Junkies? Think Twice

Call center agents has always been tagged as party animals, simpletons or much worst, junkies. At first, I ignored this unfair practice because I am pretty confident with myself and my reason why I joined the BPO industry.  I sure minded my own business for some time.

A disastrous truth dawned to me when I heard one of my colleagues shared her sentiment on how call center agents are being castigated by false labels and how she is affected by them. I started pondering. I have always made my point that I am not to be stereotyped, that no one has the right to. But what about those who cannot really express their opinions in the most objective manner? Should they just sulk and embrace the unnecessary criticisms and allow others to belittle them? Not in a million years.

That’s why I am writing about it and air the long kept sentiments of most of us, call center agents to be heard once and for all.

Here are some of the inevitable facts:

·         Not all are half-witted losers. Some are BS graduates but unfortunately the right job for their courses, just don’t pay as much. Others are just too young for retirement that they decide to make use of their time and earn too. We do have a lot of nursing graduates who passed their Board Exams already but can’t pay the fee in order to gain the experience required before they can work abroad. To those who just love to feel that they are above others and believe they have strong opinions to shake those with positions should address this concern because not all who dream to seek greener pastures have the ability to work in a call center. I think that is one issue worth talking about.

·         We may be considered moronic sometimes but hey, we pay taxes and we are much better because we don’t steal ‘em.  Bright people is more prone to corruption that less-complicated ones. That makes us better, don’t you think?

·         We can’t afford to spend time checking what’s on the news and be kept abreast. Why? We need to sleep in order to be alert on our jobs that feed us. Need I say more?

·         We mind our own business. Why so? Because we’d rather spent our spare time sleeping than questioning other people’s capacity or even just read their characters and categorize them. Gossip in call centers are common. But at least I for one say it upfront to those concerned. Seldom do we hear libel cases filed against perpetrators because we just don’t meddle too much on others.

·         Not knowing who’s running for office does not imply ignorance. I choose not to care because most of my schedule does not permit me to vote. Besides, issues like vote-buying and ballot box swapping should be discussed by those in the media in order to strengthen the campaign on vigilance to protect every Filipino’s right to suffrage.

·         We are not really into highfaluting words because we just want to keep things simple and be understood by all, not just by intelligent ones with an IQ of over 200.

Again, I would like to reiterate that we can’t be judged because we chose the simpler equation of life instead of being socially concerned. Why? It is because we don’t have the luxury of being constant critiques and leave our family with a great deal of insufficiencies. One thing’s for sure though, we demand an equal amount of respect simply because we deserve every bit of it.

To the smart ones, it’s really none of our business if you think you’re above most of us but let me just remind you that before you clear out our issues, deal with yours first. I totally guarantee that it will do you wonders.

Smarty Pants Alert! (What To Do and What Not)

Have you ever experienced being bugged by people who think they know better than you? The constant blabbering without making much sense seem to fill the entire room and you feel that there is no escape, is this somehow familiar? What would be a workplace without the annoying, sometimes intrusive smart-alecks?

Unfortunately for me, I seem to be sharing an 8 hour training with smart-alecks that sometimes I just can’t help it but lose my cool. On my very first week, it was like an endless torture that the only way to keep me sane is my mantra “Happy Thoughts”. It didn’t really seem to help because I would end up going home stressed. 

On the second week, I had to figure out how to survive. This time, I decided to know the enemy deeper. I tried to discover why they are like that and based on my observation, I guess what they lack is acceptance. One is a single mom, just trying to squeeze in by armoring herself of knowledge overload without realizing that too much of it just kept her away from understanding the lesson resulting her to ask irrelevant questions that put her on PDI mode. (PDI: Public Display of Ignorance). The other is simply disillusioned into believing that he is a hunk and that girls should be swarming because of his unique skin color.

Since I would still be exposed to them for the next 3 weeks, I came up with a plan on how to stay composed despite their inevitable presence.

·         As soon as they start opening their mouths, I would have to look away and busy myself on the different notes my seatmates have. (Actually, that would also save me from copying unnecessary information from the powerpoint presentation.)

·         When, one starts to read with his or her mouth while digging in on assessments, I would politely request that he or she read the test with EYES ONLY.

·         If one would start asking senseless questions, I will be excusing myself to go to the john which will be very good for my bladder.

·         If one would start singing, I would courteously suggest to get an early break.

