Classroom to workplace

Cupcake and fusion drink during acoustic nightlife.

This topic may sound cliche, a new graduate who is now at the workplace. I used to be one of those college students who cram for homework, freak out during a surprise quiz and sometimes comes late to class. I had a love and hate relationship with my thesis which is somewhat one of the biggest hurdles I had ever encountered. My last years in the university seemed to be the longest and the hardest. Also, those were also the years where I learned about the things that are not taught in the classroom. We are not taught how to have hope when it seems like there is none, how to believe in yourself when there is no more in you that you could believe in, and how to stand up when every hard work is falling apart. I was always looking forward to the day that I will write about this article, to declare that I'm officially in the so-called real world. Woah! I've been through a lot- I've been stuck in reverse where the road to graduation seemed to be endless.

When I was in college, I always thought that this world is a trap. (It sounds weird because I'm not used to when I say was in college. Still, I can't believe that I finished college already). This studying idea is a trap and going to work is a trap. When I was almost done with my thesis and thought about my whereabouts after college, it often leaves me clueless. My perception about working is often translated to something negative. Most of my peers, when asked about their workplace, would often say "Nah", "let's not talk about it" or "it's a trap" as if it's something a burden. Instead, I took a rest for a while and prayed. There were various of offers available but most of the time, the workplace is too far. There came a moment when an offer came to me. It was none of my plans to take it, but Yes, I did took it. Everything is just great.

How is my first job experience?

Some of my friends once said to me that we'll never be happy with our first jobs (generally speaking). But I beg to disagree because as much as I am enjoying new things, I love what I'm doing right now. To give you an idea about my current job, I'm actually a research assistant at our university. I know I'm still at my comfort zone, I don't know if this is considered as 'real world' but still, I love it.

Even though I'm already "working", I still have free time. I join church events such as the acoustic night life. I'm working on my spirituality which I can't do when I was still studying because of the very hectic schedule.

3 Misconceptions about working:

It's a trap/toxic. This depends on what kind of environment you have in your workplace. You'll never know if it's for you or not unless you try.

Working is worse than schooling. For me, no. From what I had experience, my college life is stressful. I can't even remember if I ever had a decent and peaceful rest especially when I was doing my thesis. When you are studying, you have lots of free time (summer break, Christmas break, holidays and etc), but end up stressed of the assignments and homework for the next day. In my case, I leave my work at the office. When I go home, there's nothing I think about. This also depends on what kind of job you have. My schedule is eight hours a day and five times a week. I can enjoy my weekends like a normal person. Some people have only one day off per week and on shifting schedule, that will be stressful though.

The "real" world is scary. Every unknown is always scary. Unless you take a leap of faith, you will never know what is waiting on the other side.

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THE SUNDAY CURRENTLY | VOL 03

It's been a while since I wrote this series. This post is not the typical one since this will consist my reflections since Thursday (Holy Thursday) to Easter Sunday. To give you an overview, I live in a country which comprises a large population of Christians/Catholics. Thus, we celebrate Holy week annually and most of the time it's a Holiday. A perfect time to redeem the lost and compromised quiet time because of the distractions of the world. 

Today I realized Five important things.

The happy little things. (Sounds cliche but often missed). It's been on my routine to go to church every Sunday, then eat somewhere with a friend for almost a month now. I guess I had overlooked it before as it became a "habit". But it had made me aware that I am so blessed to have a buddy whom I can talk to about anything, a friend that I know will never judge me. In a world like we have, it's easy to meet new people but difficult to find a true friend. I tell you, one true friend outweighs superficial acquaintances. 

Blue skies, fluffy clouds, sun casting golden rays and turning the horizon red, happy faces of ordinary people, city lights, tall proud buildings, starry and peaceful nights. These things are some of the reasons for living. They represent life.

The importance of our spiritual being. It's easy to determine whether we are healthy physically if we are getting fat or become too thin. But our spirituality, it's invisible. It's something we often give the least attention to. In this noisy, busy and fast-paced world, spirituality is something "last" on our list. We may never know but, we need to feed it and nurture it like our physical body. Sometimes I forget to ask myself within, "Am I healthy deep inside?".  

Many people have empty lives. Work to Live and Live to Work. There are people who work hard day and night, to fulfill their Vacation Goals. Most of our goals are for personal benefit/growth, it's not bad though. We invest in materials things, travels or even mutual funds. But, it's not also bad if we invest ourselves in nurturing our spirituality.

Always be thankful. A friend of mine shared this with me. One of my friends once said that one sign of maturity is saying thank you rather than asking for things. We are so blessed of what we have. Though there may be times that we in doubt because as if God is against us. Still, be thankful. He will use every circumstance to mold you, to change your heart and your perspective. Remember that delayed victories are the sweetest!

Challenges never end. I always thought that life would be simpler when I reach college. When I was in college, I thought life would be better when I graduate. But no, every stage has its problems to be conquered. Life is a series of unfortunate events. Unless you change your perspective about it. It's about how you look at it, it's all about how you think of it. When problems arise, hold unto God, always.

