0.008 Six Months

January 16, 2012


I just cannot forget this day!  


It was my first day in SM Land Incorporation as its Liaison Assistant. I am assigned with the External Affairs group which most company hardly does not have except for this Sy-led group of companies popularly known of its two letter brand - - the SM.


I have never imagined myself being employed in a company who is already considered the biggest business conglomerate in the Philippines but also is home to the richest man in the Philippines, our dearest "Tatang" (as what they have tagged Mr. Henry Sy. Sr.) Being with this company, really left me nothing but pressure since I am just a lone boy coming from a suburb Zamboanga and even graduated in Ateneo does not guarantee that I already know everything or if I am as equipped as other fresh graduates who enter big companies like SM. I know I brought a lot with me, but it did not give me enough confidence to feel safe in the new world that I am about to venture into.  


The first few weeks were great. Thanks to the warm people I am surrounded with, especially my department. It is also a nice feeling that you were very welcomed in the office and they were eager to strike a conversation with me. ( I guess I am really that "all-smile" guy. That's is why, they were not hesitant to ask me very GTKY questions.) One thing that really upset me is that they were not that prepared as to a new employee boarding that day. I just had to share that until my second or nearly my third month when I had the complete office gear. It includes a semi-permanent work station with chair and also a number of office supplies which includes a trash bin. In fairness to the Admin group, those issued items were all brand new and is required to be returned before the effective of an employee's resignation. But all the insuffiency were tolerable at my level. I do not know with others. Hahahaha


After months, maybe my third month all were really placed in harmony already in office and I get to say that I am not already a new boy here. So, workload were slowly increasing but still I had time to slack and listen to playlist. The nature of the work is too confidential that I cannot divulge any details here but as it is described, this is really a critical job. 


Time really flies fast and when my fifth came I was really flustered by the fact that an employee will be appraised and whatever it may be will only result to becoming a regular employee or an employee whose only up for a six months contract. But YES, I was really thinking that I may be up as one those who will not make it at the end of six months. Although, I am still positive that the people I am with appreciates the efforts I gave for my work, I have still that doubt that if I can possibly make it through this "test."


In my heart, I am really fortunate that I get to experience a really worth time within my department without any expectations. So I just had to enjoy every meal I have with them and every picture taken. By the way, this is our first and only complete group pic as a department since one of them works in the site we do not have the chance to be with him as often.

July 16, 2012

So here is it! After six months I am still here and I am in a state I could not be much happier of how my performance and evaluation went through. I am now a regular employee! Here's my new company ID without any expiration date, and the name of the employee in bold print. I hope next is salary increase. WOAH!

In totality, my whole six months can be remembered as a one of the most wonderful learning experiences I have ever had, not only with a good company like SM but the quality of individuals that I am working with. I can say, SMLI-CPG is a team not only in words but also in actions. There are so many things to brag about the group who I am seeing everyday. They exemplify professionalism and competence in every manner they could.

I am always praying the I could stay here longer because I am really loving every bit of every day that I am here. I can say for now, that I have matured and grown up  professionally. 

Cheers to another six months! :)

0.007 Looking Back and Moving Forward

It's has been 11 months since my last blogpost. I have been so preoccupied by the fact that during those months in 2011, I have been patiently waiting for the ultimate job for a freshie graduate like me. Until 2012 where everything went well and at the same time, I found the professional life I have been longing for. 


This blogpost should document my everyday journey but unfortunately I was too lazy to even post a single link or picture as to what keeps me busy for the moment. The fact also that this level of blogging has been diminishing since the trend now prefers for social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter which I also have active accounts. :)


It would also be more interesting to keep an updated blog if you have avid readers engaging in the site. Unfortunately, I have never pushed marketing  my own blog.  I was afraid that the contents may not sound of interest to anyone especially with the current circle of people I have with me. 


Anyways, I hope that this would be a start of a new beginning and until I get the courage and time to formulate the main theme of why I opened up this blog.


To update, I am now in Pasay and I am working for SM Land as a Liaison Assistant under the External Affairs Group. So far, so good! It has been four months now and it seemed like it was just yesterday. I have the best people that I am working with. Coming from the quirkiest ladies, witty gentlemen, the horrible bosses and of course the perfect team.


My stay here in SM has been really meaningful and very memorable. All my experiences are purely my "firsts". I pray that I will stay longer and really grow as a professional. I believe that this is a perfect place for me right now and I would not trade any job for it. God has really granted my heart's desire. I am also thankful for my family especially mom who has been at the start, not convinced of me coming over and earn a living  here in Manila. Despite this feeling, my mom still supported all my decisions and I take this as a great inspiration to continue my quest of becoming a better person.


Indeed, my life here shared the happiest triumphs and also the most bitter downfalls. I know that all of what I have experienced here contributed a lot as who the person I am now. - - -
Floyd, the grown up boy.


Narrating my life is just the fondest thing to do. I am excited for the next blog post so watch out.


