Metz's Secret: Typhoon Ondoy Aftermath

Wow and sigh are the only words that have come out of my mouth. Wow because I still can't believe my eyes as to the power that just passed by Metro Manila - It has caused us so much pain and yet it also brought the Filipino people a little closer together. Sigh, because I still have a lot to repair at my own home - luckily the flood waters didn't reach the height that most people have experienced over the weekend. I have come out of this with a slight dent to my pocket compared to most of the people in my neighborhood let alone the people shown on TV.

There are over a hundred confirmed dead and thousands more missing. It is also unimaginable how many people have been displaced from their homes and are seeking refuge from every local government establishment. Thankfully enough, many have heard their cries, both from local and abroad, and have responded with donations left and right. However, there are still many that are waiting for rescuers to come and people yet to be found. All I can say is, aside from the support and donations, we need to find time to pray for those that have passed and most especially for those who are still living. There are things that may be beyond Man's own strength that maybe, just maybe we must look even for the first time that a higher power is up there waiting for us to make a connection. Miracles do happen and it happens when we all come together and believe that things will be ok.

Now I will be showing you a video of what has become of Metro Manila after Ondoy has passed over. As you watch this scene, please feel in your heart that something like this should and shall never ever happen again:

Metz's Secret: Seeking Where I Belong

This is a topic that I want to talk about especially since this is something that I am praying and hoping that God shall grant my wish. I have just submitted a letter of intent for a position that I am so desperately seeking, not because it pays a higher check but because it is something that I have always dreamed of doing and is within the scope of the degree that I took in the first place. Human Resources was one of the things that I have aspired to join and not just any field of Human Resources - I would love to be in the position of job placement.

It thrills me every time I get to see the people that I have helped get jobs that not only suit their qualification and area of expertise, but to be able to see that they are happy to be where they should be. I don't really think about the compensation or the benefits at all - all I want to is to be there at the heart of it all.

I want to work in a field where a lot of me and my talents shall be utilized and where I can learn at the same time. Feeling stagnant only brings about depression in me. I want to talk to intelligent people, I want to learn from every experience - good and bad. I want to develop myself to my potential and much more. That is what I seek.

Right now am a bit nervous, and excited at the same time. I don't know what the future holds for me and I do know that once given the post it will definitely be a challenge. I feel that lately am walking in a straight line and that tends to get boring, climbing a mountain and waiting to see what is on the other side - now that is something truly gratifying.

For now let us hope and pray that things will work out well. I admit that even though I can offer so much, nothing I did, can do, and say will matter without the help of a Higher Power so I am praying that somehow God will come to guide me through all of the things that I put my mind to. I also hope and pray that this is the right path for me and that all will work out.

Now all I have is a heart filled with anticipation - I pray that all will turn out well for me. I just can't wait to experience the possibilities. :)

Metz Secret: Burn Out

I am writing this as a means to let out a bit and to voice how burnt out I am with work for the past couple of training sessions now. I don't know why anymore but I just want to be somewhere or do something that just taps into more of what I am really good at and with what I love doing. I feel so drained at the end of each day and am begging for the weekends. Don't get me wrong though, I feel fulfilled every time I get to see the smile on the people that I train and more so when I see that they are improving greatly on a daily basis. I love the fact that they get hired and have begun their new lives in the field that they have chosen. But, my brain, my being feels trapped like a bird trying to figure a way to spread my wings and test the sky. How can I do that when I feel like chains are strapped to my feet.

I don't feel inspired or motivated at work anymore. I know that people have to find motivation and drive from within, but I have been getting that from my reserves for quite a while now since there doesn't seem to be anything that is coming from the outside to replenish it. I normally have a very positive outlook on life but how can I continue to do that when the surroundings aren't conducive to provide the much needed emotional support that I so desperately need.

How much is it to ask for a pat on the back for a job well done. How much does it cost to show a bit of appreciation for working so hard and doing our best to hit the numbers. All I get are rules and regulations, that restrict and restrain. All I see are reprimands coming left and right. Where is the fun in the office that once had a lot of the Philosophy of FISH that made it prosper and bloom? It feels like a black hole has formed inside the office and it is sucking everyone dry. How long will it take for the right people to notice that there is a problem and that it is something that needs to be addressed. How can we voice our concerns out when all one can expect is a possible reprimand or worse nothing but a dead wall to talk to.

We preach customer service to the people we train, but inside the office I feel that customer service amongst ourselves does not exist. How can I continue to teach what we do not practice. How can I stand tall without a strong support.

