Being Professional Friendly: A Journey with Wave 8-A

After my 1st stint as a writer trying-out in an internet company that....what the crap, I still don't know what that place really is, errr, at Hubport, I simply didn't knew what to do next. Results of the NLE to be released were still a month then. I knew I still couldn't get a job in a hospital and I just don't have the patience with training knowing that I would probably waste one year since I still won't be able to apply for a regular job (let along you won't get a salary). I knew that I really need to get a job. I just don't know what. I found out my writing skills weren't that topnotch, so I had to look at my other skills that could actually get me a job. Well, I'm not much of a good singer (I don't think I'll get hired to sing songs at weddings), I'm a good dancer (but my bolts are kinda rusty), but I can draw well (but I don't think police sketches could be drawn in anime). I was really left with something I knew I'm good at, but probably something I wasn't really considering as a chosen career. I can talk in English. I talk in English a lot. Since I write in English a lot, then it does really mean I can talk in English. So being a call center agent was something I wasn't really looking forward to have as a job back in college, but hey, its the only high-paying job a nursing graduate like me could apply at. But the question was where? Where would I apply? In all honesty, only one word just popped out in my head...

Hiring people who probably won't stay long.

I applied to Sutherland two weeks ago and I must say, it was a breeze. Not to brag or anything, I already expected to get hired. Sutherland would be dumb enough to drop me off. But in reality, they could and they would have dropped someone like me. Whatever, I got in anyway. After I signed my contract, I thought I would just go through training by the following week. After finishing of the requirements, I was already looking forward for my job training. The week came and yeah, there was training, but hooboy, it was another story.

I came in being part of "Wave 78". There were a lot of trainees, 32 people all got accepted in the AT&T Dark Blue account. It's kinda cliche to use the term "accepted" because in reality, we will have to go through two weeks of proving grounds to really stay on that account. So much for looking forward for a "job" training. We were able to meet our trainer, Miss Julie, and she explained what we have to go through for the entire two weeks. But the most important thing she remind us with is that we must talk in English all the time, in the English speaking zone, all the time. Nah, we spoke in vernacular whenever she wasn't around. Anyways, the one thing that she said that really go stuck in my head was when she said "Don't get too much attached with your co-trainees." I completely understood what she was trying to say, but it didn't bother me that much. I went there to get a job. Sure, making friends would be nice, but my focus was to do good to get the job. I didn't realize that time that there were something more painful than just simply not getting the job.

On the first week, we had to go through some orientation about being in the BPO industry, what it takes to be call center agents, err, consultants, and a little review of Subject-Verb Agreement and Tenses (grade school English more or so). We also got the chance to talk and share things through English. But during that week, our entire wave was separated into two groups, Wave 8-A and Wave 8-B. I got stuck in Wave 8-A or as I call it, the "Quiet" group. During the1st week, I was really able to get to know my "wavemates". All of us had a lot in common. And when I say a lot, I meant we were "all-nursing-graduates-waiting-anxiously-for-the-result-but-decided-to-apply-and-get-a-job-while-waiting" similar. All of us had different reasons why we applied there. Some were bored, got nothing else better to do, wants a job already and simply wants to have money (like me). The 1st week was really dull and boring, but the upcoming days became more interesting. I was quiet most of the time because I always feel lazy to share things, so I listen to them whenever we group ourselves in the room. It gets awkward at times because most of us would probably just want to stick with two or three people we already got comfortable with. We did eat lunch and take merienda breaks together. And as much as we don't talk that much, or I don't talk that much for that matter, we still end up becoming a single unit perse. All throughout the first week, each and everyone of us were getting comfortable with one another.

