Applying for a part-time job...

is not easy.

Well, I got a call from Convergys last week. They saw my resume, which I posted at JobStreet.com. I was sooo excited because it was my first time to be called by someone who saw my resume at JobStreet.com. Interested in applying for position? Yes. Part-time or full-time? Part-time. Why? I'm still an undergraduate and I'm enrolling this coming semester. And then she asked me more questions... Just a short interview though. Asked if I was willing to go on shifting locations, shifting schedules, overtime, working even on holidays... To which I replied YES to all.

Then, she asked me to go to Convergys (in Makati) last April 14 at 1:30 pm for a profiling interview. Sheesh. I was sooo excited! Couldn't think about anything else but that! Lolz. :P Anyway, come April 14. It was a good thing though that Mommy, my grandma, volunteered to drop me off at Convergys. Yey! Free transpo! :D First, we went to Asia Pacific College with Mariah because she's gonna take the entrance exam there. She's planning to take Multimedia Arts. No entrance exam fee! And of course, she passed! :D (I don't think anyone fails there, anyway.) After that, we went to Makati already. We had a hard time finding the place because we took a wrong turn... and I forgot to mention to Mommy, who was driving, that Convergys is located in front of Makati Medical Center and also in front of RCBC. Sheesh. :P It was a good thing that we got lost too because I had to print my resume first.

We finally found Convergys a few minutes before 1:30 pm. The lobby is sooo full! As in jam packed. Looked like hundreds of applicants waiting to be called. It's a combination of walk-in applicants and those who were already phone screened. So I got there around 1:30, right? Around 3 pm, I still wasn't called. So I thought, hey why don't I go to the washroom first and freshen up? So I went to the washroom, which was on the 3rd floor. When I got back to the lobby, someone told me that my name was already called. Sheesh. After several followups, the receptionist told me that I'll be included in the next batch. So I said, okay... I can wait. It was around 4:30 when I got called for the profiling interview. It was really 2 technical tests... very easy if you're a techie. Exam was good for 20 minutes and there were 2 exams so good for 40 minutes. I finished the 2 tests in less than 20 minutes. Hehehe. I scored 19/20 and 16/20. Not bad, considering that most of the people there scored an average of 10 per exam. It wasn't a pass or fail thingy though. If you get a high score, you'll be placed in a technical account. If not, then you'll be placed somewhere else.

So in the batch, I was the first to go up to the 3rd floor for the initial interview. Just like in the lobby, it was jam-packed. I only got a seat because a gentleman gave up his seat for me. :) I saw several friends there. Hehe. It was kind of surprising... a colleague, a neighbor, etc.

I was called again... not even 5 minutes after I arrived at the 3rd floor. This time, for a briefing/orientation. The lady, which I'll name Rona in this blog, was very cool! She's got this funny attitude! She was quite intimidating, according to the person who sat beside me during the orientation. Anyway, for me, she was extremely funny. She asked us to read some paragraphs. She told me I speak very good English. Diction, pronunciation, tone, etc. all good. :D She also gave some tips that will help us during our initial interview.

After that, we went back to the lobby and asked to wait for our names to be called for the initial interview. We waited for around 30 minutes, more or less. Now, the initial interview... I was surprised to hear Rona call 4 names, one of which was mine. We were asked to follow her into a room. It was a group interview which lasted around 30 minutes. It was fun! Basically, she first confirmed all the details in our application forms. Then, the usual interview questions... You probably have an idea what they already are. Anyway...

Results were out around 10 minutes after the interview. Three names were called, mine wasn't one of them, and a sheet of paper was handed out to each of them. The bearers held sad looks on their faces. Then, Rona turned to me and asked me to wait for the final interview.

OMG. I almost leaped with joy! That just means that I passed the initial interview. :D Thank God! And then, another girl came out, called my name... She got out a pen and paper and told me that I have to go back the next day at 11 am for the final interview. It was already well into the night so they're all rescheduling final interviews. It was a good thing that I saw some neighbors earlier... They were Alvin and Ed. It was around 8 pm when we left the building. So we decided to eat dinner first at Jollibee. Gotta use the gift certificate that Convergys gave us. Hehe. Then, we went home.

When I got home, I received a message telling me that my final interview was moved to Wednesday, same time. Cool! :D I got a day of rest... Lolz. And besides, I need to go to Mercury Drug Corporation (in Libis) to pass some forms and be scheduled for an orientation. It's for my internship.

So, now... April 16. Time for the final interview. I arrived at Convergys at exactly 11 am. I got called at 4 pm. Imagine, I had to wait 5 hours just for the final interview. It was okay for me though because I brought a book, Dragonfly by John Farris. I actually finished almost half of the book during those 5 hours. :P

When I got in the interview room, Judy, the interviewer, asked me if I know of the part-time schedules. I don't know. I don't have any idea because Rona told us last Monday that the information will be disclosed to us during the final interview. Lo and behold... Training starts on June 19, I think. And the schedule is from 6 am to 12 noon! OMG! Panic mode... My classes in Pharmacy are scheduled during the morning. I was hoping that there will be a schedule for training in the evening. Apparently, there was none. So I had to think first.

