3 months ago, when I last visited PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC), I know that the catery is being renovated. The cats, in their usual state, run and climb on the side of the cattery to see any person passing by or looking at them. Anyone would pity them in their state. They look like begging for food as if they were not fed. The place was smelly and cats were unhappy their feet dirty and being wet as caretakers clean the floor with water.

That time, the dog run was somewhat "hidden," as if wild creatures were there waiting for me to be bitten off. Banners, plywoods and stacks of cartons kept me from staying away in that area.

All these time, I somewhat believe that everything was normal -- the place a little untidy with the caretakers' clothes hangging everywhere, cats are normally thin and looked starved, that there were wild dogs hidden behind a "restricted area", that the shelter is hopelessly smelly, and that volunteers were simply not sufficient to help out.

I knew there were problems. There is no perfect organization nor does anyone encounter no problem. I may not have pinpointed it but I was thankful that it was somehow mitigated. The root of the problem is addressed, the people behind my dismay who gave me wrong notions about the shelter animals are no longer connected to PAWS, and the best thing is that volunteers are there to give their best, never to surrender.

Now, those ugly days are history.

The cattery is not just a place that shelters cats, but a haven for cat lovers like me. It was clean, spacious enough to get sunlight for the cats and was covered with rollable plastic sheets around the cage to protect them from rain. I get to go inside, sit on the floor and mingle with them. All cats are fat, relaxed and fun to play with. They were all sociable. They'll come close to you and sit on your lap. It was heaven! =)

A separate part of the catery is also being provided to kittens. A specially made scratch post and stairs are made for them. Kitties play with cat toys and kids could even stay inside and play with them.

The quarantine area is now properly managed, segregated and labeled for monitoring. Cages for each rescued or abandoned animal was alloted. 

The dogs were never wild. They were misunderstood. They are very sociable. They were just not given a chance. I've never seen the dog run nor the "restricted area" so spacious. There are no more scary barking dogs that would make me think that they are going to bite me. Anything obstructive to the sight were removed. It was all cleaned and reworked. Soon, I'll get to play with the dogs as well, when I get to find the time after playing with the cats... hehehe

PARC is a total makeover. It was clean and tidy, though there are still a lot of work to be done. Civil service students looked like they were enjoying their dirty job with shelter animals. Volunteers work together, helping each other build and sustain this place.

It was bliss!

All these volunteering years I've spent with PAWS paid off with the new sight of PARC and the shelter animals. I know that there are lots of work to do and a lot of helping hands to be asked, because I know that my best efforts are not that sufficient to sustain the shelter. But the donations and the effort was all worth it because I see progress and results are visible.

Now that the shelter has been renewed to a better place far beyond my imagination, I hope to see more volunteers, more animals homed and more responsible pet-owners who would not abandon but spay/neuter their pets. To my fellow volunteers and soon-to-be-volunteers, see you at PARC every Saturday!

* I would like to congratulate the volunteers who are behind this great effort of turning PARC into a better place for our shelter animals until we could find them a good home. Kudos fellow PAWS volunteers!

May 23, 2007 marks the day that my dreams is indeed coming true. I was so thankful, I almost cried. It's six months in the making, and six months more waiting. I believe it was inevitable. I just didn't believe that it would be this early nor that this knowledge would come to me that day.

And so, my plans and hopes all came running through my mind. Perhaps it was the sign I've been waiting for: that soon, all the efforts and all the waiting will be over; that soon, I will be ready to face the world with me being complete -- that I have loved myself enough to extend it to others.

I rewarded myself the next day. I took the day off spending it with an old friend. I got myself treated to the World Pyro Olympics at the Esplanade behind SM Mall of Asia. It was the first day for the Philippine team and we saw the first show at 7:30pm. It was spectacular. The 30-minute showoff kept my mind floating... that those wonderful man-made lights seen by the naked eye will never be the same as those captured by film (or memory cards ) and not even Photoshop can copy nor create.

I guess that's what life is. I can never have a still picture of what will happen next. But what I know is that I have a life to brighten-up and a career to work on. I know that God knows what I've been doing and He has been guiding me all this time. The goal is sparkling at the end of the road waiting for me.

[Truly a beginning, this is my first blog since I got my hands-on job and the first blog this year (bypassing my birthday and other relevent events).]

No matter how many times I think about it, I know, I'm ready. Ready to get to work, ready to audit, ready to lose my social life.

After the CPA board exams, KPMG was the first to contact me. I never took them seriously, nevertheless, I went to all the schedules they provided.

I was aiming for SGV & Co. for an I.T. Audit position. I was convinced to pursue a career in SGV when their HR and department representatives gave us an overview of the company on their lunch treat at Shakeys España last September. It was exclusive for UST gradutes-ReSA reviewees.

I went into the trouble of contacting SGV to give me an exam and interview schedule. Last November 6, I had my exam in the morning and two interviews in the afternoon. The manager who held my second interview was already excited to get me in. The interview lasted for two hours. Unfortunately for them, their HR department was a real disaster. They didn't contact me for my last interview with the partner. Instead, they send me two text messages inviting me to take an exam on a particular date. Later, we learned that negative feedbacks on SGV during our undergrad years are proven true.

