Alcohol and Charm

August 13 2035H
At the hotel I work for in Manila.

What transpired earlier was such a hilarious yet flattering experience.

Whilst I was standing on the desk, updating random profiles, a guest walks up to my direction; I look up, give him my metal-mouth smile and welcome him to the hotel as I notice him carrying a huge bag while dragging his huge luggage.

DJ: Good evening, checking-in?

Guest: Oh yes, I'll be checking-in.

DJ: May I have your passport or any type of ID with your photo on it?

The guest then grabs his passport from his bag and hands it to me -- I assumed he was Australian but his passport indicated that he's a British citizen.

DJ: Mr. B******, you'll be staying with us for a night?

Guest: That's correct.

I then go and register him whilst doing my redundant "check-in spiel" and all that jazz. After he filled up the form and after explaining every detail of his package, I then ask..

DJ: May I have your estimated time of departure tomorrow?

Guest: I'll be checking out real early; perhaps around 0500H.

DJ: That is pretty early sir. I'm afraid you won't be able to avail of the buffet breakfast since it begins by 0630H; care for a packed breakfast instead?

Guest: What? you guys do that? that's awesome! YES PLEASE!

DJ: What would you prefer sir? We have a choice of American, Continental or Filipino.

The guest goes for American and I can see from his smile that he was really impressed.

DJ: Also, since you'll be leaving quite early, would you like to have a wake up call?

Guest: Absolutely! You're a star, DJ! -- accompanied by a huge grin that could go for miles.

At this point, I took the advantage of "indirectly" asking for a recommendation from him. So.. I grab this comment card from one of the random dockets of my desk whilst looking at him and saying..

DJ: Perhaps you'd like to fill this up for us; we would love to read your thoughts about your initial experience at the hotel.

He hurriedly grabbed the form and asked for a pen and then he jumped the gun by asking "Where do I recommend you?".

In the back of my head, I was chanting HALLELUJAH!! My plan actually worked! haha.

The funny thing is, I could smell the alcohol from his breath so I sorta used that to my advantage because he wasn't in his sober state. I also noticed that he was literally scribbling on the comment card and he couldn't even spell some of the words correctly. I then jokingly asked him..

DJ: Sir, you're still sober, ya?

He then gives me another grin but I was pretty sure that he was already intoxicated with more than a slight buzz.

Attached below -- I'm not so sure if I can post this here since it's quite confidential; but yeah, who cares? haha -- is the actual comment he wrote down:



Don't you find it quite hilarious? I've learned that you seriously need to use your cards well in any given situation.

After that silly experience, I've re-used this new-found-skill i've learned and I actually received more recommendations from guests! Garnering me a prize of Php 200.00 since I received the highest recommendations for the month of August in the front office department. Well, yeah, Php 200.00 isn't really much but what's important is that guests actually appreciate what I do and it really inspires me to do even better in my craft. The monetary benefit is great but it's the pride that's really rewarding.

Below are the other commendations i've received:







































So yeah, it's just a random story I chose to share and I hope you use this as an example to do well on your own perspective fields.

'til then..

See you guys at the skies!

The agent who's Php 200.00 richer,
DJ

Hello Patience, are you there?

I have always fathomed myself as an individual who is highly skilled in the art of diplomacy whilst being equipped with an abundance of patience; however, recently, i've noticed a slight change that threatens to abolish these "gifts" of mine.

Patience and diplomacy as we all know are two very essential qualities to have if you opt to develop a career in the hospitality industry. You need these qualities whenever you deal with irate, slow or just anyone who knows how to push your buttons -- both colleagues and guests alike.

Having been officially a part of this industry -- as an employee and not an intern -- for 2 whole months now, I catch myself often cussing for numerous reasons whilst being on the front desk. As a frontliner, you come face to face with different personalities from a diverse range of nationalities; some good, some bad and some just plain nasty! I've encountered most of these personalities and I must say, some instances definitely test your patience and professionalism.

