Life Lately | 03

How is everyone? It’s been a while since my last blog post and my last version of Life Lately. So, this is the update that no one asked for. (lol)

There are lots of things that have happened since last year. We experienced a pandemic and lockdown which until now, everything is not yet back to normal. There are still some restrictions, minimal movements, and wearing a mask is still mandatory. But despite what happened or what is happening, we can still cope up, right? We can still be able to pay our bills, we still have the chance to travel if we follow safety protocols, and we can still find happiness amidst the global pandemic.

A lot of changes take place, people come and go, friends and colleagues saying goodbyes. But that’s how life rolls. All we must do is to keep moving forward and carry on. There are ups and downs, twists and turns, heart-breaking moments, failures, but there are also small wins that deserve to be celebrated.

Here are the highlights of my 2021 so far.

My best friend got married. My best friend for a lifetime already got married last January 10,2021. We have been best friends since high school. I have seen her heart broken and I have seen her cry as well for so many times but she’s still able to open her heart and to love again. She is so dear to me so I am beyond happy that finally she found his partner that she can share her life with. I wish the best of marriage life for them. And I know that although she is already married, nothing will change between us. Besties for life!

The best friend's wedding. — Best friend’s wedding

Happy Endings. Just like what I shared in my last blog post, Happy Endings I have already resigned to TeleTech which has been my home for the last 7 years. TeleTech is the first and last BPO company that I’ve been with. This company enhanced both my professional and personal skills that I can use in my future endeavors. I also met a lot of people in this company whom I became good friends with and still part of my life up until now and with that I am forever grateful.

New Beginnings. It is always a good feeling to start anew. I read a quote before saying to not afraid to begin again since we are not going to start from scratch, this time we are going to start from experience. And I couldn’t agree more on that. Since I resigned from my previous company, I decided to try being a virtual assistant. Several of my friends are already into it and because of the pandemic as well, it is much safer to work in the comfort of our own homes. I will miss the office life but who wouldn’t want to binge-watch Netflix on the side while working? I started to send my applications online, take assessments here and there, attended so many zoom interviews, got rejected on some, and luckily, got hired last April. I am working on two clients right now and both are for part-time positions. I am still learning how to do well in this new job of mine and I am also getting new skills to get more clients. Hustle hard and do more!

“Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.”

― Germany Kent

Living on my Own. Since I started my home-based job, the internet is the basic requirement for that. We don’t have any internet connection in my parent’s house where I currently live since the area is not serviceable yet. At the start of the pandemic, we rented an apartment together with my cousin because of the lockdown. It is so hard to travel from one place to another given that there are a lot of restrictions before. Things happened; the mom of my cousin’s boyfriend also moved in with us, so the place got a little bit crowded. I need a place that is more comfortable because of the nature of my new job, so I moved out. I looked for a place of my own and I found one. I would say that I am living quite independently now, paying my bills and rent but still trying to figure out life.

Tattoos. Mid-2020 and early 2021, I got my tattoos- three in total. My tattoos are on both arms, two baybayin, and one sunflower. Some people asked me why I got a tattoo. HAHA There is no particular reason, I just want to have one (well, in fact, three LOL) Getting a tattoo is painful, and of course, you have to think about what kind of tattoo you would like so there will be no regrets at all. The original plan was that I wanted my first tattoo to be done by Apo Whang-Od but then lockdown happened so, when my team leader got a tattoo, I decided to get one as well. And no, I am not planning to have another set of tattoos, not at this time at least. Hehe

Podcast for my Blog. I just discovered recently here in WordPress that you can create a podcast for your blog posts. There is an option to automatically convert the blog post into audio or you can also record that yourself. I created an account under Anchor for my podcast and it is also available on 5 platforms -Breaker, Google Podcast, Pocket Casts, Radio Public, and of course, Spotify. You can always find all the links of my podcast on my Anchor profile, at anchor.fm/flory-anne-catamora.

One Piece. I got hooked to K-Drama before, binge- watch American series on Netflix and now I started to love watching Anime. I am currently into One Piece, the Straw Hat Crew- Luffy and his gang. I love the storyline and the characters. Some episodes brought me to tears like the Ennies Lobby Arc, the appearance of Going Merry again, and Fire Fist Ace death. My heart got broken into a million pieces in these episodes.

