancer, but I know she’s in good hands now. She’s in a place when there’s no pain, and no problems. 

All in all, I’m thankful for everything that “2011: The Year that was” gave me. I’m thankful for everyone and for everything I have. God must be really great that despite all the problems and challenges I’ve encountered this year, He never fails to give me enough strength to get through each and every day. Hindi ko man masabi na akin ang 2011, pero maraming blessings ang dumating. Things may not be the way I wanted them to be, pero alam ko na lahat ng mayroon ako ngayon ay yung mga bagay na sa tingin ni God na kailangan ko. 

For the year that was about to end: THANK YOU! Let’s all welcome the Dragon with faith in God and with ourselves and of course, with a happy and grateful heart!  Cheers!

Friends that Pray Together, Stay Together

I'm happy that God gave me friends who also love to visit churches may it be on a holy week or not. My friend, Lars, also brought me to a few churches around the metro and it's a nice feeling to surrender all your worries at the heart of the metro and after a while, you're fine again.  Going to churches had been my solace for the one whole year of being a bum and God provided me all the things I needed even without a job. Going to churches also made me stronger. When I became a bum for a year, I learned how to appreciate small things; be wiser to overcome failures; and be more faithful to God.

This post is made to share some of the photos of me and my friends visiting churches in and out the metro :)

At Padre Pio, Libis

Tierra de Maria, Tagaytay

Pink Sisters, Tagaytay

La Salette, Silang

Seen, Everywhere

Do you believe in signs? Well, I used to ask for signs but never get the answers. For so long, I stopped asking for them,but still believe in them somehow. Signs, I guess are the things that we attract, either we ask for them or not. We get what we think and sometimes, we get the images that we ask. 

For a period of time, instead of saying it's a sign! I consider the 'supposed signs' as a reminder of something I've been praying for.  Signs do work for some people; but I guess, every 'sign' means something.  They are God's way of answering what we've been asking for.

I've seen images of my dream everywhere. Even my friend sees them. I know, they must be telling something - NO TO GIVING UP, IN GOD'S PERFECT TIME, EVERYTHING WILL FALL INTO PLACE AND WHEN IT HAPPENS, IT WILL HAPPEN VERY FAST. 

INSHALLAH! :)

Hustle While Waiting

I'm back! Definitely am, with a lot to tell! :) 

As expected, I've been very busy juggling two works (assuming two positions in the same company) each and everyday. Although work has been very tight, at the end of the day, there's this piece of pride in me that reminds me how I managed to be a mobilization assistant and a web writer at the same time. I'm stressed, yes, I get tired each day, but the bulk of work reminds me that I should be thankful because I can do them (the two positions) both. 

I'm so thankful I am enjoying my current work,add to that the friends I gained ever since I joined the company. So far, so good, that's what I can say even if I'm always going home later than 5 pm. This won't take longer since I'll be replaced by someone soon for the mobilization post.

I feel so blessed with what I have now- deep faith in God, family, friends, my habibi, work, choir, etc, but even if God provided almost every aspect of  my life, I still can't stop asking that one day, I get to land on my 'dream job'.  I've been trying, praying and waiting for 2 years now. I sacrificed one year and didn't work for any company because I want to put my full focus on it, but I guess, if it's not the right time yet, it will not be given. What I can do is to just keep on trying while I am doing something else that can help me. True enough, the experience I have right now with my present company is helping me - dealing with people, assisting VIPs, etc. I know that if ever I make it again to a final interview, I can converse better and tell them my experience which is in line with my dream job. I'm very sure God is testing my faith in Him and my determination to reach that 'job'. I've been to many failures but they didn't dishearten me, I may failed once, twice, thrice, many times, but 'that' is my dream and I should not let any failure keep me from pursuing and reaching it. I know, one day, I'll get there.

The Past Few Weeks and Days

MIXED EMOTIONS. I've been challenged, felt excitement, stressed, happy, motivated, inspired, etc. etc.Let me tell you a few 'happenings' in my life at random and what I've learned from each.