Like I mentioned earlier, I have always believed that I can firmly categorize myself as "someone who rarely gets pissed off" hence, having a great deal of control towards annoyance. After a short span of time in this industry though, I begin to question myself if I really have the ability to act like everything's all right with a sweet smile but I just wanna scream my lungs out with words that definitely will not make my momma proud.

I think it's just the stress that's getting to me; all the complaints, the arguments, the joiners that have bitch-fits, the workload, the change of shifts and the PAY. I swear, what I'm earning right now isn't upto par with the amount of stress this job entails. Most people celebrate every payday but in my case, I just get depressed everytime I face the screen of the ATM machine. Sigh.

Okay, I realized I'm just ranting now. Haha but isn't blogging all about freedom to express one's thoughts?

I'm just baffled by the fact that I easily get irritated lately with the simplest of things and it's definitely a huge shocker for me; this job is morphing me into an irate, atrocious person who lacks sleep! Damn! Okay, atrocious might be too much of an adjective to describe myself haha but I sorta feel that I'm starting to turn into one.

I guess having to work 6 days a week without even having time to go unwind can really bring out the grouchy side of a person. This is all just a phase i'm assuming and I sure hope this fades soon.

So.. Patience, are you there? Hello? It's all right to come back home to Papa.

'til then,

Patiently waiting for patience,
DJ

Time is a luxury

0219H - Manila

I've been on an extreme hiatus in terms of updating my site lately and it's all due to my job that has turned me into a creature who is relentlessly in desperate need of time. Six days a week man! YES, six EFFIN days on that desk per week. SHEESH! I don't really want to complain or what not but after a month at work, i've realized that my new job has been taking its toll on my personal life. Don't get me wrong though since I'm learning a hella lot of stuff but I just can't seem to find adequate time to fit in my personal life in my schedule.

So.. how has work been like, you ask? It's been great! like I said, i've been learning a lot and i've finally mastered the technique of tearing the tiny piece of paper coming out of the credit card device. Checking-in and checking-out guests (literally and figuratively on the checking-out part) is now second nature to me. I've just been late for work once; t'was when I had a party to attend because I was in dire need of booze and I was supposed to report to work at 0600H -- I mean who leaves a party so early right? -- but I ended up tucking in myself to bed at a half an hour past 0300H. 0630H and someone was banging on my door like there was a robber in the house, I opened it and voila! it was my maid informing me that there was a phone call for me from someone at the hotel I work in, I pick up the phone in my groggy state and I catch myself starting to speak in gibberish -- I think the booze finally started to kick in at that point -- but I just coughed it out. After registering the voice of the caller, I realized that it was my supervisor! She advised me to report for work immediately because I was already 30 minutes late -- waaay past the grace period -- I said that i'll be there as soon as I can and by the time I hanged up the phone, I looked at the clock and I started cussing inappropriate words to myself! I just grabbed my uniform from my closet without even bathing and hurriedly asked my dad if he could drop me to the hotel. When I reached the back office, they questioned me as to why I was tardy so I just came clean and told them that I partied last night; they warned me to not repeat this behavior again because it would reflect on my evaluation since I was still on a probationary status. Lesson learned: Party EARLIER and try to fill in your system with as much booze as possible so that you'd have an excuse to leave the party. HAHA

It's currently 0230H and I catch myself eating left-over pizza after slumbering for 12 hours STRAIGHT! I have to report to work at 0600H and i'm glad that I have some time for myself regardless if it's in an odd time of night, err.. morning. Having been on the graveyard shift the past week, I find myself experiencing "jetlag" without even being on a plane -- How ironic is that? It already makes me feel like a flight attendant since FA's don't have regular sleeping patterns and most often than not, they experience jetlag. In my case, I'm experiencing it whilst my toes are on solid ground. After working against my body-clock, i've grown a certain level of sympathy towards individuals who wound up in a call center -- kudos to you guys!

This entry doesn't even seem to make sense anymore! Let's just say i'm happy to be back and that i've finally found time to actually do something else aside from hibernating or serving people whilst at the front desk.

To end this, let me remind you that TIME is a LUXURY and it's best to not waste it on random shenanigans that fail to benefit you in any way.

