The Marawi Culture

April 30, 2008

One of my tasks for today was to confirm the meeting of some partner school and of SMART for SWEEP. I also helped Elline and Ms. Kring in the articles about the Maranao Festival and the Ethnic Dances of Lanao. I did research for supporting facts and photos. While surfing the net for research, I got to know that the Marawi City is the only city in the Philippines where more than 90 percent of the population is Muslim. Residents of Marawi City strictly observe and practice regulatory orders that correspond to Islam beliefs and traditions. Alcoholic beverages and gambling activities are prohibited in the city. Vending of pork is illicit and karaoke clubs are also taboo because the people of Marawi believe that such will tempt and encourage people to go to nightclubs and other amusement places --- acts which are not allowed in their tribe. Also, as part of their social custom, Muslim women should wear veils and cover their heads (one of the most visible among their culture). Their culture is really conservative and preserved.

Before the busy day ended, Elline and I pampered ourselves. After going out in the SMART building, we went to Krispy Kreme and bought donuts for takeout… It’s really pampering…

We’ll try to come back in Krispy Kreme again tomorrow.

Last Day, Oh No!

May 09, 2008

I can’t believe my internship in SMART Public Affairs is already finished. I realized how time flies so fast that I did not even notice that I was going beyond the required number of work hours in my internship (which is 100 hrs). Based from my calculation, my work hours in Public Affairs reached almost 150 hrs… and I still want to continue… but then I have to start working in a NGO since it is also part of the requirement.


In addition to our OJT requirements, we had to give the people who supervised us the evaluation form for them to evaluate our performance as interns. We also have to come- up with a scrap- book about our whole experience as interns. Elline and I took pictures (as many as we could) of us in the office and with every thing that has Smart logo in it. We saw some Smart bags and we did use them in our photos. Of course, the people in Public Affairs won’t be absent in our scrapbook. We took plenty photos with them and luckily they were game with it- some even showed wacky faces- which I find so cool.

That afternoon, Ms. Pat, one of the managers in Public Affairs, had a send- off party because is resigning and she’ll be working in another company. There were food (which are very delicious, especially the spaghetti!) and lots of picture taking. They were telling us, especially Sir Mon and Sir Darwin, to deliver a speech about what we have learned and our experiences in our stay in Public Affairs. They also told us to showcase our talents like singing and dancing…Neither we deliver our speeches nor showcased our talents. Me and Elline were quite shocked and nervous because we were shy and we were not prepared for that… Well, that may be possible if we had a little time to prepare and practice.Whew…!


Furthermore, we said our deep gratitudes and goodbyes to all of them. It is quite sad but the happiness in me matters the most because I was able to meet the people there and work with some of them. I will certainly miss everything in Public Affairs- the work environment and or course, the people especially those who are closest to me.

-------------------------------Smile!------------------------------------------

i love SMART.

Finally I got my ID

May 08, 2008

We just got our ID cards this day. It’s funny because tomorrow is our last day in Public Affairs and we just received our IDs this day. Ms. Je Ann, the HR Officer, told us to surrender our IDs by tomorrow to the HR Department because they will shred them-that’s the policy. But even though I’ll be able to use and wear it just for 2 days, it’s still the experience of having the SMART Public Affairs ID that makes me grateful and delighted.

Anyway, since this day is our second to the last day in Public Affairs as an intern, I can’t believe that our internship in SMART is about to end. Time really flies so fast. Even some of the Public Affairs employees were quite surprised that tomorrow is our last day. I will surely miss the environment, the work and the people in Public Affairs.

Tomorrow will be a bit sad day for me but I will do my best to make it meaningful and memorable.

Lighter

May 07, 2008

I feel lighter now especially that I had the chance to talk to Ms. Nova yesterday and clear things out.
I continued to send the letters, registration forms and waivers for the faculty immersion of the 40 SWEEP Schools.

Sir Aj, Elline and I had out lunch in Tokyo Tokyo near Convergys and People Support. Since it was kind of a long walk from the office, when we got back in our working area, Elline and I were hungry again. I think the food that we ate for lunch was easily digested during that long walk.