Punongbayan & Aurallo, on the other hand, gave me a pending second interview. That is what I get from dreaming to be there during my undergrad years. [See my blog at http://animatica.multiply.com/journal/item/41/On_UST-Accountancy_graduating_students].

Isla Lipana just took our resumes. The SMS we received from them before the board exam was meaningless. We then discovered that there are no vacancies for Audit positions, only Tax and Management Advisory Services.

Above all these, only KPMG was persistent, though I cared less. They kept on calling me for interview schedules. On my last interview, the KPMG partner gave me the words that made me decide to join them... "Other companies did not find you, we found a gem among the stones... a lotus in murky waters."

I don't want to belong to a company that lacks integrity and professionalism.

On November 12, I signed with KPMG Manabat Sanagustin & Co. as an Associate Auditor, Risk Advisory Services beginning November 19.

Now, the job-hunt is over, or should I say, "Sorry companies, I'm already taken."

*** Manabat Sanagustin & CO., a professional partnership established under Philippine law, is a member of KPMG International, a Swiss Cooperative.

...is my brother's favorite expression.

And I always tell him, "Kuya, merong mas maikli dyan." and he'll answer, "Magulo!" Yet he still uses the same "Wala sa ayos."

The expression reflects a part of who he is though. Confused with his life directions, he could not even make his own decisions. He ends up not listening to others suggestions and regrets his decisions.

Oh well, what I'm sure is that he's gonna be stuck here in Manila until February next year for his Navigational
Watch Officer-in-Charge (NWOIC) examinations.

He being here was so much fun. He is a no "kill-joy" brother. We laugh at his Visayan accent, we correct his grammar, and he makes his own "hirit" out of it.

His name is Anastacio Barola, my half-brother (father-side). When we were kids, we call him Tacio, and now he calls himself as Page. Why Page? He claims that his name should have been Paul James, as in P.J., as in Page daw. [I'm currently laughing with my bro as I type this.]

He already went to Hongkong, Japan, and more countries in Asia as he had his 1-year trip as a Seaman. There he spent all his money on gadgets -- SONY 10.1 megapixel touchscreen camera with spare battery and 4G memory card, SONY Portable DVD player, SONY cassette tape recorder, SONY Portable  mp3/mp4 player, Toshiba 4G USB drive, 120G Maxton External hardisk. [My ear swells as I hear each enumerated by Kuya.] Of all, he was kind enough to lend me his digital stuffs, and give me the cheap Ozaki speaker for my PC. Hahaha!

Now, just take a look at my picture-addict, no-look-alike brother. =P

And UST had an 86% highest passing rate in UST history... another breaking record.

Certified Public Accountant Board Exam dates are October 13, 14, 20, 21. At 2:30pm of October 22, results were released by PRC. (See attached files released by PRC.)

List were also published at The Manila Bulletin October 23, 2007 issue pages 12-13. News on pages 1&6. 2,299 out of 6,213 passed the examination... 37% overall passing rate.

Online results available at http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/examresults/20071022_CPA102107.pdf

Thank you to all those who made this possible.

To all new CPAs, congratulations!

God bless everyone!

I'm a little twisted for words...

I guess I'm just tired. I got my mind very loaded and my hands full of things to do. So now, I'm letting go... Its about time that I really have to concentrate. This is serious. Really serious.

So I have to say goodbye to badminton. Who knows if I'll be back at the Badminton Sports Center? I will surely miss my weekly play with my best friend Karen and my pre-com friends. Just get your body moving, it no longer aches.

For PAWS, I will still be there. I'm just taking a leave, until we find a new one as the Merchandise Head. After all, I'm confident that the system I have left in the committee will be very helpful. Please take good care of the recordings and you'll make it good to the accountant/auditor. =)

I'd like to thank the PAWS Board of Directors for trusting me with this responsibility. Though I got a little trembled on my appointment (effective immediately) as implied by the sms message I got last July 19 at 9:30am from Ms. Libby that she already resigned from being the PAWS Merchandise Manager, I did make it through right? I hope you liked the new line of merchandise. I still have to see you all on Monday for the Board Meeting, and it would also be better if I thank you all in person. [I doubt that a director would read this before Monday... =)]

Now I'm having an "in-between" feeling. I don't want to take-in more pressure. I had enough for already. After all, this is not about grades anymore. This is all about my future.

I thank God for this opportunity.

To all my co-CPA reviewees and examinees, God bless and I hope we'll make it!

We have 50 days to go... October 13, 14, 20 and 21...

Will I see my name on the list on the 22nd?

We moved to Villa Florencia, Brgy. Talipapa (near HBC, Mindanao Ave), Novaliches QC last July 2. Well, we did not actually move. It's considered our second home.

My official address is really in Ugong, Valenzuela. All my records would say so. Even my diploma and transcript has been delivered to that address.

However, our home location is at the boundaries of QC, Caloocan and Valenzuela, all distanced by just a tricycle ride. Before we moved to Valenzuela, way back in 2000, we were living in Novaliches, QC.

