Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Pub Matic Review
For those of you who are having difficulties in optimizing your ads, Pub Matic has arrived to the rescue! Pub Matic is the newest innovation in the Online Advertising Network scene! It is currently in the beta phase and is free for all to use!
The first time I heard about Pub Matic, I thought it difficult to use. However when I viewed the video presentation on how to use Pub Matic, I was instantly enlightened on how to use their service. Apparently, Pub Matic offers a free service wherein online ad publishers can have their ads optimized for them. If you are signed up with different ad networks, Pub Matic will try to run a mini auction and display only the ad with the best cpc rate. For most bloggers, the benefit that they will get from Pub Matic is the optimization feature.
Pub Matic would actually try and serve ads with different colors and see which one works best. After the period wherein Pub Matic will try to 'learn' which ad works best for you. This period however sometimes takes too long. According to a post in ProBlogger.net, this takes around 50,000 to 70,000. There are times that you would see bad looking ads in your website during this learning phase of Pub Matic.
Tip: To minimize the possibility of ugly ads showing up, click on advanced settings when *making new tags*. Then select blend in. Otherwise blend in and stand out ads would show up.
The reports feature in Pub Matic will allow you to see how your ads are performance. This feature will be especially useful to those who have various ad networks running in their website. However, it takes around 2 days for reports to be available.
Be reminded that Pub Matic is just in the beta phase. Hopefully, more features would be available. I am rooting for Pub Matic and hoepfully it'll make lives easier!
There's no cost in trying out Pub Matic. So if I were you, try Pub Matic now!
I will update this blog post regarding the results that I will receive from Pub Matic. So stay tuned!
The first time I heard about Pub Matic, I thought it difficult to use. However when I viewed the video presentation on how to use Pub Matic, I was instantly enlightened on how to use their service. Apparently, Pub Matic offers a free service wherein online ad publishers can have their ads optimized for them. If you are signed up with different ad networks, Pub Matic will try to run a mini auction and display only the ad with the best cpc rate. For most bloggers, the benefit that they will get from Pub Matic is the optimization feature.
Pub Matic would actually try and serve ads with different colors and see which one works best. After the period wherein Pub Matic will try to 'learn' which ad works best for you. This period however sometimes takes too long. According to a post in ProBlogger.net, this takes around 50,000 to 70,000. There are times that you would see bad looking ads in your website during this learning phase of Pub Matic.
Tip: To minimize the possibility of ugly ads showing up, click on advanced settings when *making new tags*. Then select blend in. Otherwise blend in and stand out ads would show up.
The reports feature in Pub Matic will allow you to see how your ads are performance. This feature will be especially useful to those who have various ad networks running in their website. However, it takes around 2 days for reports to be available.
Be reminded that Pub Matic is just in the beta phase. Hopefully, more features would be available. I am rooting for Pub Matic and hoepfully it'll make lives easier!
There's no cost in trying out Pub Matic. So if I were you, try Pub Matic now!
I will update this blog post regarding the results that I will receive from Pub Matic. So stay tuned!
Asian Idol 2007 Winner
Hady Mirza is the first Asian Idol. But his win does not come without any controversies. Most viewers to hear of his victory when he did not perform very well in the performance night of Asian Idol.
Here are some speculations from forumers on how Hady Mirza won the Asian Idol title.
Since people had to vote for another contestant, they decided to vote for the weaker contestant. And most probably they voted for Hady since he is among the weaker contestants. All those votes accumulated catapulted him to becoming the first Asian Idol.
Others say that it is the looks factor which delivered him to victory.
People say that the more deserving contestants would be Mau Marcelo of the Philippines, Jac of Malaysia, and Mike of Indonesia.
Anyway, the competition is over. Congratulations to Hady Mirza for being the first ever Asian Idol!
Here are some speculations from forumers on how Hady Mirza won the Asian Idol title.
Since people had to vote for another contestant, they decided to vote for the weaker contestant. And most probably they voted for Hady since he is among the weaker contestants. All those votes accumulated catapulted him to becoming the first Asian Idol.
Others say that it is the looks factor which delivered him to victory.
People say that the more deserving contestants would be Mau Marcelo of the Philippines, Jac of Malaysia, and Mike of Indonesia.
Anyway, the competition is over. Congratulations to Hady Mirza for being the first ever Asian Idol!