·         If they just won’t stop and I’ve ran out of tactics, I guess I’ll just have to pray hard for a miracle, particularly the trainer, to call their attention and ask them to refrain from over-expounding on senseless points.

I’m not really sure if I am that equipped to survive this ordeal but I’m just keeping my hopes up. For the meantime though, I just hope I don’t find myself saying, “Talk to the hand…PLEASE!”

I'm MOVIN OUT!

http://www.google.com.ph/imgres?imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/

From a convenient account that I belonged to for 1 year and a half, a bomb exploded last Wednesday confirming that I am to be transferred to the “hardest of the hardest”, an account that I dare not mention but brings chills especially to those who depend on their jobs for bread and butter. The moment we heard of the inevitable, I think it was only me and my friend maintained composure.  The rest? Red-faced, some blue, teary-eyed, tongue-tied,  terrified, lost. The bottomline? RESISTANCE!

As for me, it took me like 12 hours before all sunk in like crazy! Good thing I survived with the support of my husband and friends.

My auto mantra was “change is good…” I had to repeat it like a gazillion times to stay pacified.

Nevertheless, I had to move on and embrace the lonely truth. I am leaving an account that guaranteed easy access to a perfect scorecard, surrounded by friends (most of them I emotionally adopted) and of course the “tax savior”, my 7-hour night differential.

Monday came and training started. I figured it wasn’t that bad at all. Knowledge overload? Yes. Incentive? Promising. Fun co-trainees? Absolutely! I guess there is a silver lining after all.

To my previous account, it has been one of my greatest career pleasures ever. To my babies from both  PHD and MemServ, you will be forever in my heart. . Some of you may have ran to me for guidance but I want you all to know that I myself learned from every sensible conversation that I had with all of you. To my mentors, thank you for the guidance, encouragement and support, you are all amazing. HAPPY THOUGHTS!

Moving forward to my new account is easy with all the support I am getting from family and friends and also to the benefit that my new home could offer that I refused heavily on the past week.

Change is good. It always offers pros and cons since nothing can be perfect anyway so expectations should always be balanced. I am going to keep a balanced outlook for the month’s training and I’ll just give it my best shot.

“The only constant is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.”
— Isaac Asimov

The 8 Year Old and The Dreaded Chair

Last night, my eight year old daughter was singing an old song that I never thought she could. Of course I dashed beside her and asked her to do it again for me. Alas, as soon as she opened her mouth, amidst the decaying baby teeth, grew her permanent central incisor! I felt excited because finally her permanents are beginning to pop out (the dentist said it was a bit abnormal as to why she still hasn’t grown a single permanent when she’s already 7 ½ yrs old.)

The thought of a dentist’s chair really scares the hell out of my kid so I when she learned that I was bringing her to the dentist the next day, for sure she was devastated and I bet she was thinking, “Why did I have to open my mouth wide 

enough for her to see my tooth?”

After her tutorial the following morning, she was brought by my mom to the dentist. Before I got there, it was a frustrating sight for mom and the dentist. She was sitting on the chair, asking a lot of questions as to how many injections will be given, how many baby teeth will be extracted, etc. etc. that 30 minutes went by without any action done.

When I got there, her dentist seemed to have seen an angelic sight. Maybe she was thinking , “Finally, the miracle has arrived!”

The extraction of four teeth took place for a good 30 minutes. The whole time, I was in monologue, giving her all the guarantees that everything will be fine and that all of the extractions were necessary, that she cannot do anything to stop them.

After her agony on the chair, the first thing she asked was the mirror. I thoroughly explained to her that she’s going to grow beautiful teeth in due time and she seemed contented with my statements.

The Hand That Rocked My World

When I try to look back on the very first memory that I can recall, all I could remember was my sweet smile and endless giggles. Occasional spanking would come and go but I remember a certain grin every time I push and attempt to get away with something.

Growing up was easy for I was well provided with the necessities and would occasionally get simple indulgences even when the budget was tied at some point.

Accomplishments were always possible because of that certain presence of support. I bet I had a number one fan to motivate me to do more. All in all, I can say that I was nurtured with a stern yet graceful being who didn’t mind becoming part of the sidelines.  

I patronized the notion that freedom is equal to rebellion for I can do anything I could possibly want yet I was understood and loved unconditionally. I have lambasted a heart that just wanted me to be secure, dignity intact.