Second week came and it was the most crucial part of our COL (Center of Learning) training. This was the be all to end all. We were going to have Post-Assessment and Call Simulation. We needed to pass those two, so on the first three days, we had mock calls or practice calls with Miss Julie. It was really nerve cracking because as much as its simple to talk in English, we had to learn how to deal with different scenarios. Sure, we had a guide, but its quite different to apply the guidelines when you have to deal with different types of customers. Since majority of our time are spent waiting for our turn, we end up talking and sharing stuff with one another. Every hours, minutes and seconds that pass, our relationship with one another grew. We weren't simply wavemates anymore but rather, we were becoming friends with each other. We really got comfortable with one another. Each and everyone of us had a unique or different characteristic but nevertheless, we just learned to appreciate one another. I still kept my "shy-quite" persona for a while, but I was quickly shedding it off bit by bit. Everyone seemed friends with the other, but no one would actually expect that we were already spending the last few days together...

Post-Assessment was scheduled on Thursday and Call simulation was on Friday. It was crunch time for all of us. We all had our fair share of ups and downs during mock calls, but this was finally proving time. Post-Assessment was something I found easy because in truth, you're just going to have a conversation in English. I knew that I failed Pre-Assessment since I made a lot of mistakes in SVA (Subject-Verb Agreement). It really made me realize that I am not that good as I thought I was. Nevertheless, I improved during mock assessment and I knew I would ace this. As I looked at my wavemates, they were all nervous, but I believe they would do good. For their own sake, they need to do good. After everyone was done with their post-assessment, we were waiting for the results. When our trainer called out names, no one had an idea if they passed, failed, or simply everyone was being called to know the result. When Ms. Julie stopped calling names from our group, I already knew something was wrong. It's either the people who were called passed and we, the people who got left failed or they failed, and we passed. When we, the left ones got a chance to look at our grades, we were all glad that we passed, I for one, since I got the 2nd highest mark. But we all felt sad because half of us failed. I just couldn't stay happy if I knew my wavemates, my friends, failed.

After knowing our grades, we quickly went to our comrades and gave our final goodlucks. They will have to go through re-validation so they could still take call simulation. However, they have a certain grade that they must get. I knew that it was going to be a huge task for their part, but I believe in them. I was doubting myself, but not to them. I saw their weaknesses, but I just knew they could do it. They had strengths that even I don't posses. Next day came and the good news was that all of them passed. But the challenge for them was to get a much higher grade. It was nerve cracking, but we had each other to comfort one another (char!). As the call simulation started, everyone seemed to have a hard time. No one had a "good" call. When it was finally my turn, despite everything that I did, I simply flatter and failed to help the, so I say, "illogical" customer. From that moment, I knew it was the end. I got so depressed that I left and unwind at an internet cafe. I came back to have lunch with my wavemates and then the simulations continued. After everyone was done, only two of us got to resolve the customer's problem. We all felt that we failed. Everyone still hoped that all of us could pass, but I'm sure all of us had that little hope of still ever passing the call simulation after our individual performances. When Ms. Julie came to give the results, I already had that light feeling that I failed it. It was in alphabetical order. I had to hear the news last. One by one, my wavemates went out to know their grades and one by one, they came back with a smile or a frown face. Slowly, I was seeing my wavemates passed, and some simply failed. I want to sympathize, but I had to know my grade first. When it was my turn, I was really in utter disbelief that I passed. Left alone I was the highest. Our trainer said that I was able to handle the call the right way despite not able to help the customer. Despite I was already agitated, I was able to keep a calm voice. I was still in disbelief, but I was just glad I passed. I came in the room with a smile on my face, but as I look to my wavemates, the phrase that Ms. Julie said a week earlier finally sank into me...

"Don't get too much attached with your co-trainees."

I was simply sad that after spending two weeks with these guys, I probably won't see them ever again. Sure, I had their numbers, I'm friends with them in Facebook, let alone I am friends with them already in real life, but I just felt that there is a chance I probably won't see them anymore. I just hate myself for not being that outspoken. If I only knew, I would have tried to be as much as close to them as possible for that short period of time. We all sat their and just tried to comfort one another. But at the end of the day, this is still a job. But damn it, I just couldn't keep it completely professional. Just when I was slowly getting close to them, it just had to happen.