Cheers!

In frantic need of time,
DJ

Rekindling my passion

Ahh.. that feeling of rapture and delight! Such a great feeling indeed. I'm finally reacquainted again with the first love of mine -- the hotel front desk. I know, I know, it's quite silly of me to say this, but yeah, I'm totally nuts over the reception! Do you ever have this sentiment of ecstacy towards someone or something but you can't really point out what it is? It's that je ne sais quoi! That thing you just can't grasp! -- that's what I felt when I was back in Dubai, training at the front desk of an Arabian resort.

I haven't mentioned this yet, but yes, I have lived in Dubai for almost half a year for my internship. I was working for the Jumeirah Group wherein I was deployed at Madinat Jumeirah (The Arabian Resort of Dubai) and I was based at the Front Desk/Reception as a Guest Services Executive. I had a blast! The people I worked with were some crazy, outgoing and very VERY spontaneous individuals! -- when I say spontaneous, expect the worst haha. That was approximately a year ago and I was never given a chance to be placed at the front desk again ever since I came back to Manila -- not until NOW!

So yeah, I've been on a hiatus lately from the blog world because I had to focus on my "career". I had a series of interviews for a couple of companies this week and I was pretty much preoccupied with that. I was interviewed for a Passenger Service Agent position at PAGS and I passed all the interviews but the salary is terrible -- oh yes! you won't be able to survive! Trust. Me. -- and I'm supposed to commence my training tomorrow; luckily though, I didn't sign the contract therefore there's nothing binding me with PAGS. A while ago, I had my final interview with the Operations Manager and the General Manager of a boutique hotel in Makati and I also got the results on the same day -- I PASSED! -- and I'm completely on a high right now.

My orientation will begin on the 14'th (Friday) and i'm sooo excited for it. Also, I believe that this shall be a very good credential for me on my CV when I meet up with airline recruiters because this position allows me to directly deal with guests and handle their complaints, queries and what not. Again, it's an investment! I don't see myself with the company for long though; I just plan to stay with them for a year or so -- just until my braces come off -- and then i'll go and try my luck with the airline industry again.

My dream has always been to fly over the rainbow so high but I guess it's all right to side track a bit. hahaha

Just an update on my end, I hope you're doing great on your end as well!

Until then.

Your new Front Office Agent,
DJ

Flight Attendant dream status: On hold.

You got that right, I'm officially putting my FA dream on hold due to some issues I have to deal with.

Yes my dear readers -- if I have any. haha -- I went to the dentist a while ago to have my braces attached. Braces as we all know is a major NO-NO in the FA industry -- well, for most airlines -- due to some safety issues not only during training but also in the actual aircraft itself.

So yeah, you guys might think i'm bonkers to have them on especially right now wherein there are OD's for some multi-national airlines but i'm actually seeing this as an investment; in due time, my slightly crooked teeth will be aligned and the problem with my jaw -- which I only found out today -- will be resolved.

Honestly, I've always believed I had a great smile -- all modesty aside -- and that my teeth were OK. Since I started browsing through different FA forums and blogs, i've noticed that most aspirants tend to put their dreams on hold as well for the sake of having their teeth fixed. Also, i've read that most of them experienced rejection from different airlines due to how their teeth look like. In my case, I only started to notice the misalignment of my teeth after reading those stories.

Fellow FA wannabes, i'm not insisting that your teeth has to be perfect in order for you to actually make it in the airline company of your choice but it sure is a factor. Take note of EK, they value the smiles of their employees and i'm pretty certain that it's part of their criteria -- along with your personality and how you present yourself of course -- in selecting their cabin crew. If you personally feel like you need to have your teeth fixed, by all means, go ahead and do it; we have all the time in the world and this is definitely going to be a lifelong investment.

It's best to keep in mind though that our smile can only lead us to some extent, the verdict will still depend on how you exude yourself to the recruiters and how you manage to make them suckers for your charm.

