Priorities in Review: How my Past Job made me

This year marks the end of my stint as a designer in an architectural firm in Quezon City. I am also about to relinquish my post of editor in chief in an affiliated architectural magazine to uncertain successor, considering there are still no probable applicant on the time of this posting. My almost three years of stay here in the company gave me an insight on how I improved well and struggled to exude craftsmanship according to God’s plan. Alongside these achievements and experiences, I have had also several bittersweet encounters and repeatedly asked myself if this company is really my destiny and if I am the needed worker for this fledgling firm. Despite the fact that I have been technically a ‘regular’ in the said company, my actual status with respect to salaries and benefits is basically a contractual, minimum-wage earner. Yet, I do not find this too much disappointing since my primary purpose is to garner experiences and exposure in the said practice. Now that I’m aiming for the ultimate test of being an architecture graduate, that is the Board Examination, I firmly believe that anything I’ve earned here will become my ammunitions for the greatest ‘battle’ in my career.
Despite the hardships and challenges coupled with my considerably training phase in my immediate past job, I am really grateful that God gave me a God-fearing boss and a few friends to cherish the teamwork and camaraderie. Unfortunately, they were gone before I actually leave the office. Now, I’m almost all alone here, waiting for the day I’ll finally leave this cozy office and move into a higher level of working environment. But before I finally move out, I am pleased to provide you what are the real facts of benefits, especially to my priorities in life, which I’ve encountered here during my 33 months of working here.

1. Internet Connection
This is considered to be one of my pet projects in my 9-4-9 priorities which eventually bear fruit at first quarter of last year. Actually, it has been planned year earlier but still studying whether to take DSL line of Broadband connection. When I finally decided to take the latter, we finally had a net connection last March 28, 2009.

2. Service Area Construction
The progress of this house construction, though considerably not as big as other rehab projects in a particular home also received positive results. It is already in the completion stage when I resigned from the job. As soon as it is completed the project will be succeeded by a toilet reconstruction project, which continues the aim towards a better and functional working area/bathroom in the near future.

3. Helpful gadgets and appliances
These are small yet helpful gadgets and appliances which became reality when I finally worked in an architectural firm. Through my work I contributed a cooking stove to our second house in Laguna, alongside several small gadgets in our main house. When we are affected largely by a great flood last September, there rose an immediate need to dry papers and other affected things in no time. So I eventually purchased a blow drier similar to a hair drier used in parlors. With regards to household repairs and construction, the electric drill became the most important gadget or tool bought in 2009. Me and my father had share for the purchase of this important tool in June of last year.I also bought a new tripod, after one of my church mates broke the original one. If not for my job, I can’t acquire them as soon as possible. Other important things bought include, an airpot, TV antenna and microphone for my video camera (come call it lapel). These are just small things. Not the usual expensive tools or gadgets that you might expect, but these things helped our household a lot and made things a little bit easier.

4. Freedom to pursue personal hobby: video production
Despite not a direct allied profession of architecture, I had found great passion on video production especially when I had my own video camera. I also found interest on various video contests especially posted online. I did not hesitate to join these tilts, and my boss did not even lift a finger to hurdle my passion. Yet, every time I have shootings especially when had conflicts with my work days, I just make sacrifices of not going to work. Since we are in a ‘no-work-no-pay’ system, I am almost always broken when I have video productions in particular month.


5. Personal Video camera
Since I exhibited my passion for art through videography in the middle of the decade, I have longed for a personal video camera to enjoy my hobbies. Gladly in the mid of 2007, I bought, through my father’s financing loan, a simple and mid-resolution camera with photographic and music capabilities. Since it has been made possible in shortest time through a loan, my past job enabled me to pay it through my father on a monthly basis. I completed my financial obligations regarding the video camera on May of 2008.

6. Board Examination
This is definitely my primary purpose why I worked in the past job: I am posed to ask for the signature and approval of my superior architect for the log book. This is greatly needed in the filing of papers for the board examination. Now, that I have resigned from my job, only the license number has been unfilled yet since the signee’s license number has unfortunately expired January of this year (what a perfect timing). My past boss said that it will take two months for it to be processed thoroughly. I still cross my fingers on that day when I will garner the required license for the log-book so I can finally take the much-anticipated Licensure examination.

7. Partial success of Computer Upgrades project
Without my job, my dream for an upgraded computer at home wouldn’t be possible. One of my first upgrades undertaken was a higher capacity hard drive and an increase of the Random Access Memory (RAM). This was followed by purchase of a high-powerful Altec Lansing speaker with sub-woofer. I also planned to buy an LCD to replace our odd CRT monitor but I just saved the money and entered into a bank savings account. Purchase of the LCD will be done as soon as CRT bugs down.