I pretended to consult my planner. So Judy told me that I can think about it first if I want to. She asked me how I'll be able to manage that since she knows that class schedules in UP can be fixed, but up to a certain limit only. She's right. A full time student in the College of Pharmacy could not manage that kind of schedule. If the training sched was at night, I could manage though. Besides, work was only 4 hours, 4 days a week. I dunno how much I'll earn though but it doesn't really matter. So there, she asked me to consider it first and come back after I've fixed my sched. I hope I get to see her soon... but I'm afraid I cannot fix my schedule in such a way that all my classes will be held from 1 pm onwards. That is just a ridiculous idea since classes in Pharmacy are usually held mornings. My goodness. Judy told me that Convergys doesn't want me to fail just because of the part-time work there... That's sweet though. What a big conflict in schedule.

So I thanked her... and again she apologized for letting me wait that long. I said, it was okay... nice meeting her. :D Sheesh. I was just getting the feel of the place and then I won't be able to work there. *sigh* So I went back to the lobby at the ground floor and drank 2 cups of coffee. They have this Nescafe dispenser there that offers free coffee. Several varieties to choose from. I got 2 cups of coffee with cream and sugar... then I got my valid ID... and decided to go home.

I went to Jollibee first to buy some lunch. I wasn't hungry but I felt the need to eat so I bought the burger meal there. Then I started my way home.

Now, I think I'll try to apply at Starbucks instead. Apart from the fact that I love their coffee, I heard that they treat their employees well. :D Now that's what I like. :D

Didn't realize that this entry will get this long. Lolz.

To those who read til the end, hugs for you! :D

10 H's (tagged by EJ)

Notice to those who previously tagged me: I'm sooo sorry... di ako talaga nakikisali sa mga tag-tag thingy. :P I was just somehow "forced". lolz. Peace EJ! ^__^

Ang hirap mag-isip ng 10 H's ah. At ilan ba dapat ang i-tag ko? Hmmm...

Well, here goes my list.

Happy - That is what I feel right now. :D My day just went well. First thing, we went to visit Tita Sister. She's my aunt, who's a nun. We had great merienda and lunch there. :P The sisters were just very hospitable. It was also time for chika-chika. Then, we went to Mall of Asia where we spent more than 6 hours strolling, shopping, and eating. :P Then, we went to 6pm mass. This is just a totally great day. :D

High School Friends - High School is a very special period in my life... This is the time where I met some of my friends for life. :) I'm so happy to have them coz they're just truly remarkably friends who'll stay with you through thick or thin.

Hernandez  - Naku... Bakit ba ito ang lumabas sa isip ko?! This person deserves a separate post... or maybe not. Buti na lang at di nya to mababasa. Nakakahiya. Feeling nya, napakaimportante nya. Hahaha! Basta, isang taong naging Zahir ko for a while. Actually, hanggang ngayon nasa isip ko pa rin sya. Bakit nya kasi ako iniwan? At bakit sya biglang nagparamdam? As in kani-kanina lang. Sana di na lang sya nagparamdam ng tuluyan. Para hindi na ko aasang muli.

Hanggang Kailan - ba ako maghihintay? (EJ, tignan mo... nakakarelate talaga ako sa paghihintay mo. Hehe.)

Hero - My first boyfriend was my hero... and he was also my greatest downfall. :(

Him - the title of a poem that I wrote when I was in High School. Syempre this poem was about love... but it was not a love between me and that special someone. It was a poem of unrequited love.

Horror - Some people love watching horror movies. I'm simply not one of them. I love watching thriller/suspense movies... but never the ones with so much gore.

High School Musical - I love the soundtracks here. :D I've memorized all of them... hehe. Speaking of HSM, I liked Gabriela during the first installment. But upon watching HSM 2, I kinda hated her for the way she acts. :P Sharpay is just sooo cool in HSM 2!

Okay... two more to go. I'm really having a hard time.

Because it's sooo...

Hard to let go... - Katrina and I are chatting right now... and that just popped into my mind. Kasi naman... :(

And so... down to the last one. I...

Hate Broken Promises  - You know why? Because promises are NOT made to be broken. They're meant to be kept. I hate it when someone makes a promise and then breaks it. It's just terribly mean to lead me on to nothing! I know a lot of you can relate to what I'm saying here... Don't ever keep a promise that you can't keep.

Okay, now I tag: Nikki Tacata, Katrina Omar, Katrina Costelo, Janina Sy, Louie Ona, Roland Pada, Eizel Flores, Randy Benosa, Ralph Jacinto, Joseph Chua. :D

Give me 10 M's!

