Wandergirl Speaks

Archive for April, 2009

Last Saturday, while many Filipinos were still enjoying their Holy Week observance in the countryside or just lazing around the beach, my husband and I didn’t have so much choice but go malling.

As it is, I am already fast approaching my delivery date, and so the safest options are either to just stay home or stroll out at a nearby mall. And speaking of nearby malls, the most convenient we can go to is SM Mall of Asia.

For one, it’s the nearest we have in Makati (aside from Glorietta) and second, it has the longest stretch we can take advantage of walking as part of my acceptable form of exercise.

It was already past 2 PM when we arrived at the Mall of Asia and since we didn’t eat lunch at home I prodded my husband to grab some bite first, and that’s where Carlo’s Pizza came into the scene.

I’ve actually read a couple of good reviews online about Carlo’s Pizza, but being a rice-lover that I am, I’ve never really displayed so much interest in trying their food, since they mostly cater pasta and pizza dishes.

There weren’t too many people in their place when we came in, which was good. At least, we won’t have to wait too long before someone could take our orders. The waitress who approached us was very friendly and I like that. We were seated at the corner of the restaurant and since it was our first time with them we took our time browsing their menu.

Normally, you’d ask for recommendations if it’s your first time in a certain restaurant and that’s just exactly what we did. We were offered with their bestseller pizza called Capriccioso.

The pie is peppered with salami, ham, Italian sausage, olives, and so much more. Since there were only the two of us, we ordered the 9″ size for only P270 and is good for 2-3 persons.

Capriccioso

My husband who’s so into salad ordered their Chicken Ceasar salad (P220) and to be honest, their version was yummy, not to mention the generous servings of chicken. We also tried their Lasagna ala Carlo (P165) and Fettuccini Alfredo (P195).

There isn’t so much special with their lasagna and fettuccini, but they weren’t bad likewise. It’s probably just that they tasted much like any other versions I’ve already tried before.

Chicken Ceasar salad

Lasagna ala Carlo

Fettuccini Alfredo

Carlo’s Pizza has limited branches for now. Aside from the one in SM Mall of Asia, they also have one in Tomas Morato, Quezon City and another in both BF Homes and Moonwalk Village (Parañaque City). And if you happen to be somewhere in Pasig City, you can drop by their place in Metrowalk Meralco Ave., Ortigas.

Author’s Note: I received this article via email from an anonymous author and I thought it makes so much sense. Now, I want to share it with you…

1. For one, you shouldn’t leave because you don’t like several people in the company, nor should you stay because of the friends you have made here. At the end of the day, it is your life. Your friends or “enemies” should not make or break your career. If you let them be the deciding factor, then maybe you should think twice. You are the craftsman of your fate and the captain of your ship. Captain Hook shouldn’t be one of your worries!

2. Do not leave nor stay because of the “brand” of your company. If that was the case, I would have rushed off and sign my JO in “C”! Ask yourself whether you want to be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a bigger pond. Know your priorities. Only you can answer that.

3. Do not leave the company because you’re so damn frustrated about the way things are being run, or stay because you have this “messianic complex” that you can change things overnight. Be realistic about the things. Learn to accept that there is no perfect company. Be accepting that change is a slow and painful process at times and be thankful that you realize and act on things that can be changed and improved.

4. Definitely, do not leave or stay just because your parents want you to. I know I am advocating obedience to parents but again, we are talking about YOUR career. But learn to value their wisdom and discern well.

5. Money isn’t everything. The package being offered now might be better but look at the long-term prospects. Do not leave or stay just solely on the compensation package. Look for growth prospects and review their career plans for you. Your immediate gains today might actually be a loss a few years from now if you do the Math.

6. Boredom is another challenge all professionals are faced with during lull periods in their career. Do not leave because you have become so bored with your job. Do not stay either because you want things as they are. Change is inevitable in any organization. Talk to your boss. Ask for more responsibilities or other tasks if you’re bored. Enroll in a special course. If you’re satisfied with the status quo and is just waiting for retirement hoping things will stay the same, you’re in for a big disappointment – either you will be forced to change or you will be forced to leave. Be ready before that time comes. Boredom or complacency is perennial battle most professionals have to deal with. Arm yourself with creativity everyday!

