Team outing with new colleagues

It has been over two months since I resigned from my job as QA in a company located in Pasig. People change jobs as they see fit to move to another company for some reason: greener pasture and hopefully a better place to work for.

So I joined a another BPO company located in Taguig City. It is for a pioneering account that provide support to a streaming service which was launched in the United States. I am hopefull that it will launch in the Philippines by June 2020 or earlier.

The date February 17th came and we have our team outing for the first time in Calatagan, Batangas. Around 4-5 travel time from Taguig City. This should solidify the team members by knowing each other, group games, swimming, team lunch, etc. Everyone of us is happy of course. A special mention to Ace, our teammate who was not able to attend due to some reason.

Moving forward to another team outing again. The last time I visit the sea was around April 2016 when I was working for a company under market research industry. That was in Nasugbu, Batangas.

Keep from the ashes

Photos not mine but from workmates. Keep safe everyone who is affected for the explosion of Taal Volcano. You may try to visit the link here to learn more the benefits of Volcanic eruption and its ashes.

Being a chat support

Now being part of a prestigious company that providers services to its customers. This is my first time to work in Bonifacio Global City which is located in Taguig City. I will be supporting customers on their fun viewing of their favorite movies, series and shows under the Disney+ app platform.

My employee ID as chat support.

My goal is to provide support on the technicalities of how to watch videos using different platforms like smart TV, smartphones, tablets, iPads, etc. Also to assist clients on their issues in terms of billing, subscription, etc.

Planning to resign

After having sometime to think of my career, I am planning to shift to use my Spanish language skills. I completed a language study with Hola Amigos in 2018 and I really wanted to make sure that I use the language for my advantage and to earn more. Being a bilingual agent in the BPO industry will really make you earn two to three times than just being an English agent alone.

Resigning from a job can be a difficult decision, but here are some steps to help make the process smoother:

1. Give ample notice: It's common to give at least two weeks' notice before leaving a job, but it's always best to check your contract or company policy to see what's expected of you.

2. Write a resignation letter: A resignation letter is a formal way to inform your employer of your decision to leave. Keep the tone professional and neutral.

3. Schedule a meeting: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor or HR representative to deliver your resignation letter and discuss the details of your departure.

4. Be respectful: Be respectful and professional throughout the resignation process, even if you're leaving for negative reasons. Your reputation and future job prospects may be impacted by how you handle your departure.

5. Negotiate terms: If possible, negotiate the terms of your departure. This may include the date of your last day, unused vacation time, or severance pay.

6. Tie up loose ends: Make sure to complete any outstanding projects and transition your work to your colleagues before your last day.

7. Stay in touch: Consider staying in touch with your former colleagues and supervisor. This can be beneficial for future job prospects and professional networks.

Remember to remain professional and respectful throughout the resignation process, as it reflects on you and your future job prospects. Before you do resign, make sure you have already a job offer for your next career to keep those income coming regularly.

Buwan ng Wika 2019

As we celebrate Buwan ng Wika annually, this year's theme: Wikang Katutubo: Tungo sa Isang Bansang Filipino. But the Philippines as a nation will never be a nation without its former colonizers, namely: Spain and the United States. Without them, we don't have our own languages, too. I sympathize my fellow countrymen whenever they feel that Filipino (based in Tagalog), declared as the national language, is a product of imperial Manila. Despising more than the majority of Filipinos who don't speak it. As it kills other regional languages as some were forced to speak Tagalog to the extent that their local languages were put to lesser value.

I prefer to remove the term national language. And promote English and Spanish languages in the Philippines instead. There are benefits and advantages of promoting these languages.

English

Speaking English with fluency makes one more competitive in the world. And more than the majority of Filipinos speak English fluently. English is our language.

Spanish

We as people of the Philippines should study Spanish language to keep our minds active. Doing so, will also help understand and study our history. It is our language, too. It must be recognized as our own. As there are still Spanish-speakers in our country.

The bottom line of this blog is this: the Philippines remains a poor country ever since we have Filipino language as the national language of this country. I strongly support the abolition of the term "national language" in a country like the Philippines which is so ethnically diverse.

My new social media accounts

After experiencing the sudden and unexplained deletion of my Facebook and Instagram accounts last year, I found myself navigating the process of rebuilding my online presence from scratch. Despite the frustration and confusion that accompanied the loss of my previous accounts, I recognized the opportunity to start anew and forge a fresh digital identity. Thus, I took the proactive step of setting up new accounts on both platforms, eager to reconnect with friends, followers, and acquaintances in the online sphere.

With my new Facebook and Instagram accounts established, I invite you to join me on this journey by liking and following my profiles using the handle @GerryYabesPH. Through these platforms, I aim to share insights, updates, and glimpses into my life and interests, fostering meaningful connections and interactions with my audience. Additionally, I have also created a new Twitter account under the same handle, extending the invitation for you to engage with me across multiple social media channels.

While the process of rebuilding my online presence may have been daunting at times, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead as I embark on this new chapter. With a renewed sense of enthusiasm and determination, I look forward to connecting with old friends, making new acquaintances, and sharing valuable content that resonates with my audience. Thank you for your continued support and engagement as I navigate this digital landscape, and I invite you to join me on this journey of growth and discovery.

Facebook and Instagram accounts

It was in May 15th when I started to think that I need to go offline on Facebook as my account has been disabled for no reason at all. So my accounts on Facebook and Instagram were closed down. These are two addictive and dopamine-inducing social media websites.