Even after the transfer of residency, my mom continued to serve at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Talipapa using our old address. And now, to make it official and unquestionable for her future candidacy as a Kagawad, we moved to QC.

Also, all our activities in the community remains in QC. The church I'm serving, the outreach programs and SK (Sanguniang Kabataan) activities I'm involved in are all located in Novaliches (except SFC which is in Ugong).

The set-up was also favorable to me. I was able to cut costs and travel time while living in a place near the main roads -- Quirino H-way and Mindanao Avenue. My reviews would also be undisturbed. No distractions, no computers.

I miss my pets... I'd be bringing them later on. I'd be going home to Valenzuela from time to time to play with them, and perhaps to pick-up stuff, visit my dad manning the house, and use my PC.

I will surely miss Valenzuela.

I don't often talk about TV personalities nor do I care about actors and actresses. But this time, it's exceptional. You might have thought that this is very very outdated. Well, in fact, I just waited for the aftermath. Now I see.

Let me enumerate the summary of all premises that my co-CPA-reviewees have debated and brain-stormed during lunch breaks:

• It’s a business strategy. ABS-CBN wants to increase income by making the audience angry and irritated to Wendy, increasing the total number of votes they receive for PBB. Remember a PBB house rule has been violated for Wendy -- a housemate cannot return to the PBB house when evicted. Such a step has been very questionable. At the end of PBB 2, they were able to get (more or less) 6-Million total votes, reaching their target as stated on the 2nd line of this paragraph. As PBB hosts say, PBB 2’s total votes is much greater than the consolidated votes of all ABS-CBN & Endemol past reality shows.
  
• Wendy has lots of supporters. Fact? Let's see... There's the rich, and possibly DOM's who she served while she was a Japayuki (a fat source of votes for her). There's the Bruce-Wendy fans club (if there really is). There goes all Bruce supporters whom he asked to support Wendy when he got evicted. Her family and her friends. Sufficient? Questionable.
   
• There is also a rumor that she has an inside supporter, perhaps a manager or a lover in ABS-CBN that already took her when she was out of the PBB house (before she returned as a housemate again). They say that Wendy is poor [ah ganun? kaya pala ugaling squatter sya!] and being the 3rd Placer, she would receive a pangkabuhayan package. The set-up was made out of pity. [Yeah right!]

Now let me talk about Wendy's personality. Inside the PBB house, she always contends that other housemates are already rich and doesn't need money, and that she is not "mukhang-pera". Oh really? Then she should have not flaunted it nor repeatedly speak of it. It was like saying (impliedly) “ako! ako yung mukhang pera! maraming boboto sa akin kase sikat ako, eh kayo??!  kaya goodbye sa inyo! hahaha!!!”

A co-CPA reviewee at ReSA named "DJ", former 26-K briefcase girl of Deal or No Deal and was Wendy's "friend" said that Wendy was about to sign a contract as one of the 26-K but she backed-out upon learning how much she is going to be paid.

So will you tell me, what does it take to be the ultimate PBB housemate? It's like telling the whole world what a Filipino is. If Wendy has wins this title, then is Filipino is bungangera, a back-fighter, mukhang-pera, malande, maarte, di marunong makisama, and most of all, an excellent actress!  [No offense to her family, I understand that there is nothing that they could do when the actual problem is she herself.] It was staining the good reputation of a Filipino, and I never ever liked it.

Going on with the premises…

• Who then was voting for Wendy all these time? Well, our insider says that it was GMA 7 who did it. They initially appropriated P500,000, and increased to P1.5-M for Wendy's vote. They know that people don't like Wendy and increasing her vote would diminish ABS-CBN's credibility and good reputation.
  
  I can say that GMA 7 succeeded. ABS-CBN actually added pain to injury when they gave a lot of offers to Wendy, and none to Big Winner Beatriz. Where is fair and justice here? Do they know who really won? I don't even remember seeing Beatriz after the Big Night. All I see is Wendy and she sucks!

With this, I'd like to put a closure to PBB 2, no matter how many times I see them on screen. I just wanted to say my peace. After all, at the end of the PBB season, we CPA-reviewees are already sleeping as early as 8pm-10pm, ready for the 7am review classes the next day.

Dad was to leave for abroad (he's a seaman) last May 31, 2007 -- the same day as my graduation.

Unfortunately, his medical records were not approved even up to the last minute. He didn't make his flight and he went his way home.

All these came to my knowledge during my graduation ceremonies.

That moment, I see that fate has been unfair to me, to my dad, and to our family. That day, dad wasn't there to see me graduate. His mere reason for not being there came to nothing. Dad got all his frustrations and our family continues to count the days to insolvency.

When the ceremonies ended, we hurried home and faced another test of faith... Dad's medical findings show that he has gallbladder stone and fatty liver.

With further tests and consultations, he was adviced for an immediate operation.

Financially distressed, our family, with no more source of primary income, has been left with strategy and loans to keep us moving. Dad has been here since February. All savings has already been spent during the 5 month period of being "tambay".

