HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL & ACS April 6, 2008

I’m back to school! Not really. I’m currently taking a course from our LDP (Leadership Development Program) which is tied up with Harvard Business School of Publishing. It’s an online course (e-learning technology) with once  a week classroom/coffee break session. I’m under the SUM (Stepping Up to Management) class. What really made me take this course is the fact that it’s Harvard! Yes! Harvard! Our company made partnership with Harvard Business School which then made us the pioneer partner of Harvard Business School Publishing in the Philippines (or so I heard). Subjects/topics are the same as what they have in Harvard School in Boston, primarily under its Executive Graduate school studies (again, or so I heard). Who wouldn’t get their feet twitch a bit after hearing all of these enticing-sugar-coated advertising of the program? It really is something. But here’s the catch, 2-year Bond! Yes, we are glued to ACS for 2 years and if we stumble unto something better outside the company, we can’t just take it unless we pay the bond! How much is the bond? I don’t know. They haven’t really discussed that to us yet.

The online materials are heavy with case analysis, real life company-problem situation, concrete managerial/supervisory theories and strategical approaches, which I consider really good. It has been a month since I started taking this course. At first I’m confident that I can do it. But when I found out how difficult the grading system is and the categories that goes along with it, I had second thoughts. Do I have the capacity and capability? Is my interest enough to maintain momentum? Literally, it’s like going back to school, only harder. There’s attendance, quizzes, homework and on top  of that there’s thesis/Project Development which we have to defend to the Man Com (VPs lng naman), Program Manager from a different campaign and other support leaders. And to make it even harder, there’s Revalida… Not to mention that the passing score for the thesis and Revalida is 90% each. Sa school nga 75% pwede na. But then I realized, this isn’t just school. My reputation as a Supervisor is at stake. I can’t just fool around and take it easy. What if I fail? Aside from the fact that I have to be re-trained and take the same course… Siyempre nakakahiya!

So where do I start? Time Management. I have to plan and organize. Make room out of my busy sched. My Saturdays and Sundays might be affected somehow. Ayoko! But I’ll find a way not to. This is a test if the same old Nize, when she was still in college may comeback. You know…when I used to slack around most of the time and show interest only at the beginning of each semester (ningas-kugon ika nga nila)….

Whats is HBSP? (as per wikipedia) Harvard Business School Publishing is a not-for-profit, wholly owned subsidiary of Harvard Business with the School, including Harvard Business Review (management journal), Harvard Business Press (general-interest business books), and Harvard Business School Case Studies. It was incorporated in 1994.

Catchy un title kaya binasa mo noh? Somehow I’m part-Harvard student. But not literally a Harvard Student who goes to Boston or Cambridge. At least I’m not dreaming that I am, because partly, looking at it in a different angle…yes, I’m a student of Harvard. Pwede!?

BANGKOK BUDGET TRIP April 6, 2008

Want to go to Thailand but you’re in a tight budget? I can help you with that.

AIRFARE

PAL has always been the first choice back in the days. But now that there’s Cebupacific, most budget travelers opt take this airline primarily because of its cheap airfare. It is true that you won’t have free meals, a blanket or airplane freebies compared to what PAL provides to their travelers. But the fact that they have enticing promos such as the P1,499, P888 or even the P1 is what’s important for those who are living within their travel budget. Other airlines also offers an array of promos. You can also check Thai Airways International, Kuwait Airways, Air Macau and many more. Try to visit this website www.farecompare.com.

Here’s a sample of Cebupacific’s Round trip Airfare (per person):
MLA-BBK / BBK-MLA

• P1,499 Promo - P8,+++
• P888 Promo- P5, +++
• P1 (Piso) Promo- P2,+++

The air fares are so cheap that makes you want to travel evey month. However, since it’s affordable there are some down side from getting cheap air fares (1) No Free Meal (2) Seats are made to make your back hurt (3)Don’t even bother to think of getting a peaceful rest in the plane, beacuse it won’t happen. (3)Some seats are defective. They won’t recline. And if they do, it’s as if it just tilted a few inches and that’s it. (4) No Freebies (5) Flight scheds are 90% delayed (6) Limited flight sched

ACCOMODATION

For hardcore backpackers, the best place to go are those buget hostels/inn/guest houses in Khao San Road. The place might be of a shock for those who have not been to Quiapo, Escolta, Divisoria or Malate. Khao San Road is very much similar to those places I just mentioned. The interesting part though, is that most of the people you’d see are foreigners (brits, ausies, japs, koreans, etc.) So you can consider that it’s highclass Divisioria. Life in Khao San Road never stops. It’s a 24/7 party pack steet. From 6AM you’d see people preparing their “tiangge” goodies. Others are already putting up their side-street tatoo parlor and dread locks salon. Some bars are already open as ealy as 6AM others I think doesn’t close at all. Action starts around 4 or 5PM where street performers, walking vendors selling weird looking head gears and miniature wooden frogs for display are all over the place. You’d be offered to take very cheap thai massage for only 180bhat (P240-depending on  the excahnge rate) for 1 hour. You can drink in the streets when it gets dark. Street food experience is worth a try. Start by ordering fried noodles with egg or what they call Pad Thai. And if want take your adventure a bit further,  you can walk a few more blocks and you’ll find stalls/carts selling fried rats and lizards (eeewwww!)

