Work Cut Out

I thought July would be the only month where I would be busy. August came and I thought it would be the busiest month. September came and I said I feel I can relax. True enough, September was a breather. It was the silence before the plunge. I wasted it.

I was able to go on a vacation but it was just not enough. Fortunately, I have learned new things from the training I went through because July and August are not in the same league as October. It will not be in the same league as November. Work seems to be the primary force in my life. The good thing about it is, for me, work is fun and I strongly believe that despite the number of things needed to be accomplished, it is good for me and the people around me.

Indulge me as I rant through the reality of my the action items I need to accomplish at work.



1. Transition - I believe change is good. It creates an opportunity to flesh out new ideas. However, this is a first for me. The first to think how I can make it easier for everyone when new gears are in place. This creates sleepless nights and brain stress.

2. Theartics - I need to help out in a project involving theatrics. I was into theater when I was younger and had experiences. Though not full blown, the mere fact that I there is an expectation is just so fearful especially when in the end, after all the effort and hardwork, the outcome is not in your hand. It is in the taste of the people who will judge it.

3. Organizing - One of the activities I love doing but add this with the theatric stuff, it will take a toll. One of the main item I have to deliver is a video. Sounds easy, but with the marketing campaign being part of it, it sure is not easy.

4. Projects - Managing a group people with diverse personality, needs, and work attitude is a good excercise for the brain and the emotion. With three deliverables before end of year, it is surely going to be a hell of a ride. Projects are related to infrastructure for the unit, people, system, and process.

5. Initiative - Since a new year is in the horizon, we are gearing for the initiative planning. With things not yet in place at the top tier, we have to wait and see what are the important needs of the client before being able to create our own plans. Once they are done, performance measures and reward systems must be tied to it.

Read more!

Boracay Virgin

I admit I am a Boracay Virgin. There, I said it. Good thing, I was not alone. Jen and Fred were “virgins” as well so to speak. As a newbie in Boracay, you can only get tips and advices from those who were there before you. Luckily, we did not follow those advices. We went our own way.

This trip started when Jen was not able to join Baguio because of a baptism. We admonished her for not making the trip and to make amends Jen proposed a different travel on another date. The question was…when would we do it? While waiting for the meeting to resume, Maris declared September and we agreed. We are not going to do a Baguio repeat. Boracay and Hong Kong cropped up. I said, I’d rather go within the country first than outside the country (I am patriotic, whatever! Real reason: Passport not processed yet).

It was decided that we were going to Boracay and Jen mentioned that she would be with Ken and Fred. On September 19, 2008, everything was set for our Boracay get-away. Fred and I were introduced for the first time (though I see him at work since his office is near our Boss’ office). Once Maris and Rex arrived, off we go to the airport. In the excitement (I am a Boracay virgin), we arrived early (I bugged them to make an early call time). Without anything in mind, not knowing what it will offer (aside from the normal water sports --- again virgin who did not ask for any advice), we trekked to the airport 2 hours early. The plane boarded on time but there were late passengers. The nerve of these people trying to ruin my Boracay escapade (at this point I was pissed --- virgin excitement draining away). Despite the late departure, we arrived at Caticlan 5 minutes early, great pilot!

Arriving at Caticlan made me giddy with excitement (well, Jen was also excited). The problem was…where was the forsaken hotel personnel that would help with the transfer? It took us about 10 minutes after exiting the airport before we saw him. How can you see him? The name Jen Tan was written in font size 10 on a whiteboard along with several other names. As we sat on the van, we started planning. What would we do? Where would we go? As we settled down, we were still thinking what we wanted to do first. The first thing that came into my mind was, sleep! Great, isn’t it? What a way to waste my first time? I kept my mouth shut. Maris wanted to shop and Jen agreed. We ate lunch and rested for a few minutes before we sauntered off experiencing the sun, wind, and sea breeze (it was not a breeze it is a very strong breeze like a typhoon is hitting the shores). The trek to D’Mall was eventful. We got more than 10 offers of anything we can do and anything we can buy. As we kept walking, Jonah’s was mentioned where great shakes can be found. Where was it located? Ken said, “Station 1”. I replied, okay. Truly, it is classic response from a Boracay virgin. Instead of asking how far, I went along for the ride, I meant the walk. Not fond of walking, it could have been the longest walk of my life, a peaceful, serene, and feeling the nature type of walk. I loved it. With sunblock and all, I stared at the mighty sun and walked without abandon until I realized my feet were hurting. I am after all human.

Jonah’s was almost at the far end of Station 1. They served shakes. We ordered Papaya Melon for Ken, Choco Peanut for Jen (or was it Fred or Maris), Banana Choco Peanut for Fred (or was it Maris or Jen), Banana Choco for Maris (or was it Fred or Jen), Banana Mocha (for Rex), and Mocha Rhum for me (I drink, no biggie). The drink woke me up and made me tipsy. It was a potent combination. For the rest of the drinks, Banana Mocha got a very bad grade. They did not mix well (I am thinking it has something to do with density). The mocha was at the top while the banana remained at the bottom. Nevertheless, it was invigorating. After the drinks, we made our way to the grotto. Jen clamored for this. No Boracay virgin should miss the grotto, it seems this grotto makes everything there boom. It was definitely serene. Mind you, 6 people are enough on that small of a ledge.