It was a matter of holding on to the grip of faith. Dad got confined at Medical Center Manila last June 13 (Wed), had an operation the next day, and was discharged on the 15th (Fri). Thanks to his surgeon, Dr. Carlo de Gala Canosa, everything went well, and almost painless. The 37-years-old surgeon brought U.S. medical technology in his practice, making only a 2-inch cut to remove dad's gallbladder and no finishing stitches on skin. Seriously, it was amazing. [FYI: Dad's gallbladder stone is as big as a tamarind seed...or a little more bigger.]

One week has passed and dad is back to normal. He drives  our van again as if he didn't have an operation. Three more weeks and he'll be ready to go out of this country. A couple more trips and I hope he'll get his retirement ready. I'm obviously dreaming big again.

To all who hoped and prayed with us, thank you!

You read it right. I'm finally graduating.

Why it took me this long?

Because UST sets high standards to maintain the title of being the highest passing rate in CPA Board Exams. Accountancy students failing or getting debarred from the college isn't new to us.

For the current record, an Accountancy student entered UST since 2001 but is still hoping to finish college this coming 2007-2008 semester. That's a whooping 7 years in college and I do pray for her to stop counting.

In my case, I failed a 6-unit course and got delayed by one year. It's all because of that highly insecure gay professor (as we all concluded/named him). Just check out those he had failed -- a Filipino girl from Palau, an American mestiza girl who frequently asks questions in class, an aspiring president for the Accountancy org (JPIA), a layout-artist of the college student publication (that's me), a wacky fast-learner and class clown, and a former dean's lister who fall short of 0.03 to get a passing grade. We all think that we don't deserve the failing mark. After all, he has a former record of miscalculation and encoded a wrong grade that failed and debarred a student. [In UST, when a professor encodes a grade, it can never be changed nor corrected]. Now, the said professor is living a gay life in Australia, with his gay partner Menchie.

Unfortunately, my failures didn't end there. I failed 2 more courses (6-unit and 3-unit courses) when I caught dengue last year September. Knowing the rush of lessons whenever a semester ends, I was still unable to catch-up even if I am already attending classes while I still have dengue rashes on my legs.

Insisting on the possibility of graduating with this batch (2007), I was granted to take all remaining courses (including those that I've failed) during the second semester. I painstakingly managed to survive 21-units of major Accounting courses with the 3-unit Computer Audit as my only minor.

Now, summer review courses are over. Online/real-time grades are released. Finally confirmed, I'm graduating on the 31st of May.

My time is never wasted.

All the while, I felt that I have maximized my time. I have done everything that I wanted and dreamt of doing (except engaging in a boy-girl relationship ).

I often consider myself as creative, enjoyed art (except drafting) and programming. Though I didn't pursue a career in art and computer, I had the opportunity to use and learn it when I became the Layout Artist of the college student publication for 3 years. The skill and knowledge I've acquired has helped me up to this moment.

During my most convenient times, I practice my business skills as I continue doing online transactions. I have been engaging in online trades for 8 years now. I opt to learn and exchange more business ideas especially with those who have long practiced the trade.

One semester, I had the fewest units to take and had Law as my only major course. Learning this, I swallowed my big pride and decided to work in a call center (when I previously swore not to). I was a student by day and a CSR by night then. For the record, I had the longest wake time of 52 hours. Also, my employment with the company closed at an "End of Contract" remark.

Later on, I became an active volunteer of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) by raising funds and creating awareness of responsible pet ownership and ethical treatment of animals.

I also found myself in God's refuge and served Him as a Lector at the church of the Blessed Sacrament Parish.

I have been productive as I have never been before. I feel more contented and satisfied. I will always cherish and look back at these times with no regrets. I can finally say that my college and younger days all went well. And perhaps, God really planned it all.

What lies ahead?

Indeed, I am one year late. But this fact will only be the point of view of UST, because their BS Accountancy curriculum has a 4-year and 2-summers program. However, other schools' BSA curriculum has a 5-year program. I know, I am not yet behind schedule.

And besides, does it still matter? The whole world will look at me as a graduate and a potential company asset, not as a failure. [The same message goes to all my fellow "super seniors".] My value as a professional will be judged from my actions and decisions hereon; not from the mistakes of the past but from how I apply what I have learned from those failures.

For now, I would be a part of the idle workforce in the economy for the next 5 months. I would be preparing for the biggest possible turning point of my life...

the CPA licensure examination.

[Note: The grad pic was taken early in 2006, when there's still a thin line separation between College of Commerce and College of Accountancy in UST. The yellow color is Accountancy under Commerce but the new College of Accountancy now is red.]

They did it for the second time!

As a proverb says, "Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time."

I thought that their first bad service with me was purely incidental... The item I shipped was supposed to be received by the buyer in 2 days but she received it in 4 days. The buyer did raged on me then. Yet, it was forgivable.

But Air21 has now gone way beyond the controls of my nerves...

