Friday, February 27, 2004
This Week's Friday Five:
This week's Friday Five is a really, really old one. No Friday Five for this week at Friday Five.
1. Do you eat breakfast? What did you have today?
Yup, I try to. Otherwise, I think I will be really, really sluggish at work. We definitely need those go, glow and grow food, don't we? Hehehe! For today, I had squid stew and rice.
2. What beverages do you usually have in a typical day?
I try to say away from soda because I believe it's fattening. Hehehe! I replace it with iced tea (as if there's a huge difference, huh?) But I'm trying to be content with bottled water.
3. White bread or wheat bread?
Wheat bread, please. At least that's my choice when I'm the one buying the bread.
4. What's your favorite kind (potato/tortilla/corn) and flavor of chip?
Doritos and Salsa. Yummy!!! That's our (Hunski and I) favorite.
5. How do you plan to spend your weekend?
On Saturday morning, I plan to go to the gym. Yup, I enrolled in a gym a month ago, I think. And then, I have a family lunch with my grandfather who arrived from Canada. Then, either I go home or I spend the afternoon with Hunski. On Sunday, I have work. Bleh!
Take care y'all. Have a great weekend, guys!!!
This week's Friday Five is a really, really old one. No Friday Five for this week at Friday Five.
1. Do you eat breakfast? What did you have today?
Yup, I try to. Otherwise, I think I will be really, really sluggish at work. We definitely need those go, glow and grow food, don't we? Hehehe! For today, I had squid stew and rice.
2. What beverages do you usually have in a typical day?
I try to say away from soda because I believe it's fattening. Hehehe! I replace it with iced tea (as if there's a huge difference, huh?) But I'm trying to be content with bottled water.
3. White bread or wheat bread?
Wheat bread, please. At least that's my choice when I'm the one buying the bread.
4. What's your favorite kind (potato/tortilla/corn) and flavor of chip?
Doritos and Salsa. Yummy!!! That's our (Hunski and I) favorite.
5. How do you plan to spend your weekend?
On Saturday morning, I plan to go to the gym. Yup, I enrolled in a gym a month ago, I think. And then, I have a family lunch with my grandfather who arrived from Canada. Then, either I go home or I spend the afternoon with Hunski. On Sunday, I have work. Bleh!
Take care y'all. Have a great weekend, guys!!!
He's A Man... Just Like Everybody Else...
I got the following article from Glenn's blog.
It may appear to be a simply written story, but the emotions conveyed through it is truly powerful - equality, secret relationships, being gay, hiding in the closet, and most of all - love.
Read it at this site.
A Man Like Everybody Else By Kevin Rennie
I got the following article from Glenn's blog.
It may appear to be a simply written story, but the emotions conveyed through it is truly powerful - equality, secret relationships, being gay, hiding in the closet, and most of all - love.
Read it at this site.
A Man Like Everybody Else By Kevin Rennie
Thursday, February 26, 2004
Thank You, Quizilla
On so many days, I can't help but say, "Thank you, Quizilla".
Notice how I try to fill in with Quizilla stuff all the days where I don't post at all. Hehehe!
My apology for that guys.
As much as I want to post everyday, I'm finding it hard to do that. Here is the part where I begin to list down all possible excuses I can think of to let you guys know why I haven't been posting. Hehehe!
But instead of doing that, I'd rather take this opportunity where I don't have any calls at the moment to write something else. Yes, I'm at work now and at any time, a call might be directed to me.
But since I have no calls right now, let me just allow my fingers to dance on this wonderful keyboard, aight?
Okay, great! Alrightey!
Yes, those two phrases are my "it" phrases as of the moment, if there is such a thing.
I've been using those two phrases all the time since the day I began taking calls. Actually, it isn't just me who's using those phrases, even my team mates have been blurting out those phrases.
I find it weird. It's like we all ran out of words to use in affirming what the other person is saying. Man, for someone who's been using the English language the day he set foot at school, this is such a really, really unusual situation. Hehe!
I wonder why I've been so stuck on using "Okay, great!" and "Alrightey!" when I can use other terms out of the gazillion American phrases, right? Hmm, while the idea of using a different phrase is terrific, sometimes the thought of using a different phrase may actually surprise me.
I guess I'm just a bit careful not to blurt out "Fabulous!!!" to the customer. I guess doing that would not only weird me out but also the people around me who I'm not yet out to. (In time, guys. In time.)
Hahaha!
But for now, I'm going to use my usual "it" phrases as of the moment, okay?
Alrightey!!!
On so many days, I can't help but say, "Thank you, Quizilla".
Notice how I try to fill in with Quizilla stuff all the days where I don't post at all. Hehehe!
My apology for that guys.
As much as I want to post everyday, I'm finding it hard to do that. Here is the part where I begin to list down all possible excuses I can think of to let you guys know why I haven't been posting. Hehehe!
But instead of doing that, I'd rather take this opportunity where I don't have any calls at the moment to write something else. Yes, I'm at work now and at any time, a call might be directed to me.
But since I have no calls right now, let me just allow my fingers to dance on this wonderful keyboard, aight?