These are the seven major accomplishments I’ve made throughout my working career in the immediate past job. There may be other things that I’ve bought and breakthroughs made, but those listed above are definitely attributed to my stay in the company.
Now I finally realize that there are lots of experiences in the small office where I once worked, and how this job made me a young worker, who loves the value of work and makes effort to do everything despite the meager resources. Yet, every saga has a start and an end. I am about to leave the said office with chin up and high spirit, that one day when me and my boss crosses path, I will humbly and confidently say, ‘I have been better that before, still growing better and better as days go by.’

MY PRIORITIES FOR 2010: TEN PRIORITIES. ONE GOAL

After my successful endeavor in 2009 through my 9-4-9 priorities, I am glad to present the list of my goals for this year. The branding for this year is named '2010: The Mirror of Life.' This signifies that everything you do and work for mirrors the fruits of labor and the enjoyment of life. That is why I am more vigorous this year to pursue my goals towards a better aspect of living. Being the 10th year of the decade, the list of priorities now total to 10. But among my objectives for this year, there can only be one goal: That is to enjoy life and love life. So, to give the details of my plans for this year, below are the 10 priorities for the year 2010.


1. BANK SAVINGS

To start the set of plans this year, I have to increase my earnings so I can implement the projects smoothly. Luckily being the first on my list, this has also been the first to be accomplished this year. Last February 7 I opened an account and got a good standing in terms of savings. I will not let this dry up and maintain a steady increase in savings despite the expenditures this year.

2. PASS THE BOARD EXAM

This is my major aim for this year. As I turn almost three years into my company I am determined to focus now on Architecture License Examination (ALE). Definitely, when I pass this great test of my life, it will surely boost my career development and enabling me to level the mountains of challenges and an increased benefits especially in my work.



3. LEARN TO DRIVE

This is one great undertaking that I really need to accomplish this year. Admittedly, I don't have a car but I believe I really need to learn driving. With this endeavor I am also claiming that one day I can have my own car so I really have to be well-prepared on this.



4. COMPUTER UPGRADES

One of the first things I need to do is buy an LCD monitor to replace the existing CRT monitor. Our monitor must go. Yet, it is still functioning so I may only buy an LCD as a standby peripheral once it boggles down anytime. Other than this, our 5 year-old computer needs additional memory and an upgrade of its windows operating system (Windows 7). This is one of the costliest projects for this year. For my latest calculation, this undertaking may reach 20,000 bucks so this really needs a bigger budget base without sacrificing my other funded-priorities for the year.



5. ADDITIONAL FURNITURE IN LAGUNA HOUSE

Our second home in Calamba, Laguna as of now is an empty space with no furniture yet in place. So, my first objective for this house is buying a new set of furniture such as dining table and sala set. Other appliances, such as refrigerator and TV set may be eyed but not yet this year.




6. INCREASE FUNCTIONALITY OF LAPTOP

After I won the Macbok Pro in last year's Nescafe video contest, there is a need to use it in a more functional way. Since it uses Macintosh OS and not Windows, this may be a bit difficult for me to handle its purpose. So there is a need to install it an operating system (windows) which enables me to do more things in a functional way. Aside from Computer Upgrades, this may also be costly since I am determined to buy original parts for my laptop.

7. HELPFUL GADGETS

This serves as the second installment of last year's appliances project. There were several proposals or options on what to buy which are deemed useful for the house. After weeks of analysis and study, I have decided to buy only two major gadgets this year: First is the Scientific calculator, and the other is a small Cassette Radio. I chose the former since I have no scientific calculator as of the moment and I badly need it for my review this year. I have opted to buy a cassette in the future since our present radio in the house had frequent signal ;problems and is almost two-decades old now. The old radio may still be kept and be used in case of emergency.



8. ENJOY LIFE THROUGH TOURS

After a brain-draining experience in Board Examination and reviews, it's time time to reward myself through engaging in a tour. It might be local or international area. As early as February, I am searching for potential places and affordable tour packages where me and my family can enjoy. We are planning to take tour by off peak months like July-October. Now, this is what I call, the full enjoyment of life.

9. HELP FOR GRANNIES: PLUMBING REHABILITATION

Two years ago, my relatives in Camarin, Caloocan City had encountered water sanitation and thereby one of my cousins, who was months-old then, got infected by serious disease. It was then found out that the water is unsuitable for drinking purpose not because it's deep-well but due to piping connection. There are several pipe connections which are not properly linked and can be contaminated by ground dirt and harmful microorganisms. Definitely a comprehensive plumbing layout is needed in order to solve this. This involves designs and construction of the layout, plus the deemed relocation of toilet and arrangement of fittings.