Here are some budget hostels:

• Sawasdee Budget Hotels- 500 bhat to 900 bhat (www.sawasdee-hotels.com)
• Rambuttri House- 900 bhat to 1200 bhat
• New Joe Guest House- 350 bhat to 700 bhat
• Amarin Inn- 550 bhat to 1250 bhat
• Chat Guest House- 250 bhat to 500 bhat

We stayed at Sawasdee Banglumpoo Inn. You have to walk in a dark “eskinita”/alley to get there. But the place is really nice, cozy and the employees are really friendly and accomodating. You’d always have fresh towels and  clean room everytime you’re off to take your tour.

If you want to splurge, you can always take 5-star hotels such as Shangri-la, Peninsula, Marriot etc. There are also 3-4 star hotels which are 1000 to 2000 cheaper. You can go to Vientai Hotel in Rambutrri Road, Bayoike Suite, Bayike Sky First House etc.

For online reservation, you can go to this website- http://www.agoda.com. They offer cheap accomodation with  wide selection of hotels from the most popular to the lowest rate. You will also earn rewrads points with your first booking. And as you continue to use their service, you’ll earn more points which you can use as discount privilage depending on the number of points earned.

TAXI/CAB FARE

Getting a cab in Bangkok is the same in Manila. Either they set for a fixed price (kontrata) or they use the meter. From the Airport going to the city proper it’s around 400 to 500 bhat with 30-45 mins drive. Yes, if you convert that to peso, it’s quite expensive. From Kao San Road to shopping mall areas it ranges from 50 to 70 baht. Make sure that before you get in the cab, you ask the driver to use the meter. If he says otherwise, close the door and hail for another one. Don’t bother to haggle as there are a lot of taxis in BBK. You won’t ran out of them. Another way of touring around is by getting a “tuk-tuk” ride. Don’t bother to make a converstation with them as they will try to lure you some place else and the fact that their english is really bad you’ll just end up getting a headache. Just keep saying “No. Thank you.”  And make sure that before getting in, you have a set price so they won’t charge like hell.

TOURS

If you only have two days to do your tours and shopping, be sure not to skip the Grand Palace tour. Entrace is 250 bhat, which gives you free entrance to the museum.  If bystanders with good English tells you that the Palace is close for a ceremony and takes you to a gem factory tour instead, don’t bite it. Because 99.99% it’s not true. Better check it out for yourself. Just keep walking until you see foreigners forming a line to the entrance. You can finish this tour half-day, which means that you have an option to either take another tour which is the Canal Tour or go shopping in MBK, Siam Square (ala Greenhills/Tutuban).

On your second day, you can choose to hit the beach in Pattaya or enjoy magnificent structures and ruins in Ayutthaya. Better make your tour resrevation online while your in Manila. We decided to take the Ayutthaya Day Tour Cruise 1500 bhat/head. Check out this website- CCT & T Co., Ltd” - http://www.travelconnecxion.com. The tour will take you  to visit the Kings Summer Palace then head straight to the oldcity where you can take as many photo-op as you can. On your way back, you’ll be boarding a cruise ship where buffet lunch will be served, coffee/tea for snack.

For sports fanatic, you can watch Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) in Lumpinee Stadium or Ratchadamnern Stadium:

The schedules are:

LUMPINEE STADIUM, Rama IV Road
Tuesday and Friday: 18:30 - 22:30
Saturday: 17:00 - 20:00 and 20:30 - 24:00

RATCHADAMNERN STADIUM, Ratchadamnern Nok Road
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday: 18:30 - 22:30
Thursday: 18:30 - 22:30
Ticket Prices: 220, 440, 1,000 baht (ringside); special discount on Sunday nights

Other Tourist Attractions:

• Jim Thompson’s House and Vimanmek Mansion Tour
• Rose Garden Tour
• Sampran Elephant Tour

You can do your own tour to save more money. You just have to get a map and know where to get a ride.
FOOD

Aside from being a shopping haven for most biyaheras, BBK is also known for its food! If you’re in a tight budget, just like in Manila stalls and food carts are seen everywhere. You can get noodles for 20-30 bhat a spring roll for 10 bhat. If you’re the typical health and sanitary conscious type, there restaurants in every corner. And if you still prefer to take what’s familiar and safe, there are Mcdonalds, KFC, Subways and Starbucks in the malls.

TOUR BUDGET 3D 2N

Airfare Cebupacific 888 promo -                                P5+++
Accomodation in Khao San Rd -                                 2,000-3,000
Tours with 1 package (Grand Palace & Ayutthaya)-      2,500-3,000
Cab Fare (Roundtrip airport & BBK tour)                      1,500-2,000
Food (Midclass resto & Street food experiance)            1,500-3,000
Shopping (Pasalubong)                                               5,000
Incidentals                                                                 3,000
TOTAL                                                                      20,500- 25,000

(For sure marami pang sobra jan!)