080807 A Trip to the Hospital

Because Mariah was sick... :(

072807 Jacq's Birthday

Happy Birthday Jacq! She's my lovely cousin. ^__^

K1

Pictures taken using Motorola K1. :D This is my mom's phone... Hehe. I already posted these pics before in 2 separate albums. So I decided to condense them into 1. :D

My Accessories

Check out my earrings and some necklaces displayed using a 6-level revolving earrings and accessories holder. :) Then, I used a mug holder to hold my our bracelets. :)

These accessories are the one that we use frequently. We have more accessories but we keep them in several tin boxes. :) Plus, we have jewelry sets too! :D

In the earrings holder, earrings are arranged by design, by type, by color... necklaces are placed in the handles attached to the central pole. :)

Totally eye candy! :D

When people see these, they say, "Oooh... aaah... lovely!"

This is probably the main attraction of our hallway. :P Lolz. But it's funny coz every time friends and friends of my siblings visit our home, this is probably one of the many things that they'll forever remember as part of the Sanchez home. :D

Every piece has a story to tell... Just ask me, and I'll tell you.

♥

2005 The Manila Collegian Christmas Party

Damn... I miss my friends! :) Sana magkaron ulit ng ganito! :D

2005 The Manila Collegian Batch Con

These were just some of the pics taken during our Batch Consolidation. Awww... I miss my batch!

February 24, 2008 YFC Grand Reunion and Post-Valentine Party

Pics taken using Milette's cam. :) We shot these pictures around 12 midnight, I think. Basta, it was super late already. :P

A Short Yet Wonderful Life With Lucius

Fantasia’s Luscious Lucius is the dog of my dreams. I was praying for him for so long that I was ecstatic when God answered my prayers.
 
I have first seen a Shih Tzu in our old and rusty encyclopedia encased in a bookshelf that is as old and frayed as the encyclopedia. Its very elegant appearance and stance plus the long hair and cute face totally appealed to me. I wanted to have my own Shih Tzu since I was in 3rd grade.
 
But God gave me heart’s desire after almost 10 years. I was so delighted that I did everything to make Lucius’ life the best he could have.
 
May 19, 2005 at 9 in the evening, I fetched Lucius at the airport. I asked my father, who works in the airport, to go with me so I could get Lucius easily. True enough, getting to Lucius was as easy as blinking. Lucius was a gift from a Chinese breeder. J I hugged Lucius immediately and went home to clean him up and let him rest because he had a long flight.
 
We stopped by G-Unit Net Café, an internet café that my family owns, so that I could Lucius to everyone. Lucius actually pooped in the carrier and after cleaning him up, I placed him on my lap so he could rest. My, does he smell so good. J We took pictures using a webcam and those are the only pictures of the two of us that I have.
 
I love Lucius so much! I went to a veterinarian and got all the shots that he need… That’s so no bad things could harm my beloved Lucius.
 
Quickly, he became the apple of the family’s eyes. Everyone in the family couldn’t wait to get home from school and work just to see and hug Lucius. Lucius, being a boy, is very naughty and could run so fast that I have to really run to catch him. He learns easily that’s why in less than 2 weeks he responds to his name and could also do some tricks. J He remained small… smaller than the average Shih Tzu. Nevertheless, he owned a big place in my heart.
 
I usually bring him with me when there are Dog Agility Camps, Dog Shows, etc. Though he can’t run like the other big dogs, I just let him play with them. A dog has got to have friends too, you know. J And what I really love about Lucius is that he is such a social butterfly like I am.
 
I also learned how to groom a Shih Tzu. I bought combs, shampoo, conditioners, hair bands, etc. and everyday, I comb Lucius’ hair to keep it from matting. Since Lucius is a very naughty puppy, I have a hard time removing the hair mats. Fortunately, my mom helped me groom Lucius.
 
Lucius also sleeps beside me and we have cool air around the house. Hehehe…
 
One day, Lucius was brought back to the breeder. It was a big scene and I was really hurt when they got Lucius from me. I can’t believe that people would say terrible things about me and Lucius… My mom thinks that maybe they’re just jealous because I have a wonderful Lucius. Some people are just really mean… and I do understand that.
 
Lucius is now almost 2 years old and I keep on wondering where he is right now. What does he look like? Has he grown? Is his hair long now? And does he miss me?
 
Now, I still can’t believe how short the time was when Lucius and I were together. But those few months would be cherished forever in my heart.
 
“Love is like an uncut diamond. One false stroke and it can shatter intro fragments… and all that remains is a scatter of tears.”
 
To Lucius, wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. I love you!