Okay, great! Alrightey!
Yes, those two phrases are my "it" phrases as of the moment, if there is such a thing.
I've been using those two phrases all the time since the day I began taking calls. Actually, it isn't just me who's using those phrases, even my team mates have been blurting out those phrases.
I find it weird. It's like we all ran out of words to use in affirming what the other person is saying. Man, for someone who's been using the English language the day he set foot at school, this is such a really, really unusual situation. Hehe!
I wonder why I've been so stuck on using "Okay, great!" and "Alrightey!" when I can use other terms out of the gazillion American phrases, right? Hmm, while the idea of using a different phrase is terrific, sometimes the thought of using a different phrase may actually surprise me.
I guess I'm just a bit careful not to blurt out "Fabulous!!!" to the customer. I guess doing that would not only weird me out but also the people around me who I'm not yet out to. (In time, guys. In time.)
Hahaha!
But for now, I'm going to use my usual "it" phrases as of the moment, okay?
Alrightey!!!
Something Fishy
Got this from good friend, Wayne who got it from another website.
|
Got this from good friend, Wayne who got it from another website.
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Phoenix...Great!!!
You are Form 0, Phoenix: The Eternal.
"And The Phoenix's cycle had reached zenith, so he consumed himself in fire. He emerged from his own ashes, to be forever immortal."
Some examples of the Phoenix Form are Quetzalcoatl (Aztec), Shiva (Indian), and Ra-Atum (Egyptian).
The Phoenix is associated with the concept of life, the number 0, and the element of fire. His sign is the eclipsed sun. As a member of Form 0, you are a determined individual. You tend to keep your sense of optomism, even through tough times and have a positive outlook on most situations. You have a way of looking at going through life as a journey that you can constantly learn from. Phoenixes are the best friends to have because they cheer people up easily.
Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
You are Form 0, Phoenix: The Eternal.
"And The Phoenix's cycle had reached zenith, so he consumed himself in fire. He emerged from his own ashes, to be forever immortal."
Some examples of the Phoenix Form are Quetzalcoatl (Aztec), Shiva (Indian), and Ra-Atum (Egyptian).
The Phoenix is associated with the concept of life, the number 0, and the element of fire. His sign is the eclipsed sun. As a member of Form 0, you are a determined individual. You tend to keep your sense of optomism, even through tough times and have a positive outlook on most situations. You have a way of looking at going through life as a journey that you can constantly learn from. Phoenixes are the best friends to have because they cheer people up easily.
Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Sunday, February 22, 2004
Childhood Memories
Doesn't this character just bring back childhood memories???
You are Mario. You're pretty good-all-around.
You're most of the time the hero, and you don't
get too hung up in it...just try and let others
get a little spot-light too, k? (plz rate)
What Nintendo Charater are You? (pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
Doesn't this character just bring back childhood memories???
You are Mario. You're pretty good-all-around.
You're most of the time the hero, and you don't
get too hung up in it...just try and let others
get a little spot-light too, k? (plz rate)
What Nintendo Charater are You? (pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
And It's A Sunday
So I have work today.
Last Friday, I took in calls all by myself. Of course, most of the time I've been yelling out for our tekkie lady to come over to my station and help me out.
I took in about fifteen calls. And even if they are just fifteen, I felt so drained by the time I left the office in the afternoon.
You know what's weird? I wasn't physically drained. I dunno if I was mentally or emotionally but I really looked harrassed when I left the afternoon.
Today is different though.
So far, I've only had one call and I was very lucky because I had a very patient and very pleasant customer - a mother of two.
This, I have to say, is the best call so far. I hope all the calls for the rest of the day would be like this.
Whoooopppppeeee!!!
So I have work today.
Last Friday, I took in calls all by myself. Of course, most of the time I've been yelling out for our tekkie lady to come over to my station and help me out.
I took in about fifteen calls. And even if they are just fifteen, I felt so drained by the time I left the office in the afternoon.
You know what's weird? I wasn't physically drained. I dunno if I was mentally or emotionally but I really looked harrassed when I left the afternoon.
Today is different though.
So far, I've only had one call and I was very lucky because I had a very patient and very pleasant customer - a mother of two.
This, I have to say, is the best call so far. I hope all the calls for the rest of the day would be like this.
Whoooopppppeeee!!!
Friday, February 20, 2004
This Week's Friday Five
When was the last time you...
1. ...went to the doctor?
I think it was last December for my pre-employment check-up.
2. ...went to the dentist?
The last time I went to the dentist was October 2003. Gawd! Has it been that long? I had my teeth cleaned on that day.
3. ...filled your gas tank?
Uhm, I still need to get a car to fill up with gas. Hehehe!
4. ...got enough sleep?
December... I think. I'll be very glad to go on vacation.
5. ...backed up your computer?
I'm sure a lot of people would have the same reply as I do - Is that needed? Hehehe!
Okay, so there goes today's Friday Five. You can do yours here. Man, have I got a lot of stuff to tell you today.
You won't believe the day that I had!
When was the last time you...
1. ...went to the doctor?
I think it was last December for my pre-employment check-up.