When we got out in the office, Elline and I dropped by the Schu Boutique. Actually, we were also there last night; we just want to see the funky and stylish shoes again. Just like Krispy Kreme, they pamper us too…

I shared Elline my feelings and thoughts about the conversation that Ms. Nova and I had yesterday. Elline said that its okay and that I have to learn from it. I must also be careful in my words and deeds. I feel so much lighter now.

Learn from mistakes

May 06, 2008

I started to send the letters, registration forms and waivers for the faculty immersion of the 40 SWEEP Schools. When Ms. Nova arrived in the office, I updated her about it and I apologized for yesterday’s happening (wrong sent message). She told me we have to talk but we have to work first.

By 11:00 am, Ms. Nova and I went to the conference room. During our conversation, she said that I am doing a good job as an intern and she was shocked when she received that kind of message from me. I found out that my message was really off to her. The message contains a word that is harsh, but its meaning was not what I meant. I explained to her everything about that message. It’s just an expression of mine such as shocks, oh my gosh, yikes, sh*t and that message was supposedly for Elline. I really felt ashamed and sorry. I almost cried to her. She told me that I must learn from my mistake, keep my emotions in myself and respect people especially the supervisors.

She said it will be nothing to her. I just have to learn my lesson. I will really learn from it.
I felt a little relieved when we hugged each other.

By coincidence

May 05, 2008

When I got in the office this morning, Sir Aj approached me and gave Ms. Nova’s instructions to me. I had to prepare the letters together with registration forms and waivers for the faculty immersion of the 40 SWEEP Schools, print them out and have them signed by Sir Mon Isberto then send them out to the designated schools. Elline, my classmate and also a friend of mine who is also an intern in Public Affairs, told me that I'll be joining her and her Dad in their interview with Toni Gonzaga in the afternoon of that day. So I got excited. When I finished printing the letters, registration forms and waivers, Sir Mon was currently in a meeting and Sir Darwin was out so I texted Ms. Nova to whom should I have them signed. She said that we’ll just send all of them tomorrow. Since I was looking forward to send them all, I was quite ‘nanghinayang’ because I wanted to finish the task that was given to me.

Elline at that time was already in the interview. I texted her saying that I’ll be sending the papers on the next day and I also asked her if I can still go there and join them in the interview. By coincidence, I sent that text message to Ms. Nova. I texted Ms. Nova and apologized for what I’ve done. I’ll say my sorry to her tomorrow. I really feel sorry. I am shy for what I’ve done. Really.

Beyond the limit

May 02, 2008

Just like yesterday, I researched and revised for another article. I also did some follow- ups for the Hotel Reservation that Ms. Nova will be staying in for the SWEEP meeting in Cabanatuan.

When I saw my Daily Time Record, I tried to calculate the number of hours that I already rendered. I found out that I’m going beyond 100 hrs (which is the required number of hours). But that’s fine with me because I know that in every time I am spending it sensibly in every work, and I’m getting pleasure from it.

Struck

April 29, 2008

It was already 8:30 pm and I was in the lobby of the 8th floor (the area between Public Affairs and Customer Care Office), sitting in the sofa. While waiting for Elline to come out in the Public Affairs office, I saw Ate (the janitress in the Smart Public Affairs Office) sweeping the floor. I smiled at her and she also smiled at me. I talked to her, asked some questions and she also did the same. When I mentioned that I’m currently having my internship in SMART, I was really struck by what she replied. She said that I am very lucky and blessed that I can study. According to her, she wasn’t able to finish her studies because her family can’t afford her education. She said that I must study well so that I will not be like her.

This day would be one of the most meaningful and unforgettable day for me. I wanted to stay there in the sofa for a while and have more time to talk to Ate but it was getting late and she also has some work to do. When Elline came out, I said my goodbye to Ate and became silent for a moment. Hearing that striking saying was like hearing a huge alarm clock that can make a sleeping person deaf. It was like a big slap on my face. I definitely agree to Ate in everything she said at that short moment and it must be a forever reminder for me. I hope it will always stay not only on my mind but also in my heart so that I will be motivated in all my endeavors feel that I am so fortunate for having my education.

In addition, I am also lucky and blessed that I was able to meet someone like Ate and I was also able to talk to her even in a short span of time. She’s an inspiration to me. I wish to see her again in the coming days.

