IFEX 2019

Yesterday was the fourth and last day of my stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for CITEM. It was a productive gig, and I am thankful for the chance to serve our country by smiling and assisting VIP passengers. 

It was a privilege to hear Sunday mass at the Terminal 2 chapel. 

After mass, I ate Minute Burger’s pizza burger for brekkie. It was so good! It went well with Jollibee’s surprisingly flavorful brewed coffee. 

After airport duties, I rode a bus, train, and a tuktuk to the World Trade Center for IFEX 2019, the country’s premier food expo!

I got to eat, drink, and appreciate all the hard work I have contributed for the past four days. I am very proud to be Filipino, and it makes me happy to see all these exhibitors bring the best of Filipino cuisine to the world. 

I made sure to buy straw bags from Crafter’s Joy, a Pangasinan-based social enterprise that provides livelihood to local women weavers. 

I am excited to use these straw bags! The planter was for my mom. 

It was an honor to serve our country for the past four days, and to sample the best Filipino food and drinks at IFEX. I look forward to next year’s expo, and I hope to serve the country again in the future. 

Mabuhay! 

NAIA Work Day 3

Yesterday was day three of my four-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative. 

I started my day with brekkie.  

Then, I worked the empty halls of the airport. 

I crocheted while waiting for VIP passengers.  

I also hung out with airport colleague Jang. 

Then, I transferred to terminal three for lunch and coffee. I had 1st Colonial sili ice cream for dessert and it was delicious! 

I also served as lector during the noontime mass at the airport chapel.  

After work, I offered eggs at St. Clare Monastery.  

I also bonded with the dogs of Barkin’ Blends’ East branch.  

I got a blind massage to cap off my day.  

Here’s to more opportunities to balance work and life with faith, furry friends, and food! 

NAIA Work Day 2

Yesterday was the second day of my four-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for CITEM. I learned how it was to be bored and how I could use that to realize my priorities and what’s important to me. I am honored to serve our country, and I can’t wait to have more opportunities to do so in the coming weeks and months!

NAIA Work Day 1

Yesterday, I had my first day as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative for the IFEX 2019 (food expo). My first time to be a NAIA rep was last April for Manila FAME. I am thankful to CITEM for the opportunity to serve our country once again and to return to work in such a unique way. 

I got my pass to assist buyers from overseas. During my downtime, I got to crochet, eat, and get to know my shift partner, Alyssa. I also got to chat with airport staff Jang who kindly helped me with my job for the next four days. 

After work, I treated our loyal helper Racquel to dinner, coffee, and a movie at UP Film. 

I enjoyed my day at work and with our helper in the movies. It was another productive day. I know that with days that are balanced such as this one, I can manage to live a good life amidst all the challenges that I recently faced. 

Coloring My Vision

I ordered a pair of tinted specs from local optical shop Sunnies Specs. I won a pair of glasses during their Dear Sunnies Santa giveaway last December. Since my father passed away recently, I felt the need to start anew and I’ve always wanted to support Sunnies Specs after their generosity last Christmas. 

I get new glasses during new beginnings. I believe that it is now my time to be stronger and more stable after my father’s passing. These new tinted specs will not only keep me looking smart, but they will also inspire me to live life more colorfully. 

I’ve also been getting more sleep and it shows on my clear skin. 

After claiming my specs, I went to CITEM in Pasay for my training. I am chosen to be a NAIA Services Representative for the second time. The upcoming IFEX fair will usher in foreign buyers, and it is my job to welcome and assist them at the airport. 

I can’t wait to begin this three-day “modeling gig” and meet new friends. 

After my meeting, I had late lunch at Echo Cafe, a sustainable social enterprise that sells natural products and healthful food.  

I had their delicious banana heart burger and cafe espagnole, which is a mix of coffee and chocolate. So good! 

I capped the afternoon by visiting my best friend Luti at her condo. She took this photo of me from her window.  

I had my pixie trim for the month of May and a massage to relax me after a long day. 

I also received this gift of semiprecious bracelets from Luti. I am eager to release negative emotions and have more energy this year!

Here’s to more colorful opportunities and blessings on this new beginning! 