Noche Buena lyrics, mp3, video and chords
Noche Buena chords
INTRO:
Am-Dm-E-Am-E-Am-E-Am-
Am
Kay sigla ng gabi
E
Ang lahat ay kay saya
Am
Nagluto ang ate ng manok na tinola
A7 Dm
Sa bahay ng kuya ay mayro'ng litsonan pa
Am
Ang bawat tahanan
E A
May handang iba't iba
A
Tayo na giliw
E
Magsalo na tayo
Mayro'n na tayong
A
Tinapay at keso
Di ba noche buena
D
Sa gabing ito
A E A
At bukas ay araw ng Pasko
Noche Buena lyrics
Kay sigla ng gabi
Ang lahat ay kay saya
Nagluto ang ate ng manok na tinola
Sa bahay ng kuya ay mayro'ng litsonan pa
Ang bawat tahanan may handang iba't iba
Tayo na giliw
Magsalo na tayo
Mayro'n na tayong
Tinapay at keso
Di ba noche buena
Sa gabing ito
At bukas ay araw ng pasko
INTRO:
Am-Dm-E-Am-E-Am-E-Am-
Am
Kay sigla ng gabi
E
Ang lahat ay kay saya
Am
Nagluto ang ate ng manok na tinola
A7 Dm
Sa bahay ng kuya ay mayro'ng litsonan pa
Am
Ang bawat tahanan
E A
May handang iba't iba
A
Tayo na giliw
E
Magsalo na tayo
Mayro'n na tayong
A
Tinapay at keso
Di ba noche buena
D
Sa gabing ito
A E A
At bukas ay araw ng Pasko
Noche Buena lyrics
Kay sigla ng gabi
Ang lahat ay kay saya
Nagluto ang ate ng manok na tinola
Sa bahay ng kuya ay mayro'ng litsonan pa
Ang bawat tahanan may handang iba't iba
Tayo na giliw
Magsalo na tayo
Mayro'n na tayong
Tinapay at keso
Di ba noche buena
Sa gabing ito
At bukas ay araw ng pasko
Do you need an accent when working in a call center?
When I first applied in a call center, I did not try to sport an accent. However, my interviewer had a very americanized accent and I have this tendency to mimick the accent of anyone that I talk to and so throughout the interview, I had an almost american accent. Believe it or not.
When I applied for another call center, I was so horrified when I found out that the interviewer did not have an americanized accent.
Anyway, I tried my best to sport an americanized accent and the result was a neutral accent.
That's what call centers need actually. Neutralized accents. They do not require peopel to have Americanized accent.
Bear in mind that there are many types of accents in the United States of America. Some have the slow southern accent, some have the standard American accent, and others even have a british accent.
So don't worry if you don't sport an American ccent. Just neutralize your accent.
When I applied for another call center, I was so horrified when I found out that the interviewer did not have an americanized accent.
Anyway, I tried my best to sport an americanized accent and the result was a neutral accent.
That's what call centers need actually. Neutralized accents. They do not require peopel to have Americanized accent.
Bear in mind that there are many types of accents in the United States of America. Some have the slow southern accent, some have the standard American accent, and others even have a british accent.
So don't worry if you don't sport an American ccent. Just neutralize your accent.
Best Call Centers in the Philippines
According to forums and websites (and experienced call center agents), Sykes appears to be number one on their best call centers in the Philippines list. Others would say that it is Convergys who should have that number one spot.
Other call centers which appear to be on top of that much cherished best call center in the Philippines are IBM, E-Telecare, Teletech, DELL, Ambergris Solutions, Teleperformance, HSBC.
Sykes I guess really comes first when it comes to stability since it has been around for so long. In fact it is the first call center established in the Philippines. The others are probably best in other aspects. In the end, what matters is that you love the account that you work for and the people that you work with.
Other call centers which appear to be on top of that much cherished best call center in the Philippines are IBM, E-Telecare, Teletech, DELL, Ambergris Solutions, Teleperformance, HSBC.
Sykes I guess really comes first when it comes to stability since it has been around for so long. In fact it is the first call center established in the Philippines. The others are probably best in other aspects. In the end, what matters is that you love the account that you work for and the people that you work with.
China Bank
Yesterday I experienced the most dissatisfying service from China Bank when I opened a bank account with them. This was the second time that I went there to open a bank account. I was unsuccessful the first time because they did not accept company IDs (because the china bank employee claimed that company IDs can just be faked) which was weird because our IDs even have bar codes on it. I'm not sure but I'm almost certain that those kind of IDs can't be faked. What's weirder is the fact that they accept student IDs (because according to the China bank employee, there are only few schools). Anyway, I was told by their employee to come back with an NBI or police clearance.
Yesterday I went back. To my horror, I was asked for 2 2x2 pictures (I should have been informed of this requirement when I came to their establishment the first time). They then asked me to have my picture taken first. I initially thought that they were gonna handle everything because that's how it sounded to me. However, I quickly realized that they were asking me to go and have my picture taken at the nearest shop which offers photo services. And then when I began filling up the application forms (3 of them), I suddenly realized that I do not know my complete address. And so I wrote in what I only knew. The employee who handled my request then asked her colleague if they knew where Aramismis is (since that's the only thing I wrote in the address field). Her colleague gave her the wrong information.
I was approached by the supervisor? of the bank. He told me that they can't process my application since it says on my TIN ID and Police clearance that I am from Zamboanga city. And then they questioned my address because apparently it was wrong. I then told him that I never gave out the information written on the address field (except the Aramismis part). He then asked me to produce a proof of my residence. I asked him what proof would you be needing? "Either a barangay certificate or a billing statement", I was informed. I told the guy that this demand was ridiculous and impossible because (a) I do not have any bills, (b) you need to be a resident of a barangay for a certain period before you are allowed to get a barangay certificate (which I was told by my friend is wrong...woops). The China bank employee then threatened to hold my atm card unless I can provide a proof of residence. I told him plainly that I can't do that.
What really ticked me off was the fact that he treated me as if I came from another country. Zamboanga city is still part of the Philippines and I shouldn't be treated like I am some terrorist suspect.
Finally, the guy from China bank asked me for a company ID and apparently that made everything okay when they told me that a company ID was not a qualifier for opening accounts. I was then asked to have my company ID photocopied which I really hated. They should not make customers do those things!