I have just sold a cd box for P700 thru e-bay. Unfortunately, I quoted "free shipping" on the item without specifying that shipping is free within Metro Manila. The winning bidder's location is in South Cotabato. However, I just gave-in to the bargain since I wanted to dispose all remaining for-sale items that I have, even if it is below my original cost. [I'm reviewing for board exams already...]

Since I have consigned my items to a fellow online seller, I asked her to ship the cd box for me. However, a misunderstanding started when Air21 picked the item. The picker wanted to crate it before shipping or else, the value declaration will be left blank. We were all communicating via sms then. My consignee is at the office, im on the road somewhere, and the Air21 picker is at her (my consignee's) house. With my confusion regarding value declaration, Air21 already left with the cd box for crating.

To my alarm, I have learned that it is VERY EXPENSIVE to crate. [My father is a seaman, and works for a cargo shipping company abroad.] I immediately called Air21 thru 854-2100 and asked how much would be the crating for a plastic cd box with 310 x 200 x 198 mm dimensions. Upon estimate and computation, the crating cost would be P540 exclusive of freight and tax. Total cost of crating and shipping would be P847.84.

Imagine, I'm selling for P700 and the cost of shipping is P847??? Who would not freak-out!!!

I asked them to check for that item and not crate it. The call I have made is 1-hour after they have picked it up. Then and there, the CSR assured me that based on their records and on my statement, the cd box should not be crated, therefore, it should not be crated. He then said that he would follow-up this item and there is no need for me to call them again.

And besides, its plastic. The cd box is made out of plastic material. An air-perforated plastic is also covering the cd box itself before it is placed in the box packaging. So tell me, why should it be crated????? (kase baka daw mabasag pag nadaganan... bakit dadaganan??? sana sinabi na lang nila, alam naman nilang business ang pagsship ko sa kanila.)

The next day, I made the initiative to call again even if they said that there is no need for me to do so. My call to Air21 terrifies me even more. The CSR told me that the crating department did not receive any crating cancellation. What the &%#$@#???? Did I not make a call about not crating it??? Who would be stupid to sell an item whose shipping cost is even greater than the original cost of the item???

My next calls to Air21 gave me indefinite answers. Each CSR has a different response to this situation. Most frequently, they would say, "Maam, our records say it's not crated..." and they don't even take the initiative of double checking unless I insist. After double checking, "we are not sure maam, so we will call you instead..." All the while, the wrong landline number on their record isn't corrected, no matter how many times we corrected it.

After two weeks, Air21's CSR named Sandy dela Cruz settled the issue with me. He said that the cancellation I've made for the crating was made one day after pick-up.

[WHHHAATTT??? DIDN'T I CALLED THE SAME DAY IT WAS PICKED UP??? WHAT THE &%$#$*????] And since the crating has been made, I should pay for it in the amount of P645 before shipping or returning. Also, the signed waiver upon pick-up made me liable for the crating charges. [SH*T! I DON"T HAVE EVIDENCE!!!]

Poor me with no sufficient evidence of my first call on the same day it was picked-up -- just because i didn't get the name of that stupid CSR guy who answered my call and gave me assurance of not crating -- will now be paying a total of P954.12 (this amount is my savings as a student put into sideline business, and I am now experiencing a heartbreaking loss just because of Air21's &%$#@* service). Total charges is for crating and shipping [to my cousin in Davao del Sur instead of my original buyer]. I'd rather give it to my cousin for a total cost of over P1,500 than sell it to a stranger who would just pay me P700 that does not even reach half of the cost I've incurred (ano sya sinuswerte???).

[I have already spoken to the winning bidder in South Cotabato and we decided to cancel the sale. This was decided and made even before I got in touch with Sandy of Air21. Payment has also been returned. In legal term, Recission under Civil Code 1191: Reciprocal Obligation.]

So now, I curse Air21 for their bad service, for poor internal control (of not recording or documenting important calls such a crate cancellation... but wait, all calls should be documented, isn't it?), and for improper handling of their assets called personnel (are they trained or what??? they look at records on their computers and that's it??? they respond as if they don't know what to do). Tell me, what can sorry do??? Customers suffer for YOUR mistakes.

Hayup sila, ginagawa nilang sinungaling ang customer nila!!!!! Akala nila palalampasin ko ginawa nila!!!!! Now I'm spreading the word!!!

If I would be practing a profession as an Auditor, and the Auditing Firm would give me Air21 as a client, I would definitely, DEFINITELY reject the offer. For sure, I would be biased on my judgement based on the above experience. After all, a practitioner should not act discreditable to the profession (of CPAs) -- Philippine Standards on Auditing: Professional Code of Ethics.

Now if you're one of the many people who would be sending items to friends, family, and especially to buyers who we give out our word that they would be receiving the item in a given time... who we would like to give good impressions so that they would patronize our products... who we would want to have a repeat purchase in the future...

are you going to ship via Air21?

Think again.

Note:  If you have a similar experience (there are lots of bad experience as I have heard from online sellers), then please do post it as reply here.

We are highly competitive. As I have been frequently telling everyone that UST AMV-College of Accountancy graduates in May, I have felt the overwhelming demand of companies of getting Tomasians to work with them since more and more companies have been closely eyeing on us.

