On Losing a Job

I have been getting daily spam comments delivered straight to my phone that I guess served as a constant reminder that my personal blog has been neglected for more than a month now.  One day, I'll finally get to posting most of what happened this December, just let me get the elephant on the room addressed (well, at least for those who know me).

2011 has been very challenging for me and some of my friends. I, along with more than 100+ employees received one of the most shocking news last August when we got to work and found our office locked. I won't go into details as to what happened cause I don't want to get sued.

I'm very thankful for my friends here in Singapore for being very helpful and supportive. Several people from work also created a couple of Facebook groups to help each other out in securing new jobs.

The first month went by pretty fast. I mostly spent them eating out, having desserts and looking for jobs while having coffee with a friend. Don't get me wrong, I'm not burning money. I just feel that its easier to be with friends than being alone and wallowing in depression.









The rare moments when I'm at home, I spent it chatting and Skyping with friends. Some of my college friends also reached out to me and it was a great feeling to be connected to them once more.



After nearly four months, several interviews, a job offer, a denied work permit application, a rejected appeal, I finally landed a job. I got word that the work permit has been approved as 2011 was coming to a close.

The question I've been asked the most is what have I been doing all this time. I focused on our little endeavor, The Little Mermaid. It was time consuming, stressful and most of all, surprising at how slow the tickets have been selling for a children's musical and a Disney feature at that. I guess 2011 was just not the time to be making a little extra. But again, I am very thankful for my friends who helped out.



It wasn't really all that bad, every cloud has a silver lining. I had 4 trips to Manila, I went to a couple of beaches and the land of class A Northfaces without having to worry about filing for leaves or being exhausted from a trip and having to work the next day.







I leave 2011 behind and started 2012 fresh taking with me all the experiences and the learnings from it as well as the rekindled relationships with friends and family as well as the new relationships I've formed the past quarter.

Manila, Sept 2011

I was very excited when we were initially planning this September trip. This was going to be my longest vacation for the year but things turned out differently.

It was really with mixed emotions when I left for Manila that day. I really wanted to just rebook my flight and leave on Monday instead of a Friday night. I spent the whole day at Orchard till really late, went home, took a quick shower and left for the airport.

The budget terminal was mirroring my mood, I was still chatting with a friend and didn't immediately notice how quiet the waiting area was.





My apprehensions were put to rest when I finally arrived, there's really no place like it.



My brother picked me up and we went to McDonald's for wifi and breakfast. This is the same branch that we go to late at night when I was still working to satisfy our sundae cravings.





I asked my sister if she wants any chocolate but she said that we have more than enough at home.



My uncle also ordered Chinese and lechon for lunch. I'm reminded of how delicious Yang Chow is.





I spent the whole day just at home, catching up with my family. I was actually glad I went back home.

The Reason For My Most Recent Visit

I'm writing this post for my parents who weren't able to be physically present during my brother's wedding.

8am


Ahya (as I fondly call my brother) and Chill's day started pretty early. I woke up alone in the hotel room, I realized that they must have already headed down for breakfast. I went to nearby Heaven and Eggs to meet up with my close friend, Jencarps. We had a quick breakfast and she accompanied me to get a pair of black socks for my brother. I decided to get hankies for him as well cause who knows it might come in handy.

10am

When I got back to the hotel room, Chill was already getting made up. My brother was out withdrawing money. He got back soon after with a white nail polish from Mercury Drug for Chill. This was the wrong color so I quickly headed to Essenses to see if they have one available for her. Ahya then started ironing the duvet covers since they were very creased.

11am

I didn't feel any tension. The mood was very relaxed, the make-up artist was very bubbly and entertained the people in the room. Ahya ordered food for all the people who will be working behind the scenes. He then decided to finally get some new shoes so we headed back out to SM.

After Lunch

When we got back, the atmosphere was already frenzied. The wedding coordinator, the bridesmaids, the photographers and videographers have arrived. Photos were taken, video clips shot and the bridesmaids were made up.

I, on the other hand, was getting sleepy but there's no place to sleep since we needed to ensure that both beds as tidy looking as possible.

I was then asked to take a shower so I can start helping Ahya get ready. Time quickly passed and before I knew it, it was already time for us to leave.

430pm

We arrived at Filipinas Heritage Library just as it was starting to drizzle. Ate Grace, Ate Daisy, Kuya Arman and the girls were already there. I took a peek outside and saw that the set-up for the reception is now getting drenched. I saw someone bring in the cake and it appears to me that it got a bit wet. I heard the staff of the library say that he doesn't know what to do. I looked at my brother and he appeared very composed. At that time, I just knew that whatever happens, it's still going to be perfect.

The venue was small, just perfect for the intimate wedding that they both wanted to have.

My family started arriving shortly. I saw my uncles and my aunts and I felt like a kid again. It has been ages since we were all assembled in one room.

5pm

We were asked to prepare for the march. I looked around the room and it was barely half-full. I asked my brother about it and he said it appears that the small place is not even going to be packed.

We started our march, the wedding coordinator reminded my brother to smile. I think that's the only time that nervousness kicked in. I, on the other hand, was desperately trying hard not to fall down. I'm not considered the clumsy one in the family for nothing.

As if by magic, when I turned around the room was already full. Beautiful music was playing, I don't remember what song it was, I just know that it's perfect for the occasion. Just then, Chill stepped out and I was taken aback. I saw her while she was getting made up but I was still surprised, it was as if I was seeing her for the first time. She was beautiful and looked wonderful. I can only imagine what my brother must have been feeling.

The wedding was short, sweet and simple. They exchanged heartfelt vows and swore to love each other forever. How sweet.

6pm

Since it was raining, they had no choice but to set up the reception in the same room instead of outside. We waited outside, enjoying cocktails and the photo booth.

730pm

The program started as soon as we were all seated. Sheila did a good job in her hosting duties. It was quite difficult considering we're really a family of small words.

I enjoyed the food. There were some hits and misses but all in all I liked it. Shortly after, the moment I've been dreading came. I was asked to give a speech. I was not at all prepared, somehow, I couldn't think of the right words to say. I mumbled through it and thanked God when it was all over.

I am very thankful for all who came. The void of my parents' absence was filled by the presence of the small select who took time out of their busy schedules to troop all the way to Makati to spend it with our family.

Belated Happy Birthday!!!

Belated happy birthday Don and Shobe!