A New Horizon

January 2010

Addressee

Good day!

I tender my resignation at BPI Family Savings Bank effective today.

It is with great gratitude that I leave this institution. For the almost 5 years that I have been part of it, I have grown personally and professionally. I pride myself for having been a Unibanker. In my heart, I believe that BPI is the best bank in the country.

As I join the diplomatic corps of our Foreign Service, I am confident that what my years in BPI has taught will continue to guide me. The ideals of excellence, teamwork, innovation and exceptional service will be put in good use as I venture into government work and be of service to the Filipino people here and abroad.

Thank you BPI! Continue to take us farther!

Sincerely,

jkeb

Life's Surprises

Hi there! It's been weeks. Anyways, as promised, here's my Coron experience atbp.

June 12, 2009

It was raining real hard past 4 in the morning. It was not a good sign but I was hoping the weather will be better by 9 0'clock - our scheduled flight to Busuanga, Palawan via Cebu Pacific. 6 o'clock, it was just drizzling, a good sign. 14 of us checked-in at the NAIA Terminal 3 around 7 am, so we had two hours to wait for boarding time. Our airplane had an electric fan as propeller --- not a good sign. Take-off was a bit shaky, causing my heart to pound faster than normal. My sister, on the other hand, a first-timer, was enjoying the ride...and then we landed safely---whoof...

Our accomodation was not that great but it was fine enough. We were treated to a seafood lunch before we went boating to Kayangan Lake. After a hundred slippery steps or so because of the rain and a ton of sweat, we reached the lake- very impressive indeed. I was afraid to take a dip in the water but what the heck, I have to. So I did and after minutes of panic and heavy breathing, I was normalized --- whoof...

Back to our boat, we headed to Siete Pecados which, we later learned, is literally translated as Seven Sins. It was a snorkling site with seven islands. Again, the fishes were impressive. I saw a few, one yellow and one blue I think. To end the day, we went to Makinit Hot Spring. It was really lukewarm hot, it can cook an egg ;) I was glad it was our last stop for the day, a very refreshing and relaxing treat indeed.

July 13, 2009

We headed to another lake, the Twin Lagoon and took some dips and pictures, pictures, pictures! Then to Baraccuda Lake, which was just 20 steps to reach, according to our guide. Wheew, I was relieved I wouldn't have to repeat my ordeal yesterday...or so I thought! The steps to the lake were death-defying!!! OMG!!! If only I can turn back I would but there were 13 people behind me so I had to move on...I swear, I will never, ever, underestimate 20 steps again! B - - - - Beach was a relief for me...And at last for the first time, I feel white sand under my feet. Lunch was disappointing but what the heck, we had a hell of a good time the whole afternoon playing and goofing around under the rain in our very own "private beach." ;)

July 14, 2009

Our last day began with a 754-steps treck to Mt. Tapyas. Again, another adventure. And surprise of all suprises, we made it in an hour!!! Wheew! So there, after going back to Twing Lagoon, we packed our bags and headed to the airport. This was indeed a very enjoyable and memorable experience. I wouldn't trade it for anything --- just for the time with my sister, it was all well worth it.

Fast Forward to More Surprises

July 1, 2009

I took my psychological examinations for the DFA. I had a migraine after. Overall, the exam was fun. I liked the IQ part more than the personality-based questions. I'm hoping that I'll make it to the cadetship.

July 3, 2009

Finally, thank God, my promotion to Manager is official...

So there it is...the only plan we can make in life is to plan to be surprised...

Surprise!

A Box of Chocolates

Hey there! It's been more than a month since I last posted and a lot has happened already. First things first.

The FSO Oral exam was indeed nerve-wracking as most of the comments I've read. Since our group was big, 43 in all, we were divided into two groups. Our group took the panel interview in Day 1, group dynamics in Day 2 and formal dinner in Day 3. I was quite lucky I was scheduled in the morning, 9:20am to be exact, as the agony wouldn't be unnecessarily prolonged. The panel interview went well. There were 10 panelists in all, some were poker-faced, some were affirming, some were negative, I think you really cannot please everybody. Day 2 was not that good. We were given a topic five minutes before we discussed it under the noses of 4 panelists. Our topic was on how we assess the government's iniatives on returning OFWs who lost jobs abroad due to the world financial crisis. We were given 45 minutes to discuss, no more, no less, but the whole time, I was just praying that the 45 minutes will be over. Dude, it's quite hard to think straight. "I am really disappointed," these were the words of the first panelist who assessed our discussion. Our spirits were dampened. Day 3 was more nerve-wracking. After everyone donned their filipinianas and barongs, we brushed elbows with diplomats and ambassadors as we chit-chatted with a glass of wine on the side. During dinner, I was seated with no less than Undersecretary Ebdalin, the Chairman of the examinations, as well as Comm. Bautista of the Civil Service Commission. I was so conscious real big time the whole time. But what the heck, I just ate whatever the waiters served me, it's my first meal at the Intercontinental Manila, hope it wouldn't be my last. Then came the final torture, extemporaneous speech. At random order, each were called to pick a topic in a fishbowl a minute before the actual speech. Dude, a minute to prepare! Sigh. On the piece of paper, there is an event, a venue, and your role. Mine was on the MOA signing between the Philippines and South Korea on the Student-Exchange Program. I was the ambassador to South Korea. I can't remember what I blaberred in the three minutes I was on stage but I felt good. My co-examinees also complimented me. There was a broad range of topics, from the opening of Ploning in the Pusan Film Festival to the opening of a Senate Forum on the Baseline Law. I was quite lucky again, my topic was easier to wing. So there's the oral exam, and guess what, I passed!!!