Chinabank definitely has to make changes regarding their standard operating procedures.They should also have better customer service policies. Some things should be done by the company itself as a courtesy to the customer.
Yesterday I went back. To my horror, I was asked for 2 2x2 pictures (I should have been informed of this requirement when I came to their establishment the first time). They then asked me to have my picture taken first. I initially thought that they were gonna handle everything because that's how it sounded to me. However, I quickly realized that they were asking me to go and have my picture taken at the nearest shop which offers photo services. And then when I began filling up the application forms (3 of them), I suddenly realized that I do not know my complete address. And so I wrote in what I only knew. The employee who handled my request then asked her colleague if they knew where Aramismis is (since that's the only thing I wrote in the address field). Her colleague gave her the wrong information.
I was approached by the supervisor? of the bank. He told me that they can't process my application since it says on my TIN ID and Police clearance that I am from Zamboanga city. And then they questioned my address because apparently it was wrong. I then told him that I never gave out the information written on the address field (except the Aramismis part). He then asked me to produce a proof of my residence. I asked him what proof would you be needing? "Either a barangay certificate or a billing statement", I was informed. I told the guy that this demand was ridiculous and impossible because (a) I do not have any bills, (b) you need to be a resident of a barangay for a certain period before you are allowed to get a barangay certificate (which I was told by my friend is wrong...woops). The China bank employee then threatened to hold my atm card unless I can provide a proof of residence. I told him plainly that I can't do that.
What really ticked me off was the fact that he treated me as if I came from another country. Zamboanga city is still part of the Philippines and I shouldn't be treated like I am some terrorist suspect.
Finally, the guy from China bank asked me for a company ID and apparently that made everything okay when they told me that a company ID was not a qualifier for opening accounts. I was then asked to have my company ID photocopied which I really hated. They should not make customers do those things!
Chinabank definitely has to make changes regarding their standard operating procedures.They should also have better customer service policies. Some things should be done by the company itself as a courtesy to the customer.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Final medal Tally for the ASEAN games in Thailand
The Recently concluded ASEAN Games Official Medal Tally
| Rank | Country |  |  |  | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Thailand | 183 | 123 | 103 | 409 |
| 2 |  Malaysia | 68 | 52 | 96 | 216 |
| 3 |  Vietnam | 64 | 58 | 82 | 204 |
| 4 |  Indonesia | 56 | 64 | 83 | 203 |
| 5 |  Singapore | 43 | 43 | 41 | 127 |
| 6 |  Philippines | 41 | 91 | 96 | 228 |
| 7 |  Myanmar | 14 | 26 | 47 | 87 |
| 8 |  Laos PDR | 5 | 7 | 32 | 44 |
| 9 |  Cambodia | 2 | 5 | 11 | 18 |
| 10 |  Brunei Darussalam | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
Video of Firworks in SM North EDSA
The SM North EDSA stages a fireworks show every 8 PM on weekends. This is the footage I have of the said show. The fireworks display lasts for around fifteen to thirty minutes.
Port of cebu Videos
Considering security video cameras for your retail store? Big surveillance camera systems, night vision security cameras, and even lone surveillance cameras are all good examples of cameras that can help improve the security of your store.
Common Call Center Interview Questions *Newbie Edition
If you wish to apply for a call center job (as in any other job), it
is best to be ready for the interview. Being ready for the interview
means having a ready answer for common call center interview questions.
Having a ready answer does not mean blurting out a memorized answer but
having an outline for what you are going to say. In call centers,
interviewers like to see if you have a chain of thought. So it is
important that you at least have an idea on what to say next and how to
transition to those ideas. Minimal fillers (uhhms and uhhs) will do you
much good.
Here are some common interview questions in call centers:
Call Center Common Interview Question 1: Tell me something about yourself that is not here in your resume
--> For this one, say something about your family. What does your parents do, your siblings, and if you wish your extended family. Describe your relationship to them. Follow that with your hobbies and interests. Make sure that your hobbies are indeed interesting such as mountain climbing (means you are determined and disciplined), and web designing (meaning you are very computer literate). If you don't have any interesting hobbies, then at least make your hobbies sound interesting (for example instead of just saying 'reading', say that you are a voracious book reader).
Call Center Common Interview Question 2: What is your idea of a call center?
--> This one is a bit difficult and kind of vague. When I was asked this question, I answered that: My idea of a call center is that it's a place wherein you assist people and try to help them solve their problems for them. In a call center, you give quality customer service...something to that effect.
***When asked what is your idea of quality customer service. Answer this: Quality customer service is going out of your way to provide customer service. It is not simply providing assistance according to what you are expected of. The main idea of your answer here is going out of your way to help the customer.
Call Center Common Interview Question 3: What makes you qualified to work in a call center?
--> This is the time to sell yourself. Say that you are people oriented, you learn quickly, you have good work ethics, and you have good communication skills.
Call Center Common Interview Question 4: What quality do you think you have which would make me not hire you?
--> This one is tricky and continues to boggle the minds of applicants. If you think about it, it's really simple. Just say that if there's a quality that I have which would make you not hire me, that would be being a worrier. I worry too much about work because I am a perfectionist. You can also say that you are a workaholic and sometimes work becomes detrimental to your health. This question is actually asking for your weakness. So those two are the only ways you can make a weakness sound like a strength.