2. ...went to the dentist?
The last time I went to the dentist was October 2003. Gawd! Has it been that long? I had my teeth cleaned on that day.
3. ...filled your gas tank?
Uhm, I still need to get a car to fill up with gas. Hehehe!
4. ...got enough sleep?
December... I think. I'll be very glad to go on vacation.
5. ...backed up your computer?
I'm sure a lot of people would have the same reply as I do - Is that needed? Hehehe!
Okay, so there goes today's Friday Five. You can do yours here. Man, have I got a lot of stuff to tell you today.
You won't believe the day that I had!
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Jeremy Oliver
So I am in transition now.
It's a new team (there's only nine of us), a new team leader, new adjustments, new challenges. Today, we were assigned to buddy up with seasoned agents. We would listen in to their calls and then they would let us take one call. Of course, they would be beside us to guide us.
I had my first call.
The customer's name was Jeremy Oliver.
For a couple of minutes, I helped Mr. Oliver resolve his can't connect issue and then also, offered to help him with his intermittent connection issue by asking the line department to check on his lines.
Before I knew it, the call was over. My first call ever.
It is so different when you're on the floor (production). My buddy, Anna, guided me throughout the whole call. I was rattled probably because my buddy wasn't using any call flows (she already knew what to do) and probably because I was using a different setup in terms of the tools and other stuff.
Had I setup my own tools, I would have probably been more okay. Oh well, I guess it's normal to feel rattled in the beginnning. Eventually, I hope to be better.
Oh well, so there goes my first call - Jeremy Oliver.
Tomorrow, we'll be listening in to some more calls and then we would be taking in more calls.
A bit scary but definitely something to look forward to...
So I am in transition now.
It's a new team (there's only nine of us), a new team leader, new adjustments, new challenges. Today, we were assigned to buddy up with seasoned agents. We would listen in to their calls and then they would let us take one call. Of course, they would be beside us to guide us.
I had my first call.
The customer's name was Jeremy Oliver.
For a couple of minutes, I helped Mr. Oliver resolve his can't connect issue and then also, offered to help him with his intermittent connection issue by asking the line department to check on his lines.
Before I knew it, the call was over. My first call ever.
It is so different when you're on the floor (production). My buddy, Anna, guided me throughout the whole call. I was rattled probably because my buddy wasn't using any call flows (she already knew what to do) and probably because I was using a different setup in terms of the tools and other stuff.
Had I setup my own tools, I would have probably been more okay. Oh well, I guess it's normal to feel rattled in the beginnning. Eventually, I hope to be better.
Oh well, so there goes my first call - Jeremy Oliver.
Tomorrow, we'll be listening in to some more calls and then we would be taking in more calls.
A bit scary but definitely something to look forward to...
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
A Wise Elf...
Youre a wise Elf! Elves are fair and beautiful and
yet very wise. They are immortal but can dye
from a broken heart or die in a war. Elves are
respected and love peace and tranquility.
What Magical Creature are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Youre a wise Elf! Elves are fair and beautiful and
yet very wise. They are immortal but can dye
from a broken heart or die in a war. Elves are
respected and love peace and tranquility.
What Magical Creature are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Monday, February 16, 2004
A Bit Frustrating But Then Again...
I had my proficiency exam today.
I passed.
But I'm not too satisfied with my performance. I know I could have done better.
Oh well. I'm just being the usual too hard on myself again.
Bop Angelo!!!
Anyway, here's my case.
My "customer" (an agent posing as a customer) called technical support because she can't connect to the Internet. After asking her a couple of questions, she told me that her modem was on a carpeted floor and that the DSL light on her modem was not lit.
The first thing that came to my mind was it was an intermittent sync case. I thought of this because of the location of her modem and because the DSL light wasn't lit. (It should be solid green.)
I asked her to move her modem but still, she was unable to surf. I was looking at the Intermittent Sync Call Flow and when the "cutomer" told me that she was still not able to surf, I kind of got worried and lost.
Sigh.
Eventually, I was able to solve her problem after asking her to check her cables and filters, which was probably one of the reasons that solved the issue. The "customer" confirmed that she was now able to connect and surf the Net.
I'm feeling a bit disappointed because I didn't read the call flows properly. The case was really a No Sync case, and I missed running about three tools.
Uhm, I guess I should be happy because:
a.) I had a very nice and pleasant "customer". She actually helped me solve the problem.
b.) I did well, very well I think, in other areas such as exhibiting call control, being professional, not missing out on any of the important parts of the script, among other things.
I guess what's kind of frustrating me was that I know I could have done better.
The evaluator didn't give me my grade but this afternoon, I sent an SMS to our Operations Manager, John, who listened to my call, and he told me I got an 87.
I guess I should be happy with that already, huh?
Whoopppeeee!!!
Tomorrow, I think I will be in operations already. I will be assigned to an agent and we would be buddies. The agent is expected to coach me. This phase is called transition. It'll be for two weeks and then I'm on my own.
I'm excited.
Whoopppeeee!!!
I had my proficiency exam today.
I passed.