Last monday, seminars on PFRS update and IT audit were given by auditing firms to graduating students. And yes, there was no charge.

The next day, auditing firms had their job fair. Punongbayan & Araullo, Isla Lipana & Co., and KPMG conducted their initial employment exams.

What's our secret?

After our summer classes in May, and when we have determined that we are truly graduating, we will be starting our classes in review school the following week. (Imagine, we haven't even stepped-on any stage for the graduation ceremonies.)

Like a friend of mine said, "Grabe, wala man lang ba kayong pahinga?" Indeed, she was right. That was the difference between UST's 4-year and 2-summers Accountancy Program compared to other schools' program of 5-years. And perhaps, that was the secret why UST has been consistent in being the highest passing rate in CPA Board Exams.

What awaits us?

A close monitoring of pre-board results in review school and CPA board exam results by auditing firms.

And of course, a better employment opportunity.

March 23 -- It was the last day of exam for UST - Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy. And for us BSA graduating students, that same day doesn't make us feel like celebrating.

Like any other student who had just taken an exam, worry over the possible result is all that's left in mind.

Our last exam ended at 1pm. We are called to gather at 2:30pm for the Baccalaureate Mass. At 3:30pm, clubhouse sandwiches and juice drinks are given to us together with the giveaways -- UST pin, "Yeah! I survived Accountancy! Batch 2007" button pin, candle, red glow-in-the-dark stick, and the Baccalaureate '07 bookmark with the Tomasian Pledge at the back.

Before the parade, we were asked to wear the button pins and red balloons were distributed. That time, we were just trying our best to make fun of ourselves -- we thought of changing the button pin message to "I HOPE I WILL SURVIVE ACCOUNTANCY." Smiles on our faces are worn for the cameras to capture happy moments. Yet, deep inside, there was only anxiety.

We asked ourselves why were we part of the Baccalaureate. After all, our graduation would still be in May, not March nor April. We are aware that we are the only college left in the premises when all other graduating students are preparing for their graduation ceremonies. Our college days isn't over yet. We still have IACs (Integrated Accounting Course) to take this summer and passing it all will determine if we are really graduating.

During the Baccalaureate's Introduction, I remember how our college was presented... "The Alfredo M. Velayo -- College of Accountancy. Launched in November 2005, this college has been the first to be named after an outstanding alumni... " It was very uplifting, and more and more words of encouragement and congratulations made us really proud of ourselves.

That night, after the exit walk through the historical Arc of the Centuries, was the first longest sleep that each of us would be having... or not, when possible exam results are still there to haunt us.

To the UST Graduates of March 2007, CONGRATULATIONS!

To the 238 hopefully graduating students of UST AMV-College of Accountancy, GOD BLESS US!!! I hope to see each other in May.

* For 2007, there are 5585 graduating students of UST

I remember a professor during my early years in college. She said, "Ngayon pa lang, maghanap na kayo ng magiging boyfriend/girlfriend nyo dahil siguradong hindi kayo makakahanap pag nagtrabaho na kayo, lalo na sa auditing firms."

That's practical way of inserting lovelife in one's career. Better find one before the career starts (as how it was explained). Well, I guess, for me, it might be too late.

Lately, a lot of family friends have been visiting us (ever since my dad arrived from abroad). I have been tremendously placed on "hot seat" everytime they have this "talk". Questions like "Wala ka pa ring boyfriend?", "Ilang taon ka na? Bat wala pa?", "Maganda ka naman ah, pwede ka nang magpakasal!", and other headaching questions was thrown to me. Yet I somehow survived them all and took off the long conversation gracefully.

However, I'm still getting my head off my body with too much thinking, so I have put this into writing...

Here are my excuses, este, my reasons why I'm not dating:

• I'm already pre-occupied. Not only am I busy with Accounting majors, but I also got myself involved in tons of voluntary and extra-curricular activities that eats up my time. [Don't ask me to specify, my hands are full to count them all.] Oh well, I take responsibility for all of them and I have no regrets.
  
• There are no guys who are "man" enough. If a guy simply couldn't straighten-out his life, how could he share his life to me?
            I remember one guy who said "I love you" to me, 8 years ago. I rejected him then. Later on, I found out that he didn't finish high school nor entered college. Now, he's married, got a child, and doesn't have good paying job.
  
• There is no sufficient "men" to choose from. If you have heard me reacting about gays, its because I have been discovering that my guy friends eventually became gays or bisexuals. (Read my blog "When My Male Friends Turned Gay" at http://animatica.multiply.com/journal/item/39) Now all other guys around me are questionable. Good looking guys are either taken or gays!
  
• I don't like guys who have low self-esteems. Sorry, but its hard for me not to compare myself with a guy who might be interested in me. He's a guy, he should somehow be better than me in one aspect or another. That's why I prefer older guys so I would stop comparing. And yes, no-brainer guys are definitely turn-off!
  
• Where are those "gentlemen"? I bet they are gone. Sitting guys ignoring standing old folks in MRT trains are living proof.
  