Call Center Common Interview Question 5: How do you see yourself five years from now?
--> Never say that you see yourself having your own business. This would mean that you would be leaving soon in case you get hired. Say that you see yourself still with the same company but a much higher post.
Things to remember:
- If you are an undergraduate, or you have a family, try to sound as if these things won't become a hurdle to your call center career. Call centers have high attrition rates, and interviewers are constantly trying to look for people who won't leave after a few months.
- Always sound confident by trying to feel as if you don't really want the job.
Here are some common interview questions in call centers:
Call Center Common Interview Question 1: Tell me something about yourself that is not here in your resume
--> For this one, say something about your family. What does your parents do, your siblings, and if you wish your extended family. Describe your relationship to them. Follow that with your hobbies and interests. Make sure that your hobbies are indeed interesting such as mountain climbing (means you are determined and disciplined), and web designing (meaning you are very computer literate). If you don't have any interesting hobbies, then at least make your hobbies sound interesting (for example instead of just saying 'reading', say that you are a voracious book reader).
Call Center Common Interview Question 2: What is your idea of a call center?
--> This one is a bit difficult and kind of vague. When I was asked this question, I answered that: My idea of a call center is that it's a place wherein you assist people and try to help them solve their problems for them. In a call center, you give quality customer service...something to that effect.
***When asked what is your idea of quality customer service. Answer this: Quality customer service is going out of your way to provide customer service. It is not simply providing assistance according to what you are expected of. The main idea of your answer here is going out of your way to help the customer.
Call Center Common Interview Question 3: What makes you qualified to work in a call center?
--> This is the time to sell yourself. Say that you are people oriented, you learn quickly, you have good work ethics, and you have good communication skills.
Call Center Common Interview Question 4: What quality do you think you have which would make me not hire you?
--> This one is tricky and continues to boggle the minds of applicants. If you think about it, it's really simple. Just say that if there's a quality that I have which would make you not hire me, that would be being a worrier. I worry too much about work because I am a perfectionist. You can also say that you are a workaholic and sometimes work becomes detrimental to your health. This question is actually asking for your weakness. So those two are the only ways you can make a weakness sound like a strength.
Call Center Common Interview Question 5: How do you see yourself five years from now?
--> Never say that you see yourself having your own business. This would mean that you would be leaving soon in case you get hired. Say that you see yourself still with the same company but a much higher post.
Things to remember:
- If you are an undergraduate, or you have a family, try to sound as if these things won't become a hurdle to your call center career. Call centers have high attrition rates, and interviewers are constantly trying to look for people who won't leave after a few months.
- Always sound confident by trying to feel as if you don't really want the job.
How to vote for your favorite Asian Idol finalist
Since the regular Idol shows (e.g.Philippine Idol, Indonesian Idol, Malaysian Idol, etc.) are largely different from Asian Idol, it employs a different voting procedure.
For Asian Idol, you need to vote for two Idols instead of one. This procedure was employed to eliminate national biases. If you vote for only one Idol, then that vote is considered invalid.
For Philippine voters:
To vote for Mau Marcelo (Philippine Idol) and Jaclyn Victor (Malaysian Idol), type: VOTE PHIL SIN send to 2959
For Indian voters:
To vote for Abhijeet Sawant (Indian Idol) and Jaclyn Victor (Malaysian Idol), type: VOTE INDIA MAL send to 52525
For Indonesian voters:
To vote for Mike Mohede (Indonesian Idol) and Jaclyn Victor (Malaysian Idol), type: VOTE INDO MAL send to 9288
Send the SMS Votes to :
Official Votewords
For Asian Idol, you need to vote for two Idols instead of one. This procedure was employed to eliminate national biases. If you vote for only one Idol, then that vote is considered invalid.
For Philippine voters:
To vote for Mau Marcelo (Philippine Idol) and Jaclyn Victor (Malaysian Idol), type: VOTE PHIL SIN send to 2959
For Indian voters:
To vote for Abhijeet Sawant (Indian Idol) and Jaclyn Victor (Malaysian Idol), type: VOTE INDIA MAL send to 52525
For Indonesian voters:
To vote for Mike Mohede (Indonesian Idol) and Jaclyn Victor (Malaysian Idol), type: VOTE INDO MAL send to 9288
Send the SMS Votes to :
| India | : | 52525 |
| Indonesia | : | 9288 |
| Malaysia | : | 33776 |
| Philippines | : | 2959 |
| Singapore | : | 43657 |
| Vietnam | : | 4365 |
Official Votewords
| India | : | INDIA |
| Indonesia | : | INDO |
| Malaysia | : | MAL |
| Philippines | : | PHIL |
| Singapore | : | SIN |
| Vietnam | : | VIET |
Asian Idol Schedule
December 15 is the day that the whole of Asia will know who would become the first Asian idol. The performance show would run for 2 hours with varying time slots depending on the country you are residing in.
Here now is the schedule for Asian Idol for the different participating countries.
Philippines (ABC 5)
Singapore (MediaCorp TV)
Malaysia (8TV)
India (Sony Entertainment TV)
Indonesia (RCTI)
Vietnam (HTV9)
Here now is the schedule for Asian Idol for the different participating countries.