To end this, here's a photo of me in Two Ecom Center.

0.006 - Magic and Spells

16-year-old Cassie moves from California to live with her grandmother in Chance Harbor, Washington, and falls in love with a mysterious boy named Adam. But, when she enrolls in high school there, she realizes that he, she and all the other elite students at the school are witches. She befriends their leader, Diana, but soon discovers that Adam and Diana are dating, which leads to drama.

Source from: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1837654/plotsummary

0.005 Keeping up with the Metro Life

I waited for six long months before I finally decided to chase after my dreams in the “Financial Capital” and “Wall Street” of the Philippines known for as MAKATI CITY. Big thanks to Julius Latoza who has been consistently inviting me to come over and venture to a wild city like Makati.

Last October 9, 2011 when I arrived via Air Philippines from Zamboanga City, two days before I was still a fresh "bakasyunista" who had my one week trip from Bukidnon and Cagayan de Oro City to visit my Lola Ying and the rest of the Ban's clan. It was really unprecedented for me and my parents especially, to settle in and risk their eldest son in a place where "Mama's are not available immediately." It is entirely a letting go for them knowing I will be leaving far way and independently. Having to manage my entire life including my finances, clothing, shelter, and FOOD. 

But after a month of job hunting struggles, "paltos" in the feet and a loquacious decision making I can say that I finally adjusted in the crazy metro life. 

Of course my priority in coming here is to find a stable job and make my dreams come into reality. It's not all about savoring  visual treats of infrastructures or vividly meet a showbiz personality. I am pretty grown up now being able to wash my clothes while standing in a lavatory and eat in a "pang-masa" eatery together with commoners. I also survived my location fears and had a fun time strolling over the fancy streets of Ayala Avenue. I deserved a clap from my parents! *BWAHAHA

Seriously, I am so happy that I finally had my semi-independence and starting November 21, I have to face the corporate life and enjoy my work and wait for payouts. I surely deserve these rewards for my hardwork and perseverance. I pray that I will gain new friends and that I will love my job genuinely so that I can continously realize all that I want for my professional life.

0.004 A Seeking Seeker

After 13 years of battling with books and enduring sleepless nights and days, the day of graduation came - - An end to school allowances and parties with friends. 

Although, this is a momentous event in one's life, this also signals a very huge pressure to a graduate's shoulders. Since now, it has to face the bigger, the real and the cruel world.

As for a graduate of BS Management Accounting, it has been a known fact that the field of Accounting, Business and Finance has a lot of in stored opportunities for us graduates. I for one, has started my job hunting before my graduation to be ahead of everyone else in our batch. A lot of job offers has been given to me but I refused to accept these because of the reason that I might be accepted only because I am the relative of this person backing up my application. This goes to show how I really value my dignified principle. I am just lucky to have my parents supporting me in every step of the way without pressure coming from them. It's really marveling to have cool parents like them.  So blessed!

Currently I had applied on all the largest banks in the city and I am still waiting for a pending job offer from a telecommunication company but it seems the offer through the days is becoming shady, so I'd rather not expect on it. Why on banks? Maybe because of their stability as a business and of it's relatively high pay compared to other jobs especially for entry level. Another reason also is that banking and finance is really close to what I have learned and trained well. Unfortunately, until now only one bank has given me a phone call for an interview with them. Banks are the kind of employers who has one of the longest hiring process among the bunch. They say it can take you three to four months before advancing to the next level of hiring and the waiting is really painful, mind you the boredom it may reach through.

I guess, life after college seems to be a tedious cycle in a professional's life. You need to bring with you a lot of patience, wit and determination to be equipped in facing all the odds along the way until you found the job that is best suited your qualifications and important living conditions.

I only know that I hope to be hopeful that sooner I get to be employed with the right people I wanted to be nurtured and be challenged.

Fighting! Fighting Floyd!

0.003 - Learning Honesty and Courage

Honesty and courage are two of the most important values that we humans must at least acquire or possess. Having it may take you to different places and also can continuously bring you to greater heights. But how do you really acquire these values?


As for me, I was so inspired by what a collegiate did during our choral practice for the Ateneo fiesta. He just asked our 3day trainor to step-out since the team thought that the trainor does not help in much in our practices. Actually, this may sound awful but he really explained it well. He went straight-forward and really became an honest and courageous persona. 


Seeing it done by a person actually younger than me was so revealing. However, it helped me realize its importance especially that I am already graduating this March and would already be facing the real world ahead of me.



You learn something every day if you pay attention.  ~Ray LeBlond

0.002 - Taking Responsibility

Not everyone has given the opportunity to take responsibility that is why if given this chance, we must do our best to fulfill and take accountability of it.


Stand up and show the world that you won't fail them and tell that you're good at it and you will be never afraid to take responsibility because it molds us to become a better person of ourselves.




The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own.  You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president.  You realize that you control your own destiny.  ~ Albert Ellis