I've been challenged and maybe, stressed. Work keeps me busy each and every single day, especially now. I feel privileged to assume two posts at the same time. It's quite hard especially when I receive much number of calls to transfer, I would admit there were times I am complaining but, all of a sudden, I would realize, hey, I wanted these, I accepted these so, why not just put the scenario on a lighter note and perceive what's happening as a blessing rather than a burden. Well, at least, at the end of the day, I could say, I assumed two posts, (one full time and the other a part time) in one day.

Motivated and inspired. I've always kept mum recently whenever I attend an Open Day for QR. It's not that I don't want to spoil what may happen, I just want to keep things sometimes until such time that the event was all done.  I tried applying last March and the recent May 1 OD but didn't get the call for the AD. I got the call in one of my tries but how come I didn't again after that try? I stopped wondering. I maybe "ok" for one recruiter and I might not be the same for the other one. Bottomline would be, try and try until my turn comes.

Happy. I feel overwhelmed whenever I receive questions or e-mails from flight attendant aspirants asking me of some information and tips. I felt that I'm being trusted and that really matters to me. Rest assured that when the time comes that God grants me my greatest dream, I'd still continue to express my thoughts and hopefully, I'd be able to give helpful tips.

Sad. Just last Monday, one of my closest aunt died. It was sudden. Although she was battling with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, we didn't expect her journey would end this soon. I remembered I bought her a scarf after I attended the OD because her hair already diminished. But I'm sure, she'd be in God's arms and at least, she won't be experiencing any more pain in heaven.

BOTTOMLINE: Think things positively, yes, I would always do that. God never forsakes anyone who believes in Him.
 

Expression of Gratitude

 I just celebrated my birthday last Monday. For the first time in so many years, I spent most of the time not in our house, but, at the office. In one of my previous posts, I expressed how excited I am to celebrate my birthday with bosses and colleagues. I felt it right. My recent birthday celebration was that of simple yet exciting. Everything went in my favor. Officemates and even bosses greeted me and I felt thankful. My choir mates also expressed their greetings personally (when we sang during the Palm Sunday Mass), through facebook, twitter, and through text messages. I just feel great knowing that a lot said happy birthday even if we’re not that close or we’re not really talking everyday. I feel thankful and blessed to be surrounded with people with thoughtfulness and good heart. I don’t need material things, just the thought of people, remembering my birthday would suffice; but of course, I wouldn’t deny that there’s one birthday wish that I’m eyeing on. I hope it would come true anytime soon. Inshallah! In God’s perfect time! Amen.

Waiting Patiently

I realized that I have not updated this blog recently. This month's quite a busy one for me - working 5 days a week and spending the first few weekends with the choir. Though I'm a busy bee and have less time for rest, I am not complaining, I am actually enjoying it. I can see and I can feel how things start to change for the better since I joined the choir. I guess, this is what Joshua Harris meant when he said, "Hustle while you wait". I feel like I'm doing something good whenever I sing for God even if it's really challenging to read and understand how the musical notes are supposed to be sang.

things start to change for the better

There are times when I love to look back and see how things go.  I am still amazed by how time time flies alongside unfolding what God planned for me this year. Supposedly, I'm about to give up on something, but He gave me a strong event that made me realized that it's still worth fighting for. It doesn't matter how many times I tried. There's no easy way toward a dream. We all need to work hard for what we want and soon, when God's perfect time is in our hands, everything will just happen very fast; but while waiting for that one big opportunity to happen in my life, I'll do my best to produce quality works, perform through the best way I can to meet the expectations and standards, and sing with all my heart for God.

I SAY:

I'LL DO WHAT IT TAKES TIL I TOUCH THE SKY- Breakaway

Missing My Personal Space

It’s been two weeks since I posted an entry. Gawd, I missed blogging. I miss putting my thoughts into words and eventually share it to the whole world. I’ve been busy nowadays because I’m back to the real world, oh well, at least, for the time being, while..you know what I mean.

