neighborhood

I couldn't have picked a better place to live in the city. It's close to my work, has great access to transport links and best of all, it's in a quiet and peaceful area in the middle of the Docklands.

Although I've been to London numerous times before, this is the first time that I am actually living in the British capital. My previous visits only lasted 4 days at the most and I've only been to the touristy and nicer parts of London.

When I got the offer to work in London, looking for accommodation was my biggest challenge. My soon to be employers suggested that I look for flats in the East end area as it would be easier and more convenient to get to work via the DLR. They forgot to mention though that this side of London is, to put it simply, rough. I checked out places in Stratford, Upton Park, Plaistow and Canning Town. The air in those places smelled danger. I tought to myself, I would need to wear an armour everytime I would be going out of the house. Lewisham and Deptford weren't good either. In fact, I saw a flat in Lewisham that was really dodge, I didn't think I was going to get out alive!

I eventually found this maisonette in Island Gardens. Located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, I like that it feels like you're not in the middle of the city. There are 3 parks nearby, a football pitch, tennis courts and miles and miles of bike lane. I imagine the area coming alive in the summer.

Below is a picture of the street I live in. It's only 5 minutes to the DLR which can take me to work in less than 10 minutes or I can walk for about 20 minutes to reach Canary Wharf centre.

Island Gardens DLR station.

There's an abundance of open space! Time to put my running shoes on and start jogging. Below are photos of Millwall Park which is practically at my doorstep.

The skyscrapers in Canary Wharf.

The following are pictures Mudchute Farm & Park, literally in my backyard. This is the route I take to work.

Can you see the llama?

Island Gardens Park.

Old Royal Navy College in Greenwich as seen from the park.

pepito in the city

The monkey has landed in the Isle of Dogs six years after he set foot on this country.

The new year brought along a new job in Britain's financial hub. And whilst this is far from my ideal job, this is a start. Some of the world's most amazing success stories began at the bottom of the pit, you know? Case in point, ex-President Vicente Fox of Mexico drove a delivery truck in his first job at Coca Cola. Eventually, he went on to become the supervisor of Coca-Cola's operations, and later in all of Latin America.

Canary Wharf looks stunning in winter. This area of London is just cool. It looks like a sci-fi movie. In fact, try riding the DLR and as you approach the Canary Wharf station, tell me it doesn't feel and look like Gotham.

Proof that he is definitely a true blue Londoner. An oyster card!

Basil King said: "Be bold and the mighty forces will come to your aid."

London better be ready because I am going for my destiny. Brace yourself.

weekend mayhem

I have at least half a dozen bruises all over my body, a couple of bumps on my head and my legs hurt like hell.

Last Saturday, I went paintballing with 6 of my friends. It was a lad's day out - a group of "young" blokes from work go out every now and again to get a break from our sad little jobs. This was the first time we had done something physical, apart from chugging down pints of lager, and the experience was nothing short of brilliant. We spent the whole day running, ducking, shooting, getting shot and having a good laugh.

My mother, bless her, nearly fell off a chair when I told her that I was hit by a gun last weekend. Paintball gun that is. But even then, she still couldn't understand what it was and was proper telling me off. Good thing my sisters were with her and had to explain to her that it was just some "harmless" fun young people do.

Here's a photo of the nastiest battle scar. It hurts but I would definitely do it again. How was your weekend?

dementia?

We had an 82 year old woman stay at the hotel last weekend. She, actually, has been staying with us every Friday to Monday for the last month because the hotel, apparently, has good facilities and provides solid service.

On check out today, she said to me, "I am old. In fact, I feel ancient. I am blind and deaf! Why don't I just die?"

dog tired

I am knackered to the bone. Did two 14-hour shifts and I'm soo glad it's over. I still have work tomorrow but I start at 9 and I'm only doing a normal 8- hour shift.

And in case you're wondering what's up with the long shifts. Well, this monkey's got a part time gig. I moonlight as a bartender for weddings and events on some weekends for almost two months now. Shit pay but can't complain 'coz it pays the bills.

I'm off to bed. Ciao.

kid says the darndest thing

This afternoon, a little girl made me laugh and, I must admit, made my day. I was behind the front desk when she walked into the lobby with her mum. And the minute she stepped in, she squealed, "Look mum, it's Harry Potter!" Her eyes wide in awe and with her finger pointing at me, she was so adorable.