10. CONTINUATION OF HOUSE WORKS

Back in our house, there are still two major construction projects yet to be started. First is the Toilet Reconstruction Project (TRP). This is actually the second part of the Service Area Construction (SAC) which is an ongoing project. This involves tile works of the toilet and replacement of toilet door with PVC materials. This is slated for construction this Summer. On the other hand, our house is in dire need of storage ideas. One of the proposals is the purchase of storage boxes. However, a question suddenly pops into my mind: where do I have to place all those storage boxes in turn? the solution is by constructing a storage cabinet near our kitchen, complete with hooks for the power tools and gadgets. This is slated to be done by November or December this year.

So, these are all my plans for this year. These may seem to be grand and ambitious, but I am determined to make these a reality, not because of my strengths, but through the help of God who makes everything possible. Let's keep on praying for this to become a reality and strive hard for this to happen.

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Photos courtesy of:
*Kaikoura District Council
*Apple Inc and Google Products.
*Lakbay Pilipinas.

My First Video Award for the Year

Simple awarding ceremony together with Contest Organizers.


Happy New Year!

Yup! We're still in the young year of 2010 as I celebrate my very first achievement this January. After joining the 'I Love Makati' video contest late last year, winners were finally announced last 15th day of the month. At first, I was really anxious on opening the I Love Makati webpage to know the winners. But accidentally, I clicked on that page due to a fact that it has been bookmarked weeks ago. So, to my surprise I am one of the five runner ups. The champion

To give you the details, here are the winners:

Winner: 'The Center' by Aaron Gonzales

Five runner-ups (in no particular order)

'14,500 Pictures of I Love Makati' by Zap Berenguer
'8 Minutes of Makati' by Eloisa Espino Sanchez
'I Love Makati' by Jessica Martinez
'Another and Another' by Edlee Tusi
'I Love Makati' by Marichu Zablan

*For the videos of other finalists, please visit www.ilovemakati.ph.

The champion received PhP50,000 in cash while the five runner-ups received PhP10,000 each. The entries were judged by notable people from Broadcast Pool and photography.

All winners, as well as first ten entrants (regardless if winners or not), shall automatically receive a weekend stay voucher at Jupiter Suites, which is also one of the sponsors of the contest.

This contest has, admittedly, added another feather in my cap with regards to video production. Though I still consider this as one great opportunity for me to do such works despite indirect relevance to my course and a prevailing fact that a passion will always be your passion despite time, money, other resources, etc.

To all the winners, you deserve the prize. I really thank the Lord Almighty for this. To Him I offer this achievement.

And once again, my entry to I Love Makati Video contest entitled, 'Another and Another featuring my friend Grace Asis as the model.



Feel free to express your comments and or suggestions about my work.

*Thanks to I Love Makati website for this announcement.

Yearender: 2009 Became a Milestone Year for Me!

If I have a yearly publication of books accounting my life's experiences, the thickest one would be my Life in 2009. Personally, I have encountered various happenings which enabled me to become more responsible and capable not only for others but also for myself. There are things which I have encountered for the first time, and basically achieved victories which I didn't imagine to have before. Everything now has become possible not because of my own strength or abilities, but entirely of God's guidance and revelation of His purpose for me as a person.
That is why twelve months back, I conceptualized a list of plans and targets to be accomplished for the year 2009. It has since then called my 'Nine Priorities for 2009' or 949' for short. Stemming from its name, I listed down nine priorities which I have to achieve for the year. eventually, it became a budding success as well as challenges for me strive harder and do more than what I intend to accomplish. It has also become my testing ground so I can determine my strengths and weaknesses and how I will improve my planning strategies for the coming years.
On this issue, I will be giving to you my accomplishments, as well as my dreams which remained so due to several circumstances.Now, without further explanation, I'll let you see my record for the past year and give you freedom to express your thoughts on my planning strategy.

1.RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTION = DONE
This has been my dream for over a year. I thank God for providing me resources for this to become a reality. Last March, we have connected through Broadband and presently enjoys unlimited web connection. The frequency of usage of our home computer has dramatically increased. Now, even my parents enjoy using emails, web forums and social networking sites everyday as there are no problems encountered during connection.

