http://solaceandserenity.blogspot.com/ |
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| Tuesday, July 25, 2006 |
| Memoirs From My 6-month Onshore |
Friends, a simple word uttered everyday to almost every person imaginable. I used to think that friends were the people that you could laugh and talk to. Now I know that they aren't that, they're the people that touch your heart. You could spend hours with them doing nothing at all and it can be the best time of your life, just because it was with them. They're the people you can share your secrets with, cry with, laugh with, and just have fun with. They don't judge you or make you change. They accept you exactly as you are. They look at you and they see a great person, one they love spending time with. You all share something in common and are tied together by memories, tears, laughs and smiles.
From July 2005 to January 2006, I had the privilege to go to Arizona USA to work closely with our clients. But the most fun part of my onshore was the experience of traveling to different places with my close friends. I had so many memoirs to keep in my 6 months of stay there.
Guys, we’ve been through lots of laughter, happiness, hardships, and even tears and sorrow. But all of these experiences strengthen my relationship with my friends and made us a better person. My stay wouldn’t have been memorable without all of you guys. Every event happened to us remains and will remain vivid in my mind and in my heart. No words could describe my happiness. Thanks for the memories…
Friendship is the strangest but greatest thing in the world. I find my time with my friends, the best times of my life. My friends are my heart, my soul, my fun, my laughter, tears, love and my life. |
posted by Joseph @ 11:41 PM  |
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| A Man With A Golden Voice |
This section is intended to personally thank one of my dear buddies/friends in Accenture.
His name is Ryan. He was one of the first few people that I mingled with during my first day in the firm. Yes, we were both new hires then. From the very beginning I know that this guy will be one of my close friends not just because we were batchmates, but most probably because we kinda have the same interests, same likes, and in same wavelength. To name a few, he loves music, he loves “chismis” gossips, he’s a funny yet clever guy, he loves engaging to extra-curricular activities, and a lot more. We have a lot of things in common so to speak. Ok Ryan, you now have all the reasons to deny that haha! (Intellectual competence not included, fine? hehe).
Since then, he became one of my close friends in the firm. We never run out of something to talk about. We always have chitchat session everyday, yes as in everyday together with our closest friends. There’s really no dull moment with this guy. (naks!)
As I’ve mentioned a while ago, he loves music. He loves to sing. Music is his passion. And modesty aside, he’s really a great singer. For me, he sounded like Brian McKnight with a different twist of his own (naks again! Hehe). Seriously, he sings like a professional singer. He’s a very talented guy. Before Anai moved here in Malaysia, I asked him to record some of my favorite songs and compile it for me. He didn’t disappoint me. Anai gave me the CD with the compilation of some of my favorite songs sang by Ryan with his own rendition. It was superb! I can actually send this to recording studios as demo! Hehe.
Here is the list of the songs in his unreleased album:
Lately
Wildflower
Dance with My Father
One Last Cry
Goon Too Soon
All Is Fair In Love
Superstar
Thanks Ryan! I owe you a lot! I am a fan of your golden voice. Just keep on singing until the music ends... |
| posted by Joseph @ 11:35 PM |
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| A Trip to Putrajaya |
Good news, I already have task! Finally, they gave me a ticket to work on last Wednesday afternoon. Bad news, I am still not yet done… Anyways, I still have a week to provide them the report. But this is not the reason why I wrote hehe.
Last Sunday, I went out to see Anai and the rest of our friends from Singapore (Khris, Gracia and Hazel) who were here for a weekend vacation. We were also accompanied by Milay, Efren and his girlfriend. We were all former Triumph employees and now working abroad.
Anai is my former teammate and a good friend. She was one of the divas in Triumph as she loves to sing ALOT. She’s also very jolly and witty that’s why we jived easily. We regularly go to Big Chill with Ryan during lunch time not just to buy drinks but also to chat about everything together. I really miss those days hehe.
She arrived here in Malaysia last Saturday night. The next day, we decided to meet up at starbucks in KLCC around 10am. I purposely went there a ‘lil earlier to do window shopping because there’s an ongoing mega sale here in all malls for the whole month. Oh well, Anai was also late so I have enough time to rove the place hehe. I also went to Petronas tower but unfortunately there were no more tickets available at that time. The tickets were just limited and it’s first come first serve basis. So I just decided to sit outside where I met an American couple and had a ‘lil chit chat.