7. Tonight I suggest you rest well. Sit still and listen to what He is saying. PRAY. I have always made my career decisions through His guidance. He was and still is my Career Adviser/Talent Manager. Your work, our work, is a vocation. He knows us more than we know ourselves so trust Him for whatever plans He has for you. You can never go wrong.

Trust me it works!!!!

And remember: USE YOUR HEAD TO GET TO THE TOP. BUT USE YOUR HEART TO STAY.

Three years ago I had my life all mapped out. I’m going to get a writing job in a magazine or newspaper company, rake in enough money to finance my travel addiction, get a nice boyfriend who will understand why I like coffee so much and put up with all my stubbornness, and finally, enjoy my twenty-something life.

It wasn’t supposed to be that hard when you’re fresh out of college armed with confidence and full of idealism. Just like what my professors had often said (and I’m certain you have had a similar experience): “You’ll go places if you believe in yourself!” Sure, these words of wisdom will give you renewed enthusiasm. But when reality bites, believe me, the last thing you’d want to do is march out of the university campus and leave the well-pampered life you enjoyed since you were in pre-school.

In one of my major subjects back in college, my professor handed out a piece of yellow paper and asked each one of us to write down what we’d want to be in the next 5 years. I can still vividly remember what I had written: “I am going to be a writer and marry Nick Carter!”

I know. It sounds funny and very highschool-ish, but I wasn’t kidding. Isn’t it ironic to be so sure of what you wanted in life when you’re young and haven’t the least idea about the rejections and challenges you’ll come across with in the “real world?” How is it that we set specific career goals only to find out they are not meant to be realized because the universe do not seem to conspire to get what you want and where you want? Is that really how the world works or is it just a matter of changing priorities?

A few months after that infamous day, I scored a job for an IT-based call center—where I am currently connected for 2 years now. Despite the growing hesitation I decided to embark on it thinking I was doing the right thing. At first everything was all too well. The workload is manageable, you meet new people, the opportunities are promising, you earn your own bucks and decide how to spend it. In other words, you become independent and responsible in your own ways and your family begins to see you in a different light.

Needless to say, I was having the time of my life until it dawned on me how largely I have been sidetracked. I dreamed for a writing job but I ended up providing technical support. I am earning my own bread, but travel has become a luxury for me once in a while because of the erratic schedules we have to adhere to at work. Likewise, salary increases means more GASTOS. And to top it off, just like any other 20-somethings out there, I am going through quarter-life crisis and the only consolation I got is having a wonderful boyfriend who doesn’t nag me when I’m getting overboard and over-bored.

Having said all that, the question now is: Where do I go from here?

For the time being, a troublesome truth struck me. I’m not sure if I still want to make a career out of writing. Maybe I still do, but not right now where there is a dearth of breaks for aspiring writers like me. Some times, I still feel the blow for not pushing through further. But on hindsight, life has never been that bad to me after all these years.

Sure, I have been sidetracked. I am in a position I never asked in the first place. I deal with irate customers 9 hours a day, 5 times a week. I have my own money to spend. And this time, it’s through my own effort and sweat. Bittersweet, could be the best way to describe the journey. But I learned something from the Zen philosophy to help me look at the brighter side of defeat. “Change the things that can be changed, accept those that cannot, and learn the wisdom to know the difference!”

Author’s Note: Article originally appeared in Clickthecity.com on May 4, 2006

When I was told by my supervisor that I’d be sent to the US for a 2-week training for a new outsource program of the company I am working for, I literally wanted to faint and thought I was just probably having a bad dream.

Armed with a medium-sized suitcase, a small carry-on, and an overflowing reluctance I set foot in the US of A at a not-so-young age of 27. And the only consolation I had was having a co-worker with me thru the entire trip.

Looking back though, I realized it was such a fresh experience for both of us. The kind that will give me smiles forever. Below are just some of the good memories taken from the trip:

Taking pictures while waiting for our departure flight at NAIA

First day at work in Aliso, Viejo CA

along (the uber expensive) Rodeo Dr.