But I'm not too satisfied with my performance. I know I could have done better.
Oh well. I'm just being the usual too hard on myself again.
Bop Angelo!!!
Anyway, here's my case.
My "customer" (an agent posing as a customer) called technical support because she can't connect to the Internet. After asking her a couple of questions, she told me that her modem was on a carpeted floor and that the DSL light on her modem was not lit.
The first thing that came to my mind was it was an intermittent sync case. I thought of this because of the location of her modem and because the DSL light wasn't lit. (It should be solid green.)
I asked her to move her modem but still, she was unable to surf. I was looking at the Intermittent Sync Call Flow and when the "cutomer" told me that she was still not able to surf, I kind of got worried and lost.
Sigh.
Eventually, I was able to solve her problem after asking her to check her cables and filters, which was probably one of the reasons that solved the issue. The "customer" confirmed that she was now able to connect and surf the Net.
I'm feeling a bit disappointed because I didn't read the call flows properly. The case was really a No Sync case, and I missed running about three tools.
Uhm, I guess I should be happy because:
a.) I had a very nice and pleasant "customer". She actually helped me solve the problem.
b.) I did well, very well I think, in other areas such as exhibiting call control, being professional, not missing out on any of the important parts of the script, among other things.
I guess what's kind of frustrating me was that I know I could have done better.
The evaluator didn't give me my grade but this afternoon, I sent an SMS to our Operations Manager, John, who listened to my call, and he told me I got an 87.
I guess I should be happy with that already, huh?
Whoopppeeee!!!
Tomorrow, I think I will be in operations already. I will be assigned to an agent and we would be buddies. The agent is expected to coach me. This phase is called transition. It'll be for two weeks and then I'm on my own.
I'm excited.
Whoopppeeee!!!
Saturday, February 14, 2004
Friday the 13th Turned Out to Be Jinx Free
Win Her Heart
Yesterday was our last day in the Program Specific Training.
There was nothing much to do. A couple of the guys just had a repeat of the mock proficiencies. There was a guy from the Quality Department who gave a long, a bit boring, talk on how they would rate us when we get to operations. We also had our posttest in which I got a grade that sucked, but it was okay.
I guess the only highlight of the day, for me and I'm quite sure for almost the entire class, was when the clock struck twelve noon.
If you remember, during the last day of training in Communication and Culture class, I, together with my teammates Icar and Dana, prepared something for the whole class. This being one reason, Icar and I planned something for the whole class again. And with the spirit of Valentine's all over, it wasn't difficult for me and for Icar to plan something.
I suggested having some sort of dating game where Canch, our facilitator, would be the searcher and four guys from the class would be the searchees. It was very nice of Canch to be game enough for this gimmick.
As I announced to the class that we were having a dating game, teammate Je played Stephen Bishop's It Might Be You and the room was filled with the man's romantic song. Gawd! How cheesy can we get! Hehehe!
Canch took her place in front of the class. And Icar proceeded to call our searchees. They were Efren, Sherwin, Rexxie and Anton (who we have been teasing to Canch). Everyone cheered on as the searchees took their places. And the game began.
There were only a few questions. I wrote the questions and just so it'll be related to the class, the questions included – "Pretend that you are a modem. Which modem would you be? Introduce yourself.", "In your most sexiest voice, say the closing spiel of our call flow." Hehehe!
It was fun watching the men ride along with the gimmick and doing their best to win Canch's heart…err…vote I mean. But we all knew that it'll be Anton who would be chosen as the winner. The whole class helped out on making sure that it was Anton who will win when Icar and I asked the class to write down their choice on a piece of paper.
Everyone cheered on as Anton emerged as the winner. We gave the stuff toy, a very cute teddy bear (which Icar bought), and a large bouquet of colorful flowers (which I bought), to Anton so that he can give them to Canch. Everyone was teasing them and to be honest, they looked good together.
Oh well. There goes the dating game part.
Parting Ways(???)
After all the fun in the dating game, I told the class to settle down and take their seats. I then brought out pieces of board that looked like parts of a jigsaw puzzle. They were distributed to the class and then when everyone got a piece, I explained what the activity was.
Since next week we'll be having our proficiency exam and after that we aren't sure if we would all still be teammates afterwards, I decided that it is only fitting that each one should have some sort of souvenir from the whole class.
What we did was we passed our pieces of boards around and asked everyone to write something nice about that particular person. Gawd! Can I be cheesier??? I have got to stop watching teenybopper movies. Hehe! Anyway, I explained further that each piece of board was actually part of a whole board and that that piece of board was a symbol of our connection to each one. It is a small thing that we can put on our desks and it'll remind us of our class.
I was really touched with what my teammates wrote on my piece of board. The comments that I got included – very supportive and creative person, very talented and promising person, big brother of the class, fashionista, and father image. Hehehe! It was very nice.
The whole activity, of course, concluded with our traditional class picture taking. It was so much fun! Next week, we will all be on the operations floor already. We don’t really know what would happen but should things go rough sometimes, I know that the Class 2 of Wave 9 would always have something to reminisce about and that would be enough to make us all smile again…
GOOD LUCK WAVE 902!!!