The rest of the group was already waiting for us in KL Sentral. From there, we still need to travel at least 30 minutes by train just to go to the destination place (Putrajaya). But since we were late hehe, they’ve decided to go ahead and just meet straight off to Putra Jaya, So Anai and I traveled from KLCC to KL Sentral station then transferred to another transit, the South East Asia’s fastest train as they claim, from KL Sentral to Putra Jaya station. We just keep on talking the whole time. It was a long ride but seemed too short because we didn’t run out of topic to talk and laugh about hehe. The rest of the group was already waiting in the coach when we reached the destination. Then we were introduced to Efren’s girlfriend who happens to be a friend and a former officemate of one of my close friends in college, Laarni (small world! Hehe).
We were like 15 tourists in the coach from different countries. They let us discovered the different architectural designs and structures of Putrajaya. We went to Melawati Palace, Prime Minister’s Office, Putra Mosque, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Justice, and a lot more… The place has a lot to offer, a nice, clean and serene place. Unfortunately, we don’t have much time to tour the place as some of my friends still need to travel 5 hrs back to Singapore that night. Not to mention that we were also so tired walking the whole afternoon hehe. We were like 5 minutes late when the coach arrived Putrajaya station. So we still waited for about 30 minutes before the next train leaves. It was around 4 pm when we reached the KL Sentral, where we all parted ways and bid goodbyes to each other. I personally had so much fun touring the place with them. I will miss them and hoping to see them soon.
Anai and I headed back to Masjid Jamek to attend the Sunday mass but we were an hour earlier when we went to St. John Church so we just decided to buy a sim card first and go to department store to buy stuffs. I brought her in Mydin, the most economical department store here comparable to Uniwide in Philippines hehe. After that, we went straight away to the church and waited until the mass starts.
After mass, just a few blocks away from the church, we had our dinner at Burger King. We stayed there for about an hour or two talking everything that’s happening back home and reminiscing the old days with our dear friends. After that, we both decided to go home and rest as we still have work the next morning, her first day in her new work.
It was a very tiring day but was also one of the blissful Sundays I have here in Malaysia so far. |
| posted by Joseph @ 8:11 PM |
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| Friday, July 21, 2006 |
| Bon Voyage |
Anai, one of my friends in my previous work, will arrive here in Malaysia tonight. She was my former teammate in our beloved team hehe. Yes, she already resigned too and will be working as Analyst in StandardCharted Bank. I am planning to see her tomorrow morning with the rest of our friends from Singapore, our former officemates, who were here for vacation. Meeting place, Petronas! Wishing you all the best on your career.
Today is also my mom’s flight back to Philippines. Welcome back Mama! I hope I was there to welcome you… I haven’t seen my parents for more than two years, my sister for a year, and my brother for few months now. I really miss my family so much. I hope to see you soon. I love you... That's all folks for today... |
| posted by Joseph @ 11:04 PM |
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| Wednesday, July 19, 2006 |
| Losing my Patience |
It’s already my 8th week here in my new company and yet I still don’t have EVERYTHING. First, I still don’t have e-mail add. What’s difficult in setting up my e-mail? I’d follow-up my request a number of times already but still, nothing happened.
Second, my racf-id still hasn’t configured yet. What’s the f**cking hard in creating a request? If I could only do that myself, I would. But I was not permitted to do so. I am just an expatriate here. *sigh*.
Lastly, I still don’t have formal tasks! For God sake, it’s been 8 weeks doing self-improvement thingy. How can I fully understand the system if they’ll not give me tasks. First and foremost, I am novice on their system. It is totally different from what I used back home. Secondly, they don’t have documents that I could read on to help me understand their current system. Thirdly, they don’t even have someone from my team to provide knowledge transfer or even just give me an overview on how their system works. Pity me… Are they expecting me to know all of these by myself? My goodness…
I am starting to lose my patience now… grrrhhh… On a second thought, if they’ve already given me tasks prior, then most probably I still have not started my blog yet. Oh well, that’s the only consolation that I should be thankful for. *sigh* Earlier, I have already talked to my team lead and asked “again” for any tasks. She said she’ll find one for me. Hmm… let’s wait and see what will happen, and will keep you posted. |
| posted by Joseph @ 5:53 PM |
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| Tuesday, July 18, 2006 |
| Getaway at Coco Beach |
This event happened last May 2005. I have already posted this entry on my livejournal last year but since I am now using blog, I would just like to repost this here.
Coco Beach Resort (Palawan, Puerto Galera) is one of the nice places to be if you just want to be spoiled by peace and quiet, simple, relaxed, and beautiful "next to nature" life. The food and drinks are OK but too expensive though. However, what it lacks in comfort is remunerated with the beauty of the place and all the hospitality from people that really care about you having a good time!