I chose another ally who may have taught me a lot too yet not realizing that the unnecessary alienation brought tears of sadness in a heart that only wanted love, recognition, respect and loyalty.

Wrong choices slapped me like crazy that I have become numb with the endless counts of bad consequences and even if I may feel alone, crying on my own, I know it’s not true because someone was crying with me. Chances were indirectly thrown at me and made me realize that I just have to move on and straighten up my crooked life.

I am far from being a perfect child but the compassion of a forgiving being made me believe I can still reform and straighten up a crooked life.

A million thanks will never suffice. So, every single day, I try to give back, in an attempt to show that I have changed. Time may never be enough but it’s worth giving it my best shot.

To the hand that rocked my world, I salute you for everything that you have done. I know I could never be like you but I will strive to become even an ounce of you for my children’s sake. 

I love you mommy.

Happy Mothers’ Day…

Little

Away From the Claws of the Savages

I missed my high school reunion this year.  I’m having mixed emotions about it because I wanted to go but I’d rather not. Ironic huh?

I graduated from a public school wherein I had a front row seat to the “dog-eat-dog” scenario.  It may not have been physically violent but the pressure in itself just to stay on top was exhausting for some and I guess torture to others.  I was one of the very few who didn’t have to lift a finger in order to sustain my spot. As a matter of fact my so called handlers were my teachers. Who would be more fitting to back up ones success but them?

Maybe because I had a blast in high school that’s why I have always had the urge of going back to my alma mater whenever possible.  I wanted to feel the atmosphere and reminisce the many beautiful and exciting memories I had during my teenage years.

Now, why did I not attend today’s festivities? Well, because I decided not to stress myself with classmates who never seemed to have gotten over their insecurities for two decades now.  I can’t stand those who need to make a scene in order to be noticed and belittle those who are less fortunate than them.  I despise those who take pleasure out of other people’s miseries.  I abhor being the target of inconceivable   fabrication.

I just can’t fathom such a reality.  I understand that a major factor of who I am is an output of my teenage years but as I age I expect myself to learn about life and expect that I become a better person brought about by my timely maturity.  I never patronized the fib that one would stay despicable throughout the years because each one of us have a choice. High school life may not have been a bed of roses 24/7, but such negativities in my past should never be allowed to control my being.

If asked whether I’m attending next year’s reunion or not, I am still uncertain. It may be wishful thinking to ask for bullies to reform but well nothing to lose.    If I am able to witness even an ounce of change that would be beneficial to most of us if not all, maybe then I will have the enthusiasm to participate in the celebration.  As of now, I prefer to be on the sidelines, quietly observing while enjoying a serene life, away from the claws of these savages.

Pan De Dog

One very fun activity during a day off is to go to a local mall with my hubby.  It’s not as regal as any SM or Robinson’s but I feel so at home in this one.  And one favorite thing to do with the man of my life is to delight our taste buds with the food being sold there. Our main course would be “Pan de Dog”.  One hotdog @ P12 could fill two pandesals (P3 each) and just add cheez whiz (P5)(bought from the supermarket), mayonnaise and ketchup (courtesy of the hotdog stand), Mt. Dew (P15) on the side and voila! Tummy heaven! Whoever said we can’t have happy thoughts below P50 is simply wrong!

Getting Hooked With Cityville

Cityville…  Another one of those social games available in Facebook.  Think again.  Although, it started early January of this year I think I got hooked up to it just last week through the encouragement of my daughter Nadine, actually a better way of describing her persistent begging for energy, etc.   When I first tried it, I told myself, “Hmm…this is interesting yet just one of those games on facebook.”  One of those games that I could say consumed my time for a while that eventually died down, like Farmville or Texas Holdem Poker  for example. At least with the latter, I still get to play it once a week the most if I get the urge of gambling for free. As for Farmville, I guess it’s history for me.

I have been playing Cityville for like 4 days now and, “MY OH MY!” I can’t believe I’m hooked! I can’t seem to stop checking on my “Littleville” twice a day! Is this really the game for me? Or is it just another fad that would leave my system in no time?  What boggles me though is I have neighbors that are already on level 60 up and still running! I am quite baffled as to where they get the time to reach it!  I have work, a husband to take care of, kids that come in and go out of the house that seek my attention and of course the neverending household chores that are also posting as a potential threat to my very limited time in enjoying the game. Not to forget myself and meeting the requirements of sleep among others. 