We did plan to have a gathering later on that night. We had drinks and karaoke. It was really a great bonding time. It felt like we knew each other for a long time, but it could probably be the last time we spent with each together. For sure, I would like to think there is still a next time, but it's a possibility it could be the last. I had to left early because I was still going to overnight at a friend's house. I said my goodbyes as if I would still see them next week, but I knew it will be a while, or perhaps, I'll never see them again...

I may be a quiet guy, but I know how to cherish people that I roll with. Sure, two weeks isn't that long, but I've rolled with them just enough to call them all my friends. To Icy, Laya, Paul, Jen, Lyka, Real, JC, Arjie, Brandon, Mau, Shang, Ralph, Shine, and Irish, thank you so much guys for a very meaningful two weeks with you undergoing COL training. Wherever the roads are taking us after all the training we had, I wish you all the best and I will never forget the friendship that we built-on. Friends forever guys!! Wave 8-A for life!! :D

P.S.
I know we went through a lot of SVA and Tenses lesson and whatnot, so I hope you were able to bare any grammatical mistakes. Trust me I was being emotional, its hard, hahaha!

1st Thoughts on...."Call of Duty Black Ops"

I get the whole Black Ops thing, but uh, do they really need to darken his face also?

Call of Duty Black Ops is the 7th game of the franchise, 3rd by developer Treyarch and sequel to Call of Duty World at War. It mostly focuses on the events during the Cold War in the 1960s. The story focuses on the black operations carried out during the said era. These missions take place in various locations around the globe such as the Ural Mountains in central Russia, Cuba, Laos, and Vietnam. The single-player campaign revolves around an experimental Soviet chemical weapon codenamed "Nova-6".

"Oh crap! I burned up another hotel again!"

The player mainly controls SAD/SOG special forces operative Alex Mason and occasionally CIA agent Jason Hudson, as well as other characters. Mason often works with Frank Woods and Joseph Bowman, while Hudson teams up with Grigori Weaver, a Russian-born field operative. Viktor Reznov, a key character from the Soviet campaign in World at War returns. Its Russian protagonist Dimitri Petrenko also makes an appearance. Black Ops features several historical figures: Mason meets John F. Kennedy, Robert McNamara and Fidel Castro.

Thank you again Wikipedia.

Well, enough of that. COD Black Ops was the game that I have been waiting all year to play. Just like my previous review of NBA 2K11, I wasn't able to play this game last year because I was having a review for the board exam (and it was installed late in the internet cafes). Nevertheless, I just got my hands recently with this game that I had to play it seven hours straight just to finish the game (which pissed me off because I was only 2 levels away in finishing the game and the game just kept freezing...and my bill was already 100 pesos). I really have to go through my feelings as I review this because the game really simply blew me away.

And some scenes just made me cry. I worked so hard for this guy to survive in World at War only to be killed in this way. So cruel!!

In terms of graphics, they improved just a little from Modern Warfare 2 (an Infinity Ward game) but improved a lot from its direct sequel World at War (a Treyarch Game). The game really captures the dark aura of being in a war, especially the Cold War era where black operations were held. Playing this game would give you the vibes that you are in for a dirty gruesome ride. Treyarch was able to increase the brutality in this game, something that was praised well in WAW. Limbs are cut-off well and body parts splatter all over the area as you use powerful guns such as the Dragon's Breath (it would blow the shit out of you, swear). Facial and body movements were also improved in this game as body mechanics really render real life people.

Looks like Chuck Norris noh? Real-life imitation people.

The presentation really blew me away though. From the opening intro, it felt that this game was, just like its title suggests, black ops. It will show you the types of information during the Cold War that was supposedly "erased". It was just perfectly designed to fit for the game. When the game starts, you are put in an interactive menu where you have a first-person view of an interrogation. The game menu however is in a TV monitor, but you can still view other areas of the room. And remember from past COD games, when a missions starts, those little information given in the left lower corner of the screen? In this game, the information is given to you and then suddenly the info is "erased", leaving you only certain details such as the place, name and date. I just find it clever as it adds more to the black ops vibe.