Win Her Heart
Yesterday was our last day in the Program Specific Training.
There was nothing much to do. A couple of the guys just had a repeat of the mock proficiencies. There was a guy from the Quality Department who gave a long, a bit boring, talk on how they would rate us when we get to operations. We also had our posttest in which I got a grade that sucked, but it was okay.
I guess the only highlight of the day, for me and I'm quite sure for almost the entire class, was when the clock struck twelve noon.
If you remember, during the last day of training in Communication and Culture class, I, together with my teammates Icar and Dana, prepared something for the whole class. This being one reason, Icar and I planned something for the whole class again. And with the spirit of Valentine's all over, it wasn't difficult for me and for Icar to plan something.
I suggested having some sort of dating game where Canch, our facilitator, would be the searcher and four guys from the class would be the searchees. It was very nice of Canch to be game enough for this gimmick.
As I announced to the class that we were having a dating game, teammate Je played Stephen Bishop's It Might Be You and the room was filled with the man's romantic song. Gawd! How cheesy can we get! Hehehe!
Canch took her place in front of the class. And Icar proceeded to call our searchees. They were Efren, Sherwin, Rexxie and Anton (who we have been teasing to Canch). Everyone cheered on as the searchees took their places. And the game began.
There were only a few questions. I wrote the questions and just so it'll be related to the class, the questions included – "Pretend that you are a modem. Which modem would you be? Introduce yourself.", "In your most sexiest voice, say the closing spiel of our call flow." Hehehe!
It was fun watching the men ride along with the gimmick and doing their best to win Canch's heart…err…vote I mean. But we all knew that it'll be Anton who would be chosen as the winner. The whole class helped out on making sure that it was Anton who will win when Icar and I asked the class to write down their choice on a piece of paper.
Everyone cheered on as Anton emerged as the winner. We gave the stuff toy, a very cute teddy bear (which Icar bought), and a large bouquet of colorful flowers (which I bought), to Anton so that he can give them to Canch. Everyone was teasing them and to be honest, they looked good together.
Oh well. There goes the dating game part.
Parting Ways(???)
After all the fun in the dating game, I told the class to settle down and take their seats. I then brought out pieces of board that looked like parts of a jigsaw puzzle. They were distributed to the class and then when everyone got a piece, I explained what the activity was.
Since next week we'll be having our proficiency exam and after that we aren't sure if we would all still be teammates afterwards, I decided that it is only fitting that each one should have some sort of souvenir from the whole class.
What we did was we passed our pieces of boards around and asked everyone to write something nice about that particular person. Gawd! Can I be cheesier??? I have got to stop watching teenybopper movies. Hehe! Anyway, I explained further that each piece of board was actually part of a whole board and that that piece of board was a symbol of our connection to each one. It is a small thing that we can put on our desks and it'll remind us of our class.
I was really touched with what my teammates wrote on my piece of board. The comments that I got included – very supportive and creative person, very talented and promising person, big brother of the class, fashionista, and father image. Hehehe! It was very nice.
The whole activity, of course, concluded with our traditional class picture taking. It was so much fun! Next week, we will all be on the operations floor already. We don’t really know what would happen but should things go rough sometimes, I know that the Class 2 of Wave 9 would always have something to reminisce about and that would be enough to make us all smile again…
GOOD LUCK WAVE 902!!!
Friday, February 13, 2004
This Week's Friday Five:
Okay, so this week's Friday Five is related to the whole Friday the 13th thing. And I was hoping it would be something cheesy and related to Valentine's. Hehehe!!!
Anyway, here's this week's Friday Five.
1. Are you superstitious?
When I was a kid, yes. I believed in superstitious stuff like black cats are bad luck and the like. But as I grew up and eventually learned more things, I sorta stopped believing in superstitions and would rather look at the facts first. Hehehe!
2. What extremes have you heard of someone going to in the name of superstition?
Well, I don't know if this may be considered superstition but my Mom's a fan of Feng-shui. Hehe! It drives us all crazy. There was a time when we had to rearrange our furniture every week because of my Mom's feng-shui beliefs.
3. Believer or not, what's your favorite superstition?
Uhm, that when my palms are itching, I should put it inside my pockets because it is a sign that I will be getting money soon.
4. Do you believe in luck? If yes, do you have a lucky number/article of clothing/ritual?
Well, not really. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
5. Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not?
Nope, I don't believe in astrology. Why should I let the stars or a bunch of cards determine my future. :)
I'm done. Do yours here.
Okay, so this week's Friday Five is related to the whole Friday the 13th thing. And I was hoping it would be something cheesy and related to Valentine's. Hehehe!!!
Anyway, here's this week's Friday Five.
1. Are you superstitious?
When I was a kid, yes. I believed in superstitious stuff like black cats are bad luck and the like. But as I grew up and eventually learned more things, I sorta stopped believing in superstitions and would rather look at the facts first. Hehehe!
2. What extremes have you heard of someone going to in the name of superstition?
Well, I don't know if this may be considered superstition but my Mom's a fan of Feng-shui. Hehe! It drives us all crazy. There was a time when we had to rearrange our furniture every week because of my Mom's feng-shui beliefs.
