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.
Friday, June 27, 2008
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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