A Short Yet Wonderful Life With Lucius and pictures
©Copyrighted by Jean Monique N. Sanchez, Parañaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Written exclusively for Terridon Shih Tzu and The Shih Tzu Chronicles volume II.

The Manila Collegian...

"In the midst of a deafening cry for social change in a society beset with inequalities, journalism cannot find a neutral sanctuary. Either it contributes to the prolonging of the night, or it helps in the ushering of the dawn. after all, TO WRITE IS ALREADY TO CHOOSE."

121707 Birthday at Gerry's Grill

Mommy's Treat. Thanks!

With Mommy, Papa, Mikey, Mariah, and Patrick. :)

Pics from Mikey's Phone

Taken last year... :)

April 08, 2008 Swimming at Palmridge Private Resort

We were invited by our relatives last April 7 to join the outing. :) The place was ours from 8am to 7pm. :P My family and I arrived at the resort at around 11:30 am. Lolz... So late! :P Anyway, we still had so much time to have fun anyway!

It was sooo great to see my little cousins again... Wee. :D

Thanks to my relatives... for a very memorable day!

The place is great. :D Love it! For more info regarding Palmridge Private Resort, visit http://www.geocities.com/palmridgeresort/

April 06, 2008 Kuya Neil and Ate Lanie's Wedding

Time: 3pm
Where: Hearts of Jesus & Mary Parish Church, West Triangle, Quezon City
Reception: Red Dragon Function Room, Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Kuya Neil's my Uncle. He's my dad's cousin... :D Great and fun wedding! :D So great to see all my relatives again. :P I had a small role during the mass... I led the Prayers of the Faithful. ^__^

Congratulations to Ate Lanie and Kuya Neil! :D May God bless them with so many kids! :D

Pinakbet

Description:
Pinakbet is a popular Ilocano dish, from the northern regions of the Philippines, although it has become popular throughout the archipelago. The word is the contracted form of the Ilocano word "pinakebbet", meaning shrunk or shrivelled. The original Ilocano pinakbet uses bugguong, of fermented monamon or other fish, while further south, bagoong alamang is used. Usually its most basic vegetables used in this dish include native bitter melon, eggplant, tomato, ginger, okra, string beans, lima beans, chili peppers and various Filipino vegetables like parda, winged beans, and such. A Tagalog version usually includes kalabasa. Most of these vegetables are easily accessible, and are grown in backyards and gardens of most Ilocano households. As its name suggests, it is usually cooked until almost dry and shrivelled, however, the flavors of the vegetables are emphasized and accentuated with the help of bagoong. In some cases, lechon, chicharon, or other meats (most commonly pork) is added.

Estimated cooking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:
1/4 kilo pork with fat, cut into small pieces
2 Amapalya (bitter melons) sliced to bite size pieces
2 eggplants, sliced to bite size pieces
5 pieces of okra, cut in two
1 head garlic, minced
2 onions, diced
5 tomatoes, sliced
1 tablespoon of ginger, crushed and sliced
4 tablespoons bagoong isda or bagoong alamang
3 tablespoons of oil
1 1/2 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
In a cooking pan, heat oil and fry the pork until brown, remove the pork from the pan and set aside.

On the same pan, saute garlic, onion, ginger and tomatoes.

In a casserole, boil water and add bagoong. Add the pork in the casserole and mix in the sautéed garlic, onion, ginger and tomatoes. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add in all the vegetables and cook until the vegetables are done, careful not to overcook.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot with plain rice.

Leche Flan

Description:
This is one of my favorite desserts, although very hard to make and uber time-consuming as well.

Mas gusto ko tong kainin kesa gawin!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Estimated cooking time: 1 hour

Ingredients:
1 can (390g) evaporated milk
1 can (390g) condensed milk
10 egg yolks
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon essence (I haven't tried using banana extract but some say that it's okay to use. My mom, on the other hand, uses calamansi in preparing leche flan.)

For the caramel:
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water

Directions:
In a saucepan, mix the sugar and water. Bring to a boil for a few minutes until the sugar caramelizes.

Pour the caramelized sugar into aluminum molds - you can use any shape: oval, round or square. Spread the caramel on the bottom of the molds.

Mix well the evaporated milk, condensed milk, egg yolks and vanilla by hand or blender. Gently pour the mixture on top of the caramel on the aluminum molds. Fill the molds to about 1 to 1 1/4 inch thick. Cover molds individually with aluminum foil. Steam for about 20 minutes OR Bake for about 45 minutes. Before baking the Leche Flan, place the molds on a larger baking pan half filled with very hot water. Pre-heat oven to about 370 degrees before baking.

Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate.

To serve: Run a thin knife around the edges of the mold to loosen the Leche Flan. Place a platter on top of the mold and quickly turn upside down to position the golden brown caramel on top.

Tip: As with baking, you can tell when the Leche Flan is cooked by inserting a knife. If it comes out clean, it is cooked.