"Let's shoot the bastard already!! I want to pee!!"

For me, gameplay is still the same as previous COD titles though. As much as its somewhat recycled already, I've always loved the machine they've been using for the series. With the arcade-y type of gameplay, COD games are always fast paced and action-pack. Although compared to Bad Company 2, Black Ops seem to be less realistic in terms of body movements such as running and ducking, but this is what makes COD great is because it gives the player an action-paced game. Since I've only tried the Campaign, I'll have to base everything here (no multiplayer). As much as you'll feel comfortable with the game mechanics, the game is able to present you a world that would make everything feel new for you. It won't be long until you'll feel comfortable again, but you could really feel that this game is another Call of Duty experience. And this game also has the return of the favorite "Zombie" mode. This time having to control famous political figures such as JFK and Fidel Castro (but is the only co-op part of the game).

"I warned you about those spiky shoes! You stepped on my foot so you gonna pay!!"

The story was really superb (something the series is known about). It really gave you an inside look on how it is like to go black operations. Dealing with people around closed doors, gruesome silent kills and getting to see first hand the "dirty side of Vietnam", this game was just simply filled with serious shit. I really don't have the words to express the feelings I got during the campaign, but it felt as if you were going to the same emotional ride that main protagonist Alex Mason have as he is being interrogated and tries to remember past events. The beauty of this game is that it really gives a great connection with its predecessor WAW. You'll get to meet Viktor Reznov again, which is a vital part of the game. Also, you'll get to see Dimitri Petrenko (refer to 4th pic above), the russian protagonist from WAW, which sadly, after all the shit you've went through during the WAW game, dies in this game (spoiler....I should have said it earlier, oops). It was really emotional for my part because as Reznov would narrate it, "Dimitri Petrenko was a hero, he deserved a hero's death. Instead of giving his life for the glory of the Motherland, he died for nothing. Like an animal... He should have died in Berlin." I'll just let you play the game to see it for yourself.

War games are never complete without "snow areas".

Well, what more can I say about the game. It's a 1st Person war game. You shoot to kill or get shot and die. And this game is mostly known for its multiplayer (something hard to be in if you don't have an original copy of the game). But despite all these, Call of Duty Black Ops is really one of the best games out there. It may seem like another COD game, but it gives gamers a whole new experience since it touches a very rare theme in video games in the form of the Cold War. It has a great story that will have you playing it straight just you'll know what happens next. This is a must have for all gamers out there especially to the first-person and war games junkies. Although I still have to finish the game, I could probably say now that Call of Duty Black Ops is one superb game you'll surely enjoy......until you finish the campaign. Trust me, killing zombies is boring without friends.

It's sad I won't be able to pwn my friends in this game.

1st Thoughts on...."NBA 2K11"

The Greatest of All Time in the Greatest Basketball Game of All Time

Wow, its been a while since I made a "1st Thoughts" post (and only one I may add, so this makes my 2nd game review). What's more is that this game that I'm about to give a review was released a few months ago. That's how stagnant my video game life has been. Anyways, onwards to my review....it's not really much of a review, just my "thoughts" about the game.

2K Sports once again outdid themselves with a sequel to 2010's #1 basketball game, NBA 2k10, with the release of NBA 2k11. One thing about sports titles is that they don't really have major changes aside from team roster. Despite NBA 2K10 already a near-perfect basketball game, 2K Sports still found a way to amaze b-ball and video game junkies alike with a high quality game in the form of NBA 2K11. The game is just so good, that it got Video Game of the Year nominations from all over gaming sites, a rare feat for sport video game titles. But if there is one thing that stands-out the most for this game, and probably the reason for the popularity and the hype that this game got, is the inclusion of the greatest of all-time, "His Airness", Michael "From North Carolina, No. 23" Jordan.