2. SERVICE AREA CONSTRUCTION = HALF-DONE
Since 2008, I have raised this issue with my family, as per my mom's request to have another lavatory wherein she can use especially during cooking time outside our home. By the beginning of that year, I have secured the funds needed for this until I used it for more other immediate things like our Colgate Video Production. Sadly, it has been repeatedly postponed until early 2009, where I ensured this as my major priority project for the year. Inch by inch, the works are in progress until June, where plumbing for the Service Area and lavatory itself has been completed. Plaster works and finishes followed suit, but this has been obstructed due to Ondoy flooding so my budget intended for this has been diverted to other more immediate needs. It was only last December when plaster works and finishes continued, and up to present this is already in the works. You'll be surprised upon knowing that I made this project (esp. plastering & finishes) all by myself. This kept me busy when I have no work during holidays. The challenge now for this year 2010 is that the plastering finishes as well as tile works will be finished before first quarter (March) ends. This target is definitely feasible.

3. ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF LIVING = NOT FULFILLED
The true meaning of this is finding a new job. Unfortunately, I still hardly find the right time (Tiyempo) to resign. Primarily due to my pending logbook to be signed my present employer. Last December, I finally decided to hand-on the resignation letter by February, as I will secure the Log-Book this January. Hopefully, everything will be fine since I am readying myself for the Board Exam which will be held this June. I really have to do this, or else, I will have a stagnant career in Architecture. I have to move. In local language, 'Wala nang Atrasan 'to!'


picture above courtesy of kitchenscience.com
4. BETTER COOKWARE: New GAS RANGE = NOT FULFILLED
Originally, this is the partner project of Service Area Construction where the new cooking range will be housed in it. Unfortunately, due to lack of funds for this to materialize, it has been postponed until late this year. The cost of a reliable one is a quarter of P100,000 PhP. So definitely, this will need a separate funding where I really have to triple my efforts for this to become possible. Please include me on your prayer lists with regards to this long-time dream. Woohoo!

5. THE BENEFITS OF WORK = HALF-DONE
I resume contributions on the SSS after more than a year of inactivity. Thanks to our accountant in the office, it has been included my payroll by since June 15 last year. Moreover, I am planning to place my voluntary contribution on Phil Health by September. Unfortunately, this has been delayed due to Ondoy tragedy which happened later that month. The next challenge would be the Pag-Ibig fund contributions but will be feasible only on my next job, since no such option is available on my present work so far.


6. VARIOUS SHORT FILM PROJECTS = BREAKTHROUGH!
2009 will greatly be remembered personally not because of disastrous floods of September 26, but due to an unexpected overwhelming victory which I had experienced in relation to my latest love: video making. April last year, I won two separate categories under the Nescafe 3-in-1 Flick Contest after my entry: 'Taken' has been chosen over some three dozens of entries. I really did not expect this since I'm worried about the video quality of my entry. Moreover, I intend to prefer my second entry as more likely to win. I won the Best Video in the Advanced category and Best Poster of the same video. I received the Mac Book Pro Laptop and IPod Nano player as my prizes, respectively.

7. HELPFUL APPLIANCES= DONE
With the increasing need for household companions that I conceptualized this target for the past year. Initially, I had in mind a Rice Cooker and Ionizing Fan for the hot summer days. Unfortunately, target appliances have been altered by middle of the year due to budget constraints. It finally turned out to be three objects borne out of circumstances: First was the Electric Drill, which has been badly needed for the Service Area works; a camera Tripod, after my church mate broke the original one; and, Hair Blower, which was bought so that the books and other objects affected by Ondoy Flood will be dried up easily.


8. HOME DESIGNS FOR THE FUTURE = HALF DONE
Since 2008, I have been doing designs in line with the upcoming moves to extend and/pr refurbishes our house. As architecture graduate, I have drawn the plans by myself in correspondence with the preferred designs/styles of my family. Consequently, only one proposal has been finished. This is the Prioposed Reconstruction of Suyod Residence in Camarin, Caloocan City in which the perspective has been displayed in their living room. The proposal for extension of our house is yet in the pipeline due to several concerns which needed to be ironed. One of this is the option for the second floor to be rented. As of year-end it has yet to be finalized on the number of rentable spaces available for the second floor, as well as the size of the roof deck.

9. BOARD EXAM PREPARATION=IN THE WORKS!
By the middle of last year, I have came into decision to take the board exam not by January 2010 but by June instead. This is in accordance with the preparations being facilitated for the first quarter of the year. There are still more other things to be accomplished so the board exam preps will be affected. On the brighter side, I have already bought new National Building Code book last July in order to beef-up my reviews. Later that year, news about new Arki Board Composition came true as the new head of examiners said that there will be no drawing problems for Architecture Board. However, this is not yet vague in terms of scope of exams to be in drawing type or in multiple choice.