I guess these are all the happenings in my life so far that are worth sharing. We are already halfway through 2021, and I believe that there will be a lot going on. Be it failures, challenges, victories, and everything in between, always find the courage to go on and face life with positivity. May you find happiness in everything that you do. Roads may be a little bumpy sometimes, but I know that in God’s grace and in God’s perfect time, we can achieve what we aim for. For now, enjoy the journey and the people that you will meet along the way. Be happy and live in the moment -it is all that matters.

How is life for you? Share your thoughts!

Happy Endings

Teletech has been my home for the past 7 years. I started with a US account which is healthcare. The account is straightforward I would say, especially when we are speaking to providers. We will have to quote the patient’s benefits and explain why their claim was denied. I’ve spent four years on this account, I just got tired, and I realized that I am no longer growing professionally. I lost my motivation back then, so I decided to take a break. I resigned.

After 5 months, I applied again and got re-hired in an Australian account. With this, I struggled a lot. I got frustrated that I was not able to hit my metrics unlike before on my previous account. I cried multiple times, and I will not be able to make it without those people who helped me to cope up. To my supports and SMEs, to my team leads who always checks on me, does one-on-one coaching, who motivates me every day and who believes that I can excel on this account, I am so thankful.

I’ve been transferred to EPR which handles repeat callers and resolves complaints. It’s quite easy for me now, I guess I already got used to it. With that, I was able to get awards as Top 10 consultants every month, Top 10 with the Highest FCR and Most Improved Agent. I am so happy.

We’ve transitioned from complaints to one service wherein we’re going to generate sales as well. With the guidance of my supervisor and our Sales Champ I was able to generate sales though.

We know for a fact that a certain account can be just temporary, and there are also some instances that are already beyond our control. Our account got dissolved, so we have to transfer to a different account again. And then a pandemic happened, some of my teammates were able to work from home under a different account while me and the rest of the team were transferred to collections account.

In this account, the volume of calls is just way too much. And the metrics that you need to hit also add to the stress. I was totally burned out and drained, I guess that is the reason I resigned on this account. The way I felt way back then is also the same feeling that I had now when I resigned last Friday.

That is my TeleTech journey. TeleTech has been my comfort zone for the past 7 years of my life. Because of this company, I met a lot of wonderful people who are still part of my life until now, and friends who are really for keeps. I also gained life experiences which mold me for who I am today. I obtained enough knowledge because of my previous accounts that I can use for my future endeavors. And with that, I am forever grateful.

Thank you TTEC. Oracle ID 2107965 is now signing off.

Everglow

How beautiful the moon tonight.
And you just slipped on my mind.
Do you still think our happy times?
Or you just let it go like pixie dust?

Are you doing just fine?
Are you happy or are you sad?
I wonder if you’ve already got your dreams come true.
I hope so, because I’m rooting for you.

I hope you’re living your life
Chasing your dreams, and
Gets everything done.
That is my wish to the moon right now.

And always wear your beautiful smile
I want you happy all the time.
Though fate is not good to us
Still, I treasure you with all my heart.

Love is…

I’m back! It’s been months and months since my last blog post. So, before February ends, I want to have an entry this month. With that being said, since February is a love month, I decided to write something related to it.

So here it goes.

“Love isn’t patient and kind and humble. Love is messy. And horrible and selfish and bold. It’s not finding your perfect half. It’s trying, reaching and failing. Love is willing to ruin your good painting for the chance at a great one.”

That quote is a line from the movie “The Half of It.” Do you agree with that love quote? Do you agree that love is messy? That it is horrible and bold? I totally agree with how Ellie Chu defines love in that movie.

Love is very complex. We all have our definition of love. But I would agree that it is messy. Love is not always rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes love is hurricanes and thorns. Love is accepting each other’s chaos and embracing it fully. Love is not always having someone to be happy with but it is also having someone to struggle with. It is having that person who can accept and embrace the total mess that you are.

Love is bold. It is, love is being bold. Being bold is being brave. Being brave is taking risks, taking that chance to love and be loved. Having the courage to trust the process and trust the person that he/she will never break your heart.

As for me, love is acceptance. Love is accepting each other’s flaws, imperfections, and shortcomings. No matter how chaotic that person is, you will choose him/her over any circumstances.

Life is a choice and so is love. We just want to be accepted and loved for who we are and for what we are. We are all craving someone who will never give up on us, who will see our worth and most of all who will choose us every day.