So far, I’m learning things, starting to adapt to my new environment and getting along well with the people around me, and I’m back to being a Manila girl. I missed Manila. I don’t care about the pollution, noise, and traffic around the area, well, they give me less stress than Makati. LOL. Honestly, I like Manila more than Makati. There’s something in Manila that keeps me coming back, well, aside from the agencies that handle F.A. applications. 

I know that at present, I’m still chasing for my dream job. I might not be doing my dream job now, serving coffee or tea, but in a way, my job asks me to be one of the friendliest people in the office. I assist different kinds of people. I talk to different kinds of people of different personalities everyday and I consider those responsibilities helpful in preparation for the job that I’ve been longing. Everybody has to start somewhere as they say. Two years ago I started working in a customer service field that caters to clients over the phone, and now, I am doing a customer service job in a face to face basis. 

I’m happy with what God gave me this month, but I know my dream still lies 35,000 ft above the ground. One day, I know, I’ll get there, but as of now, I’ll do anything to get “there”.

P.S.

Readers, I’m sorry if I posted your comments late. The past few days had been tight for me, work, choir, time with friends, etc.  I hope you won’t get tired of reading.

Love lots,

No means YES

Good Monday morning readers! I woke up feeling happy and thankful and I want to spread the good feeling! It's a good way to start the week right? :)

In this post, I'll be sharing my Qatar Airways Cabin Crew Recruitment experience last Saturday, February 5, 2011. I'm saying this would be a lengthy post. Please bear with me. :)

In all honesty, it was not really in my plan to attend the Open Day (DAY 1: you submit your CV and photos) since I've attended five times before but never got the chance to be shortlisted. My heart was broken by Qatar Airways (QR) so many times, that's why I said to myself that if ever I would try again, that would be my last try for that airline and I even said that to my friend who would be having her medical exam for QR (Cams! I'm so happy for you and Jez). After so much encouragement from my friends and my mom, add to that the help that Cams offered (she volunteered to do my make-up), I finally decided to give a try only a few days before the Open Day. I had my photos taken at Great Image- Mall of Asia, had and my blazer altered. I like the quality of my pictures from Great Image-Moa. I've tried the services with their other branch near our place but I'm not happy with it. The photographer in Moa was also giving his opinion while I'm choosing the shots and it happened that we agree with what the best shot was. :)

Saturday, I woke up feeling excited and I couldn't explain (then) why. What I understood was it was completely different with the mornings I had with my previous OD. I just thought that my one-on-one tutorial with Cams was the reason. I feel really happy about waking up early, despite the fact of having only 5 hours of sleep because I finished 7 essays in 2 days (Thurs and Friday).  I even spilled hot water on my toes, gladly, it wasn't too hot.

As what Cams offered, she did my make-up and even my hair in a bun! (photo on my next blog entry)  :) 
I kept on asking her the things I should know and the products that she recommends. I also realized that I got the wrong MAC shade (I was assisted, but I tested it not on my jaw line, errr, very wrong) . Now, I'll be selling it! (Joanne S, still willing to buy? :D ). Mac lipstick in Russian Red was a REAL LOVE! It made my teeth look great! Mac brow set in Girl/Boy would be part of my "top things to buy"  as soon as I have enough budget.

For the first time, I went to the OD alone, without friends to meet and to chat with while waiting for my turn to submit my CV. I arrived at Manila Diamond Hotel a few minutes after 9:00. I was surprised to see less number of applicants. Before I entered the ballroom, I was asked about my age because QR changed the minimum age from 20 to 23. The Manila Diamond staff assisting in the activity even said "Good luck" before I entered the ballroom. I was more surprised to see the ballroom, half -filled but a lot of applicants were continuously entering and falling in line outside! There were only 3 recruiters. I submitted my CV to the leftmost RO, (recruitment officer). She just asked about my age, I said, I'd be turning 23 and she wrote down my current age and the month when I'd be turning 23. She underlined my mobile number and asked about it twice. I forgot her exact words but the meaning would be "Is this really your number?" like making sure if that's really correct. After that she said "thank you" and I said "thank you" also. I went out of the ballroom. I knew I was wearing a happy face all through out the hour I spent inside the ballroom, not only in front of the RO.