Philippines (ABC 5)
| Performance Show | Saturday, December 15 | 8 pm - 10 pm |
| Results | Sunday, December 16 | 9 pm - 10 pm |
Singapore (MediaCorp TV)
| Performance Show | Saturday, December 15 | 10 pm - 12 am |
| Results | Sunday, December 16 | 10 pm - 12 am |
Malaysia (8TV)
| Performance Show | Saturday, December 15 | 10 pm - 12 am |
| Results | Sunday, December 16 | 10 pm - 12 am |
India (Sony Entertainment TV)
| Performance Show | Saturday, December 15 | 7 pm |
| Results | Sunday, December 16 | 11 pm - 1 am |
Indonesia (RCTI)
| Performance Show | Saturday | December 15 | 9 pm |
| Results | Sunday | December 16 | 9 pm |
Vietnam (HTV9)
| Performance Show | Friday, December 14 | 08.30 pm |
| Results | Sunday, December 16 | 9 pm |
The Importance of Networking
In this time and age, networking is very important. if you have a business which thrives on contacts (which I'm almost sure it does),networking is everything to you. Networking is also very important when it comes to looking for a job, finding a place to rent, searching for a business partner, and even in looking for a partner in life.
In Manila, I realized that people are experts when it comes to networking. I guess in a big city, you would find it hard to get by without an extensive network of contacts.
When I was applying for a job in HTMT, I got to meet a lot of people (co-applicants). After just a bit of chit-chat, some of them already asked me for my cellphone number.
You would never know when a person might be important to you. It might be sooner when a person in your network is looking for a place to stay and you happen to know one or it might be later when you need a job and a person in your network would like to refer you to his/her company. So when an opportunity to expand your network arises, seize it!
A proof of how important networking is, is the mushrooming of various networking websites, some social and others business in nature.
You do not stay in touch with a person simply because that person is your friend but because someday, one way or another, you might be needing that friend.
I am not however saying that all people in the world are just using one another. Rather,I'm saying that we are all here to help each other out.
In Manila, I realized that people are experts when it comes to networking. I guess in a big city, you would find it hard to get by without an extensive network of contacts.
When I was applying for a job in HTMT, I got to meet a lot of people (co-applicants). After just a bit of chit-chat, some of them already asked me for my cellphone number.
You would never know when a person might be important to you. It might be sooner when a person in your network is looking for a place to stay and you happen to know one or it might be later when you need a job and a person in your network would like to refer you to his/her company. So when an opportunity to expand your network arises, seize it!
A proof of how important networking is, is the mushrooming of various networking websites, some social and others business in nature.
You do not stay in touch with a person simply because that person is your friend but because someday, one way or another, you might be needing that friend.
I am not however saying that all people in the world are just using one another. Rather,I'm saying that we are all here to help each other out.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Working in a Call Center
Working in a call center means big pay. It means numerous benefits
and overnight promotions. Your workplace will have lounges which
contains many amenities. Having a job in a call center is fun, easy,
and even glorious!
That's what many people want you to think.
Indeed if you see call center agents, they do look rather glamorous. Endless parties, money to splurge, and luxurious work places.
However when you look closely, the picture begins to dim.
You'll see people in a production line working their asses off for greedy Americans. They are like ants trying to make up for lost sleeping time, risking their lives in the dead of the night, and their body clocks turning upside down because of the endless shifting schedules.
In the USA, a general call center representative would earn around 80,000 php or almost 2500 USD. The typical call center agent in the Philippines earns less than a fourth of that! If you think all call center agent earns more than twenty thousand pesos, you are dead wrong. The basic pay is almost always twelve thousand pesos. It then becomes more or less twenty thousand pesos because of the night differential, transportation allowance, and other types of allowances and benefits.
Not that I am exaggerating, but call center agents constantly face the dangers of traveling at night. There's your friendly local hold upper, the proverbial mugger, and your ever loyal fast cruising buses.
And let's not forget the fact that sometimes you would be asked to go on mandatory over time, especially if you are new. You would also sometimes have a shifting schedule which means that your body clock would go haywire. And don't you ever forget the night shift. Sure, it seems exciting at first. Working at nights, wow! However, when you experience the night shift, you'll realize that it'll destroy your sleeping pattern and make you feel drunk all the time.
For family people, it would be doubly hard for you to work in call centers. Imagine not being able to see your kids grow up, tuck them to bed, and attend to their needs.
The advantage of working in a call center is of course the higher than average pay. The many allowances and benefits. I also like the almost progressive atmosphere in call centers. If you perform well, you get promoted. Plus you get the chance to grow all the time.
So that's it. Those are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a call center and it's up to you to decide whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
That's what many people want you to think.
Indeed if you see call center agents, they do look rather glamorous. Endless parties, money to splurge, and luxurious work places.
However when you look closely, the picture begins to dim.
You'll see people in a production line working their asses off for greedy Americans. They are like ants trying to make up for lost sleeping time, risking their lives in the dead of the night, and their body clocks turning upside down because of the endless shifting schedules.
In the USA, a general call center representative would earn around 80,000 php or almost 2500 USD. The typical call center agent in the Philippines earns less than a fourth of that! If you think all call center agent earns more than twenty thousand pesos, you are dead wrong. The basic pay is almost always twelve thousand pesos. It then becomes more or less twenty thousand pesos because of the night differential, transportation allowance, and other types of allowances and benefits.