For you who are reading this, I hope you already found the love who sees you as a beautiful mess, and brave enough to withstand the world with you. May we all find the love that we deserve. Know that you are worthy. You deserved to be celebrated, to be accepted, and to be loved.

Happy love month, everyone! ❤️

Life Lately | 02

This should have been posted last August 01, 2020 around 8:50PM.

Whenever people ask me kung kumusta na ba ako, I always replied, “Okay lang.” “Okay lang naman ako.”

And someone asked me, “musta ka naman dyan?” And I replied, “Kumusta na nga ba ‘ko?”

That hits me. Kumusta na nga ba ako in the real sense of it.

So here’ s my life lately.

It’s almost half of 2020. August na. Maya-maya lang 30 years old na ‘ko. (OMG!)

So yeah, how’s my life at the start of the year? Or how’ s my 2020 so far? A lot happened! As in! Pandemic. Lockdown. New normal. New lifestyle. New life routine. Closure from the past. And everything else.

Start of the year is a blast. Why? Because someone important to us came back. Inay is so happy. Tatay is here. Finally! After 10 years I think of not being with us, andito na siya ulit. Bit awkward at first, kasi hindi ako sanay na he’s around. But as long as inay is happy, then I’m good. I know I’ll get used to it soon and I know I’ll get there.

Taal happened.

Then COVID-19 happened. Damn. I never imagined that I would get to experience this global pandemic. You know, lockdown. Minimal movements, a mask is a must. Mass gathering is a no-no. No leisure activities. No travel diaries this 2020, I guess. From ECQ to GCQ to MECQ and MGCQ, oh boy name it! This 2020 is crazy!

And then this someone from the past who got to say sorry and tell his reason why left back then. Though his reason is still quite vague to me, it’s fine. As long as he is sorry for what he’d done, it’s all good. I just want him to be happy.

And I’m starting to open up to other people. I can now somehow tell my stories to them bit by bit.

All in all, I would say that I’m doing totally fine. Though may mga changes sa life routine ko, like hindi ako everyday nakakauwi sa bahay dahil nga sa COVID-19 na ‘to, it’ s okay. Kahit na wala masyadong gala or wala talaga, okay lang. Kahit napostponed yung pagpunta ko sa concert ng Ben&Ben sa Clark, okay lang. Kahit na walang travel goals, okay lang. Kahit na wala pa rin akong jowa, okay lang. (HAHAHAHA) Kahit na mukhang dito ko sa apartment, magse-celebrate ng birthday ko, okay lang.

There are still a lot of things to be grateful for. Walang nagkakasakit sa family ko. I still have my job. I still able to pay my bills. Seriously, I’m happy and well.

So, for the question “Kumusta ka na nga ba?”, my answer is, though may mga moments na nadi-disappoint ako, napu-frustrate ako at times, umiiyak ako minsan, I’m doing well.

This twenty-something gal is still happy, still loved and still beyond grateful! 💛

P. S. This 2020, I also got my first tattoo. (on my next blog soon)

Our Masungi Adventure

At last, our Masungi escapade finally happened!

We’re actually been planning this Masungi trip since July however there’s a lot of uhmm should I say hindrances why it was not able to push through right away LOL. There’s the unpredictable weather, our contradicting schedules and unapproved leave. Haha

Since August 20 is my birthday, I filed a week leave ahead of time because I’m really planning to celebrate my birthday somewhere. My original plan was to go to Bicol, Baler or somewhere outside Batangas at least. Unfortunately, it is just two days that got approved and take note, both are inconsecutive days. So obviously, my original plan is ruined. I chatted with Auline right away and told her to have Masungi instead. And that’s when our Masungi adventure came to life. Haha

Masungi Georeserve is located in Baras, Rizal. You can actually log on to their website to book a tour in Masungi. They offered shared trail and night trail for Php 1,800 per pax. If you are on an exclusive tour, you must form a group of at least 7 pax. Since it is just me and Auline, we got the shared trail wherein we pay Php 1,500 each and there’s a snack included on that.

Masungi is also accessible. We rode a bus from SM Lipa Grand Terminal to Cubao. From there, we rode an FX to Cogeo wherein the jeepney route to Masungi was situated. It is around 30-45 minutes from Cogeo and you can reach Masungi.