We were composed of volleyball “hopeful” players of Accenture from different teams /projects /buildings and we are even accompanied by friends outside Accenture. We went there to unwind and to stay away from the tons of work in the office, even just for a single day of rest. After all, we all deserve to have a break!
My roommates and I had one of the rooms on the top of the hill with the most superb panorama of the place. The view is remarkably awesome. However, the downside, it would require you extra effort to go up and down the hill just to get in your room. Well, lucky for those who got the A/C rooms! Ha-ha.
Personally, I had so much fun. I liked the food. I enjoyed the place as it pampered you with everything. Most of all, I enjoyed the moments with my friends and with those newfound friends. We had our day swimming and playing beach volleyball. And of course, who would have forgotten how expensive their cocktails are! Horrendous!!! But did that stop us from drinking? Hmmm… =)
Truly, this event was pretty short for leisure and bonding, but we were able to get the most out of our time. Taken all into account, this is an interesting place you really have to go with your families and friends and if you have any interest at all in beautiful beaches.
Adventure is just an excuse to do something stupid. But it's one excuse that I can accept. - Brad Ray
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| posted by Joseph @ 6:38 AM |
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| Monday, July 17, 2006 |
| My Volleyball Career |
Volleyball is one of my favorite sports up to date. I started playing volleyball when I was still in grade school. But it was only during my HS days when I became competitively active. But sadly, I didn’t become our school’s varsity player then. Why? That’s another story to tell.
I used to play with our school’s varsity players during their practice sessions whenever I have time to develop more skills and to gain camaraderie with them as well. Though I was not a varsity player, I support them all throughout. I was always present on each and every game that they’ve played. In return, they were also very supportive with my undertakings.
At one point in my HS life, I was offered to join the Philippine Youth team. It just knocked me off. It was a prestigious event participated by different countries! Sadly, I only attended two sessions when I decided to quit, not that I don’t like the game, but I was informed by the management that I must leave school for a while and concentrate on the training which was held in Baguio a few months before the event started. It all happened a month before my Graduation Day so, for that reason, if I’ll continue playing then I will miss my Graduation Day and the first semester in college which my mom disagreed. Hence, I chose to quit.
As I was really willing and eager to play this game in a collegiate level, I attended the try-out session of one of the prestigious colleges in NCAA. Fortunately, I was chosen amongst the 12 players to play for the school. Also, it became an access for me to enter on this college Ha-ha. But for some demanding reason, I quit again. But I have no regrets because I’ve learned a lot of things from my coaches and co-players. Since then, I joined couple of tournaments, be it from school sports fest or other leagues outside the campus.
My fascination on this sport continued even when I was already working. In fact, I was an active player of the Accenture Volleyball League, an annual tournament for company’s volleyball hopeful employees. We won 1st runner up on my first year, 2nd runner up on my second year, and grabbed another 1st runner up on my third year. I was awarded Best Blocker last season and Best Spiker recently, my last award before I left the company hehe. When I was in Phoenix, I also joined a sort of like a tournament which we landed second. It was very competitive tournament because ALL who participated (mostly Mexicans… some Americans and Chinese… but I was the only Filipino hehe) were all great. It had so much fun playing with them.
Recently, I was selected to join the Accenture Volleyball team competed on Club650 League. It was participated by different teams from colleges and companies. Though we didn’t make it that far, a quarterfinals slot was already enough achievement for us. By the way, it was televised and my neighbors saw me in television hehe. Seriously, winning a game is just a bonus. It is the rapport built inside the court and how you win your teammates’ respect is what matters most.
Moreover, this sport enhanced my behavior in a variety of areas. I learnt the value of teamwork, composure, perseverance and somehow helped me establish my own goals and values. I know each and every one of us has our own interests, our own game… and for me, this is my game! |
| posted by Joseph @ 2:37 AM |
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| Sunday, July 16, 2006 |
| Movie: Walk The Line |
It was another routinary Saturday night for me when I watched this movie with my housemate. I was just lying on my bed and listening to music the whole day and was doing NOTHING. I was completely damn sluggish that time. While searching for a nice show, my housemate suggested me to watch this movie instead. He said that it was a nice romantic movie to watch.