Lunch at Ruby's Diner at Mission Viejo's The Shops

Food trip galore ala American size meal

In front of Mickey's castle at Disneyland

With Halle Berry at the Walk of Fame

along Mission Viejo highway

Do you find yourself feeling all too exhausted, easily irritated, and mentally bothered lately?

Your boss has been acting grumpy and finicky since the beginning of the week and you’re wondering if it has anything to do with you.

Awful traffic jams, pollution, unfinished report, pending household bills, relationship crisis, etc. All these are enough reasons to make your sanity take the zigzag route leaving you like a giddy chick at the end of the day.

Apparently, in today’s frenetic and gadget-driven world where our lifestyle is marred with so much pressure, it is not surprising if at one point—or two—you’re almost always at the verge of taking some sleeping tablets to prevent yourself from going through the tunnel of stress.

So before you do just that, give yourself the much-needed time out that you deserve. And what better way to breeze away from those energy-draining and mentally-exhausting facts of life than to seek solace to the simple, free-wheeling pleasures which do not necessarily require a huge chunk of your hard-earned money.

Listen to happy music

Yup, you heard it right. Most of the time all it takes is just some lively tune to get you going. It doesn’t matter whether it has got some sappy lyrics or a really Bronx style. What counts is you go with the beat.

So to start the day right, fade in a heart-pumping song while you prepare yourself to get to work. This way, you can up that good mood you haven’t had for quite some time. You might want to try some Pussycat Dolls collection or Rihanna’s funky music. Go with it and liven up the day!

Grab a bite

You can never go wrong with food. We Filipinos just so love to eat. So go ahead and treat yourself to your favorite merienda.

Order your fave ice cream or that freshly baked ensaymada you just love to munch since you were in grade school. Forget about cholesterol once in a while and give yourself a good food-trip.

And if you’re quite big in appetite, treating yourself in a buffet on a weekend is not a bad idea. Sure, it may look boring to do this one alone, but sometimes it’s fun to be just doing things yourself.

Get a new haircut

Need we say more? A lot of us go to a salon when not feeling really good. Girls in particular love different hair styling while guys often do it for sheer hygiene and maintenance.

But it doesn’t matter. Either way, have your hair done by a pro and show off. That chopped style might look fabulous on you or it could be that sophisticated boy’s cut Miranda Hobes had once sported in Sex and the City.

Whatever cut you demand just be sure to enjoy it as if it’s the finest look you ever had in your life.

Go interactive

Try online chat. It may sound quite desperate for you, but yeah, it’s a pretty convenient venue to meet new people since you don’t necessarily have to reveal your name or personal identity.

What’s nice about it is that you can always have the option to meet or not to meet the person. Thus, you don’t have to worry about personal blunders or embarrassment in case your conversation didn’t work out or you say or do something that will make you want to crawl back on your shell right away.

Besides that, the possibility to meet someone rather interesting isn’t a bad idea after all. Good if it happens, likewise you won’t lose anything if at the end of the day you didn’t actually come across with somebody to exchange phone numbers with. That’s all fine as long as you’re not on the edge of harming yourself or the other person.

Explore the Net for your own convenience and make new friends.

Shake your groove thing

Rev up your endorphins (better known as the happy hormones) and shake your booty. No need to be an expert breakdancer to maneuver gracefully.

Just enjoy yourself as if it’s you’ve never rocked that hard before. So, the next time you visit your favorite weekend night spot in town with your friends, remember to show your best moves in the dance floor. Show that little wild side of you by gyrating like selling yourself in an auction.

Be like a child again

I’m not saying you act like a bratty, annoying minor. What I meant is, carry on a laidback behavior as if nothing in the day would upset you.

Set aside all your worries. Don’t take yourself way too seriously. Smile and laugh like there’s no tomorrow.

Enjoy the company of your friends like you used to with your childhood playmates.

Sure it is impossible not to feel stressed out especially at the height of too much work and personal worries. It’s normal and it’s ok but don’t get too overboard in sulking in your anxiety.

Everyone goes through it but you don’t have to live with it. Look at the lighter side and convince yourself that indeed, there’s more to life than killing yourself with too much pressure.

Author’s Note: Article originally appeared in Emanila.com on Feb. 12, 2003

Menudo has been an all-time favorite Filipino food of mine. In fact, when I started having my own family it’s one of the first I’ve learned and mastered to cook and has become a favorite of my hubby.