Enjoy your trip!

Who is Juan dela Cruz in the Call Center Inductry? April 6, 2008

It’s common knowledge for most people that anyone who works in a call center has good communication skills (English). I vehemently disagree! One major factor to get your feet landed  in a call center is learning how to speak English fluently. Really? When do you say that a person speaks fluent English? Do you gauge it by way of using highfalutin words? Is it through pulling off a trying-hard American accent? Or by being able to use the english language comfortably and spontaneously? It is true that good “English” comm skills can get you to work in a call center? Let’s face it, most call center primarily caters to international clients. The fact that there are so many call centers now in the Philippines makes it hard to look for English-speaking competent employees as they have a lot of choices at hand. The perfect candidates will most often than not consider call centers that offers high paying salary and good incentive and benefits package. Those call centers which cannot sustain the highly competitive market are the ones left with the “average Joe’s” or worse the Juan dela Cruz. But I believe even the” Juan dela Cruz” can turn out to be top ranking CSRs (Customer Service Representative) provided that the company has a strong Training team. And for as long as this “Juan dela Cruz” has a tongue that is not made out of hard wood, and is still considered trainable despite the poor pronunciation a (p & f; B & v) and  few grammar lapses, a miracle is not what’s needed to make it happen, because it will happen. However, there are some cases that even after having a strong league of training team, if this “Juan dela Cruz” doesn’t seem to work on his own, he’ll end up living in the mediocre call center society or maybe live within the boundaries where all the Juan dela Cruz retreats! Training is no use if there’s no contribution on the CSRs/trainees part.

Before I became a Training & Quality Supervisor, I was once a Quality Assurance rep and a Trainer. During my Trainer days, I am appalled by the thought that our company cannot get a “John Doe”. Most are average “Joe’s” and “Juan dela Cruz”. But these “Juan dela Cruz” had proven me wrong. True, they had a rough start during training. Their long and short e’s and i’s are terrible. Their P & F’s-B & V’s are like text messages that’s so hard to ignore. And let’s not forget their grammar. It makes me want to pull my leg off so at least I have something to throw at them and scare them off a bit. Exaggerating as it may sound, but that’s the best way I can describe how ill-fated it is for me to train these people. I don’t mind people having regional accents for as long as they are able to pronounce “English” words correctly. Saying this reminds me of “Ken Lee”… I just Ken Lee without you! So funny! Let me just include this on my list…Kolehiyala english! “If you know what I mean naman noh. What I’m saying is dahil it’s so nakakainis the way they make gamit of the english language eh.” I beg your pardon? Again, please.

Here’s a glimpse of the-”Juan dela Cruz” 1st week call center training:
(Read it in a very Pinoy accent)

Tell Me About Yourself

“Hi ebryone! My name is  __________. A presh grad of __________. I don’t hab call center exfiriennce dat’s why Im nerbious. I’m twentypor years of age. I’m the older boy in the pamily. I expect dis training to help me spik english and I hope to enjoy dis training from wiks and wiks from now on.”- Ano daw?

Applogizing from being absent

“Mam, I am sorry por I’am not here last night. I porgot to call because I went out op probince to go to attend my sick lola’s house.” - Teka, paki ulet nga?

Q&A on Houserules

“Here’s my question Mam. Ip the cellpone is ringing and ringing. And it is bery important, because it’s my mother in the states is working . Is it okay to answer the cellpone then go out the door so I won’t make noisy sounds here in this classroom while I talk my mom?”- Ay! And dame mo namang sinabi.

Operating the System

“Mam, I habing a problem wid my computer. When I click and click, I only see dis fage color blue. But my seatmate have picture in the color blue. Why me I don’t have?- Ok. Ok. Stop talking gets ko na.

You may be laughing now, but these are real-life experiences. Wait! I just read your thought. You’re wondering what happened to these trainees, right? Others made it big outside ACS, and some maybe are still struggling. I don’t know. Practice and hard work is the key. Don’t stop until your tongue can move as if it has a life of its own.

Having an American accent is not what really impresses me. For as long as you have a neutral accent, proper pronunciation & liaison, comfortable and spontaneous in speaking in English, you’ll survive the call center world. Believe me, I’ve made miracles to these trainees. “Tenyk you por koling.”

Cinderella’s 7 Untold Secrets April 6, 2008

Do you remember when our parents used to read us fairy tales and nursery rhymes? When I was a little girl, I love listening to fairy tales. Believing that I was once a fairy, a princess and a mermaid. Among all fairy tales, I like the story of Cinderella. I guess because she was oppressed and abused by her evil step sisters and step mother. There are no monsters, witches or dragons although there are talking animals and a fairy. Little did you know that Cinderella kept 7 secrets? These are the untold events from the story. You might be surprised that you didn’t notice that.

