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Showing posts from February, 2023

14 Call Center Interview Questions & Answers

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The call center industry is one of the fastest growing in the country these days. As recently as ten years ago, there were only a few call center agents and the word call center was hardly ever used in the country. Today, almost every family has at least one member working in the call center industry. The reason for this boom is partly economics. In the Philippines, low paying jobs are very notorious and while call centers set up shop here because of the low labor costs, Filipinos decide to work for the call center industry because it pays higher than average wages. Consider this: if you are an average worker with an entry level position, you probably are getting paid seven to ten thousand a month; meanwhile, an average employee in the call center industry with an entry level position will get around fifteen thousand pesos a month, plus free dental and health benefits (HMO). Call centers also will pay your SSS (Social Security), PAGIBIG (home building fund), and PhilHealth (health ins...

Staying at EDSA Shangri-La in 2023

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I believe it was my friend who first introduced me to Edsa Shangri-La more than ten years ago when I needed a quiet place to record some audio clips. I instantly fell in love with this hotel the moment I saw its magnificent lobby so when my mom's aunt gave her a staycation as a birthday gift, I immediately recommended the Edsa Shangri-La hotel. Upon arriving, the concierge takes care of your luggage very swiftly and efficiently. This was one of the things that made an impression on me because we usually stay at budget hotels whenever my mom visits me in the city and my experience with budget hotels is that you usually have to ask for assistance with your luggage. After checking in, your bags are immediately brought to your room. The entire process was seamless. We stayed at a Tower Wing Deluxe Twin Room which is basically a standard room. The rooms are a bit outdated but very well-maintained. Our room had a view of the pool and the city skyline. Guests enjoy complimentary access to...

Breakfast Buffet at EDSA Shangri-La in 2023

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I had very high hopes for the breakfast which was included in our stay at Edsa Shangri-La in Manila and I was not disappointed. The buffet was divided into several sections: Chinese Cold Cuts, Cheeses, and Sandwiches Noodles Western options Omelette Breakfast Desserts Pancakes and Waffles Breads and other baked goods Congee Ice Cream Drinks Cereals and Burritos There were also Japanese and Indian options. Everything you could think of having for breakfast was present in the buffet, even  taho ! I loved the noodle station where you can create your own noodle soup dish. The Filipino, Chinese and Noodle dishes were especially tasty. The restaurant also had a corner for kids. Part of what made the buffet great was the staff. They were very attentive to the diners' needs. The buffet begins at 6AM. Most of the guests come down for breakfast at 8AM so it is recommended to be there early.

Taking the Pasig River Ferry in 2023

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Most civilizations were founded along the banks of great life-giving rivers such as the Nile and the Yangtze river. The Tagalog culture also flourished around a river, the Pasig River. In our history books, stories abound about this river and the ferry system that plied through its waters but growing up in Zamboanga city where the rivers were too narrow or too shallow, I never could imagine how a ferry system cruising through the Pasig River worked. Most of the time, people only have bad things to say about the Pasig River Ferry System so even though I had lived in Manila for most of my adult life, I was very hesitant to try it. I only became more curious about the Pasig River ferry when I saw some foreign travel vloggers raving about it (because if it's good enough for them then it's definitely good enough for us, right?) Upon learning that there was a ferry station nearby, I finally decided to go on my first ferry ride on the Pasig River. I had very low expectations but I am ...