June 19, 2009, while I was waiting my turn at the customer service counter in PLDT (all our office lines were down), my mobile rang, "Mr Bolante, this is from DFA, congratulations..." The news was hair-raising. I was so happy that I immediately called my parents (they just arrived from the province) and my sister recieved the call. She was exhilarated, shouting at the top of her voice to her excitement. After all the waiting, I just have to undergo one last exam on July 1, the psychological test. As I look back, it's really mind-boggling at how I came across the exam in the first place and how I moved from one stage to another. I'm happy just I winged it.

June 22, 2009, while dozing off in LRT after I claimed my letter from the DFA, my mobile rang once again, this time, it was my Area Business Director calling. I was on leave, obviously, so this must be urgent. "You got it....," Yippeeeee, I got it! My promotion is confirmed!!! At last!!! Again, a hair-raiser. No less than our President has signed my promotion papers. Thank God indeed!

I pray that all these blessings will be shared to my loved ones...that all of us may be blessed...

So, who wouldn't say that life is like a box of chocolates?

Before I forget, we went to Coron, Palawan last June 12-14, 2009. I'll post about it some other time.

XOXO

What The Heck

262 lbs, that's my weight as of today, May 23, 2009. It fell short of my 250 lbs goal but what the heck, I lost 34 lbs in 5 months...not a small feat :)

I really have a lot of catching up to do as I didn't have that much mood to write about my life for a while. It has been over two months since I posted something in this blog. But what the heck, it's better late than never :)

Three days to go and I'll be taking my oral exams in the DFA. I'm more excited than nervous, I am not really that prepared, in fact, I haven't prepared at all. But what the heck, if this is for me, so be it. If not, then, there are a lot more things to do in life. As of now, I am undecided. I am just excited of the idea that I am taking the final phase of the most dreaded government exam, and this is something I will always cherish for as long as I breathe. Life is too short to dwell on the what ifs. It's better to accept what is and move forward to what now.

As for my promotion to manager, I think I will have to be more patient about it. Our region head is in a one month vacation so I will have to wait until he comes back before my promotion will be endorsed to the Board Executive Committee. But what the heck, a few more weeks won't hurt. I'm happy with where I am now, I'm happy with the people I work with, I'm happy with my accomplishments for the past three months that I have been branch head, I'm happy that I am losing weight and finally accepting the real me. I am happy about life because there is much for all of us.

As for my love quest, again, I think I will have to be more patient about it. I know the right person will come. I have dreamed about V a few nights ago and the feelings were just so real. I'm missing V and if given the chance again to catch up with lost time, I won't hesitate to be vulnerable and experience to love and be loved freely without the insecurities and boundaries. V's my first love and I think it never dies. I still love V, only, I have not been ready to accept that until now. Love is indeed blind, but what the heck, if we are for each other, then no matter what has happened for the past 5 years that we haven't really been together, no matter how many people we've been with and no matter how many experiences we've failed to share, everything will come full circle as we again hold each other's hands and finally say the words we haven't said for so long a time, "I love you."

As for my family, Mama's last day in office was yesterday, officially ending her 27-year government service. I am happy for her that finally she is moving on to a new chapter in her life. I wish her all the best. I'm also happy that Papa is supporting Mama in this. I know Papa is also happy that Mama is finally leaving office and will be having more time for our family business as well as for each other. As I grow older, it makes more sense to me that I really love my parents. As I grow older, I see how human my parents are, and the more I see that, the more I understand them. Maybe I am already at that stage in life that I also begin to see how they see things, to view the world as they perceive it. Let's talk about perspective. My sister is also happy. I am at that point where I want to give her all the freedom she wants, as long as she remains responsible for herself. She just celebrated their 3rd year anniversary with her boyfriend who is in Maldives. I don't actually approve of her boyfriend but what the heck, she loves him and as long as they love each other, that's what really matters.

I am happy that I am finally wiritng again. I'm happy, I just am...

Thank you Lord...

I Made It!