At the end, we will all still die. All our material possessions, even our body will soon decay. I hope we will all be ready when that time comes by living our lives to the fullest and according to our purpose. 

Currently listening to How Great thou Art - Lauren Daigle

 I hope you were inspired by this post. I would appreciate if you would share me your reflections. 

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Eagle's Ridge | Bukidnon-Davao

Eagle's Ridge (Tagaytay of Davao)

Breakaway (v); to detach oneself especially from a group, get away

            ; to depart from former or accustomed ways

A Holy week special

It's the time of the year again. It's holy week and almost everyone is enjoying a long, reflective weekend. It's the perfect time to detach ourselves from busy schedules, traffic and messy city life. Let me introduce to you the Tagaytay of Davao City, Eagle's Ridge. Located at BuDa (Bukidnon-Davao), this resort has just opened its doors to public. Yay! It used to be private but is now ready to serve tourists and locals of the city. 

How to get there?

You can ride a bus at the bus terminal at Ecoland. 

Non air conditioned bus : Php 100 (student) and Php 135 (regular). 

Air conditioned bus : Php 135 (student) and Php 170 (regular). 

*Prices varies without prior notice.

The travelling time from downtown usually takes 1 hour and 45 minutes (more or less). 

When you see this signage at the left side of the road, you know you're on the right track!

Entrance

Upon entering the vicinity of the area, you will be greeted by different kinds trees, plants and flowers. What I love the most are the pine trees because they make me feel like I'm not in Davao area. The wind is cool and fresh. Be sure to bring your jackets and winter clothes to keep you warm.

This rest house can accommodate 10 persons or so. The rate of this fully furnished house is P7000 per night, which includes the usage of kitchen, electricity and all amenities. Additional payment will be made if you want to add extra bed/foam. 

Amenities include:

Hot/cold shower, TV with Cable, Sound system, Viodeke bar, Refrigerator, Kitchen (complete with utensils, grilling station and table top burner), Water Dispenser, Bonfire area and Generator.

For addition activities:

Trekking -(with tour guide) Jordan River and Falls (Php 500)

Check in time: 2pm. Check out: 12 pm. 

Walk ins are discouraged. Half of the total payment should be deposited to confirm reservation. Balance should be fully paid upon check in. Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Photo credit to Emjay of www.everydayemjay.me

It has a living room with a fireplace. A bonfire area if you enjoy star gazing at night while drinking a glass of wine. 

Bar area

They also have this Entertainment area which is karaoke ready.

This place is just perfect for relaxation and to be one with nature again. We all need to recharge ourselves and fix ourselves from deep within. Trees, nature, birds and cool breeze are just some of the things you will truly love from this place.

Sunset

Eagle's Ridge Rest House

Bukidnon-Davao (BuDa)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eaglesridgeresthouse

Phone: 0947 287 0901 

Email: eaglesridgeresthouse@gmail.com

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Life after school

Unfiltered photo of Sunset in Davao

I'm really hesitant to write something about this topic. I think it is sensitive and at the same time very personal. People might judge me for this post, but I think what matters is that I have something to impart for my readers. Beware: This is a horror/drama post.

To start of, I just finish my rough and rocky college life. It was mind blowing and life-changing. I always thought that finishing my thesis and graduating college would be the end of of my struggles. But I was wrong. Never did I know that a another storm is going to test me.

The moment when I had my manuscript bind was the happiest day in my college life. I was blissful and carefree. I was enjoying the peace of mind I never had in years. I was really excited of what the world would offer to me. I was thinking that it would be alright because I'm from a good university after all. I passed resume online and even had a chance to get interviewed. I graduated a science major course, that I thought would never be a problem. I never thought that job hunting is not an easy job. There is a minimal opportunities available and you even have to be competitive to get a minimum-pay kind of job. Then when "we" start to work, shifting schedule is normal, day off is negotiable and the amount of stress is undeniable. I was thinking did I really studied for this? I mean, it's more like a trap. I thought "real world" is "freedom". But it's more of a nightmare.

My parents were asking me about my plans, but they keep on insisting that I should work as soon as possible. Guess they really need me to help them with the finances. They told me to start working so that I can help them with the bills. I don't want to be selfish. Really, I want to help them but I'm still trying to figure out my way. I'm still looking for opportunities that will match my passion and at the same time would help me grow. Somehow, I am confused because my passion contradicts with my degree.

The society insists us, millennials, to find a job immediately and work to have money. It's like an unwritten rule that reminds us every single day. It's not wrong though but we have our own paths to take. I would prefer not compromising to whatever the society is telling. People are insisting that I'm just wasting my time, but we don't have to be so excited to move on to the next level. Everything has a right timing. 

I may still be dependent to my parents or may not be earning money as of the moment, but that doesn't mean that I am wasting my time. I am in the process of knowing myself more and enjoying the moment. I never had this much time ever since I entered the world of studying. I was astonished that we actually have all the time we wanted, and if we don't want to waste it, start spending it by doing the things you love. 

One day soon, I shall reminisce this day and never regret a single thing. All things work together for my good.

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