19th floor and the corny jokes

April 28, 2008

Aside from revising the article that I am working on right now, I also prepared the letters for some SWEEP Schools. Smart is asking some schools to have a meeting for them to discuss the next phase of their partnership and also the details of the new SWEEP. I sent the letters to the respective schools and confirmed the date, time and venue of the said meeting.

It was my first time to be in the 19th floor of the SMART Tower 1 and I met some foreign guests there. Based from what I’ve heard, they are having some agreements with Smart in putting up a project. Ms. Nova instructed me to go to the 19th floor (where the foreign guests had their meeting), lead them to Public Affairs Office and inform them that they will be having their lunch in Salt and Pepper Restaurant with some of the Public Affairs staff. When I got there, the meeting was not yet over so I waited. Ms. Nova called me up and she said that I can go back to Public Affairs Office since there are already people who will assist the guests. I returned to the 8th floor and continued my work.

Lunch time. I had my lunch with Sir Aj only because Elline was out for an event with Sir Manny. Then Sir Ryan, one of the cadet engineers who joined the GK Housebuild in Nakar, got in. I can say that among all the cadet engineers that we’ve met and acquainted, Sir Ryan is one of the most friendly and down-to-earth. The three of us were exchanging jokes, and they said that mine were really corny… Just like what my friends always tell whenever I crack jokes.
While we were waiting for the elevator, I was still making some jokes. That time they were already laughing not because the jokes are funny but because they are corny… Oh well, I had fun and I hope they too.

Small world

April 25, 2008

Like what I wrote in my journal last night, I was supposed to go to the Gawad Kalinga Gen. Nakar in Quezon and assist Sir Aj in facilitating the activities but I had to finish the SWEEP Schools’ directory and profile. Although I was a bit sad because I was looking forward to be in the GK Housebuild again, I am still pleased right now because I finished the SWEEP Schools’ directory and profile. J Elline texted me and I’m glad to know that everything is fine there. After the SWEEP School’s directory, I searched for supporting photos for the article which Ms. Kring, Elline and I are working on right now.

I had my lunch alone which was a first time for me since I usually eat with Elline and Sir Aj in the 8th floor cafeteria. In the cafeteria while I was buying my food, I saw Allan (Elline’s crush). J He asked me why I was alone then I told him that Sir Aj is in GK Housebuild- Gen. Nakar together with Elline. He also asked me why I did not come with them. I told him that I had to finish my work. (Elline must be jealous… haha…)

What’s more interested in my day today is that the bus that I rode earlier this morning was also the same bus that I rode going back in our dorm this evening. Small world! In addition (to the similarities), I was also standing (while I was inside the bus) in both my trips going to Smart Tower and going back to our dorm (Hello varicose veins!). But somehow I took that experience (of standing inside the bus while commuting) as a challenge and a lesson. I rarely stood whenever I commute and rode buses before. The experience will be so memorable for me (since that became a routine when I started my internship in SMART). It tested not only my stamina but especially my patience and composure. I had to bear with it since all the buses every morning were really overloaded with passengers.

One thing at a time

April 24, 2003

The SWEEP Schools directory and database are almost complete… I’m almost there. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go to the GK Housebuild in Gen. Nakar Quezon since I will finish the directory and database and tomorrow’s the deadline. I am really looking forward to have another GK Housebuild experience but I also have to consider my other important tasks. I think that's a good lesson to learn- to focus on one thing and to know what to prioritize to. There may be some task that may intervene along the way. There are also instances which challenge a person to have multi- tasks, which is also good because he/ she can practice his/ her managerial skills as well as to balance the time and tasks. But doing and prioritizing things one at a time would be helpful too because it will give the person more focus on his/ work.

Who knows? There may be a lot of GK Housebuilds to come…. and when that time comes, I hope I am available. Elline will take charge since I am not going to Gen. Nakar to assist Sir Aj. What I need to focus on tomorrow is the SWEEP Schools directory and database and finish them. Go GO GO!

LATEst time-out

April 23, 2008

I got out in the office at 9:00 pm and so far this is my most late time out now. The people in Public Affairs were already asking me and Elline why we were still there in the office at that time. Even though it’s quite late, I think it’s worth it because I was able to use my time wisely. I’m not yet finished on it but I acquired myriad details and updates for the SWEEP School’s directory and database.
This experience made me think that work really demands a lot of time and even sacrifices. I also think that professionalism entail these things and later on, these will bring fruits and will labor good results.