New Girl

My office is just five minutes away from home, so I just take a tricycle to and from work. I’m liking the commute so far!

I rode in style. 

And I’m appreciating all the blessings that I’m getting amidst my dad’s terminal illness. 

Please continue praying for my dad! And for me as well, as I continue hustling for my family.  

NAIA Work Day 3

Yesterday was the final one of my three-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative. I watched the sunrise at the airport while knitting. 

Then, I manned our booth and welcomed arrivals with a smile.  

I had Jollibee’s halo-halo sundae and brewed coffee for dessert during lunch.  

I attended mass during my break at the airport chapel.  

Then, I got to finish crocheting this scarf during my shift. 

I had maruya (fried sweet bananas) and brewed coffee at the cafeteria before close of business. 

Then, I rode the bus to World Trade Center. 

We had our debriefing at the venue itself. I was giddy to be back at Manila FAME. 

After our meeting, we got to explore the fair.  

All our hard work for the past three days was worth it once I saw the fair. I was blown away by the astounding exhibitors and the artistry of the Philippines.  

I am proud to be part of this event, and I have a renewed love for country after this.  

For dinner, I grabbed a beef bowl at Yoshinoya before calling it a day. 

It was an honor to serve our country and witness the capability of our artists. I am proud to be Filipino!  

NAIA Work Day 2

Yesterday was my second one as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative in behalf of CITEM. I got to spend time again at the airport while observing passengers as they go about their day.  

I got to crochet to entertain myself between guests, and during my breaks. 

I also got to have halo halo sundae and coffee for dessert at Jollibee NAIA.  

It was tiring, but fulfilling to finish my second day at work.  

I am enjoying work so far, as I am already adjusting to the daily grind. This will be helpful when I start my day job soon at a company near home. 

I can’t wait to start working soon, and this is the best way to learn how to get along with colleagues and stakeholders. Mabuhay! 

Uni Memories

I had a productive first week of work. It was overwhelming, like most adjustment periods. However, I was never short of colleagues to help me. It also helped that our office is still located near my uni, where there is a chapel, convenient food options, and space to process my thoughts during my lunch break.

I have been having Food Channel shawarma rice with cheese for lunch, and it is still delicious! I feel like a student again whenever I savor it.

I have to visit our office’s new site and project manage its progress. I have to be organized and on top of things!

Another food from uni which I enjoyed this week was the sticky cinnamon bun. It was comforting after a busy day.

And I was also fortunate to have my college friend Ceetee with me for coffee that day! She also just recently started at her new office in Ortigas.

Here’s to more opportunities at work, more happy college memories, friendship moments, and comfort food!

Determined to Succeed

I started work the other day, and I was warmly welcomed by the team. I am ecstatic to work with a motivated workforce, and I can’t wait to grow along with the company. 

I started my day with prayer and thanksgiving at UA&P’s chapel. 

I had breakfast, got coffee, and crocheted while waiting for my workday to begin.

It was inspiring to see this on our office wall.

And it was also bittersweet to see my uni and former office outside our window.

I am very excited to begin hustling with everyone, and I am happy to belong to a young, dynamic, and helpful group. I will surely be integrated here in no time, and of course, I will keep you posted here as I speakoutsam in the office!

Thankful for UA&P

Yesterday, I visited my alma mater, UA&P. I was in the area to settle documents with my new job. 

But first, I needed to say hello to my uni and former office.  

I was happy to find more PC workstations at the CAS library. 

I crossed the street for some Food Channel shawarma rice. 

It’s still delicious!

I dropped by my former office, the School of Sciences and Engineering. 

After chatting with old friends and sipping UA&P’s famous milk tea (which is still yummy!), I went to the mall to buy myself a new watch strap. 

I rewarded myself for a year of work and blogging. 

As I begin a new chapter with my new employer, I look forward to more rewarding experiences. 

I ended my day with more adulting at a nearby hospital, with a charming chapel. 

I prayed for better days ahead, and more opportunities to spread my wings. I am thankful for UA&P, and it’s time to apply all that I have learned both as a graduate and a former employee. 

It’s time for me to speakoutsam and rock on!