Hellz Yeah!

Graphics wise, there really isn't much of a difference between last year and this year's title. Still, 2K Sports made sure that graphics for 2k11 would at least get a little closer to near or should I say realistic potrayal of the basketball players, coach, fans, the mascots and heck, even the announcers (although I could care less about the announcers....I kept staring at the dancers). The game still looks as if you're watching a real basketball game in TV. From facial expressions to basketball gears, the players have never look so alike to their real-life counterparts. The game also improved in the game design as it looks more elegant compared to last year. You will find yourself staring and exploring around the game menu for a couple of minutes before you start playing the actual game. That's how beautiful the game is.

Although Kobe here looks more like "Uncle Kobe"to me.

Gameplay and presentation is really the main key feature in NBA 2K11. The game really brings a realistic feel for the person playing. You will really get the notion that you are about to play basketball. It plays like as if you're playing in the arena, it actually makes you take deep breaths when making a free-throw. Although compared to last year's title, NBA 2K11's AI has really been improved and solid from the get-go. The computer plays a very stiff defense, its quite challenging despite in low difficulty that you'll find yourself to a couple of turnovers if you make erratic passes or make wrong decisions. But a downside about it is that you really can't make a lot fast-break plays that much or make long passes as the computer will find ways to get the ball. But other than that, the game has authenticity all over it. The announcers call how the game is being played and the court-side reporters give true to life scouting about the different NBA teams. Presentation of players, teams and stats are presented very well with top-notch animations that would make today's real-life basketball coverage more like it were made in the 80's.

But they can't be realistic in everything. Wade on the back of Miller? Uhhh...

But the biggest highlight of 2K11, like I said earlier (and the cover suggests) is Michael Jordan. Sure, the Association and My Player modes are very great for you to play for hours, but the Michael Jordan features are the one that really stole the show. MJ here isn't just a playable player. MJ is played in the game in 10 different versions. The game features 10 different Chicago Bulls team with 10 different Jordans. This is because of the "Jordan Challenge" mode. This let's you play 10 of Jordan's greatest performance from dropping the nickel to the New York Knicks to relieving the game against the Utah Jazz where Jordan made "the Shot", all of those in which the player must imitate and repeat by using the different Jordan-led Bulls team. Not only are the 10 different Bulls team playable in the game but also the opposing teams you played against in the Jordan Challenge from the '91 Lakers, Gary Payton's Seattle Sonics, Domique Wilkin's Atlanta Hawks and the '98 Utah Jazz. Once the challenges are completed, it unlocks a rookie Jordan in the My Player mode and use him to rise in today's league.

Sure, you've probably seen a rookie Kobe go up against a prime Jordan. Now play the game with the tables turned.

There are a lot in NBA 2K11 that I wasn't able to try. Like the new interview feature in My Player mode where you are given the option to choose the words you want to say in press conferences where it can determine your popularity in the basketball world. Nevertheless, the key core really of a basketball video game is...playing basketball. The game really feels like a true to life simulation of NBA games. Sadly, my computer is too outdated to play NBA 2K11 so I probably have to play in internet cafes just to play it (that's also the reason why I was able to play this game late). But to those with high-end PCs who still don't have the game (I doubt, my review just came out pretty damn well late also), then this is a must have. NBA 2K11 is the best basketball simulation today and you just got to wonder how 2K Sports will have to outdo themselves again for 2K12.

Best part of the game for me? Getting to beat Jordan's team of course, hehe.