However, as of the moment, I think I’m able to handle it quite well with a little trick on multi-tasking. I just hope I don’t get too tired of juggling all of my responsibilities.  While I’m at it, I better enjoy the game, the friends and family that I get in touch with while playing, and pleasure myself in creating the city of my dreams, (it’s just super fun to see relocations without qualms from my citizens, is absolutely free and could just happen in a jiffy…truly amazing! I wish life could be this simple.)

Happy Thoughts!

OSB DIGITAL BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Wave 3

(COURSE OUTLINE)
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOJOURNALISM DEFINED
KNOWING YOUR CAMERA
TRINITY OF A GOOD EXPOSURE
UNDERSTANDING LIGHT AND SPEED
COMPOSING AN IMAGE – RULE OF THIRDS – LINES – SHAPES - COLORS
HANDS ON PHOTOSHOOT
CRITIQUE OF THE PHOTOSHOOT
(END)


AN INVITATION TO JOIN 


Owen S. Bayog (Photojournalist) is inviting you to join his POINT AND SHOOT (Basic Photography Workshop) here in Bacolod City. The Pocket Workshop will enjoin all photography enthusiasts that have basic photography tools, such as point and shoot and DSLR cameras. The workshop aims to boost the shooting skills of the photographers/hobbyists/enthusiasts without having to take out deep from their pockets. The workshop fee is pegged at P500/participant and the location/venue of the workshop will be sent only to those who will register and willing to join the said activity.


Unlike other photography workshops, we will not take a lot of time sitting on a classroom venue for hours of lecture – instead we would like you to shoot photos and later on have it assessed by the group. 


Discussions and hands on photoshoot, knowing the capacity of your gear and how one could get the optimum value of the images that it could make. Composition, knowing the light source and emphasis on the elements of a good photo will be the highlight of the workshop.


HOW TO JOIN AND RESERVE A SLOT


The Basic Photography workshop dubbed as “POINT AND SHOOT” will only cater to 10 participants. Interested individuals may confirm their attendance by sending an email to rem.ibrado.bayog@gmail.com.
You may also confirm via SMS – 09232489977/09199613997/09179282488. 


MODE OF PAYMENT


Participants joining the workshop may pay in cash at the determined date and venue of registration.


Note: The organizers of this activity will rely on the responses gathered after a week of promoting this activity. Venue for the said workshop will be sent to your email/facebook.

Earth Hour: My Awakening Towards a More Responsible Living

In today's world where we practically enjoy the benefits of high technology that are mostly run by overly abused energy, what would it become if we shut it down for an hour? This question popped out of my head as I strolled at SM yesterday, while waiting for the Earth Hour celebration to start.

As some of the major lights were turned off, and the mall music faded away, I started to contemplate amidst the dimmed location.  What am I to do for an hour without energy? Definitely no television and dvd, no internet, no A/C or even just an electric fan...hmm, that's it? I think I can live with that. Then, horror struck me, if the absence of electricity can be inconvenient at times, would I still think about it when our world gives up from the abuse that its currently in?

The purpose of Earth Hour is to raise awareness of global issues, particularly in regard to our overuse of non-renewable resources, and resultant light and air pollution. That's when I started digging up about global warming. It's a fact that it's a natural cycle but we just speed up the process. Due to the increase in human population (that we cannot really control), our demands increase as well.  The problem is, we just don't do our part to compensate to the need of Mother Nature. 

I began to wonder, what about my granchildren and so on and so forth? Would they even have a world to live in or worst, would they be even given the chance to be born? 

Hats off to the efforts of SM City Bacolod for hosting Earth Hour.  This is the only mall in the City of Smiles that initiated such an activity for people like me to be aware and be more involved for the common good.  Government officials and representatives of concerned agencies were present to give their support and add on as sources of invaluable information. They prepared activities such as a photo exhibit, an entertaining yet very informative program and of course, the symbol of Earth Hour that were sustained by their employees just to keep it lit during the for the whole hour despite the untamed winds. It was such a heart-warming sight. Thank you for making this event worthwhile. 

Now, I am more appreciative of programs like Earth Hour because, it is a start of something.  Something that is not impossible to do, yet can make a difference. Moving forward, I will do my best to contribute in any way I can because I don't want to be part of the culprits in sabotaging the Earth I live in. 