I swear, I look like a geek! haha all that's missing is a pair of nerdy glasses and i'm good to go. These canker sores are such a drag as well! I just had my braces attached today, 24 hours hasn't even gone by yet and my gums are already begging for me to save them. Oh well, like I said earlier.. it's an investment and no matter how overused this next line is, it really DOES make sense: No pain, No gain.

So.. what's in store for me now, you ask? I still have noooo idea whatsoever. Let's see where my path leads me and then i'll just play it by ear.

Don't worry though, I won't be on a hiatus and I promise to still keep on updating this blog of mine.

See you guys at the skies in 2011!

With metal in my mouth,
DJ

Cebu Pacific screening turned OD

A while ago, I woke up just before the break of dawn in order to make it to the 5J screening. I don't even recall the last time I awoke at such an early time in the morning just to get myself all dressed up for an interview. The reason why I had a sudden change in my sleep pattern is because of the cut-off that I had to reach; yes, there's a cut-off for male applicants and they are going to interview the first 50 applicants who arrive at the training and development center along the domestic road.

So yeah, due to the cut-off; I had to disrupt my dad in his slumbering state as well because I couldn't use my car due to the coding (my plate number ends in 1 that's why I don't have access to my car every Monday). We left at around 0515 to avoid traffic and the reddish-orange shade of the sky was so serene to look at; it really helped in calming my nerves whilst my dad was driving me to a place where I was soon to be judged -- yes, my nerves always get the best of me if I fail to control it.

We arrived at the venue at approximately 0530 but while I was in the car, I checked my stuff and I realized that I left my photos at home -- I began to cuss inappropriate words to myself in my head -- and I recalled that they were in the bag which I used for the QR OD in Cebu. I brushed things off and as I got down of the car, I headed to the guard and gave him my CV; he stamped it and I logged in on a sheet of paper -- there were around 15 guys in the room at that point -- and I asked the guard if I could just come back later, he nodded and I was off to the car again. While heading to my dad's car, I was already generating an excuse in the back of my head -- my dad would get FURIOUS if he found out the truth that I accidentally left my photos at home -- so that I won't screw up my dad's morning. When I entered the car, I told him that I forgot to cut my nails and that my hands were really dry and I assured him that they would check my hands whilst being interviewed -- such a lame excuse, I know haha but I had to think of something FAST -- by one of the HR personnel. Yes, he was slightly mad but he didn't go berserk so he drove me all the way back home again -- my dad's such a star haha -- amidst the slight build up of cars in the city.

It was around 0630 when we reached home and I hurriedly went to my room to get my stuff; my dad was downstairs having his daily dose of tea -- nothing, and i mean NOTHING can separate my dad and his "tea time" -- and biscuits so I just grabbed a piece of toasted pandesal and munched it down to atleast keep my empty tummy not-so-empty-anymore. Once done, we left 10 minutes before 0700 but luckily, traffic wasn't that crazy yet so I made it back to the 5J training center within 20 minutes. Upon entering, the place was already packed! I was quite startled because I wasn't expecting a lot of guys to be there due to the cut-off but I soon found out that the HR decided to call off the cut-off to accommodate the others who were there -- grrreeat! -- at the venue. I approached the lady guard who was there and she handed me this:



The moment I saw what was on the ID, I was like "What the hell??" -- how could I be applicant 119 when I arrived in so early that there were hardly 20 people in the room! -- So I advised the lady guard that this might be a mistake because I submitted my CV at 0530. The male guard then recognized me then he said "sir, your resume is already in the first group that will be interviewed, the ID is just a number but it doesn't mean anything" -- he said it in Tagalog of course -- I then just smiled and said my thanks and I was standing for about 20 minutes until I was able to occupy a seat.

After 15 minutes or so, a male HR personnel introduced himself as Mr. R and he said that he would start the screening shortly -- it was around 0730 that time -- since there were a lot of applicants to be screened. He then started to call out names while the rest of us were just waiting for our turn to be called. After an hour, and after constantly yawning and checking my watch, some lady finally called out a familiar name but she hardly was able to pronounce it -- yes, most people butcher my name all the time that's why I prefer to be called DJ instead -- so I stood up amongst the seated crowd and I said my name aloud; she smiled, I responded back with a smile and I headed to the interview room whilst a dozen eyes were staring at me.