Secret number 1: Cinderella didn’t do most of the house hold chores. Her animal friends are the ones who do the laundry, gardening, cleaning the castle, preparing meals etc. Cinderella only takes over when there are humans around. What she’s always busy with is knitting and sewing dresses. She goes to town every other day to sell them. In exchange for doing most of the household chores, Cinderella buys the best cheese and bread in town for her animal friends. She puts her savings in a glass jewelry box which she inherited from her mother.

Secret number 2: Cinderella is not really an orphan when her father died. She has an aunt from her mother’s side, who works in a shoe factory. Her aunt lives 3 towns away from Cinderella’s village. She visits her aunt at least twice a month. As much as she wants to live with her aunt, she has to live by her father’s death wish- to stay in the castle until she gets married.

Secret number 3: While she was buying cheese, the prince walks in the store to get one for himself. After seeing Cinderella, he walked up to her and asked her if she can pick the best cheese for him, which she gladly did. The prince gave Cinderella a scarf as a sign of friendship and a promise that she will attend the ball. She lost the scarf on her way back to the castle.

Secret number 4: Cinderella leaves the castle and goes to town without the knowledge of her step mother and sisters, through a secret passage across the hall down to the sewer that leads to the main road. Cinderella was never caught (not even once).  Notice that she could have used the sceret passage on her way out to attend the ball, but did not. The passage way leading to the sewer is muddy and quite slippery, it will just ruin her dress.

Secret number 5: The prince was not Cinderella’s first love. It’s the cheese maker from town (his name was never revealed).  He was more handsome than the prince and considered to be very successful for his young age. But the cheese maker had to leave the village for he had to travel to another country to sell cheese. That was Cinderella’s first heartache. They separated 3 weeks before the grand ball.

Secret number 6: Cinderella met her fairy god mother when she was 9 years old. But had no recollection of it, for her fairy god mother had to erase it from her memory. When she was nine, she was attacked by a pack of wolves while playing in the woods with her two friends. Her fairy god mother appeared and saved her.

Secret number 7: During her wedding, Cinderella’s step mother gave her a wedding cake as a present. Nobody knew that the cake was poisoned until one of her animal friends almost died. Her step mother together with her step sisters were locked in the tower, but was released a few days after. They were made servants in the King’s castle as punishment for all the hardships they gave to Cinderella.

So now you know. What can you say? Yes, I have such a wild and creative imagination!  A proof of how much I like fairytales. I can even write my own…something to watch out for. Kapanipaniwala ba?

80’s Musical Play- Not The Prom Queen February 15, 2008

I made this for my youngest brother Jhao. He said his music teacher requires them to do a Musical Play, songs from the 80’s. I said, I like musical plays. So I agreed to help out. Here’s what I came up with. There might be grammar lapses, just don’t mind them. I have no time to edit.

Musical/Comedy
Title: Not The Prom Queen
Characters:

Jamie Hayfield: Science & Math geek. Straight A student. Aspires to be a geneticist. Wears wide-eyed glasses, out of fashion weird looking outfits and loves to wear running shoes. She’s good natured but often misunderstood. she has a squeaky voice when she talks but sings really well. Her parents died in a car crash and was raised by her grandparents. She lives a in an old manor on top of the hill. They’re rich but does not want everyone in her class to know. On her 16^th birthday, she was given an heirloom. A heart-shaped locket with small diamonds studs in the center, which is worth half a million dollars. She was instructed by her grandmother whom she calls Nana, to only wear the locket whenever she feels something good is about to happen. The locket has been with the Hayfield family for more than 300 years and was believed to be magical.

Sam Murphy: An artist. He’s into abstract painting, but is also good in charcoal drawing. He loves art so much that he wants to put up his own studio and gallery at the age of 18. He loves alternative/rock music and plays in a band as a drummer during his spare time. He’s part of the student school body. He has nice features and considered really good looking only when he finds the time to comb his hair and wear decent clothes. He’s Jamie’s best friend and confidant. They grew up together. Both their parents died in a car crash when they were 10 years old.

Tracy Cooper: She’s the president of the music club, head cheerleader and queen of snobs. She’s from a wealthy family and is the only girl in school who drives a porche. She is envied by almost every girl in school. She gets to date the hottest senior guy named Jerry Mcalister. She’s impatient, irritable and snobbish. She enjoys being the center of attention. She is often seen kissing every teachers ass to help her pass the exams. Her dad is one of the most influential people in town, and she likes to brag what her dad does for a living… a Mayor.

Brad Mcalister: Handsome, gorgeous, good looking head of football team. He also plays in a band as the lead vocalist. Both Sam and Brad are actually good friends despite their difference. Not everyone in school knows about their friendship, they  feel it may not be socially accepted. Brad is also Jamie’s good friend. They were childhood playmates. But things turned out differently when Jerry started hanging out with the cool people in school. Recently, when Brad started dating Tracy, He swore to Tracy that he will never talk to Jamie in public as it might ruin her reputation. Brad hated the idea but agreed to it somehow. Brad and Jamie remained good friends despite the situation.