3. Believer or not, what's your favorite superstition?
Uhm, that when my palms are itching, I should put it inside my pockets because it is a sign that I will be getting money soon.
4. Do you believe in luck? If yes, do you have a lucky number/article of clothing/ritual?
Well, not really. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
5. Do you believe in astrology? Why or why not?
Nope, I don't believe in astrology. Why should I let the stars or a bunch of cards determine my future. :)
I'm done. Do yours here.
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
What Shoes Are You?
For lack of anything important to write today, here's a quizilla thing. Oooohhh, can I be one of those really, really sexy Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik boots?
Hehe!
Leather Boots- sleek, trendy, and popular, you are
always dressed right. You sometimes seem fake
to people that don't know you. You enjoy
shopping and hanging out with your many
friends. [please vote! thank you! :)]
What Kind of Shoe Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
For lack of anything important to write today, here's a quizilla thing. Oooohhh, can I be one of those really, really sexy Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik boots?
Hehe!
Leather Boots- sleek, trendy, and popular, you are
always dressed right. You sometimes seem fake
to people that don't know you. You enjoy
shopping and hanging out with your many
friends. [please vote! thank you! :)]
What Kind of Shoe Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Monday, February 09, 2004
The Past Two Weeks...
In the past two weeks, I have learned about Digital Subscriber Lines, PCs, Modems and other technical stuff which I never thought I would ever learn. Well, first of all, I didn't really care much about modems and PCs. As long as I could serve I am one happy man. Second of all, I'm not one who's really interested to learn the ins and outs of an Internet connection.
But surprisingly, I have been learning a lot and I can say that I have become a little more technical. And I was able to prove this when I got one of the highest scores in class after I took an exam this morning about all the topics we have discussed.
What's more surprising for me was that I actually was able to remember almost all information that our facilitator has been feeding us thee past two weeks. At least, I now know what POP or SMTP does for the email or that the Modem is actually a fusion of the words Modulator, Demodulator. I have learned about the different kinds of Internet Protocol address and what the heck an Internet Protocol address is. Without having a computer in front of me, I can tell you how to resolve the Domain Name System, enable the stupid Network Interface Card of a PC, check the TCP/IP settings of your Internet connection, among so many more processes.
And yes, in spite of the headaches that I've been getting for the immense amount of technical information that I've been trying to absorb, I feel glad that I have really been learning a lot.
I think it's cool.
In the past two weeks, I have learned about Digital Subscriber Lines, PCs, Modems and other technical stuff which I never thought I would ever learn. Well, first of all, I didn't really care much about modems and PCs. As long as I could serve I am one happy man. Second of all, I'm not one who's really interested to learn the ins and outs of an Internet connection.
But surprisingly, I have been learning a lot and I can say that I have become a little more technical. And I was able to prove this when I got one of the highest scores in class after I took an exam this morning about all the topics we have discussed.
What's more surprising for me was that I actually was able to remember almost all information that our facilitator has been feeding us thee past two weeks. At least, I now know what POP or SMTP does for the email or that the Modem is actually a fusion of the words Modulator, Demodulator. I have learned about the different kinds of Internet Protocol address and what the heck an Internet Protocol address is. Without having a computer in front of me, I can tell you how to resolve the Domain Name System, enable the stupid Network Interface Card of a PC, check the TCP/IP settings of your Internet connection, among so many more processes.
And yes, in spite of the headaches that I've been getting for the immense amount of technical information that I've been trying to absorb, I feel glad that I have really been learning a lot.
I think it's cool.
Saturday, February 07, 2004
The Nice Lady
I shook the hand of our Country Manager last Thursday.
I was attending the business briefing of the Enterprise Makati site and there I was just sitting down waiting for someone. The next thing I know, I am shaking the hand of this seemingly nice lady clad in a silk maroon blouse accented with some sequins, paired with black pants and high heels.
When I looked up, there she was and I just found myself saying, "Hi."
And she replies, "Hi. I'm Marife."
"And I'm Angelo." I said to her.
I continue, "I'm still in training in Ortigas."
And Marife replies, "That's okay. You're still Convergys."
I shared the incident to my other trainor turned friend, Chrisma, and she tells me, "Marife is really nice. And the whole senior management team actually. They're very down to earth."
Wow! I said to myself. That was cool.
I shook the hand of our Country Manager last Thursday.
I was attending the business briefing of the Enterprise Makati site and there I was just sitting down waiting for someone. The next thing I know, I am shaking the hand of this seemingly nice lady clad in a silk maroon blouse accented with some sequins, paired with black pants and high heels.
When I looked up, there she was and I just found myself saying, "Hi."
And she replies, "Hi. I'm Marife."
"And I'm Angelo." I said to her.
I continue, "I'm still in training in Ortigas."
And Marife replies, "That's okay. You're still Convergys."
I shared the incident to my other trainor turned friend, Chrisma, and she tells me, "Marife is really nice. And the whole senior management team actually. They're very down to earth."
Wow! I said to myself. That was cool.