Upon entering the room, she instructed me to take a seat and she tried to pronounce my name once again -- she did get it right the second time around -- but I requested for her to address me by DJ instead. She just smiled and the interview began. She failed to introduce herself so I just took a glance at her ID and her name was Ms. R. She started by asking how old I was so I responded by stating, "Ms. R, I'm 21." she gave out a surprised look and then smiled -- I think it was because I said her name without her saying it to me -- and she followed up by asking how I found out about the vacancy. She then kept on firing numerous, easy questions and I answered them one at a time but suddenly, she asked if I had mixed blood; I said, "No ma'am, I'm not Filipino at all but I was born and raised here" she then followed up by asking "How about your citizenship? do you hold a Filipino passport?" I answered back by saying "I don't, but I'm legite to work here since I have a permanent resident status" She then wrote a couple of lines on my CV but her next set of questions were still focused on my nationality and citizenship. I noticed that there was something wrong so I asked her "Ms. R, should I be concerned with my status?" She was pretty transparent and she admitted, "Yes, I'm sorry to say but you should be concerned with your status; we had the same case before wherein there was a Chinese girl who was accepted for the next round but we had to let her go due to her citizenship; you see, she wasn't bearing a Filipino passport." We had the same situation and in the back of my head I was like oh shoot! So I responded by saying, "Will I undergo the same fate?" she said, "I'm afraid so, but I'll try to check on your status with my colleagues and we'll let you know thru text if you're qualified for the panel interview or not.". After she said that, I just thanked her for her time and headed out to the reception to claim my ID.

I then was outside, basking in the ambience of the summer heat -- it was scorching earlier! -- whilst waiting for a cab. Lo and behold, all the cabs were full! It took me 20 minutes of sweating just to get a cab -- I swear my feet were about to burn inside my leather shoes -- and I finally was reacquainted with cool air from the air-conditioning.

When I reached home, I told mum my story and she told me to just keep my hopes up but I could see from her face that she was disappointed due to my "citizenship issue". Honestly, I sort of saw it coming that I wouldn't make it to the next round -- not because I didn't do well in the interview but because I was helpless due to my citizenship -- Nevertheless, I was still trying my best to look at the positive side of things -- my interview lasted about 5-7 minutes and comparing to other applicants, she interviewed me longer -- and I was hoping that they could find a way to get me in through the next round regardless of what passport I hold.

I logged on to a forum online and there were a couple of posts about the screening; it was around 1500 that time and the contents of the posts were negative news. The applicants who shared their experiences earlier said that they weren't even verbally interviewed, they were just asked to stand up and smile. They then received the SMS stating that they didn't qualify for the next round.

Upon reading their posts, I still had a spark of hope deep inside and I was really hoping to get the congratulatory SMS. After a couple of minutes, a friend then sent me a message stating that he didn't qualify as well. I then started to feel anxious since my phone was just idle on the table for hours! It was approximately 1834 when my phone vibrated and once the message was fully loaded, I read the first line and it said, "We regret to inform you.. blah blah..". I wasn't shocked at all; I really felt it coming. What bothers me the most is that I knew I had a chance but I felt so helpless because the odds were against me; I'm a foreigner, I don't bear Filipino citizenship -- regardless if I was born and raised here and I speak Tagalog fluently -- and there was nothing I could do to change that fact.

It was such a disappointing day but yeah, there's nothing I can do really. If it's not in my luck, it's not. It's just really misleading that they posted on their advertisement that it's okay to apply as long as you have relevant residence status -- which I have -- and then they would turn it into a problem once you're being interviewed.

So yeah, that was my experience with Cebu Pacific. It's all right though, I'm not sad whatsoever but I can't really describe this feeling right now; it's weird!