Jamie’s Friends:

• Cynthia Lansky

• Molly Harper

• Karen Simmons

Tracy’s Friends:

• Faye Sanders

• Tina Phillips

• Anne Davis

• Dianne Floyyd

Sam Murphy’s Friends:

• Jeff Dillon

• Eddie Lowes

Brad Mcalister’s Friends:

• Nick Tyler

• Fredd Sager

Other cast:

• Nana

• Aunt Marie

• Professor Tillman

• Professor Randall

Scene 1: Music: Walking on Sunshine
Jamie: Bye Nana. Tell grandpa I placed his favorite book on top his desk. I’ll be back before dinner. (As she closed the door… music begins Walking on Sunshine)
Jamie on her way to school. Happily prancing while carrying her dirty backpack .Met her 3 friends on the way. Choreographed dance until end of first chorus.

Scene 2:
Sam: Here you go Jamie. (Sam hands out a flyer that says: A Night To Remember… Vote for your Prom King and Queen)
Jamie: When did I get interested in this?
Sam: Just thought you might wanna cast your vote.
Jamie: Sorry Sam. You know I’m not interested. (Gives back the flyer and walks away)
Sam: (Sam screams at the top of his lungs saying: “But every student is required to vote!”)
Jamie: Yeah, yeah..Whatever. (Making faces. Disgruntled)

Scene 3:
Molly: I guess it’d be nice to attend the prom this year. It’s our last year anyway.
Karen: Yeah, I thought so too.
Cynthia: Are you out of your minds? (Looks at Jamie in a concerned way)
Molly: Maybe?
Jamie: Guys, if you want to attend the prom…just go. Don’t think that not because I don’t like the idea, you should too.
Karen: Are you sure you won’t mind.
Jamie: Of course! Just make sure to bring cams and take pictures okay.
Molly: Anyone in particular you want us to take  photos?
Jamie: Ha! Don’t bother.
Karen: Seriously? You don’t want Brad’s picture…
Jamie: Maybe a little.

Jamie Day dreams (sings: I want To Know What Love Is?)

Scene 4: Inside the cafeteria. Tracy sitting with her friends. Jamie holding a tray on her way to where her friends.
Tracy: Look who’s back from the streets of Manhattan? I don’t have a penny, but I can give you a dollar. Hahaha!
Jamie: Really funny Tracy. You may be driving a porshe but your brain’s so empty that it needs a transplant. You want mine?
Tracy: Oh…too bad. I can even get Einstein’s brain if I want too. I just have to snap my fingers.
Jamie: Einstein’s dead. Idiot!
Tracy: Whatever! Oh and don’t even think about getting nominated as the prom queen. Coz even in your dreams… it’s never gonna happen.
Jamie: FYI. I don’t even care!
Sam: Hey! Jamie! Over here.
Sam: So you don’t care, huh? What about Brad?
Jamie: So what about him?
Sam: You won’t get to see him in a tuxedo.
Jamie: Didn’t I just say “I don’t care?” Or do you want me to spell it out for you.
Brad enters the cafeteria with his friends. (Music: Billy Jeans)

Molly: Sam is so hot!

Karen: You can say that again.
Cnythia: Jamie, you been friends with Brad, right? How come he doesn’t talk to you anymore?

Jamie: Actually, we still do. Except in school. Sam, Brad and I are good friends since kindergarten. We grew up together. I guess society tore our friendship apart. He’s cool and Sam and I are….okay I guess.

Sam: Brad & I are band mates, so we still hang out. But not in school. I guess Jamie’s right, society tore us apart.


Scene 5: At home: Jamie opens the door.
Jamie: Nana..Grandpa, I’m home.
Nana: Jamie, do you remember your Aunt Marie?
Jamie: How can I forget! My super cool Aunt! (Jamie runs to her Aunt and gave her a hug, then kissed Nana)
Aunt Marie: You’re still wearing those glasses? Why hide such a pretty face. And your hair… I bet I’d find insects in there.
Nana: Marie will be staying here for a week. She has a conference in Manhattan Place.
Aunt Marie: I have a lot to teach you, sweetie. But first, show me your closet.
Jamie: My what?
Jamie & Aunt Marie inside Jamie’s room. Aunt Marie gives Jamie a make-over.
Music: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cindy Lauper)

Scene 6: Cafeteria
Jamie enters the cafeteria. Music plays: Who’s That Girl? (Madonna)
Sam and Brad mesmerized by her beauty.
Cynthia: Jamie? What happened to you? You look…you look…Guys help me out here. I’m lost for words.
Karen: We don’t know what to say but… Music: plays… Simply Irrisistable

Scene 7: Hall
Sam approaching Jamie, holding a flyer.
Sam: Before you say anything, you look beautiful. And here…(gave Jamie the flyer)you got nominated.
Jamie: I got what!