I had lunch with Cams at Robinsons Place and we're keeping our hopes high about receiving the golden call. We also met Joanne S. Another blogger, pexer and sister by heart and dream :) Cams left earlier because she'd be meeting another friend. While Joanne and I were strolling around, my phone kept on vibrating. That time, I had a lot of friends texting me, but I realized it was not just a simple text because it was continuously vibrating. I saw a landline number appeared! At the back of my mind, OMG! Would this be it? I answered the phone. The caller mentioned my name and ZOMG! It was the golden call! I could barely hear the caller so I kept on apologizing. I was really surprised and grateful about it. I sent the good news to Cams, to my mom and to my other friends. I went home with a thankful heart. Cams again volunteered to do my make-up for the Assessment Day (AD).

I was scheduled to be part of the morning batch. We were 40+. I am guessing the afternoon batch was also 40+.  It was really an achievement for me. I know how hard it was to get the golden call because there were a lot of applicants. The recruitment officer didn't tell the total number of applicants but I guess it was more than 500 but less than 2000. The video of Qatar was shown and I was like OMG! My heart was becoming emotional, I realized how badly I want to become a cabin crew. The ROs introduced themselves. They also shared a few things about Qatar Airways. We had the reach test and exam. The time came when the RO have to cut the number of applicants. They started calling the numbers of those who will proceed to the next stage. Sadly, I was one of the eliminated applicants. I think only 10 stayed for the next round (not sure though). Almost everyone went out of the room, I know it was a bad news but I didn't feel bad after all, really. I accepted it with grace.

It was another NO but I considered that as a YES because just when I was about to give up on Qatar Airways, there goes the chance of being included in the Assessment Day.I was still happy about what happened, at least there was a progress on my application. Maybe God's perfect time would be coming soon. God gave me another strand of hope, strength, and motivation. I said that it would be my last time attending QR's OD but I changed my mind, I'd be pursuing it until I get another call for the AD, until I made it to the FI, until I received the Congratulatory e-mail, until they sent me the Offer of Employment, until they let me know my DOJ, until I arrived in Doha, be part of AB Initio ### and as long as I wanted to fly, well, not unless there's another airline who would come and hire me. :) Sometimes, we don't know how the hands of God work. I know that this desire did not only come from me, I know this also came from God. He gave me this faith, confidence, optimism and determination to pursue my dream and I know He would make it come true, in His perfect time.

I Have a Dream and I realized:

Applying for a Flight Attendant/Cabin Crew position is like:

LINING UP FOR AN AUDITION
I'm not exaggerating but hundreds to thousands will apply for the much coveted position.

JOINING A PAGEANT
In order to get in, you just have to be on the right place, at the right time and with the right set of judges. It's not all beauty and not all brains. It really depends on the preference of the recruiter. You don't have to be perfect. If the recruiter will like you, you'll surely get the job.

BOTTOMLINE IS:

Try and try until you meet the recruiter who will like you. You'll never know when the right time will be so DON'T STOP.

Things I've Learned from Dr. Schuller

Months ago, I went to St. Jude with my friend, Jaymee. After the novena, we went to Quiapo and SM Manila while waiting for her class. A mall visit for me always includes going to a bookstore, sometimes, bookstores, whatever that certain mall has. We went inside Booksale. Some of my books were bought there. Reading doesn't have to be expensive, plus, I'm a person who will read anything as long as the book catches my interest. I saw the book entitled: Life's not Fair but God is Good. The title itself already caught my attention, it's priced at 75 Php. I was hesitant to buy the book at first because I found it quite expensive for a bum like me, but hours after my friend and I separated and after that one phone conversation with my friend Lars, I realized it wouldn't hurt my pocket so much. After all, it was hardbound and I could feel that I could find some of the answers I need from that book. It happened that I didn't have time to go back, so I just asked my friend to buy it for me and pay her when I get the book. The rest was history. The book was meant to be mine.