Not that I am exaggerating, but call center agents constantly face the dangers of traveling at night. There's your friendly local hold upper, the proverbial mugger, and your ever loyal fast cruising buses.
And let's not forget the fact that sometimes you would be asked to go on mandatory over time, especially if you are new. You would also sometimes have a shifting schedule which means that your body clock would go haywire. And don't you ever forget the night shift. Sure, it seems exciting at first. Working at nights, wow! However, when you experience the night shift, you'll realize that it'll destroy your sleeping pattern and make you feel drunk all the time.
For family people, it would be doubly hard for you to work in call centers. Imagine not being able to see your kids grow up, tuck them to bed, and attend to their needs.
The advantage of working in a call center is of course the higher than average pay. The many allowances and benefits. I also like the almost progressive atmosphere in call centers. If you perform well, you get promoted. Plus you get the chance to grow all the time.
So that's it. Those are the advantages and disadvantages of working in a call center and it's up to you to decide whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Ebay Philippines now with PayPal
Yes you read right. Ebay Philippines is now integrated with PayPal Philippines!. The announcement regarding this development was made Wednesday, 12 Dec 2007 23:19:38 PST. Emails were sent to Pinoy Ebayers informing them that Paypal Philippines is now working with Ebay Philippines.
This feature (integration of Paypal Philippines with Ebay Philippines) has long been requested by Filipino Ebayers. In the Ebay Community forum, people have been complaining about security and payment. If you are familiar with Ebay USA, it is integrated with Pay pal.
In the Philippines, long before Pay pal was introduced in the Philippines, Ebay Philippines has already been existing albeit discreetly.
An Ebay with an integrated payment system would surely be good news to people who do business with Ebay Philippines. This would minimize the risk for fraud.
This feature (integration of Paypal Philippines with Ebay Philippines) has long been requested by Filipino Ebayers. In the Ebay Community forum, people have been complaining about security and payment. If you are familiar with Ebay USA, it is integrated with Pay pal.
In the Philippines, long before Pay pal was introduced in the Philippines, Ebay Philippines has already been existing albeit discreetly.
An Ebay with an integrated payment system would surely be good news to people who do business with Ebay Philippines. This would minimize the risk for fraud.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Week 4 in Manila
Monday- I went to ortigas to meet with a guy named Jasper. Apparently he owns an ad agency located in that area. This person contacted me in the weekend because he wanted to put up a wanted ad in my website since he is looking for copy writers. My biggest mistake was pricing ad space on my website too low. I ended up getting just 750 pesos for 3 weeks of ad space in my website. Anyway, I'll just charge it to experience.
Tuesday, Wednesday- I attended training at Sykes.
Friday- We had our mock call and written assessment at Sykes. Thank God I passed.
Saturday- I moved to a new place just besides the Munoz market and in front of SM North EDSA. My new place is smaller compared to the one in Balintawak. Food is also a bit more expensive. I have a hard time doing laundry because I am in the 4th floor and I do laundry at the third floor. My brother, his girlfriend and I went to SM city and ate. We also watched a fireworks show there.
Tuesday, Wednesday- I attended training at Sykes.
Friday- We had our mock call and written assessment at Sykes. Thank God I passed.
Saturday- I moved to a new place just besides the Munoz market and in front of SM North EDSA. My new place is smaller compared to the one in Balintawak. Food is also a bit more expensive. I have a hard time doing laundry because I am in the 4th floor and I do laundry at the third floor. My brother, his girlfriend and I went to SM city and ate. We also watched a fireworks show there.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Week 3 in Manila
Monday - I went to the Burgandy Corporate tower in Makati for the New Employee Orientation in Sykes. I met a nice person who was really bubbly and funny. I found out that the training was going to be from 8 PM to 5 Am.
Tuesday - I again went to the Burgandy tower in Makati, this time the training started. I will be undergoing the communication skills training for 4 days. I was able to meet a really smart person who seemed to say things the way she sees them.
Wednesday- nothing much happened. I am having a hard time adjusting to the shift.
Thursday- The event in Makati lengthened my travel time but thankfully I was able to get to Sykes on time. This was the last day for our training.
Friday - We were made to watch a slide show about American culture and geography. The show ended with the American national anthem. Imagine that.
Tuesday - I again went to the Burgandy tower in Makati, this time the training started. I will be undergoing the communication skills training for 4 days. I was able to meet a really smart person who seemed to say things the way she sees them.
Wednesday- nothing much happened. I am having a hard time adjusting to the shift.
Thursday- The event in Makati lengthened my travel time but thankfully I was able to get to Sykes on time. This was the last day for our training.
Friday - We were made to watch a slide show about American culture and geography. The show ended with the American national anthem. Imagine that.
Hail Regional Science High School Lyrics
This is the Region IX (Zamboanga City) Science High School lyrics
Hail Regional Science High School
Hail to our dearest Alma Mater
Home of the analytic minds
Forging the way in the pursuit for
excellence
We lift our spirits high
And reach the stars through hard
ways
We struggle to keep the
Regionalian's
flag up high, that never furls
Through every learning from
instruction
and experience
We stay magnanimous in victory
And humble in defeat
And as we leave this home
Nestling on the fields of green
We will live by the name
Regionalian's we will truly be
Committed and dedicated to every
vision
Remembering the fabrics of friendship
and those gone days
That help us now stand strong
We owe what we are to our beloved
school
Hail to our dearest Alma Mater
Hail Regional Science High School
Hail to our dearest Alma Mater
Regional Science High School!