Summary:
James Mangold's Walk the Line tells the life story of country music legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix), focusing primarily on the long courtship he had with June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). The film is structured as an extended flashback opening with Cash readying to take the stage at his historic Folsom Prison Concert. The film touches on his childhood, relating a horrific early incident from his life and establishing the troubled relationship he would have with his father (Robert Patrick). Cash joins the military and leaves home. During his time in the armed services he begins writing songs and romances a hometown girl (Ginnifer Goodwin). After the end of his duty he settles down and attempts to begin a music career, but his wife has trouble adjusting to his dreams. Cash auditions for Sam Phillips (Dallas Roberts), signs to Sun Records, and soon finds himself on tour with a roster of young soon to be legends that includes Elvis Presley (Tyler Hilton) and Jerry Lee Lewis (Waylon Malloy Payne). On this tour he meets June Carter, the daughter of the famous Carter family, and they take a liking to each other although she refuses any serious advances from him. Cash gains world wide fame thanks in part to the inspiration he gets from June, but eventually his marriage crumbles and he develops a serious drug addiction. 
My Review:
Walk the Line is first and foremost a love story. It touches on most of the standard scenes people have come to expect from movies about real-life musicians, but the material is infused with energy by two outstanding lead performances.
No question, I agree that Joaquin Phoenix did an awesome job portraying the role. He was able to handle his owns singing in the film and his physical resemblance to Cash is superficial - the illusion is complete though I am not a fan of Cash hehehe. On the other hand, I am not that convinced on Reese Witherspoon’s performance, really! Yes, it may be one of her finest performances since she has been appearing mostly in fluff movies lately but for me it was not yet an award-winning performance. Just my opinion though…
I will admit to not having been excited about seeing Walk the Line before sitting down to watch it, but they converted me. Over-all, it’s a nice movie to watch.
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| posted by Joseph @ 10:38 PM |
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| Not my Luck |
 I woke up an hour earlier to my normal wake up time to prepare myself for a mass. I must attend this one because I missed the two Sunday masses prior. And I promise myself and to my Lord Jesus that I will attend today’s mass. Anyways, I went there with one of my housemates. My other housemate went back to Philippines for his vacation and will be returning later tonight.
I saw some of my officemates in the church. But of course, since we are inside our God’s temple, we have to observe silence and focus on the mass so we didn’t talk much.
After the mass, we headed outside and meet my housemate’s friends who already become my acquaintances and buddies every Sunday. Not much actually other than going out on a lunch with them every Sunday. So that was it. We then meet some of my housemate’s friend’s friends. Ok in short, we are in a group meeting Ha-ha. We decided to eat lunch at Hart’s Chicken, an eat all you can buffet restaurant, in Time Square. For only 17 RM you can eat as many as you can, Lucky for us because we barely eat dinner last night. I was really tired to go down to cafeteria to buy food last night so I just ate apple and a piece of bread. I must say that the food is considerably good for its price. So we’re pretty much pleased and contented.
After lunch, we have decided to separate ways and go elsewhere. Some went straight away home while some went to watch a movie. I myself don’t want to go home yet because it’s still too early but I also don’t want to watch movie because I am not in the mood to watch. Anyways, I just decided to go to Sungei Wang mall by myself to have my hair done. Besides, it’s been almost two months the last time I have it trimmed. But what I’ve thought an ordinary day for me turned out to be a little drastic.
I saw a nice salon on the 2nd floor of the mall. The place was clean and looks comfy. I asked the receptionist for the price. Actually, price isn’t that important as long as you’re satisfied with the result. But of course, I have my limit Ha-ha. Anyways, the girl said that it would only cost me 25 RM so I tried. To give you an idea on how much is the hair cut for male here; in a typical barber shop, it ranges from 10-12 RM. In a small salon, it ranges from 15-20 RM. And in a nice salon, it’s 20+ up depending on the cut and style. When I was already inside the salon, the hairstylist told me that they need to shampoo my hair first since I was wearing gel then BUT additional 10 RM for me. Ok fine! As if I have a choice. While I was sitting on one of the chair they offered me a drink. I think it was a tea or something. I don’t know exactly how it happened but it spilled over me! My pants was awfully wet. It was extremely horrible. It looked like I pee on my pants. Just imagine while the hairstylist shampooing my hair, I was drying my pants with a blower. It was hideous.
While I was still letting it dry, the hairstylist already starts to cut my hair. At first, it was ok… just trimmed here and there. Then all of a sudden, she was cutting brusquely like as if she was in a hurry. This is no good! She cuts my hair short! Waaahhh. She made me look like an anime … a cartoon character with spike hair… or should I say look like a pineapple. Waaahhh this is terrible. I want my old hairstyle back! Waaahhh.