Anyway, I hope to see you guys at the skies SOON -- without encountering further problems regarding my citizenship --

Cheers,
DJ

Back to reality

Two hours ago, I woke up with a sigh since my mini vaca in Cebu has been put to a halt. It's back to the same old lifestyle and daily routines for me here in MNL.

Do you ever get the feeling of nostalgia after you travel? -- after, in this case, means the NEXT day upon arriving at your real abode -- I get that feeling everytime I come back home the day AFTER I arrive; strange eh? It's like, your body is still somewhat trapped in time and you're trying to detach yourself from that period of reminiscing in order to remind your brain that the trip's officially over.

Yes, I do admit, I'm a sucker for nostalgia and I'm experiencing it now.

Two hours later, I catch myself still giving out a sigh. I feel that up to now, my mind's still ensnared in Cebu; no more waking up in a different room each day, overindulging myself with my aunt's cooking, 4pm coffee and biscuits with my cousin whilst being harassed by my 2 year old niece -- yes, she's only 2 but she already knows how to put on a poker face and at a very young age, she has the ability of manipulation -- in the living area.

And yes, call me silly or what not but i'm sulking myself in the ambience of sentimental music. gaaaah.

This feeling will SOON fade, i'm pretty sure of it. Everything just happened in such haste and my brain cells need some time to absorb the fact that I'm back in MY world.

So yeah, my Cebu shindig was quite a blast. I haven't been there in 11 years so my cousins brought me out to numerous places such as tops, different malls, we tried out the edge coaster at the Crowne and I even had the chance to meet up with a friend that I haven't seen in a year.

It's funny to realize that time DOES go by so fast; most of us already have college degrees and I already have a niece on my dad's side. My first ever niece! can you believe that? haha I feel old.. though the truth is, i'm only 21. We rekindled old memories by allowing ourselves to make fun of our geeky/nerdy childhood days; it was hilarious to see the bulges on our tummies and watching home made videos of our squeaky voices. I sure would like to be a kid again regardless of how I appeared back then.

Ahhh.. childhood. Runnning around without direction nor worry, pigging out on high calorie items, always -- if not most times -- obtaining what your tiny heart desires; how carefree! Makes me realize though that soon, the time will come when i'll be having my own kids. That's such a scary thought for now, so I guess it's safe to say that i'll cross the bridge when I get there (in 10 years!).

Please excuse me for this entry, it's all due to my nostalgic state.

So yeah, going back to my Cebu trip, there was a funny incident that transpired. I accompanied my cousin and her daughter at the day care center and while I was waiting outside, the random yayas and mums of the toddlers in the day care were talking to my cousin; and guess what the topic was? yeah yeah, it's predictable; ME! hahaha they all were asking if I was the dad of my niece -- of course my cousin said NO -- and she answered back by stating, "he's actually just here for a vacation, he's a flight attendant for Emirates" -- and all of them actually bought it! -- She then followed by saying, "he'll be flying back to Dubai in a couple of days". Deep inside, my cousin was trying not to laugh whilst I was outside, standing and cluelessly waiting on what was happening on the other end of the glass window. When she came out with my niece, I looked behind and they were still staring at me. So out of curiousity, I asked my cousin on what occurred inside. She told me what happened and we were laughing our derrieres off! She even said "they think you look good and that you're tall and they actually said you look like a flight attendant" -- honestly, that made my day -- with a wink after finishing her sentence. We were still giggling whilst inside the cab. Sometimes though, at clubs or parties, when random strangers ask me what I do, I just respond back by saying that I'm a flight attendant for a multi-national airline -- yes, I know it's just a lie but why not fake it 'til you make it, yeah? -- and they actually believe me. hahaha it's just something I do for laughs.

Talking about Cebu, there's going to be a cabin crew screening for Cebu Pacific on the 26'th (Monday) of this month. I'm gonna get myself really prepared for that and I have only one goal in mind; eyes on the prize dheej, eyes on the prize!

I'm gonna be there really early since they'll only be entertaining the first 50 applicants; beyond the cut off, you won't have the chance to be interviewed.

So yeah, wish me luck!

See you guys at the skies,
DJ