Friday, February 06, 2004
This Week's Friday Five:
My Friday Five this week is really, really boring.
1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
The most daring that I've ever done... uhm, I guess participating in events/ contests where I thought I don't really have a chance to win, but in the end I actually win. Hehehe!
2. What one thing would you like to try that your significant other would never approve of?
This is easy. Purchase a bag from Gucci, Prada or Louis Vuitton with the budget that I have right now. Hehehe!
3. On a scale of 1-10, what's your risk factor? (1=never take risks, 10=it's a lifestyle)
Uhm, I would have to say three. I'm not really a big risk taker. Should I take a risk, I prefer that I've studied all the possible results of that risk and have some confidence that the good will come out. I wonder if you can still call that a risk. Hehe!
4. What's the best thing that's ever happened to you as a result of being bold/risky?
I am with Hunski.
5. ... and what's the worst?
Uhm, losing my dignity for like two seconds. Hehehe! I can't remember.
Me done. Your turn. Click here.
My Friday Five this week is really, really boring.
1. What's the most daring thing you've ever done?
The most daring that I've ever done... uhm, I guess participating in events/ contests where I thought I don't really have a chance to win, but in the end I actually win. Hehehe!
2. What one thing would you like to try that your significant other would never approve of?
This is easy. Purchase a bag from Gucci, Prada or Louis Vuitton with the budget that I have right now. Hehehe!
3. On a scale of 1-10, what's your risk factor? (1=never take risks, 10=it's a lifestyle)
Uhm, I would have to say three. I'm not really a big risk taker. Should I take a risk, I prefer that I've studied all the possible results of that risk and have some confidence that the good will come out. I wonder if you can still call that a risk. Hehe!
4. What's the best thing that's ever happened to you as a result of being bold/risky?
I am with Hunski.
5. ... and what's the worst?
Uhm, losing my dignity for like two seconds. Hehehe! I can't remember.
Me done. Your turn. Click here.
Thursday, February 05, 2004
A Not So Common Common Sense
A situation in which you'd either be laughing or be irritated.
An agent receives a call from a customer. The customer was coughing so hard and sounded like he was a hard time breathing. When the agent asked the customer what the matter was, the customer said,
"Can you help me? My modem is smoking, literally."
Thus, the reason for the man's coughing. The agent continued to do his probing and after a while, told the customer,
"Sir, may I put you on hold for up to five minutes while I check on your issue?"
Surprisingly, the customer agreed to be put on hold.
After a couple of minutes, the agent gets back to the customer who was still coughing from the smoke coming out of the modem. The agent innocently asks,
"Sir, what color is the smoke?"
This story was told by my facilitator, Canch. The situation actually happened on the floor to one of the agents. It's funny and at the same time, very stupid, but it really happened.
Just goes to show that sometimes, common sense is not so common.
Har har har!
A situation in which you'd either be laughing or be irritated.
An agent receives a call from a customer. The customer was coughing so hard and sounded like he was a hard time breathing. When the agent asked the customer what the matter was, the customer said,
"Can you help me? My modem is smoking, literally."
Thus, the reason for the man's coughing. The agent continued to do his probing and after a while, told the customer,
"Sir, may I put you on hold for up to five minutes while I check on your issue?"
Surprisingly, the customer agreed to be put on hold.
After a couple of minutes, the agent gets back to the customer who was still coughing from the smoke coming out of the modem. The agent innocently asks,
"Sir, what color is the smoke?"
This story was told by my facilitator, Canch. The situation actually happened on the floor to one of the agents. It's funny and at the same time, very stupid, but it really happened.
Just goes to show that sometimes, common sense is not so common.
Har har har!
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Which Fantasy/Scifi Character Are You?
Princess Leia?! Augh!!! Can I be Princess Leia with better clothes and a nicer hairdo. Hehehe!
Princess Leia?! Augh!!! Can I be Princess Leia with better clothes and a nicer hairdo. Hehehe!
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Target 90!!!
By the end of next week, my Program Specific Training will be over and I will be taking my proficiency exam. The proficiency exam requires me to take a live call from a fellow agent who's acting as a customer. I will be the agent who is expected to properly and correctly address the issue of the customer.
For me to pass the proficiency, I need to at least get an 80% mark. The criteria would include meeting the Agent Minimum Standards, following the Code of Conduct, providing assistance to the customer with my troubleshooting skills and procedures, and possessing the right soft skills and call handling skills.
It's tough.
In preparation for the proficiency exam, we have been having mock proficiencies in class. Our facilitator, Canch, would act as the customer. So far, about ten people have taken the mock proficiencies and so far, no one has passed. The grades that people have been getting is a very low 50% or 60%.
Yes, it's that tough.
Since last week, I've been practicing for my mock proficiency. I'm confident enough to take the exam despite the fact that I'm not an ultra-techie person. I keep telling myself that I have to display control during the call and just stick to the call flow and my available resources. Hunski even helped me practice for the mock proficiency.
And today, I had my mock proficiency.