The Regional Science High School (IX) is located in Malasiga San Roque, Zamboanga city. It was founded on 1994 and continues to be the hub of excellence in the region. The lyrics of the Regional Science High School hymn was written was by the sister of Riza Aibie Pasanting.
Hail Regional Science High School
Hail to our dearest Alma Mater
Home of the analytic minds
Forging the way in the pursuit for
excellence
We lift our spirits high
And reach the stars through hard
ways
We struggle to keep the
Regionalian's
flag up high, that never furls
Through every learning from
instruction
and experience
We stay magnanimous in victory
And humble in defeat
And as we leave this home
Nestling on the fields of green
We will live by the name
Regionalian's we will truly be
Committed and dedicated to every
vision
Remembering the fabrics of friendship
and those gone days
That help us now stand strong
We owe what we are to our beloved
school
Hail to our dearest Alma Mater
Hail Regional Science High School
Hail to our dearest Alma Mater
Regional Science High School!
The Regional Science High School (IX) is located in Malasiga San Roque, Zamboanga city. It was founded on 1994 and continues to be the hub of excellence in the region. The lyrics of the Regional Science High School hymn was written was by the sister of Riza Aibie Pasanting.
Que Ver
Thank you
for taking interest in the Chabacano de Zamboanga.
All my blog
posts about Chabacano in Smorgasboard have now been moved to Bien Chabacano.
You can
read this post at:
How to look for or find a good room-for-rent
In looking for a room to rent, there are four basic things you have to watch out for.
1. Price of Food - See to it that food prices in the nearby carinderias from your room-for-rent is low. Low would be around 15 php for vegetables and 25 php for special dishes such as adobo and afritada.
2. Fare - Try to calculate your fare towards your work place or the nearest mall. This should not amount to more than 30 php back and forth.
3. Neighbors - This one is tricky. Not only do you have to observe if the neighbors are friendly and decent, you also have to see if there are grocery stores, churches, schools, convenience stores, and carinderias near your room-for-rent. It is important that you would not need to ride a jeepney or tricycle anymore just to get to a carinderia or a grocery store. Your room-for-rent must be close to such establishments. It would even be better if your room-for-rent is near a mall, that way you'd have fast food places, banks, pharmacies, and boutiques nearby,
4. Price of unit- In Manila, the usual price for a room-for-rent is 2000 php. Normally, that would cover water and electricity. Just a note, water in the metro is usually not drinkable. You would probably have to buy purified water which sells at around 30 php per gallon. The typical room-for-rent normally just contains a bed (sometimes a double deck) and a cabinet or a table. Don't expect anything luxurious unless you're paying around 5000 for your unit.
There. Now I hope this will help you in looking for a cheap room-for-rent.
1. Price of Food - See to it that food prices in the nearby carinderias from your room-for-rent is low. Low would be around 15 php for vegetables and 25 php for special dishes such as adobo and afritada.
2. Fare - Try to calculate your fare towards your work place or the nearest mall. This should not amount to more than 30 php back and forth.
3. Neighbors - This one is tricky. Not only do you have to observe if the neighbors are friendly and decent, you also have to see if there are grocery stores, churches, schools, convenience stores, and carinderias near your room-for-rent. It is important that you would not need to ride a jeepney or tricycle anymore just to get to a carinderia or a grocery store. Your room-for-rent must be close to such establishments. It would even be better if your room-for-rent is near a mall, that way you'd have fast food places, banks, pharmacies, and boutiques nearby,
4. Price of unit- In Manila, the usual price for a room-for-rent is 2000 php. Normally, that would cover water and electricity. Just a note, water in the metro is usually not drinkable. You would probably have to buy purified water which sells at around 30 php per gallon. The typical room-for-rent normally just contains a bed (sometimes a double deck) and a cabinet or a table. Don't expect anything luxurious unless you're paying around 5000 for your unit.
There. Now I hope this will help you in looking for a cheap room-for-rent.
Getting around Manila
getting around Manila is quite difficult. The transport system is quite complex and extensive. In the provinces, you would only have the jeepney, trycicle, bus (at times), and even a pedicab. In Manila, the bus and jeep are the common ways of getting around. The train is used for inter city travel.
The jeepney- How to ride the jeepney in Manila
In Zamboanga city, you would pay the driver or conductor before getting off the jeepney. In Manila, you pay once you are seated and only to the conductor. You also say 'para' for the jeep to stop whereas in Zamboanga city, you use a coin to make a the jeepney stop.
The bus - How to ride the bus in Manila
In the bus, you pay only to the conductor. The conductor goes around the bus and collects payment. To be safe, tell the conductor where you're going and he would usually announce your destination once you get there. The conductor announces the common stops though, such as malls, main roads, and train stations.