Happy Thoughts. 

FRACTION OF AN HOUR: EVERY SECOND COUNTS"

FRACTION OF AN HOUR: EVERY SECOND COUNTS" - a photo exhibit for Earth Hour. Images from the lenses of Bacolod photographers Owen Bayog, Lee Santiago and Julius Mariveles for Earth Hour. On display tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22, 2011@the SM City East Bridgeway, Reclamation Area, Bacolod City. The exhibit runs 10 a.m. tomorrow until a week after Earth Hour on March 26. Everyone is invited!

Duag Gikan Sa Kasanag (Images From Light)

POINT AND SHOOT (Basic Photography Workshop) Wave 2

The 2^nd Wave of Owen Segovia Bayog's  POINT AND SHOOT (Basic Photography Workshop) has been a success last Saturday, March 5, 2011 at the Negros Press Club! The activity was comprised of seven (7) participants who were all very proactive and eager to learn and some to improve their skills in photography to the next level.

Photo courtesy of James Primacio

Photo courtesy of James Primacio

Photo courtesy of James Primacio

One thing I observed in this workshop is that although there is a course outline prepared for it, the mentor, Owen Segovia Bayog can still adjust the module to cater to his participants' needs. The introduction to the workshop serves as a take off and then the spontaneity begins. The level of learning does not drop as actual shooting and demonstration were injected in between the lectures. The participants are given the chance to actually see how it’s being done for more retention.


Since the venue was near the Bacolod Public Plaza, the shooters were in for a treat! On that typical Saturday, the plaza showcased a lot of interesting subjects that they can feast their eyes on. They were exposed on how to deal with their subjects among other things. I can see in their photos that they had fun.  But that’s not all. They all proceeded to BREDCO for a portraiture session with Marrion Aburido, my former officemate. They played with the skies, rocks and a variety of poses from the model.  They surely had fun that day!

Photo courtesy of James Primacio

Photo courtesy of Cathyne Costales-Bantug

Photo courtesy of Cathyne Costales-Bantug

Photo courtesy of James Primacio

I think this is what matters most...ensuring that by the end of the workshop, each one of them would go home smiling because they learned something that matters to them.

OSB DIGITAL
BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

(COURSE OUTLINE)
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOJOURNALISM DEFINED
KNOWING YOUR CAMERA
TRINITY OF A GOOD EXPOSURE
UNDERSTANDING LIGHT AND SPEED
COMPOSING AN IMAGE – RULE OF THIRDS – LINES – SHAPES - COLORS
HANDS ON PHOTOSHOOT
CRITIQUE OF THE PHOTOSHOOT
(END)

AN INVITATION TO JOIN 

Owen S. Bayog (Photojournalist) is inviting you to join his POINT AND SHOOT (Basic Photography Workshop) here in Bacolod City. The Pocket Workshop will enjoin all photography enthusiasts that have basic photography tools, such as point and shoot and DSLR cameras. The workshop aims to boost the shooting skills of the photographers/hobbyists/enthusiasts without having to take out deep from their pockets. The workshop fee is pegged at P500/participant and the location/venue of the workshop will be sent only to those who will register and willing to join the said activity.

Unlike other photography workshops, we will not take a lot of time sitting on a classroom venue for hours of lecture – instead we would like you to shoot photos and later on have it assessed by the group. 

Discussions and hands on photoshoot, knowing the capacity of your gear and how one could get the optimum value of the images that it could make. Composition, knowing the light source and emphasis on the elements of a good photo will be the highlight of the workshop.

HOW TO JOIN AND RESERVE A SLOT

The Basic Photography workshop dubbed as “POINT AND SHOOT” will only cater to 10 participants. Interested individuals may confirm their attendance by sending an email to rem.ibrado.bayog@gmail.com.
You may also confirm via SMS – 09232489977/09199613997/09179282488.

MODE OF PAYMENT

Participants joining the workshop may pay in cash at the determined date and venue of the workshop.

Note: The organizers of this activity will rely on the responses gathered after a week of promoting this activity. Venue for the said workshop will be sent to your email/facebook when the target number of participants (10) will be reached.