I started the year by reading the book. Now, I'm done reading. I've learned so many things, although some were not new to me, but at least, I know that I'm acting out right and I'm trying to believe right. I need to be inspired and motivated. I've found both by just reading 272 pages. As promised, I'm going to share some lines from the book that were really wonderful. I hope, you'll like them too:

• from page 46-60: Five Self Esteem Boosters: 1. Give yourself a pat on the back; 2. Look at what you have left, don't look at what you've lost; 3. Re-evaluate your assets; 4. Pump up your possibility thinking; 5. Realign your attitudes

• p.50: You can choose to be bitter. You can choose to be slide into a deep pit of self-pity, or you can choose to react positively.  You can look at this set-back as an opportunity for learning, for growth, painful as it may be. What happens to you is important, but it is not the end. 

• p.56: Begin by believing in God.  Believe in His future for you. You can make it! God will give you the dream if you ask Him and He will provide the resources if you will look to Him. 

• p.84: Life's not fair but God is good.  Life throws us a disappointment - and God responds by giving us encouragement.Everyone faces disappointments  at one time or another - but the winners are the ones who refuse to let the disappointments become discouragements. Success isn't a matter of being the best.  Success is a matter of handling the worst.  It is being able to deal constructively with life's disappointments.   

• p.88: The NEXT TIME always motivated me to keep on trying.

• p.92: Why Lord? No, don't ask why.  Ask how, O.K. how am I going to get through this?

• p. 99: A plan gives direction.  A dream gives energy. 

• p.174-176: When faced with a hopeless situation: Pray with honesty and trust in the Lord; Ask for help and understanding; Seek nurturing from your friends and loved ones, but not to the point that you will be a millstone around their necks ; Try to be optimistic; Remind yourself that God has given you a talent; Don't look back in anguish. You did the best you could under the circumstances you were given. 

• p.252: Every trouble has vast built-in opportunities to grow, to learn, to serve, or to be cleansed.  Imagination can turn your bed into fruitful pasture. Your time of lying low can be your mourning of spiritual refreshment. 

•  p.255: We learn courage when we face danger. We learn patience when we endure suffering. We learn tenderness when we taste pain. We discover true friendship when false ones forsake us. We learn to prize freedom when we are in danger of losing it. 

• p.272: Life's not fair but God is good. Jesus Christ is proof enough of that. 

Those were just few lines from the book. There were a lot of lessons and quotable quotes. Dr. Schuller also included life stories of people and the lessons that those people had after facing their respective endeavors. I would recall one person, a Miss America winner. Just like Venus Raj, the crowd didn't love her the first time they saw her. It took her 7 years before she finally bagged the title of Ms. America.  The clue there would be determination - to win and make each try a better one. Personally, I've learned that sometimes, we don't get what we want on our first try, but a failure doesn't mean it would never be yours. You just need time to make things better, and time to work on it and put it in your hands. I wasn't accepted in my dream school the first time I tried, but I claimed it and promised myself that I'd get my degree earned from that school and it happened. Work and pray! Just like what I've learned at SSC: ORA ET LABORA, Prayer and Hardwork.
If you don't get in at first, it's okay. It's okay to grieve, it's okay to be frustrated but don't let all the negative things embrace you for so long. Believe that you're just in a big waiting room, and God still needs time to shape you and prepare you to be the person you've been dreaming of.

Welcoming the Rabbit

Hurray!!! Today marks the first Monday ever for 2011 and I'm making my first entry for the year of the rabbit.

How was your new year people?
Mine was just simple - dinner with family after 12 midnight, prayed, woke up early and attended the 9:30 am mass. I'm happy and thankful for this another year. A new chapter unfolds. Time to start anew. Time to forget all the not-so-good memories of the previous year.

This 2011, I hope the "big thing" happens. I'll be forever grateful for that. For the mean time, I hope I can hustle while waiting. I have so many plans for this year and I hope I can put each plan into reality. I am hopeful that the rabbit will bring better days. Let's all be positive for this year.