Her mum looked at me, chuckled, and grabbed her daughter's hand as they made their way to the leisure club. I looked at the receptionist with me at the time, and she was in stitches. I laughed my head off. "I was really going for Clark Kent. But Harry Potter? I can live with that.", I said to her. We couldn't stop laughing.

Kids really say the darndest things. Hehehe.

dubai

"Dubai is like an oasis. It is an illusion, not real. You think you have seen water in the distance, but you get close and you only get a mouthful of sand."

*** From the Huffington Post.

tom-ASS-yan

The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas, The Catholic University of the Philippines prides itself as the Gateway to the history of the finest breed of Filipinos. Unfortunately, there are a few who go astray. Rotten eggs like our Secretary of (in)Justice and Boyet Fajardo.

I don't know him either. But thanks to Youtube we are finally introduced to the kawalanghiyaan of this self-proclaimed lord. And luckily for us, there's a witness who is a friend of Blogger. Here, the witness tells us how Boyet Fajardo made a big ass out of himself.

Boyet, you are a twat. That's who you are. And that's what I would've said if I were one of those two victims of yours. Your self-indulgent display of arrogance and ignorance shows how classless you are. I hate you and others like you.

Being in the service industry myself, I genuinely felt sorry for that poor chap who was only doing his job. I would never let that happen to any of my staff. I dunno what kind of appeasing the managers did because that kneeling thing shouldn't have happened. The customer is always right but when they start abusing and humiliating the work staff, it's never acceptable. Just because you are a paying client doesn't give you the excuse to discriminate and maltreat anyone.

If you chance upon this blog and you happen to shop at Robinson's and/or Landmark, please do not buy Boyet Fajardo. Because, honestly, the name itself doesn't even carry any class.

feb freeze

"The heaviest snowfall to hit the UK in 18 years has brought travel chaos to large parts of the country. "

Picture of the workplace today.

This is the first time I'm experiencing winter weather this severe. Although the temperature hasn't dropped yet to extreme levels, the wintry conditions is dangerous as it is beautiful. Everything was white! I live nearby the hotel but going to work today proved to be a difficult journey. Most of the roads were covered with snow and because of this, a lot of the people at work stayed in at home. Thus, double the work for us who managed to come in. I actually helped out in the Accounts Office. Something I wanted to do for a long time. Just so I can have a clear grasp on the revenue aspect of hotel management. It may come handy in the future if I decide to continue a career in this industry. But in the present climate (pun intended), who knows what will happen?

sampu

Graydon Carter said, "Those who can't teach, write. Those who can't write, write about themselves".

I've been tagged! And yet another excuse to big up myself. But before anything else, the rules:

1. Each blogger must post these rules.
2. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.
3. Blogger that are tagged, need to write ten facts about themselves. You need to choose ten people to tag and list their names.

Here are the 10 Random Facts/Habits About Me:

1. I was born an hour after midnight on the day after Christmas hence the name Jose Emmanuel. Maria would've been a second first name but my parents deemed it too long and difficult for a young child to learn write his name.

2. Most Punctual was the first award I ever received. I was in Kindergarten. And although I don't remember a time when I was late, I was never the earliest either.

3. For two consecutive years in grade school (grades 3 and 4), I was the school representative to the Provincial Science Quiz Bee. I loved science and dreamed of taking up Medicine. At least that was the plan until I was formally introduced to Chemistry.

4. In what could be a case of life imitating art, I portrayed a Martial Law activist in the school production of Kasaysayan ng Lahi. 11 years later, I was a staple at every rally calling Erap's resignation. I never missed a single demonstration until he stepped down.

5. This is probably the most cringe-worthy. I was a member of an all male dance group in high school called, Junior Motion. The name was in homage to the most succesful male dance group of that time, the Universal Motion Dancers. We debuted in my second year and danced in every special ocassion including the town fiesta. On our fourth year, we changed the name to Alpha Connection and went on to win first place in a dance contest in Sablayan- my hometown.

6. Although I have a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, I didn't learn to cook in university. In all of our cooking classes, I was always the dishwasher. Because it meant that I can come to class 2 hours later.