A week later
A bit of adjustment after a week. I began to think that most of my time spent on reading articles. I develop my habit of reading blogs as days are passing by, took a lot of photos, etc. I also began to read Wikipedia articles, Spanish news, watching YouTube tutorials and a lot more. I also listen to music and start to learn vocalization. In the long run, I became more active by signing up a gym membership.

A month later
Well after a month, I began to be organized. Not just checking my calendars but to be mentally active and focused on things that I need to attend. I try my best to keep on visiting some parts of Metro Manila that I used to visit when I was working as a field researcher back then. So long as I have enough.

Alternative Apps
I have other apps that I am using now. These are meetup and couch surfing. These apps are useful in meeting people. Know what's happening sorts of.

I challenge you to do the same thing. Delete Facebook and Instagram accounts. Let's start to go offline.

Why I don't followback: Instagram 101

The question of why I don't follow back my followers often arises, prompting this post to shed light on my stance and reasoning behind it.

Firstly, the number of followers holds little significance to me. In the ever-changing landscape of social media, follower counts fluctuate constantly as people come and go. I prioritize genuine connections and meaningful interactions over mere numerical metrics that don't necessarily reflect the quality of engagement.

Secondly, I prefer to highlight and prioritize following personalities who inspire and resonate with me. My loyalty lies with those whose content and messages align with my values and interests. On platforms like Twitter and Facebook, I limit my follows to a select few individuals and pages, namely Bro. Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon, whose insights and teachings I deeply respect and admire.

Furthermore, I refrain from following back others to avoid comparisons and the desire for validation on social media. My focus remains on staying true to myself and my beliefs without seeking external validation or approval from others.

Lastly, maintaining a selective following helps me filter out unnecessary noise and distractions, allowing me to concentrate on what truly matters to me. By curating my social media feed to include only content that inspires and uplifts me, I ensure that my online experience remains positive and enriching.

In essence, my decision not to follow back is a deliberate choice to channel my energies and attention towards sources of inspiration, aspiration, and creativity, particularly those embodied by Bro. Eli and Kuya Daniel. It's about quality over quantity, and prioritizing meaningful connections that align with my values and goals. If this approach resonates with you, I encourage you to consider adopting a similar mindset and unfollow those who don't add value to your online experience.

This is Instagram 101: The Gerry Yabes way.

Believe it or not, we, Filipinos witness how serious President Duterte in his campaign for change. Even the World Bank declared our country, the Philippines as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Therefore, we should no longer a third-world country. Such label remains to some of us, Filipinos who are still stupid, therefore, I am writing this blog to tell some suggestions:Stop this constant defense to anything such as "ganito talaga dito". That's very unacceptable.

1. Being professional has nothing to do with your race, skin color, wealth, religion, health, work and age.
2. Never be late! Most of us are coming late like 30 minutes without even notifying other people. That's very rude. Remember that time is gold.
3. Be capable of answering "yes" or "no". Most of us answer "maybe". It's either you can or cannot. To decide is not hard.
4. Be good in keeping commitments. Read the number three above. We agreed to have meeting at 4pm on October 18. It was already 5pm and still waiting. I sent text, no reply. I called, no answer.
5. Always be specific. If you are sending a report to via email and your boss asked you what time, be specific regarding what time are you sending an email. (What time in the afternoon? Baka mga 3 or 4 pm. What time 3 or 4 pm? 4pm.). No need to go through back and forth!
6. Reply or confirm via chat, email, text messages, etc. I tried to send email, text messages to people I know personally, I got no replies at all. Listen, if you don't have access to Internet, it's not a problem. But, we are the Social Media capital of the world. We have the most number of Facebook users in the world, 67 million! Start replying!

If we are dreaming to be one of the developed countries, our professional values, ways of doing business, interactions must be equally developed, too. We are a very rich country but stupid poor.

Hate me or not, I don't care.

Thirty-five

Today, I turn thirty-five years old of existence since birth. At one hand, it is an age that I cannot believe I have already reached. Few years ago, 35 was just light years away. Still the feeling of being young incredibly lives on. Being on adulthood, with privileges and benefits, feel like still fresh!

As I reflect, I remember the day when I heard the Christian doctrine being broadcast over local radio station in Tuguegarao City. It was Ang Dating Daan, I heard the voice of Bro. Eli Soriano who preaches the truth in the Bible. That was year 2000 when I was in fourth year high school. Eventually I was baptized in March 12, 2002.

Ten years ago, I was closer to 30s, now I'm getting close to 40s which seem a lot of blessings from God. It's a blessing because I still exist under His mercy and guidance. I can confidently say that it is one of the best years of life, if not the best. Here are a few highlights and things I have learned.

Now that I am 35, I have decided to stay where I should be.

Living in Manila

I have been living here in Metro Manila since July, 2015. My first job was a field researcher for more than a year until December 2016. Thanks for EB Research Service Corporation for the chance to visit places in Luzon islands from Cagayan province down to Iriga City.

Then the year 2017 pave the way for my career in BPO, my first company was West Contact Services, Inc. which is headquartered in Maka City for almost six months. I had the chance to meet the 24 fellow call center agent, figuratively call center virgins because most of use were first timers working in a call center company.

My current company, which I cannot disclose for now, is located in Ortigas Center, Pasig City as my second job as a call center agent. And I am earning five-digits salary. I was able to get a housing loan with the help of God through this company.

Future Goals

With my futures goals are to finish my studies in mass communication someday, and to get a master's degree in library science. Hoping to land a job at a famous government library someday in the Philippines or elsewhere. With God's help and permission.