I strongly believe that the company has the power to fix the problems that it is facing and these are easy things to fix. The issue is - when will someone take the time to listen and to finally do something that makes a difference? When will someone find the power to inspire us to be our best again? Who is going to spark the flames that once made the company great?

I am afraid that the answer to those questions is - I don't know.

Right now all I pray is for someone to help me dream big one last time.

Metz's Diary: Wisdom Tooth acting up again

My wisdom tooth has been acting up again and boy did it hurt big time this weekend, rendering me unable to eat solid food nor talk for prolonged periods of time. I have done a lot of research about it and the only solution I can see is to have it taken out. That unfortunately requires minor surgery and hopefully Maxicare covers that at least. But have a scalpel to my mouth not to mention a drill doesn't all sound that appealing at all to me. Plus the mere fact that I may have a swollen mouth for days on end and a possible risk of nerve damage to say the least.

I still have yet to consult a dentist and an oral surgeon about it. Thus the decision of extraction is still up in the air. Crossing my fingers and praying that things will work out fine at least.

Metz's Secret: Resting time

Finally getting time to rest even for just a bit. I haven't gotten much sleep lately as work stress is hitting me pretty badly lately. The office isn't the same as it was in the past. Things that were once fun and enjoyable that made us feel very productive has been taken away and I honestly feel like I am in a production line trying to produce stuff out of the magician's hat. Now don't get me wrong I still love the company that I am working for, but how it is being run and the rules that have been implemented have caused me to feel a bit strangled.

As a trainer we have an innate need to be flexible and be highly creative with the way we deliver our lessons to class. They have to understand that every class can never be taught the same way. True the curriculum is needed to set a base to what we have to teach. It is a framework for everything that we aim for, however, it is also necessary that we learn to examine the different methodologies into teaching it. Some of us may incorporate a lot of media and activities, others may use unorthodox methods in delivering the lessons depending on the type of personalities that are present in a certain class. Additionally it is also important to take note that we need a day to prepare and rest our minds from the weeks of grilling and molding our students to cleanse our system of the bad habits we may have picked up from them. I know we joke around the office about how we have become slightly damaged, but that isn't really a joke as it is a serious issue. There are times when I myself have had to think twice about what I have to say and that isn't the usual me.

I miss a lot of things truly, like a good pat on the back from a superior telling me that I have done a great job would be good. I motivate my kids a lot and that amount of energy doesn't just come from a well of positivity that never runs dry, on contrary it dries up pretty quickly most especially lately. To be given a pat on the back saying we did a good job is a good source of strength for us. We have worked so hard that I feel we are starting to loose focus on what we had envisioned to happen in the first place.

I know that numbers are important in any business, but so is quality. It really doesn't matter how many one can dish out. If it doesn't have good quality to back it up it would be absolutely a waste of time, money, and effort.

I hope and pray that one day someone will wake up and see the world through our eyes before it is too late. Every company starts from the people below. Without the ability to listen to what they have to say about what is important for them, eventually a company will crumble and fall.

Metz's Movie Pick: Astro Boy The Movie

The lovable Pointy Haired Robot Boy Astro Boy is back and this time on the Wide Screen. This is something that one has to watch out for as am sure it will be a big hit to all the Astro Boy Fans both young and old will be flocking to see it.

Astro Boy is a thrilling tale of a true hero. Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named Dr. Tenma. Powered by positive blue energy, Astro Boy is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Astro Boy opens in theatres on October 23, 2009.

Here is the official Trailer for the movie:

Metz's Movie Pick: Disney Pixar's UP

I just got out of the movie house in Greenbelt and now am back home excited to blog about a really touching movie by the Master of awww moments - Disney. They released the movie under Pixar studio called Up. A movie about how an old gramps has finally made a decision to fulfill his wife's wish of going on an adventure long after she has passed away. Along the way he meets a rather obnoxious but cute and rather extremely lucky kid that helps him through this amazing trip. They meet a very friendly tempermental dog and a mysterious Emu type of bird which becomes the center of all the mayhem in this adventure filled film.

I strongly recommend that the family should watch this as Disney teaches a good moral lesson as always but with an amazing 3d twist :) This is something even grown ups will definitely enjoy.

Here is an excerpt video from the movie:

PS. The Movie Tickets in Greenbelt is Php300 :) pretty cheap for a THX 3D movie ;) But if you want it for 50 pesos less check it out in SM Megamall :) Till the next time XOXO