7. A time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time at all. I spent almost all my Sunday mornings back in college watching Magic Knight Rayearth on ABS-CBN every 9am. As a result, I wasn't able to graduate because I missed ROTC. Where is the joy in marching under the unforgiving Manila sun whilst holding a wooden rifle for 6 hours? I thought I was too bright for ROTC. Eventually, I was granted a degree after the government suspended the ROTC program as consequence for the death of Mark Chua.

8. It's been more than 4 years since I quit smoking. I've only been living a month here in the UK when I got sick. The cold weather and excessive smoking didn't do me any good. I decided to stop until I get better. Two weeks into it, I realised I spent almost £120 in fags from the time I arrived here until the time I was ill. And so I tried to quit and succeeded. I haven't touched a cigarette since.

9. I believe in monogamy. I haven't any issues with fidelity and have always been faithful. Yes, I am of a rare breed.

10. Unless I pray at night, I can never sleep. There are times when I'd be lying in my bed at 0230 in the morning wide awake, annoyed and wondering why I couldn't sleep only to realise that I haven't prayed yet. For me, prayer is the most effective sleeping pill.

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I'm tagging Nates, Bads, Eliza, Rusty, Boo, Ianne, Spanx, Pusa, Schumey and Hitori. C'mon guys, spill it.

ang disyembre ko ay malungkot

For the fifth time this year, I'll be missing in action from this place.

My entire family spends Christmas in this shack. It has become a yearly tradition ever since my grandparents passed away. On Christmas day, every family (mother's side) come together for lunch and pretty much spends the whole day at my tito and tita's beachfront property. Each one brings a dish or two which we share. Devour actually is the right word. It is my family after all, we don't eat the food on the table, we attack them with reckless abandon.

Anyway, I'll be off to work in a few. In fact, I'll be spending my couple of days at the hotel because the management needs somebody senior to look after the team whilst most of the them are away for the holidays. I'll be the one in-charge, so to speak. How exciting! Not.


Merry Christmas y'all! Hope yours doesn't suck like mine.

weak-end

"Was everything good with your stay?" , I asked the lady guest on check out. No was her curt reply. She heaved a deep breath and added, "my boyfriend and I broke up last night. What's meant to be a relaxing weekend together turned out really horrible". I didn't realise that I opened the floodgates because not soon after, she started crying. I didn't know what to do, what to say even. I presented her her bill, which she signed, and I hurriedly wished her goodbye asking her to comeback and stay with us again.

hard work

I am absolutely knackered. And pissed off too! I spent 8 and a half hours of my work time today trying to sort out the mess that some people at work had made. I've been shouted at and threatened not because I was at fault but because of the stupid people that I worked with.

In the end, I managed to sort things out for today. Tomorrow, however, is another story. I want to be sick.

i'm not a celebrity, but get me out of here!

All is not well at work. I am disappointed verging on angry. Everyday is a struggle getting myself to work. I hate my job! Absolutely hate it and recent events make me loathe it even more.

You try so hard to do your job effectively and yet in the end, people still think it's not good enough. What part of NO is difficult to understand? I had an argument with a guest recently about putting an extra bed in a family room. That is on top of the two single beds that are already there and an extra rollaway bed. It is an obvious fire hazard and for some reason this guest was having none of it. He wants an extra bed in that room never mind that it is not allowed. I wasn't prepared to break any laws and rules so I held my ground. I denied his request and he accused me of being a bad Duty Manager and giving the worst customer service. Well, I'm sorry if I'm just trying to protect him in case something unfortunate happens. Some people just don't get it that when you say No, it doesn't mean you just can't be bothered to do your job but because there is a Health and Safety Act of 1999 that you need to follow. I admire other those who can easily shake it off when they're being attacked personally. Most of the time I try not to get afftected but sometimes it just gets me. I feel so drained. I can't serve anymore. I am tired.

It's the same shit, just on a different day. The customer is always right my ass. Just because you pay for a room to stay in for a night does not mean you can have everything your way. Once, I got shouted at by a guest because there were no available seats in the lounge. The coffee shop was busy and this guest complained that we shouldn't have those business people sitting in the lobby and taking the seats from leisure club members. The complaints get better, there was this woman who complained about the pictures on display in the lobby because apparently, they're too dark for her taste and they make her feel depressed. They're black and white pictures for crying out loud. If you don't want them, don't look. Better yet, don't come here!