I thought that I wouldn't do mine today since there were three of us scheduled for the day but usually, only two people get to finish the mocks. However, Canch told me that I would do mine today, right after Dana. In my head, I said, "Okay then. Bring it on."
Dana finished her mock proficiency. Uhm, I think she was able to resolve the issue although it wasn't really the most appropriate step. She got a 79%, the highest so far. And even if she just needed another point to pass the test (had it been the actual one), everyone, including me, congratulated her.
Then, before I knew it, I was up. My heart was pounding and it seemed that the temperature of the room lowered to O degrees. I was cold.
But I got myself together, prepared all the programs I needed and began,
"Thank you for choosing (company name withheld). My name is Angelo. May I please have your number so I may access your account?"
Everything was going well, I kept my cool, in spite of the fact that Canch impersonated an annoying, talkative, Asian American woman, (no offense to anyone) and everyone was laughing because of Canch's funny voice.
And then suddenly, I got lost. I thought that I was handling the issue correctly and then I realized, I wasn't. I looked around. Most of my classmates tried to give me a tip but I wasn't absorbing any of the information they were saying.
But thankfully, my head began working well and I took control of the call, and the next thing I know I was already saying my closing script. I was still facing the computer and in the background, I can already hear the loud applause of my team mates. The whole class was clapping and I just can't believe it. I was blushing because I felt that I did good.
Once I was through with my documentation, Canch asked me to evaluate myself. I said I thought I did pretty well since I followed the script and I exhibited call control.
She then told me my grade for each criteria and although I missed a number of points, she was commending me and her last line was, "I'm having a hard time computing your grade because it's so high."
And then she said it, "89.5!"
The whole class was just cheering and I was so overwhelmed with the result of the mock proficiency. I was really happy with the result of the mock proficiency. My target was 90% (Forgive me. I don't intend to brag or sound arrogant.) and I guess 89.5% is already a good grade.
As soon as I got out of class, I felt like going shopping since I felt it was a very happy moment. Instead, I chose to go home and just celebrate by going to bed early. Hehe!
Wooohoooo!
By the end of next week, my Program Specific Training will be over and I will be taking my proficiency exam. The proficiency exam requires me to take a live call from a fellow agent who's acting as a customer. I will be the agent who is expected to properly and correctly address the issue of the customer.
For me to pass the proficiency, I need to at least get an 80% mark. The criteria would include meeting the Agent Minimum Standards, following the Code of Conduct, providing assistance to the customer with my troubleshooting skills and procedures, and possessing the right soft skills and call handling skills.
It's tough.
In preparation for the proficiency exam, we have been having mock proficiencies in class. Our facilitator, Canch, would act as the customer. So far, about ten people have taken the mock proficiencies and so far, no one has passed. The grades that people have been getting is a very low 50% or 60%.
Yes, it's that tough.
Since last week, I've been practicing for my mock proficiency. I'm confident enough to take the exam despite the fact that I'm not an ultra-techie person. I keep telling myself that I have to display control during the call and just stick to the call flow and my available resources. Hunski even helped me practice for the mock proficiency.
And today, I had my mock proficiency.
I thought that I wouldn't do mine today since there were three of us scheduled for the day but usually, only two people get to finish the mocks. However, Canch told me that I would do mine today, right after Dana. In my head, I said, "Okay then. Bring it on."
Dana finished her mock proficiency. Uhm, I think she was able to resolve the issue although it wasn't really the most appropriate step. She got a 79%, the highest so far. And even if she just needed another point to pass the test (had it been the actual one), everyone, including me, congratulated her.
Then, before I knew it, I was up. My heart was pounding and it seemed that the temperature of the room lowered to O degrees. I was cold.
But I got myself together, prepared all the programs I needed and began,
"Thank you for choosing (company name withheld). My name is Angelo. May I please have your number so I may access your account?"
Everything was going well, I kept my cool, in spite of the fact that Canch impersonated an annoying, talkative, Asian American woman, (no offense to anyone) and everyone was laughing because of Canch's funny voice.
And then suddenly, I got lost. I thought that I was handling the issue correctly and then I realized, I wasn't. I looked around. Most of my classmates tried to give me a tip but I wasn't absorbing any of the information they were saying.
But thankfully, my head began working well and I took control of the call, and the next thing I know I was already saying my closing script. I was still facing the computer and in the background, I can already hear the loud applause of my team mates. The whole class was clapping and I just can't believe it. I was blushing because I felt that I did good.
Once I was through with my documentation, Canch asked me to evaluate myself. I said I thought I did pretty well since I followed the script and I exhibited call control.
She then told me my grade for each criteria and although I missed a number of points, she was commending me and her last line was, "I'm having a hard time computing your grade because it's so high."
And then she said it, "89.5!"
The whole class was just cheering and I was so overwhelmed with the result of the mock proficiency. I was really happy with the result of the mock proficiency. My target was 90% (Forgive me. I don't intend to brag or sound arrogant.) and I guess 89.5% is already a good grade.
As soon as I got out of class, I felt like going shopping since I felt it was a very happy moment. Instead, I chose to go home and just celebrate by going to bed early. Hehe!
Wooohoooo!