I can’t wait to work. I want to be a professional already. I want to experience working overtime with bunch of people who are very eager and determined in doing their work yet can still put a smile on their face- that would be a good motivation.

“A Smart Life”

*an Earth Day concert with Joey Ayala and the kids of Multiple Intelligence International School

April 22, 2008

(Elline & I during the Earth day concert)

It’s so nice to know that Smart has initiatives towards the environment. They have tree- planting projects wherein they have planted more than 100, 000 trees. They also explore alternative energy sources by using wind power, they use biofuel and fuel treatment units to decrease carbon emission. Likewise, they limit the use of air- conditioning operations from 7:00 a.m.- 7:00 p.m., implement “smoke- free” environment, convert all lighting fixtures to energy efficient light bulbs, and they adopt a company wide PC hibernation practice. Smart is indeed an environment- friendly company.

Part of Smart’s initiatives is also the dissemination of awareness to its employees and one perfect example for this is the Earth Day Concert, which was made possible through the cooperation of the Public Affairs group. Joey Ayala who sang his songs led the Earth Day concert together with the talented students of Multiple Intelligence International School. These songs not only made the concert remarkable and learning but also the elaboration of Joey Ayala in each song made it very inspiring. Each song depicts the world of today, the environment, the people and life’s reality. The concert was very interactive because he taught us to sing some of his songs and everyone participated. Actually, when I knew that Joey Ayala would be part of the concert, I was looking forward to it. I am a fan of Joey Ayala and I am familiar to his music. It was my fourth day in Smart as an intern then and it was my first time to watch him in a live performance. I was very happy not only for the reason that I was able to see and meet new faces but because I was also able to know the real and exact interpretation of his songs and I got to understand them better.

Moreover, one of the main highlights of the event was to feature the paintings made by the 12 kids of Multiple Intelligence International School. They were so active and very much engaging. Before Joey Ayala sang his song, they would exhibit their paintings and explain the story behind each painting. Their paintings are about the ways on how to save the environment. As a matter of fact, their paintings became the main design in one of Smart’s Calendar with a catchy statement “If Kids can, You too can make a SMART Difference!” Furthermore, They also sang and played their instruments with Joey Ayala. Their musical instruments are made from wood and recycled materials, which includes used bottles and gallons of mineral water, used tin cans and sticks. They also proved their creativity by having these recycled materials painted in different colors, shapes and designs. Since it was an interactive event, the kids gave the audience some of these recycled materials and asked the audience to join them in singing as well as in playing the instruments.

The Earth Day Concert was held last April 22, 2008 in rooms 3301 and 3302 at the 33rd floor of Smart Tower.

Callout challenge

April 21, 2008


Searching the internet and callouts are very necessary to update the SMART SWEEP Schools Database but I find the callouts to be more challenging for me. Some of the people whom I’ve talked to speak a different dialect- bisaya, Ilocano and kapampangan- and some also have different approach (or I should say temper). There are also some who weren’t sure about the information that they were giving me and so they advised me to call them tomorrow to confirm about it. It also challenged me (especially my patience) when I was being connected to different departments (information department, student affairs office, president office and the like) which took time yet when I asked them about the details of their school, they don’t know. Although there are chances like that, I still make sure that I always sound pleasant while talking to them.
There were also some who were asking for sponsorship for specific school activities and for internship assistance. I just suggested them to log on at Smart’s website for inquiries and more information. I find it very interesting and good to know because they really do have a big trust to SMART and to its service. SMART has truly proven its incomparable service to the people.

Aside from updating the SMART SWEEP Schools Database, we also helped Ms. Twiggy in doing the callouts for the Earth Day Concert. Invitations have been disseminated for the guests and we confirmed if they are coming or not. So far, there’s a few number of guests who will come on the Earth Day concert. We still have to call the other guests again tomorrow for their confirmation.