5 New Year's Resolution for 2011

So 2011 is officially underway and I might say, food-wise, I'm content for the 1st day of the new year. But happiness level-wise, not so. It seems to me that every New Year is getting boring as the years come by. Back then it was such a big deal for our family that there were so many foods, gatherings, drinks. Now, its just a simple ghost-like presence. We did had food during New Year's Eve, but, we had much better days. Anyways, no matter what, no need to frown up despite a very boring New Year's Day, there are still 364 days to spend 2011. So it has been a tradition for me to make New year's Resolution. Sure, there's the saying that what's the use of having resolutions when you just find ways to break it. I say, you're just weak because you can't make your resolutions, hehe. I also can't make all of my resolutions but I could proudly say I could keep up 70% of my resolutions. But I do realize that the more resolutions you make, the more likely you won't be able to do them, so I decided to just make five for this year. Just simple thought out things I needed to change for the new year. I've been living in this Earth for 20 years, I need a fresh look. So here are my 5 New Year's Resolution for the year 2011:

1.) Only compliment a girl once.

To be quite honest, I'm getting tired complimenting girls. Don't get me wrong, I like girls, I love girls. But I'm just tired listening to their response whenever I compliment them. It's either "Hindi uy!" (No, I'm not!) or "Bolero ka tlga!" (You are such a liar!). And all I'm just doing is telling them the truth. Props for those who simply say thank you, but the majority? It's getting tiring listening to it. So for this 2011 and beyond, I'm going to compliment a girl just once. If they won't believe me, fine. If they call me a bolero, whatever. It's very insulting to honest people like me, nyahaha!

Chance of Breaking it? -----> Most likely I'll end up saying it twice. But that's it.

2.) Greet anyone you know (even if they don't know you that much).

I'm a friendly person. Yeah, I am. Despite my shy attitude and my quite aura, I'm quite friendly. Talk with me and I'll talk with you. That's just it. But some people don't talk to me at first because I'm the one that has no intention to talk first. So I decided for the 2011 and beyond to greet anyone I know. If I see you around town, I'll automatically greet you with a "Hi!".

Chance of Breaking it? -----> I do believe that I won't be able to greet anyone, because I don't feel like greeting some....ever.

3.) Be straight-forward and avoid to be shy.

I only have one life, so might as well make the most out of it. I'm not a plastic guy, but there are just times when I don't say what I want to say. It's either I keep the truth and shut up rather than saying it and be vocal. Now, I'm going to say what I want to say. And of course, I really need to take out my shyness for real. I've been partially shy guy for 20 years now, I need a new image, and being shy won't work anymore.

Chance of Breaking it? -----> I do have to understand that I just can't say "I like you" to every girl I'll find beautiful. Although I'll probably ask them out.

4.) Remember to keep up with the resolutions you made during the previous years.

I'm quite proud to say that I have kept some of my previous resolutions. Sure some of them took two years, but mostly I was able to follow them the moment I made them. Example are staying healthy, exercise, not being too emo, yeah, I've done those things. But it's important to still keep them going because you never want to downgrade, ever.

Chance of Breaking it? -----> Sometimes in the moment of weakness, I'll tend to commit previous problems again, but...nah, I'm already good.

5.) Be a bad man.

Now this is the big resolution. I decided I'm done being a good guy. For the first 20 years of my life I have done nothing but be a good person. A good son. A good brother. A good friend. A good classmate. A good admirer. I'm all good!! But what do I get? Disrespect. People ignoring me. Sure, people will tell me "Don't ever change. Be a good person to this bad world". Bullshit. I'm just done being a good guy for now, it hasn't brought me any good. I'll be more vile, cruel, cold, sadistic, foul-mouthed S.O.B. If I have to unleash hell to get the respect I deserve, damn straight I'm going to raise hell.

Chance of Breaking it? -----> BIG TIME!! hehe. I'm a natural good guy. It's in my blood. I'll probably act bad, but I'll still do good things...even if I'll hate myself after.

Well, those are my resolutions for the year 2011. Just simple five resolutions. So I do hope I'll do get to do them all and hopefully I'll have a better upcoming year. And also I hope I do get to write more here in my blog, although I'm pretty quite sure no one reads my blog, despite that, I'm still going to write stuff here. So I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!! May all of us have a great 2011!!! Cheers!!!