Jamie sings: What a Feeling “Flash Dance”

Scene 8: Home
Nana: Headed for school? And I see your wearing the necklace. Be careful with that, you know it’s worth almost half a million dollars. And have I mentioned that it’s been with the family for more than 300 years?
Jamie: I know Nana. And you said I should only wear this if I know something good is about to happen.
Nana: Care to tell me what that is?
Jamie: I’d rather not. I might get jinxed.
Jamie: Aunt Marie, thanks for taking me shopping yesterday.
Aunt Marie: My pleasure. You can keep all the make-up and the shoes. They’re yours.
Jamie: You’re the most coolest Aunt in the whole world!

Scene 9: Locker room

Jamie looks at Brad-Sam stares at Jamie
Jamie, Brad and Sam sings “It Might Be You” in different shots.

Sam: Jamie! Wait up.

Jamie: What’s the rush?
Sam: Just want to ask if you have a date for the prom?
Jamie: Nope. I’ll go by myself.
Sam: I can take you if you want me to?
Jamie: Are you asking me to be your date?
Sam: Not really. I just thought that since I’m your best friend, I shouldn’t let you go dateless.
Jamie: No. I’m ok. I can go with girls. They’re  dateless too, you know.
Sam: Ok. Whatever you say. (feeling sad) Music: What Do we Mean?

Scene 10:
Tracy: I really hate geeks! Specially that stupid looking Jamie. She thinks she’s so hot now. She still a geek!
Dianne: But you can’t deny that she’s really pretty.
Tracy: Whatever! I’ll make sure she won’t get the crown. She’ll have her worst nightmare come to life. Just wait.

Tina: You are so mean.

Tracy: I know! Coz we don’t live in the same world…coz “I’m a material girl.”
Tracy: Sings: Material Girl

Scene11: Prom Night
Everyone at the party will dance and sing to the tune of: Footloose
After the dance: Jamie arrives. Everyone stops at whatever they’re doing and just stared at her.
Brad stares at Jamie, mesmerized.
Jamie was approached by her friends.
Jamie saw Brad staring  at her. Jamie just smiled.
Jamie saw Sam looking at her. Jamie felt something different from the way Sam looks at her. Something she never felt before.
As he walks to her direction.
Sam: Jamie, Can I have this dance?
Music plays: Got To believe In Magic
Professor Tillman: Can I have everyone’s attention please. We will now announce the Prom King and Queen.
Professor Randall: The Prom King… none other than… Brad Macalister… and The Prom Queen Tracy Cooper!

Tracy walks passed Jamie.
Tracy: So you really thought you’d win? Dream on weirdo!
Tracy walks to the stage and took the crown.
Professor Tillman: This year, we’ve decided to give another award… The Goddess of Beauty! This goes out to that student who exudes beauty inside out, secretly nominated by all professors and the student body.
Professor Randall: And The Goddess of Beauty award goes out to Jamie Hayfield.
Jamie walks to the stage. As soon as she’s on the stage, red paint went splashing on her.
Jamie now covered with red paint. Dance: Thriller!
Jamie ran headed for the exit.
As soon as she’s out, Sam grabbed her and hugged her real tight. Jamie sobbing. (Music: Lean On Me)

Sam looks deeply into Jamie’s eyes.
Sam & Jamie sings: always (Atlantic Star)

After singing…
Sam: What about Brad?
Jamie: Brad? He’s just a face and a phase. Besides, he’s with Tracy. I’m already covered in red and don’t want to have blue on me. I’m sure this is her work.
Sam: You still look amazingly beautiful with all the red paint on your hair and your face. Would you still want to go inside? I’ll take you home if you want to.
Jamie: I ‘ll stay. I don’t want them to think that I’m a coward. I maybe a geek, but I’m not a chicken! I’ll show that Tracy and her robots who the real Jamie Hayfield is.
Sam and Jamie walks hand in hand as they enter the Gym.

Scene 12: Dance Showdown
Tracy and her friends vs. Jamie and her friends

Tracy: Why are you still here? You just don’t get it do yah? You’re nothing but a stupid, ugly geek!

Tracy: I’ll show you what’s hot.

Jamie: Bring it on… Megatron! just Beat It!

Dance Showdown song: Beat It

Jamie and friends…better dancers.
Everyone: (clap hands, excited!)

Tracy & Friends: Ran outside, crying out of humiliation.
Sam approached her after dancing.
Jamie: I know something good is going to happen. (Holding her necklace). Tracy and her robots are crushed! And I have you! This necklace is really magical.
Sam: What did you say?
Jamie: Nothing. I just said I’m so glad to have you. You’ll always be my hero.
Sam: Ain’t that line so old?
Jamie: I know.
Slow song plays: Time Of My Life
Sam: May have this dance?
Song till fade. Close Curtain.