You’ll need to walk for about 20-30 minutes before you can finally reach the main entrance of Masungi. From here, you can now see different limestone and rock formations. When we arrived, we were greeted by their friendly staff. They also have lockers where you can rent for Php 20 for your bags and other valuable things. Masungi also provides helmets for safety and string bags in which you can put essential things for hiking. And oh, if ever that you forgot your tumbler, you can also buy one from them for Php 50.

Masungi has this Legacy Tree Project wherein you will be given a certificate as proof that they will plant a tree under your name. It will be planted around the Sierra Madre range. As mentioned on the orientation, once the tree grows and bears fruits, you’ll be invited to see the tree that you donated. Amazing, right?

We started our trek at 10AM. Since the weather is kind of gloomy, they have raincoats ready for the hikers, because rain or shine, trekking goes on. LOL

Masungi has nine trail sites or stations namely Duyan, Kubo, the famous Sapot ni Ric, Tatay, Nanay, Kweba ni Ruben, Bayawak and Sawa. I can’t remember the last one though, apologies for that.

I really had a hard time on Bayawak because it is the eight-trail station and for you to get through this, you must cross a rope shaped like an alligator hence it was called bayawak. It’s like you’re doing rock climbing but there’s no rocks haha you know what I mean. And then, I got a little bit scared of Duyan because you are in the middle of the forest and then you have to walk through a huge swing. Fear of heights, dude. For Nanay and Tatay, you can see the whole view of Masungi.

I must say that it was an awesome experience. So much tiredness, but so worth it. I can now check Masungi in my bucket-list. Yaaay!

Mt. Manabu 2018

It’s been a year since my last hike, that was February 2017 in Mt. Maculot.

Since I was so fed up and stressed in my current job, I filed a 3-day vacation leave. I said to myself that I have to go somewhere to spend my 3 days’ vacation. And since my friend is also mending her broken heart, she decided to go on hiking so why not join her.

We agreed to climb Mt. Manabu in Sta. Cruz, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. One of our friends already climbed Mt. Manabu so we decided not to have a guide.

At 5:30AM, we’re at the registration point already. At 6AM, we arrived at the starting point. (Exciting!!) So nagsimula na kaming umakyat, sabi nila visible naman daw ang trail and kailangan lang namin sundan yun. Meron ding mga guide map so push! Narating namin ang Station 2 around 7AM. Nakakapagtaka lang na parang hindi naman paakyat yung dinadaanan namin. Good thing, may napagtanungan kami, yun pala naliligaw na kami. (yikes! lol) Sabi ni kuya, papunta na raw CALABARZON ang labas namin. Nakakaloka, sa halip na bundok ang mapuntahan, toll way ang mararating. (LOL)

Medyo mahabang lakarin ulit pabalik ng station 2 pero keri, pawis pa mooore! Nung nakabalik na kami sa station 2, tinandaan na namin ang sinabi nila na derecho lang ang daan.

Patarik na ng patarik ang dinadaanan namin kaya feeling namin tama na yung tinatahak namin. Thanks God, narating namin ang Station 5 o kung tawagin nila ay Kapihan ni Tatay Tino. Dito sa station na ‘to libre ang kape at take note, hindi basta kape ha, civet coffee lang naman ang iinumin mo- kape na galing sa poop ng alamid.

Nang makarating kami sa summit kung san nandun ang malaking krus medyo foggy pa kaya hindi pa masyadong kita ang view.

Honestly, I need more of this. Less worry, less stress. Yung happy lang, yung payapa lang ang nararamdaman mo. Panatag ang pagkatao mo.

At pag bumalik na tayo sa realidad ng buhay, mas handa na tayo. Meron na ulit tayong sapat ng lakas at determinasyon para harapin ang lahat.

Masasa Beach 2018

Okay, eto na nga, pagkatapos kong magresign sa UHG last July 2017, wala pa ulit akong matinong gala na as in masasabi ko na nakapag-relax ako. Kasi naman, ang dami kong issue. LOL Nag-apply ako sa Results na tumagal lang ako ng 3 months at nagresigned din, bukod kasi sa medyo hassle yung account, nakaka-stress din ang working environment. Sagaaaaad!! And then, nagbalik- loob ako sa Teletech, pero ibang account na. Dayshift. Mahirap yung account ko ngayon kaya naman talagang sabi ko kailangan ko naman ng break.