There is also this issue with my holiday. I had a holiday request that was signed off by my former Manager last April. Unfortunately, he's already resigned since and the one in charge of the department now had an about face and told me I couldn't go. She telling me this after a good eight weeks since I informed her about the request. And to make things complicated, she involved the General Manager who naturally sided with her. I will no longer have a job to come back to if I push through with my holiday, they said. Fine, was my short reply.

The next few days, I felt so sad and low. This is how they pay hard work. For more than two years I was only absent for 4 days, worked long hours and even took on a lot of responsibilities that weren't even in my job description. Friends and colleague tried to lift my spirits up by telling me that everything'll be allright and advising me to look for a new job. My former manager even sent me a text and assured me that I will definitely find a new job because I am brilliant in interviews.

God said, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

I want a new job, please.

mystery solved

A guest rang Reception at 1800 to report that her bathroom lights are busted. As Maintenance only works until 1600, I called Dave, today's Duty Manager, to sort it out.

Five minutes later, he comes back to the desk. "I can't get the plastic cover off, man. Can you go with me and try it yourself." And so off I went. True enough, the lid was snugged tightly thus making it difficult to remove the cover. After awhile and with the help of my house keys, it was off! He then replaced the bulb and I flicked the switch on.

It worked! And then suddenly, we heard the guest talk. "I always wondered how many men does it take to change a lightbulb."

oh, danny boy, danny boy, danny boy

Katie is a colleague from work. She has a 3 year old cousin named Danny, who's a real smart aleck. Once they were in a restaurant when mother nature called and so the little boy asked his big cousin to go with him to the toilet.

Inside, after pulling his trousers down, he told Katie: "Will you hold it please because I just can't be bothered."

He's gonna grow up a lovely man, don't you think?

wednesday potpourri

After four months, I'm back in the graveyard. For nine straight nights, I'll be covering the graveyard shift. The powers that be decided to sever ties with one of the newly hired night auditors. He's underforming and has a hard time listening to other people. Been busy doing some chores that the big boss left that's why I haven't even noticed how he's getting on. The other supers and I will be covering the lost shift alternately every week. It sucks because until we find a new guy, will be doing it for awhile.

I haven't told you this but moving to days had been one of the best career decisions I ever made. Although it's still shift work, I get to do more things on work days. Yes, the politics is unbelievable and I still haven't learned the art of sucking up but whatever.

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My favorite inaanak, Yuan, made it to the Ateneo. Attaboy!

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Called Nanay last week and was told that she's off to Cebu next month to attend a DMI convention. And my two sisters will be tagging along. I envy. I desperately need a break from work.

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I'll be celebrating my two years at work tomorrow. This is the longest I've been in a job. Mind you, I only had two others before this. And yes, I still don't like it.

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Had a haircut last Saturday. It's amazing how cutting three inches of hair can make me look 10 years younger. Okay, 5 years. No? 2 years then.

a job is hard because it's work

The boss left last Friday. He's gone for pastures new and is now the GM for a Holiday Inn in Canterbury. I will miss the guy, he's treated me well and good always and although I am sad that he left, I know he's moving on to better things. With a baby on the way, he certainly deserved that break. All the best, man!

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My manager is not the only one who's left the company recently. The Friday before last, the Operations Manager bid farewell to the hotel as well. Before him, it was the Night Auditor. Today, the HR Manager and Maintenance Manager also said their goodbyes. When we gathered this afternoon to wish them good luck, I commented that it's becoming a Friday habit. And the others couldn't agree more.

Incidentally, one of the Team Leaders from the pub will also leave the hotel tomorrow. And a C & B Team Leader will say goodbye in two weeks.

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Two members of the team came up to me recently and told me how they enjoy doing the shift with me. Working with me, they say, is always relaxing and easy. It should be like that, I said. That's the least I could do. It's bad enough that I'm working, might as well make it as easy and smooth sailing as possible. I will still do my job, don't get me wrong. After all, it's still work and that's how I earn my keep. But you can bet I'll take it easy with less stress and no pressure as much as possible.

