My lockdown diary

When President Duterte started some measures to protect the country against COVID-19, I am one of the Filipinos who are affected by that measures. The Philippine government imposed a lock down (enhanced community quarantine or ECQ) in Metro Manila and Luzon including some provinces in Visayas and Mindanao to contain the virus, I was lucky that the government still care for its citizens.

My company started to make some measures, too to keep the business continue and I am a lucky employee to stay for two months free under its accommodation from March 18, 2020 to May 16, 2020. This includes free food and shuttle services going from and to work.

While waiting for the shuttle service

A packed lunch in my accommodation

A bible study through YouTube

I still able to attend church services like Prayer Meeting, Worship Services and Thanksgiving via YouTube and Zoom app. The place I stay comes with stable Internet connection so there should be no problem for me to attend services like that. I am also able to access TV channels via CignalPlay app including series and shows on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Go and Amazon Prime Video.

I was also able to keep myself busy with studying online. I will try also to signup my online course for Psychology Diploma and hoping will finish the subject within this year.

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.