LRT/MRT - How to ride the LRT and the MRT
The LRT/ MRT is probably the quickest way of going from city to city in Manila. Usually, you would be standing all the way through your station. The important thing to remember is to watch out for your stop. A sign indicating the name of the station can usually be seen around the stop. Remember that the fare is 15 pesos for all destinations in the LRT but differs in the MRT depending on the stop. There is no need to tell the ticket seller in the LRT where you're going since the fare is same for all destinations. That rule does not follow for the MRT. After paying for your ticket, insert it to the machine (in the slot found in front of you). Keep that ticket (it'll come out on the slot on top of the machine) since you'll be needing that to get out of the station. The same process goes for getting off the MRT / LRT. A good practice is to observe how people are doing it.
Commuting in Manila is definitely a challenge. Just don't hesitate to ask if you are in doubt. In asking questions, choose decent looking persons (security guards and policemen).
Just one more thing, beware of muggers. Do not use your cellphone when you are in public transportation.
Good luck and don't get lost!
The jeepney- How to ride the jeepney in Manila
In Zamboanga city, you would pay the driver or conductor before getting off the jeepney. In Manila, you pay once you are seated and only to the conductor. You also say 'para' for the jeep to stop whereas in Zamboanga city, you use a coin to make a the jeepney stop.
The bus - How to ride the bus in Manila
In the bus, you pay only to the conductor. The conductor goes around the bus and collects payment. To be safe, tell the conductor where you're going and he would usually announce your destination once you get there. The conductor announces the common stops though, such as malls, main roads, and train stations.
LRT/MRT - How to ride the LRT and the MRT
The LRT/ MRT is probably the quickest way of going from city to city in Manila. Usually, you would be standing all the way through your station. The important thing to remember is to watch out for your stop. A sign indicating the name of the station can usually be seen around the stop. Remember that the fare is 15 pesos for all destinations in the LRT but differs in the MRT depending on the stop. There is no need to tell the ticket seller in the LRT where you're going since the fare is same for all destinations. That rule does not follow for the MRT. After paying for your ticket, insert it to the machine (in the slot found in front of you). Keep that ticket (it'll come out on the slot on top of the machine) since you'll be needing that to get out of the station. The same process goes for getting off the MRT / LRT. A good practice is to observe how people are doing it.
Commuting in Manila is definitely a challenge. Just don't hesitate to ask if you are in doubt. In asking questions, choose decent looking persons (security guards and policemen).
Just one more thing, beware of muggers. Do not use your cellphone when you are in public transportation.
Good luck and don't get lost!
How to Apply at Sutherland
Sutherland is a new call center located at the Export Bank Plaza in Makati. It is a fast growing call center as it has now many sites around the Philippines. Sutherland is sometimes referred to as the hidden goldmine in call centers.
The application process of Sutherland is a bit complicated but very much standardized. Here now is a step by step guide on how to apply at Sutherland:
1. First thing to do is to take the Sutherland written exam. The written exam is analytical (like a math and IQ test) and grammar.
2. Now you will be asked to undergo three different interviews. The interviews in Sutherland is mostly about yourself and what you have written in your resume.
3. After the interviews in Sutherland, you will undergo the Sutherland typing test.
If in any case you don't pass any of the exams and interviews, you will be given the thank you note of death.
Anyway, good luck!
The application process of Sutherland is a bit complicated but very much standardized. Here now is a step by step guide on how to apply at Sutherland:
1. First thing to do is to take the Sutherland written exam. The written exam is analytical (like a math and IQ test) and grammar.
2. Now you will be asked to undergo three different interviews. The interviews in Sutherland is mostly about yourself and what you have written in your resume.
3. After the interviews in Sutherland, you will undergo the Sutherland typing test.
If in any case you don't pass any of the exams and interviews, you will be given the thank you note of death.
Anyway, good luck!
How to Apply at HTMT
When I asked for directions on how to get to the office of Nucomm International, my friend instead encouraged me to apply at HTMT. HTMT is conveniently located at the old building of ABS CBN. From the Cubao MRT stop, all you have to do is walk towards Pure Gold near a Tropical hut and ride a jeepney there going to Pasig. Forgive me if the directions towards the HTMT office is unclear, I only went there once and I can't seem to recall the exact directions given to me by my friend.
Anyway, the HTMT application process takes a day and is quite simple. Here is a step by step guide on how the HTMT application:
1. You will be asked to take the HTMT phone interview. The phone interview lasts around 2 minutes and is usually more about yourself.
2. You would then be asked to take the HTMT Online Exam which covers the following areas: listening, and data entry.
3. The next part of the HTMT application process is the Written exam which covers abstract reasoning and grammar.
4. if you passed all those exams, you will now be up for the HTMT call simulation exam.
That's it! If you passed all those, you are hired! Take note however that the HTMT application process might differ depending on the account.
Anyway, that's the general HTMT application process. Good luck!
Anyway, the HTMT application process takes a day and is quite simple. Here is a step by step guide on how the HTMT application:
1. You will be asked to take the HTMT phone interview. The phone interview lasts around 2 minutes and is usually more about yourself.
2. You would then be asked to take the HTMT Online Exam which covers the following areas: listening, and data entry.
3. The next part of the HTMT application process is the Written exam which covers abstract reasoning and grammar.
4. if you passed all those exams, you will now be up for the HTMT call simulation exam.
That's it! If you passed all those, you are hired! Take note however that the HTMT application process might differ depending on the account.
Anyway, that's the general HTMT application process. Good luck!
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