"Na'nam, A Feast of Negrense Flavors" A Window of Opportunity for Bacolod

I remembered a casual conversation with a friend about Bacolod Tourism and how it could be boosted.  It’s actually mind-boggling for me as I can see that there is only quite a limited number of tourist destination/s (I’m not sure whether to use the plural form coz I can’t think of any as of this writing…).  As far as I know, Bacolod is a liveable city and has ammenities for conventions & seminars, PERIOD. 

Chicken w/ quail Eggs Wrapped in
Tugabang Home-made Dough

Until I remembered, “Hey, idle me! Tourism is not only about beaches and high-end recreation facilities! It could also mean other things!” And thus,  it came to me that here in Bacolod, we offer superb dishes that could melt the hearts of guests from neighboring provinces and even nearby countries for that matter. Pushing a  little bit more  and Bacolod can take off as the “Adventurous and Distinctive Palate’s destination.”

Recently, I was asked by my husband Owen to check out a local cooking competition since he knows I’m really into food. Since it’s my day off, I decided to tag along. It turned out to be the newest cooking competition category initiated by The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occ (HRANO) called of "Na'nam, A Feast of Negrense Flavors".  It was no ordinary cooking “show” where we just get to see how the common chicken/pork/beef dishes are prepared.  It was challenging because the participants, consisting of not only culinary students but also catering experts,were to use local produce such as Ubad (core of a banana stalk), Takway(gabi shoots), Kadyos (pigeon pea)  and Tugabang (jute leaves),veggies that can easily be found in any market here in Bacolod.

"KBL"

"KBB"

I was amazed of how they concocted unique dishes from these rather regular vegetables.  They were able to enhance the flavor of each ingredient and my gosh, the dishes looked spectacular! It’s as if I’m sitting on a classy restaurant, a bit hesitant to try the food so as not to distort the beauty of its presentation.   

The regular KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, Langka) was greatly modified by the cooking enthusiasts. One used crispy liempo instead of the regular boiled pork. Another KBL became KBB (Kadyos, Baboy, Balagay (winged beans). There was also a one of a kind dish called Chicken w/ quail Eggs Wrapped in Tugabang Home-made Dough.  I wouldn’t have thought tugabang would be a tasty herb in bread until I tried this.  And how about the Takway with Mashed Kamoteng Kahoy in Taro/Sampaloc & Taro Kamias Bud Sauce.  It would easily beat mashed potatoes anytime!


The Participants had their taste of excitement, as they waited the result as to who will be the ones to vie for the first prize of P5,000 + Plaque. One thing I noticed though was that everyone seemed to have a good time especially the students who were there to share their creativity and culinary potentials. I guess it wasn't really the prize but most of all the camaraderie they experience with their peers as they work hand in hand in creating their respective masterpieces.  5 Finalists were chosen and will be competing on the final cooking showdown to be held at Robinson's Place Bacolod on March 5, 2PM.

Ubad Bola-Bola in Sweet & Spicy Sauce

This event has certainly opened new possibilities to Bacolod. If we can concoct a wide variety of dishes that would become Bacolod’s array of specialties (other than the famous Chicken Inasal and Piaya of course), in no time, Bacolod will be more famous not just in October for the Masskara Festival but all year round.


Two thumbs up to the organizers of this competition.  May this event be a gateway to all those who have “magical ladles” that they may share their culinary expertise and who knows? Their dishes may be the key to a brighter tourism business of the City of Smiles. Happy Thoughts. :D

Photo Credits: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Owen-Segovia-Bayog-Digital-Photography-OSB-Digital/165973370085590

Junior ProScrappers (Do They Have A Choice?)

Owen and I were wandering the streets on an early morning drive when we saw a crowd of like 30 on an uneven vacant lot along the road.  as a photojournalist's instinct, Owen decided to stop and further observe on what the hullabaloo is all about.  After a few minutes, a private dump truck arrived and then there was chaos.  They were actually "Pro-Scappers" waiting for the golden loot to fall on their feet.  It was dangerous enough to see them walk either barefoot or with just very thin slippers for they might walk on sharp, rusty metals, more so the sight of riskier scrappers who mightily stand  facing the back of the truck just to be first in line to get their hands on the "finest merchandize".   Such a typical scene of a daily scavenger hunt.

But wait, something was wrong. I saw unwanted characters in this sight of the daily grind. Children as young as two were all over the place. Some were even playing as if they were just on a local playground.  The slightly older ones were carrying metal scraps and seemed to be in a hurry to secure their bounty and go back to explore some more.