Kaya naman nung inaya ako ni Bea na pumunta sa Masasa Beach sa Tingloy, walang pag-aalinlangan, sama agad.

Super na-enjoy ko ang weekend getaway na ‘to. First time ko kasi dito sa Masasa. First time ko din na makasakay sa malakihang bangka na talagang pambyahe. Ang sarap sa feeling.

So pagdating namin, after kumain and all, punta na kagad sa dagat.

Sobrang ganda naman nga pala talaga ng Masasa Beach. Malinaw yung tubig, maputi at sobrang pino ng buhangin.

Kinabukasan, island hopping and snorkeling naman ang pinagkaabalahan namin. Pumunta kami sa Sepoc Island, Sombrero Island (yan lang ang natandaan ko) Hahahaha

Hindi na kami bumaba sa mismong Isla ng Sombrero kasi may bayad na Php 200. Eh ang pag-snorkeling, dun lang din naman sa paligid ng Sombrero Island.

First time ko ding magsnorkeling, ang saya lang. Naisip ko, siguro kung marunong akong lumangoy, mas maeenjoy ko pa lalo yung snorkeling. Ang linaw ng tubig, ang dami ng isda. Tapos may pawikan pa.

Unang getaway ngayon 2018 at sobrang ang saya sa pakiramdam. Parang feeling ko ang dami kong nagawa pero hindi ko ramdam yung pagod. Enjoy talaga.

maybe someday

maybe someday
we can bump to each other one last time
coffee on my right hand,
book on the other one.
maybe in another universe
you and I are not impossible.
maybe in another lifetime
I can call you mine and I am yours.
maybe someday
we can meet again
and when that day comes,
we will do it right
you got me and I got you babe.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy version 2.0

sometimes you just need a break, in a beautiful place, to figure everything out

I’ve been to Mt. Gulugod Baboy way back 2015 and last Sunday I got the chance to visit it again.

Around 4pm we were already in Mabini Town Proper and from there we took a tricycle to Gulugod. One of our colleagues is residing in Brgy. Ligaya wherein Gulugod Baboy is located, kaya plano ko na maligo muna bago umakyat.

Medyo maulap ang panahon kaya hindi mainit ang pag-akyat namin. May mga dala kaming baon sa taas para dun kumain. Ang saya na kumakain ka ng pasta, pichi-pichi at gelatin sa taas ng bundok- tanaw ang buong bayan ng Bauan, ang dagat ng Mabini, ang Sombrero Island, pati mata mo busog sa magandang tanawin. Nakakapanatag ng puso.

At maya- maya nga padilim na nang padilim ang kalangitan, parating na ang ulan. So pack-up muna at kailangang bumaba. Dapat hindi maabutan ng ulan at talagang basang-sisw pagkababa. Sige, takbo na parang may zombie apocalypse. HAHA

Medyo natagalan din bago tumila ang ulan. Yung planong manonood ng sunset, wala. Yung planong magtatayo ng tent sa bundok para dun matulog, wala.

Ang plano, kinabukasan maaga gigising para sa sunrise. Sunrise naman ang ilalaban natin bilang nabigo tayo sa sunset. HAHA Pero pag minamalas ka nga naman, wala ring sunrise na nasaksihan kasi umulan na ulit. Hindi naman kami aware na may bagyo pala nun bilang hindi kami nagcheck ng weather forecast. (urghh loser! lol)

Anyways, kahit na nasira lahat ng plano, okay lang. Kahit na walang sunset o sunrise na natunghayan, okay lang. At least nakalayo pansamantala sa gulo at ingay ng syudad (naks, parang Manila girl kung makasyudad haha) but kidding aside, what I mean is yung kahit ilang oras, nakawala sa realidad ng mundo. Yung wala kang ibang nakikita kundi yung magagandang ginawa ng Maylikha. Yung pag tumigil ka pansamantala, marerealized mo na maganda pa rin talaga ang buhay. Kahit may mga problema at pagsubok, masaya pa rin ang mabuhay. Sabi nga, kung may isandaan kang dahilan para malungkot at umiyak, humanap ka ng kahit isang dahilan para maging masaya, ngumiti at tumawa, dahil meron yan. Hindi ka mawawalan ng dahilan para sumaya at magpasalamat.

Kaya kung napapagod ka na sa buhay, pahinga lang ng konti, then laban ulit.

So, to my 27-year-old self, you got this, okay? *winks*