Gawad Kalinga Housebuild- General Nakar, Quezon Province

April 18, 2008

One of my most memorable experiences in Smart is the Gawad Kalinga Housebuild in General Nakar Quezon Province that was held on April 18, 2008 with the 58 cadet engineers who volunteered in the housebuild. I was told about it the day before the event (my first day in Public Affairs) and I was excited when I found out that I will also come in Nakar, Quezon because it’s been a long time since I attended a GK build in our Youth For Christ community.

It was my second day as an intern then. I helped in the registration, distribution of kits and food and I also assisted Sir AJ (the program head of the day’s event) in the other tasks. While we were on our way to Nakar, I observed that all the volunteers were really excited in the activities that were prepared for them. I was able to interview several of them. They entertained all my questions which made me more comfortable in mingling with them though at first they were shy because I was using a video cam to record their interviews. During the interviews, I was able to know them, their names and their expectations on the event. All of them were very excited and looking forward to build houses, to know more people in the local community and most of all, to help. Majority of them were first- timers in a Gawad Kalinga

housebuild but some had been in volunteer activities back in their high school and college days. I also asked what volunteerism for them is, and according to them, it is on volunteerism when one shares and finds happiness and fulfillment in helping others wholeheartedly without asking anything in return. I was also able to interview Manong Eric, our tour coordinator in Nakar, Quezon. Even if he is not a cadet engineer, he willingly volunteered himself to help in the housebuild.

Although it is a very hot and sun- drenched Friday when we got in Nakar, the volunteers were so cool. As a matter of fact, they did not mind the weather; they enjoyed every work that they have had. From the carrying of hollow blocks, getting water from the deep well, mixing pales of water, gravel and sand and mixing all of them to the cementing of the walls and floors- these were some of the experiences that the volunteers really relished and shared with one another. I was also able to talk to some of the residents of Nakar and it is very good to hear from them that they are very happy, grateful and lucky that Smart is helping them in the most possible ways it can. They wish that the other Smart bosses could also come and visit their area so that the bosses can see the fruit of Smart’s initiative in catering the needs of their community. I saw their remarkable sculptures, mostly sculpture of fishes for the reason that fishing was their main source of living before the catastrophic typhoons hit their place. It amazes me not only of the artworks but because I found out that the makers of the sculptures did not undergo any formal training in sculpting. They only had a one-week seminar/ training for sculpting, courtesy of Smart and Mr. Rey Contreras, a professional sculptor.

While we were on our way back to Smart Tower, the cadet engineers were still active. I interviewed some of the volunteers regarding their feedback on the event. After the housebuild, they are more proud that they are working in Smart and that Smart has various projects that help towards the development of different communities. They felt fulfilled and delighted not only because they became part of the housebuild activity but because they were able to help and contribute in the community through their volunteerism act. They said they are looking forward to participate to more volunteer activities of Smart.

Above all, I really enjoyed the whole experience for today. I hope to participate in more GK Housebuilds to come.

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These are some of the magnificent and one- of- a kind sculptures (made out ot wood) of the fishermen in Nakar:

nice!

The beginning (My first day in SMART Public Affairs)

April 17, 2008

Since me and Elline had to settle some papers in the HR Department, we started working in Public Affairs Office by around 3 p.m. Before we started our work, Ms. Jo An did some briefing regarding the kind of work that we will be doing as interns. My excitement got higher when I was informed that I’ll be going to General Nakar Quezon and assist in the Gawad Kalinga Housebuild. I like fieldworks!

My first task was to update the SWEEP Directory by calling the 40 schools and verify some of their profile like their current university/ college president, the VPs for academic affairs, student affairs, finance, and administration, the dean of the college of engineering, foundation day/s and their estimated population. In addition to that, I had to confirm too their contact information such as their existing telephone/ fax numbers and email addresses. Most of the people I have talked to were student assistants and secretaries. I am glad that majority of them are accommodating although there were some who (I think) have little patience, or maybe they are just tired or stressed at work… or maybe they found me too questioning... and I hope they understand that the updates are not purely for SMART but also for them since they are in partnership with SMART.

When it comes to the work environment, I observed that the Public Affairs Office is a very comfortable and dynamic place to work in. I noticed that everyone is welcoming and they can still smile and laugh even though they are too busy in their work and that makes me more comfy. I met Sir Aj ,who will handle the GK Housebuild in Gen. Nakar and the one whom I will help in facilitating the activities. Sir Aj seemed snobby at first (…forgive me for being judgmental…) but when we started to talk, he isn’ and he seems friendly and approachable.
Ms . Mar (it’s very good to know that she’s a scholastican too) gave me my tasks for tomorrow. I will assist Sir Aj in the registration of the cadet engineers (the volunteers for the housebuild) and I will also interview some of them.