I know I am trying my best to start the year right. I am currently reading the book entitled: "Life's not Fair but God is good". For me, it's a great way to start this another chapter by appreciating God's goodness and greatness amidst all the circumstances you're experiencing. If I finished the book within the week, I'll definitely post the things I've learned from it and share each lesson with you.

Happy New Year Dear Readers

Always,

Optimism over Pessimism

Underneath are the Everlasting Arms:

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. - Deuteronomy 33:27

(source: Just for Today by Harold Sala)

Every rejection is a chance to improve yourself. Every frown is a chance to smile. Every single moment is a chance to do our best and leave the rest to God. Every single day, I am learning and I am being faithful to God even more. Not just because I know I am at my lowest point right now, but I feel that even if at the lowest point, I still have to be thankful and there's still a reason to be thankful. Even if I'm unemployed right now, there are a lot of reasons that keep me going: my dream, my family, my friends, and  GOD. I believe with Carrie Underwood when she sang, Jesus take the wheel. These are just challenges that I know I can surpass, of course with the help of God.

I've been very active at twitter. I've been "tweeting" a lot. I've read one of Karen Davila's tweets about Raissa Laurel, the law student who lost her legs on the Bar Exam bombing. Despite what happened to her, she remained strong and she even said, "laban lang tayo" which Karen Davila tweeted. Why give up right? Every challenge and every problem is a chance to be strong and gather more strength. Why give up on your dream when you encountered your first rejection? The first NO will not always be a NO and will not remain a NO forever. Let's just believe that God is still preparing us for the best that is yet to come.

Approximately 23 Kilometers Away from Home

I mentioned in my previous post that my friend and I planned to go to Tagaytay. I've been there many times but I'd always want to come back. There's something in Tagaytay that made me fall in love over and over everytime I set foot on the said city - maybe the cool breeze that sets a romantic mood or the overlooking image of the smallest volcano in the world, I could not say which of the two was the main reason. Either or, it wouldn't set a problem, as long as I enjoy the place. 

Before I share some photos from the trip,I wanted to give a short history of Tagaytay. I never posted facts about the place in my previous post. According to wowcavite.com :

Legend has it that the word “Tagaytay” came from “TAGA” meaning “to cut” and “ITAY” which means “Father”. A father and son were said to be on a wild boar hunt when the animal they were chasing turned and attacked them. As the boar charged towards the old man, the son cried “TAGA- ITAY”. The boy’s repeated shouts reverberated in the valleys of the ridge. Heard by the residents, hunters and wood gatherers, the cries became the subject of conversation for several days among the people in the countryside. In time, the place where the shouts came from became known as TAGAYTAY.

Even though I hate the Cavite traffic, in a way, I'm thankful I live 3 towns away from Tagaytay. Last Tuesday, I was able to get to our first destination in less than an hour, but I bet, my dad and my other friends could beat that time (driving only 80-90 km/h at Aguinaldo highway).

Our First stop: Summit Ridge 

Summit Ridge Hotel 

The place was owned by Robinsons Land Corporation. The photo above was the hotel and beside it was an open air commercial center with: a number of restaurants and coffee shops to choose from, a supermarket, appliance store, shops and bank.

My friend and I arrived minutes before 1 p.m., still on time for lunch. We ate at Shakey', ordered bunch of lunch and later on had our dessert at Razon's. 
 




Second Stop: Pink Sisters Chapel and Convent

The Pink Sisters Chapel 

Also one of the famous landmarks when you're traveling at Tagaytay.

My friends and I would always include this in our 'itinerary' during the Holy Week.  At first, I was hesitant to go straight and park at the space but I saw a car at the back and at that moment,I was sure, it was really open for everyone during off peak season. 


Since it was just an ordinary Tuesday and the week had just started, the place was not jam packed. It was a good thing because you would get to pray more seriously because silence was around the place, not like when all the people were all over the place to do Stations of the Cross. 


You could also drop your petition letters and the nuns would be praying for you. Go to the leftmost side of the chapel. If ever you haven't written any letter, don't worry, papers and pens were provided.

