As per request Butterfinger with special screening of Basaan - Short Film (Philippines Drama, Comedy)

I can't do this in 5 sentences as you requested.



Butterfinger.

Those were one of the best moments in my life;spending time with you. Even if I was having trouble because of my surgery... It felt like the movies, like THAT short film (seen below) that you told me... everytime I'm with you.



I was thinking...

I found this amazing guy; he's friends with straight, friends with gay, friends with Transgenders, and everyone loved him... ( I did/do too). I owe it to my short term memory loss that some of the pain were already forgotten... all those bad times that we had were already forgotten, but that person's smile... the laughter... the "Lalalala" are few of the things  I won't forget. Our McDo dates, Wendys dates, binalot sa dahon dates, the way you taught me DOTA with enthusiasm even if I didn't get it. I may have not gotten your gift of sharp memory, but having THIS... whatever you call THIS... between us is enough for me. Keeping in touch... the phonecalls, the text messages, catching up and most specially, making me feel special. I'm not good with talking but I'm better with words typewritten... or written... I'm good with prayers too that's why you were always mentioned when I talk to HIM, and with that, you will always be...



my BuuuuuuterFiiiinger....



and yes..

Yes, I got jealous by a lot of things. I got jealous when you were living the rich and famous life, when he had a video with you, when everyone else were happy with you and not me, and that's the reason why I stayed in Cebu... to forget the pain, forget this... whatever you call this I'm feeling, but I'm human and I can't choose what to forget or not, and sad to say, I forget this pain and jealousy I feel.



There, all is said and done, but then again, I'm still happy you called and we're still each other's Butterfinger.





(From the scene "Basaan" A Philippine Drama, Comedy short Film)

Christian: I have a boyfriend.

John: Christian...

Christian: Yeah...

What took you so long?

John: I don't now.

I thought...

I figured I'd try to be normal for a change.



Christian: You left and you disappeared.

No calls, no text, no letters. Nothing.



John: I didn't like the person I was becoming, so I hid.

....

Do you love him?

....

So What now?





Christian: I know where I'm going. You should look for your sister.



John... It was really good seeing you again.

It's not you; it's you (my sentiments of me leaving my company)

I actually started with the infamous Convergys as my first employer. It was quite an adventure and my career as a BPO employee started. It opened my eyes to a new world where it’s not just plain customer service; it was more than that. We were working for one of the biggest bank in the U.S. and we were not just bankers- customer service; we worked for the Security Department of their Credit Cards.

8 years 2months

Three Buildings/Sites – Netplaza, Netquad, eBloc Cebu

Four Departments – Fraud, Canada Fraud (twice), Auto Finance, Customer Claims

Fast Forward, they opened their own branch/building here and grew their business. I started working for them directly May 2008 and it was fine and dandy at first until stress started to work its way to me. I was saved by the new department that opened after a year’s time; Canada Fraud. It’s almost the same work but this time, instead of US clients, we will cater to Canadians. This was the best moment of my life! I became a Relief Trainer, I was doing my masters that time too, and my blogging as well. Then came the bad news when they decided to move it back to Canada. It was rather depressing knowing that we grew and loved our work in such a way that we don’t feel that we’re working anymore.  I was then transferred to Auto Finance Collections and it was rather a consolation prize because even though work was new to me, so it was a bit stressful, the people were worthy to work for. I love them and I met my special someone. Canada Fraud then realized that they really need our help and they decided to bring it back to the Philippines, however they decided to transfer the said department to Cebu, since all the other departments were there. I purposely followed them, and requested to join the team. It was a leap of faith since I don’t know anyone in Cebu.

Seven Titles - Risk Management Analyst I (twice), II, III, Relief Trainer, Financial Service Advisor, Specialist II

Member of - PRIDE Cebu, PRIDE Manila, PRIDE Philippines

Three years I spent my life here in Cebu which was supposed to be only a year, but then again, I fell in love with Cebu. I’m not the only one as few other people who transferred before me, and also friends who visited me here fell in love with Cebu too! I owe it to them (my company) as well as I was able to finally save up, while paying off my debt, and loan, finally my wish came true of getting my Yoga Teacher’s Training here. Going back, I owe it to them (JPMC) as well of having my masters degree (though I wasn’t able to finish it, still!), I was able to travel internationally to HongKong and Singapore then locally to Baler, Aurora, Quezon, toured the beaches of Cebu – Malapascua, Bantayan, Camotes, Oslob, Alcoy, and the neighbor islands like Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor, and visited Iloilo.