One of them said, I've got the right attitude and should make a good manager. Although flattered, I said never. With the manager's position available, my ex-boss's right hand and a fellow super are in a squabble for the post. And it's getting uglier by the day.

The missus asked me last week why I didn't apply. I am more than qualified, I know, and the money seems good, which probably is. But I just don't want to. Taking on a much bigger responsibility for a job than I don't even like is something I'm not prepared to do. I know it sounds childish but I'd rather stay where I am right now. As a super, I still get enough to take Ketty to fancy restaurants every once in a while and more importantly, I still have the power to fire people.

I know, sooner or later, I have to grow up and take on a bigger responsibility. Eventually, I will play a mature role. Make adult decisions not only for myself but for others as well. I will be a slave to my job. And I won't mind because it will be something that I like to do. It's the idealist in me. There are far more important things than money in this world; find something that you enjoy doing and everything will be alright. At least that's what they say. For now, let me just enjoy my extended adolescence.

i am a receptionist

I have advanced degrees in Accounting, Public Relations, Management, Computer Engineering and Swahili.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. Of course I have the reservation that you booked six years ago even though you do not have the confirmation and you think that it was made under a name that starts with an X.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and it is not a problem for me to give you the seven connecting, non-smoking poolside suites with two king size beds each, four rollaways, and yes, I can install a minibar. I know that it is my fault that we do not have a helicopter landing pad.

I am a Hotel Recetionist. I am expected to speak all languages and read minds. It is obvious to me that when you booked your reservation for Friday, you really meant Saturday. My company has entrusted me with all financial information and decisions and yes, I can tell you your bill from March 1989 contained 25p phone call because you obviously never pay phone charges.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and I understand that McGuillicutty Widget Manufacturing is a vast empire that will make or break our hotel. Yes, I am lying to you when I say that we have no more rooms available. It is not a problem for me to quickly construct more guest rooms. This time, I will not forget the helicopter landing pad.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. I am quite capable of checking 3 people in, 2 people out, taking 5 reservations, answering 15 incoming phone calls and plunging the toilet in room 221 . . . . . all at the same time.

I am a Hotel Receptionist, I always know where to find the best vegetarian, Kosher, Halal, Mongolian Barbecue restaurants. I know exactly what to see and do in this city in fifteen minutes without spending any money. I take personal blame for airline food, traffic jams, rental car flat tires, your mother-in-law and the national economy.

I am a Hotel Receptionist and I realise that you meant to book your reservation here. People often confuse us with the Galaxy Delight Motel of Antartica. Of course I can "fit you in" and yes, you may have the special rate of £1 because you are affiliated with the Hoboken Accounting and Sandwich Club.

I am a Hotel Receptionist. I am expected to smile, empathise, sympathise, console, cajole, upsell, downsell (and know when to do which), perform, sing, dance and fix the bloody printer!

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from a poster in the Front Desk office.

super dork and friends

Not that I owe anybody an explanation for not updating this blog. It's just that I've been a little busy lately. For two weeks, I worked day shifts. The Ops Manager asked me last week how it was like seeing the sun for the first time in ages. I humored him and answered, "it's been lovely although at first I thought, I'd melt." Hah! And since working days meant seeing a lot of the bosses, I had to work harder. I devised a training plan for my staff which will help them in their development. Now it's easier to track their growth.

And speaking of my staff, the four of us went to dinner last week with the boss and his assistant. It was alright. The food was good but I don't really enjoy dinner in fancy restaurants kasi hindi ako nabubusog. Food served in fancy dinners are only good to look at, pag kinain ko na, bitin! And then we went bowling afterwards. That was all right too. Nothing special really except for the soreness of my arm muscles the morning after.

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A very belated birthday greeting to Franny! I hope you had a wicked day. And advance birthday greeting to Tanya. Ingat ka diyan sa disyerto.

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Because I'm such a dork, let me share you what I've been obssessing lately. Eight Words is a an internet game where the aim is to gain points by creating words from the selection of eight letters given to you on-screen. Longer words give more points. Like Text Twist but this allows you compete with other online players.

Try it, nakakaadik!