Since everything has already been done, I just didn’t complain. I just asked the girl to put more gel in it. *sigh* I will never go back to that salon EVER. Imagine! They even gave me calling card after all that happened! Duh! Well, as my friend said, “I must try all the salons then only I’ll know which one is better and which is not.” Well, I’ll just look for a better one next time, not just my luck today. :-) |
| posted by Joseph @ 5:52 AM |
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| My Resignation / Last day note to Triumph |
 It’s been almost two months when I tendered my resignation in my previous company, Accenture. At first, it was really painful because I was upset and disappointed on how it was ended. Upset, because it was not the one I envisioned to happen on my career, disappointed, because I have trusted my career to the wrong person(s).
It was not an easy decision especially the thought of forgetting how great was the investment and foundation I have established. But at the end, I must learn to accept the reality. I must learn to forget all the disappointments and start to move on. After all, life must go on.
“In life, there are series of meetings and partings. In a particular event we meet a friend, for some reason we part ways. But we only look back at the event that has somehow helped us grow.” Accenture has become my second home for almost 4 years. It is where I shared my thoughts, my dreams, and my ambitions. It is where I found true friends and companions. I had so many memories to keep, in and outside the project, from the project outings and team buildings upto volleyball outings and leagues. It was indeed a wonderful 4 year stay.
But the hardest part for me was leaving my office friends with obvious reason that I will definitely miss the camaraderie and laughter. Having them in my life makes me feel secure and stable. And somehow, I become dependent to them emotionally. Now that I am facing a new chapter of my life, new challenges awaits, I will apply whatever teachings you’ve thought and whatever lessons I’ve learned.
Thanks for the special memories together… Keep in touch friends…
Here is my Last Day note to my Project:
Hello,
Today is my last day in AMEX-Triumph. My 3 + years in Triumph have been fun and enriching. In everything that I have been through, I have discovered one very important lesson - that friendships can be formed from countless OT hours, seemingly endless sev1 and sev2 IMRs, numerous training and brownbag sessions, and of course onshore. To Statementing/GRMS/CMLD team, my humble beginning started with you. Thanks for being my first home in Triumph and for continually welcoming me back to the team. I owe whatever functional and technical skills I have to you. Thanks for the experiences and friendships formed during team buildings and lunchouts. Overtime work surprisingly became an enjoyable experience because of the funny times together. It was great working hard and laughing harder with you guys! To Account Setup / XPT team, thank you for all the experiences and friendships most especially thanks for accepting me in your team. I've tried to share myself with you, and I hope you benefitted from me as much as I benefitted from having all of you working with me. By the way, it was fun drinking tequilla in Baguio! To the people whom I have worked with during my stay in Phoenix, thanks for being very supportive. Special thanks to Triumph BOS and Triumph DBA people for always helping me in CMLD and production issues. And to CMLD business for always being so understanding and patient to Triumph. :-) It was great working with you guys. I will definitely miss resolving sev1 and sev2 CMLD/production issues. :-) To my co-onshore folks, thanks for the wonderful memories. I will never ever forget those days. Hope we can do that again someday. To my startgroup, we've been together for almost 4 yrs now and I am happy that our friendships stay stronger. Promise that I will always be here when you need my help. Just let me know. Lastly, to my friends whom I have interacted with directly or indirectly during office and non-office activities, thank you all for touching my life in your own special way. I will be waiting for our paths to cross once again. Best of luck to all of us and keep in touch! |
| posted by Joseph @ 5:42 AM |
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| Solace and Serenity |
Years back, I have wanted to start creating a blog for myself but my previous work schedule didn’t allow me to do so. Now that I have a new work, not that I am doing nothing in my current work, it just that I have more time for myself to do whatever I want in my life, I will try my best to write down everything that’s happening in my life, both good and bad. Even the best memories I have had in the past, and will post them consequently on the coming days.
I named my blog as “Solace and Serenity” simply because that’s what I think everyone of us is looking right now, the comfort and tranquility of life. We are living not to face all the trials, not to fight all the hardships, and not to cope with all the sacrifices, but rather to seek for the best comfort and tranquility of life.
I would like to thank my best friend for inspiring me and encouraging me to create my own blog. He’s been doing his own for the longest time and thru that I was able to have better ideas on how he was doing. I hope that through this, I will be able to share my persona to everyone especially to my friends all over the world. And I will be able to give you updates on my colorful and wonderful life.
Take care and God Bless! |
| posted by Joseph @ 4:59 AM |
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