There were bad experiences, but I’m still am thankful that I experienced them as well, from bad to worst bosses/managers, to the best boss/managers that you can lean on.

Dozens of bosses I grew with. 

Learned a new dialect

However, my journey ended when I transferred to the new department (Customer Claims) and well, it didn’t end up so well. I was so stressed and I can’t imagine how I can let you feel the stress, but here’s the thing; it made me resign and throw away my 8 years of stay in my company. I love the company sooooo much and everyone knows that, plus the fact that our company offered retirement pay which are only offered by big companies.

Hundreds of Friends Made

“N” numbers of exes met.

I dedicate this blog entry to my life with my company. I learned a lot, met a lot of people, but I bid farewell, and even it hurts me so much, and there will be stories of regret and pain but as much as we want to turn back time, change history, and change our mind; we can just sit back and look forward to our new world unfold.

This is me, yours truly.

Signing off. 

Vondraye's Trip to Simala - Miraculous Castle of Mama Mary

Since we just celebrated Mama Mary’s birthday, I think it’s just fitting to post about the Miraculous Mama Mary’s Castle in Simala.

I was first introduced to this place as a story from my colleagues and friends. I then was able to visit it finally with my closest friends and good thing that my friend, let’s call him Friend B already went there before so we were given head’s up on what to expect, etc. 

How to go to Simala: One way to reach Simala is by riding the van that would directly drop you off at Simala Church. This is at the Van Terminal in Junquera St. near San Carlos main, the fare is 100php as of Januay 2018. It has been changed for a few times (before it was at the back of Sto. Nino Basilica) so keep watch and be updated on where the vans are. Another is by bus at South Bus Terminal, but the downside is they don’t go directly to Simala church. You still have to ride a habal habal (motorcycle) going up the hill where the Simala church is. Third, is of course, by private vehicles or renting a car. 

Vondraye’s Tips:

•  If you don’t like crowded places like me, and not fond of long lines, the best time to visit - during weekdays.
•  Before you visit, write your letter to Mama Mary ahead of time. They have pen and paper provided but it would save you time and effort plus, on my own personal opinion, it would be much better if you write in your own quiet time with all your heart, mind and soul comfortably seated right? Plus, it won’t take much of your time if you have lots of things to pray and thank for.
• Wear slippers! Because you will be removing them anyway; Shoes aren’t allowed inside. You’re literally barefoot inside the church! If you have trust issues (that someone might steal your shoes/slippers), you can bring a bag where you can put your flipflops in.
• Wear cotton or breathable clothes since there are times that it’s hot and you’ll sweat a lot! What I do is that I wear sando and just bring a cover (eg polo or longsleeve)
• Bring water if you easily get thirsty (like me)
•  If you wish to avail the special symbolic candles, it costs 35php and certain color each has their symbolic meaning (see reference below).
•  No matter where you go, even at holy places like this, there are still bad people so be careful with your belongings.

The Castle's view from afar.

A few reminders before going in; about the dresscode.

They're not kidding when they say to remove your shoes.

There's a guard at the entrance.

Prayers do work and for some reason, it seems this place has a speed dial.

Interesting shots; A dog sleeping at the stairs

Where the mass is being held.

The ceiling, the very beautiful ceiling.

Stairway going up to the Mama Mary statue and prayer area.

During weekends, lines usually start at the entrance outside the chapel. 

There are a few spots where you can drop your letters, but personally, 

I prefer this one.

THE Mama Mary statue/shrine.

After praying to Mama Mary, going down, 

you can pray and have these candles for your prayers.

View from above.

My 2nd visit and I have no idea why I wore shorts.

On my 2nd visit with Friend K, We saw a dog near the pamisa window

The staff was nice enough to open the window and let us play with the doggie!

He keeps on wagging his tail!

Here's the video for you guys!

The Museum Area 

The story how the Castle came about

My friend August checking on the different Mama Mary. 

His first visit and two of his wishes already came true!

Different kind f the Mama Marys I got fond of.

If there are few people, you can go explore the castle.

Mass Schedule