I made it! I passed the Written Exam part of the Foreign Service Examinations. I also submitted my promotion requirements to manager. What's next? There are a lot of positive things happening in my life right now and I believe the universe is finally rearranging itself in my favor as well as the people around me. Success, when really deserved and hard-earned, is as sweet as the drop that quenches a thirsting traveler.

I am happy that these things are happening in moments that I needed them most. Mama is finally resigning from her post officially ending a 27-year government service. She is now into the academe as a dean for HRM in one of the colleges in our province. Will I be the one entering government service after her? Only time will tell. My sister is also filing for her candidacy for graduation this October, at long last. My father's health is so far so good.

I am happy and finally I am being recognized for all the things I've done for my company. It is but a sweet reward for more than three years of service in my company. I am owning my new position as manager by April. I am also owning my new weight of 260 pounds by April. I am optimistic of the road ahead and I am hopeful of the many possibilities that may still come my way in the next days to come.

My only prayer is that for me to be given the grace of humility in all these things.

I am happy and I am grateful. It is indeed a life worth living.

Funny Yet Amusing

Staying focused. This, I think, is an effort on my part. February has been a breeze. This love month has been extraordinarily fast-paced with a lot of things happening here and there. I had no date last Valentines but I gave my sister gifts and roses. She was very happy to have received flowers on Valentine's Day for the very first time in her life! Quite funny but amusing just the same.

I finally saw my 5 year-old cousin from the US. He's cute and smart. I think it runs in the blood. :) Since my mother is an only child, I only have two cousins from my father's side. Our family is not as big as most average families. A grand reunion for us would mean only thirteen (13) people, imagine that! I hope my aunt and cousin enjoyed their short stay here. It was actually extended to one day since they missed their 1230 am flight last Feb 17. Again, quite funny but amusing just the same.

Work is different. I only have two days left in my current assignment since I will be transferring to another assignment as OIC. I'm not really good at goodbyes, sigh. Anyway, the past two weeks were really full of drama as we were deciding on possible manpower movements in our area. Painful decisions had to be relayed and violent reactions are normally expected. But now at least, my people are safe from "harm." After all the drama and the crying and the unnecessary coincidences, foolish remarks and actions even, it's all passed. Again, quite funny but amusing just the same.

I am thinking that my weight loss program is working. I am at my one and a half month period already. I am positive of changing my life in more positive ways than one.

That's it for now. As for my lovelife, I guess, I would have to settle for none at the moment. By the way, we have scheduled a branch outing in Palawan this June. I'm bringing my sister with me and she's so excited.

Stay focused.

The Impossible is Nothing

The long wait is finally over. My three-year contract with my present company ended last January 18, 2009. This means to say that I am no longer obliged to pay a bond amounting to P 200,000.00 should I decide to resign. I am free. At least I can now breathe easier, knowing that I can grab whatever better opportunities that come my way.

It's funny how events come to high highs and low lows. Just today, I received a call from a client thanking me for the assistance I extended her. It reminds me of a story in the Gospel where Jesus healed lepers but only one returned to thank him. It's always very rewarding to hear a simple thank you from a client. Also today, I received a complaint from a very difficult client. Imagine asking us to type no less than her complaint letter against us! Whoaaa, it's something nobody in his right mind will do. But I am confident we will surpass yet another challenge.

I am thinking of preparing my resume for online uploading. Maybe, someone will be able to match me with the right job. I am now prepared to face the world. It is a decision I make. It is my responsibility for myself. The world is my stage. I believe that the time is near, as soon as I open myself to the limitless possibilities of my being, of who I am and who I hope to become, together with my dreams and the desires of my heart, I believe that I will find my place in the greater scheme of things.

I am now ready to love and be loved. I now accept who I really am.

Etcetera

I really had a challenging day today. I was hoping today will be a better day than yesterday. With almost 900 transactions and bulks of cash, we finished around 7:30 in the evening, two hours beyond our regular office hours. Today is no different. We almost reached the 800th mark with our transactions thanks to an early enrollment of a nearby school. To top it all, I was short of P 1,500.00 after I helped out ease the load from our tellers. Wheeww, there goes a week's food supply - down the drain. When it rains, it pours!

The 11-day holiday really got the nerves out of the banking public. Everybody is rushing to pay their bills, beating deadlines for their loan amortizations and funding check issuance. In days like this, you wish to have a relaxing massage to soothe all your joints and muscles which I didn't get anyway.

I am starting to think when will I ever get to change the course of my career, maybe something more creative and not as routine and mechanic as my current job. Frankly, I am stressed everyday but I always try to keep my cool, if I can. Anyway, my 3-year contract with my company ends on the 19th. I'll probably stay put for awhile until better opportunities come my way. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.



By the way, thanks to Thomas Edison for inventing the bulb...if not for him, the world will be totally dark.