As we tried to settle in on the great island (we walked back to Station 2), a great weekend started. Since it is the beach, a tan (not Jen mind you) would be a great reminder for weeks to come. As we lay on the beach to do just that, the masseurs started arriving. This is nothing new but I still want to point out that a massage on the beach where a strong breeze, a very strong breeze is blowing is absolutely relaxing. I slept (thank God since I only had two hours of it)! The evening would be a waste if we do not try the famous Boracay night life. As we strolled on the beach, a craving came about. The search for the best Isaw on the beach was on. The first Isaw stand we saw was the one near the police station. Manang made a great sauce and the marinade was very good it gives the Isaw a spicy taste. On to the next stand, the next stand was ok but was not remembering. The third stand was near D’mall already. It was near the shop that sells rock-n-roll crepes. It gives discount coupons for the Isaw you eat. This is good for the crepe shop. What a way to bribe us? The best Isaw, Manang near the police station in Station 2. If you are there, find her. To cap the night off, Fred displayed his bartending skills as he asked us the bar to concoct certain drinks. The amaretto drink was soothing and the drink with the grenadine was absolutely great. They hit the mark as Fred described it. Even Maris, who does not drink, liked the drinks. The night was spent discussing mundane things and drinking the night away. We called in early since we have a hectic second day ahead of us.

The hectic day included Island Hopping (1500 for the boat for 4 hours) which I am sure the normal thing for normal people. Nevertheless, I am still describing it since we did something not normal; we stayed at a deserted beach area. Despite the clusters of sea urchin, we swam and bathed there since the water was so cool and refreshing. There was a dilapidated resort that was for sale and the only thing I can say was, whoever will buy it is crazy. The place is called Ilig-iligan beach. During the boat ride, because that was what we did, I noticed that the water sports station was transferred far from the beach front of White Beach. We concluded that the waters are calmer in the said area compared to White Beach. We were thinking that the waters are calmer, on White Beach, during the peak season (summer). If you are into water sports but you do not want to stray away, go during the peak season. However, if you are saving, go during the off-peak season and you can do the water sports at a cheaper rate. It would be more adventurous because the area is farther and the sea floor is deeper.

The highlight of our second day is the ATV. The ATV is like a small tractor slash golf cart. The ride was amazing since you get to drive to Mount Luho and as much rough road you can get. In order to ride the ATV, you must get out of the beach area and ride a tricycle to the far ends of Station 1. Just get a guide to guide you to the place. Nope, you will not enter Station 1 again. With the ATV (which they price at PHP600 during this time --- PHP2000 during peak season), you ride it to Mount Luho with your guide. At Mount Luho, you can see the pristine view of the island. It is just amazing. It was surreal but great. Jen even made a friend here, her name was MaiMai. The trip to Mount Luho was definitely different or it was the Boracay virgin in me that thought Boracay was all beaches.

After that trek, we were exhausted and raring to have dinner. Since it was our last night, the group decided to eat seafood (why not, we are at the seaside after all). We made our way to the talipapa area and purchased seafood. Crabs, oysters, prawns, fish, and lobster cooked in different ways. From sinigang, to buttered prawns, crabs in chili sauce, baked oysters, grilled tuna, and Jen even made another friend, the Lobster shell. Since it was Saturday night, the group decided to chill and have fun. Lo and behold, Mother Nature unleashed a rainy night. After eating, the group just decided to have another massage. This time it was at the comfort of our rooms. What a classic, room service. Despite the rainy Saturday night our trip was a complete and utter success, it was fun and it was adventurous. We got to see sights outside of the beach and we got to see how Boracay became a global tourist destination. Arriving safely in Manila, we plan our next adventure. Two places were presented to the table, Hong Kong and another dose of an exhilarating Boracay adventure. By then, I would no longer be a Boracay virgin.

Trying to be adventurous at Boracay, here are some things that can help along the way:

1. Plan your trip around September (chances of being stormed in is high --- adventure isn’t it)
2. Pack light (Jen is an exception)
2. Prepare clothing for an ATV adventure
3. Wanting to get a tan, use Hawaiian Tropics (not the local products sold at Bora). It would be best if you bring it.
4. Exercise before you leave (try walking for a mile in Manila and I bet that you will enjoy the serene walks at Bora) otherwise just get a massage there.
5. Bring extra cash to try the very luxurious spa around (after all, it is supposed to be a vacation)
6. Go rent an ATV --- go friggin’ rent an ATV. (Experience the cruise control)
7. If you are really adventurous, bring further extra cash and do some water sports. (Plan at least a 4-day vacation for this)
8. If you want to party, hmmm…, pray there is a party going on at any of the Stations --- better yet, pray it is not raining.

Until the next virgin voyage, I am signing off.

Read more!