The Year that was 2010

My 2010, in one word, was fast.

Changes happened in a jiffy and these are the highlights of the previous year.


School

I thought of studying abroad and started with the preparations before 2009 ended. Attended seminars and school exhibits and went as far as taking the TOEFL. In a seminar sponsored by NTU, I realized that my credentials are not yet "ripe for the picking". They place value on three qualifications: work experience, work abroad experience and graduate degree. Back then, my work experience was just a bit over what most B-schools required but it didn't feel enough for me. I think, I have a sufficient work abroad credentials since I stayed in Japan for almost a year and a half and really learned of the Japanese culture and experienced what it was to work in a Japanese company. But they also put a high regard on a graduate degree. Not units, but a diploma. The last requirement really hit me because if I am to study in a B-school abroad, I should be able and ready to answer B-school worthy questions. Definitely different from what I usually delve myself in. No showbiz gossips here!! So, I applied and enrolled myself in the MTM program of UPD.

My other choice was to pursue an MSEE degree, even if I've been out of the loop for almost 3 years. I am sure that I am pretty confident that I'll be accepted with the program and even had the gall to apply for a DOST scholarship. But my double-Masters degree-d friend discouraged me because for him it would be an all-time low for me. Anyway, I did'nt push with the MSEE program because I got a new...

WORK


It was probably a blessing-in-disguise when a headhunter found me. I wasn't really actively looking for a new job but I was pretty ready to jump ships. I think I am pretty happy with where I am now. Let's just see how long this would last. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

TRAVEL

I am fortunate enough to be able to do some bit of traveling the previous year. Finally got to visit and explore a bit of Singapore. Stayed in a 6-star hotel and did some shopping here and there. Went to see half an amusement park and a zoo and got time to reflect on my spirituality. One thing I learned in that trip is that the best time to go to an amusement park is during winter! LOL It is more enjoyable to frolic when hydrated. I got to shop for clothes and food of course. And got to experience Singaporean hawker food. And did I mention that I stayed there for free?

Fell in love with Bohol, the first time I went there, and to think I only stayed for roughly 24 hours then. But I just have to say that the place was really captivating. The air was so fresh and the sea so clean. Can't comment much on the food since we were restricted to the Loboc River Cruise lunch, Dumaluan Grill menu and BBC lunch. I think the lunch we had in BBC was more sulit than the breakfast/lunch/dinner we had in Dumaluan Grill. Trips wouldn't be complete without souvenir shopping. And as usual, I horded pasalubongs here. Bought shirtsss and bags of peanut kisses. We even had to make a makeshift box since we underestimated the shopping part.