• I don't like guys who loves me by my looks alone. I'm talking about those guys who sees me then says he loves me in an instant just because I have chinky eyes, or I have long hair (sorry, the long hair is gone now), or I'm cute, or I look Chinese, Korean, whatever, etc. I'm not a trophy for display.
  
• Lurkers around are perverts. I'm talking about mIRC, mobile chats and other chatrooms infected by all sorts of creeps with bad intentions. Even if you get a decent talk, the person behind isn't. mIRC is one place where I could not get back to. How in the world could I possibly meet a decent one?

Oh well, getting a lovelife isn't overnight. There are times when I felt that it's too late for me. Simply because my path has already been laid and all I can do now is follow it, or else, im ruined.

[I'm talking about graduating, reviewing for CPA board, be a CPA, work at Punongbayan & Araullo for 2-3 years, then go abroad.]

Who knows what will happen to me then? I may end-up marrying an old folk or be an old maiden...

Or not! Reality bites.

I have not exactly thrown away ten (10) years of my investment in long-hair. I just needed a change.

Since styling and maintaining long hair requires time and money, my dear kabarkada Pau told me that it is an investment. Of what? Perhaps to attract boys. Nahhh... I don't believe so, but if it's really one factor, that I should really cut my hair short.

Another reason is that I had damaged hair at the back section (near the neck) where the straightening cream is first applied. The experimenting application became overdue when rinsed. Since then, I have been suffering from hair loss everytime I rinse and comb my hair. The hair loss experience was really shocking, as if I have a deadly illness that im going to die the next day.

I've been telling some people lately to say goodbye to my long hair. And my mom protested. She doesn't want me to have it cut short since it wouldn't look that good with the toga. [So I have to grow it long by the end of May -- graduation march of UST-AMV BS Accountancy graduates].

At the parlor, even the hair stylist asked me several times, "Sigurado ka na ba?", "Walang sisihan ha!", "Game ka na ba?", "Sure na?" and I answered yes on all questions.

Now it's short. =)

I didn't hate this year's Valentine's day. It's because I was happy and contented to be single without the feeling of loneliness.

Truthfully, when the month of February came, a lot of guys, including those I have buried 6-feet under the ground, came alive and had me noticed them.

I don't have to mention each of them but I'll tell you the worst...

He was a past neighbor and a suitor when I was in 2nd year high school. Obviously, I didn't entertain him. Last year, his father (who was my dad's kumpare) asked me to be the Ninang of his apo -- my former suitor's son. To my surprise, the kid is already a year old when baptized. Last Christmas, they didn't pay me a visit so I just had my gift to my godson be given by a family friend. When February came, my former suitor called me on a Saturday and asked for my permission to visit me with his son. I scheduled them next Sunday since I'll be in Bulacan the next day.

When I was in Bulacan with my barkada, he kept on sending me messages telling me that he loved me and he never loved his wife. To my dismay of using his son to be near me, I called his father, told him everything and promised that he would take care of it. My former suitor started sending me messages with filthy words after that. When I told him I will sue him with Malicious Mischief with his SMS messages as evidence, he stopped. (Thank God!)

That just confirms that I should be happy being single.

My barkada (since high school) decided to go out on Valentine's day. We are all six in our group, all female, and all single.

Three of us decided to push thru with our Valentine's day plan to be in a comedy bar. But since both of them came late, we settled for a dinner at a Chinese restaurant beside Virgin Cafe, and had our drinks at Ratski's Timog.

Randy Santiago was that night's main performer. Wala pa rin syang kupas! We also had Pokwang do a comedy act with two songs. We were really laughing out hearts' out. There's no need for us to be in a comedy bar to get that laugh. We saw some of the cast of Aalog-alog such as Kim Tiu and Gerald Anderson. We learned that Randy Santiago is the director behind that tv show and they all came from shooting that day. We were so lucky!

We all went home happy and contented by 1am. It's a singles' night-out!

After the Arjeruh's birthday celebration, I got home at 2am. I did not sleep at all since my first class is at 9am and I have an exam to study for. It was then another busy day and another story...

6am   - I went to school from home
11am - I went back home from school to pick-up merchandise and go to Malabon to pick-up more consigned items
2pm   - Go straight to International School near Market Market to sell for PAWS. God! It was a fair to remember... Where all foreign students  were either playing with icing on their bodies or had themselves wet with water guns or both. Most of them have no change of clothes.
5pm   - From IS Family day, I went to Magallanes to consign items to Val. (*wink*)
8pm   - I'm back at home!
11pm - Fell asleep.

I was awake from 8am of Friday (Feb. 9) until 11pm of Saturday (Feb. 10) for a total of 35 hours of no sleep. [I still haven't beaten my last year's record of 52 hours.]

Surprisingly, I was invited.

Last Feb. 5, while I was on my way home. I sent a quote message to all Globe users in my phonebook. After all, I would like to maximize my UNLITXT subscription since it has increased cost.

Jero replied asking me who I was. I reminded him who I was, then he invited me over to his birthday celebration on Friday that week. Quite surprised and glad for the invitation, I accepted the offer.