Third Stop: Tierra de Maria 

50 ft Virgin Mary

 Two years ago, when I went to Glorietta, I was able to pass by an image of Virgin Mary. I wrote my petition and prayed. I got a flyer with a Make a W.I.S.H. and expect miracle to happen message at the top. A website was mentioned in the flyer and  I visited it, there, I found out about the gigantic image of Mama Mary at Tagaytay. I wanted to go to the place but never got the chance. 


Finally, last Tuesday,I was able to see the place in person. At first, I didn't know the exact location, I knew it was on the right side if you're coming from Rotonda. My friend and I were looking at every church/chapel we passed by, I said, " I know, you wouldn't miss it because of the huge image of Mama Mary". It was just across Development Academy of the Philippines, and just near Picnic Grove. 

Stations of the Cross will welcome you

Before going inside, you could stop on the wishing well and drop your coin. You could also offer a candle or candles for your petitions. 


It was my first time to be at Tierra de Maria. I was awed by the place. I've been to chapels and churches but that was, for me, the most intimate. I was laughing at hyper the whole time I was driving and taking photos, but when I got inside, silence enveloped my system. I was observing the images. I was awed by everything the chapel offered me. Seriously, you would really feel the presence of God, not that you could not feel God's presence on other chapels and churches,  I felt like my heart was really touched everytime I hold the images. I knew at that very moment, I was talking to God and God was telling me to leave my worries behind and say what I wanted to say.  There's another corner inside that caught my attention, another prayer corner with lots of rosaries hanging. 


On our way out, my friend and I got a bible scripture:
 The message I got was very timely:

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

We also went upstairs and visited every floor.
You'd see the liturgical calendar on the second floor. It was educational and had some facts on every date and it was also a form of "special fund raising". You could put your names on your birth date provided you'd donate a certain amount of money which I failed to remember.

At the third floor, you could hold the hand of the 50 ft Mama Mary. Go straight and you'd also have a nice view of the Taal Volcano.

Hold her hand and make a WISH

Taal

 If you want some alone time or a place where you wanted to release all your stress and worries,I suggest you visit Tierra de Maria and have some moments with God. 

Fourth Stop: Mushroom Burger

It was my first time to have a taste of Mushroom Burger. We just bought burgers because we still have one more place to visit. Mom advised me to go home early because she was thinking of my safety, I just want to be an obedient daughter so there would be a next time for road trips :p 

Wishing well again :)

Mushroom burger was located near Casino Filipino and Taal Vista. You'd pass by those two first. Reviews said it was hard to park at Mushroom burger during weekends and peak seasons. 

Aside from the burgers,they also have other dishes at a very affordable price.


Fifth Stop: Cliffhouse 


 Now,I understand why this place had a parking fee of 100 Php - because of the romantic  scenery! 
The fee would be waived if you present a validation from any of the restaurants inside. 

If you want an Italian brunch, go to Buon Giorno. 

Craving for crepes? Have a stop at Cafe Breton. 


If you want to feel the cold breeze more, take your pick, either you buy an ice cream at Fruits in Ice Cream or have a Fling. 

Other restaurants would include Fire Lake Grill,Domicillo and Platito. 


After I parked the van, my friend and I had our pictures first. We could not resist the beauty of the view. If I have a boyfriend, I'd tell him we spend time at Cliffhouse. We'd sit on the white benches facing the taal lake, I'd lay my head on his shoulders while we hold hands and talk of our priorities, future plans, dreams,etc. OOOokay, enough for the imagination. haha. 

Anyway, my friend and I had a Fling for 85 pesos. :P

It's been months since I had a taste of frozen yogurt and I missed it. The craving was satisfied last Tuesday and with a bonus of course - a great ambiance.

The trip was only half day, started driving by 12 noon and by 6:00 pm we're on our way back home, but it was really worth it! By the way, before I end this post, for you travelers out there, buy boxes of Amira's Tart as your pasalubong.

I hope I was able to bring Tagaytay to you! :)