I’m really excited.
Good Luck to me!

Meet Me

I am Claudette Trixia Miranda Flores
I am a follower
I am a leader
I am a Youth for Christ
I am a dancer
I am a theater actress


I don’t eat rice
I don’t eat junk food
I don’t drink softdrinks
I don’t smoke (and I will never smoke)


I love my Lord God
I love my family
I love my bestfriend Cynthia
I love my friends
I love my dormmates


I like to share stories…different stories
I like to share my experiences… especially the most unforgettable ones
I like colors red, green and purple
I like eating veggies & fruits

I am afraid of rejections
I am afraid of losing my loved ones
I am afraid of insects such as big beetles, big spiders, grasshoppers, worms and the like
I am afraid of being alone

I want shopping sprees
I want extreme adventures
I want to get married at the age of 27- 30
I want to have a car and house in Tagaytay since my dream house is located there
I want to have a twin kids, a boy and a girl
I want to go abroad with my family but for trips and vacations only



So many Is………too many to mention….

…to be continued

Pieces of me

I am snob. I am indifferent. I am finicky. I will not be shocked if people will have these first impressions on me and if it’s the first time they meet or see me. I may look like one, but when people get to know more of me, I am really the opposite. I am a friendly person who’s concerned to others especially to the people close to me. I am an outgoing person who always wants to discover and explore new and interesting things especially if they are intriguing and inviting me a lot. I want to meet and know more people and to expand my web of friends. Sometimes, I don’t know if I exaggerate my friendliness because I talk to almost everyone even to strangers and my Mother would usually reprimand me for that.

Moreover, I always try to be active by involving myself to such activities which I believe would help me to know myself more, meet new and different people and to develop my skills, personality and potentials. I’m into theater- acting and dancing- but dancing is one my most active passions which I also considered as an obsession. I was a member of our school’s theater guild back in my elementary and high school days. Now that I am in college, my passion for theater still continues. I am now an officer in our school’s theater guild who helps in improving our organization (Sining Tanghalan) and guides the younger batch in our organization. I am also a member of Youth for Christ both in our community in Cavite and in our school campus. Being an YFC really brought a huge impact in my life especially in being the kind of person I am right now. However, sometimes, I just feel unworthy for my sinful words, deeds and thoughts because in YFC, we are committed and convicted to such dogmas. What I always do is just lift them up to my prayers, learn from them and realize that nobody is perfect in this world.
Though I have the tendency to be too worrisome, I think that trait of mine is somehow helpful for me because I can contemplate (more or less) on the consequences that might occur… and that what makes me worried especially when it starts to bother me. I am pretty lucky to have patient friends who can extend their composure in listening to all my worries.
When it comes to ambitions and dreams, I have a lot to say. I want to be in a corporate world, in a media/ production team or in a non- government organization which advocates towards the development of the marginalized sector. If ever I will work in a corporate world or in a media/ production team, I still want to be a member and an advocate of a NGO that campaign for the conservation of the environment. My mother would ask me why I always want to be involved in a NGO, I would always tell her I really want to. I don’t know. I can’t explain why I want to be an advocate. There’s something inside me that hungers and thirsts for it. Maybe that is one purpose in my life that I have to accomplish. I’ll see. We’ll see.

Also, being the eldest among the four children our parents, I want to help my mother (who is now a single mother) in sending my sister and brothers to school. I visualize myself someday giving them their allowance (but not everyday), buying things for them, for my mother and for our house. I also see myself having my own car and own house (but of course! Everyone loves to have their own too…)

But like what I mentioned earlier, I’ll see. We’ll see. I think and I believe that I have to know what I really want so that I know how to achieve my ambitions and dreams. Dedication, hard- work, passion, faith, trust and discipline- seems difficult for me to have them all at the same time but I believe that these are the traits that I should possess in achieving my dreams and ambitions. Good luck to me!

These are only some pieces of me, my personality, my characteristics, my being, myself.