Arjeruh was a Pre-Com classmate who graduated BSBA and made a career out of his band, Paraluman.

When friday came, I was surprised to learn how far his place is -- Marikina. I never thought it was that far. When I asked him how to get there from LRT2, he said I should ride a jeep or fx with "SSS Village" sign from Katipunan station. I thought he lives just between Katipunan station and Santolan station. Well, I was all wrong! I reached Paramount station, as instructed, when there are few passengers left from that fully-seated jeepney. My whole travelling time from home (in Valenzuela City) to his place (in Marikina) was two and half (2 1/2) hours.

Well, it was all worth it. Not because I was able to eat there, but because I got to see them practice for that week's performance. They are really great! They have regular gigs and they perform with all known and popular bands already. (They also performed at the UP fair.) All they need is an album and they're perfect!

I brought Kisha to PAWS Animal Rehabilitation Center (PARC) for spaying last Feb. 5, 2005.

My mom and I got suspicious that she might be pregnant. Though we didn't know how it happened since she is an indoor cat, I planned to get her to PARC for spaying just for me to have a clear mind. But then, I also hoped that she is not pregnant, she is just fat. (I remember Harry, Jay Javier's male cat, who looks pregnant because he's very very fat.)

When I brought and left her there, the veterinarian said she's just fat based on her observation. However, Kisha could not be spayed that day because I fed her that morning. (Cats should not be fed within 8 hours before operation.) So she would be staying there until she gets operated the next day.

I have no one with me in bed that night. I miss my baby, Kisha!

Morning of Feb. 6, Kisha was finally operated by Dr. Amihan Peña and found out that she has two (2) kitty fetus (like two lumps of forming blood).

I took Kisha home after my class. I felt awful about her condition after the spaying operation. [Bangag talaga sya for two days!] It was the effect of anesthesia. However, I know it was just part of her recovery and that she will be back to normal in time.

After two days and partially recovered, she became very malabing. She follows me everywhere in the house. Whenever I sit, she jumps and sits on my lap. Whenever I'm standing, she lays down on my feet. The huge personality changes of Kisha was also noticed by our visitors. Before, she was very masungit. She runs away and hide whenever there's someone she doesn't know. Now, she stays and meows at our visitors. I am very happy about these changes!

I hope Kisha would be a good model to other cat owners out there. That they would have their pets spayed or neutered, not only for good health of their pets but also to avoid the birth of unwanted animals that irresponsible pet owners throw away on the streets.

As PAWS Adoption Head, Ms. Liza Umayam said, "If you don't have your female cat spayed, magmumukha syang cow after giving birth... lalawlaw ang breasts nya, papangit na sya... nakakatakot!"

January 31st: Jobs '07 opened doors for employment to UST students. The same day, SGV & Co. had their company presentation to graduating B.S. Accountancy students. Then and there, it reminded me that we have always been special not only in the eyes of auditing firms, but in all companies who would like to get graduates from "reputable" schools.

To those who do not know, SGV & Co. is considered the top auditing firm in the country today. Of the three founders, Sycip and Velayo are UST Alumni. Two years ago, UST created the College of Accountancy in compliance with the law and DepEd. UST also decided to name the college after Velayo who had just received his award as an outstanding alumni of UST. Thus, the name UST Alfredo M. Velayo College of Accountancy.

UST has been doing very good in CPA Board exams that UST achieved the Top 1 Passing Rate for Category A (schools with 100 and above examinees) in 2004 and maintained it in 2005. Passing rates for yearly October Certified Public Accounting Examinations were 52% in 2002, 74% in 2003, 78% in 2004, 86% in 2005, and 75% in 2006.

Indeed, Accountancy students of UST are highly competitive, even with its unique curriculum. A UST Accountancy student would spend 4 years and 2 summers or 10 semesters with a 5-year program equivalent. This is the main reason why in UST, only BS Accountancy students take their graduation rites on May every year and take the October CPA board exams instead of May. [Employers, please take note of that.] However, only auditing firms are most aware of this -- specifically the top 5 who are active in welcoming company visits and having company presentations.

During the job fair, I felt that the HR employers of every booth were wondering on the fact that Accountancy students were writing "May 2007" as date of graduation instead of March. And while we are still trying to explain to them the reason, we also need to emphasize that we are only available for employment after the October 2007 CPA Board exams. It was very time-consuming.

But I did not mind. After all, I have laid out my plan. For the past 2 years, I intended to be employed by Punongbayan & Araullo (P&A) for reasons that only I know. It has been my long-term goal and there is nothing that could change my mind about it (even if Mr. Velayo would expect me to be at SGV -- I owe him his kindness and his calling card).

I have not passed my resume in any other auditing firm other than P&A. I have not submitted my application form in any bank as well. I choose to work in a private company if I am not able to make it in P&A. Again, I have my own reasons.

And though I did not to apply at SGV & Co. and I owe Mr. Velayo his name, reputation and goodwill on my college's name, I still believe that I have my own freewill to create my future.

And whatever happens, I am proud to be a Tomasian!

God bless and good luck to all graduating students!