Below is my own version of pork Menudo which I’m happy to share with you:

Ingredients:

1/4 kg pork (menudo cut)
4 small potatoes (cut in small cubes)
2 carrots (cut in cubes)
2 tbs. Maggi liquid seasoning
Butter
Garlic (chopped)
1 medium size onion (chopped)
1 1/2 cup water
Maggi magic sarap (sachet packet)
2 laurel leaves

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat butter and saute chopped onion and garlic. Then add pork and 2 tbs. Maggi liquid seasoning.

2. Simmer for 3 mins. and then add 1 1/2 cup of water. Cover and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 20 mins. until pork is tender.

3. Add carrots and potatoes. You see, I’m so into potatoes and carrots (plus they’re healthy choice for extenders). Boil for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Add laurel leaves and half pack of Maggi magic sarap and boil for another 2 minutes at a low heat.

Finally, serve hot with a cup of rice and ice-cold Coke either for lunch or dinner…and momentarily bid goodbye to your diet…lolz

I never dream of becoming a supervisor. I have never imagined myself to be good at leading a bunch of people. But most of the time, things happen when you least expect it. And that’s exactly what happened to me when my then supervisor tells me that he’s recommended me (along with someone whom I thought was more fit to the post) for the supervisor position to a new program.

Despite my extreme hesitation I thought I didn’t have any more choice to refuse. After all, promotion, no matter how big or small, means an increase in pay. But what I didn’t realize is that promotion as such has its own price to pay—struggles and sacrifices.Still, a promotion is a promotion. And once you have it, might as well learn everything you can from it. Let me share what I learned so far:

1. There’s always a better way of saying something. Whether it’s giving orders to your team or asking employees to render overtime, there’s always a better way to explain what and why something is necessary.

2. Being a supervisor doesn’t mean being a tyrant, neither it means acting like everyone’s best friend. Your workplace is not your home where everyone will understand and give way to everything you do and say. While it’s good that you have the power to motivate and lead people, be cautious not to go overboard. Likewise, being too friendly especially to the few selected ones may just invite favoritism and politics. Be firm when rolling out an important policy, but wholeheartedly easy when it’s time for occasional fun.

3. You should treat with equal importance the things that are important to your boss. This is the first thing I learned when I became a supervisor. In fact, I learned it the hard way. Being a supervisor doesn’t mean just sitting behind your desk. It also means identifying what’s important to your boss and make it important to you as well. This way you do not become a part of the problem, instead you become a source of solution. Exactly, not easy. Until now I am still on the verge of developing this skill (hahaha).

4. Too much emotion has no room in the workplace. This is especially true when making decisions. You don’t want to see people go. Likewise, you do not want to keep poor performing members no matter how agonizing their life may be.

5. You can no longer dodge numbers. How I always avoided math subjects in school whenever I can. But not at work. Whether you like it or not, it will become part of your work life—at least as a supervisor in a call center.

6. There’s a lot of bad hair days, hence, you should know how to enjoy your pay. When you start handling bigger responsibilities, expect a lot of pressure. No wonder, they offer a hefty compared to non-call center industry. Because it means after all the bad hair days, don’t be guilty to splurge on some material things that will bring you joy. And to be honest, this is so far my favorite part.

7. Expect the unexpected, accept it and don’t complain. Or else you will just subject yourself to so much stress and worst, burn out. So many changes can happen at work, one moment the client wants this, another moment they want that. Expecting the unexpected is not much of an issue. But accepting it and not bothering to complain is a completely different story. So the rule is simple. Expect the unexpected and do well from it, but if there’s nothing you can do, accept it and don’t complain.

8. No matter how you want to make things easy for everyone, it will not always be easy. Plain and simple, some things are just not meant to be.So learn when to stop insisting your way.

9. Always bring something that comforts you. Mine is always my little “kikay” kit. When I’m under pressure and stress is suffocating me, I fish out my kikay kit from my biggie bag and fix myself. After that I’m a bit ok.

10. It’s just ALL IN A DAY’S WORK. And you when get home, not even that early tiff with your boss will matter anymore.