All Cast Dance: Karma Chameleon

Fat Fabulous February 15, 2008

Being fat for some women is a nightmare, others it’s a tragedy and for some, it’s death! Better that they die rather than find themselves buy from stores that only sells “biggy size” clothes. For us Filipino women, it’s not easy being fat, because most of us (if not all) are born petite. Actually, it’s typical for Asian women to have a small frame. So, if you’re Asian, and you’re fat, you’re not sexy! When you go to a mall, and you see a SALE posted on a glass wall, don’t expect to see small (S) or medium (M) shirt on sale. Most likely than not, what’s on sale are the extreme ones, it’s either extra small (XS) or (XL).  And as you try an outfit, you’d find yourself frustrated because none of the clothes on sale fits you. Only because you’re an average size. And you should be thankful for that. At least you’re not too skinny to look like an 11 year old in high heels or too fat to look like a human Rhino.

When you were in your early teens, you can’t stop yourself from eating junk foods, ice cream, chocolates, hamburgers and pizza. But as you age, and you notice that everyone else around you is conscious about what their eating, you tend to do the same. So here comes salad, all white meat chicken, wheat bread, and herbal tea. Honestly, do you even enjoy them? All the diet you’re putting yourself into just to look like Nicole Ritchie or Victoria Beckham… Please. It’s dreadful! Slim is nice, but skin and bones… is not!

5 years ago, I look so much like a walking broom stick… thin and frail. But I can pull off a hanging shirt and a mini skirt, because I have nice abs. I don’t have a bulging stomach, arms as big as an oak tree or legs of an elephant (too much hyperbole). My point is, people are telling me I’m sexy! So that was sexy, huh? Really? Now, I guess I can say “No”, that’s not sexy. That’s skinny!

From 95 lbs, I am now a 120 lbs… and I’m only 5′1”. See that? If you’d think about it, 25 lbs is a huge amount of weight to put on. And I should feel really bad about it. But I don’t. Actually, I’ve been getting a lot of compliments because of it. True. I’m chubby now, and I don’t fit in an extra small shirt anymore. But I hardly even care. I like what I am now. I’m more confident, I am happy and I feel sexier! So hard to believe… but it’s true. Of course, I don’t want to get any bigger. Chubby is fine, but to look like cow .. noway! Oh! And for as long as my husband says I look sexy and he likes it… there’s no diet for me!

What’s your Valentine’s Day? February 15, 2008

The month of February is the much awaited month (aside form their anniversary) for people in a relationship. Valentines Day! The anticipation of giving and receiving  the most romantic gift is all over the place. Wherever you turn your head, you’d see paper cut-out hearts, miniature cupid, flowers and chocolates in fancy red ribbon. Looking for the  romantic gift is not an easy task for someone who is not romantic at all. But the thought that you want your partner to be happy, you have to put some effort to add a dash of romance in you. Where would you go to find that romantic gift you’ve been looking for? Is it always available in the mall? Do you always have to pay for it? This is where you have to sniff the air and dig a little deeper. You have to know what and who your partner is. Is he sentimental, materialistic, high-end, anything goes or no-care-at-all type? If you had that figured out, the next thing you do is to prepare. These days, planning starts with your budget. Unlike before, time is the most considerable factor. It seems that what you need and want is readily available if you have the right budget. You need money if you want to buy her what she wants or take her to a special date. But there are those who prefer to receive something that they know their partner worked hard for, like a poem perhaps or recycled Valentines card. It only takes a little of your creativity. This does not apply to everyone. Again, knowing what and who your partner is will help a lot.

Let’s turn the tables a bit, because I’m about to tell you how different Valentines is for married couples. When you were still dating, Valentines day is something you shouldn’t miss. It’s like committing a crime if you forgot to celebrate Valentines Day.  You’re already saving money for this day and already preparing a month before Valentines. This is a proof of how much you’re excited celebrating V-Day with your partner. You go to the mall and tried to look for that one special gift you think would make him happy. You call the restaurant  to reserve the best table. You’ve been squeezing your brains out to come up with a poem. You’ve been cutting papers and pictures for the scrapbook. And all these are because it’s Valentines Day!  Have I painted a clear picture of how it was like before married life? The truth about married couples is that they don’t really spend V-Day anymore. There’s not much preparation. A simple greeting and a kiss is enough. In this modern time, a text message is as good as getting a gift! I am not generalizing all married couples. There are still those who keeps the passion alive to celebrate V-Day. My point is, if married couples forgot to celebrate V-Day, it’s not as bad as how it was when you were still dating. There’s no crime committed if you forgot to buy her flowers or chocolates. What’s really important is that at the end of the day, after the celebration is over, your love for each other is stronger than ever (rhyming words). And you’ll just say… Valentines Day, is just another day!

Lifehouse’s Everyting Skit January 27, 2008

What’s Inside The World of Married Women? January 27, 2008

Engaged. Planning your wedding. The Day. Honeymoon. What’s next? And so you enter the world of Married Women. Will you like it? Let’s see…

Where to stay? If you have a place of your own, good for you! When you were single, you’ve dreamt of getting your own house. Buying your own furniture. Deciding the perfect house paint. Decorating your kitchen, living room etc. But what if you have to live with your in-laws? Of course you can’t just move the sofa without asking your mother-in-law. Oh! Let’s not forget if you have sisters and brothers-in law. That’s another tragedy.

