Sunday, October 9, 2011

Crossroad

Yesterday I received an e-mail from my headhunter. Few months ago, I was interviewed for a position in Aboitiz. I wasn't really expecting for a call back after that. During that interview I was asked what if they're offer is less than my asking price which should not be lower than PhP150,000, would I accept the job? I simply replied, anything less than than is unacceptable. So to get this notification that my application is on its final assessment is quite remarkable. Though, I'm still not expecting anything. Even if they give in to my demand, I'm still not 100% sold to the idea of accepting it for a lot of reasons. But the good thing about this, aside for my ego of course is first, I was able to assess my market value. It's important for every induvidual to know how much his worth so in times like these, one would avoid selling one's self short(I'm starting to sound like a prostitute here. =). Everyone of us is a saleman. In our day to day lives we continue to sell ourselves to everyone, to each and every individual we meet each day. When you court a girl, or make friends, you always put your best foot forward, much more when you offer your services to a company. And lastly, i was able to assess my capabilities and understand my strenghts and weaknessess. That's the great thing about going to job interviews (even if you're happy and satisfied with your current job). My style is, I would apply for a position higher than my current job. I'd go though the rigorous process of screening so I'd be able to assess what I have and don't have based on what they are looking for. After that, I go back to the drawing board and develop my developmental plan. I attend trainings and volunteer on job tasks. It allows me to learn and build on my competence and address identified weaknessess.

Now what are my main reasons for not accepting the job?


1. I'm not sure I'm ready to relocate. The facility is located in Bicol. Man, that's too far from where I live right now. But during the interview, they told me I could work for 3 weeks straight and have a 1 week off which of course I could spend back home in Manila.


2. I'm still quite happy and satisfied with my current job. Work pressure is not too much and I'm eyeing a promotion next year.


3. I was just given a share in a corporation by my bestfriend's family which they recently organized. They say, it's for "utang na loob" for the good things I've done for their family. How I helped and supported them during those time when they couldn't even pay their monthly rent. Just few months ago, out of nowhere, they received a call informing them that they inherited a 24 hectare land in Pampanga. It was said to belong to their grandmother. However, their grandmonther never told anyone about it when she died, luckily the court was able to find them as it wanted already to distribute such property to its legal heir. That case has been pending in court for half a century now. When we visitied the area, lo and behold, the said land is covered with aggregates (sand and gravel) due to the Pinatubo eruption when lahar covered parts of Pampanga. If some of you may not be aware, the Province of Pampanga makes hundreds of millions each year quarrying these areas. The property they inherited is untouched and never been quarried. I was appointed as Board of Director and Operations Manager and would get monthly allowances plus profit from my share of the corporation. Hopefully, in three weeks time, our quarry permit will be released so we can start operation immediately. I'll discuss this more in detail next time.


Anyway, it's Sunday here in Kusatsu. I had a great time yesterday visiting Kyoto and would probably go back later this afternoon. Need to take a bath now as I need to meet up some friends in awhile for Lunch.


PS. I wonder why I can't post comment? Anyway. lonewolf, I'll try that chocolate beer. You seems to know alot of Japan, have you been here before? Ill see if I'd be able to find time to visit Kanzawa. Thanks for the tip!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Japan, Japan



It's past 11pm now here in Kusatsu. I took a flight yesterday in Manila via Cathay Pacific at 6am and arrived in HongKong at around 8am. At 10am, I took a connecting flight and arrived in Osaka/Kansai at 2:30pm. I needed to take a train to come here in Kusatsu but when i got to the train station, the next scheduled trip was 4:15pm. The train ride took about an hour and a half so when i got here in the hotel it's past 6pm. So all in all, it was a 12 hour trip. I was supposed to take a direct flight via PAL but changed my booking due to the on-going problems they are facing right now. It was a long and tiring trip just getting here. However, my amazement on this beautiful country totally made up for it.


On my first day here in Japan, I visited our facility located in Moriyama. I'm quite tired now to describe everything I saw so I'll just post some pictures which I took using my phone. But over-all I was impressed how fully automated the facility is. It made me feel that our facility in the Philippines is neglected and is way behind in terms of technology considering we are of the same company. Anyway, I learned so much today and I plan to bring some of those learnings and try to implement it in our own facility.








Tomorrow is free day. I plan to spend the entire day in Kyoto, which happens to be one of my dream destination. I brought my camera with me together with my tripod and several lenses so I am hoping to capture some really good pictures.



Oh by the way, I think Japanese guys are the cutest in the world, seriously. Come here and you'll know why. Coincidentally, my first gay experience was with a half Japanese-half Pinoy way back in high school. I'm thinking of sending him a message via FB when I get back in Manila. Just Kidding! (or maybe not!) =)


.