I was engaged on small talk with Jun, one of the locals and he mentioned that these children are already "pro-scrappers".  I was surprised that there was a term for this job and even more aghast that there is no age limit to be qualified for this position. 

These children are supposed to be in school if not then what are free public schools for? They may be outstanding in arithmetic (thanks to the very early exposure on the buy-and-sell business) but what about other things like better comprehension and a possibility to grab a scholarship when they graduate in high school in the future?

Jun said that some of the parents prefer to take their kids out of the school zone and instead include them in their business arm so that they can earn more if more "staff" can find loot for the family. Who doesn't want to earn 600 -700 a day, tax-free anyway? But what they failed to realize is the danger they are exposing their children not just to tetanus but also death. 

I understand that 700 is 700.  Who doesn't want to earn more in the crisis that we're all facing.  But as parents, please, let's not forget our responsibility to our children.  We did not bring them to these world to be our assistants.  We have the obligation to provide for them, nourish them, educate them and the list goes on and on and on.  

It may be too late to lecture on responsible reproduction but it is never too late to correct our approach in ensuring our children's safety and future. 

The said dumpsite will be closed by its owners next month so goodbye 700.  and so the search for a new profitable location begins.  I hope these adults have saved enough to sustain their needs until they find their New Canaan.  As for these children, the best of luck. I know that they are learning about life the hard way but I do hope that they will cease the tradition and become good parents when they grow up, good enough to know what parental responsibility is all about. 

Photos by: Owen Segovia Bayog

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Owen-Segovia-Bayog-Digital-Photography-OSB-Digital/165973370085590

Thinking Out Loud (Reposted)

(I wrote this last year as an advice to my then, broken hearted daughter in an attempt to give her a piece of my mind…that there is more to a man than just his looks or popularity.  I am now sharing this to everyone as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. A reminder to those in love as well as to those who are still in search for one.)

"Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him, who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep... wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you' re just as pretty without makeup on. One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU... The one who turns to his friends and says, “that’s her..."

I came across this quote amongst the hundreds that were posted and this made me pause and assess if this makes sense or not. 

I don't usually write about my thoughts but this, I consider to be something that is with great urgency and needs to be shared and pondered upon.

When we were little girls, we used to love fairy tales, always dreaming of finding our prince charming and live happily ever after. We would picture our true love to be the most handsome, dashing, sweet and brave knight that would sweep us off our feet. We actually believed that the cute guy-next-door character in romantic novels would make us the happiest. But lo and behold, this is not true all the time.

At my age, (I'm 37 by the way), I have proven this to be fictitious and absurd. It doesn't follow that if one is harmless-looking, charming and smart, he can make his woman happy. Looks can really be deceiving. And the ugly truth about it is a lot of women are still into this unrealistic vision of what they want their partners to be.

"Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot..."Being "hot" fades in no time, faster for those who can't afford botox and lipo. Being beautiful is timeless because he sees through you and not just your temporary physical attributes.

"Find a guy...who calls you back when you hang up on him..." A guy calling back shows not only patience but also has the ability to sense that she only demands importance and wants her point to be heard.

"Find a guy...who will lie under the stars and listen to your heartbeat, or will stay awake just to watch you sleep..." This may be cheesy, especially to the teenagers nowadays, but they fail to see how a man can spend a lot of minutes or even hours of being inactive, without expecting any responsive gains, for as long as he is beside his love.

"wait for the boy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats, who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you' re just as pretty without makeup on." This is not entirely for the sake of showing you off as a trophy. PDA (Public Display of Affection) could sometimes be an avenue for the man who could not contain his passion for his princess. And whoever said that kissing a forehead is only for gramps and grannies? This is one gesture that shows great respect, sincerity and purity of his intentions. I definitely wouldn't mind it at all. 

"One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU...The one who turns to his friends and says, that’s her...""He should not be scared to profess of his undying love and devotion through words. Men have always felt lame if they are vocal with how they feel, but if your guy does not hesitate to say it, give him full credit because he deserves it! He is definitely more of a man than the others who act otherwise.

Many would think this note may be full of nonsense but is it? I certainly beg to differ. Women are often blinded by a man's physique that sometimes the more important considerations are neglected. I don't have the reverie to wake women up and face the reality, however, I would like them to weigh options and see where they could be happier. 

 As for me, I found THE ONE and I am thankful that he showed up in this lifetime.