Do you know how to cook? They say that a way a to man’s heart is through his stomach. If you know how to prepare a nice meal, you’re saved! But if you just know how to fry hotdogs, bacon and ham.. you’re in deep trouble. There’s no easy way to learn how to cook, but to cook! As a wife, you want to your husband to say “This is good, hon.” But what if he says otherwise, and it took you long hours to prepare a decent meal, only to find out that he’d rather order from McDonald’s…that’s frustrating. Be honest to tell your husband that you can’t cook. And that you’d rather save him from having a terrible meal. Best solution: hire a maid! Let someone else cook for you. From time to time, grab a recipe book and ask your maid to teach you how. Start from perfecting a sunny side up! I’m sure it will work.

Here comes name change. Your IDs needs to be changed, from maiden to married name. Long hours of waiting in the line from getting your SSS and your TIN IDs fixed!

Paying the bills. You hardly care about paying the bills when you were single, because your parents pay them for you. You don’t even have problems budgeting your money because they’re all for you. Who cares if spent your entire one month salary from getting a new cellphone? So what if you have 3 new pairs of shoes? Nobody cares. Because it’s your money. But now that you’re married, one slight mistake, and you’ll definitely hear from your husband. You can’t just go to the mall and buy stuff for yourself without asking him. If he says “yes”, immediately grab your purse and head straight out. But if he says “no”, don’t bother to ask “why”, you’ll end up having a big fight.

So there you ask yourself, “Am I ready for this?”. We’ll there’s no turning back. This is now the world you belong to. It sucks! But you’ll like it!

F.R.I.E.N.D.S- Why So Addicting? January 27, 2008

Where else can you find a group of middle-aged men & women whose careers and relationships are as eccentric as their personalities…only in the borough of Manhattan, New York City!

So what’s with FRIENDS that is so addicting? It’s the characters! They’re funny and hilarious. Their acting suits the character they portray. Although Matthew Perry is sometimes over doing it with his silly antics and annoying facial expressions. The creators made a good choice in doing most of the scenes…either in the famous Coffee house “Central Perk” or in Monica’s apartment. Not much movements and dynamics are needed. Dialogue- is what makes each episode worth watching!

How can you just simply ignore those lines from Rachel Green (snobish and bratty), Monica Geller (high pitched “I know!”), Chandler Bing (sarcastic and exagerrated - “Could this be any more…?”), Ross Geller (boring and out of bent tone), Phoebe Buffay (stupid, silly “smelly cat”) and Joey Tribianni’s (ignoramous questions and pause-for-a-moment-take-your-time after thought). Their lines and dialogues are the elements that makes this tv series reach until the 10th season. So natural!!!!

I know there were a lot of mistakes when they taped each episode. Like that of with the boom mic, it keeps popping on and off the screen. Their mistakes are fine… it’s not what you’re after anyway!

Here are some of my favorite lines:

Joey: I thought it’d be great, you know? have some time alone with my thoughts… turns out, I don’t have as many thoughts as you’d think.”

Phoebe : [Right after playing a song in the coffee shop ] If you want to receive e-mails about my upcoming shows, then please give me money so I can buy a computer.”

Chandler: I’m not so good with the advice… Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?”

[Ross coming back from bathroom, getting ready to play poker with Rachel]
Ross: Your money is mine, Green.
Rachel: Your fly is open, Geller.”

Monica: You can’t fire me. I make your decisions and I say, “I’m not fired.” Ha.”

Monica: There’s nothing to tell! It’s just some guy I work with.
Joey: Come on! You’re going out with the guy. There’s gotta be something wrong with him.

Ross: Do you guys know who “Carl” is?
Chandler: Uh, let’s see — Alvin… Simon… Theodore… no.

Joey: If the Homo sapiens were, in fact, homo sapiens, is that why they’re extinct?
Ross: Joey, Homo sapiens are people.
Joey: Hey hey, I’m not judging!

Joey:Hey Pheobe, do you wanna come over and help us put Ross’ furniture together?
Phoebe: I wish I could but I don’t want to.

[After giving away her bank largesse, Phoebe finds something unpleasant in her can of soda.]
Ross: A thumb?!
Joey: Ewwww!
Phoebe: I know. I know. I opened it up, and there it was, just floating in there, like this tiny little hitch-hiker.
Chandler: Maybe it’s a contest, you know, like, “collect all five”.

Confronting her father at Central Perk, Phoebe breaks some bad news about his ex-wife.]
Phoebe: Lily’s dead!
Frank Buffay, Sr.: She— what?
Phoebe: She’s dead.
Frank Buffay, Sr.: Are you sure?
Phoebe: Well, if she isn’t, creamating her was a big mistake.

Monica: Joey, did you even interview this woman before you asked her to move in?
Joey: Of course I did.
Monica: What exactly did you ask her?
Joey: “When can you move in?”